The Ticking Life
Chapter — 4
Flowing With Time
Before Ginny knew, a month had passed and Harry's health seemed to be improving, although he had gone to visit St Mungos for a couple of times, but he had assured her that it wasn't anything serious and was just going because of some final check-ups. He had insisted on going alone but her Mum had not listened to his persuasions much to Ginny's delight and assigned Ron — much to Ginny's dismay — to tag Harry whenever he went outside. Ron was more than happy to do so because that spared him from doing chores around the house and prevented him from her Mum's constant pestering.
Her Mum also seemed to be getting better by the day as she stopped being grave all the time and laughed occasionally. And her obsession for keeping her children in front of her eyes seemed to subside down to a tolerable level.
Her Dad was also trying his best to look cheerful but everyone knew that he was still hurting from inside. On more than one occasion, Ginny had seen tears trickle down his cheek as he stared at pictures of his family. However, those occasions seemed to be lesser by the day and her Dad appeared to be genuinely happy these days.
George, as everyone had expected from him, had been distraught for many days, much more than her Mum. However, with time, he had pulled himself together, and appeared slightly cheerful in front of others, but Ginny as well as others knew that he was not even this cheerful when he was alone. Their Dad had asked him if he was going to open up the shop, and he had replied that it just didn't feel right. Harry and Ron had offered their help if George planned to open his shop, which they insisted they should because Hogwarts students needed a place to stock up their weapons.
Bill seemed to be doing fine as he had moved back to the shell cottage with Fleur, but not before Fleur had a massive fight with their Mum about control issues. According to her, she was fed up with their Mum's nightly visits to their room and their invasion of privacy.
Charlie had been doing fine and had even tried going back to Romania a few times but under their Mum pressure, had succumbed albeit very reluctantly.
Percy had been doing well too as he was busy in the rebuilding of Ministry. He practically lived in the Ministry and only came to the Burrow for eating and sleeping. He kept a stoic and business like face in front of everyone, but their Dad had confided in them that there were a couple of time when he had broken down, blaming Fred's death on himself.
Ron had been by far the best among the Weasleys. After the initial phase of grieve, he had been the one who had caused ruckus in the house in place of George and everybody had gotten quite a good laugh out of those small pranks and a good yelling from her Mum. Under her influence, Hermione had been smiling a lot lately after Kingsley had sent some Oblivators to Australia to bring back her Mum and Dad.
Ginny, like everyone else in her family, had been copping with the deaths, although not as successfully as Ron or Charlie. Harry's fragile condition did not make it easy on her because the thought of losing Harry kept swirling in her mind whenever she saw him bent in pain.
X/|\X/|\X/|\X
"Ginny," came Harry's voice as Ginny thought about what had happened in the past month.
"Back already," said Ginny, jumping to her feet to hug Harry.
"Yes," said Harry as he hugged her back, "Healer Jonathan said I should be fine and I shouldn't show him my face if I could help it."
"That's really good Harry," said Ginny with a grin on her face.
Harry sat down, leaning against the tree and Ginny following his lead, sat down beside him.
"So got any plans for today?" asked Harry suddenly, cocking an eyebrow at him.
"What are you thinking Harry?" asked Ginny with a sly smile as she poked Harry's chest.
"Well," said Harry, "Ron had a great idea …"
"That's new," said Ginny with a smile, nestling her head in Harry's chest, her ear pressed over his heart, "What is his 'great idea' anyway?"
"He wondered if we could play a friendly Quidditch match," said Harry, looking down at her with adoring eyes, "He reckoned it will help in lifting everyone's spirit."
"Sounds good," said Ginny as she remembered it had been a long time since she sat on a broom.
"Okay," said Harry as he pulled himself and Ginny into a standing position.
"Where are you going?" asked Ginny as Harry let him towards the Burrow.
"We have to prepare for a match," said Harry grinning as he turned to look at her from over his shoulder, "Bill is already here and Charlie had been going on about kicking my arse to next century."
"Everyone knew?" exclaimed Ginny in surprise as she jammed her feet in the ground, forcing Harry to come to a sudden stop.
"Yes," said Harry tentatively as Ginny eyes bore holes in Harry's skull, her countenance making it clear that she wanted an explanation and that explanation had better be good.
"Well…" said Harry, shifting his weight on his feet, not daring to look Ginny in the eyes as she tapped her right foot in irritation, her hands on her hips, "the thing is, Ron came up with this idea, well yesterday, when he was reading Quidditch Weekly."
"And you both thought that it will be best if you keep me waiting till the end?" asked Ginny her eyes burning with a furiousness that made Harry stutter on his words.
"No… no," said Harry vehemently, "that's, that's not it. We didn't tell you because…"
"Yes?" urged Ginny her eyes still dipping menace.
"Well… because we know how much you love Quidditch," explained Harry, taking her hands in his own, "and we didn't want to spoil your day if you know, someone cancelled. And…" Harry said pulling her closer, "I like to surprise you too, you know."
With that, he pulled Ginny closer and kissed her for a fleeting moment before pulling away, a teasing smile on his lips as Ginny whimpered.
"Sneaky Potter," scowled Ginny playfully as she walked hand-in-hand with Harry.
"I have been known to be sneaky at times," said Harry giving her a dazzling smile and Ginny laughed as she leaned on Harry's shoulder.
"Took you long enough," grumbled Ron as the Burrow came into view, "I was wondering if you forgot about our little match and started talking that sappy rubbish again."
"I don't think you would understand," said Ginny with a pointed look, "Seeing that you have the emotional range of a teaspoon."
"Hey," Ron protested, as his ears turned bright red.
