Ginny's Birthday Surprise
Summary: Harry has one more present to give Ginny for her birthday. Tickets to go to a Holyhead Harpies/Montrose Magpies Quidditch match. The Holyhead Harpies is Ginny's favorite Quidditch team. After the game, Harry has one more surprise for Ginny in store with the help of Hestia. Will Ginny like it?
AN: I had every intention of publishing this fic for Ginny's Birthday on the 11th. Better late than never, right? Enjoy!
Harry searched through Lily's recipe box, looking for a particular recipe. He wanted the recipe for Lily's chocolate cake, a family favorite. It was the cake Lily made for all their birthdays and sometimes even on special occasions.
Ginny's birthday was a few days ago, but Harry had one more surprise up his sleeve. He had gotten tickets to go to a Holyhead Harpies match. The Holyhead Harpies was Ginny's favorite Quidditch team. Sirius and Hestia were coming with them to the Quidditch match and to lunch before the game.
Harry had spoken with Arthur about his plans when he was at the Burrow the week before Ginny's birthday. Arthur smiled as Harry explained the plans for the day of the match, which included going to lunch and back to the Potters after the game. Arthur and Molly were more than okay with Harry's plans. It was Lily's idea for them to come to the house after the game. She would make dinner, inviting Ginny to join them before Harry took her home.
Ginny's birthday this year was Harry's first one celebrating with her as her boyfriend. He wanted to make it very special for her.
"What are you looking for?"
Harry jumped at the voice, turning to find Lily standing beside him.
"Your chocolate cake recipe," Harry replied. "I thought I would make the cake, and we would have it after dinner."
Lily nodded. She walked over to her recipe books and pulled out a binder. She sat it on the counter, flicking through the pages until she found it.
"Here it is," She said. "I would need to pick up some eggs at the shop. We wouldn't have enough for the cake and breakfast."
"Thanks, Mum."
Harry had told Ginny they had plans for the Saturday following her birthday. She had been trying to get a hint of him since. The tickets were in an envelope in the top drawer of his desk in his bedroom. He planned on not telling Ginny until they reached the stadium.
The match was originally going to be at the Montrose stadium in Scotland. They moved the game to the London stadium due to the reconstruction of the Montrose stadium. Holyhead Stadium was currently under construction due to a storm. Due to both stadiums being under construction, the league decided to move the match to London. Most of the reason was due to the uproar from the fans when the Quidditch league suggested they could reschedule the game to a later date.
Keeping the original date scheduled for the match meant Harry could go on with his surprise.
Hestia had told Harry she could arrange for Ginny to meet Gwenog Jones after the match. Gwenog was Hestia's cousin. When Hestia went to a Holyhead Harpies match, they would meet up after for a quick catch-up.
Knowing what a fan Ginny was, Harry asked her if she could arrange it.
"Hello?"
"In here, Hestia," Lily called as Harry began making himself a sandwich.
Hestia walked into the kitchen, sitting her handbag on the bench. "Hello, darling," she greeted Lily as they hugged. "Harry, I have some news for you."
"What is it?" Harry asked as he picked out a can of Coke from the refrigerator. He took a drink.
"I spoke with Gwenog, and she said I can bring you and Ginny to meet her after the match when Sirius and I meet up with her."
Harry nearly spewed Coke over his godmother and mother. He hadn't expected this. When Hestia mentioned she could arrange for Ginny to meet her cousin Gwenong, Harry hoped she could pull it off. He figured she wouldn't be able to.
"Are you serious?" He asked.
Hestia nodded. "I am. I told Gwenog that Ginny was a fan and Sirius and I were coming to a match with you and Ginny. She said she would love to meet her. She enjoys meeting her fans, to be honest."
Harry walked over, pulling Hestia into a hug. Hestia was a little surprised by the reaction. Harry wasn't one to freely give hugs.
"Thank you, Hestia," Harry said. "You have no idea how much this will mean to Gin."
"Didn't you mention she said she would like to play for them one day?" Hestia asked as they broke apart.
"She said she would like to. It's a dream of hers. She's thinking about trying out for the team this year."
Lily reviewed the roaster from last year in her head. "There are two chaser positions open, right?"
"And both beater positions," Harry added.
"Any word on whose captain yet?" Hestia asked.
"Not yet. We'll find out when the school letters arrive with our list for the year," Harry explained.
Lily nodded. That was when students would find out if they were a Prefect or if they were named Head Boy or Head Girl. They would find out if they were Quidditch captain then too. The captain's badge and letter arrived at the same time as the letters for the new school year.
Ginny was more than convinced Harry would get the captain's badge for Gryffindor. She wasn't the only one. Ron admitted that he wouldn't be surprised if Harry got picked to be captain. Hermione and Neville admitted they wouldn't be surprised if Harry got it.
Hestia and Lily took their glass of lemonade out to the back patio while Harry took his sandwich and Coke to the family room.
