Chapter Twenty-Four - Quidditch, Careers, and Kisses

Slytherin's last match of the season was fast approaching. Captain Bletchley had drilled the team without mercy, but Harry didn't see much use. It was out of their hands now if they lost the Quidditch Cup. If Gryffindor beat Ravenclaw, they'd clinch it. No matter the point totals, three wins was three wins. Unless Ravenclaw managed the impossible and beat Gryffindor by a whole bunch of points, the Slytherin dynasty was at an end.

The last weekend in May was when it all went down.

The Slytherin first team and reserves had prime seating in the stands. Harry sat with Laine, thankful that he could spend time with her and also study the other teams.

Ravenclaw had the Quaffle, and Harry was watching the Chasers when Weasley made a sudden move towards the middle of the pitch. Harry instantly recognized the play.

He had to admit that Weasley had been well-trained as Seeker. Charlie Weasley was still legend in most of the school, and he'd supposedly taught his little brother everything he knew. Weasley and his Cleansweep 11 prototype were the undisputed king of the skies today.

"Weasley is going to deliberately fly between Ingram and Davies, so McClaggan has more time to hit that Bludger at Davies, and that will make him drop the Quaffle. See Spinnet and Johnson ready to come in and recover?"

Suddenly the two girls reversed direction, and Davies took the Bludger in the head. Johnson recovered the Quaffle and brought it down to the Ravenclaw hoops. She passed it to Bell, who faked out Webster to score.

"Good play," Harry said.

"You knew what he was going to do."

"I know a lot of things Seekers can do without breaking the rules. Take a look at Cho."

Laine stiffened. "What about her?"

"She's trying to find the snitch quickly before Gryffindor can get too ahead. See how she's making broad passes from a medium height? She's not higher because of the clouds. Without sunlight, it's harder to spot the shiny."

"She knows all about Seeking."

There was a definite edge in Laine's voice. Harry knew he should say something bad about Cho immediately.

"It's a smart move. Sometimes it can backfire though. She's been fooled on more than one occasion by shiny things that weren't the snitch."

"Do you have to talk about Chang?"

"Well we are supposed to be studying her. She's going to be Seeker next year, likely the captain as well. She might have to fight Webster for it."

"Who would you rather see?"

Harry considered the question and then stupidly answered honestly.

"Cho would be better, I think. More of a challenge. Webster doesn't seem the sort, you know?"

"Gee, I guess I'll just learn everything from perfect Miss Chang."

"Cho's a good Seeker, and it's important to evaluate the competition."

"Is that what you're doing? Holding her out to see how I measure up?"

"Yes. If you can learn from watching her performance, you should watch her. I've watched Cho a lot."

"I bet you have."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"What do you think it means?" Laine snapped.

"Will you please relax?" He really did not want to have a fight here in public.

"Will you please stop talking about other girls when I'm trying to spend some time with you? You're being about as romantic as a table lamp." Her disdain was clear, her tone biting.

"We're not here on a date. We've got to study the other teams. There might be a test later."

Her eyes narrowed. He groaned inwardly. He shouldn't have said this wasn't a date.

"What does it matter? We've lost the Cup anyway. Why keep fighting a futile cause?"

"It matters for next year. We'll need every scrap of preparedness we can muster to take the Cup back."

Laine huffed and turned her eyes to the field. Her hands, which had been on his arm, she folded in her lap. She didn't speak to him for the rest of the match and only answered direct questions with affirmative or negative noises and head movements.

Harry was irritated, but he continued to analyze the match. Monologuing was hard. It was difficult to keep focus.

Gryffindor won the match, 220-60, and the stands went bananas. Their celebration began instantly, continued through lunch, and carried on even to dinner. Harry found them to be a trifle overbearing, but he supposed he would feel the same in their place.

"Can't they have the decency to have their party in their common room?" he asked, not really expecting an answer.

Draco snorted. "I suppose even a loser like Weasley is entitled to a few moments of glory. It'll make it all the more devastating to him when we take the Cup back next year."

"So true. And we will."

"Listen, Harry, after dinner on Tuesday, there's going to be a small party in that room on the seventh floor to celebrate Pansy's birthday."

Harry paused and shot his best mate an inquisitive glance. "Why are you passing on an invitation to Pansy's party?"

"Why shouldn't I? It's what a friend and a gentleman would do."

"You and Pansy are always bickering."