"Blame Hermione," Ginny smiled and indeed Hermione was to be blame here. Sometimes Ron was so tactless in his pranks that it used to drive Hermione crazy and one day, she was so fed up with him that she charmed a pair of spoons to hit him whenever he said something even mildly offensive and whenever Ron complained about that she said that she was not the one with the emotional range of a teaspoon.
"On that note, where is Hermione anyway?" asked Ginny as she looked around, expecting Hermione to be walking somewhere around. Since the day, Kingsley had brought back her parents and had their memories restored, Hermione had been spending most of her time with them, only contacting them via Floo in once a while.
"She is inside," said Ron a little nervously, "with her parents."
"Her parents?" exclaimed Harry before Ginny had the time to react.
"Yes Harry," said Ron in a resigned voice as if he was scared of them, "They arrived moments ago."
"And…" said Ron after a bit of silence, "And they wanted to meet you."
"And let me guess," said Ginny with an impish smile, "you volunteered to bring Harry. You are such a scaredy-cat Ron."
"Mind your business," said Ron in protest, his ears and cheeks burning red with embarrassment. Harry snickered and Ron shot him a dirty look.
"What are you laughing at?" snapped Ron at him and it only made Harry laugh harder.
"Just come with me already," said Ron with a resigned sigh as he grabbed Harry's hand and started to drag him towards the Burrow. Ginny followed them, a cheerful smile on her lips.
Ron stopped in front of the door and pushed Harry forward.
"Go."
"Aren't you coming with me?" asked Harry as his hand rested on the doorknob.
"I think I'll pass," said Ron as fidgeted with his hands.
"Just go in Ron," said Ginny and suddenly pushed Ron inside. Harry had already opened the door a fraction and both of them tumbled in, closely followed by Ginny who was smiling all the while.
"Good Afternoon," said Harry nodding his head towards Mr Granger and Mrs Granger, a habit he had picked after giving so many interviews.
"Good Afternoon," said Mr Granger, "You must be Harry."
When Harry nodded, a smile came on his lips as he continued,
"I have heard so much about you from Hermione and you" — Mr Granger said turning to Ron — "would be Ron, if I'm correct."
When Ron nodded ever so slightly, Mr Granger continued in a slightly puzzled voice,
"I knew from the moment I laid eyes on you that you are Ron; Hermione had told us so much about both of you that I feel like I know both of you already. But why did you run away so quickly when we arrived?"
"Err… well," said Ron stuttering horribly, "I went out to call err… Harry; I thought umm… you — you would like to me — et him to —"
Ginny pressed her hands to her lips in hope of controlling the laughter she was feeling bubbling in her stomach.
"That was very thoughtful of you," said Mr Granger and Ron blushed horribly as Hermione gave him a horrified look.
"Dad," said Hermione suddenly coming towards Harry and Ron, "I need to talk to both of them."
Saying this, Hermione walked out of the room and Harry and Ron followed her slowly, and Ginny tagged them, interested in what Hermione had to say.
"What do you think you were doing there?" Hermione blasted at Ron as soon as they were a safe distance away from the Burrow.
Run stuttered again, wringing his hands as he looked everywhere but at Hermione.
Ginny smiled to herself as she watched the free show. She always wanted to be a part of their group, but she had found that sometimes being the observant was the best course of action.
"Well…" glared Hermione, "Do you know how embarrassing it was for me? My Mum was giving me weird looks…" Hermione finished with an angry huff, boring holes in his head.
"I was nervous," said Ron in a weak protest, "You are the one who brought your parents here so suddenly."
"And how is that wrong Ronald?" asked Hermione, tapping her foot in irritation.
"Well…" said Ron and it seemed as if he was short of words, "it spooked me."
"And how much longer will my parent's presence spook you?" asked Hermione, her eyebrows raised questioningly.
"I don't know," said Ron in an exasperated voice, flailing his hands around.
"Just give him some time Hermione," said Harry with a smile who seemed to have been looking for an opening to interrupt this argument, "After all, weren't you the one who said that Ron has the emotional range of a teaspoon?"
Harry seemed to find it funny as a smile stretched over his lips, but Hermione and Ron did not seem to think the same, as they both scowled at him said.
"Go away Harry." "Bugger off!"
Felling unneeded, Harry looked around and Ginny gave him a dazzling smile, one that Harry mirrored.
"Ready for the match Potter," said Charlie as he passed by him. From the second Charlie had heard about the Quidditch match, he had been in competitive spirit.
"More than you are Weasley," grinned Harry, looking at him, "After all, you used to play Quidditch when you were young."
"I'm young," said Charlie, emphasising 'young', "but even if I was not, I think I can at least say that I always manage to stay upright and on my broom during a match; unfortunately the same cannot be said about you." Charlie finished with a grin.
"That was a low one brother," said George as he literally walked in the conversation, "I might remind you that students back at Hogwarts say that Harry is the best seeker Hogwarts has ever seen. I wouldn't be surprised if a seeker-aspirant worships Harry name day and out."
"People say many thing little brother," Charlie said with a wink, "But not all of them are true."
"We will see that," said Harry grinning.
Charlie cocked an amused eyebrow and walked towards the shed.
"Damn," said George grinning with pure excitement, "today is going to be exciting."
"I'm hoping so," said Ginny as she walked to them, unable to contain her excitement anymore, "So when does the match start?"
"In two hour or so," said George, "Lee is supposed to come too and Bill promised to scoundrel some brooms for us." — He turned towards Harry — "But don't except any Firebolt Harry; you will be lucky if he manage to get his hand on a Nimbus 2000."
"Nimbus is good," said Harry as he remembered his first broom and its unfortunate end.
"You excited?" asked Ginny as she leaned towards Harry.
"Very," said Harry with a smile, "Who you are rooting for?"
"That's a cheap question Harry," said Ginny as she leaned in to peck his cheek and whispered in his ear, "Definitely for you; so don't you dare prove me wrong."
