GINNY
The first weeks of term passed uneventfully. Wind howled through the castle corridors, causing students to rush between classes to keep warm. Homework quickly piled up for the fifth years and professors consistently put emphasis on the rigors of preparing for O.W.L.s. Their post-holiday calm had swiftly become filled with anxious worries and long nights in the library completing all assignments in addition to studying for examinations.
The Gryffindors and Ravenclaws shared a Transfiguration class. This term they'd begun working on transforming various plants into other forms for use in potion making. Therefore, this required further review of Herbology and Potions concepts from Ginny's third and fourth year.
All the more challenging, Ginny now had to remember the standard uses for each plant variety in addition to Luna's "non traditional" uses. Having been friends with Luna for so long, the two distinctions had become muddled in Ginny's mind. As she would be asked to recite only the standard uses during examinations, she doubted it would impress the examiners to recount Luna's theory that a typical application for a Calming Draught was aiding in the controversial training of self-control in Nifflers. To add to Ginny's frustration, Luna was out-performing her in each lesson. Which normally she didn't mind, but the worried looks from McGonagall had heightened the pressure to perform.
Today they were transforming Mandrake slices into minuscule pellets for preservation of their potion-making properties. These had to be perfectly condensed with all their original potency for use in Slughorn's class later this term. Luna, of course, had finished a vial full of condensed Mandrake pellets and now she was looking dreamily out of the window and humming faintly to herself. Meanwhile Ginny was having poor success remembering the exact cross sectional patterns of Mandrake slices.
"Ginny, what would you think if I interviewed for the Quidditch Commentator position?" Luna asked.
"Oh, er - I didn't know you liked Quidditch, Luna," Ginny replied.
"I don't know much about it. But I wouldn't say that I don't like it," said Luna. "And how different is it, really, from Pixie Spotting?"
"Well for one thing, Quidditch has different positions," Ginny explained as she quickly flipped through her Transfiguration text searching for the correct page on pattern recognition in plants.
"Perhaps you could teach me more about it?"
"Sure, Luna," Ginny said kindly. But the amusing picture quickly formed in her mind of Luna wearing the large roaring lion's head while commentating the next match.
"And it would be a good chance to spend more time outdoors, don't you think?"
Professor McGonagall had now rounded towards their collection of desks and was inspecting each student's work. "Now, girls, enough talk. You'll need to focus more on those patterns, Miss Weasley. Remember to conceptualize the changes you wish to make prior to casting the spell. Well done, Miss Lovegood. Five pounds to Ravenclaw," She strode away with hands clasped behind her back.
Luna leaned in and whispered softly so McGonagall couldn't hear. "There's a dark-haired girl in Gryffindor that has approached me several times after Slughorn's Party. She's been asking about Harry, wanting to know if he dances as well as he duels."
Ginny snorted loudly, earning several raised eyebrows from classmates sitting nearby. "That'll be Romilda Vane," she whispered back. "If she bothers you again, just let me know and I'll stick her with my Bat Bogey Hex."
She'd finally found the correct page. Closing her eyes, Ginny attempted to concentrate on the pattern in the book and muttered, "Condensio." Her slice of Mandrake shook violently for a moment, paused, and turned hopelessly on its side.
Quidditch practice would now be on Monday's, Wednesday's and Thursday's this term. Most evenings, even this early in the term, Ginny felt mentally exhausted upon walking onto the pitch. Despite this, she was pleased to find herself refreshed and energized after having a fly. It was - in her opinion - the best way to end the day. Even with Katie still out, she could see that the team was stronger than it had ever been. Their chances at winning the Cup seemed better than ever. She and Dean had also fallen into a respectful rhythm that allowed her to have dinner with him but with a generous amount of time to study afterwards.
In the first week of February, it had come time for the fifth year students to meet for career advising with their Heads of House. Her mother had long encouraged her to pursue a career in Healing. But Ginny found Potions to be hair splittingly tedious and something for which she had no natural talent. For a long time, she considered something with Care of Magical Creatures. But Charlie informed her that those positions were often hard to come by and usually dangerous when working in the field. She'd have to be willing to spend months or years away from home. Otherwise, she'd be stuck at the Ministry, dealing with laws and regulations surrounding creatures - rather than handling actual animals. So now, her wish of becoming a professional Chaser had become less of a far-fetched fantasy, and more like the most plausible career choice. If she were to stick with what she was most talented at, it would be Quidditch and Charms. Therefore, Quidditch was the first option she offered McGonagall when they sat down for their career counseling meeting.