Sitting down on the couch, Harry turned on the television. He flicked through the channels before choosing a rerun of Whose Line is it Anyway to watch. He ate his lunch as he watched the show, thinking about the plans that he was making for Ginny's continued birthday surprise.
Harry knew he might have gone a little overboard for Ginny's birthday. He just wanted to make this birthday special for Ginny. Harry had gone a little overboard to make their first Christmas and Valentine's Day special. Ginny loved the gifts he had given her then.
If there was anything Ginny could say about Harry, it was how observant he was. He paid attention to everything. Harry knew what books she liked to read for fun. He knew which kind of candy and which kind of chocolate was her favorite. There was so much he knew about her that it surprised her. It was nothing for her to receive a package with something she had looked at in a catalog and mentioned wanting. She would find out it was from him. She would find things in her shopping bags from Hogsmeade she had looked at but didn't buy.
That was how she got the pygmy puff she named Arnold. Harry had given her Arnold for her birthday. He was one of the presents Harry gave her at her birthday party. Harry had noticed her looking at one with that familiar look he knew all too well. The 'I want this, but I don't have the money, or I can't afford it' look.
He had slipped behind her and pointed him out to Fred, who put a sold tag on him. Harry returned later to pick him up without Ginny knowing.
The Quidditch match was the Saturday following Ginny's birthday. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Tickets for the Holyhead Harpies Quidditch match had gone on sale while Harry was still at Hogwarts. Sirius got the tickets for him, including his and Hestia's tickets. Harry knew Molly wouldn't allow Ginny to go if it was just him and Ginny going to the Quidditch match. Because of this, he asked Sirius if he and Hestia could go with them.
Sirius didn't hesitate as he was going with Ron and Harry to a few matches over the summer.
With the addition of Hestia arranging for Ginny to meet Gwenog Jones, Harry knew it would be a day she would never forget.
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"Do you realize you will get boyfriend of the year?" Ron asked, picking up the bottle of Coke. "Ginny is going to flip."
Harry grinned. "I'm just surprised Hestia was able to arrange it."
Neville picked up a slice of pizza, picking off the pepperoni and eating it first.
"Please show us her reaction in the pensieve."
Harry nodded. "I will."
Ron and Neville came over to hang out for the day. The boys had spent the morning playing video games, mainly Mario Kart. Lily had left money for the boys to order pizza for lunch, enough for the boys to order both pizza and breadsticks, plus a tip for the delivery driver. Harry had told Ron and Neville about Hestia arranging for Ginny to meet Gwenog Jones.
Ron picked up a breadstick, dunking it in the sauce. "Meeting Gwenog Jones has been a dream of Ginny's for years. She's had that poster on her bedroom wall for years."
"Who got her that?" Harry asked.
"She did. Charlie took her to a match when she was nine. I think she was nine," Ron paused, thinking. He nodded. "Yeah, she was nine. The Holyhead Harpies match was what he did with her before he left for Romania. Charlie wanted to do something special with Ginny and me before he left. He took me to a Chudley Cannons match to make it fair. He got tickets through a friend of his."
Harry picked up a slice of pizza, taking a bite. "Has she mentioned anything about playing on the team?"
Ron nodded. "She said she wanted to try out for the team this year."
"She told me the same," Harry said, deciding not to tell Ron Ginny had mentioned playing for the Harpies one day.
"What position?" Neville asked, taking a sip of his Coke.
"Chaser, she's good," Ron said. "She's got a good aim."
"Are you sure she wasn't aiming for your head?" Harry asked cheekily. Ron threw a piece of breadstick at Harry.
"Git." He picked up his usual fourth slice of pizza. "She has a good arm. Her only concern is she would be placed on the team because she is dating the captain."
Harry sighed, letting his head fall back. "I don't have the badge yet. How could she know that?"
"George heard from Angelina that Katie mentioned turning down the captain's badge. It was between her and you."
"Keyword mentioned," Harry said. "She mentioned turning it down."
Neville picked up a breadstick. "Don't you want the captain's badge?"
Harry sighed. "If McGonagall picks me, I would take it."
Neville popped a pepperoni in his mouth. "But do you want it?"
Harry sighed again. "I haven't really thought about it," he admitted.
"Uh huh," Ron said. "We've known each other since we were six. You want it don't you."
Sighing, Harry nodded. "I guess I do."
"When will you find out?" Neville asked, taking a bite of breadstick.
"When the letters come," Harry replied.
"That was when Hermione and I found out we were Prefects. When the letters came last year," Ron said.
The conversation paused when James came in through the back door. He walked into the kitchen, approaching the boys at the table.
"Hello, Ron, Neville. How are you, boys?"
"We're good," Neville replied.
"Good. Did Mum leave money for pizza?" He asked.
Harry nodded. "She said we could order pizza for lunch."
"Good. I'm going to go upstairs to clean up. Save me a couple of slices and a breadstick."
Harry nodded. James headed upstairs to shower and change clothes.
"Is he working on a case?" Neville asked.
