Disclaimer I don't own Harry Potter. All rights to the characters and universe the story belongs in belong to JK Rowling

Chapter 34 - A New Harpy

It was a bright sunny day when Harry arrived, on the first day of Easter, at the Holyhead stadium. Home to the Holyhead Harpies. Perfect day for flying. There was a gentle breeze and the only real problem was the glaring sun which was a beater's dream.

Today was the first time in weeks Harry had been able to relax. The whole Auror office had been working relentlessly with the Magical Law Enforcement Department and the Wizengamot in order to get through the trials of Padonnis, Blade, O'Manda and the other Underworld Society members.

They had managed to get multiple life sentences for the hierarchy as well as important information on some of the people who were still missing. The new information was as a result of offering reduced sentences to some Society members.

All of the kidnapped were abroad so they had passed the relevant information over to the Ministries involved and offered to help where necessary. So far they hadn't been called upon.

Last week was the funerals for the Aurors who had been lost. These were something Harry really didn't want to get used to, he felt like he had only just come through the funerals after the battle of Hogwarts so to go through something similar so soon was gut wrenching.

The ones that stuck out in particular were Manny and Sam's because he had worked with the two of them closely. He was happy to see that more werewolves had turned up to Sam's funeral, it was a reminder that they had achieved something, especially when some of them thanked him for helping Sam get into the Aurors.

He would always harbour some guilt over the werewolf dying in the same way he still felt guilty for Cedric's and, in particular, Sirius' death. However, he knew he had done what he thought was right and, like he was constantly reminded, Sam did have a choice.

Manny's was a reminder that Harry had never gotten to know him as well as he should have. The stories were incredible, he worked heavily with Mad Eye Moody and the two were part of the minority who didn't resort to killing under Barty Crouch's strict regulations during the first war with Voldemort.

Harry walked up to the security gate and was let inside after showing his visitors pass. He was careful to make sure no one recognised him until he was seated in one of the corporate boxes. Ginny didn't know he had taken two weeks off in order to watch the entire trial. She thought he was only going to be there on the last day.

The only downside was he wouldn't get to see her in person as the witches on trial were boarding at the nearby training centre and weren't allowed to leave. It was designed to be a test to make sure they could perform whilst living away from home for large periods of time.

During the main season it wouldn't be a problem, as the longest the team would stay in a hotel for would be one night. The only time they would be constantly away from home would be during pre-season training and if they ever played abroad.

As Harry settled down into one of the seats outside the box a waiter brought him out a butterbeer which he enjoyed as the players made their way onto the pitch. There were only a select few allowed to watch, they included sponsors as well as close friends and family to the people trying out.

Ginny was given two passes which each allowed entrance to one person on every day of the trial. Harry had picked up one whilst the other was being shared amongst the rest of the Weasley's depending on who could make it.

'Morning Harry.' Greeted Bill as he took a seat next to him.

'Morning Bill, how are you and Fleur?'

'Yeah not to bad thanks. Have you seen Ginny yet?'

'No not yet, they've only just started to trickle out though. Thanks for your help setting up those rune stones in France, it was a big help.'

'Don't worry about it, glad I could help. I spoke to Ron it sounds like all hell broke loose.'

'It did. Luckily we didn't lose as many people as we did at the Battle of Hogwarts.' Said Harry with a frown.

'That doesn't make it any better.' Said Bill sadly.

'I know, least they didn't get to Hamburg.' Said Harry 'I don't really want to think about the consequences if they had managed to attack as they planned.'

'So, do you think Ginny's got a shot?' Asked Bill searching for a change in topic.

'Yeah, she's one of the best flyers I've seen. That includes the players in the world cup final we went to.' Said Harry honestly.

'Really, I never realised she had gotten that good you know.'

Harry grinned 'That's what you get for making her learn to fly on her own, telling her she couldn't play with you all.'

Bill laughed 'Tell me about it, she used to say she would marry you one day too, we didn't believe that either.' Harry couldn't help the blush that spread across his face nor the stupid grin. 'When are you going to ask her?'

'Huh?' Grunted Harry, trying his best to sound confused.

'Don't play dumb Harry it's written all over you.'

Harry sighed as he relented 'Soon. I want to find the right moment.'

'You got the ring yet?'

Harry pulled out a ring case from his pocket to show him. 'It was my mothers.'

'May I?' Asked Bill gesturing to the box. Harry smiled as he handed it over. Bill examined the ring with a practised eye. 'She'll love it.'

'I hope so. I thought about buying one, but nothing caught my eye like that one.'

Bill handed the ring back to Harry with a smile 'You should know, there's no one out there better for her than you.'

