When the Triwizard Tournament was first announced, the organizers believed it would be the event of the year, if not the decade. And up until heads started emerging from the Black Lake, they were entirely correct in their assessment. But what they failed to realize was that no number of dragons or brushes with death could match the teenage obsession with romantic gossip. Which is why the most discussed topic in the halls of Hogwarts was not Hilda's victory or Jean-Pierre's lame third place finish, but the coupling of Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley.

They were suddenly Hogwarts' "It" couple, their pairing causing a palpable buzz in the air. Their names were on the tips of nearly every student's tongue, the focus of every hushed conversation during lessons. Harry could not escape the incessant chatter, no matter where he went. Even the library was so noisy with gossip that Madam Pince gave up on her favorite pastime of shushing students.

Some students were kinder than others. They gushed about how cute a couple they made, how their future children would be Quidditch pros. Harry would've hated such talk if not for what the rest of the students were saying. Harry was called a traitor to his family, some going so far as to argue he should've been placed in Slytherin for being so sneaky with a Weasley. Harry surmised this was due mostly to the fact that Ron was well-liked at Hogwarts and was personally betrayed by the coupling of his younger sister and sworn enemy. Harry had already received a detention for hexing Dean Thomas for a crude remark he made.

But whatever was said about Harry was nothing compared to the verbal abuse hurled in Ginny's direction. While whispers and gossip were always bandied around about Ginny's dating life, the vitriol rose to new levels of terribleness. The rumors that she doused him with a love potion were probably the tamest of the bunch. Harry had never heard the term 'scarlet woman' used so much. He knew that both of their families would have serious misgivings about them dating, but Harry never considered that it was such a crime for a witch to have a boyfriend.

To her credit, Harry never saw Ginny's smile falter. In fact, it seemed to give her some weird pleasure to throw stinging hexes at whatever student got in her path.

When Harry asked her about it a week after the 2nd task, Ginny seemed unphased. "I guess I got used to my dating life being the subject of gossip," she said with a shrug. "Why give them that?"

"Give them what?"

"The satisfaction of letting it get to me. They are just sad, insecure gits who wish they had what I have."

"And what do you have?" Harry asked with an impish grin.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "A bloke who thinks a bit too much of himself at the moment. Besides, this is nothing compared to my ill-advised tryst with Roger Davies last year. People still won't shut up about that and it was only two mediocre dates." Ginny visibly shuddered.

Harry could never get as comfortable as Ginny at being the object of everyone's interest. It made his skin crawl, quite honestly, and he longed for his father's invisibility cloak. His father. Harry had thought of little else since his father had simply vanished. He knew James would be upset; it was about the only thing Harry could guarantee in his life at that moment. But what shocked him was how his dad had said nothing to him. He didn't yell and scream about family loyalty like Harry thought. For the first time in his life, Harry's dad simply…wasn't there.

Things were also uncharacteristically quiet with his mum but only because he had very little time to see her since the task ended. Apparently, Lily sensed they needed to talk, as well, because she intercepted Harry on his way from his afternoon class to the dorms.

"You have a moment?" she asked, hooking her arm into his and leading him towards the castle exit.

"Don't seem to have a choice, do I? Where are we going?"

"I have afternoon tea with Hagrid and thought you might like to join us. He's been asking about you and you haven't seen him properly in weeks."

"I've been busy," Harry said in his defense.

"Not too busy to see Ginny, though." Lily gave him a wink. "Hagrid has been a friend of ours since I was younger than you, and I raised you better than to ignore a friend."

They walked in silence out of the castle and down towards Hagrid's hut.

"I also wanted to talk to you about your father."

"Can we please not, Mum?"

"We need to, Harry. Just humor your old Mum, will you? I just…how are you feeling about everything that happened?" Lily slowed their pace and clutched her son tighter.

"I'm fine," he insisted. "Just leave it."

"The nerve of that man," Lily said heatedly. "Shunning his own son over something so…so…moronic!"

"It's fine, Mum," Harry said, trying to calm Lily down. "I'm not going to stop dating Ginny, if that's what you want to know."

"Well…good for you!"

"Really?" Harry knew his mum liked Ginny well enough, but for her to be so accepting of him dating a Weasley was still surprising. He was so used to the idea of no one being supportive of their relationship.

"Of course! I adore Ginny, and it's clear why you'd fancy her."

"Is it?"

"Well, people like Ginny tend to draw others to them. Same reason I was drawn to your father."

Harry grimaced. "I really don't need to hear that."

Lily shook her head as they continued walking. "You know how people are always commenting on how similar we are?"

"How could I not? A bit annoying to be compared to your own mum just because of our eyes."

"That's not the main reason and you know it. But regardless, Ginny is a lot like your father in temperament. Always looking for trouble, quick with a retort. Sometimes leads a bit too much with emotion. Though you are like your father in that way too." She gave him a wink. They were nearly at Hagrid's hut, the sun rapidly descending.

"Does that mean he gets a pass? Because this is just how he is?" Harry felt his blood boil. It didn't matter if his dad had a quick temper. Harry would never let his temper make him stop talking to his son.

"You know that's not what I mean. In fact, I told him this bloody feud would drive him insane and look! It's bad enough he is acting like a first year, but now he has your brothers and sister behaving positively ghastly."

"What are they saying?" Harry asked nervously.

"Nothing you need to worry about. I shouldn't have even said anything."