"He and a team of Aurors are investigating some of the disappearances," Harry explained.
"Gran said it's like how it was last time," Neville whispered.
"Mum said something like that the other day," Ron added.
"Are we doing the Defense club again this year?" Neville inquired.
Harry nodded. "Sirius is taking over. He'll do all the planning and the prep."
Ron shook his head. "I still don't know how you did it all."
"I barely did," Harry admitted, taking a drink of Coke.
"But will you still be involved?"
"Yes, I will, Neville. I'm still going to teach occasionally."
"Good. Don't forget to show us Ginny's reaction to her surprise on Saturday."
Harry grinned. "Don't worry. I won't."
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Lily watched as Harry looked over the recipe for the chocolate cake. He got out the bowls he would need and the ingredients for the cake. When Harry said he was baking the cake for Ginny, Lily wasn't surprised. The plan was that they were going to have cake when Harry, Ginny, Hestia, and Sirius came back to the Potters. Knowing James and Sirius, there will be no waiting until after dinner for the cake.
Both Holyhead Harpies and Montrose Magpies teams had excellent seekers. The match was estimated to last two hours long at most. The Quidditch match was to start at one in the afternoon and was suspected to end at about four.
Harry poured the cake batter into a pan and put the pan in the oven. Once the cake was in the oven, Harry began making the icing. Lily watched him make the icing before he put it aside for when the cake cooled down.
"This is the same cake I made your father for his birthday after we started dating. I forced Sirius to tell me where the kitchen was. How I managed it, I don't know. He loved the cake. Since then, I made the same cake every year for his birthday. I made the cake again for your first birthday." Lily chuckled at a memory of Harry and his first birthday cake. "You had it all over your face and arms. I think there's a picture somewhere."
"You understand why I want to make this special for Ginny, don't you?" Harry asked suddenly.
If Lily was surprised by Harry's question, she didn't show it. She nodded.
"I do. Ginny is special to you, and you want her to feel special. You want to make it a day she will always remember."
Lily walked over to her son, kissing the side of his head.
"I understand that," Lily whispered. "Make sure you let the cake completely cool before applying the icing. I'm going to go out to the garden."
He just hoped this birthday would be one Ginny would remember for a long time.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Ginny flooed over to the Potters on Saturday morning. Harry told her to come over around eleven for her surprise. She didn't know Harry was taking her to a Quidditch match. They were going to see the Holyhead Harpies play the Montrose Magpies.
She walked into the kitchen, where Lily was cleaning up from making bread. Ginny could smell it from the fireplace.
"Smells good, Lily," Ginny said in greeting. She set a tin down on the counter. "Mum has gone overboard with the biscuits. Bill and Fleur have decided to get married in the back garden. Mum has been baking since Bill told her the news. Since he announced his engagement, she's done nothing but bake or clean. Remind me to hug my boyfriend for getting me out of the house today."
Lily chuckled. "I know Harry's been planning this day for a while now. I hope you have a great time."
Ginny turned when she heard footsteps coming downstairs. Harry turned from the stairs, a rucksack in his hand. He dropped it by the door of the sitting room where the floo was before heading to the kitchen.
"Hello, love," Ginny greeted.
"Hi, babe." Harry cupped her face, pressing a kiss to her lips. When they broke apart, he asked, "Are you ready to go?"
"Sure, I brought biscuits Mum made. There's a mix of chocolate chip and shortbread."
Harry snorted. "Don't tell Sirius."
"I won't."
Harry took the bag Lily handed him to give to Hestia. Inside was a loaf of cinnamon bread Lily had made that morning for her. The recipe came from Lily's mother, Iris. It was one of Hestia's favorites. Lily made it just like her mother did.
"Have a good time. I'll see you two later."
"Are we coming back here?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, we're coming back here after your surprise," Harry said.
Ginny nodded. "Okay."
She followed Harry to the floo. As Harry picked up the floo powder, he said, "We're going to Hestia and Sirius's flat. They're coming with us for lunch and the surprise."
Harry and Ginny flooed together to Hestia and Sirius's flat in London. Hestia greeted them when they flooed into the living room.
"Hello, you two," She greeted.
"Hi," Ginny greeted.
"Mum sent you this," Harry said, handing her the bag Lily had given him.
Hestia smiled, taking the bag. "I bet I know what this is, Iris's cinnamon bread."
"It is. Mum made it this morning," Harry said.
Sirius stepped out of the bedroom, smiling when he saw Harry and Ginny.
"Hello, you two," He greeted, hugging Harry first, then Ginny. "Is that Iris's cinnamon bread I smell?"
"Yes, it is. Lily should have sent two loaves," Hestia chuckled. "Are you ready to go?"
"I am if you are, my love," Sirius said to Hestia before turning to Harry and Ginny. "Are you two ready to go?"
"I'm ready," Hestia said.
"Can I use the loo before we go?" Ginny asked.
"Yes, let me show you where it is," Hestia motioned for Ginny to follow her.