"I won't," Harry whispered back with a wink.
"Stop planning with my sister," said Ron as he walked towards them.
"Bugger off Ron," said Ginny as she waved her hands at him in dismissal, "No one called you; continue fighting with Hermione, don't mind us."
"Go away Ginny," said Ron ignoring Ginny's sentence, as he wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulder, trying to pull him away from Ginny.
"Why?" said Ginny suspiciously, as she tried to pull Harry back toward her, "He is my boyfriend."
"He is my best mate first," said Ron, continuing to pull Harry towards his side. Ginny tried to pull Harry towards him, but she couldn't; she was a feisty girl but not physically powerful.
"I am going to tell embarrassing stories about you," said Ginny poking her tongue at him.
"I don't care," said Ron evasively.
"To Hermione's Mum and Dad," said Ginny, dancing around from Ron's reach as he made a move to grab her.
"Fine," said Ron panting heavily, "I will tell Harry everything about your little things…"
"You wouldn't dare," interjected Ginny, growling.
"Watch me," said Ron with an evil grin, "You out-step your boundary, I will out-step mine."
"Anyway," said Ron as if suddenly remembered something important, "Don't waste my time; I have something important to talk about to Harry."
With that, Ron started pulling Harry away from Ginny as she fumed, but started stealthily following them. After all, Ron did not say that she could not follow and it was not as if she cared about what Ron said anyway.
"… understand Harry?" said Ron as he leaned against the wall.
"Let me repeat it first," said Harry, "George is running a book on who will catch the snitch today."
"Right," said Ron, nodding, "And I really need the money, so you need to catch the snitch today, I don't care how; I just handed my life savings to George."
"So much pressure for a friendly match," said Harry with a heavy sigh, "And what do you need so desperately that a scrooge such as yourself invested in such a dangerous endeavour."
"I have trust in your abilities Harry," said Ron in a voice that hinted that he was trying to believe in Harry's abilities, "I really do."
"That doesn't answer my question," said Harry and his eyes flickered towards Ginny and he gave a slight smile and Ginny groaned; so much for sneaking around and eavesdropping on their conversation.
"It better be not that Chudley Cannons fan collection set," sighed Harry.
"They have that out already," exclaimed Ron, his eyes twinkling like as of a curious child.
"I will take that as a no," Harry said sighing, "And do we even have a proper Quidditch team?"
"Don't worry about that Harry," Ron said smiling, "We called some people."
"Like?" said Harry.
"Neville, Luna, Seamus, Angelina, Katie, Dean and some others," said Ron scratching his head, "And yes, I almost forgot Oliver is coming too."
"Most of them can't even play," said Harry and as if some realisation dawned on him, he exclaimed, "Oliver Wood?"
"How many Oliver's do we know?" asked Ron irritated.
"And you said it was a friendly match," sulked Harry.
"Well, Kingsley thought that it was a good moment for all of us to relax, so you know he gave this idea to Dad and he seemed to like it," explained Ron.
"Kingsley knows about this?" asked Harry, staring at him.
"Of course, Kingsley knows about this," said Ron, shrugging his shoulder, "How do you think we managed to build a makeshift Quidditch field in our miniscule paddock?"
"Quidditch field?" asked Harry his eyebrows cocking in excitement and exasperation.
Ron bit his tongue as if he had said too much and Ginny felt anger towards her family; it seemed as she and Harry were the only one kept in dark.
She wanted to just barge in the conversation and give Ron a piece of her mind, but she resisted the urge, thinking that there might be more things that her family had been hiding from her... and Harry.
"Well," said Ron under Harry's glare, "Hagrid is coming too, and so is Professor McGonagall and a few members of the Order and Ted is coming to, with her grandma, Andromeda."
"I have this sudden urge to kill you Ron," said Harry and Ginny nodded her head vehemently, silently hoping that Harry would give in this urge.
"You can kill me after you win this match," said Ron, grinning.
"Couldn't you have turned this match into a public event?" snarled Harry, "Then you would have raked quite a few Galleons and you wouldn't have to bet your lifesavings."
"Now when you said it," said Ron, apparently lost in thought, "Daily Prophet did offer Dad a good amount of Galleons if he allowed them to report this match."
"WHAT!" shouted Harry and Ginny back-stepped a bit out of reflex, "Daily Prophet knows about this match."
"Someone must have let it slip," said Ron sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck as if he did not care.
"How long had this thing been brewing Ron?" asked Harry suspiciously.
"Well…" Ron said looking at his shoelace intently, "George is going to kill me."
"If you don't tell me, I will," said Harry menacingly and Ginny added mentally, 'If they spare you, I will.'
"For a week or something actually," said Ron, "but I was only allowed to tell you about yesterday."
"Who was in the planning?" asked Harry sighing heavily.
"Everyone except you and Ginny," said Ron a little more confidently, "We would have told Ginny about it too, but we thought she might rat us out to you."
Ginny clenched her teeth so hard that her jaw ached, her fingers digging in the skin of her palm as she tried to contain her anger.
"Just great," said Harry in an irritated tone, "just bloody great. And Ron you know, suddenly my enthusiasm has died and I don't want to participate in the ruddy match."
"With the things at stake," said Ron grinning, almost impervious of Harry's irritation, "George is going to Imperius you and force you to fly if it comes to that."
Harry sighed in resignation and Ginny had an idea why, she herself would not put it past George to do that. Not that he would use Unforgivables, but when it came to twins and their tricks, sometimes Unforgivable looked like a child play.
"Just say, hypothetically," said Harry grinning, "I cannot catch the snitch; what do you think will happen to your money?"
"Don't worry about me," Ron said with a sigh, "Worry about yourself; can you really live your life in peace, knowing that Charlie had topped you? Just imagine the snicker he will throw your way and the snide remarks he will make..."
