Friday, 6 September 1996
The rest of the week passed without incident, but with much stress and study. While technically Harry and Hermione didn't have Muggle Study class anymore, both of them were smart enough to use the time to prep and manage the squad study.
"Harry, do you think we can pull this off. The squad to N.E.W.T. in 90 days, seriously?" during their Wednesday planning session in the Gryffindor commons.
Harry looked ahead, again not really looking at anything specific, then to her. "Yes." he replied confidently. "It's going to suck and it's going to be a lot of work, which will likely create a lot of bitching from the team. But yes, we can do it and then they'll have the same satisfaction of having one done… and the knowledge of what they can do."
"Please excuse the bluntness, but how the hell can you do that?"
Harry grinned. "Clarify your pronoun please 'Mione. Which 'that'?
"Be calm, handle this, not freak out?" she said exasperated.
He thought for a moment. "Fourth year. I got sucked into the Tournament. And in what I consider even to date one of your greatest shows of friendship and loyalty, you stayed behind me the entire time." She smiled and nodded for him to continue. "So on top of the standard coursework, we constantly had to homework how the hell to keep me alive… and don't tell me you weren't trying to find ways for me to win," he finished with a pointed victory.
Hermoine smiled. "Your girlfriend isn't the only one who appreciates competition."
"Anyway, besides that, and let's be honest, about a dozen other times, I've learned to operate under stress. In fact, I don't know if I know what it's like NOT to be stressed."
He said it as an observation. Hermione wanted to say something … more. But considering Harry had already done the heavy lifting of leaving the Dursleys last summer, she calculated that the odds were far more likely if she tried, she would just bring up memories he didn't need front and center, when he seemed to be normal…for Harry at least. She decided to leave well enough alone, but felt bad for it.
Thursday they were able to run the group through their pretests. By the end of Friday's session they had them graded.
Hermione looked over the final talley. "Seamus and Susan seem to be the front runners and O'd this. Lee, Padma, and Parvati got an E's"
Harry nodded. "Not surprised about any of them. I'll talk to Tonks about getting them tested, I'm guessing next week. Let her figure that out. Regardless, that's seven of us who can tutor, 27 cadets, everyone takes a group of 3, that covers us and isn't bad. I'll take both Gin, Luna, and a third, get them through both."
"Harry, if you are taking both of them through both O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s I think that will do. That will be 4 tests total you'll be tutoring your team for."
"So long as you feel it's fair 'Minone."
"Absolutely, so long as there actually is studying that happens." Hermione said with a mischievous grin, finally accepting the division of labor.
"Well Luna will be right next to us, so we'll be chaperoned." he replied with a grin. "Do I need to sit in on you and Ron?"
"Touche`," she replied with a laugh.
With the first week of class finally behind him, and amazingly nothing truly horrible having happened to him, and more importantly an evening with a lady planned, Harry decided to try to press his luck. He was no stranger to playing midnight snack thief to the kitchen, but that was when staff was minimal. Today he didn't want to wait, so with pack over his shoulder he made his way down the stone hallway to the kitchen. At the last corner where it would be obvious and no excuse as to where he was going, he paused to look around. The coast seamed to be clear so he started to reach for his invisibility cloak only to be interrupted.
"MASTER HARRY POTTER!" a voice of joy cried from around the corner. Harry looked down to see the house left running like a toddler to him, hands raised in eagerness.
Harry took a knee and smiled as Dobby ran to him and happily greeted him. "Hi Dobby. It's good to see you. How are you?"
"Dobby is doings well. Dobby enjoys the other elves here. Well mostlys."
That struck Harry as odd. "Dobby, is there something the matter?"
Dobby breathed for a moment as if trying to decide. "A new elf joined us who speaks very ill of Master Harry Potter."
Harry rolled his eyes as he sat back against the brown stone wall. "Kreacher."
Dobby nodded.