Sirius looked to see where they were before he turned to Harry. "Did Hestia tell you she talked to Gwenog?"
Harry nodded. "She did. I'm still surprised she was able to arrange it."
"I met her. Gwenog is one of the nicest people I've met. Hestia and I went on a double date with her and her boyfriend. That was how I met her. She is so friendly and kind. I think she was approached about five times throughout our date. She was so friendly and kind to the fans who approached her, asking for a photo or an autograph."
Hestia came into the room with Ginny. She put on some lipstick and collected her handbag while Ginny was in the bathroom.
"Are we ready to go?" Sirius asked, reaching for the keys to the Land Rover.
"I'm ready if you two are," Hestia said.
Harry nodded. "We're ready,"
Hestia, Harry, and Ginny followed Sirius to the stairs, heading down to the main floor. Sirius led them out the front door to the car park. They found the Land Rover parked in one of Sirius and Hestia's parking spots. Sirius opened and closed the door for Hestia before he went to get in the driver's seat.
Harry opened the door for Ginny and let her climb in the back seat first before climbing in and shutting the door behind him. As Sirius pulled out of the car park, Ginny asked Harry where they were going.
"Are you going to tell me where we're going?"
"For lunch? Pizza Express," Harry answered. "You said you liked it when we tried it a few weeks ago.
"I did. The dough balls were good," Ginny said.
"After lunch, we'll go to your surprise. I'm not telling you what it is yet," Harry added when Ginny opened her mouth. "I know you were going to ask what it was."
Ginny pouted. "Can I get a hint?"
"It's something you would enjoy," Harry replied. "That's all I'm saying."
Ginny pouted again. Hestia and Sirius glanced at each other, smiling knowingly.
"Remind you of anyone?" Sirius whispered as Harry and Ginny talked.
Hestia looked in the mirror at the couple in the backseat. "I can see why people say they are like James and Lily. It's like we've gone back in time."
Sirius nodded, looking both ways before turning right to head to the restaurant. "It feels like we have. Remus and I have talked about it many times."
Hestia kept the conversation going as Sirius drove to the restaurant. She talked to Ginny about what she and Harry did on her birthday and her plans for the upcoming school year. Ginny told Hestia about her plans to try out for the Quidditch team.
"It depends on whose captain, really," Ginny said.
"Do you think you will get it, Harry?" Hestia asked.
"I don't know. It's between me and Katie," Harry said. "George heard that Katie might turn it down."
"Who told him that?" Sirius inquired.
"Angelina."
"Do you have your emergency Portkey?"
Harry nodded. "It's in my pocket."
Sirius nodded. "I have one too. Return to the flat if you need to make a quick escape."
"Okay," Harry murmured.
The portkeys gave both Molly and Lily peace of mind. It meant they could have an escape plan in case they needed one. This emergency plan allowed Harry and Ginny to go into London by themselves. The portkeys worked by Harry saying the activation word. He and Ginny would have seconds to grab hold of it once activated. Thankfully, Harry never had to use it. But the portkey was something he carried, even when he walked around Potters Bar on his own.
"Which car park do I need to go to?" Sirius asked.
Hestia tried to direct Sirius where to go, but Sirius wasn't paying attention to Hestia's instructions. Because of this, he had missed the turn.
"Sirius Orion Black, are you listening to me?" Hestia asked.
"I am Hestia." He was approaching a second car park and asked if this was okay. As it turned out, the one Sirius picked was closer. Hestia nodded, motioning for him to turn.
"Not too far, please," She said.
Sirius found a parking place a few spots from the entrance and exit. He parked the car.
"Does this please you, your highness?" He asked his girlfriend.
Hestia nodded. "It does."
They filed out of the car. Sirius locked it once everyone was out, and Hestia had her handbag. Sirius took the lead, leading them to the street and heading towards the restaurant. Pizza Express was just a block over from the car park. Harry held Ginny's hand as they walked to the car park exit.
Sirius held Hestia's hand as they walked the streets of London. Harry and Ginny were in front of them. They walked not too far ahead of them, trying to keep from getting separated.
Reaching the restaurant, Harry held the door open for Ginny and Hestia. Sirius took it once the girls were inside. They quickly found a table, placing an order for drinks. They ordered Cokes for Harry, Ginny, and Sirius and a Diet Coke for Hestia.
"Can I get you any appetizers?" The waitress asked.
They placed an order for dough balls and slow-roasted tomatoes. After placing their order for starters and drinks, Hestia and Ginny excused themselves to the restroom. Sirius looked to see if they were gone before asking Harry, "Do you think she suspects anything?"
Harry shook his head. "She's been trying to get hints out of me for a week."
Sirius chuckled. "I don't know how you're going to this top next year."
"I don't either," Harry admitted. "Ron said I should get boyfriend of the year."
Sirius nodded. "You are good to her. Remind me a lot of your Dad."
"Mum says the same thing. Dad told me about a few things he did for Mum when they were dating."
