Warning, Ginny Weasley bashing and slight Molly bashing. There may be slight language as well. Hope you enjoy!
nette91 – I'm doing my best to and posting anyway.
Amory K - Hope you like the new chapter! :)
Chapter 13
Hermione hurried through the halls, wishing dearly the staircases weren't moving because it would be so much quicker. Just before she arrived she heard a shout "Granger!"
Spinning around she couldn't help scowling. She was going to be late. "Yes?!"
"Don't speak to me like that," Ginny snapped. "You may be older than me but you should learn to be better to your superiors."
"Excuse me?" Hermione said, affronted. Ginny shoved her into a classroom before locking the door, arms crossed.
"You're just a jumped up muggleborn and all that shit you were spewing about being the heir of Ravenclaw is ridiculous. You may have brainwashed Harry into believing this with a love potion –"
"What?!" Hermione was stunned. She couldn't believe this was the same Ginny who had shyly come to ask her about boys back in Hermione's third year and the same little girl who was inspired by her work ethic. How could she believe so lowly of Hermione that she thought she would stoop to giving Harry a love potion? When voicing this she was met with derision.
"Please, Granger. You think I don't know what the boys think about you? Just because you may be in denial about that doesn't mean I won't tell you. Plain, arrogant, bossy. The list goes on. No wonder no boy wants to date you."
Tears welled in Hermione's eyes. Since they had shared a room every time Hermione stayed over they had gotten to know each other well, including their insecurities. She couldn't believe Ginny would say that to her. Anger then flared in her and she tilted her head up. "Okay then. But you can't be mad at me for getting the one boy you wanted because he didn't want you even though you did everything short of showing your tits to him when he stayed over."
"How dare you?" Ginny shrieked, cheeks flaming. "I have no chance to ever talk to him as you hog him! If you just –"
"What? Avoid my best friend and now boyfriend for your comfort?" Hermione stared in confusion at Ginny when she nodded. "Um, well obviously no?"
Ginny then sighed, sitting opposite her, suddenly speaking surprisingly calmly. "Just tell me what you did to him. What spell or potion you used to make him like you. I'll let you go if you do and I won't tell anyone if you give him the antidote and promise not to do it again."
A weird feeling slipped through Hermione as Ginny smiled sweetly at her. Just a minute ago she'd been screaming and now she was smiling? A creepy feeling settled in her as the sudden mood change reminded her slightly of a psychopath. "I – I didn't do anything." Honestly is the best policy, wasn't that the saying?
Ginny slammed her fist in the table, standing up, the smile now gone and replaced with rage. "Liar! Tell me the truth!"
"Can't you accept he just genuinely likes me? Why is it so hard to see that?!" Hermione let every bit of hurt in her voice seep through her voice, not understanding why Ginny just couldn't accept it.
"Because it's supposed to be me!" Hermione was shocked to see tears begin to spill and stood stock still, unsure what to do.
"Ever since I was little I idolised him and mum always said I could be with him, that he would love me," she sobbed. "She said he'd love my hair as it was red like his mother's and that I was bright and talented, the perfect match for him. That since I'm a pureblood I could purify the Potter's bloodline again. It was all planned out, we'd get together when I was in fifth year, he'd propose after I graduated, we'd marry a year later and then I would become Lady Potter! I would give mum money as a thanks and the heirlooms could be shared out –"
"Ginny. Ginny!" Hermione's calls eventually broke through and Ginny hiccupped, attempting to control her sobs. "Not everything goes according to plan. Sometimes –"
"What do you want?"
"What?" Hermione blinked. What?
"What do you want? Money? Heirlooms? I can find some –"
"I – I don't want any of that Ginny –"
"I'll give you anything! Anything you want to you break up with Harry!"
The blatant desperation hurt Hermione and she wished she could help but sacrificing Harry wasn't worth it. "Ginny, all I want is Harry," she replied gently, laying a gentle hand on her former friend. Ginny shook it off though, desperation beginning to resurface as anger and she raised her wand when the door burst open.
"Step away from her," Harry snapped, voice low and threatening. His wand was pointed at Ginny's chest as he entered, Ron, Lavender and Parvati behind him, wands all out.
Ginny stepped back, eyes wide as she realised she was vastly outnumbered. Hermione took advantage of her surprise and bolted to Harry before she could think of doing anything.
"How dare you," Harry snarled. "How dare you try to blackmail Hermione into breaking up with me."
Hearing footsteps, Hermione glanced back to see people peering through the doorway, a crowd beginning to appear. About to open her mouth to disperse them she fell silent at Parvati's slight shake of the head. Frowning, she was about to ask why when Lavender muttered, "Later."
Ginny was stammering denials, shaking her head, Hermione seeing a sudden fear in her eyes.