'Thanks Bill.' Said Harry gratefully shaking the curse breakers hand. He looked back onto the pitch to see a blur shoot around the stadium. 'There she is look.'

They sat back in silence to watch the session. The flying was exceptional, it was obvious the Harpies had done their homework before sending invitations for a trial. The chaser's category was particularly competitive as they had a slot on the first team available after a retirement at the end of last season.

This meant there were experienced Pros in the running as well as graduates and reserve players. The sessions were designed to test every attribute of the athletes who were trying out. Not all of it was done on a broom, they also had physical exercises that looked heavily demanding.

Over the course of the trials, Ginny proved to be exceptional and looked right at home. She picked up the drills easily, and when they played mock matches, she was a leader. Even when things were going wrong for her team Ginny didn't shy away from the game.

As Harry watched he noticed her uncanny knack for making the players around her better. Her drive and passion were things that all the players tapped into. The one thing she adamantly demanded from those around her was not to hide. If she felt someone was hiding in a game they got an earful, which sometimes, is exactly what a player needs.

Harry had no doubts as to who was the best chaser there, despite his bias towards Ginny, there really was no one who could hold a candle to her.

The other area of the trials that interested Harry immensely was the seekers. There was an overseas player called Matia Kronski who was almost flawless. As he watched her Harry had an almost irrepressible urge to play against her.

It had been too long since he had played in a game of Quidditch and watching them all from the side-lines made his mouth water. He'd seen a number of skills that he would like to try for himself.

People were sent home every day until there were only a couple of players left trying out for each position. They all lined up in the middle of the pitch on the last day of the trial and waited for instruction.

They weren't waiting long when Gwenog Jones strode out onto the pitch with the rest of her teammates. 'Morning Ladies.' She greeted jovially.

'Morning Miss Jones.' The group chorused back.

'You have all performed admirably during the past two weeks. However, as you know there are only a limited number of spots available. Today will be your final chance to impress and will also be your toughest challenge.

'We are going to split you up and we, the rest of the team, will play alongside you. This will be a two-hour long match, regardless of how many times the snitch is caught. Do you all understand?'

'Yes ma'am.' They all shouted back.

Gwenog graced them with challenging smile and made up the two teams. With the teams quickly sorted they flew to their starting positions, waiting for the game to begin.

Ginny felt a wave of anticipation as the snitch and bludgers were released. There was then what seemed an eternal wait before the quaffle was thrown into the air starting the game.

The first and reserve team players from the Harpies made the last couple of weeks seem like a doddle. They were immense, fast, strong and had an aura of confidence which made them seem invincible.

It was obvious that they had been playing together for years, they were tight knit and well drilled. They were almost playing the game on their own as the trialists struggled to get a foothold in the game.

It was clear why Gwenog had set a time limit, she obviously knew it would take the trialists time to get up to speed, and Ginny did so emphatically. She had barely touched the quaffle when forty minutes in, she snatched it in the middle of her own half, blistered her way across the pitch and thundered the quaffle into the far hoop.

It was the breaking of the dam, she suddenly came alive taking the game along with her. She was in the absolute middle of everything the team did well, what they did badly she mopped up with minimal fuss.

Ginny just made it impossible for the opposition chasers and beaters to contain her, that was saying something considering she was up against Gwenog herself. Harry's pride for his girlfriend soared as she made the Harpies captain sweat.

As the game went on, the battle between the two raged. It was clear why Gwenog was touted as one of, if not the, best beater in the league. Her ability to apply pressure was unrivalled, she never let up, even for a millisecond. Ginny thrived on the attention, the fact that she was the target seemed to spur her on.

The rest of the team benefitted too, as the gaps in the field increased. As the game ended on the two hour mark, Ginny's side were only ten points down, despite the opposition catching the snitch one more time.

'Wow what a game!' Exclaimed Ron as he, Harry and the rest of the spectators applauded the players off the pitch.

'Yeah it was amazing. The battle between Ginny and Gwenog was something I've never seen before. Those two were playing a different game in the last hour.' Said Harry with a face splitting grin.

'Come on, we best get up to the player's lounge.' The two made their way out of the box and around to the other side of the stadium, the player's lounge was near the dressing rooms.

The room was warmly lit and decorated in the Holyhead Harpies trademark green. There was a bar running across the far wall and huge glass panel which gave an unrestricted view of the pitch. They settled onto a table where the two talked about the match when the players started filing in.

The whole room broke out into a fresh round of applause which caused the trialists to blush under the attention. The more experienced players brushed it off easily with a casual wave before making their way to greet the sponsors.

