Tired from a hard days practise and weary of the rising threat to his world, Harry trudged his way towards a meeting which might decide his future. The location proved to be a rundown little cottage on the outskirts of a small English village that contained little more than a couple of houses and an all important pub.

He pushed open the creaky old door to find the inside rather crowded. Some people sat around a large table, though most stood talking in hushed voices. Those whispers stopped the moment Harry entered.

Few people were known to Harry, but they had all fought in the war. Kingsley Shacklebolt the Minister, Patrick Farenger the Minister of Sport and Albus Dumbledore were the most prominent of those seated. Beside them sat Tonks, who'd become a senior Auror, as well as Arthur, Bill, Charlie and Ron. Molly was at home helping Ginny despite the protests from both. Though the wavered since the dress was apparently behind schedule.

"Evening," Harry managed to say. The words filled the silence and the tension broke just enough to get people talking again. Harry quickly made his way to an empty seat beside Dumbledore.

It felt uncomfortable sitting amongst so many men and women who had sacrificed so much to help win the war and yet knowing almost nothing about any of them. They were all people with stories and families. For now he could only wish that he would learn more someday in the future.

Dumbledore stood and the room grew still once again. "Thank you for attending this meeting. I am sure most of you will be wondering why you have been asked to come here tonight." Heads nodded all around. "The reason is something most of you are familiar with; Lucius Malfoy." The faces of all present grew grim. Nothing good ever happened when that name was mentioned. "Again you might also be wondering, especially the Aurors amongst you, why this isn't being dealt with by the Ministry."

"Because they botched it up last time!" A smallish man called from the back.

Dumbledore smiled indulgently. "Perhaps, but rather it is because we suspect there to be a mole within the Ministry. For that reason Kingsley and I decided it best we do this through the Order."

A man pointed at Patrick. "Then what's he doing here?"

"Our current line of thought involves him as he is the only man with the Authority to push the legislation."

The group did not look any more pleased, but they let the meeting continue. Harry understood; the Order had grown into a tight knit group in which they implicitly trusted those within. Outsiders were a risk.

Dumbledore began to outline the plan.

"Are you sure he will be trying something at the final?" Shacklebolt spoke in his booming voice. "I still think it too public for Malfoy!"

Harry deciding it was perhaps time to speak opened his mouth. "I think that is precisely why he intends to do it at the final. He has nothing more, people know what he is. There is one thing on his mind, my downfall to be witnessed, his triumph recorded for all time."

"Then don't fly." This time it was Tonks, hair bright red with anger, who spoke. "Keep yourself hidden, Harry! We'll take care of this with time."

"No." Harry said shaking his head vigorously; though he managed a smile in her direction. "I appreciate your consideration. This is our best hope, however. We know he is coming for me. We know when. We have the upper hand."

The people around the table broke out into various discussions and arguments. Harry sat back and tried to listen. The group definitely seemed divided on what to do.

"The wards around the pitch would be very strong." Bill was the one to speak now. He knew Ginny would probably be at the game. "We'll keep anything and anybody away from the pitch."

"Precisely." It was Tonks who spoke. "If the idiot tries to blink at the wards we'll snatch him and drag his arse all the way to Azkaban."

Dumbledore frowned, but the Minister spoke. "How sure are you of being able to keep anybody from entering the field, Bill?"

"Very," Bill said with confidence. "I've spoken with the Goblins and they are willing to lend us some fairly nice warding stones. If we can place them with some secrecy then I'm confident that no unauthorised person would be able to enter the pitch."

Dumbledore seemed to accept this answer. The Minster of Sport, however, did not look so convinced. "I don't know, Bill. We have no way of knowing how this is going work."

"I am…"

"No, I will not risk my players to some chance Goblin rune!" The strong man interjected. "I need proof of this. You will have to explain everything to me."

Bill, looking slightly insulted, bit back a remark. "Perhaps we can test the Warding stone at the semi-finals. That will give you two tests."

Shacklebolt stood, fingers resting on the table. "I'm not sure about testing the stones. It will give him an opportunity to learn about them."

Patrick stood and stared defiantly up at Shacklebolt. "I must disagree. You cannot put my league or players at risk using some untried method."

"It is not untried…" Bill began, his face growing red, but he was waved into silence like some unruly child.