"Even Jack?" Harry pressed. and his mother did not respond. There was something especially deflating about Jack being upset with him. They had always been especially close, and Harry never would have thought his brother would be so upset over him dating a Weasley.

"Are you and Dad going to be ok?"

Lily stopped in her tracks and turned to Harry." Of course, we are. Your father has been aggravating me since before we even started dating. He's been immature before and he'll be immature in future. But he always does the right thing in the end. I'm sorry for worrying you. I shouldn't have said anything."

Before Harry could respond, Lily hooked her arm around his and cheerfully led him to Hagrid's hut. Harry was a bit nervous about seeing Hagrid. He knew how close he and James were and could only imagine how angry he'd be at Harry.

Lily knocked on the door and after some loud noises of pots and kettles, Hagrid opened the door and gave them both a big smile. "Alright there, Harry?" he asked, patting him on the shoulder with his massive hands.

Harry's shoulders relaxed as he followed the half-giant into his hut, where a few smoked sausages were crisping on a fire while the tea kettle whistled.

"Sorry we haven't been around recently," Lily said. Hagrid waved her off. "Nuthin' to apologize fer. I know how busy a professor can get." He turned to Harry. "You, on the other hand." He chuckled.

"Oi! I'm a Triwizard Champion and Quidditch seeker," Harry defended himself. The trio fell into easy conversation about classes, Professor Dumbledore and the students from the other schools. They were careful to avoid the elephant in the room, which was good since Hagrid was already quite large.

"That Snape boy still giving you trouble?" Hagrid asked as he dribbled tea onto his beard.

"He never was giving me trouble, Hagrid." Lily said.

"Been nothing but trouble since you were both students, you ask me. They were best friends, you know," Hagrid said to Harry. "Never understood it."

"Neither did James," Lily said before stopping herself. "Anyway, he's been fine since he arrived."

Harry snorted, earning a glare from his mother. "What?" he asked. "I've seen him stalking around the castle. He's like a vampire."

Hagrid laughed heartedly. "He is bat-like." Even Lily could not suppress a laugh from escaping.

"I can't believe you were friends with the greasy git!" Harry exclaimed.

"Be nice," she admonished before reaching for the kettle water and pouring some tea. She sipped slowly, and Harry noticed the slight frown as she tried to choke down the brown liquid. She poured Harry a cuppa, as well, lest Hagrid get offended. Harry picked up the cup but did not drink.

"Yer father and Snape hated each other, they did." Hagrid continued. "Still do, I reckon."

"Why?"

"Probably something to do with me," Lily said with a grin. "Severus always hated that I spent time with your father, and James loved to give him a hard time. Of course, Severus was just as bad."

"Got a lot worse yer fifth year, remember?"

"Ah, yes, though I didn't find out until the following year."

"And I found out even later!" Hagrid howled. "Can't believe Sirius kept that from me for that long."

"What happened?" Harry asked, suddenly very interested in how Sirius was involved.

"Saved Snape's life, yer father did."

Harry's face scrunched in confusion. "Why would that make Snape hate him more?"

"I imagine," Lily said, "that Severus felt a lot of shame that his biggest enemy saved him and that he'd owe his life to James forever. But boys are silly."

"Aye," Hagrid nodded while slicing up a sausage. "But 'nuff about the past. Word is you're the talk of the castle, Harry."

"How'd you know that?"

"I'm the gamekeeper. Nuthin' gets past these ears."

"Doubt that with all that hair covering them," Harry snickered before sobering up. "What exactly have you heard?"

Hagrid glanced at Lily, who simply shrugged. "That you and the Weasley girl are a bit of a thing. That has ruffled some feathers, too."

Harry stiffened. He knew that Hagrid was a long-time friend of the family, especially his dad. And judging by how Sirius viewed the Weasleys, he half-expected Hagrid to be similarly loyal to James.

But Harry's fears were allayed when Hagrid gave a wide grin and patted Harry on the back, causing him to spill the tea he was holding in his hand.

"Yeh picked a lovely girl there, Harry." Hagrid said. "I've known all the Weasley boys, of course. Bunch of troublemakers who could give yer father and Sirius a run for their galleons. But Ginny is a special one. 'Course don't need to tell you that." He elbowed Harry in his ribs, causing him to wince.

"You're not angry?" Harry asked, still in shock at Hagrid's approval.

"Why would I be mad? Your dad's the one who's gone mad. No offense, Lily."

"Oh, I quite agree, Hagrid."

"The whole thing is bloody ridiculous," Hagrid continued. "Silly family feud is what it is. Thank Merlin for you and Arthur. Don't know if the castle would still be standing if you two weren't keeping the peace."

Hagrid then sighed before turning towards Harry, leaning down towards him so that his beard tickled Harry's forehead. "Listen, Harry. I've known yer father for many years and never a finer bloke have I ever met. But he can be a bit…stubborn. He loves you, though. I remember when you were born, he floo'd me the next day. Reckon I'd never seen him smile that big."

Hagrid grabbed a large handkerchief from his back pocket and wiped a tear before turning back to Harry. "He's being a right nutter. No denying that. But give him time. He'll come around."

At that moment, Harry did not know what had overtaken him, but without much thought he launched himself at Hagrid and wrapped his arms around him the best he could. "Thanks, Hagrid."

"Anytime. Now off with you. Your mum and I have some matters to discuss, and you have a girlfriend to see."