"He, like you, wants his woman happy." Sirius paused their conversation when the waitress brought their starters and drinks. "We'll need another minute," he said.
She nodded. "I'll be back."
"Thank you." Sirius turned back to Harry. "I told Hestia the plan for later, and as much as I love their chocolate fudge cake, we're going to wait and have dessert later."
Harry cleared his throat, signaling that Ginny and Hestia were coming back.
"I think I want a Margherita," Hestia said.
"I thought you would get your usual rocket salad?" Sirius asked.
"I want something different today. I get that when I'm in the office for lunch."
Ginny looked up from her menu. "What do you do?"
"I'm an estate agent. I sell houses and help people interested in buying or renting find a home," She explained before she leaned in closer. "I work in both the Muggle and Wizarding World."
"Really?" Ginny asked, opening her straw and slipping it into her Coke.
"I've done it for about five years until my mother got sick. Then we were told she had less than a year to live."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Ginny said. "Were you an only child?"
Hestia nodded. "I was. Dad passed away not long after I had graduated. It had been just Mum and me since. I grew up in Wales, but Dad had family in London. I often spend my summers here."
As Ginny and Hestia talked, Sirius asked Harry, "Have you thought about what we had talked about?"
Harry nodded. "I'm going to take you up on the offer."
"Good."
"What offer is that? The one you were telling me about?" Ginny asked. "About you teaching in the Defense Club, but Sirius does the planning?"
Harry nodded.
"Will that mean we would have time together?" Ginny asked, smirking.
Harry smirked back. "It could."
The waitress returned for their food order. Hestia, Harry, and Ginny decided to split a Margherita. Sirius had picked the American pizza.
After placing their order, the conversation shifted to the trip to the coast. They were leaving Monday and would be gone a week. A trip to the house on the coast Lily inherited from her parents was something they did every year.
Molly was allowing Ginny to go with them. Ron was going with Hermione on a last-minute beach trip with her parents.
"So, what is there to do there?" Ginny asked.
Harry started to list all of the things they did every year. Sirius added a few things as Harry went.
"Remus and Tonks are coming too. So we'll have four couples on this trip," Sirius said.
"How are we getting there?" Ginny asked.
The response to the question was paused when the waitress brought their pizzas.
"We drive," Harry replied. "Dad usually drives the Range. We've all ridden together before. I guess Sirius or Remus will drive." Seeing Sirius's face, Harry reminded him, "I said you."
"Have you ridden with Remus?" Sirius asked. "He drives like an old lady?"
"True," Harry agreed.
They spent the rest of lunch discussing what they would do on their trip. Usually, they had already gone on the trip. James's work schedule dictated when they were able to go this year.
Ginny wondered if there was more to the surprise Harry had for her besides lunch with his godparents.
How little did Ginny know what was about to happen?
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"Keep them closed, Gin."
Harry led Ginny toward the stadium entrance. Sirius and Hestia followed closely, wanting to see Ginny's reaction.
"Can I open them now?" Ginny asked. She was a little suspicious when Sirius pulled into a random car park. She was even more suspicious when Harry told her to close her eyes. Figuring it was a part of her surprise, she went along with it.
"Can I open them now?" Ginny asked.
"Not yet," Harry replied, moving her closer to the center.
"Now?"
"Open them."
Ginny opened her eyes. She gasped. Her eyes went wide with realization. She was at the Holyhead Harpies vs. Montrose Magpies match.
"Are we where I think we are?" Ginny asked, turning slowly towards Harry.
"And where would that be?" Harry smirked.
"The Holyhead Harpies/Montrose Magpies match?" Ginny guessed.
Harry smiled. "Surprise, baby. We're going to the match. Happy Birthday."
"Are you being serious?" She asked.
Harry nodded. "I'm serious."
Ginny tackled her boyfriend into a hug. "Thank you, I love you."
"I love you."
Sirius chuckled. "I think she liked the surprise."
It was Sirius who had gotten the tickets for the match for Harry. He had offered to get them when Harry asked him if he and Hestia could come with him and Ginny to the Quidditch match. Harry took him up on the offer, only telling him he would pay for his and Ginny's tickets. Sirius had planned on purchasing tickets for the section with the best seats. He had mentioned this to Harry before purchasing them. Harry had saved money for the better seats for him and Ginny, but Sirius had added more money when he had purchased the tickets.
Sirius wanted to help Harry to make this even more special for Ginny. Harry couldn't say no when Sirius told him he had purchased four tickets for four of the best seats in the stadium.
Harry reached for Ginny's hand. "Are you ready to go in?"
Ginny nodded. "Let's go."
Sirius and Hestia followed Harry and Ginny to the entrance. They got in line to enter the stadium, showing the lady in the booth their tickets.
"Enjoy the match," She said after punching the last ticket.
Sirius and Harry led Hestia and Ginny to their seats, knowing their way around the stadium, having been here before. They passed the concessions on the way to their seats.
