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-- Progress has been a lot slower in this work, but since this chapter is a lot shorter than I realized, I've decided to go ahead and treat my readers to one of my occasional two-for-one specials! Just be sure you appreciate it! *laughs* 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! Please don't print or post this elsewhere without my knowledge.
Raiining--I think you might have a point about Hermione's obsession with Elf rights playing a large purpose we have yet to discover. Unfortunately, I really don't know what that might be. I don't think I've heard an actual ETA on Book 6, though (perhaps due to hopeful delusion) I have a nagging feeling I've heard it should be released in a year or two. Information about book six is surprisingly thin, but The Leaky Cauldron does have the transcript of an excellent QA session with JKR. I found it very thought-provoking. Anyway...if anyone does here when book six is coming, I'd love to know!
JamieBell--I'm glad to know you think I've done a good job of allowing Hermione room to grow and develop. :-) It's kind of fun to see the similarities and differences between Ginny and her siblings, isn't it? *grins* I love your reviews, too! *hugs*
J. Rhaye-- Ex-ACTLY. *grins* And Harry and Ron never even IMAGINED. I mean, HONESTLY! *snickers* "She's a good enough friend to stand up to Hermione when necessary, but also stand BY if needed." That's a great way to put it! I definitely think it's one of the hardest and most rewarding parts of a really good (and long-standing) friendship that people don't appreciate as much as they should, SO I'm really glad you noticed it! *beams* Ah...I liked that little description, too...thanks so much for your praise! *blushes* Thanks for another perceptive and supportive review; that sort of thing contributes more than you can imagine! *hugs*
EEDOE--Thinking of you. Looking forward to your return--and your stories! :-) *hugs*
Bill--Umm...yeah...*grins* Although I think Ginny did mean what she said and wasn't ONLY using it as an excuse, I have to admit I don't put it past her to know it was the easiest and least painful route to her ultimate goal and use it without much remorse. You make a good point about Ron having similar leverage with the slugs, but while I don't deny he is a bit thick, I think the major reason it didn't occurr to him was simply because he's too open and straightforward to intentionally manipulate people with things he did with no expectation of return, if you know what I mean. *shrugs sheepishly* A wealth potion would be nice, but you do make an excellent point about its position (or the position of wealth in general) in the HP universe. I personally would think that the potion is both a bit tricky to make (since Snape loves to try to make his students look less capable than they potentially are) and prone to nasty side-effects...or at least rather detrimental ones...I personally picture something like the "wealth stone" in "On a Pale Horse" where the Potion could potentially draw great wealth, but only if it happened to be closer than whatever gummy penny might be lying about. *smirks* You pegged the point of Ginny's reaction...of this story...and of the whole arc...beautifully. *grins* That is indeed exactly what I think Ginny's story is all about...the human journey. Which is why all of the titles in her little collection deal with feelings, ideas, etc, as opposed to physical objects. *blushes* Um...anyway...I totally agree with you about the upcoming setback being only a setback in the short-term, because it is needed as a step forward. Unfortunately, I remember what the death of that long term crush feels like. *winces* Ouch. *sighs* Still...it's exactly like the tempering of a fine steel blade...necessary to make the strong and flexible woman Ginny (or any girl) ultimately owes it to herself to become. I like that bit from OotP...I hadn't realized how strongly it applied to the entire events of that book! *grins* I'm going to mull that one over at length--thanks for pointing it out! *hugs*
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Ginny wasn't any more thrilled about missing Astronomy on the 30th than she had been before, but as she made her way outside to join her classmates, she had to admit to some interest in strangers. Except for the street urchins in Egypt, she'd never really met anyone her own age from another country—Scotland and Ireland didn't count, and neither did India, as it had been part of Britain once—though she had vague memories of Bill receiving a hat from a pen friend once…she thought it might have done something to his ears…She managed to keep herself occupied in half-hearted attempt to recall the details for longer than she would have thought possible, but as long as it seemed to be taking the other schools to arrive.
Standing in the third row from the front, Ginny had a hard time seeing over the younger students in front of her, and in spite of the distinct impression she was getting that their view of the empty grounds didn't wasn't much more interesting than her lack of it, it was almost enough to make her wish she were younger. Or would have been, if she didn't remember being younger. She sighed, wishing she could get up the nerve—or inspiration—to do something to make the head in front of her more exciting. She had fallen into some sort of trance bordering on a bored coma, so that Dumbledore's voice seemed to filter through from another life as he finally observed, "Aha! Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons approaches."
"Where?" everyone in the crowd asked at once, all except Ginny, who was still trying to regain her mental balance.
"There!" yelled a sixth year, pointing at a spot over the depths of the Forbidden Forest. The second year in front of Ginny nearly gave her a nosebleed by jerking her head back to look up, but Ginny hardly noticed. Something large and blue was galloping toward them. "It's a dragon!" shrieked a nearby first year.
