Chapter 22: fourth year

Harry and Draco were excited for the coming school year, as much as they would miss quidditch the tournament would be awesome. They were two of the few who knew about it, their dads and Uncles had been involved in planning it. Draco thought the best part for his brother was the fact Viktor was sure to come with his school, they'd be crazy not to bring him. Third year had been quiet, the one excitement was their house win the cup for a third year in quidditch. After Quirell, and the murders of two students in second year by the snake, it had been nice. Ginny had not returned to school, but there were rumors she had been released from the hospital at the start of summer, and would be returning to school. The treatment had taken longer than thought, it seemed she had a severe break with reality, due to the guilt she had felt.

Viktor would be in the UK sooner for his team was in the world cup which England was hosting that had given Harry and Draco seats in the best box in the stadium, and tickets for the twins, and two adults. Sirius was taking the boys with Remus, Lucius was six months pregnant and in no couple had been trying since just after Adrian was born, and their son had turned two in March. Their long anticipated daughter would make her entrance in mid-November.

Harry was amazed when Viktor came their way after the game. "That was an amazing dive."

Ron's voice came from behind. "The fool lost the game."

Ron had appeared with his dad and other brothers, Arthur had landed some seats from work. They were staying in a pop tent down the way, but had been invited to come for dinner after the game. Harry and Draco had heard so much of the older brothers and they were happy to have a chance to meet them for once. Ron was jealous, the twins had the best seats and were in a luxury tent, he had been in the nose bleeds and their tent smelled like the apothecary.

Fred looked at Viktor. "Ignore him, he was your biggest fan up until today. He just is pissed as Harry was telling the truth."

Ron shook his head. "Why would I care if scar head and he are friends? I cheered for Ireland, like we all should have."

Back in first year Ron had taken their letter from Viktor, and had been incredulous when they said they knew him. Viktor was not professional back then, but he was already famous for being asked to play before he was old enough. Harry had not been able to admit to knowing him, but Draco had told Ron that Viktor taught him to fly. Ron had been sure they were only bragging, and had even bought a Krum statue. It seemed they had been honest with him.

Viktor was introduced to Charlie who had followed his career. Charlie had at one time been considered as good as Viktor was now, but he had chosen dragons. Neither had seen Harry in a game, but both thought he could likely put them to shame in a year or two.

Ron looked to Harry and Viktor sitting side by side. "Is that it, you are some sick little queer? I knew there had to be some reason you led my sister on."

Arthur cut in. "you will not talk to Harry or any one else like that Ronald. You will apologize and head back to our tent, or your mother will be told."

When the Molly card was drawn you knew that Arthur was on edge, and his sons knew better than to argue so Ron scurried off. Being gay was common in their world, and their son Charlie had come out years ago. Besides Ginny was a very sensitive topic still, and Arthur didn't need to hear it. A six month hospital stay had been more than a year, and she was still medicated for it. Arthur was not sure with the tournament happening if it was smart to send her back that year, but Ginny was so insistent and Molly gave in as usual. Molly still felt such guilt she had to send Ginny away, and she had never been good before at saying no to her only daughter.

Talk went back to the game and Harry and Draco, with the twins and Charlie were soon lost in quidditch talk. It was not all about the game, but about the sport in general, and the others found themselves on the side lines, and had their own talk.

Harry smiled before Viktor was leaving for the night. "I am so happy you will be around this year."

Viktor blushed near as bad as him. "I am definitely looking forward to this year more than for the tournament.'

Since Ron was gone every one there knew about it, Arthur was not surprised the bogs had been told. The twins were not meant to, but between Harry and Draco, and the fact it was near impossible to keep secrets from them at home, they had known. Harry and Viktor were so deep in talk they missed the looks from Draco and the twins, and even the older red heads tended to agree with them. Harry and Viktor were totally into each other, but oblivious to it.

Fred whispered to Draco."There is the ball at Christmas. We will have to make sure those two love birds come to their senses by then."

Ginny was for the first time since her first year of school, with her brothers for the train. She had been allowed to advance into her third year, but she would be taking extra tutoring, and for now she would not be taking any electives. Few people recognized her, her once long red hair was now cut so it was only an inch or two long, the hospital had required it for even with spells, it was easier. Her hair started growing a bit since her release in May but it would take time. There was also the lost look in her eyes, she was a bit spooked by it all. Arthur was worried with the tournament they should home school her for a year, but Molly said no. The healer agreed if Ginny felt ready and stuck to her meds, it would be fine for her to return. Her healer went with her to school twice that summer, to see how she reacted to being there.

Arthur was counting on the twins to keep an eye on her since Ron would not, he knew it was unfair but he worried. He felt guilt like his wife that she had spent a year in a hospital and felt so helpless, but he was worried they might push her right back in.

Luna came over to them and smiled at Ginny. "I am so happy you are back. You can come sit with me on the train."

Ginny had known her since they were little as they grew up in the same town "I would like that."

They knew she had been apprehensive about how people would respond to her. Officially she had been home schooled for a year and only family friends knew the truth, but she had her doubts. The fact she was removed mid way through a year and her part with the snake was known, had led to a lot of talk. Her short hair did not help at all, magic could not be used to grow it out due to her medication, it had to grow out on its own.

She pulled back when Luna tried to take her arm, like she was scalded. "I have to say goodbye first."

Arthur whispered as he hugged her. "If it is too much, we will bring you home. Remember take your meds, and your healer will come once a week."

As she went to her mother Arthur turned to his sons, hoping it would work out. He knew her healer would come to school once a week and work with her. He reminded himself she would not have been released from the hospital or told she could return to school, if the healer not thought her ready to.

Molly held her husband as the train pulled away. "This will be good for her, she is ready to be back. You will see."

Arthur kissed her on the head. "I want nothing more for then you to be right."

Ginny sat on the train with Luna and a few others, they all seemed welcoming but she was lost in her thoughts. She was so anxious to be at school, she had been a prisoner in a hospital ward and now at home, confined to a room but for walks or therapy. She was itching for freedom.

She thought of the scars hidden by her sleeves came back but she shook her head. 'I will not be sent back, I won't.'