Disclaimer--If you like it, assume I don't own it. The Potterverse belongs to JKR, Steve Klowes, Scholastic and WB. Fanon belongs to the multitude...I'm simply paying homage with the sincerest form of flattery. Most of this scene is from GoF by JK Rowling. No copyright infringement is intended, and no money is being made.
Author's Notes-- For those of you who know my posting habits, a warning progress may be a lot slower in this work. I hope you'll make the effort to stick with me anyway. As you all know, I may not own it, but I work hard, and I love it, so if you read it and enjoy it, please review it!
In the spirit of the holiday season, I've created a holiday card for you all. If you didn't receive a link, please feel free to take a look here: http://www.hallmark.com/hmk/Website/Shopping/Greetings/siv1031_receive.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0718137468.1071509802@@@@&BV_EngineID=cadcjdgkkfggbedcfchcfhi.0&fromPage=/Website/greeting.jsp&sku=siv1031
Ranting Idiot--Your poem is quite brilliant! *laughs and claps hands* You're back in my good graces...not that you ever left them. ;-) I feel bad about Cedric myself...I liked him. One of the brilliant things about HP is the fact that JK isn't afraid to spend a entire book (or books) making someone seem like a friend only to do what has to be done...it's bittersweet realism. *sighs* Still...
Bee11--If you don't notice the good stuff, you might as well be dead! *winks* As for Harry...well, at thirteen and fourteen boys are just STARTING to consider the possibility girls might exist. *grins* Give him time...
J. Rhaye--Don't worry...the major point is just to have fun! As long as you enjoy what you read, you're getting the message! *laughs* There are a few little hints or allusions, but I'm sure they'll fall into place, even if you don't realize you've seen them right away. A perfect example is that you're not off the mark at all...the title was chosen because it could refer to Harry and the shadow of what remains--which could be a connection from their shared experiences, or simply Ginny's one-sided feelings for him--between them, and/or to Tom-- the shadow of what remains of Voldemort after his encounter with Harry, or the shadow of the friendship he used to have with Ginny. See, pretty straightforward! *grins* So I wouldn't worry about looking too hard. *winks* No problem...I love those moments myself! *hugs* Yeah...Ginny is almost painfully fair, isn't she? I think it's because she's been in the position of having done something even she sees as awful and understands how she would feel if that was all people saw when they looked at her. But who knows? Oh, I agree with Bill too, but...*sighs* Anyway, I hope you keep enjoying the story! *hugs*
EEDOE--Cedric--the anti-Fred-and-George-Weasley. *laughs* Mr. Diggory is a bit much to take, isn't he? *makes face* Yeah...maybe we can convince Cedric to do some instant replays with us later. *winks* I've had that thought about the ministry too...I wonder if it's a statement on the way adults appear to children in general, or a specific statement on politicians...I know which I suspect! *winks* Thanks. *hugs*
Bill--I think you explained Ginny's reaction to Harry and Ron as well as I ever could. :-) Ginny is aware of Cedric...and I think she enjoys it a bit...she is female, after all. *winks* I agree completely about Mr. Roberts...I was confused by the muggle presence, too...perhaps the magical community didn't want to use the muggles' land without paying for it? Hmmm...I hadn't thought about that side of Arthur's opinion (I tend to read it as affectionately indulgent, as if the muggles are cute ), but you do make a very good point I'll have to muse on at length. I'm flattered you want me to maintain the pace, and I'll see what I can do, but I suspect I'm still not back to daily posts yet. *sighs* I wish I were! *hugs*
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Percy, Bill, and Charlie arrived just in time for breakfast, and they were halfway through when Ludo Bagman himself put in an appearance. Just looking at him, it was obvious he hadn't given security a thought-he was wearing Quidditch robes in stripes of black and yellow, and looked very noticeable.
"Arthur, old man. What a day, eh? What a day! Could we have asked for more perfect weather? A cloudless night coming...and hardly a hiccough in the arrangements...Not much for me to do!"
He hardly waited for Dad to complete introductions, let alone for them to thank him for their tickets before he continued. "Fancy a flutter on the match, Arthur?" He jingled his pockets invitingly, and mentioned several people who'd placed bets already.
"Oh, go on, then," Dad said, "Let's see, a galleon on Ireland to win?"
"A galleon? Very well." Bagman looked a bit disappointed. "Very well. Any other takers?"
"They're a bit young to be gambling," Dad said sharply. "Molly wouldn't like--"
"We'll bet thirty-seven galleons, fifteen sickles, and three knuts," Fred said, pooling money with George, "Ireland wins, but Viktor Krum gets the Snitch-oh, and we'll throw in a fake wand."