"Pansy is one of my most favourite people."

"Then how come you don't want to marry her?"

"Just because I don't want to spend the rest of my life married to her doesn't mean I don't like her."

There was a certain logic to that. He made a note of the party in his study schedule, realizing he was going to lose a couple hours of sleep if he were going to properly prepare for Herbology.

He tried to get a jump on it that very evening, putting aside his Astronomy assignment, which was good enough. He was nearly through his introduction when Pansy came over to the table.

"Harry, I need you to switch patrol shifts. You won't have to do it Monday, and you'll take David's on Friday."

"And why would I give up my Friday evening?"

"Because I want to talk to him, and this is the best way."

Harry consulted his study schedule.

"Laine won't be happy. I've told her I would help her with Transfiguration."

"Look on the bright side. You get to do your patrol with Samantha."

Harry would not be advertising that fact. The sixth year was a very pretty girl, and Laine wouldn't take it at all well that he would be wandering around the castle after hours with her. It was frustrating that she seemed to think he was looking for ways to cheat on her.

Harry found himself with sudden unplanned free time on his hands. Well, not strictly free time. There was just as much work to be done, but now he had to shift around when it would get done.

I need a better way to plan this, he thought.

Professor Snape appeared in the common room on Sunday night. He scanned the students and stepped with long strides over to the table where Harry, Daphne, and Millie were working on the Herbology essay.

"Mister Potter, Miss Greengrass, assemble the fifth years, please."

"Yes, sir."

Harry headed for the boys' dorm. He poked his head in.

"Snape wants to see us all in the common room. Where's Draco?"

"Having a leak," Goyle answered.

Harry pushed open the door to the bathroom.

"Draco! Meeting in the common room."

"Damn your eyes," Draco swore at him from the loo. "You nearly made me piss on myself."

"Then make sure you wash your hands."

Harry returned to the common room, meeting Daphne as she exited the girls' dormitory. He gestured politely for her to go first.

When everyone had found a comfortable seat, the professor cleared his throat.

"Tomorrow, I will be having individual meetings with each of you. We will discuss your potential career options and what subjects you will need in order to realize them. Please take some time tonight to think strongly on the matter. I look forward to seeing you all. Good night."

"Good night, sir."

Harry pondered his future the entire evening. He knew he wanted to kill Voldemort, but aside from that he hadn't made many plans. He didn't know what he was going to do after that or even until then. Voldemort was a Dark wizard, so it made sense to pursue the Auror training program. He'd do his best there and hope to join the Hit Wizards, an elite unit trained in extraordinary fighting tactics and spells. The skills he learned there would certainly be of use in staying alive when he went after the evil wizard.

Did he really want to hunt bad people for the rest of his life? Tonks had told him that the job also involved lots of paperwork. Every time one completed a training unit, there was a form to fill out, sign, have signed by the trainer, and file with the records group. Whenever a raid was conducted, debriefing afterward involved physical examinations, meetings, filling out reports, being interviewed, and more meetings. If one actually managed to capture a person or contraband, there was chain-of-custody paperwork to be started immediately, and three signatures were needed with every change of responsibility.

"Well, I certainly don't know what benefit I'll get out of this meeting," Draco complained. "I already know that I'll inherit some of the family businesses. I'm sure it will be more than enough for me to both grow and live a comfortable lifestyle."

"I don't know that I should care to work," Pansy said. "I am beautiful and vivacious. I want to live in the lap of luxury. Daddy absolutely spoiled me, and I've grown accustomed to a certain level of privilege."

"Brains turn to mush if they're not used," Tracy said with a toss of her hair. "I want to develop my own line of cosmetic charms. Some of the ones I've learned are absolutely frightening."

"Is that what you're blaming your appearance today on?" Daphne quipped.

Pansy giggled. Tracy sniffed.

"Clever wit, Daphne. What do you want to do with yourself then?"

"I intend to marry a Quidditch star and live the glitzy life."

"I thought that's what Millie planned to do," Pansy said. "How is dear Viktor?"

"I haven't a clue," Millie said, turning red. Harry wasn't sure if it was because of anger or embarassment.

"If you keep neglecting him, he'll slip away from you."

"Naw," said Arcen from a few seats away. "He writes her once a week. Bloke is smitten."

"Arcen, you're dead."

On Monday after classes, Harry reported to Snape's office for his appointment.