"I still need to figure out what to do with him. He knows too much to be free, but he hates me too much to be of use to my house."
Dobby's eyes grew wide and his whole body tensed in excitement. "So its be true!?"
Confused, Harry asked. "Is what true?"
"Kreacher hates the fact that Master Harry Potter is now REAL master of real house."
Harry rolled his eyes again and shook his head. He flashed his signet ring to the elf. "Ya Dobby, things happened and I inherited the House Black, but we have changed it all to House Potter."
"So Kreacher is yous house elf!" Dobby said clearly growing red with anger.
"Dobby, calm down. He didn't have a choice. Neither did I. But he listened to so much at Grimmauld Place. I can't just let him go till the war's over. Once what he knows can't hurt anyone I'll let him go anywhere he wants. I'll even figure out a way to give him a sock or something if I need to."
Dobby turned and looked at Harry clearly not understanding something. "Dobby understands why Kreacher here. Blacks horrible people like Malfoys. But if Kreacher at Hogwarts, who serves Master Harry Potter?" he asked the question with big damp eyes similar to how Mrs. Weasley did the day he moved in.
"Dobby, I do fine. I'm a grown man. I'm taking care of myself. I've even hired a couple I trust to fix up my house."
"People are NOT elves!" Dobby protested. "People not bond to house magic. And house magic important to the house."
"Dobby mate, I promise you. I will be fine without Kreacher."
The elf grew actually a bit agitated. "Master Harry Potter may be fine with no Kreacher, but Master Harry Potter will need elf. So Dobby will be House Potter elf."
Harry could already see the judgemental looks and lectures coming from Hermione now. "Dobby, NO! I helped freed you. I refuse to make you a slave again."
Dobby looked off to the side clearly trying to find a medium ground. Then he raised a finger with an idea. "Master Harry Potter used word, hires. They work for Master Harry Potter?"
Harry's head fell against the brick wall behind him with a thick thud. He could see how this was going to shake out and knew Hermione was still going to kill him. But still he thought through it. Even Riddle needed the services of a house elf, more specifically house elf magic. And between times of need, damn it all to hell if there wouldn't be a lot of convenience to having one. The bottom line though was Harry knew for a fact Dobby was going to be stubborn on this point. Damn near as stubborn as Ginny could be. ''I really need to find friends with less backbone.' he thought to himself.
"Yes Dobby, Bill and Fleur, technically work for me."
"Then Master Harry Potter will hires Dobby."
Harry wiped his face with his hands in disbelief. "Okay, Dobby, how much is this going to cost me?" Dobby tilted his head oddly to the right, clearly not understanding the phrase. "How much do you wish to get paid?"
"Dobby asks for 1 galleon."
"A galleon a day, sure." Harry could see the elf start to protest, likely for less, so he opted distract him. "But we will need to set rules."
"Of course, Master Harry Potter!"
Never had Harry ever seen someone so happy to talk about rules. But if the elf was determined to help him, Harry was going to make sure he tried to help Dobby. "Rule 1: Dobby is STILL a free elf. You may leave your job at any time."
Dobby nodded and smiled.
"Rule 2: Because Dobby is a free elf. Dobby will wear clothes." Harry sat and thought for a moment. "In fact, Dobby do you know of any places that make uniforms?"
"Oh yes, Master Harry Potter."
"Okay how much does a uniform your size generally cost?"
"One galleon."
Grabbed his coin clam and dropped ten galleon on the floor between them. "Okay, first week's pay in advance and purchase 3 uniforms. One to wear, one be in the wash, and one as a spare. Fair enough?"
"Oh yes, Master Harry Potter." he said as he hovered his hand over the galleons apprating them away.
Harry also wanted to get ahead of something. "Rule 3: Master decides punishment. Dobby no longer punishes himself."
Harry could see Dobby struggle internally, but accepted.
"Agreed?" Harry asked, extending his hand.