"Yes, Miss Weasley, I think that could be possible. Oliver Woods is on the Puddlemore United team, as you know. It's always good to have Gryffindor House represented in the professional league."
"You really think so?"
"Certainly. However, I'll warn you that they generally have a rigorous screening and selection process. It's not only talent, but hard work. They'll do a thorough personality check to ensure you're someone that would make a good team member. Someone who will stay calm under the pressure of the game and the press."
"I see."
"For something like this, it's also who you know. So I'd advise you to bolster any connections you can make within the league."
"Well, I met Gwenog Jones. Twice! At Professor Slughorn's parties. She's even given me her card," said Ginny as she retrieved the card carefully from inside her bag to show McGonagall. She kept it on her most of the time now, christening it her good luck charm. Loving the way it glinted green and gold in the light, she would take it out to admire it when she felt particularly low spirited before practice.
"Mhm, that is good. And have you sent her a letter yet?"
"I haven't… she said to wait until I was ready to try out," Ginny said, now realizing this might have been a major oversight.
"I'd advise you to do that sooner rather than later. You don't want her to forget you."
"Right. Yes, ma'am."
"Any good organization will still want to see that you've made high marks on both O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s. However, generally they are more lenient on which subjects they require, unlike other careers. Keep in mind that you'll want to pick subjects that may lead to a good career after the professional league."
"After, Professor?" Ginny asked.
"Yes, of course. You don't expect to be playing professional Quidditch at my age, do you, Miss Weasley?"
"I certainly couldn't see why not, Professor," Ginny said pleasantly. A twinkle shone in McGonagall's eyes as she peered at Ginny over the top of her clipboard.
"It is sensible to have a well thought out back-up plan. In the case of injury, being cut from the team, or having a family."
"Oh," Ginny felt her face grow warm. "Right."
"You have a long time yet to be thinking about that. And not that that should take you off the team completely. However, it is advisable that you think of what you might do beyond being a professional athlete."
Ginny exited McGonagall's office with her head held high and shoulders squared back. In the back of her mind, she could see her own name on a glittering green and gold card. Or it blazoned on the back of a Quidditch kit as she scored a match-winning goal, the crowd going wild as she sped away on a brand-new Firebolt…
She felt for sure that if anyone, McGonagall would be the one to tell her it was a fanciful dream. Sensible and stern as McGonagall was, Ginny trusted her not to beat around the bush. But in fact, she'd actually encouraged it! Even gave her the added assignment of sending Gwenog Jones and Oliver Wood a letter to begin building her network. It was Ginny's job to build a solid Try Out's Packet - containing records of matches, performance assessments from captains, reference letters from professors, and a schedule of upcoming matches. She was to give Harry and Angelina Johnson large manila envelopes containing standard Captain's assessment sheets.
Dear Miss Jones,
It was marvelous to meet you again at Slughorn's Christmas Party this year. You have been a staple in the Harpies team for years. Your consistency, dedication, and outspoken passion to the sport has been an inspiration to me since I learned to ride a broom after nicking my brother Charlie's Cleansweep when I was seven. Your performance against the Tornados in the summer of 1991 was especially memorable! The curved trajectory bludger you hit to intercept their attempt at a match-winning shot made history!
As I mentioned, it is my intention to pursue a career in professional Quidditch. As a Chaser. I have also played as Seeker for the Gryffindor Team to win the last match of last year's season. Having been a Holyhead Harpies fan for as long as I can remember, I couldn't think of playing for another team!
Does the team allow for prospective tryouts to begin shadowing a practice?
Thank you and hope you are well,
Ginny Weasley
Chaser/Seeker
Go Harpies!
Dear Oliver Wood,
Hello! You probably do not remember meeting me in person. But you were the Quidditch Captain for my brothers Fred and George Weasley. And my friend, Harry Potter. He's the captain now.
I'm writing to share my career goal of becoming a professional Quidditch player. Professor McGonagall and I thought it would be a good idea to connect with you and learn more about how you got your spot on Puddlemore United. My position is Chaser. But I have plenty of experience as a Seeker as well. Last year, I replaced Harry when he and my brothers were banned from Quidditch. I caught the Snitch and we won against Ravenclaw!
The next Hogsmead visit is March 1st. Would you happen to be in the village that weekend? If so, would you be willing to meet me and discuss in person?