The Minister of Sport narrowed his eyes and pointed a finger at Bill. "Unlike some of you, my trust of Goblins only goes so far." His fist closed then slammed down against the table. "By Merlin I will have those warding stones tested. And I will have you prove to me that they are indeed strong enough to catch him if he dares wink at the ward." His eyes swept across the table to Tonks, who shrunk back slightly in her seat.

Shacklebolt sighed. "I understand your concerns, Patrick." The Minster turned to face Bill. "Would you mind…" He swallowed. "Demonstrating your wards?"

Bill clenched his jaw. "I've never been doubted like this before… but I will do as ordered."

"Excellent!" Patrick clapped his hands together. "I'm sure it will allow us all to go to the final feeling at ease."

"We all appreciate your effort, Bill." Shacklebolt spoke again. "However, the fact remains that Lucius might try to get at Harry before or after the game. Nothing says that he will do it during the game."

"If he were sane then I would agree with you, Minister." Harry replied calmly. He hated having to use himself as bait. "But he is the most dangerous criminal alive and he has set his mind to this task. If he wanted to do something quietly and out of the public eye then he could've done it before Christmas."

"He did try to take care of you after the Harpies' first game," Tonks said with a raised eyebrow.

"That was a moment of weakness that sent him to Azkaban for a couple of months." Harry shook his head. "He's got a plan. A perfect plan in his mind to get at me during the game."

"You seem very sure of yourself, Potter." Patrick was the one to speak.

Harry laughed bitterly. "I wish I could be sure, but it is the best theory that I could come up with considering our history."

Dumbledore nodded. "Harry is thinking along the right lines. We must try to be one step ahead of Lucius during the final."

"Precisely," Harry agreed. "We just need to ensure we can block him." His confidence grew, his mood infectious. "Then, as he thinks he is about to provide the death blow to Harry James Potter, we strike and end this."

"What are we to do after he's captured?" Tonks and Bill asked together.

Shacklebolt shivered and Dumbledore looked uncomfortable. "We'll have no choice but sentence him to the Dementor's Kiss."

The people around the table grew still. "You could just execute him." Tonks was the one to speak.

"The law does not allow it, you know that." Shacklebolt tried to admonish her, but even he could wish for something so easy. "The Kiss will be hard enough to get through the system."

"As it should be," Harry interjected. "But we must make sure that the man is never able to rise again." He glanced at every person around the table. "We are risking the lives of other people. We cannot fail in this task." His gaze lingered on Bill. "Those wards must be impenetrable." The all nodded solemnly, Bill's face grew determined with the knowledge that his sister's safety was at stake. "I wish with all my heart that there was another way, but Lucius is determined to remain in hiding until he can strike at me. Unfortunately the final will be his chance."

"Dammed by your own success." Shacklebolt tried for some humour.

Harry retorted proved bitter. "Prophecies do enough damming."

Everyone around the table, save the younger Weasleys, knew about the prophecy.

Shacklebolt cleared his throat to get everyone's attention again. "Well, we know what to do. Keep this quiet, work quickly and make sure everything is in place."

"Yes, sir!" Tonks said loudly. The rest of the Aurors, including Bill, did the same.

One by one the members began to file out of the small house. The distinct sound of people Disapparating the only indication that they hadn't just walked out into the dark night. Eventually only Bill remained apart from Kingsley, Patrick, Dumbledore and Harry.

Patrick clapped Bill on the shoulder. "So you say these stones of your friends can do the job."

"Of course. They are used within certain parts of Gringotts and other secure Goblin assets."

Patrick's eyes grew bright with interest. "But are they to be trusted? Can we activate or deactivate them if needed?"

"Well, yes, but I would need to be in charge."

The Minister of Sport shook his head vigorously. "No, that won't do. The Minster and myself will need to be allowed control."

"But, sir! The Goblins hold these secrets close. I cannot discuss such things with you."

The former Beater crossed his arms, voice growing more gruff. "Then I'm afraid I cannot support this scheme of Potter's. And I will have to continue with the extensive upgrades on the stadium for the final, which is already delaying the final." His voice grew louder. "One man alone cannot be in control of such things."

"And why not?" Dumbledore asked curiously. "Bill is a senior wizard at Gringotts and I have complete faith in his abilities to control the wards."