"Let's find our seats first. Then we'll come back to get some drinks and snacks," Sirius suggested as they passed.
Sirius took the lead as they approached the section their seats were in. He held the door open for Hestia and Ginny. Harry held it open as Sirius walked in. They walked up the steps, hearing the swooshing of brooms as they approached the top.
"Wow," Ginny said when she saw the view they would have from their seats. "This is one of the best sections."
Sirius smiled. Hestia chuckled as she noticed the grin on Sirius's face.
"You did good, Blackie."
"I know, Hessie."
Finding their seats, Ginny found they had a great view of the Quidditch pitch, a little bit above the hoops. The stadium was an old football stadium that the Ministry had purchased many years ago for Quidditch. It was marked condemned with Muggle-repellent charms. Many Quidditch matches have been played here for many years. The British and Irish Quidditch League finals are played here annually. Sirius and Harry had been here many times with James over the years.
Before the match started, Sirius and Harry headed down to the concessions. Harry got a bucket of popcorn to share with Ginny and two Cokes. The concessions stand had been adding more Muggle snacks and drinks over the last three years. Sirius also got a bucket of popcorn with a Coke for him and a Diet Coke for Hestia.
Harry paid for the snacks and drinks they got for the concessions, much to Sirius's chargin'.
"I could have paid," Sirius said.
"Consider it a thank you for getting the tickets," Harry said. "Dad said you had to stand in line for hours."
"Four hours," Sirius corrected. "But seeing Ginny's face was worth it."
"Thanks again, Sirius," Harry said as they walked up the stairs back to their seats.
"You're welcome. Anytime, kiddo."
Harry and Sirius made their way back to their seats. When they returned to their seats, Harry handed Ginny her drink, setting the popcorn between them. They made it just in time for the match to start.
"Welcome, ladies and gents, to jolly ole London," the announcer began. "It is a beautiful day for Quidditch. Today we have the Montrose Magpies taking the Holyhead Harpies."
Cheers erupted across the stadium.
"Ladies first. Introducing the only all-female Quidditch team in the league, the Holyhead Harpies! Lead by team captain and beater, Gwenog Jones!"
The Holyhead Harpies entrance was something Ginny had never seen before. When she and Charlie went to the match when she was nine, the game had begun when they arrived. Watching her favorite team fly around the pitch was something she thought she would never get to see.
"Maybe one day that will be me," She thought.
"And now," The announcer began as a drum beat began to play. "Welcome to the pitch, the Montrose Magpies!"
The Magpies flew out onto the pitch, their black and white robes billowing in the wind.
Gwenog and the Magpie's captain, Archie Bucket, met in the middle of the pitch. The referee reminded Harry of a male version of Madam Hooch.
"Captains, shake hands," He called. Gwenog and Bucket shook hands. "The match will begin in three, two," He blew a whistle as he tossed the quaffle into the air. The match had begun.
As the match began, Sirius watched with amusement as Harry and Ginny watched the game. They had started discussing some of the plays the teams were using. Harry knew a lot of them by their name, which was impressive. He had a book on Quidditch plays that used to belong to James. Sirius planned on getting Harry the updated version when Harry got the badge. Minvera had let it slip to him that she was picking Harry after Katie told her she was declining the captain's badge.
She had sworn Sirius to secrecy. It was one of the biggest secrets he had kept from his godson.
Ginny commented on some of the tactics the Harpies chasers were using. She picked up her Coke for a drink, her eyes never leaving the pitch.
"They do that so easily," Ginny said, taking a sip of Coke out of the straw.
"They do," Harry agreed, taking a drink of his Coke.
Even with their conversations, they paid attention to the game, especially when the referee tried to call a foul on the Harpies.
"That isn't a foul?" Ginny called.
"How is that a foul?" Harry said at the same time.
Sirius and Hestia chuckled, amused.
Hestia shook her head. "Well, this is one thing they have different from James and Lily."
"Their mutual love of Quidditch?" Sirius guessed.
Hestia nodded. "James is a Quidditch fanatic, but Lily only supports it because of James and Harry."
"Have you seen her during one of Harry's Quidditch matches? She can go from a worried mother to ferocious Mama Bear," Sirius said. "In a matter of seconds."
"I have. I pity the soul who dares to hurt one of her boys."
Sirius nodded, knowing Hestia meant him, James, and Remus.
The Harpies called for a quick time-out. The score currently was 50 to 80. The Harpies were in the lead.
"Having a good time?" Sirius asked, leaning over to Ginny.
"Yes, I'm having a great time. I'm still shocked you pulled this off," Ginny said to her boyfriend.
"Well, I did have some help," Harry looked at Sirius as he said it.
"It was all your idea," Sirius added.
Time out was over, and the game resumed. The Harpies scored three goals, increasing their score by thirty points. It was obvious that the Magpies were struggling to keep up. The Harpies seeker had come close to catching the snitch a few times.