Harry took his cue, kissing his mum's cheek on the way out, and left back towards the castle, in a happier mood than he'd been since the 2nd task. Of course, his happy mood would prove to be short-lived.

Despite Harry and Ginny's relationship dominating most of the energy of the school, there were other things to occupy the students, mainly the upcoming Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. A strong showing for Gryffindor would put them firmly in control of securing the Cup. Ginny had taken to doubling their practice time, much to the annoyance of the players and their respective romantic partners.

Practices were an intense affair and not because of the importance of the match. Even though Harry had won most of the team over with his Seeker skills, the team was now evenly split between those loyal to Ron and those who didn't care much about their teammates' dating lives. Richie Coote and Jimmy Peakes were firmly with Ron, but Demelza Robins and Katie Bell stuck with Ginny and Harry. Katie had even offered to ram a quaffle right up Ron's arse if he tried to pull anything.

During practice, Richie and Jimmy seemed to forget their job as beaters was to protect the seeker, allowing Harry to get bludgeoned several times. Ginny's voice grew hoarse yelling at the pair.

"Oi!" shouted Ron in their defense. "Not their fault they don't want to protect him." He gestured rudely at Harry, who had flown down to the middle of the pitch where the team had gathered.

"They better bloody defend me if they want to win," Harry barked back.

"Of course, you would say that. Think you're the only reason we can win."

"Right, because the Seeker's job is to just fly around with his head up his arse."

"You'd look a lot better, at least," Jimmy snickered at Ron's jibe.

"Quit it, Ron," chided Ginny.

"Figured you'd take his side. Can't be bothered to side with your family."

"You're the idiot who thinks we don't need a Seeker to actually win a match. Just everyone get back to your positions."

"I'm not taking orders from a traitor," Ron said and started to fly off away from the team.

"Where do you think you're going?" Ginny shouted after him.

"Anywhere but here!" he called back. Jimmy and Ritchie followed after him, both shooting Harry a mean glare as they passed.

"Well, I think that practice went well," Demelza said.

Harry and Ginny openly dating had ripple effects beyond their respective families and the Gryffindor team. Things were tense in the Gryffindor dorms, as though an invisible line was drawn down the middle of the common room. And it all came to head one Tuesday night.

Perhaps because she was tired of Ron's incessant glaring, but Ginny went out of her way to show affection to Harry whenever Ron was nearby. Not that Harry was complaining much. Ginny tended to be affectionate in general, just now more so. Ron had grown increasingly agitated at the display, and after an exhausting Quidditch practice, the environment was perfect for a proper blow-up.

Harry and Ginny were intertwined on the couch by the fireplace. Ron and Hermione sat across the room.

"Pay attention, Ron," Hermione said as she tried to focus him back on the book in her lap. Instead, Ron stared daggers at Harry and Ginny, lips locked firmly together.

"I'm going to murder him," he seethed. Harry's ears perked up as Ron was not trying to be quiet.

"You will do no such thing. She's your sister and they are happy together."

"Looks like she's under duress."

"You're being silly, Ron. They are genuinely happy together and you should be supportive."

"How do you know how they feel?" Harry and Ginny had stopped snogging and were now looking at the bickering couple.

"I just do," Hermione said.

"You've been odd ever since they came out of the lake."

"I have not! I've been just how I've always been."

"That's the point, innit? Everyone else has been acting all shocked, gossiping about it to no end. But you're acting like it's totally normal. It's as if- "

Harry watched the interactions and could literally see realization dawn on Ron's face. Harry had always assumed Ron was rather dense, but if he wasn't so concerned for what was about to happen, Harry would almost be impressed by Ron's detective work.

"You knew," Ron said quietly.

"Ron, please," Hermione began, but Ron jumped to his feet.

"You knew this whole time they were together. You've been helping keep this secret right under my nose, haven't you?"

"It's not like that! I wasn't trying to keep anything from you deliberately. They swore me to secrecy."

"You admit it! You've been lying to me all this time. First Ginny, now you. Is anybody loyal anymore?"

"Oi!" Ginny chimed in from across the room. "It's not her fault you're too much of a git to not blow up about this."

"Mind your business," Ron shouted back but Ginny had already marched over to Ron, getting right in his face. Or more accurately his chest. "We made her promise not to tell. And Hermione is as much my friend as she is your girlfriend. And everyone knew how you'd react so are you really surprised she didn't say anything? It's your fault for putting her in this position."

"My fault? My fault for being lied to all this time? It's your fault for shacking up with a Potter to begin with!"

Ron stomped towards the exit. Hermione grabbed onto his shirt. "Ron, please. I'm sorry." Tears were now streaming down Hermione's face.

Ron shrugged her off. "I can't trust you, can I, Hermione? I'm going for a walk." Ron exited the common room, slamming the portrait behind him and interrupting the Fat Lady's slumber.

Hermione covered her face in her hands, tears soaking her sleeves. Ginny went to comfort her. "Hermione, we're sorry- "

"Don't even!' Hermione shouted, startling both Ginny and Harry. "I don't want to talk to either of you right now." And with that, she fled upstairs.

"Reckon there's a long list of people not speaking with us right now," Ginny said before slumping into the nearby chair. "You don't want to take a runner on me, do you?"

"Nah, we're already committed. Hermione will come around. And I could care less what your brother or his friends or anyone on the team thinks."