The man did not look pleased. "I will not place the safety of my people in one man. I have to be able to jump in and take control if things go wrong."

Dumbledore looked up at Kingsley. The Minister gave a small shrug of his shoulders. "Very well, Patrick. I will go with Mr Weasley to discuss the matter with the Goblins. If they say no, then…"

"Then we place more effort into upgrading the stadium as planned, Dumbledore. I refuse to be out of the loop in this matter."

The Headmaster looked like he wanted to argue, but instead he smiled. "As you wish, Patrick."

Kingsley waited for Patrick to leave. "One last thing, Potter."

"Yes, sir?"

"I've made arrangements that will be keeping you busy over the next few days."

Harry tried to not frown at the loss of practise sessions, but listened.

"How did the meeting go?" Ginny asked when Harry appeared in the flat. He looked tired, the lines on his forehead a bit deeper than usual.

"If Bill can get the Goblins to agree with a few things then it should all be in order."

"Are you sure about this, Harry? It seems awfully dangerous."

He snorted. "If I could wrap myself in bubble wrap and sit in a corner then I would." He collapsed onto the couch, eyes closing. "But until he is dealt with I'm afraid that won't be possible."

"Bubble wrap?"

"Muggle thing. It's this thin plastic with air bubbles. They use it to pack breakable objects." He laughed. "Great fun popping them."

She shook her head trying to imagine how popping plastic bubbles could be fun.

Sitting down, she managed to settle his head on her lap. He wormed his body closer to hers and sighed. "You're amazing, you know."

"Of course I am, Potter."

He laughed, the sound only highlighting his exhaustion. Her fingers worked their way through his short black hair. "Two weeks before the semis."

"Quiet Harry, Gwenog might hear you."

A smile formed on his lips. "Frightened that she might work you into the pitch?"

Her lips narrowed, but her voice remained light. "There have been rumours about missing Harpies players around this time of year."

He nodded. "Melissa ran off with some Frenchman and disappeared into the French countryside. Suzanne got drunk, slipped and knocked her head against a table; unconscious for three weeks and had amnesia for six months. Cassandra got into a fight…"

"I get it, but things happen this time of year." She pursed her lips. "Did Melissa really run away?"

"Yeah, Gwenog was furious. Losing a star Chaser so late in the season and two days before the semi proved disastrous."

"Two days before!" Ginny cried out. "No wonder the game was a complete shambles. We lost by four hundred even though we caught the Snitch."

He let out a long sleepy breath. "Gwenog looked about ten years older after that week. The name Melissa was never to be mentioned again." The last words came out very slowly.

She wanted to say more, but his breathing had grown steady. She slipped out from beneath him and conjured a nice thick, fluffy blanket and placed it over him. "Night, Harry." She leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his lips before Apparating to the Burrow. It did not take long for her to fall asleep as well.

A few days later saw an exhausted Ginny waking a bit late, though she managed to arrive on time even though her hair was in complete shambles. The other women did not look much better. Victoria alone seemed composed as she stood on the pitch with broom in hand, but the woman was a veteran Harpy.

Gwenog stepped onto the field and clapped her hands together eagerly. "I hope you lazy girls had a good night's rest because today I have something special planned."

Everyone, including Victoria, suppressed a groan. "Are you girls eager?"

"Yes." They group gave a half-hearted reply.

"Very enthusiastic girls. I'm impressed. Now say that again!"

"Yes!" Ginny and others shouted loudly.

Gwenog grinned in her usual evil manner. "Not the same as your pre-season shouts, but getting there." She strode across to where the Harpies stood in a line. "You won't be needing brooms today."

"Fitness?" Victoria asked in surprise.

"Skills," Gwenog replied with a twinkle in her eye.

All the Harpies glanced across at one another and mouthed, "Skills?"

Victoria dared voice her thoughts. "Without our brooms?"

"Yes." Gwenog replied before glancing at her watch. "There are certain concerns about the final and I would like to make sure you are ready."

"Shouldn't we be focusing on the semi first?"

Their coach hesitated for a moment. "Usually I would agree, but this year things are a bit different."

"Is that!" Samantha screeched. "What's he doing here?"

"And in orange," Victoria gagged then stared at Ginny. "How do you stomach that?"

"By making sure he wears nothing," Ginny replied with a straight face. Katie sniggered then burst out laughing.