"Mister Potter, would you care for a cup of tea?"

"Thank you, sir."

Snape waved his wand, and the tea poured itself. Harry accepted the cup and took a small sip. It was strong and not too bitter.

The professor put down his tea and fixed Harry with a serious gaze. There was no hiding from those eyes. He reflexively took a deep breath and began to order his thoughts. Snape might just take a page out of Moody's book and attack him without warning when he wasn't expecting it.

"How much thought have you given to what you will do after you finish school?"

"Not much, sir. To be fair, my school years have been fairly exciting."

"Noted."

"The only thing I have known since I was eleven is that I am going to kill the wizard who killed my parents. Beyond that, I wasn't making too many plans."

"A course not entirely unexpected. You are an exceptional student, Mister Potter. You have an innate ability to brew potions that this school last saw in your mother."

"My mother?" Harry had heard many stories of Lily Potter from Sirius and Remus, but he'd not realized that Professor Snape also knew her.

Snape nodded slowly. "Yes, Lily Evans was one of the best in our year. Not as good as me, of course, but still quite impressive; moreso, considering her background. It appears you have inherited her flair."

"Thank you, sir."

"If you wished to continue your study of Potions, I could write you an introduction to any of the Masters in Britain or abroad."

"If I did go that route, would I be able to apprentice myself to you?"

Snape smiled thinly. "You are not the only one who hasn't made plans for after the end of this war. I do not expect to survive it. I have too many enemies and too few friends. Either my treachery to the Dark Lord will be exposed and he will kill me, or I will be taken for a Death Eater and struck down in combat. My road is a dangerous one."

"Very well. Assuming we both live through this, would you accept me as your apprentice?"

"If you do as well on the OWL as I suspect you will, you will have to prove yourself in NEWT Potions. Continue to impress me there, and we can indeed discuss a future relationship."

"I'll do my best, sir."

"Slytherins always do. Now, another potential choice?"

"Well, I have thought about becoming an Auror. I've been fighting the Dark Arts most of my life."

"It should be noted that you have done so quite effectively. The Auror Corps would be glad to have you."

"Mostly I guess I just want to not have the threat of Voldemort hanging over me. I want to enjoy my life. I want to find a nice girl and raise a family. I don't crave adventure or excitement. Is it selfish to feel that if I defeat Voldemort, I'll have done more than enough for the world?"

"Not in the least. Though I am sure many will try to guilt the Boy-Who-Lived into all manner of ridiculous things, you would be perfectly within your rights to disappear from the public eye forever."

"I don't think I want to do that. I don't want to be Minister or sit on the Wizengamot, but I don't want to be a hermit either."

"You do not strike me a politican. I don't think you have the patience for it. It is the one Slytherin trait you lack in abundance."

"That's true, sir."

"Other options? You are quite handy on a broom."

"I have thought about Quidditch, sir. I could play for a local club, or I could play for the national team."

"All of which would be glad to have you."

"Last year I realized that there was much more to brooms than Quidditch though. I could join the British Broomracing Association or try to start a Quodpot league."

"If you enjoy what you do, you will never work a day in your life. Sport is a most rewarding career."

"I guess I'm realizing that I have a lot of choices. It helps that I've got a pile of money and don't have to work if I don't want to."

"In that case, I recommend NEWT-level classes in line with your more immediate needs. Potions, Charms, Defence, Herbology, Arithmancy, and of course Transfiguration."

"Of course."

"If you wish to carry on with Ancient Runes, it is a most fascinating subject. I have found myself grateful many times that I took the harder subjects. The NEWT for Muggle Studies is absurdly simple."

"So continue on as I have been?"

"I believe so, if your OWL results permit, naturally. I only accept O-level students into my advanced class. Professor McGonagall permits only E-level and above to continue on with her. You will have no trouble there, I assure you."

His classes decided upon, if not necessarily his future career, Harry bid his Head of House a good evening and went down to the dungeons.

Ron Weasley headed to Professor McGonagall's office for his Career Advice Day counselling session. He had been in her office a few times before, but it had always been when he was in trouble. He knocked on the doorframe.

"Ah, Mister Weasley," she said briskly. "Do come in. Sit down. Would you like a biscuit?"

Ron hesitantly took one. "Thank you, Professor."

"Let's get right to it, shall we? What are your thoughts about careers?"

"I should definitely have one," he said straight-faced.

She rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, of course. Is there anything for which you feel an affinity?"

"Well, you've made it plain to me that I've no great affinity for Transfiguration." That was a vast understatement. He struggled with every assignment, and his essays routinely came back looking like they had spent time at a vampire convention.

She looked over her glasses, down her nose at him. "Perhaps if you studied more, you would find the subject easier."

"Or apparently anything else, for that matter," he said ruefully. "My marks are average at best, Professor."

She nodded in agreement. "Have you thought about following in your brother's footsteps at the Ministry?"

"Percy?" He hadn't expected his swotty toerag brother to be mentioned. "Don't be absurd. Like I'd ever want to be like him. You've read my essays. Do you really want me writing government reports?"

She let a hint of a smile escape. "Fair point. You have proven adept on your broom. If you keep practising, maybe you could make a Quidditch team."

Ron perked up. "Do you think I'm good enough to make the Cannons?"

"You certainly can't be worse," she said with more of a smile.

Now that's just not fair! "Professor, they're my favourite team!"

"As I said, practice."

"I've wanted to play for them since I learned what Quidditch is."

She changed the subject. "What do you think of your brothers' careers?"

Ron didn't like thinking about everything his brothers had accomplished. It reminded him of how special he wasn't. "Bill's got a great job. Mucking about in pyramids seems like a lot of fun. We all miss him, though. I spent a lot of time with Charlie last summer, as you know. He's the one who arranged for me to use that Firebolt. He's the one who trained me to be a Seeker. I don't know about the dragons though. He offered to get me a job on the dragon preserve. It's only cleaning stalls to start, but I bet I could work my way up."

"It's good to know you have that option," McGonagall said approvingly. "You should work hard to get a good OWL in Care of Magical Creatures."

"Hagrid's classes are pretty easy. I'm not worried."

Her lips pursed. "Yes, well, easy does not guarantee an 'O'. So, Quidditch and Dragons? You also said that curse-breaking sounded fun. I believe that Charms and Defence are needed for that, so those would be good choices. You would have done better to have taken Ancient Runes instead of Divination."

He had heard some horror stories about Runes homework. "I've gotten a lot better at duelling this year. Maybe I could join the Aurors."

McGonagall nodded approvingly. "The Aurors are a fine group. I know the Ministry is looking for new blood, especially with the current threat. You'll need to seriously buckle down if you expect to achieve in all of the required subjects."

"There are far too many maniacs out there, and in this school, if you ask me," he said bluntly.

"In this school, Mr. Weasley?" Her tone was curious, but he knew she had to know what he meant.

"Potter and his merry band of Slytherin sycophants. They're always up to no good," he declared. "I bet every one of them is just itching to sign up with the Dark Lord. I don't even know why you teach them. They're all evil to the core. We'd be a lot better off if they weren't allowed to come here, my father says."

"You really think the Boy Who Lived would join He Who Must Not Be Named? That just doesn't make sense." McGonagall was back to frowning at him. "Professor Dumbledore has placed his trust in Mister Malfoy, who placed himself in great peril to save Harry. I can't see his son being that eager to join. You have a lot of prejudice, and I don't think it's healthy."

"They take every opportunity to hex me," he protested.

"And have you reported it before now?" she asked archly.

"For all the good it's done," he said bitterly. "I've had to be rescued by prefects or my mates."

"I shall have a talk with their Head of House."

"And what precisely is that supposed to accomplish?" he snapped. "I've seen how Snape coddles the snakes."

"That is not your concern," she said frostily. "Let's get back to the topic at hand. You'd like to be an Auror maybe? That requires at least an 'E' in Charms, Transfiguration, which you pointed out is not your best subject, Defence, Potions, and Herbology."

He nearly groaned aloud. "I was really hoping to be done with Snape after this year."

"Speaking of Professor Snape, he requires an 'O' to get into his class, so if you are serious about being an Auror, you'd better improve your grades in that class."

"An 'O'?! That's the top mark!" So much for that plan.

"It's not unreachable, Mister Weasley," she promised.

"He'll never give it to me. He hates all Gryffindors and all Weasleys."

"Professor Snape does not give the O.W.L. exam. Many Gryffindors have managed to take his class and become successful adults."

And some day I'll play in a Quidditch match without a broom. "I hope so, Professor. I guess we'll see. How many months off now?"

"Not many," she warned. "You had better figure out a study plan. I would be happy to help you if you get stuck."