And he meant it. Harry was long tired of allowing others to dictate his life. Ginny made him happy, and he'd chase that feeling as long as she'd let him.

But while his resolve remained steadfast, it didn't come without a price. That Saturday was the big match with Ravenclaw, and the entire Gryffindor house was buzzing with a mix of excitement and worry.

Normally, the entire team ate together at breakfasts before the match, but today they all sat in separate corners of the long wooden table. Hermione sat with Harry and Ginny, both dressed in their uniforms. Hermione's anger at them had long since passed. She looked sadly down towards Ron, who was engaged in a lively debate with Jimmy Peakes.

"He'll come around," Ginny assured Hermione, but she shook her head. "He's right to be cross with me. I did lie to him."

"For good reason!" Ginny countered.

"There are no good reasons."

"Are you going to talk to him?" Harry leaned in to hear Hermione's response. Normally, he wouldn't care either way if Hermione wanted to mend the fence with Ron, but there was a big Quidditch match today. Harry wasn't sure if he wanted the Hermione situation messing with Ron's head.

"Not before the match," Hermione said, confirming she shared the same thought. This seemed to satisfy Ginny, as she didn't mention Ron for the rest of the meal.

Eventually, the students made their way down to the pitch. Harry and Ginny entered the team locker room together to find that Ron, Jimmy and Ritchie were occupying one long bench. The rest of the team were on the other. Harry and Ginny shared a look, and he took a seat next to Katie.

"All right, you lot. Listen up. I know half of you are pissed at me and Harry for whatever reason, but none of that matters right now. We have a match to win. It's Katie and Ron's last year and I think we should be focused on getting them that Quidditch Cup. So let's put all this shit in the past and focus on beating the bloody piss out of Ravenclaw. Who's with me?"

Harry whooped along with Katie and Demelza, but the other boys stayed silent. Realizing this was the best it was going to get, Harry followed Ginny out the door and onto the pitch, the rest of the team trailing behind. The energy was clearly lacking as the Gryffindor team flew around the pitch for warm-ups. Harry took his place above the rest of the team. He scanned the crowd and saw his Mum sitting with Hagrid. His father was notably absent. He had never missed a match of Harry's before. It was that moment that made Harry fully realize the severity of the situation. He tried to put it out of his mind and focus on the match ahead. Harry noticed Luna was again doing commentary, Professor McGonagall close by her side.

"The Gryffindor team has taken to the air," she began. "They seem a bit slower than the Ravenclaws. Perhaps they have all ingested some flobberworms, which are notorious for making the person dream of pumpkin pasties and lying in a field of daffodils. Oh, look! The yellow team scored!"

Indeed, the match had started and Ravenclaw had jumped out to a quick lead. Their chasers quickly intercepted the quaffle after an errant bludger altered Katie's toss, and the Ravenclaw team scored once again.

It was apparent to anyone watching that the Gryffindor beaters were not doing much of anything. While the Ravenclaw chasers could glide through the air without harassment, their beaters had free reign to pelt the Gryffindor chasers with impunity. Ron, for his part, was at least appearing to make an effort.

"The Ravenclaw team is rather quick today, and I'm afraid the Gryffindors cannot keep up. Perhaps they could take up Gobstones. It seems they would enjoy the game much more than the one they are currently playing."

Ginny, Katie and Demelza had all received vicious knocks from the bludger by this point, the score quickly getting out of hand. Harry had been searching for the snitch, but even his concentration was broken by the incessant sounds of metal hitting bone and the groans from the crowd. When Ginny was pelted for the third time in her ribs, he had had enough. Harry flew straight to where Jimmy idled on his broom.

"Oi!," he shouted. "You having a laugh? Do your job or we won't have any chasers."

"Mind your business, Potter," Jimmy spat back. "Not my fault your girlfriend isn't fast enough to stay out of trouble."

Harry launched himself at Jimmy, pointy end of the broom first. Jimmy dropped down to avoid getting speared. At this point, Harry had abandoned his search for the snitch and barreled back down towards the Gryffindor beater. He did not really know what exactly he would do. After all, Jimmy had the bat.

As Harry got close enough to see the white of Jimmy's eyes, he was suddenly intercepted by Ginny, who parked herself directly in Harry's path. He was just able to pull up, nearly launching himself off of his broom by the sudden jerk.

"What in bloody hell are you doing?" Ginny yelled, the wind whipping her hair across her face.

"Someone needs to put Peakes in his place."

"That's my job, not yours, Harry."

"Well, seeing how you were too busy getting pelted by bludgers because our beaters are shite, I thought I'd help you out." Ginny let a smile slip.

"I can protect myself. You just focus on catching the snitch. I think we'll need it rather soon."

Harry glanced at the score and grimaced. "Tell your beaters to start hitting bludgers at the right set of chasers."

And with that, he flew off. But Harry had only barely resumed his spot high above the pitch when he heard a terrible thud sound followed by screams from the crowd. He glanced down to see Ginny falling from her broom. For a moment his whole body tensed and then, without a second thought, Harry sped downward, urging his broom faster and faster.

But he knew he could not close the distance. Harry raced and raced but Ginny would most certainly hit the ground. A terrible feeling grew quickly in the pit of his stomach, and his hands gripped the broom handle so tightly the heat from the wood could be felt through his gloves. Harry could do nothing but shout her name in vain and watch with anguish. It was then he heard the booming voice of Professor Dumbledore. He glanced to see him pointing his wand at Ginny's falling body. Amazingly, Ginny's freefall slowed until she was no more than a feather wafting through the breeze. Harry released the breath he did not realize he had been holding in.