Harry groaned, burying his head in his palms.
"And remember that," continued Ron, "even Dad had betted on this match."
Harry groaned once again and whispered, "I'm going to kick your arse."
Ron smiled and to Ginny's surprise, turned to her and said, "Stop hiding now. And an advice, don't try to make a career in Law Enforcement, you suck at hiding."
"Who are you?" said Ginny as she stomped towards them, "and what have you done to Ron? My brother was not like this."
"This was Hermione and George's idea actually," said Ron smiling, "I'm just an actor, but Harry, the part about me betting my life savings is very true."
"Bugger off," said Harry, shoving him away, "I don't care about your ruddy savings."
Ginny nodded and Ron walked away, grinning like a lunatic.
"When did your family turned like this?" asked Harry as they walked aimlessly.
"I am wondering that myself," said Ginny with a scowl, "I mean they organised all of this without telling me; I feel so left out."
"Drawbacks of being my girlfriend," said Harry kissing the crown of her head.
"Still the pros outweigh the cons," said Ginny smiling, and Harry smiled automatically.
"What am I going to do today?" Harry groaned, his mood suddenly turning grave, "I haven't touched a broom for months, much less played Quidditch and I can bet all of them have been practicing; that would explain their disappearances in the morning and afternoon this past week."
"Yeah," said Ginny, "I'm going to give them a piece of my mind when this is over. And don't worry, you will do fine Harry."
"What if I lose?" said Harry turning to look at her, his eyes beseeching to her, "And I have a feeling, if I lose, I will have a lot of scorching glares to deal with for the rest of my life."
"I believe in you Harry," Ginny said, "And you know what, I will just go to George and bet my money on you."
Harry smiled once again and continued walking silently, Ginny by her side.
"Aren't you excited to see what they have done to our small paddock?" asked Ginny excitedly, her eyes twinkling like a little child as she looked in the direction of the paddock.
"I am," said Harry in a weary voice, "just a little bit. I feel like the younger me again, going to a Quidditch match for the first time."
"Aww…" said Ginny smiling, "You will do fine."
"You said it before too," said Harry with a smile and Ginny smacked his arm as she said,
"No I did not."
"Hey Harry," came a slightly familiar voice.
Harry turned and saw Oliver waving to him. Harry waved back at him as he jogged toward him.
"How are you Harry?" asked Oliver as they both shared a firm handshake.
"Going good captain," said Harry with a smile.
"Don't call me that," Oliver said with a smile and Ginny could not help but notice a long scar, extending through the deep of his neck to his left ear which hadn't escaped Harry's eyes too Ginny noted.
"Hey Ginny, nice seeing you," Oliver added as she saw Ginny.
Ginny smiled and said, "Nice seeing you too."
With that, Ginny moved back a little, giving boys their space, while still being in the distance from where she could see and listen to their conversation.
"How did you get this?" asked Harry a little unnerved.
"This one," said Oliver pointing at it with his fingers and Harry nodded, "It was nothing, a ruddy Death Eater attacked me from behind, but I got him with a punch to his face." He finished grinning and Harry felt a little bad.
As Ginny saw Harry's reaction, she realised that everyone who would be here today would have some scars on them which would depict the tale of their heroic fight in Hogwarts, telling everyone that these were the people whose heart were bigger than anything they would ever see, that these were the people who were fed up with Lord Voldemort and believed in Harry so much that they jumped in the war with both their feet with just a simple call of help, not caring about their own lives. This thought made Ginny's heart swell with pride as she gazed at Harry.
"Where are you lost Harry?" asked Oliver, shaking him slightly.
"Nothing," said Harry smiling.
"I'm sure you would have interesting stories for us," said Oliver grinning, "And just to let you know, I don't plan on going home tonight."
"So tonight is going to be a big night," said Harry grinning.
"Definitely," Oliver replied grinning, "And you know what the funny thing is."
"What?" asked Harry and it seemed as he had completely forgotten about Ginny. However, Ginny was all right with it; if anything, she was happy for Harry right now.
"We have a really important practice session today," said Oliver with a grin, "And some hotshot from our team management is going to come to watch it."
"So how come you are here?" asked Harry.
"That's the catch Harry," said Oliver winking at him, "I just told them I was called for the Quidditch match Weasley's have organised and boom, I had the day off. They even gave me tomorrow off for recuperating."
"They knew about it?" asked Harry in surprise.
"You don't know Harry?" Oliver asked Harry.
Harry shook his head at this, which made Oliver laugh aloud as he said, "Everyone knows about this. Daily Prophet has been running stories about this supposedly legendary match for days now."
"Figures," said Harry with a heavy sigh, "I didn't even know about this."
"But don't worry about them being here," said Oliver in a relaxed tone, "Ministry of Magic have been giving out fake clues that the match venue is one of the legendary Quidditch field. So I think those reporters will stay far away from here."
"Can't I do anything without making into the headline?" sighed Harry as he grumbled darkly.
"I don't think so mate," said Oliver, "If they found you pissing in a corner Harry, even that will become front page news."
Harry groaned and said,
"No offence, but I don't remember you being so cheerful and talkative," accused Harry as he looked at him with arched eyebrow.
"We just never met to discuss something other than Quidditch Harry," replied Oliver casually, "And remember, those times were really stressful for Gryffindor Quidditch team and anyway, do you know how much time I have spent with George and Fred? Try as you might, but they do end up rubbing themselves on you."
Harry agreed with a smile as he remembered how much havoc the two used to cause in their time at Hogwarts.
"Hey Harry," came yet another slightly familiar voice.
Ginny turned in the direction of voice and saw Lee jogging towards Harry.
"How are you doing Harry?" asked Lee as they shook hands.
"Good," said Harry, "What about you?"