"This is no joke, girls," Gwenog snapped. "Harry is here to teach you lot some useful skills."

"Like what?" Samantha asked. "He's not going to help us win."

"No," their coach agreed. "But Harry is an extremely good instructor and he happens to know a thing or two about things you might want to know about."

Harry reached Gwenog and gave her a friendly hug. "They're all yours, Harry."

She glared at the clothes he wore. It reminded Ginny of the month they spent training together; instead of the Harpies shirt he wore a Cannon's one. He smiled easily, but it was one he used to hide uneasiness.

"Hi," he began sounding a bit unsure. "I guess you are wondering what I could possibly be doing here. I assure you that it is very important."

Victoria stepped forwards. Being of almost equal length she managed to stare directly into his eyes. "Get on with it, Potter."

"There are various safety concerns over the final. Malfoy…" The Harpies all ground their teeth. "As you know has escaped. It is believed that he might attempt another stunt at the final."

"So what does that have to do with you?" Victoria asked, her temper not far from the surface.

"The Minister has asked me to train you in some more advanced defensive and offensive magic."

"Who died and made you so knowledgeable?" Victoria breathed out.

Ginny shrieked and leapt forwards. Her body slammed into Harry's; her hands barely managed to grip his arms. "Take that back, Victoria," she said despite the effort it took to calm Harry down.

Harry took a step back and shook his head. "It was mistake coming here." He faced Gwenog. "Forgive me, Gwen… I… I should probably be going."

Ginny turned to face her captain. The woman looked completely taken aback by the sudden outburst from Ginny; perhaps the intense look of hurt in Harry's eyes had an effect.

"I am sorry for what I said, Harry," Victoria called out.

Behind, Ginny heard Harry stop walking. He said nothing. Gwenog broke the tension. "Harry has given much of his life to fighting You-Know-Who. He has lost more friends and his entire family to the war. One thing I do know for sure about Harry is that he is better at duelling than flying."

Ginny nodded unconsciously. Victoria seemed a bit unsure of what to say. The rest of the Harpies glanced around, none able to look in the direction of Harry.

Victoria swallowed then spoke. "If the Minister thinks it important enough to send a Cannon into a Harpies training session then it must be. I will try to listen, Potter."

"Thank you, Hughes. I assure you that the day will not be a waste." Ginny turned to see Harry attempting to motivate himself. "Trying to help the Cannon guys was a waste. The bunch of fools are way too stubborn." His eyes sparkled. "I assume you are much more level headed."

"Of course," they all stammered out together.

"Good." He waved his hand and the orange shirt vanished only to be replaced by a Harpies training shirt. "Better?" he asked, eyes twinkling with mischief.

Victoria managed grin. "You just need a skirt."

"They didn't have one in my size."

"Pity," Ginny sighed.

Harry shook his head. "Alright, let's get this going. I don't want to come back tomorrow." He glared at Ginny. "Just in case certain items are suddenly in stock."

"Aww," the Harpies moaned. "Please come back tomorrow, Harry."

"Never!" He mock shouted. Then he grew a bit more serious. "Line up and take out your wands."

The Harpies shuffled about until they formed a neat line. Ginny was left facing Harry at the end; Gwenog had apparently vanished. "Good. Now, get into a defensive posture and cast a shield charm. Basic OWL level charm please."

He strode, hands clasped behind his back as he studied each girl as they cast the spell. "Good work, Victoria. Katie, shift your right leg a bit, you're opening up your chest and exposing more of your body to your opponent. Catherine, your arms too low, half the shield is being wasted. Michelle, tuck your arms in a bit; it wastes time moving your arms so far. Ginny, loosen your grip on the wand; your movements need to be fluid. Holding a wand so tightly will cause your wand movement to jerk around a bit." He spun round and faced the group. "Those comments go for all of you. This is a basic charm and we need to get it perfect if we are to progress. Again!" He strode past them all from the other side. "Angelina, your feet are too far apart. Get them a bit closer and bend at the knees slightly more. It will improve your ability to react. Still a bit tight on the grip there, Ginny. Nice form Victoria." He scratched the stubble on his chin. "Again!"

The next half hour progressed in a similar manner until Harry proved happy with their movements. "Was that really necessary, Harry?" Victoria asked.