Once she touched down, she immediately grabbed her sides and winced. Professor Flitwick, who had been refereeing the match, blew his whistle for an injury time out. Harry rushed to her side but was surprised when Ron beat him to it. He could not hear what he whispered to her, but Harry saw Ginny nod and grab her broom. Ron immediately turned around and marched straight to Ritchie and Jimmy.

"If you knobs cost us this match, I'll personally see to it that you will both be vomiting slugs for the rest of term. And if you think I'm joking, just remember that Fred and George are my brothers so that's the tip of the iceberg of what I can do to you."

Ron's face was beet red. He glanced briefly at Harry before taking off back to his position guarding the three hoops. Harry turned to Ginny. "Are you ok?"

"Fine," she hissed through gritted teeth. "I'll be ok." Flitwick blew his whistle for the match to resume.

"I'll catch the snitch," Harry promised. He knew Ginny wouldn't admit it, but the quicker he could end the match, the quicker she could ice her ribs and ease the pain.

The wind had picked up and snow had begun to fall, making it more difficult for Harry to see the snitch. He did several loops around, trying to draw the Ravenclaw seeker's attention. Below, the crowd roared as Gryffindor began to inch closer in the score. The Gryffindor chasers now had more protection to attack the Ravenclaw goals and were scoring with ease. Harry found Ginny zooming through the air, easily outpacing the Ravenclaw chasers. Even the Ravenclaw students oohed and aahed when Ginny executed a barrel roll to avoid a bludger and snuck the quaffle beneath the seeker's outstretched arm and through the hoop.

Harry's attention was focused on Ginny, which turned out to be quite lucky as he noticed the snitch flutter by her while she was being congratulated by Katie and Demelza. Immediately he took off in that direction. The Ravenclaw seeker was on the opposite side of the pitch and completely unaware that Harry had spotted it. Harry grew closer to the snitch, stretching his arm out so that the feathers tickled his fingertips. With a last stretch, Harry's fingers closed around the snitch. He pulled to a stop and glanced at the score. Gryffindor had won 350-330.

The crowd erupted in cheers. Harry flew down to the ground, where he was immediately embraced by Ginny, who added a searing kiss for good measure. Demelza and Katie hugged Harry, and each gave him a kiss on the cheek. Even Ritchie slapped him on the back while Jimmy hugged Demelza. Harry didn't notice that Ron had already left the pitch.

The locker room was raucous as everyone couldn't stop talking about their comeback win.

"The Cup is ours, for sure!" Jimmy exclaimed, earning shouts of agreement from the rest of the team.

"If Harry keeps playing like that," Demelza said, "it's in the bag."

"I think if we get Flitwick as referee for the final match, we're in good shape," Ginny said before adding in a voice that sounded remarkably like Professor Flitwick, "Now students. Students. Remember to throw the quaffle in a motion like so!" Ginny made an exaggerated throwing motion, and the team broke in laughter.

All except Ron, that is. Harry couldn't help but notice he was off to the side, staring into space. He had been the first one in the locker room and the first one out of the showers. He ran a towel through his hair, tossed it on the bench beside him, and left the locker room. No one else seemed to notice. Harry forgot about Ron and focused on having fun with the rest of the team.

The celebrations carried into the Gryffindor common room. Harry was overjoyed that he could celebrate in the open with Ginny. It seemed that once again, winning had cured all the tension between Harry and the other students in his house.

At the moment, Ginny was regaling a circle of friends with the play-by-play of the match. After much cajoling, she had begrudgingly gone to the infirmary after the match and had returned in record time. Ginny told Harry that Madam Pomfrey had insisted she stay overnight, but there was no way she was missing the celebration. Harry smirked as he watched her hold court. Occasionally, someone would come by to shake his hand or pat him on the back, but otherwise Harry enjoyed watching others have fun.

"Have you seen Ron?" Neville asked as he took a spot next to Harry. Harry shook his head. In fact, he had not seen Ron since he left the lockers.

"Well, if you see him, let Hermione know. She's in a bit of a state trying to find him."

Harry's eyes found Hermione snaking through the crowd, clearly searching for Ron. Harry left Neville and joined Hermione.

"You ok then?"

"Have you seen Ron?" she asked, and Harry could sense the concern in her voice.

"No. Neville asked too. Haven't seen him since the match."

"I was trying to intercept him before he went up to his dorms to change, but I never got the chance. Do you know where he could be?"

"Honestly, no, Hermione."

Ginny soon joined them. "What are you lot looking all worried about?"

"Hermione can't find Ron," Harry explained.

"Are you too still bickering like an old married couple?"

"That's not funny, Ginny," Hermione hissed. "I can't find him anywhere and I really need to speak with him. Now, have you seen him?"

Ginny shrugged. "Figured he'd have come back for the party."

"Hmm," said Harry, and Hermione turned quickly.

"What does that mean?"

"It's nothing, just he seemed a bit out of it after the match. Wasn't really celebrating and left way before anyone else."

"Since when do you notice what my brother does? Am I losing you to another Weasley?" Ginny winked at Harry.

"While you two joke around, I'm going to go look for Ron."

"Hermione," Ginny said, "he's probably just going to the kitchen to get snacks."