"Fine as a Bludger," said Lee, looking around, "Hey Oliver; glad that you could make it."
"Wouldn't miss it for my life," said Oliver winking.
Lee grinned, turned to Harry and asked, "Where is George by the way?"
"No idea," said Harry as he saw Lee looking around.
"Excuse me," said Lee as he spotted something in the distance, "but duty calls."
Smiling, he bounded off in the distance.
"Hey Harry," said Oliver, "Do you have any idea where Charlie is?"
"Sure," said Harry, "The last I saw him, he was headed towards the broom shed."
"Thanks," said Oliver and continued with a sheepish expression, "but where is the broom shed."
Ginny smiled seeing Harry blush as he gave instructions to Oliver.
"Thanks." Said Oliver as he sprinted towards the broom shed.
"Hey Ginny," Harry said, turning around, only to realise Ginny had moved a little behind him, "Who are you hiding from?"
"I'm not hiding," said Ginny, "You just looked so happy talking to them, that I didn't want to disturb you."
Harry smiled and said,
"You don't disturb me."
Ginny smiled adoringly as she shook her head.
"I know, I meant I didn't want to distract you."
"Well… that is possible," Harry said grinning.
X/|\X/|\X/|\X
Harry and Ginny continued walking around the Burrow as they met with many of their friends, both from Hogwarts and Order. Ginny noticed that Harry was really happy to see them, and Ginny thanked Merlin for that.
"I think we should turn around," said Harry as he suddenly stopped.
"Why?" asked Ginny.
"Did you forget," said Harry, "The Charms Bill set up ends somewhere around here, and I hope you do remember that a reporter or two always lurk around here."
"I still haven't forgiven you for saving Rita," Ginny accused Harry with a grin and Harry just smiled. He indeed had stopped Ginny from hexing Rita into next week once when she had started snapping pictures of them when they both were admiring the night sky.
"Hey Harry," came Ron's voice and Ginny turned around and saw Ron running towards them, sweat drops gleaming on his face.
"What?" Harry asked, irritated.
"Mum is calling you," said Ron and add as if he had just remembered, "Match will start in an hour or something."
"Thank you for the grave news," said Harry with a sour face, "And tell your Mum that Ginny and I will be coming in a minute."
"Okay," said Ron, still grinning like an idiot and Ginny had a momentary urge to wipe that grin off his face.
Harry and Ginny strolled around for some more time for no apparent reason, but just for living in the moment and for basking in the relief the others presence gave but like every good thing it came to an end, and soon they started heading back toward the Burrow.
"About time," muttered Ron, "I thought that you dumped us."
"It crossed my mind," said Harry with a smile as he entered.
"Harry," said her Mum as she engulfed Harry into a hug, "I was worried about you."
Ginny sighed in sympathy as she saw Harry been engulfed in her Mum's hug. Harry was the only one on whom her Mum had still been fussing on like mad, and partly it was Harry's fault was for not resisting her Mum's over-protecting nature.
"I'm fine Mrs. Weasley," said Harry, his cheeks burning red with embarrassment, "I'm really fine Mrs. Weasley."
"Mum," whined Ron, "are you going to set up the food; I'm dying to eat something."
"You can wait Ron," said her Mum sternly as she pulled herself away from the hug and Harry heaved a sigh of relief and mouthed "Thank you" to him.
Ron just smiled and turned to head out in the orchard, where the table was set up since they could not fit everyone inside.
Harry followed everyone outside and his eyes went round as saucer as he saw the massive form of Hagrid in one corner.
"Hagrid," shouted Harry as he ran towards him.
"'Arry," said Hagrid in a gruff tone as he turned his massive body towards him.
Ginny saw this from a corner and turned around when she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"What do you need Hermione?" asked Ginny in an irritated tone as she remembered what Ron had said.
"Did I do something wrong?" enquired Hermione as she looked at her Ginny quizzically.
"Oh yes you did," said Ginny scathingly.
"Are you going to tell me what I did wrong?" Hermione asked with an exasperated sigh, "Or are we going to play this game."
This threw Ginny off track because she had expected Hermione to change the topic, not talk about it and behave as if she genuinely did not know what she was talking about.
"Fine," said Ginny a little unsure of herself, "You knew about the Quidditch match?"
"Oh..." said Hermione, "it is about that."
"Yes it is about that," said Ginny, and she only had a shrewd idea about what Hermione meant.
"You do know Ginny that I and as well as others, meant to surprise you," said Hermione with a warm expression, "You do know that I wouldn't have kept it from you if I could've helped it, but George made me promise."
"So how come Harry got to know before me?" demanded Ginny as she pouted at her.
"Harry knew?" asked Hermione sharply and Ginny's eyes glinted as she looked over her shoulder at Ron who had joined Harry and Hagrid, and an evil smile came on her lips.
"Ron told him yesterday," said Ginny as she looked back at Hermione, feeling no guilt about ratting Ron out, "He said that the other decided to tell him a day before me."
"That was not what we planned," said Hermione seriously, as she glared at Ron, "I'm going to talk to him."
Ginny grinned and nodded, and they both started walking towards Hagrid.
"Good to see you Hagrid," said Hermione cheerfully and Hagrid pulled her in a hug.
Ginny smiled from her position but it was only until Hagrid didn't see her.
"Ginny," said Hagrid and pulled her in a hug. Ginny's face was pushed against Hagrid's stomach and Ginny felt like she would suffocate. It was not as if Hagrid had not hugged her before, but she swore that she never came this close to suffocating.
"Thanks Hagrid," said Ginny awkwardly as she patted her hair down.
"What brings you here Hagrid?" asked Ginny as she looked back and saw everyone setting the table, even Hermione's parents. It made Ginny feel guilty and she started to look for a reason to leave the group to help them.