"In fights the chaos of the first few moments is what kills most witches and wizards. Surviving is often determined by how quickly and efficiently you can cast that shield." He pointed at Katie. "If you expose more of your body than necessary and you fail to get your shield in place then you increase the risk of being hit. Getting the body in the right line also allows for a quick and efficient stunner to be sent in the right direction. These first movements are crucial."

Ginny tried to digest his words. She, however, knew how valuable Harry's experience was. Firstly for Seeking, now for fighting. "Form a line and face the main stand, please. We are going to work on those stunners."

As one the Harpies shuffled into a new line. Harry discreetly waved his wand and a dummy appeared before each of them. "Now, same as with those shields. I want you to fire off a single stunner at your dummy. Ready?" They nodded. "Let loose."

The stadium flashed red for a few seconds as each stunned their dummy. Harry smirked. "At least you all hit your targets unlike some guys I know." He stopped before Victoria. "You've had some training."

"Defence until NEWTs, I know my stuff."

He nodded then moved along the line. "Catherine, you need to feel the spell a bit more. You've worked on this more than your shield charm, but you lack confidence. Try to not hold back. Katie, you hit, but try not to aim for the head. Always go for the chest. It's the largest part of the body." He took a step back and addressed them all. "Head shots work well when they hit, but hitting a stationary dummy is much easier than hitting a moving enemy. Hit the chest, at worst he'll stumble allowing a cleaner second stunner to finish him off. At best it'll get the job done as well." He came up to Ginny. "Good work, it helps keeping the wand a bitter looser in your palm." She nodded. "The arm and wrist flows more naturally into the movement." She felt herself beam up at him, his emerald eyes sparkled back.

"That was exhausting," Ginny groaned as she collapsed onto Harry's bed. "I never knew magic could take that much out of you."

Harry sat down on the edge. "It's just like fitness and strength. You jog you get fitter; you do weights you get stronger. With spells the more you cast them the more you will be able to do in a day. The stronger and more powerful the spells the greater your strength becomes."

"Is there a limit?"

"The same as the human body. Everyone has got their own talent. Training allows you to exploit more of the talent."

She rolled onto her side. He let his hand rest on her side. "So how powerful are you really, Harry?"

"Strong enough I suppose. Voldemort had more; I guess I ended up being more Slytherian."

"It's a pity you were never sorted."

"Maybe, but not being in a house allows me to see them all for what they are.

"Gryffindor remains the best."

"Both my parents were in Gryffindor so I like to think that I would have been sorted there."

"Really?" she asked in surprise. "Knew there was a reason why I liked you, Potter."

"Apart from my irresistible charm."

"You've got it all wrong, Harry." Ginny sat up, laughing. "You are good at charms, but miserable at charming."

"The difference being?" He leaned closer and captured her lips with his.

"Not so sure, really."

"So good of you to come, Patrick."

"A pleasure as always, Lucius."

"I hope you have good news?"

"The best."

Lucius laughed. "Please do tell, my friend."

A/N

And so ends another chapter. Not the greatest chapter, but hopefully some fun. And you finally get to see the mole and maybe you can guess what's about to happen. More importantly things move along. Next chapter the semi-finals.

I forgot to post the following after the last chapter; for those who might be interested.

Group A

Harpies 15 ( W 5, Sn 5, PD 910 )

Arrows 10 ( W 3, Sn 4, PD 130 )

Bats 7 ( W 3, Sn 1, PD 50 )

Falcons 6 ( W 2, Sn 2, PD -420 )

Catapults 4( W 1, Sn 2, PD -420 )

Magpies 3 ( W 1, Sn 1, PD -250 )

Group B

Cannons 14 ( W 5, Sn 4, PD 870 )

Kestrels 12( W 4, Sn 4, PD 30 )

Wasps 9 ( W 3, Sn 3, PD -80 )

Portree 5 ( W 2, Sn 1, PD -80 )

United 3 ( W 1, Sn 1, PD 60 )

Tornadoes 2( W 0, Sn 2, PD -800 )

In case you missed it, the final was moved back by two weeks to allow the stadium to be upgraded. The game is played at the stadium of the team with the most points from the log. So it could be at the Harpies, Cannons or Kestrels. The Arrows have the least amount so they will always have an away final no matter the outcome. The Tornadoes and the Magpies will probably need to play in a relegation match, but that's not really relevant to the story.