At least he wouldn't have to do it entirely alone. That was something, at least. "That would be great, Professor. I've been going a bit nutters lately."

"Deciding your future can be stressful," she said with sympathy. "Remember you have options. Keep up the good work as Seeker. I'd love to see the house cup in my office next year."

"I'm trying. I want to take it away from those smug green bastards."

Her eyes flashed. "Language, Mr. Weasley! I believe we are done here. Have a good day."

Tuesday evening after dinner, they all took a break from studying to celebrate Pansy's 16th birthday. While it would be sheer madness to throw an extravagent event with only twelve days to go before the O.W.L.s, it seemed proper to at least take a few minutes to note the occasion.

Pansy had invited all of the fifth year girls, plus Laine, Ginny, Shawna, and Sarrah of the fourth years. The girls had all changed out of school robes and into nicer things. All of them wore make-up and had somehow managed to style their hair on the way to the party.

Most of the fifth year boys had been invited, along with three sixth years, Thomas Lapointe, Michael Drummond, and David Palce. The three had freshly shaved faces, and they all had splashed on cologne. The three scents conflicted horribly, and Harry considered casting a Smell Blocker Jinx on himself.

They were eight and eight. They met up on the seventh floor, and Draco ushered them inside the secret room that could become whatever the user required.

It was swanky without crossing the line into gaudy. The floor was covered in cushions. A wireless played soft music in the corner. Candles provided illumination, and there was a simple cloth screen set up near the fireplace.

"Thank you all for coming. I know we're all busy, we fifth years especially. It means a great deal to me that you've taken time from your studies to celebrate my sixteenth birthday with me. I'm afraid I didn't arrange for snacks or drinks."

"I did," Draco interjected. "Nothing fancy, but I do have butterbeer and some Cauldron Cakes."

"Thank you so much, Draco."

"You're very welcome, Pansy."

"Okay, it's time for everyone's favourite party game!"

"Piñata?" said Goyle.

"Magical chairs?" said Crabbe.

"What have I got in my pocket?" said Blaise.

"No, Spin the Bottle!"

The younger girls began giggling, but Laine wasn't joining in. Harry hoped she wasn't about to pitch a fit in the middle of Pansy's party.

"The rules are simple. We go around the circle, and when it's your turn, you give the bottle a spin. Whomever the bottle points at, you both go behind that screen over there and snog. When you're done, you come back out, and the next person goes."

"What if it points at another girl?" Sarrah asked.

"If you're so inclined, you can ask her if she's willing. If she is, you carry on. If not, it's the nearest boy."

"Same for blokes?" asked Lapointe.

"Of course. I don't expect that any of you will, but I'm not going to judge if you do."

"No thanks," Drummond and Palce said together.

"Everyone sit in a circle, alternating boy-girl."

Harry sat between Laine and Daphne.

"It's my party, so I get to decide who goes first. I pick Blaise."

"Me?" he said, sounding startled.

"Yes."

"Sure, Cici."

Blaise took the empty bottle of Butterbeer and sent it twisting, rotating rapidly on the floor. It slowed and stopped, pointing at Shawna. She began to giggle nervously. He stood and held out his hand. She took it and rose gracefully. They walked behind the screen, and everyone could see their silhouettes.

Blaise put his hands on Shawna's waist. She put hers on his shoulders. His head came down, and their lips came together. There was a bit of motion, several seconds passed, and then they broke apart.

"How was it?" Pansy asked as they rejoined the group.

"Very nice," Shawna said between giggles.

"She's aggressive," Blaise reported.

Shawna blushed a bit.

"You're next, Tracy."

Tracy's spin pointed at Millie.

"No, thanks," she said with a laugh. "No offense, Tracy."

"None taken."

The bottle pointed more towards David. He stood up, and they headed behind the screen.

This kiss lasted longer. They were wrapped up in each other, and David leaned her back. Tracy was breathing heavy when she sat down.

"Wow," she said.

"Good?" Pansy asked.

"You could say that."

Thomas wound up with Daphne. They took even longer, and her hair was mussed. She had a wicked grin as she sat back down.

Laine reached for the bottle and gave it a vicious spin. It whirled around faster than the eye could follow, and it pointed at Crabbe. He looked guiltily at Harry, but there was nothing to forgive. He'd chosen to play in this game, and so had she.