"Charlie called me for seeing the match," said Hagrid with a smile, his giant figure making his smile look a little intimidating, "Wanted to talk to Charlie about Norbetta, you see. Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick are here too." Hagrid added after a bit of silence.
"I remembered something Hagrid," said Hermione as she glared at Ron.
"Me too Hagrid," said Ron as he followed Hermione, looking as confused as ever.
Ginny looked behind her and saw that others were still busy preparing the table.
"Excuse me Hagrid," said Ginny as he started to head toward the table, leaving Harry alone.
Ginny quietly picked up a stack of new plates and started arranging them neatly on the table. She continued working silently, keeping herself busy with one thing or another as she helped all around the table.
"You must be Ginny," said Mrs. Granger with a warm smile.
Ginny nodded her head, putting the plates she had been holding on the table.
"Mind if I ask you something?" asked Mrs. Granger with a shifty look towards Hermione that told Ginny that it was about Hermione.
"Umm... sure," Ginny said, a little unsure about what the question might be.
"Is there something going on between Harry and umm... Hermione?" asked Mrs. Granger in a small voice and Ginny gawked at her for a mixture of reasons.
When Ginny did not reply for many moments, Mrs. Granger said hastily, "You must be thinking what a horrible parent I am, trying to keep tab on my daughter."
"Erm... no, I don't think so Mrs. Granger," said Ginny after a bit of silence as she composed the stray thoughts in her minds in a meaningful line, "And no, there is nothing going on between Harry and Hermione except friendship although I can understand what you mean."
"You do?" said Mrs. Granger and without waiting for her answer, she continued albeit Ginny did nod, "It's just that she talked so much about him and that boy, Ron, more about him though."
"Well," said Ginny with a somewhat bitter smile, "When you are on a run together for a year, I suppose you do get fond of each other and those three had been friends for eight years now; I would have been more amazed if she hadn't told you about them."
"She always did talk about those two," said Mrs. Granger with a glazed look in her eyes, "From the very first letter she sent us; though I have to confess I never thought that they will become such good friends, she used to complain about them so much that it got annoying and then one day suddenly, she became their friend."
Ginny continued to chat with Mrs. Granger for a while before she realised that everyone had gathered around the table.
Smiling, Mrs. Granger took her leave, going to find her husband. Ginny had an idea where he would be since her own Dad had been missing for a while now.
"Ginny," came Dean's voice and Ginny turned in the direction of voice and sure enough, their stood Dean with Seamus.
"What are you doing here?" asked Ginny and then corrected herself, "I mean, it's really good seeing you here, but I thought you couldn't come." She finished fabricating a smooth lie to cover up her awkward start.
"Ah yes," said Dean, shifting his weight on his feet, "I changed my mind; after all this is the 'legendary match' if Prophet is to be believed."
Ginny groaned and was happy that Harry was not here; she could just imagine the expressions he would have on his face if he heard it.
"Can't they leave us alone?" sighed Ginny and promised herself that she would read Daily Prophet from on, at least she would try to skip through it. However, she was not sure if her Mum had taken the re-subscription of Daily Prophet after she had stopped it in Ginny's sixth year because of all the lies they had been printing about Harry. Moreover, it seemed as if they had not learnt from their past mistakes but at least these lies seemed to be in Harry's favour.
"... getting attention too," Dean seemed to be still going on about something, so Ginny focused her attention on him, "I mean since the war back in Hogwarts, reporters have been following us like shadows, trying to pry out any piece of information we could give them. Now I know why Harry hated this attention; they just don't leave you alone."
Ginny nodded her consent and Seamus added in an undertone, which was loud enough that Ginny could hear him clearly, "You didn't seem to hate it when a couple of girls came for your autographs."
Dean glared at Seamus as Ginny laughed, shaking her head, amused.
"Hey Ginny," came George's voice, "Want to bet?"
"Hmm..." said Ginny as she remembered the promise she had made to Harry, "Sure."
George gave her a dazzling smile and said, "Talk to Lee."
"Why not you?" asked Ginny.
"I am a player," said George puffing out his chest for show, but it did not humour Ginny but it did not seem to down George's spirit, "Do you think it will be good for me to get my hands dirty with this bookie business? Lee is managing it."
"But didn't you started it?" said Ginny bluntly and it only made George grin bigger.
"You wouldn't understand Gin-Gin," said George, reminding Ginny of her horrible nickname they had coined, "You are still a kid."
"We will see who the kid is when I will whoop your arse in the match,' growled Ginny and heard the noises of snickering coming from behind her. Ginny turned around and threw a nasty look at Dean and Seamus.
She turned back and saw George had gone away. Sighing in frustration, Ginny walked around, her eyes searching for Lee.
"Hey Lee," shouted Ginny as she saw him writing something on a parchment.
"Hey," said Lee and Ginny saw him stowing the parchment away in a hurry.
"What was that?" asked Ginny as she walked towards him.
"Nothing," said Lee, and continued before Ginny had the time to enquire further, "What brings you to me?"
"What do you think?" said Ginny in an irritated voice; she was really getting fed up of everyone today.
As if a switch had flipped inside Lee's head, he continued in a business like voice,
"How much do you want to bet?"
"Maybe two Galleons," said Ginny with a shrug and Lee looked at her as if Ginny had sprouted horns.
"What?" asked Ginny, getting unnerved because Lee constant staring.
"You know that even Ron betted 6 Galleons," said Lee in a casual tone.
"He had that much," Ginny said, disbelief written all over her face and continued to almost herself, "No wonder he was being so serious about that."
"So what do you think?" asked Lee, "Want to increase your wager?"
"No," said Ginny in a regretful sigh, "This is all I had."
"Okay," said Lee, "Pay up."
"Now?" asked Ginny.
"Yes," said Lee, "Let me guess, this is your first bet ever."