"Agreed." Dobby said with a smile and returned the handshake, Harry could feel the surge of magic and the elf bonded with him. He bit his tongue as he was slightly annoyed at that but understood to access house magic it was needed. "Dobby, I want to stress this. You still are a free elf. You may leave at any time for any reason, and we will still be friends even."
Dobby nodded.
"For now, please continue doing your duties at the school as you have been. Hogwarts is good place, they deserve all the help they can get."
"Yes, Master Harry Potter." he said, nodding emphatically "May Dobby asks a question?"
Harry smiled. "Sure Dobby, what do you want to know?"
"Why Master Harry Potter coming to the kitchen? Elves would be happy to help student."
Harry smiled. "Oh, er, I didn't need help." Then the realization, he just hired the elf that has liked him for a while anyway. "Well Dobby, I have a date tonight. I was going to try my luck to see if I could find a little bit of a snack to bring with us."
Dobby eyes bounced back and forth. Harry could tell he was trying to understand something. "Master Harry Potter, what is a date?"
"Oh!" Harry chuckled. "Well, that's when two people who like each other go out to spend time together… romantically."
Once Harry mentioned romance, Harry nodded in understanding. "Romance! Master Harry Potter is courting a lady!"
"Actually, ya, Dobby. That's a perfect understanding."
Dobby took a big breath of air and puffed his chest out big and wide. "Then Dobby will help! What was plans for date?"
"Bit of a walk and talk, maybe a picnic and stargaze."
"Picnic! Yes sir!" Before Harry could utter a syllable in protest the elf popped away.
"What pandora's box of mischief have I just unlocked?" an exasperated Harry said as he got off the ground, but impossibly fast, for a human, Dobby returned with an actual picnic basket."
Harry was flabbergasted. "Dobby, I meant like simple fruit and maybe a bottle of pumpkin juice!"
"Dobby helps." the elf said, as if those two words were the only explanation needed. And today it was.
"Thank you very much Dobby. It will be nice working with you."
"Thank you, Master Harry Potter." Dobby said as he bowed then popped away.
Harry put the basket in his wizard pack, and started back to Gryffindor tower, muttering to himself, "'Mione is going to bloody well kill me twice."
Harry slipped back into the Common Room and again, was very very much appreciated Ginny's very distinctive hair color. Her blazing red was a beacon from across the room, and now she was sitting by the window studying, already changed into trousers and a burgundy cardigan. She happily extended a hand when she saw Harry approach. He happily took it and slipped behind her in a hug. "Which subject?" he asked.
"Muggle Studies. How many damn types of money do muggles need?" she asked.
He kissed the top of her head. "Technically, they want about 1 per country. But the N.E.W.T. keeps pretty focused on British pounds, with some notes of the American dollar. So don't sweat it. If you let my borrow your book this weekend I'll start planning our study sessions…. Merlin that feels so wrong to say."
Ginny giggled, "Absolutely… Hermione."
"Gin, with this being academic if you and Luna would prefer-"
"Harry James Potter!" she mildly scolded. "I am in this class because of YOU. So I insist YOU be the one to get me through it. And you just passed the N.E.W.T. Harry, I'm not worried."
Harry took a seat but kept her hand. "And study group with Luna?"
"Oh no, time with my boyfriend and one of my besties." she said with mock sadness. "Try to saddle me with like, Malfoy, and THEN there would be words."
"Seriously Gin, you'll get my company either way but tonight, what is your preference? If you are feeling the study vibe you got it, otherwise I would love to take you out of here."
"Harry Potter, take me away." she beamed. She took his arm as they walked. A week in they were still catching views. But they equally didn't care. As they got outside and a little more room to talk. "Okay, love, what's in your bag of tricks for tonight?"
Harry smiled. "What makes you think I have a trick up my sleeve?" He smiled.
"Because you are Harry Potter and you have had time to plan."
"Whatever could you mean, Gin?" he gave a coy grin.