Harry wasn't so sure. While it was doubtful Ron was in trouble, clearly something was bothering him. Maybe it was Harry not wanting to let Hermione go out into the castle late at night alone. Or maybe Harry was just too intrigued about what Ron was getting up to. But Harry had a sudden urge to leave the party.

"I'll go look for him. You two stay."

"And worry about him?" Hermione said. "No, thank you. I'm going with you."

"You could get in trouble for being out after curfew," Harry tried to argue.

"By whom? I'm Head Girl. Besides, we can cover more ground if both of us go."

"And even more if all three of us go," Ginny added.

"Ginny…"

"No, Harry. If you two get to risk detention for breaking curfew, it's only fair I get to join the fun."

Harry knew there was no point delaying the inevitable. Making sure no one was looking, he ushered Hermione and Ginny out past the portrait of the Fat Lady and into the quiet hallways of the castle.

The trio made it to the main staircase before stopping. "Alright," Harry directed, "Hermione. You go down to the kitchens. That's the most likely spot and I reckon he'd be loads happier to see you than us." Harry then turned to Ginny. "Why don't you check the Astronomy tower?"

"No, he won't go there," Hermione said. "Ron saw a family of spiders once when we were up there."

"Doing what?" Ginny wiggled her eyebrows.

"None of your business. Why don't you check out the library? If Ron wants to be alone, he's most likely to go where no one else would be."

"Good thinking," Harry said. "I'll start checking the classrooms. And then I'll head outside to the pitch."

"You're awfully cute when you're in charge," Ginny said in a low voice. Harry blushed and Hermione rolled her eyes. The three all headed in opposite directions.

Harry moved through the castle as quietly as he could. Curfew had come and gone, meaning if he got caught by Filch or a professor, he was looking at a healthy slate of detentions.

After the tenth empty classroom, he was beginning to think his mission was a fool's errand. Ron was almost assuredly in the kitchens. Harry thought about heading towards the library. Maybe he could get in some uninterrupted snogging with Ginny before heading back to the dorms. But an annoying voice in his head told him to keep looking. Because as much as he disliked Ron, and as much as he wanted to snog Ginny, he needed to know where Ron went and why he had disappeared from the party.

Harry kept searching, descending each level of the castle along the way. It was just as he was rounding the corner to where the Slytherin dorms were that he heard a voice. He pulled out his wand and slowed his pace. Another voice joined the first, growing more distinctive as he got closer. The two voices belong to wizards, that much was clear.

"Get off me, you plonkers!" the unmistakable voice of Ron echoed down the hall. Harry quickened his pace and soon came upon the site of Ron being restrained by Crabbe and Goyle, two burly oafs who were always together. Ginny once joked it was so they could share the few brain cells they had.

Standing in front of Ron was Draco. Harry had limited interactions with the boy, but he reminded him very much of Jean-Pierre.

"Where are your manners?" Draco drawled, his voice oozing with pomposity that only comes through years of pureblood inbreeding. "Oh, of course. You're a Weasley. You wouldn't know good manners just like you wouldn't know what a galleon looks like."

"Piss off!"

Draco twirled his wand between his fingers. Harry got a closer look and realized it was Ron's wand that Draco held.

"Congratulations on the victory today," he continued. "You almost saved a couple. Good thing Potter was there to bail you out."

"At least I didn't have to buy my way onto the team. How much did you have to pay, Malfoy? Hope it was less than you pay these two gits to protect you." Ron let out a groan as Crabbe and Goyle tightened their grips on his arms.

"It must kill you to know that Potter is better than you at Quidditch. I know you're used to that mudblood girlfriend of yours upstaging you in class, but Quidditch was supposed to be your thing. Another instance where Ron Weasley is the lesser talent."

"Don't you call her that! Hermione is ten times the person you are. Better yet, she's a thousand times better than you!"

"That mudblood doesn't deserve to lick the dirt off my shoes, which is all her kind is good for. Of course, you Weasleys aren't worth much better. Just look at your sister. All she's good for is lying on her back. But dating Potter? That must sting, Weasley. I know you're used to wizards having it off with her, but that must really eat you up knowing Potter is shagging her all over the castle."

Draco laughed but it was short-lived. Harry yelled out the nastiest hex he could think of, hitting Draco square in the chest. Ron's wand flew out of his hand. Ron took the opportunity to elbow Crabbe in the stomach, causing him to release his grip on Ron's arm. The free arm now swung back towards Goyle, clobbering him straight in the nose. Ron picked up his wand from the ground and sent a series of stunners at the two ogres, knocking them both to the floor.

Harry walked to where Draco lay on the floor. The boy cowered backwards like a crab until his back hit the wall. Harry loomed large over him, his wand pointing at a spot between his eyes. "It's not nice to have a go at a witch because she won't give you the time of day, Malfoy. Plus, she's way out of your league. Maybe try for Parkinson. Reckon she's more your speed."

Draco clutched his side. "You'll pay for this, Potter.=," he sneered. "My father will hear about this."

"I'm shaking in my trainers."

Draco got to his feet and ran off back to the Slytherin dungeons, not bothering to wake Crabbe and Goyle.

Harry turned to Ron. "You alright?"

"Didn't ask you for help, did I?" Ron started walking away and Harry had to run to catch up to him.

"Looked like you needed it. What were you doing here anyway?"

"None of your bloody business, now is it?"