"You don't want to go showing Mr. Bagman rubbish like that--" Percy hissed, but Bagman roared with laughter.
"Excellent! I haven't seen one that convincing in years! I'd pay you five galleons for that!" Ginny exchanged looks with Ron, who shrugged.
"Boys," Dad warned under his breath, "I don't want you betting...that's all your savings. Your mother--"
"Don't be a spoilsport, Arthur! They're old enough to know what they want! You reckon Ireland will win but Krum'll get the Snitch? Not a chance boys, not a chance...I'll give you excellent odds on that one."
Ginny had to admit, it seemed absolutely ludicrous, and she wouldn't have risked her savings on it, but she wouldn't have bet against the twins. They had an uncanny knack for the impossible...and she didn't think they'd have risked their only business capital unless they were fairly certain they could get more...but she wondered where they'd come up with the idea...
"Couldn't do me a brew, I suppose? I'm keeping an eye out for Barty Crouch. My Bulgarian opposite number's making difficulties and I can't understand a word he's saying. Barty'll be able to sort it out. He speaks about a hundred and fifty languages."
"Mr. Crouch? He speaks over two hundred! Mermish and Gobbledygook and Troll..." Percy began.
"Anyone can speak Troll," Fred said dismissively. "All you have to do is point and grunt."
"Any news of Bertha Jorkins yet, Ludo?" Dad asked.
"Not a dicky bird," Bagman said with perfect unconcern. "But she'll turn up. Poor Bertha...memory like a leaky cauldron, and no sense of direction. Lost, you take my word for it. She'll wander back into the office sometime in October, thinking it's still July."
Ginny stared. //That certainly doesn't sound likely...//
"You don't think it might be time to send someone to look for her?" Dad prompted uncomfortably.
"Barty Crouch keeps saying that," Bagman answered, "but we really can't spare anyone at the moment... Oh, talk of the devil! Barty!"
The very stiff-looking wizard in a flawless suit and shoes so bright they gave Ginny a headache had been looking for Mr. Bagman...apparently he knew about the Bulgarians, who wanted another twelve seats in the Top Box.
"Mr. Crouch!" Percy was beside himself with excitement. "Would you like a cup of tea?"
"Oh, yes-thank you, Weatherby," Mr. Crouch said in surprise.
The twins nearly choked on laughter, but Ginny saw the flicker of pained disappointment in Percy's eyes and felt only sympathy as he turned away toward the kettle.
Mr. Crouch stuck around for several minutes, briefly discussing the embargo on flying carpets with Dad, holding the cup Percy had handed him, forgotten until Ludo Bagman brought up the plans at which Percy had been hinting most of the summer and he suddenly remembered they had to meet the Bulgarians.
"See you all later!" Bagman exclaimed, as Percy looked at the tea Mr. Crouch had given back, somewhat askance. "You'll be up in the Top Box with me-I'm commentating!" He waved, and Mr. Crouch-Ginny liked him less with each passing minute-nodded curtly as they Disapparated.
"What's happening at Hogwarts, Dad?" Fred was asking, almost before they'd gone. "What were they talking about?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Dad said, but he was smiling.
"It's classified information, until such time as the ministry decides to release it," Percy said stiffly, "Mr. Crouch was quite right not to disclose it."
Most of Ginny's sympathy for him evaporated. She couldn't understand why he would defend someone who treated him with such disinterest...it was really more like disrespect. She struggled against the urge to sigh. "Oh, shut up, Weatherby," Fred said flippantly, relieving her feelings slightly.
As the light of the day disappeared, salesman began to appear, carrying trays and pushing carts full of interesting items. There were rosettes similar to the ones students wore to games at Hogwarts to display their house colors, only these were red for Bulgaria or green for Ireland, and shouted players names-reminding Ginny of Luna's more creative badges-as they glowed softly in the gathering dark. There were pointed hats for both teams, Ireland's thickly bedecked in shamrocks while Bulgaria's were thick stripes of flashing red, green, and white decorated with a fierce-looking lion rearing its head, and matching scarves for both. Flags from each nation played the appropriate anthem as they were waved, model players walked across hands shouting trademark claims, and eyeing model brooms that flew. Ginny studied all of it in abject fascination, but even though she had plenty of money saved, she didn't buy anything but an Irish rosette. Bill and Charlie bought rosettes as well, and Dad bought a flag.
When Ron rejoined them at the tent, he was not only wearing an Irish rosette, but a hat. Ginny grinned as she realized he was carrying a model of Krum in spite of that. Harry was carrying three pair of very expensive-looking omnioculars Ginny couldn't help eyeing a bit covetously, and Hermione had even bought programs-she handed Ginny one surreptiously.