"'Gives you something to look forward to' she quoted him.
"I always look forward to taking you out. And I give you … 70 percent odds we won't have to fight for our lives tonight."
"Really? At school, and the odds are still that high?" she smiled.
"I supposed I could have 'Mione check the math but frankly I prefer the company I've got right now."
"Good answer, Harry."
This time they were able to slowly stroll the path they had been running each morning for the week and actually talk and catch up on the week. As well as take a chance to actually look around at the scenery. As Harry's first relationship and Michael not being near the creative type Harry was, this was the first romantic lake stroll either of them had. And with the grade apart, except for the uniqueness of A.C.T. and soon Muggle Studies. The separate classes actually gave them things to talk about and to catch up on.
"Hagrid says hello to all three of you." Ginny said. "I think he was sad Magical Creatures didn't attracted any of you this year."
Harry shrugged. "I do feel a bit bad about that, Hagrid is great. I will always appreciate the way he came in and frightened Vernon first year to enroll me. I'll need to try to make time to pay him some visits."
"It's okay. I got him smiling pretty well when he started talking about us together. He likes my 'moxie' I think he called it, for that kiss at First Night. And I honestly just like the class."
"Luna that much fun to be with?" he asked.
"Well that is her best subject, yes, but not just because of that. This might have been before your time Harry, but we used to keep quite a few animals at the Burrow. Why do you think we have the barn?"
"True, very true. Well you are as big as your heart is. I'm sure you are a natural with animals." Ginny took a closer look and Harry wasn't trying to flirt at all with that one. He clearly meant it seriously and was just honestly talking.
"Thank you," she said. "But back when my brothers were being pratty, I would spend quite a bit of time with… well whatever we had and the time. Hogs in the orchard were really common, they loved any apples that made it to the ground. A couple of cows over the years. Ducks and geese used to keep the frogs at bay and you should have seen some of the territory fights the geese and gnomes used to have." she smiled.
"What changed?" he asked.
"We grew up," she shrugged, "When all the kids are away at school, fewer hands for the animals and less need." Then she had a thought for a moment. "Harry, is this okay for you?"
Actually confused, Harry stopped and smiled. "What do you mean?"
"Here I am prattling on about farm and family and I know … you… don't . . ." she trailed off with a nervous expression.
He picked up on it. "I don't have the greatest counterpart. It is what it is, Gin. I actually rather enjoy hearing the stories of the family that adopted me. Please don't ever feel bad about that. I would like to say that a year ago I think, I would have a good bit of envoy. Now, I am more… appreciative."
By now they had gotten to the far side of the lake where there was a hill that rose a bit over the surrounding area and a few feet off the trail was a large pine tree with about a 4 foot diameter whose lowest limbs were still about seven feet off the ground. The air was already filled with the scent of the spruce. The hill's height gave a good view of western woods beyond and the setting sun.
"You're wanting to get as far away from the school without going out of bounds, aren't you?" she laughed.
"Kinda," he answered.
Harry took a knee, grabbed his pack, pulled out an olive color wool blanket, and threw it out on the back side of the tree.
"Like I said," Ginny replied, "Bag of tricks." Harry said as sat down by the tree.
"Well… I am a wizard. Aren't I supposed to have a few tricks?"
"I love the fact that apparently you have prepared for a date at any time." Gin smiled as she smiled as she took his offered lap and immediately began catching up on missed private time from the last week. So deeply they focused on each other, the sun completely passed the horizon without any notice from them. In fact, it was the change of the forest sounds as the night cricket chirped and its nocturnal friends that started to register with them to break away for a moment.
Harry looked forward and grinned. "Think we missed sunset, Gin."
She shrugged. "Always tomorrow." she replied with a deep smile, and a hand scratching the hair on the back of his head. "Then registering time of day was a thing. " I don't suppose I could sweet talk into skipping supper tonight?" She pouted.