Hope you are well,
Ginny Weasley
"Harry, can I talk to you for a second?" Ginny asked, approaching him after Quidditch practice that day. He was wrestling a bludger back into the trunk. Finally fastening it into the restraints, he withdrew, wiping a bead of sweat off his forehead. Ginny smiled and tossed the Quaffle back into the center of the two wrangling bludgers.
"Yeah, Ginny. What's up? Help me bring this in?" He gestured towards the trunk containing the Quidditch gear.
"Wingardium Leviosa," Ginny pointed her wand at the box with a flourish. "Work smarter, Potter," she said with a smile. "Up!" Her Cleansweep zoomed into her hand and she began walking to the equipment locker with the trunk levitating in front of her, broom hitched onto her shoulder.
"Blimey, all these months and you're just now telling me I look stupid carting that in and out of practice," Harry said, summoning his Firebolt.
"Building a bit of muscle never hurt anyone," Ginny replied. "Anyway, do you remember in fifth year that McGonagall starts talking to us about careers?"
"Oh, yes, I remember. Umbridge sat in on mine," Harry replied gloomily. "Essentially told me I'd become an Auror over her dead body."
"Sounds like a tempting offer," Ginny said cheekily. With her wand, she lowered the gear trunk onto the floor of the equipment locker and Harry locked it with the captain's keys.
"So, careers?" Harry asked.
"Right! I've told McGonagall that I'd like to play professional Quidditch."
For a moment, Ginny thought perhaps he didn't hear her. His head was tilted faintly to one side and his expression blank. Ginny was just about to repeat herself when a smile started at the corners of his mouth, spreading until it illuminated his face. His eyes lit up as he beamed down at her. "That's absolutely fucking brilliant."
She'd never seen him smile quite so broadly. The intensity of it was like looking into dragonfire. And feeling the heat of it hit her face, she had to turn away. She headed for the locker room and he fell into step beside her. "Thanks! It's a long way off yet, but I figured I should get serious about it now. Well, McGonagall encouraged me to, anyway…"
"And you've met Gwenog Jones! I could send a letter to Wood if you want, I know he plays for -"
"Puddlemore United. I already wrote a letter to both, going to drop them at the Owlry after practice," Ginny replied.
"Borrow Hedwig, will you? She can use a fly," he offered.
"Really? Thanks, Harry!"
"'Course! I'll walk with you up there and say hello to her," he said. "So, what was it you needed to tell me?"
"Right! So, I need to put together a Try Out's Packet with a load of nice sounding things about me. McGonagall's given me this form -" she pulled out the large manila envelope from her bag and handed it to him, "- that my captains need to complete. I'll be sending one to Angelina as well."
"Brilliant," he said. "When's it due?"
"Not anytime soon. McGonagall suggested the end of term. Enough time to complete the season, but while it's still fresh in your mind. I suppose it would be helpful for you to look over it now so you can, I don't know, look out for things. You should include what you said earlier about me being the best on the team." She smiled and winked at him meaningfully.
Harry laughed, "Message received."
On their way up to the Owlry, they discussed the pros and cons of each professional Quidditch team that Ginny would consider trying out for - the players, the team records, the chances of one day making the World Cup. But however open minded she attempted to be, Ginny knew that the Harpies was her first choice. She told Harry so.
"You'll make the team, I'm sure of it. You're so good. And you're getting better all the time. You've been working so hard and you're so natural and …" he was talking fast, but appeared to slow down and trailed off.
"Sounds like you're saying that I should be the Captain?" Ginny teased.
He rolled his eyes. "Over my dead body, Weasley."
"Well that doesn't sound so nice…"
"Oh, I've been meaning to ask you. You haven't received an invitation to another one of Slughorn's Parties, have you?"
"No, why? I thought you generally avoided them?"
"Am I that obvious?" he grinned.
"Only to me. Quidditch practice during each one? C'mon Harry," she said, nudging him in the side with her elbow. "Or were you hoping to ask someone?"
"No! No, I reckon if there's another one, Hermione and I should just go together. Seeing as neither of us can… erm, get out of them." he finished quickly. "But nevermind. It's just something to do with Dumbledore's lessons."
"Ah, yes. The secret private lessons," she said, to which Harry nodded vaguely but did not comment further.
They'd now reached the top of the Owlry. Harry scanned the huge assortment of school owls until he found his snowy white owl.