Something boomed through the trees, making them both jump and look around as green and red lanterns blazed into life, lighting a path. "It's time," Dad said, looking excited. "Come on, let's go!"
Author's Notes-- For those of you who know my posting habits, a warning progress may be a lot slower in this work. I hope you'll make the effort to stick with me anyway. As you all know, I may not own it, but I work hard, and I love it, so if you read it and enjoy it, please review it!
In the spirit of the holiday season, I've created a holiday card for you all. If you didn't receive a link, please feel free to take a look here: http://www.hallmark.com/hmk/Website/Shopping/Greetings/siv1031_receive.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0718137468.1071509802@@@@&BV_EngineID=cadcjdgkkfggbedcfchcfhi.0&fromPage=/Website/greeting.jsp&sku=siv1031
Ranting Idiot--Your poem is quite brilliant! *laughs and claps hands* You're back in my good graces...not that you ever left them. ;-) I feel bad about Cedric myself...I liked him. One of the brilliant things about HP is the fact that JK isn't afraid to spend a entire book (or books) making someone seem like a friend only to do what has to be done...it's bittersweet realism. *sighs* Still...
Bee11--If you don't notice the good stuff, you might as well be dead! *winks* As for Harry...well, at thirteen and fourteen boys are just STARTING to consider the possibility girls might exist. *grins* Give him time...
J. Rhaye--Don't worry...the major point is just to have fun! As long as you enjoy what you read, you're getting the message! *laughs* There are a few little hints or allusions, but I'm sure they'll fall into place, even if you don't realize you've seen them right away. A perfect example is that you're not off the mark at all...the title was chosen because it could refer to Harry and the shadow of what remains--which could be a connection from their shared experiences, or simply Ginny's one-sided feelings for him--between them, and/or to Tom-- the shadow of what remains of Voldemort after his encounter with Harry, or the shadow of the friendship he used to have with Ginny. See, pretty straightforward! *grins* So I wouldn't worry about looking too hard. *winks* No problem...I love those moments myself! *hugs* Yeah...Ginny is almost painfully fair, isn't she? I think it's because she's been in the position of having done something even she sees as awful and understands how she would feel if that was all people saw when they looked at her. But who knows? Oh, I agree with Bill too, but...*sighs* Anyway, I hope you keep enjoying the story! *hugs*
EEDOE--Cedric--the anti-Fred-and-George-Weasley. *laughs* Mr. Diggory is a bit much to take, isn't he? *makes face* Yeah...maybe we can convince Cedric to do some instant replays with us later. *winks* I've had that thought about the ministry too...I wonder if it's a statement on the way adults appear to children in general, or a specific statement on politicians...I know which I suspect! *winks* Thanks. *hugs*
Bill--I think you explained Ginny's reaction to Harry and Ron as well as I ever could. :-) Ginny is aware of Cedric...and I think she enjoys it a bit...she is female, after all. *winks* I agree completely about Mr. Roberts...I was confused by the muggle presence, too...perhaps the magical community didn't want to use the muggles' land without paying for it? Hmmm...I hadn't thought about that side of Arthur's opinion (I tend to read it as affectionately indulgent, as if the muggles are cute ), but you do make a very good point I'll have to muse on at length. I'm flattered you want me to maintain the pace, and I'll see what I can do, but I suspect I'm still not back to daily posts yet. *sighs* I wish I were! *hugs*
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Percy, Bill, and Charlie arrived just in time for breakfast, and they were halfway through when Ludo Bagman himself put in an appearance. Just looking at him, it was obvious he hadn't given security a thought-he was wearing Quidditch robes in stripes of black and yellow, and looked very noticeable.
"Arthur, old man. What a day, eh? What a day! Could we have asked for more perfect weather? A cloudless night coming...and hardly a hiccough in the arrangements...Not much for me to do!"
He hardly waited for Dad to complete introductions, let alone for them to thank him for their tickets before he continued. "Fancy a flutter on the match, Arthur?" He jingled his pockets invitingly, and mentioned several people who'd placed bets already.
"Oh, go on, then," Dad said, "Let's see, a galleon on Ireland to win?"
"A galleon? Very well." Bagman looked a bit disappointed. "Very well. Any other takers?"
"They're a bit young to be gambling," Dad said sharply. "Molly wouldn't like--"
"We'll bet thirty-seven galleons, fifteen sickles, and three knuts," Fred said, pooling money with George, "Ireland wins, but Viktor Krum gets the Snitch-oh, and we'll throw in a fake wand."
"You don't want to go showing Mr. Bagman rubbish like that--" Percy hissed, but Bagman roared with laughter.