"A Weasley skipping a meal?"
"This is a great little perfect moment, I don't want to leave yet."
The devilish smile emerged. "Who said anything about leaving?" Harry pulled a pair of candles from the pack, magically lit them and set them to hover on either side of them. Then he pulled out the picnic basket.
"Harry, next time take me when you sneak out."
"That's a no brainer, Gin, but I didn't even sneak out for this one." They opened the picnic basket to find a table ware for two, a charcuterie selection of meat, cheese, fruit, and crackers, and two bottles of still chilled pumpkin juice.
"Nicely done, Potter."
"I take no credit for this." Harry paused for a moment. "This one Gin, I am going to ask to keep between us at least for a little bit. It will come out sooner or later, but I would like to delay it."
"Of course, what have you gotten yourself into?" she smiled.
"You are familiar with the house elves, I'm sure you've seen a few around school." She nodded. "Have you heard of Dobby?"
"That's the one you freed from the Malfoy's with a sock trick, right?"
"Exactly. Well we've been friendly ever since. I ran into him today, almost literally. We got to talking. He actually asked me to hire him as the House Potter elf. So I got to thinking about it. Elf magic is some pretty unique stuff. Plus there is something to be said for having someone who can get things. If even Riddle needed an elf, I figured I should have access to the same tools. Plus lots of other benefits." Ginny nodded along blessedly with understanding and acceptance and not the condemning judgment he knew Hermione would give him. "So yes, I hired him. And I do mean HIRED. Literally like I hired Fleur. He's getting a galleon a day and uniforms to keep him clothed so he shows he's still a free elf and I stressed he can walk away time and we'll still be friends."
She nodded her head. "Okay… so what's the problem? That doesn't sound much different than when Fred and George hired me. Do X job for Y payment."
"I agree with you. But I know… I KNOW… when Hermione hears it, she's NOT going to recognize it as employment. Especially since Dobby insisted on calling me Master even before the inheritance, she is going to go completely to a knee jerk reaction of 'I have enslaved him' again. And it's going to be a long painful conversation that at most I might get her to tolerate."
She signed. "Yep, that sounds about right. She means well."
"She does. She has great intentions. Just…." he paused again. "Also still in confidence here, Gin." She nodded with a look of understanding. "Hermione is idealistic and optimistic. And that's NOT bad. We need people like that to keep showing what is possible. Like a signal fire in the night, it gives people a goal to work towards."
"But…" Ginny asked gently.
"We do not live in an ideal world. I don't think it's necessarily her fault, but Hermione's parents are still around, still together. They raised her up normally. Happily she's never suffered a major tragedy. As smart as she is, that optimism sometimes slips into naivety. Whereas when you have something happen to you, like us, you get pulled into realism. Like, all that idealism is great. It's good to have goals. But we are here, we live here in this world. I agree we should try to make it better. But I'm not going to be upset that we haven't built Utopia yet. I guess I am more of the guy with the people out in the wild making our way to the signal fire. Even if I don't make it there. I find satisfaction in forward progress."
Ginny just continued to smile. "You're a good man Master Potter, one I love."
They worked through a bite to eat then Harry finally let out a deep sigh. "Gin, I want to have time to try to cheer you up after too, so we should probably have an uncomfortable conversation." He said as he wrapped his arms around her for comfort and support.
That clearly got her attention. "Alright." she steadied herself for what she assumed was bad news.
"I let it sit for a week because I wanted all of us to figure out schedules, see what Hogwarts was going to go. And I REALLY wish there were another way but we need the fangs…. I have to go back to the Chamber of Secrets."
He could feel her body tense and eyes close. "When?" she asked with dread. Her head laid on to his shoulder.
"Part of why I'm talking to you first and now. I plan on this being part of what we all talk about Sunday night. But my suggestion will be next Friday night. I want you to have time."
"Time for what?" she sniffled.
"To choose. Or to prepare."