"I love her," Harry said pointedly. "Not you. I will never love you, see you as anything more than Ron's little sister. I'm sorry that I've hurt you but I blame your mother for encouraging this delusion. I'm not going to date you and certainly not marry you and that's something you'll have to accept. Especially considering your mother is only encouraging this as she has persuaded you to give her my money and heirlooms as a 'kindness' when it would be stealing –"
"So it's mum's fault you won't marry me?! I won't talk to her I swear! I'll –"
Hermione barely supressed grin at Harry's face. He looked like he was about to facepalm. "No. Your mother hasn't helped your case but with or without her I would never give up Hermione. I will never love you, no matter what you do. Give. Up. Move on. There's nothing for you here."
With that he grabbed Hermione's hand and tugged her to him. Surprise and then annoyance at the gathered crowd flittered across his face as he led her to the dorm, Ron, Lavender and Parvati surrounding them.
"Ancient Runes!" The panic spread through Hermione. Damnit. She had completely forgotten.
"It's fine, we'll talk to McGonagall," Ron offered, shrugging. "She'll understand."
"Sorry about not letting you get rid of the crowd but it was pointless," Parvati said, looking a bit guilty. "Most people wouldn't listen anyway but now you've gained two things. People know Harry's taken and people know Ginny's a gold digger whose obsessed with Harry, hopefully discouraging anyone from helping her especially as everyone now knows how Harry will react to things like that."
While Ron grinned proudly at his girlfriend for her forethought, all Hermione could think of saying was "That's true, but how come you think that without that someone else would try?"
"Because that's why purebloods and most half-bloods from political houses come to Hogwarts?" Lavender responded, eyebrow raised.
Getting blank looks from the trio, Parvati rolled her eyes. "Boys don't know this as it's not their responsibility and only girls with any status know why they're sent to Hogwarts. Purebloods used to home school their children but realised not only was a school better to form alliances but also potential marriages."
"Susan and Hannah mentioned people would 'propose' to others here," Harry added, looking interested.
"Exactly. Girls are sent here to look for 'eligible' guys to marry. Myself and Lavender were instructed by our parents to not only look for handsome guys, as that does unfortunately get you further in life but for the most powerful guys, the ones with highest status."
They arrived at the dorm and Lavender murmured a spell at the girls stairs and they climbed up them, Harry and Ron not being sent back down in a slide. Upon reaching the top she recast the previous spell and led them to her dorm. Lavender then dug in her trunk before triumphantly producing a notebook.
"Every girl in a political house are given these by their parents in third year," Parvati explained as she opened it. Inside was every boys name in their year, along with some from the year above and below. "You don't usually want to go for a higher/lower age range than that. As you can see you watch who excels most in their classes for theory and a separate list for who excels in practical work. There's also one for the most powerful magic wise, as well as another for political power and another for status. You then cross reference each list with each other to get a final list of the best men to marry."
Hermione gaped at the list while Ron and Harry exchanged shocked looks. "So, are you dating me for what I can give you or –"
The sudden uncertainty in Ron's voice hurt Hermione but Lavender shook her head quickly. "No! I mean, you would be a good choice but there are others I could easily go for that are higher up but I wanted you!"
Hermione grinned slightly when Harry leaned over as Lavender reassured Ron, whispering "Is telling him he wasn't the best guy she could get comforting?"
Hermione clamped a hand over her mouth to silence her giggles while Parvati, who had overheard looked desperately at a nearby wall, her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter. The adrenaline in Hermione since the confrontation with Ginny was fading and she could finally relax.
Harry gave Ron a short nod as he watched his friend fly into the air, ignoring the gaggles of giggling girls nearby. He had decided to start with the keeper's trials first, get Ron's over with so he had less time to get nervous. Given by the green tinge of his skin, he guessed that was a smart decision.
Watching Katie Bell shoot at Ron, he was delighted when Ron's practise over the summer paid off and he saved all five of the goals. While he couldn't cheer himself as that would clearly be biased, he gave Ron a clap on the back as he landed, hearing Hermione cheering from the crowd. Thankfully there didn't seem to be much competition for the keeper position, the next few wanna be keepers only saving at most 3/5.
Harry sighed as the last person going for the keeper position swaggered into view. According to his list he was Cormac McLaggen, a seventh year and depressingly reminded him of a younger Malfoy.
"Ah, Potter, good to see you. Once I'm keeper we'll need to have a little chat, you know since my family's big in the ministry."
Before Harry could even reply he was in the air, heading to the hoops. Exchanging a disgusted look with Katie he privately thought the only way he could save all the goals was because his arrogance was big enough to cover all three hoops.
Worry set in when he saved the first four goals, with Katie only having on last chance to keep him off the team. Harry wondered if there was anything he could do to refuse him and give it to Ron without doing an rematch between them. Maybe he could ask Katie to go easy on Ron? Clearly she didn't want McLaggen on the team but… it was ethically wrong to do that. Hmmm.
Harry did stare though when he shot in completely in the wrong direction and grinned at the red faced idiot dismounting after. Catching his girlfriends eye, he raised an eyebrow at the sheepish grin on her face but didn't say anything. If Hermione had done anything he deserved it anyway.