"Excellent! I haven't seen one that convincing in years! I'd pay you five galleons for that!" Ginny exchanged looks with Ron, who shrugged.
"Boys," Dad warned under his breath, "I don't want you betting...that's all your savings. Your mother--"
"Don't be a spoilsport, Arthur! They're old enough to know what they want! You reckon Ireland will win but Krum'll get the Snitch? Not a chance boys, not a chance...I'll give you excellent odds on that one."
Ginny had to admit, it seemed absolutely ludicrous, and she wouldn't have risked her savings on it, but she wouldn't have bet against the twins. They had an uncanny knack for the impossible...and she didn't think they'd have risked their only business capital unless they were fairly certain they could get more...but she wondered where they'd come up with the idea...
"Couldn't do me a brew, I suppose? I'm keeping an eye out for Barty Crouch. My Bulgarian opposite number's making difficulties and I can't understand a word he's saying. Barty'll be able to sort it out. He speaks about a hundred and fifty languages."
"Mr. Crouch? He speaks over two hundred! Mermish and Gobbledygook and Troll..." Percy began.
"Anyone can speak Troll," Fred said dismissively. "All you have to do is point and grunt."
"Any news of Bertha Jorkins yet, Ludo?" Dad asked.
"Not a dicky bird," Bagman said with perfect unconcern. "But she'll turn up. Poor Bertha...memory like a leaky cauldron, and no sense of direction. Lost, you take my word for it. She'll wander back into the office sometime in October, thinking it's still July."
Ginny stared. //That certainly doesn't sound likely...//
"You don't think it might be time to send someone to look for her?" Dad prompted uncomfortably.
"Barty Crouch keeps saying that," Bagman answered, "but we really can't spare anyone at the moment... Oh, talk of the devil! Barty!"
The very stiff-looking wizard in a flawless suit and shoes so bright they gave Ginny a headache had been looking for Mr. Bagman...apparently he knew about the Bulgarians, who wanted another twelve seats in the Top Box.
"Mr. Crouch!" Percy was beside himself with excitement. "Would you like a cup of tea?"
"Oh, yes-thank you, Weatherby," Mr. Crouch said in surprise.
The twins nearly choked on laughter, but Ginny saw the flicker of pained disappointment in Percy's eyes and felt only sympathy as he turned away toward the kettle.
Mr. Crouch stuck around for several minutes, briefly discussing the embargo on flying carpets with Dad, holding the cup Percy had handed him, forgotten until Ludo Bagman brought up the plans at which Percy had been hinting most of the summer and he suddenly remembered they had to meet the Bulgarians.
"See you all later!" Bagman exclaimed, as Percy looked at the tea Mr. Crouch had given back, somewhat askance. "You'll be up in the Top Box with me-I'm commentating!" He waved, and Mr. Crouch-Ginny liked him less with each passing minute-nodded curtly as they Disapparated.
"What's happening at Hogwarts, Dad?" Fred was asking, almost before they'd gone. "What were they talking about?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Dad said, but he was smiling.
"It's classified information, until such time as the ministry decides to release it," Percy said stiffly, "Mr. Crouch was quite right not to disclose it."
Most of Ginny's sympathy for him evaporated. She couldn't understand why he would defend someone who treated him with such disinterest...it was really more like disrespect. She struggled against the urge to sigh. "Oh, shut up, Weatherby," Fred said flippantly, relieving her feelings slightly.
As the light of the day disappeared, salesman began to appear, carrying trays and pushing carts full of interesting items. There were rosettes similar to the ones students wore to games at Hogwarts to display their house colors, only these were red for Bulgaria or green for Ireland, and shouted players names-reminding Ginny of Luna's more creative badges-as they glowed softly in the gathering dark. There were pointed hats for both teams, Ireland's thickly bedecked in shamrocks while Bulgaria's were thick stripes of flashing red, green, and white decorated with a fierce-looking lion rearing its head, and matching scarves for both. Flags from each nation played the appropriate anthem as they were waved, model players walked across hands shouting trademark claims, and eyeing model brooms that flew. Ginny studied all of it in abject fascination, but even though she had plenty of money saved, she didn't buy anything but an Irish rosette. Bill and Charlie bought rosettes as well, and Dad bought a flag.
When Ron rejoined them at the tent, he was not only wearing an Irish rosette, but a hat. Ginny grinned as she realized he was carrying a model of Krum in spite of that. Harry was carrying three pair of very expensive-looking omnioculars Ginny couldn't help eyeing a bit covetously, and Hermione had even bought programs-she handed Ginny one surreptiously.
Something boomed through the trees, making them both jump and look around as green and red lanterns blazed into life, lighting a path. "It's time," Dad said, looking excited. "Come on, let's go!"