"What choice?"
"Ginevra… I love you. I want to both respect you and protect you. Now I will fully say it would rattle me to go back to the Dursleys and what Riddle did was far worse to you. Also, part of being partners is the idea of dividing and conquering. There is nothing wrong in letting me take this one."
"You're NOT going alone."
"If we include Neville and Susan, there are four other people we trust. You know I won't be alone."
Ginny sat up to look at him, eye to teary eye. They were there. Her body wanted to cry, but these weren't happy Harry tears so they could go to hell. She kept her arms around his neck and took a deep courage breath. "Harry, I've known we would have to do this ever since we figured it out Riddle's diary was a Horcrux. I've thought about it alot. To me, there is no choice. I have to go. If I can't… it means he won."
"Gin-" he began but she put a gentle finger to his lips.
"This isn't about how you feel, Harry, or even facts of the matter. This is strictly between me and Riddle. If I can go back there, help tear apart the remains of his precious pet, spit on the place where you stabbed that damn book to death… If I can do that, then I beat him. I won. Then maybe the nightmares will stop."
He gently rubbed her back. "You realize I would happily trade those nights together in favor of you having a peaceful sleep."
She chuckled, "Don't worry babe, I don't need nightmares to want to sleep with you."
"Gin, you don't have to make jokes for me right now. I am far more concerned for you. What you are saying, I do understand. I felt very much like that about standing up to the Dursleys."
"Thank you," she said, starting to regain control.
"Gin, part of being a partner is support. What do you need? How do I best help you with this?"
She gestured between the two of them. "This. This is perfect. You're good at reading me, extra hugs." She paused for a moment. "Is your trunk set up?"
"Ya, actually replaced my Hogwarts bed with it. Been sleeping in my room since Tuesday."
She nodded. "Let's just plan on you lending me your cloak Friday night and me staying with you. I can't imagine any situation where I'm not going to want that."
"Anything you want, Gin."
"Well right now, I would love that cheer up you mentioned."
"Coming right up. He reached over to his bag again and pulled out the silver music box and it started playing. "May I have this dance?" he asked with a grin.
She closed her eyes and laughed mostly to herself. "Like I said, a date in a bag, like at all times, don't you?"
"Doesn't every bloke?"
Ginny let out a slight flutter of a laugh as she finally got off Harry's lap and took him up on the slow dance. "No Harry, I believe I can confidently say I've never heard of ANY bloke being this prepared. Thank you very much."
"You are worth it."
They danced for several minutes. Until he could feel at least some of the stress out then he wanted to move Ginny to happier thoughts. "Looking forward to tryouts tomorrow?"
"I don't suppose you would let me try to persuade the Captain, would you?"
He smiled. "You know I gotta be a straight shooter."
"Bloody nobility", she joked. "Kiss my boyfriend?"
"Absolutely."
Saturday 7 September 1996
Harry came to the breakfast in his quidditch uniform, including Captain's pin. But also blended in some muggle equipment, including a whistle, mechanically stopwatch, and clipboard. He wound the spring now before he forgot about it. The sign up sheet was unbelievable. He was muttering under his breath as he started looking though it in earnest. He kept his breakfast minimal as he started using his clipboard as a straightedge to make columns next to signatures to easily note in the field. The expression of focus actually was surprising to the others when he sat down. So focused in fact that Ron and Hermione opted to not interrupt. After a few moments he finally registered. "I'm sorry, morning."
Hermione looked over with slight concern. "Are you alright, Harry?"
"I'm going to have one hell of a morning but I'll be okay."
"Morning, babe. You're really taking this seriously aren't you?" Ginny greeted when she arrived with a peck. Then registered the energy off Harry. "What's going on?"
"I suppose it's the best problem to have. I have literally over ten times the names I need to fill a 7 slot team. Why I don't know? I can't ever remember a tryout this large."