"Don't be stupid," scoffed Colin's surprisingly astute little brother. "It's a flying house!"
They were both right—after a fashion.
The giant carriage was nearly the size of a house, and pulled by several horses that each seemed nearly the size of a small dragon. They ensemble landed with such a crash Ginny rather expected it to leave a crater. The door—bearing a coat of arms Ginny really didn't get a good look at, but that seemed somewhat ridiculously delicate and elegant—opened and a boy in equally delicate blue robes—to match the carriage, Ginny could only suppose—jump out to release a set of golden steps. Ginny snorted, a sound cut off somewhat short by the appearance on those steps of what was quite possibly the largest shoe she had ever seen. The shoe seemed to be connected to a leg, and following the leg, it seemed to lead up…and up…and up…to a woman tall enough to look Hagrid in the eye without the slightest trouble. Somehow their similar size was even more intimidating on her—in spite of the fact she was actually quite beautiful. Or perhaps because of it? Ginny couldn't be sure… Perhaps it didn't have anything to do with the woman's beauty at all, and was only because Hagrid was so kind and gentle…
Dumbledore clapped, so the students—Ginny included this time—did too. The tall woman stepped forward and extended her hand. Dumbledore barely had to lean forward at all to kiss it, a circumstance that somewhat limited the chivalry of the gesture, to Ginny's disappointment. The tall woman politely didn't notice. "My dear Madam Maxim, welcome to Hogwarts."
"Dumbly-dorr," the woman purred. She had a voice like a bass cello, an instrument Ginny had always rather enjoyed, if not thought of as feminine. "I hope I find you well?"
"In excellent form, I thank you," Dumbledore assured her, sounding quite amused.
"My pupils," Madam Maxim said, gesturing dismissively toward a rather lackluster dozen boys and girls. Apparently none of them had bothered looking into the climate near Hogwarts, as every single one of them was shivering noticeably in their matching thin blue robes. Ginny rolled her eyes. Still, she couldn't help feeling a bit sympathetic as the wind was quite sharp. Dumbledore must have been thinking something similar, for he was responding to Madam Maxim's inquiries as to the other school's arrival with an offer to step inside and warm up.
Once he'd finally managed to convince her that Hagrid was, indeed, more than capable of handling her bizarre—but beautiful—horses, Madam Maxim was more than willing to accept.
Author's Notes-- Progress has been a lot slower in this work, but since this chapter is a lot shorter than I realized, I've decided to go ahead and treat my readers to one of my occasional two-for-one specials! Just be sure you appreciate it! *laughs* 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! Please don't print or post this elsewhere without my knowledge.
Raiining--I think you might have a point about Hermione's obsession with Elf rights playing a large purpose we have yet to discover. Unfortunately, I really don't know what that might be. I don't think I've heard an actual ETA on Book 6, though (perhaps due to hopeful delusion) I have a nagging feeling I've heard it should be released in a year or two. Information about book six is surprisingly thin, but The Leaky Cauldron does have the transcript of an excellent QA session with JKR. I found it very thought-provoking. Anyway...if anyone does here when book six is coming, I'd love to know!
JamieBell--I'm glad to know you think I've done a good job of allowing Hermione room to grow and develop. :-) It's kind of fun to see the similarities and differences between Ginny and her siblings, isn't it? *grins* I love your reviews, too! *hugs*
J. Rhaye-- Ex-ACTLY. *grins* And Harry and Ron never even IMAGINED. I mean, HONESTLY! *snickers* "She's a good enough friend to stand up to Hermione when necessary, but also stand BY if needed." That's a great way to put it! I definitely think it's one of the hardest and most rewarding parts of a really good (and long-standing) friendship that people don't appreciate as much as they should, SO I'm really glad you noticed it! *beams* Ah...I liked that little description, too...thanks so much for your praise! *blushes* Thanks for another perceptive and supportive review; that sort of thing contributes more than you can imagine! *hugs*
EEDOE--Thinking of you. Looking forward to your return--and your stories! :-) *hugs*
Bill--Umm...yeah...*grins* Although I think Ginny did mean what she said and wasn't ONLY using it as an excuse, I have to admit I don't put it past her to know it was the easiest and least painful route to her ultimate goal and use it without much remorse. You make a good point about Ron having similar leverage with the slugs, but while I don't deny he is a bit thick, I think the major reason it didn't occurr to him was simply because he's too open and straightforward to intentionally manipulate people with things he did with no expectation of return, if you know what I mean. *shrugs sheepishly* A wealth potion would be nice, but you do make an excellent point about its position (or the position of wealth in general) in the HP universe. I personally would think that the potion is both a bit tricky to make (since Snape loves to try to make his students look less capable than they potentially are) and prone to nasty side-effects...or at least rather detrimental ones...I personally picture something like the "wealth stone" in "On a Pale Horse" where the Potion could potentially draw great