"No, of course not," said Ginny without missing a beat.
"I mean, real bet," said Lee emphasising 'real', "not the silly ones one makes with their friends or family."
"Oh… yes," confessed Ginny.
"I thought so," said Lee, "Bring the money and we will put your wager."
"Why are you making such a fuss out of it anyway?" asked Ginny angrily.
Lee did not say anything; he just pulled out a bundled newspaper, flattened it on the wall and all but shoved it in Ginny's face.
Ginny snatched the newspaper from his hand and read it. On the front page, in bold letters was written, "A new page in Quidditch history."
"Seriously?" Ginny hummed to herself.
"Yes," replied Lee, "So as you see now, this is a big deal. If someone could get Prophet the pics from the match, they will be in for a dirty load of Galleons or so I have heard."
"So why don't you lot just start snapping pictures instead of mugging people off their money?" said Ginny.
"First, we are not mugging people off their money," said Lee with pride, "And second, you wouldn't understand. However, if you don't want to bet, then don't. But just to let you know, except your Mum, Harry and Charlie everyone here had placed a bet."
"Everyone?" said Ginny her eyebrows arching in wonder, "Even Hermione and Professor McGonagall?"
"Yes, even them," said Lee as he looked at his wristwatch, "And if you don't want to place a bet, leave me alone; I have some work to do."
Ginny scowled at him, turned around and stomped to her room. Fishing into her closet, Ginny fished out her small purse and emptied it out on her hands.
Ginny sighed as she counted her savings; three Galleons, fourteen Sickles and two Knuts.
With heavy heart, Ginny took the three Galleons and dumped the rest back in her purse as she sighed,
"Harry you better catch that snitch."
"Here," said Ginny as she reluctantly handed her money to Lee, after coming out of the Burrow.
"Increased your wager after all," said Lee with a smile as he saw three Galleons in her hand. He took them, dumped them into a pouch and asked her, "Who would you like to bet on?"
"Do I really need to say?" said Ginny in a resigned voice.
"It will be better," said Lee, looking uninterested, "so yes."
"Harry," said Ginny and Lee noted it down on the parchment, but Ginny had said his name because she had spotted him, not to Lee, but it was not as if it mattered anyway.
"What are you doing here Ginny?" asked Harry as he came closer, "Hey Lee."
"Hey Harry," said Lee grinning, "What do you think about placing a bet?"
"I'll pass," said Harry chuckling.
"And yes," said Harry as if he suddenly remembered something, "Mrs. Weasley is calling everyone for eating, then we had to go for the match."
Ginny noticed that Harry was not scoffing anymore at the mention of match and she figured that he must have solved everything with Ron.
Ginny nodded and started heading back to the orchard while Lee said that he would be there in a moment.
Harry jogged up to her and they started walking together. When they reached the orchard, Ginny saw that everyone had already settled around on chairs. Ginny was momentarily taken aback by the massive size of the table. It almost started from one boundary and stretched to the end.
"Sit down Ginny," whispered Harry as he led her to an empty chair.
"Okay," said Ginny unconsciously as she slid into a chair.
"Hey Ginny," said Hermione, "Snap out of it."
"Erm... ah... yes Hermione," Ginny said, as she looked at Hermione, "What were you saying?"
"Nothing," said Hermione as she sighed, "Just concentrate here."
"Okay," said Ginny but suddenly a question sprang in her mind, "Hermione how was Mum able to cook for all these people. It's like a small gathering; I'm guessing there are around thirty forty people."
"Your Mum didn't cook it alone," said Hermione with an amused expression, "She had help. Fleur, Angelina, Katie, me, Mrs. Tonks, Neville's Gran and some members from Order helped us. And even Luna tried to help us, but no one let her."
"I can't understand," Ginny sighed turning to her, "How can a simple Quidditch match turn into something this bothersome and big? If I had been an outsider, I would have thought that it was a gathering of a rather large family."
"It does seem that way," said Hermione smiling as he looked at her parents who seemed to be bewildered because of all the magic around them, "but honestly, it was planned to be just a Quidditch game, but see what it turned out as. Words spread and everyone started asking us if it was true. We confirmed and then one thing led to another, and now we have this big gathering here."
"Still," said Ginny, not sure what she was referring to.
"If you are talking about the lunch," said Hermione, piling her plate as a charmed tray hovered above her plate, "your Mum insisted on that. She said that she would love to cook for everyone who will join us today. But no one would let your Mum do it alone, so we all agreed to help her."
"Okay," said Ginny not sure what she was going to say after that, so she just busied herself by piling her plate.
"But what do you think about this little gathering?" asked Hermione as she started eating.
"I think it is good," said Ginny as she too, started eating, "I mean, we needed that and it is always good to see friends. However, I am not sure if I like this betting thing; it just turned everyone so nervous as if his or her life is on the line. That reminds me; didn't you put a wager in the bet too?"
Hermione blushed as she said,
"Well, I couldn't resist; I mean almost everyone put on a wager on either Harry or Charlie and I thought since I had some money to spare, why not go with the flow."
"That don't make sense Hermione," said Ginny, "And say, who did you bet on?"
"Nah... I'm not telling you," said Hermione pointedly and as Ginny opened her mouth to protest, Hermione added, "I don't want to jinx it."
Ginny just sighed as she looked around the massive table.
"Why are some chairs still empty?" Ginny asked out of boredom as she pointed at a bunch of empty chairs.
"Some people have not arrived yet," said Hermione nonchalantly, "Neville, Kingsley etc." Hermione finished in an unconcerned tone.
"But didn't you say that Neville Gran was helping you in the kitchen?" asked Ginny.
"She is here," said Hermione pointing at her. Ginny looked in the direction and saw her sitting farther down from her, "but she said that Neville has some work to do, however he will be here before the match starts."