Hermione's face shot in disbelief then she looked from Harry to Ginny. "Two months with you, and he's still THIS thick?"
Ginny raised her hands up. "And this is after several hours of proper snogging last night."
Harry dropped the quill and bit the inside of his cheek. "Okay ladies, I clearly am missing something. What is it this time?"
Ginny reached over and took his hand. "Harry I love you, you know that. But you know you are known as 'Boy-Who-Lived, Chosen One, Master Potter, War hero'. You were proven right about Riddle and you've been in the paper and wireless. You are at peak interest and popularity now."
"And if Ginny isn't going to be her usual blunt self, you've spent the entire summer with a proper diet and exercise. You've never been more fanciable."
Ron gagged on a piece of kipper.
"Blimey 'Mione." Harry cringed.
"What? It's a statement of fact." she defended. Then very purposely leaned into Ron's shoulder. "I mean I'm not giving up this, but I'm not blind either."
"It is." Ginny nodded with a mirthful smile.
Harry needed the distraction. "So you're only with me for my looks, Gin."
"Absolutely not… but damn it's a nice bonus."
More even keeled, he smiled. "Thanks, you lot." Then he paused for a moment clearly with a bit of emotional struggle. "Alright… like I said, I have to play this straight. So with this kind of population, I NEED your best there today."
"We know, mate." Ron nodded.
"But to process damn near 80 plus candidates, I'm going to need to be a lot more, like I was at A.C.T. the other night. How candidates react to that, to ME, will factor into my decisions."
Both Ron and Ginny sat up straight and replied, "Yes, sir."
"I need to prep a few things, so I should get going. But as your mate, I will say good luck to both of you." He gave Gin a peck and nod to Ron and was off.
"I honestly am going to go get my gear together. First suit up this year, I want to have time for whatever may be wrong or missing."
"Hey Crimson," Ron said with a smile. That caught Ginny off guard, she wasn't sure if Ron had ever called her that before. "Kick arse out there."
"You too Weasley Warrior," she replied back with a nod.
With the two left Hermione, nodded for them to go for a walk around the corner for slightly more privacy than the Great Hall. "Ron, you know I'm not the biggest sport's fan."
"I know 'Mione," he smiled. "I think we'll be okay though."
She smirked. "Thank you for that. But what I was going to say is just because I may not be a sports fan. I am ABSOLUTELY a Ron fan. I will be in the stands for you."
"I'd actually appreciate that, thanks."
"So two things. First I'm not going to bore you with 'good luck', or 'kick arse'. Those are beneath you."
A grin curled up Ron's face truly not knowing where this was going.
Then Hermione's expression turned to a sort of rage mixed with hunger. She grabbed him and kissed him fiercely.. Then she growled "You're a Weasley Warrior. Make the commoners sorry they ever stepped onto the field of battle with you." The shine in Ron's eye showed Hermione she had the desired effect. So she let go and started walking away. In a perfectly delightful voice and radiant smile she left him with, "Make the team, probably a lot more of that waiting for you." She left with a wink.
"Bloody hell."
The mass of hopefuls had gathered into the center of the pitch. Harry had opted to fly up to the announcers box to be alone and neutral until official start time. He watched to see if there was anything of note. But he truly wanted to give his best shot at neutrality. Finally the bell tolled. He hopped onto his Firebolt and slowly floated down to the group. He took his whistle and gave it a double blow, then cried his first order. "I need seven lines per year!" He marched down the center line marking off where he wanted each line counting up. "First, Second, …" To their credit Ginny, Ron, and Katie, fell into positions at the front of each of their years quickly and silently as the rest of the candidates sorted shortly.
"Alright, I'm going to lay it out here, as he held the sign up sheet. "I have over 80 names for a seven slot team. My job today is to find the Gryffindor Quidditch team out of it. Your job is to impress me, TODAY. I don't care if you flew last year. I wasn't captain then. Also, I'm going to make this very clear from the get go. On this field, or in this uniform, I am called one of three things. Captain, Harry, or sir. NOTHING else."