wealth, but only if it happened to be closer than whatever gummy penny might be lying about. *smirks* You pegged the point of Ginny's reaction...of this story...and of the whole arc...beautifully. *grins* That is indeed exactly what I think Ginny's story is all about...the human journey. Which is why all of the titles in her little collection deal with feelings, ideas, etc, as opposed to physical objects. *blushes* Um...anyway...I totally agree with you about the upcoming setback being only a setback in the short-term, because it is needed as a step forward. Unfortunately, I remember what the death of that long term crush feels like. *winces* Ouch. *sighs* Still...it's exactly like the tempering of a fine steel blade...necessary to make the strong and flexible woman Ginny (or any girl) ultimately owes it to herself to become. I like that bit from OotP...I hadn't realized how strongly it applied to the entire events of that book! *grins* I'm going to mull that one over at length--thanks for pointing it out! *hugs*
*****************************************************************************************************************************
Ginny wasn't any more thrilled about missing Astronomy on the 30th than she had been before, but as she made her way outside to join her classmates, she had to admit to some interest in strangers. Except for the street urchins in Egypt, she'd never really met anyone her own age from another country—Scotland and Ireland didn't count, and neither did India, as it had been part of Britain once—though she had vague memories of Bill receiving a hat from a pen friend once…she thought it might have done something to his ears…She managed to keep herself occupied in half-hearted attempt to recall the details for longer than she would have thought possible, but as long as it seemed to be taking the other schools to arrive.
Standing in the third row from the front, Ginny had a hard time seeing over the younger students in front of her, and in spite of the distinct impression she was getting that their view of the empty grounds didn't wasn't much more interesting than her lack of it, it was almost enough to make her wish she were younger. Or would have been, if she didn't remember being younger. She sighed, wishing she could get up the nerve—or inspiration—to do something to make the head in front of her more exciting. She had fallen into some sort of trance bordering on a bored coma, so that Dumbledore's voice seemed to filter through from another life as he finally observed, "Aha! Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons approaches."
"Where?" everyone in the crowd asked at once, all except Ginny, who was still trying to regain her mental balance.
"There!" yelled a sixth year, pointing at a spot over the depths of the Forbidden Forest. The second year in front of Ginny nearly gave her a nosebleed by jerking her head back to look up, but Ginny hardly noticed. Something large and blue was galloping toward them. "It's a dragon!" shrieked a nearby first year.
"Don't be stupid," scoffed Colin's surprisingly astute little brother. "It's a flying house!"
They were both right—after a fashion.
The giant carriage was nearly the size of a house, and pulled by several horses that each seemed nearly the size of a small dragon. They ensemble landed with such a crash Ginny rather expected it to leave a crater. The door—bearing a coat of arms Ginny really didn't get a good look at, but that seemed somewhat ridiculously delicate and elegant—opened and a boy in equally delicate blue robes—to match the carriage, Ginny could only suppose—jump out to release a set of golden steps. Ginny snorted, a sound cut off somewhat short by the appearance on those steps of what was quite possibly the largest shoe she had ever seen. The shoe seemed to be connected to a leg, and following the leg, it seemed to lead up…and up…and up…to a woman tall enough to look Hagrid in the eye without the slightest trouble. Somehow their similar size was even more intimidating on her—in spite of the fact she was actually quite beautiful. Or perhaps because of it? Ginny couldn't be sure… Perhaps it didn't have anything to do with the woman's beauty at all, and was only because Hagrid was so kind and gentle…
Dumbledore clapped, so the students—Ginny included this time—did too. The tall woman stepped forward and extended her hand. Dumbledore barely had to lean forward at all to kiss it, a circumstance that somewhat limited the chivalry of the gesture, to Ginny's disappointment. The tall woman politely didn't notice. "My dear Madam Maxim, welcome to Hogwarts."
"Dumbly-dorr," the woman purred. She had a voice like a bass cello, an instrument Ginny had always rather enjoyed, if not thought of as feminine. "I hope I find you well?"
"In excellent form, I thank you," Dumbledore assured her, sounding quite amused.
"My pupils," Madam Maxim said, gesturing dismissively toward a rather lackluster dozen boys and girls. Apparently none of them had bothered looking into the climate near Hogwarts, as every single one of them was shivering noticeably in their matching thin blue robes. Ginny rolled her eyes. Still, she couldn't help feeling a bit sympathetic as the wind was quite sharp. Dumbledore must have been thinking something similar, for he was responding to Madam Maxim's inquiries as to the other school's arrival with an offer to step inside and warm up.
Once he'd finally managed to convince her that Hagrid was, indeed, more than capable of handling her bizarre—but beautiful—horses, Madam Maxim was more than willing to accept.