The match had been almost two hours long. They called for an extended time out, right at two hours. Hestia explained it was to allow the players to regroup, use the loo, and get water or medical attention. Ginny used the ten-minute time out to go down to use the loo. Harry walked with her.
By the time they returned from the loo, the match was preparing to resume. Within the first ten minutes of the game restarting, the Harpies scored two more goals. If they caught the snitch, they would win the game.
Suddenly, the Harpies seeker dived. The excitement was evident in the announcer's voice.
"Harpies seeker Gia Gomez has seen the snitch. Will she catch it this time?"
He started giving a play-by-play as Gia Gomez reached for the snitch. Then she held her closed fist up, holding the snitch in her hand.
"SHE HAS CAUGHT THE SNITCH! THE HARPIES WON THE MATCH! THE HARPIES HAVE WON! THE HARPIES WON!"
The announcer's voice echoed across the stadium as pandemonium broke out. The noise was deafening. The Harpies landed in a heap on the field. They were celebrating their victory. It was the first match of the season for the Holyhead Harpies. Their season was off to a good start.
Harry glanced over at Ginny as everyone cheered around them. She was smiling so big that Harry was sure her cheeks were hurting. She suddenly engulfed him in a tight hug, squeezing him.
"Thank you, baby."
"You're welcome," Harry murmured as he wrapped his arms around Ginny.
The announcer announced that the league would like to thank everyone for coming to the match and apologized for the inconvenience of moving the Quidditch match to London.
"Are we ready to go?" Sirius asked.
"I'm ready. Where are we going?"
"I have a surprise," Hestia said. "Follow me."
Hestia led them down the stairs towards the exit, turning down a corridor before they left the abandoned building that housed the stadium. Sirius moved to allow Ginny and Harry to walk ahead of him. Harry motioned for Ginny to walk ahead of him.
"Where are we going?" Ginny asked.
"I don't know," Harry shrugged.
Hestia led them down the corridor, stopping in front of a door. She knocked on the door before opening it and peeking in.
"Hello there," She said, opening the door. Sirius held it open, motioning for Harry and Ginny to go in.
"After you," Harry motioned to Ginny to walk in first. Ginny walked into the room, stopping when she took a few steps into the door.
There in front of her, stood Gwenog Jones, captain of the Holyhead Harpies.
"Hello there, Cousin. How are you?" Gwenog asked, hugging Hestia.
"I'm good. You've met Sirius. Gwenog, this is my godson Harry and his girlfriend, Ginny."
"Hi," Ginny said when she found her voice. "I'm not sure if I should say this, but I'm a huge fan of yours."
Gwenog chuckled.
"Thank you, honey. I understand you had a birthday. I have a bag we give our VIP members and ticket holders. I have one for you. The team signed the poster. Since I heard from a little birdie." Gwenog glanced at Hestia. "That you were a fan of mine, I included my new poster and promotional picture, which I signed. There is also a Holyhead Harpies shirt and water bottle in there."
"Thank you very much," Ginny murmured, taking the bag.
"Did you want a picture?" Gwenog asked.
"If it's no trouble," Ginny said.
Gwenog shook her head. "It's no trouble at all."
"I can take it for you," Hestia added.
As Ginny and Gwenog posed for a few pictures, Sirius approached Harry, putting his hands on his shoulder, whispering, "You've set the bar high. How will you top next year?"
"I don't know," Harry admitted. "I really don't know."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
No one was more excited to hear how the surprise went than James. He had waited for Harry, Ginny, Hestia, and Sirius impatiently. He was about to drive Lily mad, asking when they were coming back.
Harry had called on the mirrors when they were on the way home. James started to pace in front of the floo, waiting for them to arrive.
"James, they've apparated in the back garden."
James ran to the back, nearly colliding with Lily, who had a platter of sandwiches. He ignored her screech of 'James Henry Potter!' and ran out to the back garden.
"I want to hear everything!" He exclaimed as he approached his son and Ginny.
"It was wonderful. The Harpies won the match," Ginny said. She launched into telling James all about it. He had latched on to her as soon as she began talking.
"Can I have her back when you're done?" Harry called.
James held up a thumbs up.
Harry turned to Sirius and Hestia as they walked to the back patio. "I don't think I could thank you enough, Hestia. You made her day."
"It was my pleasure. Gwenog was more than willing to meet her. It might have been because it was me. We always were close."
Harry pulled her into a hug again. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, Sweetie."
Ginny opened the VIP bag to show James what she had gotten. He could see the excitement on Ginny's face, especially when she pulled out a Holyhead Harpies shirt that was coming out in the fall.
As Ginny packed away the new posters, cards, and shirts, Lily came out with the cake. Harry told Ginny they were having cake at the house when they returned to Sirius and Hestia's flat. A pitcher of lemonade and four glasses were already sitting on the table. Plates and a knife were sitting on the table, ready for when it was time to have cake.
"Did Harry tell you he made it?" Lily asked, pouring lemonade into the glasses. She handed everyone a glass of lemonade before taking one for herself.