"Right, moving on to the beaters! Anyone trying out for them move over here!" he hollered only to hear his name being yelled. Turning around he sighed as he came face to face with McLaggen. "Oi, Potter –"
"Sorry, I'm busy. Got the rest of the try-outs," Harry snapped, not interested in a conversation and turning back to the beaters only to be spun around by Cormac.
"Give me another go."
"Excuse me?"
"Give me another go. Bell went far easier on Weasley than me, I want another go."
"No," Harry said, rolling his eyes. He was completely done with this idiot. "You had your chance and Katie was fair on both of you. Ron however didn't dive in completely the wrong direction though, which is why he got more saves than you and is the better keeper."
Red splotches appeared on his face and he swelled up with anger, reminding Harry of his Aunt Marge. Smiling sardonically, he said "Now, if you could get out my way I've got try-outs to do."
He then turned around and headed over the Katie who was glaring at McLaggen. "Sorry for him," she apologised. "He's a complete arsehole in class too. Doesn't like not getting his own way. He's too used to as his father's got loads of connections so people don't say no to him."
"I can tell," Harry said dryly before turning back to the selection of kids in front of him and began ordering them in a drill with him and Katie leading. Things had got to get better from here if he wanted any chance of winning the quidditch cup.
Harry reflected on the team he had chosen as he headed to Professor Minks' office. He had kept Katie on as a chaser and she was joined by a new find Demelza Robins and Dean Thomas. He did feel slightly guilty that Ginny hadn't tried out, knowing she had meant to but after this morning hadn't dared to show her face anywhere, even in lessons. Jimmy Peakes and Richie Coote took over as Beaters and though they were no Fred and George they had potential and Harry had already talked with Katie about some drills they could do to help bring it out in them. He had of course remained Seeker and Ron had joined as Keeper, even with McLaggen throwing a fit about it, accusing him of being biased.
They were the last to reach the office, everyone else that they had asked already seated. Professor Minks smiled at them as they entered, gesturing at them to sit down. "I'm glad to see you've all agreed to join as it will make Mr Potter's life easier, as well as mine. I've floated the idea around the classes I've had and many would be grateful, especially with the current fifth years as they have their OWLs coming up so I've put a poster so more people can see it. Harry will be explaining what you're all doing here."
She then turned to him and he swallowed, being distinctively reminded of Hermione doing this last year when coming up with the club. "So, you guys are some of the best in the group," he began awkwardly, "and since I won't be able to cope with teaching lots of people, especially if they're all different levels so we'll have to divide them into groups. You'll then each take a group and teach them the relevant spells and hopefully we can up the standard of DADA as currently British wizards are renowned for being awful at defence as Hogwarts has been unable to get competent teachers and if they could, they would be gone after a year and we need to change that."
Hermione smiled proudly at him once he had finished his speech and Professor Minks went through a few more things before letting them go. The minute they stepped out Hermione kissed him, "You're so good at speeches you know."
Harry felt his face go warm while Ron and Dean smirked. Susan and Hannah grinned widely and seeing them reminded Harry of their conversation on the train. "I've sent a message to Sirius of a possible meeting between him and your Aunt and he said he'll be happy to set up a meeting, he was really impressed with her when she handled my custody case."
Susan grinned, thanking him while Hannah watched with interest, as was Parvati and Lavender. Neville said bye to them and the Gryffindors headed back to the common room, Parvati and Lavender immediately asking about what had happened with Susan. When he explained, they nodded before heading up to the dorms, conversing quietly.
"What are they talking about?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Probably considering writing to their families to ask to meet Sirius," Neville said. "Considering Sirius is very powerful and has connections with Harry he would be popular for alliances if he wasn't a Black. However, hearing that Amelia Bones is meeting him bolsters his reputation immediately because she's a prominent light sided figure so people believe they can trust him as she does. Harry would do the same if he wasn't so young, some believe Sirius is 'influencing' him and turning him dark."
"I wish we were ready to participate in the Wizengamot," Hermione huffed, clearly irritated with the biased and incorrect view hoisted on Sirius.
"Sirius said he'll start out lessons with us this Hogsmeade weekend, so at least there's that," Harry pointed out. "Speaking of," he twisted the cuff of his shirt anxiously "I – I was wondering if you w – wanted to come on a date at – at Hogsmeade? With me? This weekend?"
Ron opened his mouth to interrupt but Neville tactfully pulled him away, a hand over his mouth to prevent him from ruining the moment.
Hermione smiled brightly, nodding. "I'd like that," she whispered, blushing, suddenly shy.
Harry grinned back, warmth swirling in him as he kissed her. When they broke apart he frowned, confused when Hermione started giggling and she nodded over his shoulder. He turned around to see Dean and Neville keeping Ron quiet and still by holding him in a chair, hand over his mouth.
Seeing they were done, Ron was released and he immediately burst out "Real smooth mate, all that stuttering."
Neville sighed and Dean slapped a hand to his forehead, muttering "I give up."
They didn't notice a small redhead tucked into the corner of the common room, watching them kiss tearfully. That was supposed to be her.