She wasn't happy about her match, but she didn't protest. Their time behind the screen was brief, but they didn't shirk it either. Her lipstick wasn't even smeared.

Harry gave the bottle a good spin, and it pointed squarely at Pansy.

"Ooh, I finally get to make out with Harry."

"I didn't know you wanted to," he bantered back. "Why didn't you ever say?"

"I'm sure I had good reasons."

Behind the screen, Pansy wrapped her arms around his neck and looked up at him with wide green eyes. She really was quite pretty, and Harry felt his pulse start increasing.

"Happy birthday to me," she breathed.

Harry closed his eyes and put his hands on her waist as though they were dancing. Her lips were very soft, and she was very enthusiastic about the snog. It lasted quite a few seconds, and Harry pulled back to take a breath. With his mouth open, Pansy poked her tongue inside, taking him completely by surprise. He wiggled his back at her, and it felt very sexy.

They broke apart at last, and she held him close.

"Oh, that was worth the wait," she whispered in his ear. Harry started to blush.

Laine didn't look happy as he sat down.

"Took you long enough," she said in an undertone as Daphne got Michael, and they went behind the screen.

"It's just a game. We're all having fun here."

Shawna was selected again as Goyle spun the bottle.

"Lucky girl!" Pansy cheered.

Shawna turned even redder, but Goyle offered his arm like a gentleman. She must have liked it, because she was just as aggressive as she had been with the far more handsome Blaise.

Then it was Ginny's turn. The bottle veered slightly off course and pointed squarely at Draco.

"If my brothers could see me now," she said wryly.

"It's not so bad," Pansy said in a rare compliment to her ex-boyfriend.

"Try not to enjoy it too much," Ginny said as they headed behind the screen.

"I'll try."

Draco took Ginny by the elbows and pulled her into him. Their lips met, and their heads moved a bit. Then he pulled back. They emerged, and he walked her back to her seat.

David got Sarrah, her first time being picked. The fourth year and sixth year went behind the screen. Their snog was interupted by a yelp as they quite clearly saw her grab his bum.

"This is getting exciting," Crabbe noted.

Shawna got Crabbe, and then it was Draco's turn.

Draco's spin pointed at Goyle.

The big boy laughed good-naturedly. "I'll do a lot for you, Draco, but this crosses the line."

"Fine by me."

The closest girl to Goyle was Ginny.

"Didn't we just do this?" he said lightly.

"Tired of me already, Draco?"

"Hardly."

Their second round started much the same as the first. They smooched for a bit, and once again Draco pulled back. Ginny had a strange look on her face when she emerged.

Millie and Michael were next, followed by Crabbe and Tracy. Sarrah and Goyle paired up, with Michael and Tracy getting another round.

Finally it was Pansy's turn. Her spin ended with David. The soft-spoken prefect held her hand as they went behind the screen. Her cheeks were flushed when they came back.

Blaise had his second spin, and this time he got Laine. They were barely back there at all before she broke away. He had a slight scowl on his face when they returned.

Tracy and Goyle had a good snog, judging from their flushed faces.

Thomas got the birthday girl, who looked pleased to go again so soon.

When it was Laine's turn again, it pointed to Harry. Her unhappy look vanished, and they went behind the screen hand in hand.

"This isn't nearly so much fun as I thought," she whispered, slipping her arms around him.

"No, but it's getting better," he replied, lowering his mouth to hers.

Laine clearly felt threatened, because she was almost demanding with her kiss. Harry started to get dizzy, and he had to take a breath through his nose.

Harry went next, and the fates chose Tracy. The circle, which had been laughing and chatting, got very quiet. He swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. This could be very awkward. Laine looked about ready to explode with rage. It was entirely likely that she might smash the bottle and try to stab somebody with the jagged end.

Tracy stood up slowly. Her expression was uncertain.

"It's just a bit of fun," Harry said, deliberately casual.

"Right."

In the nominal privacy, her brave face cracked.

"This is a bit cruel," she whispered.

"We don't have to."

"Do you want to?"

"Only if you do."

"We can be mature about this. Yes."

They leaned in, and he instinctly tilted to the left. Her eyes slowly closed, and Harry did the same.

Kissing Tracy was just like Harry remembered it. Her lips were still soft, and it was sweet and gentle. A wave of nostalgia washed over Harry, and for a moment he was taken back in time.