"And I just remember," said Ginny as she remembered the earlier part of her conversation, "I never saw Luna or the others."
"Well, you would have if you have stayed put in the house," said Hermione, almost accusingly, "You were out all the time, and even Harry helped us before he went off to play with Ted."
"Ted is here?" asked Ginny dumbfound.
"Do you think Mrs. Tonks would have left a year old child alone Ginny," said Hermione as if Ginny had mortally offended her, "Sometimes you are just too much."
Ginny smiled embarrassed, as she looked everywhere but at Hermione.
The rest of the lunch passed silently and all Ginny could do was staring at Harry, who — Ginny noticed just then — was playing with Ted. Ron seemed to make him cackle by making weird faces and Ginny felt bad for not helping out with anything. She felt so useless.
Eating as fast as possible without being impolite, Ginny stood up and made her way to the kitchen, where she put the dirty plate.
"Hey Ginny," came Harry's voice from behind her, "Want to play with Teddy?"
Ginny turned around and saw Teddy in his hands and Ginny smiled, as she saw Harry trying to shift Ted into a comfortable position.
"You don't…" Ginny began but shut herself off as she just took Teddy in her arms. He looked at her with his big soulful eyes, which made Ginny heart churn with adoration and Ginny saw that Ted hair started to change his hair from black to red to mirror hers. Ginny smiled and Ted flailed her little fist, smiling as drool slipped out of the corner of his months. Ginny lightly pressed his little nose with her own, cooed, turned to Harry and said,
"Harry he is so cute."
"I know."
"Can I hold him for a little while?" Ginny asked him as she blinked at him innocently.
"Sure," said Harry laughing.
"Hey Harry come out," came George voice. Harry looked at her with an apologetic voice and headed towards the door.
However, Ginny could not care less. She sat on the floor her back leaning against the wall as she made silly faces and threw Teddy in the air because he seemed to love it.
Ginny did not know how much time passed since she started playing with Teddy, but she did not care. She was enjoying keeping him company or rather Teddy was keeping her company with his ever-changing physique.
"Hey Ginny," came someone voice and Ginny turned to look at the new arrival.
"Hey," said Ginny, a smile on her lips as she saw Luna.
"Little Teddy keeping you happy?" asked Luna in her usual dreamy state and Ginny nodded laughing; Luna was the only one who could have said this and she was right.
She sat beside her and Teddy took a sudden interest in Luna as he stared at her, a curious expression on his little face.
"Hey little Teddy," said Luna, leaning towards him. Teddy flailed his arms and suddenly made a move to grab Luna eyes.
"I think he likes you," Ginny said smiling as she saw the little exchange.
"I think nargals are surrounding him," said Luna with a serious expression which made Ginny wonder for a second if nargals were actually surrounding Teddy, "You should go outside with little Teddy; see nargals don't like sunlight."
"Okay," Ginny said as she stood up. It was time for the match already.
"Ginny," came Ron's bellowing voice, "come out; we are going to the paddock for the match."
"Coming," Ginny shouted and then continued in a small voice, "He doesn't have to shout like this; it's not like I am suffering from Dragon Pox."
"Took you long enough," grumbled Ron as Ginny came out of the Burrow.
"Shut up already," said Ginny throwing him a nasty glare.
"Ginny," came Harry's voice and Ginny turned around to look at him.
"Can I have Teddy now?" he asked and Ginny stared at him quizzically, "It's just that Mrs. Tonks was looking for him and I said he was with you, but I think it will be better if I return Teddy to her as soon as possible."
Ginny nodded and reluctantly handed Teddy to him. He did not make any move or sound that insinuated that he missed her and Ginny sighed heavily in resignation. Today suddenly just didn't look like her day anymore.
"Where are you lost Ginny?" asked Hermione, tapping on her shoulder.
"Nothing," said Ginny with a sigh, "Just commiseration over all the blunders I have made today, including ignoring almost everyone, being selfish, unhelpful…"
"Cut it out Ginny," said Hermione, "Everyone had these days; it's just too bad that you are facing yours today. And anyway, aren't you excited about the match?"
"Am I supposed to be?" asked Ginny in a dull voice, and then not even waiting for Hermione's answer, she continued, "Well I guess I should be. I play or at least used to play Quidditch."
"Everyone listen up," came Kingsley deep booming voice, "Charlie and Harry are going to select their team."
Ginny ears perked up as she heard Kingsley's announcement. Like everyone else, her eyes turned to the makeshift platform where Harry, Charlie and Kingsley were standing.
"Okay," said Kingsley, "Time for a toss."
Kingsley fished in his pocket and took out a Galleon.
"Minister," came Lee's voice full of mirth, "you said you betted every last Knut you had; where did that came from?"
"Well a Minister needs to have his backup," Kingsley said smiling and continued, "Head or tails Harry."
"Heads," said Harry as Kingsley threw the Galleon up in the air. After a bit of flipping upwards, the coin started to make its descent downwards, still flipping and halted to a stop with a soft thump as it landed on the platform.
"Charlie," said Kingsley as Charlie punched the air like a hormonal teenager, "Seems as you will pull the first name."
Saying that, Kingsley flicked his wand and a bowl materialised in front of him. He fished out a piece of paper from it and as soon as it pulled it out, it blasted with a bang and Ginny's name flashed in the sky and Ginny groaned audibly. Today was not her day for sure.
With heavy steps, Ginny walked to the platform and stood there without even glancing at Charlie.
"Harry your turn," said Kingsley and Ginny heard the bang and heard Harry calling George's name who whopped in happiness.
Soon the selection was done and team were like this.
Charlie got Ginny, Oliver, Angelina, Seamus, Bill and Alicia; while Harry got, Ron, George, Dean, Katie, Alicia and Terry.