Ginny shook her head. "No, he didn't." She looked at her boyfriend with an uplifted eyebrow. "I knew you could bake, but you can make cakes?"
"I can," Harry admitted. "I haven't tried it, so it may not be good."
Lily served some sandwiches and crisps before the cake. Ginny recounted the match as they ate. Hestia leaned over to Lily.
"It was comical to watch them at the match. I told Sirius it was like watching you and James if you were both Quidditch fanatics."
Lily swallowed the bite of the sandwich she had just taken. "I could imagine that."
When it was time to cut the cake, Lily handed Harry the knife. Harry sliced the cake, serving the cake, starting with Ginny.
"Harry, if this cake tastes as good as it looks, you might be in trouble," Sirius said as he took his plate.
"Why is that?" He asked.
"You might be making this cake a lot more," Hestia replied, picking up her fork.
Ginny took a bite of the cake as Harry handed Lily her plate. "Oh, this is good," she sighed.
"This was a recipe my mother handed down to me. Her recipes are in the binder," She informed her son. "This cake recipe was a family recipe. Mum was a chef and a baker. She catered many events. Most of my teens were spent helping her with parties and teas. She was well known in our little town."
"She taught you well," James said. "There are some things you make that come close to tasting like Iris's cooking."
"Something things taste like she made it, like the cinnamon bread. I'm looking forward to having a slice later," Hestia admitted.
"Will you share?" Sirius asked.
"If you're good, I will."
"Dad always requested this cake for his birthday. Well, we all did," Lily said.
"I remember when you first made me this cake. It was my birthday after we got together, right?" James asked, pointing to the cake with his fork.
"It was," Lily confirmed, nodding.
Sirius chuckled. "She made me show her where the kitchen was." He picked up his glass of lemonade, taking a drink. "I thought you would know where the kitchen was, Mrs. Prefect."
"I didn't know where it was, Sirius." Lily took a drink of her lemonade. "I had an idea. I didn't want to go wondering."
"Is the icing homemade too?" Ginny asked.
"It is. Mum had put chocolate shavings on the cake before. Dad told her once I don't know why you're doing that. The cake is to eat, not to look at."
James chuckled. "I can hear Jake saying that."
"They sounded like they were wonderful people," Ginny commented.
Lily nodded, looking a little sad. "They were. I wish Harry could have met them."
"I do too, Mum." Harry reached over, squeezing her hand.
"So, Ginny, has this been a good surprise?" Lily asked.
Ginny smiled, glancing at her boyfriend. "It has, Lily. It really has."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Ginny couldn't believe the day she had. She went to a Holyhead Harpies Quidditch match. Harry had surprised her with tickets to the Quidditch match. She thought they were doing something in London with Sirius and Hestia. Harry had done a great job keeping the secret, even though Ginny had tried to get it out of him many times. She knew something was up when Sirius pulled into a random car park.
She noticed Sirius and Hestia looking at each other and then at Harry and her. They had this look on their face she couldn't describe. Ginny was even more suspicious when Harry told her to close her eyes and take his hand. When he told her to open her eyes, she noticed they were standing in front of the stadium. A banner hung above the entrance to the stadium advertising the Holyhead Harpies/Monstrose Magpies match.
Then realization dawned on her. They were going to the match. She had been hearing about it on the wireless for weeks. She had entertained once asking Harry if he could get tickets.
She followed Harry through the line to have their tickets checked. Harry had his and her's, handing hers to her when they were through. Glancing at it, she did a double take when she saw the seats Harry had bought. They had a great view of the pitch from their seats in the stands. Harry and Sirius had gone to get snacks and drinks before the game started. They shared popcorn and had Cokes.
They had discussed techniques and tactics they had seen in the match. Ginny was sure Harry was getting the captain's badge, discussing they could use some of the tactics they could use for the team.
It was a great game. What made it even better was the Harpies had won. The icing on the cake was she got to meet Gwenog Jones.
It was like a dream come true.
Gwenog was just as kind and friendly as she imagined. She was just what the fans had described her in the comment section she had read in Quidditch magazines. Meeting her was a pleasure.
A few hours later, Harry took her home after they had dinner. He helped her hang up her new posters before he went home. She pulled him in for a kiss before he left to go home.
"Thank you for today. I had a great time."
"I'm glad," He murmured.
Ginny sighed, wondering how she had gotten so lucky. She didn't know what she did to deserve a boyfriend like Harry. He treated her like she was a queen.
She sighed as she turned over in bed. Her bedroom was dark, the moon shined the sheer curtains on her window, and she was alone with her thoughts. Her thoughts of meeting one of her role models, seeing her favorite Quidditch team play again, and spending time with the boy she loved.
Ron had commented when they were brushing their teeth, "How is Harry going to top this next year?"
She didn't know. As long they were together was all that mattered to her. She was the happiest when she was with Harry.
Harry had pulled off one of the best surprises for her. A birthday surprise she would never forget.