With the mass now ordered in lines Harry stood on the stirrups of Firebolt standing upright to hover a few feet up to get an aerial view of the crowd. He soon was happy he did so. "Johanna, Keaning, Where are your brooms?"
"Er, um, we forgot them."
A few chuckles from the crowd.
"Well then you are dismissed. Anyone else not bring their broom?" Eight more students raised their hands. "Dismissed." Harry confirmed scratching names off the lists.
"And yes I'm going to be that blunt today. And this likely will not be the last time. If you don't feel you can handle this kind of Captain, you are dismissed." Three more walked. Harry just shrugged and crossed their names. He looked again at the crowd, and was surprised by one face.
"Jessica Thayne?"
"Hi Harry."
"What are you doing here?"
"Um, tryouts, sir."
"You're in Hufflepuff. This is Gryffindor. Dismissed. Is there anyone else NOT part of Gryffindor here? About 15 hands went up
Katie was smiling. "Damn, I've never seen a Captain cut like this without even a courtesy flight."
Ron just stated the facts. "He's got 80 people to sort. I think his tolerance for bull shite is nill today. Gin?"
"Hmm?" she asked with a smile. "Shh, Ron.. I'm enjoying the show."
Katie laughed quietly.
Harry then noticed what he could only describe as a gaggle of ladies involved in gossip conversation that he honestly couldn't care less about. He glided down behind Romilda Vane glaring. Her friends noticed first and all got quiet and shy and smiled. Romilda turned around with a smirk batting her eyes. "Hey Harry," she purred and gave a little wave.
"Fans go into the stands. Get off my field." he said sternly and just as quickly turned around and hovered away. Ginny kept quiet but smiled widely.
Harry hovered back to a center position to address the remnants. "Alright, that 50 cuts in 15 minutes. That may be a record. Anyone have a problem with how that happened? Any complaints?"
"No, sir." Ginny, Ron, and Katie, said in unison, setting the example for the rest.
"Alright, this is quidditch. Let's fly. First years, give me a lap around the pitch." Judging from their complete lack of balance. Harry was certain none of them had any sort of flight time. "First years, stop. I'm not letting any of you snap your neck in tryouts. Is there anyone else who has flown less than 20 hours in the sky?" Two more hands raised.
"Dismissed, and I suggest making sure you get some flight classes."
"Let's try this again…." Finally they were able to get through some actual tests of abilities with people who had some. He put them through orbit laps, threading the needle, (that shook out the Second and Third years out), dodge drills, beater drills, and keeper drills. By 2 hours worth of contest, about a dozen bruises, some broken teeth and many flamed tempers that Harry became very adept at saying "I don't care" to… the math selected Chasers as Katie Bell, Demelza Robins, and Ginny. Beater were Jimmy Peaks, and Ritchie Coote. Ron as Keeper and Harry of course keeping the Seeker spot.
Harry was relieved when the Weasleys delivered. Without question, Ginny was the fastest on the team, but more than just the speed orbit, her needle thread was flawless and she was first place on dodging. If he were perfectly honest, he might have Seeker competition.
With Ron, something changed. He stepped on the field and took no prisoners. He created several of the bruises from the team, and didn't let a single goal past him.
The math also said DeanThomas would be good for alternate Chaser, and Cormac McLaggen for alternate Keeper, a position McLaggen. "Give me another go, I can take a Weasley!"
Harry scowled and growled. "One, my starting squad decisions are FINAL. Two, I would be very careful of speaking ill of the Weasleys TO ME. Three, if you REALLY want me to reconsider my selections, just say so, and I guarantee you will be the one replaced. I have three other people begging for your spot. Now, can you handle your assignment, yes or no?"
"Yes, Harry." McLaggen forced himself to spit out.
"Good, now hit the showers.