Then it was over and reality came back. They broke apart and looked intently at each other. Harry felt confused. He'd thought he was over thinking of Tracy in a romantic way. He returned to the circle quietly, and the others didn't take his mickey out like they'd been doing with everyone else.

"She didn't try anything, did she?" Laine whispered as he sat down.

"No, it was nothing to get excited about."

Daphne and David were next.

"Finally," she said. "I'm feeling left out over here."

"Let's make up for it," he replied.

They were gone for nearly five minutes.

Goyle got Pansy, and she sized him up.

"I think I'm going to need a stepladder."

Next it was Ginny. When the bottle stopped spinning, it rolled, moving from Harry to Draco.

"You again?" she teased.

"Apparently so."

They picked up right where they'd left off. Once again he pulled back. They seemed to look at each other for a moment, and they leaned in for another go. His hands slid to her waist, and her hands went up into his hair.

"Woot! Way to go!" the rest of the group cheered.

They both looked a little goofy when they came back. Draco's hair was untidy, a state he would never normally allow.

David and Millie were followed by Shawna and Michael. Then Draco's spin pointed directly at Ginny.

"Draco?" she said suspiciously. "Is this bottle rigged?"

"If it is, I didn't do it."

"Whose bottle is this?"

"It's just an empty bottle that I found under Crabbe's bed," Harry said.

"Did you tamper with it?"

"Not I."

"Pansy?"

"Me, do a charm? You're so witty, Ginny." It had been Daphne.

For the fourth time, Draco and Ginny went behind the screen. They were gone for rather a long time, and they sat down next to each other when they came back.

"You're messing up the order," Pansy scolded them.

Shawna switched places with David to keep the boy-girl order.

Crabbe got picked by Millie, then he picked Tracy again. He couldn't stop grinning once he sat down.

Sarrah's spin pointed at Harry. He stood up reluctantly, knowing how badly Laine would react to his snogging with her roommate.

"Now Shawna's the only one of us fourth years who hasn't smooched you," she said with a giggle.

"Poor her," he quipped. "I'm not trying to fill out a list or anything."

He tried to be perfunctory, but she was having none of it. He kept his lips closed and thought about Laine. She looked about ready to explode when he got back.

"That was awful," he whispered in her ear. "What do you say we have our own game with just the two of us and no bottle?"

A smile broke through. "Yes."

Michael got Pansy, and then Pansy got Thomas. Her cheeks were flushed as she came back, and her eyes seemed lost in thought.

They'd made it through two rounds. Everyone was a bit goofy. Harry knew his own grin was rather dazed. Blaise reached for the bottle again, but the bell sounded near-curfew before he could spin.

"And that concludes our little game," Pansy said, sounding most satisfied with herself, "but I didn't get to Crabbe or Blaise. The birthday girl shouldn't miss out on anything. I've kissed Draco before."

"Still have time," Blaise said, winking at her.

She giggled. "Let's go."

They ducked behind the screen, and the kiss was deep. Pansy looked a little mussed when they emerged.

"I don't want to be the only one left out," Crabbe said.

"We've got to get back to the common room," Harry said.

"One quick one, Crabbe."

Pansy didn't even bother to go behind the screen this time. She grabbed the front of the big boy's robes, stood up on her tip-toes, and laid one on him right in front of everyone.

"Wow," he exclaimed, breathing heavily. "That was amazing."

"I know," she said, tossing her shiny black hair back. She strode confidently from the room, swinging her hips just a bit sassily.

With Gryffindor's three wins, Saturday's match against Hufflepuff was really only a formality. This year the Cup would be decorated with red and gold, a fact that had Bletchley in a near-catatonic state. After ten years, Slytherin's reign had come to an end. It was up to Harry to bring the Cup back home next year, a task he freely accepted.

Bletchley played horribly. The Chasers did what they could, but the opposing Keeper was just too good. Diggory didn't pursue the snitch at all, largely thwarting Harry at every turn to keep the match going. Hufflepuff was trouncing Slytherin when Harry mercifully caught the snitch, ending the slaughter with the meagrest of wins, 260-250.

Nobody wanted to celebrate, so they all returned to their books after lunch. Studying was the order of the day until the bell sounded curfew. Harry packed his things away and went to the dorm to get ready.

Tonight was a full moon, and having missed the last one due to injury, Harry was determined to see Padfoot and Moony again. He left the castle immediately after dinner. He spoke only briefly. He had a bit of time, but he wanted to leave room in case things went horribly wrong again.