Hedwig flew down to greet him, wings flapping enthusiastically, and perched herself on his shoulder. "Hey, girl. I know, I'm sorry. You haven't had a proper fly in a while." He repositioned her to his arm and ran a finger over her head. "Ginny'll help you with that, she's got a couple letters."
"Hey, Hedwig. Fancy bringing this letter to Oliver Wood for me? And this one to Gwenog Jones." Hedwig's large round eyes scanned Ginny before giving a long low affirming hoot and held out her leg. Ginny carefully fastened her letter to Hedwig's outstretched leg and whispered, "Thanks." Harry walked Hedwig over to the window, which framed a view of a thousand snow capped trees surrounding the glassy surface of the lake.
Harry stroked her feathers several more times, earning a few affectionate nips at his fingers, before Hedwig lifted off in a great fluttering of wings. They watched until she disappeared over the top ridge of the mountains, under a sky that had turned into a mixture of deep purples and blues.
"Thanks for that, she hasn't flown much since Sirius…" Harry said.
"No, thank you! She'll make a good impression with Gwenog, I'm sure."
Harry cast a heating charm on the icy steps to ensure they did not slip on the way down. Their stomachs both growled in hunger as they walked in comfortable silence back to the dining hall.
"Just out of curiosity…" Ginny started, but then trailed off. Once the words were out of her mouth, she decided better than to ask. But then, she considered, they'd had such a pleasant walk and he was smiling at her so warmly. She plucked up her courage to ask a question that she'd been withholding for months. "I only wondered … what do you and Dumbledore meet about?"
Harry looked as though a ghost had just walked right through him. All warmth from his previous smile faded and he shoved his hands deeper into his pockets.
"I'm sorry, Ginny. I can't say."
"Oh, okay."
A crushing disappointment reigned down on her. She'd been curious about his lessons ever since she'd delivered him the letter from Dumbledore at the beginning of the year. She'd heard he, Ron and Hermione talking about him meeting with Dumbledore, but never specifics. Before now, she'd known better than to ask. Several weeks ago, she would not have dreamed of getting a straight answer from any of them. However, today for some reason, she'd convinced herself that maybe Harry felt he could talk to her. That after he had opened up to her over Christmas, perhaps she could be someone he'd trust. But now the facade of a closer, honest friendship with him came crumbling down in an instant.
"You have to understand, I can't tell anyone," he said.
"But Ron and Hermione know?"
"Well, yeah."
"Right."
There it was again, that rush of hot embarrassment coiled with anger. A stupid, little girl wanting to be included on adventures with her big brother and his friends. One of which happened to be her best friend. And the other happened to be … something she wasn't able to easily describe. How do you explain your relationship with your former crush, turned friend, turned secret-sharing confidant? But he wasn't any of those things now, was he?
She considered Harry, Ron and Hermione the people that she was closest to in the world - apart from Fred and George. Yet, there would always be an obvious divide. HarryRonHermione. Their names, and the people they belonged to, were inseparable. There was no room for a fourth. What if she'd been in Ron's year? What if she and Ron had been twins? Would everything be different? Or would she still be treated as the outcast.
Years. It had taken her years to string two words together in front of Harry. And now here he was - talking about his dead godfather and dead parents to her. Letting her use his owl. Walking her throughout the castle. What had she not done to earn his trust? Hadn't she told him about her fight with Dean? Hadn't he told her about Snape's memory of his father?
Or maybe it was what she had done. The diary. The chamber. The basilisk. The petrified classmates. The single handedly bringing to life his worst enemy. She, the naive little girl who unleashed hell on the school. She'd never outlive that, would she?
"So, what? Just too small and pathetic to understand, is that it?"
"What? Ginny, no! That's not it at all."
She sped up as they neared the Great Hall, wanting to get away from him. They'd go back to how it was before. That was easier, wasn't it? To not be friends. To keep their secrets to themselves.
"Ginny, wait, listen -," Harry tried to reach for her arm, but she shrugged it off and marched into the dining hall. Her shoes squeaked loudly on the stone floor, announcing her arrival to the other students at dinner.
Dean, Seamus, and Pavarti were sitting together in the center of the table. On one end sat Ron and Lavender in a kind of strangled embrace. On the other end and several paces away, Hermione sat alone with her head buried in Modern Runes of Today. Ginny threw her bag beside Dean and sat across from Hermione. Several moments later, Harry lowered himself down on the other end of their friends, facing across from Ron and Lavender. She was satisfied to see that he looked fairly miserable and avoided her glaring looks.
And thus, she resolved to end her friendship with Harry Potter.