As soon as she spotted them Ginny made a beeline for their table. Her face was flushed with excitement still and she wore a heart stopping smile. Once she got to them Harry pulled her into a bear hug before picking her up and spinning her around.

'You were amazing Gin.'

She beamed at him then went to greet Ron with a warm hug. 'Thanks for coming Ron.'

'Any time, you were incredible.'

'Thanks.' She pulled herself onto a seat next to Harry 'So what did you two think?'

'It was incredible. Especially today, you could really see how good the Harpies players are compared to those who were trying out. Then for that last hour you and Gwenog were on a whole new level.' Said Harry, Ron nodded enthusiastically.

'You really think so?' She asked blushing.

'Yeah it was crazy how well the two of you were flying.' Confirmed Ron.

'What did you mean "especially today", Harry?' She asked curiously.

'What do you mean?' He asked innocently.

'You just made it sound like you've been here all week.'

'He was here all week, and the week before.' Ron bluntly pointed out.

'You were?' She asked quietly.

Harry smiled sheepishly. 'There was no way I was missing the last two weeks.'

'Why didn't you tell me?'

'You needed to focus on the game.' He said shrugging 'I wanted to be here to support you, even if you didn't know. Besides watching you fly is breath taking.'

'Thankyou.' She whispered before pecking him on the lips.

'So Weasley, you going to introduce me to your friends?' Asked a broad-shouldered woman with a kind face as she walked over to the table. Harry recognised her as one of the Keepers who was trying out for a spot on the reserves.

Ginny grinned at her 'Sure Culdrew. Please meet my boyfriend Harry and brother Ron, guys this is a friend of mine Vicky Culdrew, we met on the first day of trials.'

'It's nice to meet you.' Said Harry offering his hand.

'Likewise.' She said and exchanged similar greetings with Ron.

Culdrew was an extremely bubbly character which made Harry instantly warm to her. She was down to earth and knew how to enjoy herself, it was no wonder she had struck up a friendship with Ginny.

The evening was coming to a close when Gwenog stood up to address everyone in the room. 'Thank you all for coming. The try-out weeks are always two of my favourite as we get to see some fresh new faces and an array of talent. This year has been no different. You have all been phenomenal, both on and off the pitch.

'Unfortunately we can't take you all on, we will be discussing in detail over the next couple of days your performances and we'll make our decisions. Even if you are not successful we wish you the best of luck. There are try-outs all over the country, please try your hands there as everyone of you has the talent to make it in this game. Thank you.'

When she finished there was a final round of applause and people started to leave the room. Just as Harry, Ginny and Ron were going to leave a waiter came over to their table and asked them to stay until everyone was gone.

Intrigued the three of them sat back down to wait for what was about to happen. When all of the trialists had left, Gwenog made her way over to them.

'Thanks for staying behind Ginny, I actually wanted to talk to you myself.'

'It's no problem Miss Jones.' Said Ginny nervously, trying not to be to awestruck.

'Please it's Gwenog.' Chuckled the older woman. 'I've never seen someone play so well on the last day of trials. You were sensational today and I can't wait to see how good you are at your peak. We would like to offer you a contract to join the first team next year.'

Ginny was dumbfounded 'Are you serious?'

Gwenog laughed good naturedly 'Yes, I'm serious. It'll be tough but I'm sure your up for it.' Ginny stared at her open mouthed. 'I can understand if you need time to think about it.' Said Gwenog hesitantly.

Ginny turned to face Harry who began chuckling. 'I wouldn't worry about that Miss Jones. I think she's in shock.'

'Harry, am I dreaming?' She finally managed to ask. Gwenog wore a bemused expression.

'No Gin, this is real.' He promised her.

'This. Is. Real.' She repeated to herself slowly. 'OH MERLIN!' She yelled, jumping up to embrace Gwenog 'Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou!'

Laughing, Gwenog hugged her back 'No thank you Ginny. You've been amazing, we'll send you an owl with your official contract to sign and the schedule for pre-season training. We'll also want you in before that to talk about your media and sponsorship duties OK?'

'Yeah that's great.' Said Ginny breathlessly 'I can't wait to get started.'

'Good, now if you'll excuse me I have to be off.' She waved to the three of them and walked out of the room.

'I can't believe it.' Said Ginny as she sat back down. 'I'm going to be a Holyhead Harpy.'

'You'll be brilliant.' Beamed Harry.

'Thanks for believing in me.'

'You don't have to thank me for that, I'll always believe in you.'

'I know.' They were interrupted by the sound of Ron bursting into laughter. 'What's so funny?' Asked Ginny.

'I've never' he hiccupped as he laughed 'I've never seen you speechless before!' he managed to get out before falling into hysterics.