He crept across the grounds in his mongoose form. He wasn't even going to give the Willow a chance to hit him. Once in the tunnel, he scampered quickly to the Shrieking Shack.

Back to his human form. He drew the memory of the drawing room in his mind's eye. When he had every detail perfect, he turned on the spot and Disapparated with a pop.

He stumbled as he reappeared at Grimmauld Place. Strong hands caught him.

"Easy, Harry," Sirius said. "You're all right."

"Thanks, Sirius."

"You're early."

"I wanted to spend a bit of time with you as humans."

"Anything on your mind?"

"Not really. School is school. Prefect meetings are boring, and I skip as many as I can now. We lost the Quidditch Cup to Gryffindor, which is intolerable."

"You'll just have to take it back next year."

"That's what I said. Pansy's looking for a new boyfriend. She had a bit of a kissing party a couple of nights ago."

"Yeah?"

"It was fun, though Laine wasn't too happy when it was me and another girl."

"How is Laine?"

"Her mood swings are still the same. Speaking of girlfriends, has Missus Malfoy found a nice girl for you yet?"

"Nice changing the subject. Several."

"How come you didn't tell me?"

"There wasn't much to tell. None of them went particularly well."

"Oh?"

"The first girl was named Meghan."

"What was she like?"

"Brunette, short, and a babbler. She lives for celebrity scandal. Her idol is Rita Skeeter."

"I like Rita."

"I don't think I've ever heard so much inane chatter in my life. I know more about Gilderoy Lockhart than I ever wanted to know."

Harry couldn't help but grin. "He's such a ponce."

"That he is. You know Gwenog Jones?"

"Not personally. She's lead Chaser for Holyhead."

"I like Quidditch as much as the next fellow, but I don't care which players are dating each other or who might have a secret love child."

"Not one to read the scandal pages, eh, Sirius?"

"I may never read again. So that date was an utter failure. The next girl Cissa set me up with was Wendy Slinkhard."

"The author?"

"You know her?"

"Pansy loves her books."

"She's nice enough, but all she talked about was her new best-seller that just came out."

"No interest in leather-clad lads lassoing Romanian Longhorns?"

"She showed me the cover art. She was not amused by what I had to say about it."

"Which was?"

"I suggested that the lead male get a haircut."

Harry snorted. "I bet that went over well."

"No, not really. The one after Wendy didn't say anything. I don't even remember her name. She expected me to do all the talking. I like the sound of my own voice, but she didn't respond to anything I tried to bring up."

"That must have been awkward."

"You have no idea. Then at the end of the night, she tried to shove her tongue down my throat."

"Was that part at least fun?"

"I didn't want any part of it. I don't snog people I don't know anything about."

"Good plan."

"The one after that was obsessed with cats. She has a dozen of them, each with a more stomach-turningly cute name than the last. She had so many pictures of them. As I told her, I'm more of a dog person."

Harry groaned. "That's awful."

"Yes, it is."

"It wasn't Professor Umbridge, was it? She likes cats."

"Does she? How's she been lately anyway?"

"Duelling Club is still pretty fun. I'm looking forward to this tourney she's planning."

"Still a good class?"

"The line between class and club is pretty fuzzy these days," Harry admitted. "It's not bad though. Just about everyone is better with their combat spells, even Neville Longbottom."

"Thanks to you, I'm sure, Captain."

"I'm having my Occlumuncy lessons with Dumbledore now. I believe I mentioned that."

"You did, but I'm glad to hear it again. Any progress?"

"Some. I've also been having more of those visions from Voldemort. I've been able to fight him off eventually."

"Excellent, Harry. That's good news. Soon he won't be able to get in at all."

"Draco and Ginny have been having bad dreams about what's happening to their brothers."

"Understandable. How are they holding up?"

"Draco's so controlled it's a bit scary. Sometimes if I didn't know better, I'd say there wasn't anything wrong."

"Have you tried to talk to him about it?"

"Yeah. He's trying to be strong like his dad wants him to be. It can't be easy. Ginny is pretty tough. She lived with Tom Riddle in her body for nine months. If that didn't break her, nothing will."

"I'd say so."

Just then, Moony knocked on the door. "Sirius, are you ready? Hello, Harry."

"Is it time?"

"It is."

"Let's do it."