"Well Hermione was in a right state when you didn't show up to the party."

"So now it's your job to protect her?"

"Someone needs to be looking out for her if her boyfriend won't."

Ron whirled around to face Harry. "Also none of your business!"

"Stop being such a prat then!" The two boys stared at each other. Harry debated whether to hex Ron or wait for him to cast the first spell. Judging by the look on Ron's face, he was clearly thinking the same.

"You've managed to get my girlfriend and my own sister to betray me, and I'm the prat. That's real rich."

"I didn't get either of them to betray you. Not everything is about Ron Weasley."

"I never said that!"

"And they are their own people who can make their own choices."

"I never said they couldn't!" Ron shouted.

"Then what the bloody hell is your problem!"

"You! You're my problem!"

"What have I ever done to you?"

"It's more you existing that's the problem."

Harry couldn't help but smirk at the comment. "Look, you want to hate me for being a Potter, fine. But I really like Ginny and treat her well. This isn't about taking the piss out of you or getting a leg over. In fact, we haven't even-."

Ron held up a hand. "Please don't tell me about your sex life with my sister."

"Not exactly a conversation I want to have with her brother."

"I don't like the idea of you and my sister together, alright? I don't need a reason. It's just…unnatural."

"Believe me, the very idea would have thrown me off my dinner when I first got here. I didn't want this anymore than you did. But it happened, ok? And I'm not going to stop dating her just because it grosses you out. You're just going to have to get over it, like everyone else in your family."

"And what about yours? I saw what happened with your dad. Is Ginny really worth losing your own family?"

Harry did not hesitate. "Absolutely, if it comes to it."

Ron's eyes went wide. "I need to think."

"Alert the Daily Prophet," Harry deadpanned, earning a glare from Ron. "Is that why you were down here and not at the party?"

"No, I was heading to the library. Figured I'd be alone there, but then I heard that git Malfoy and well, I guess I felt like doing something stupid so I followed him."

Harry laughed. "Hey, consider yourself lucky it's me Ginny is with and not him."

They simultaneously pulled a face, like when you smell something rotten from the rubbish bin.

"When you put it that way, I suppose I should be happy about the whole thing."

Harry paused before asking the question he wasn't sure he wanted an answer to. "Ginny never…you know?"

"What?" Ron asked.

"Dated him. Malfoy."

"Merlin, no! Yuck. Ginny hates Malfoy even more than me. She doesn't go near any Slytherins, even the not-so-dodgy ones."

"Good. She just slums it with a Potter." Harry grinned.

"Your words, mate."

Ron began to leave. "Hey, Ron," Harry called out, and Ron turned. "Stop by the kitchen first. Heard the elves have some good desserts tonight."

Ron grinned and soon disappeared from Harry's view. Harry made his way towards the library, hoping to catch Ginny. All in all, it was one of his best days at Hogwarts.

Now that they were out in the open, Harry and Ginny had taken to sitting together during meals. They ignored the glares from several students still sore over the match, as well as the throngs of wizards and witches in the throes of jealousy.

"You seem positively famished," Ginny commented as Harry happily shoveled food into his mouth.

"No more than normal," he responded between bites. In truth, Harry hadn't eaten much the past few days, something Ginny appeared to notice. She rolled her eyes and tucked into her own breakfast of eggs and potatoes. Harry glanced down to see Ron and Hermione sitting close together.

"Any news on the gossip mill?" Harry asked.

"Oh, just the usual. Apparently, I've spiked your pumpkin juice with a love potion."

"Well, that's a shame seeing how I spiked your pumpkin juice with a hate potion since you can't seem to get enough of me. Which I need another dose of since your foot is traveling dangerously high up my leg."

"Better get to the dungeons and fire up a fresh batch because I plan on taking advantage of at least two empty broom closets tonight." She gave Harry a wink which made his insides feel on fire.

At that moment, Lily walked by their table. "Harry…Ginny." She nodded as she passed, her lips ever so slightly upturned.

"That was weird," Ginny said.

"Welcome to the family," Harry responded, causing Ginny to blush. "I guess you'll need a lot more love potion."

"Tons," she responded.

The window to the Great Hall swung open with a loud creak and flourish of owls descended. Students leapt in the air to retrieve the letters that dropped like snow flurries around them.

"Oh no," Harry heard Ginny say as she looked above to see a rather old and tired owl swoop down, a large red letter in his talons. He deposited the letter into Ginny's eggs.

"Is that- "

"A howler," Ginny said, sounding defeated as she tentatively reached for it before putting it back down in her eggs.

"Are you going to open it? It will explode if you don't."

"I know that!' she hissed before grabbing the letter and dashing off towards the exit. Harry quickly followed, struggling to keep up. But it was no use. Ginny winced as the letter burned her hand. With no other option, she opened the envelope as the rest of the student body looked on.

"GINEVRA MOLLY WEASLEY!" the voice bellowed out from the envelope, causing both Ginny and Harry to lean away from the offending noise. "I THOUGHT I RAISED YOU BETTER THAN TO BE ACT LIKE A SCARLET WOMAN! I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU WOULD CHOOSE TO TURN YOUR BACK ON YOUR FAMILY JUST TO CAVORT WITH THAT POTTER BOY! HAVE YOU NO SHAME?! I DEMAND YOU BREAK IT OFF WITH HIM AT ONCE OR SO HELP ME, YOU WILL NOT BE WELCOME FOR EASTER! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD, YOUNG LADY!? I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO-"

Suddenly, the letter burst into flames and the yelling ceased. Harry looked ahead to see Professor Weasley with his wand pointed in their direction. He slowly approached Ginny.

"Ginny," he began but Ginny pushed past him and ran out of the Great Hall.

Harry watched her leave before turning to Arthur, who met his eyes.

"Should you-" Harry began before Arthur cut him off.

"You go, son," he said with a smile that did not reach his eyes. He nodded, not really sure what else to do, before following Ginny out the door. He broke into a jog trying to reach her, catching sight of her just as she disappeared behind the portrait of the Fat Lady. The Fat Lady frowned as Harry dashed past her. He entered the empty common room, but Ginny had already fled up the stairs to the girls' dormitory. Harry could do nothing but wait.

He thought about when Ginny would come back down. Harry was very unsure what exactly he was supposed to do in this situation. How does one normally comfort their girlfriend? Harry was never great at this. If Harry was upset, he wanted nothing more than to be left alone. But did Ginny want that, as well?

It occurred to Harry that he and Ginny had never experienced something like this before. His parents talked about the highs and lows of a serious relationship, usually directed at Jack, who avoided serious relationships like they were a bad case of splattegoit. But up until now, Harry's relationship with Ginny had been full of highs. To the point that whenever they had a small tiff, he assumed that must be the lows. Which wasn't so bad, he thought. But now, he sat like a statue by the fireplace paralyzed with fear that he could not help Ginny like a proper boyfriend should. Harry was soon overtaken by the thought that Ginny might realize it wasn't worth it and end things, but mostly wracked with guilt that Ginny could not go home because of him. And suddenly, he understood perfectly what his parents meant.

He also remembered what they said about handling the lows. They were unavoidable, but the key was a willingness to tackle the lows together, to fight as one rather than fighting each other. And so Harry decided then and there to fight, to not sit by passively while his and Ginny's families tried to ruin things. Whatever Ginny said when she came down, Harry would fight for them.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps on stone and soon Ginny appeared before him, a stack of opened red envelopes in her hands. She kneeled by the fire.

"This one is from Bill," she said calmly before tossing the opened envelope into the flames. It lay on top of the burning wood before the flame grabbed hold. "He was always my favorite, being the oldest. But I suppose I never really knew him that well."

She grabbed another envelope. "I expected this from Charlie the most. He's always carried mum's torch when it came to the feud." Into the fire the envelope went. Harry wanted to ask why she didn't tell him about all the Howlers, but before he could ask, Ginny had pulled another envelope.

"Percy's," she said simply before casually flicking the red envelope into the fire.

She held the last two envelopes in her hand. "I think this one hurts the most. I thought maybe the twins would understand, at least George. But they each wrote a Howler. So you know they must really be pissed."

The last of the Howlers were not turning into ash. Ginny remained in front of the fire, staring into the flames. Harry scooted down beside her. He could see the reflection of the flames dancing in her eyes, which had filled with tears. Yet as if by sheer force of will, they did not fall down her cheeks.

Harry could only think of one thing to say. "It's ok," and Ginny took that as her cue to let herself go, the tears now falling freely as she fell into his embrace. He held her tighter, protecting her from the storm. For it was a storm they were currently caught in. The winds had been swirling around them for some time, growing in speed and terrible strength, ready to rip the foundations of their relationship to shreds should they ever waver from their spot. The rain crashed around them as deafening thunder and blinding lighting came down from the heavens, but still they remained steadfast in their feelings for each other. And Harry knew at this moment, and maybe Ginny understood as well, that this storm would pass. Maybe not today or tomorrow or even months from now, but eventually the clouds would part and the winds would die down. And the faintest hint of sunlight would crack through and they would know that they would be ok. And so Harry held Ginny tightly, and Ginny clutched just as fiercely, snaking her arms into his jumper just to feel his skin on hers.

They were so lost in the moment that they did not hear the portrait of the Fat Lady swing open, nor the steps closing in on them. It wasn't until Harry saw a rather large, freckled hand on Ginny's shoulder that they both looked up.

Ron bent down to Ginny's eye level, his hand not leaving her shoulder. "Our family can be a bunch of plonkers sometimes." He gave Ginny a small smile.

"Especially you," she responded.

Ron rubbed the back of his neck. "Especially me. Just ask Hermione." Ginny launched herself at her brother, embracing him tightly.

"Sorry," he said, his voice muffled in her shoulder. Eventually, they separated, and Ron turned to Harry.
"Still say your family is a bunch of prats. But I reckon you're the least prattish of the lot."

"Nah, that's my mum."

Ron laughed. "Reckon so." The two boys awkwardly shook hands. "This doesn't mean I want to see you snogging or stuff, right?"

"Now that we know you approve," Ginny began, "you'll wish all we were doing was snogging."

"Yuck, Ginny!" Ron pulled a face and ran up the stairs.

"Can I hold you to that?" Harry asked, and Ginny proceeded to snog him senseless. Suddenly, things weren't looking so bad.

"Ahem," a voice cleared behind them. Harry broke away from Ginny to see his father standing at the entrance to the Gryffindor common room,

"Dad," Harry said, though it came out like a question, as if he wasn't sure his Dad was truly in front of him.

"When you are free," James said as his eyes briefly found Ginny's, "I think it's time for us to talk."