isclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling and Warner Media

Authors Note: Thank you to everyone who has supported the story so far by favouriting, following, reading and reviewing it.

Special thanks to the latest people to follow, favourite and review the story including; Scrappy8, Sanae47, Evesgreenleaf, Sianist, Meiko47, eziouzumakiauditore, Paks51, Anonymous502296 and comicnut. Apologies if I've missed anyone out and hope you guys enjoy the chapter.

Apologies for the taking down and re-upload of this chapter but there was a short bit that I missed out as pointed out by Scrappy8 in a review.

Harry Potter-Weasley Chapter Eight:

Harry woke up, rolled over and yawned. He scratched an itch on his back and fumbled for his glasses which were lying on his bedside table near a half empty glass of water. In his haste to reach his glasses he whacked his hand on one of the bed posts. "Ow, sod it!", he cursed. He slipped his glasses on, shook his hand and was relieved to find that no damage had been done.

Gazing around at his dormmates including his brother Ron, he found them all to be sound asleep. All of them except Ron had the hangings pulled tightly shut and several loud snores filled the room with Ron's dominating all the others. Harry rolled his eyes fondly and glanced at his watch. The time on the watch face read 06:50.

Harry sighed. It was far too early to be getting up really. As he turned and stared out at the sky, still pitch black he yawned again. Despite knowing how early it was he knew that he would never get back to sleep now. He was just that sort of person, always had been even when he was a toddler. If a dream woke him up that was usually that for the rest of the night unless he took a sleeping draught.

Making a split decision, Harry slipped out of bed and headed over to his trunk, grimacing at the creaking noise that it made as he lifted the lid and searched for his Quidditch attire and some casual clothes.

Having found a pair of faded blue jeans, his favourite blue t-shirt and a clean pair of socks he made to shut the trunk before deciding to grab an orange jumper and take out his Quidditch robes and gloves.

With his Quidditch gear and his casual clothes plus a towel in hand Harry tiptoed carefully across the dormitory floor, wincing at the coldness of the stone floor and opened the door to the shared bathroom.

Setting down his clothes, Harry locked the door and set to showering and brushing his teeth. Once he was done he felt a lot fresher though as he looked into the mirror a feeling of cold dread settled in his stomach, it was like a lead weight weighing him down.

To most people today would not seem to be especially important but for Harry and the entirety of Gryffindor house, this day would be one of the most important days of the year for they would be facing Slytherin at Quidditch and Slytherin were their hated rivals. More than the rivalry though and a desire to crush Slytherin Harry's mind was dredging up all possible awful scenarios.

What if he failed to catch the snitch? What if he caught the snitch but Slytherin won anyway because he'd caught it at the wrong time? What if he fell off his broom and embarrassed himself in front of the whole school?. Each scenario played out in Harry's mind and he rubbed at the scar on his forehead as a headache descended.

Trying to shake the headache off, Harry got dressed and carried his towel and Quidditch gear out of the bathroom.

He quickly scribbled a note for Ron, leaving on his bedside table, picked up his school bag and exited the dormitory as quiet as a mouse.

Harry's plan to have a few quiet hours alone with his thoughts and perhaps work on some homework were interrupted as a voice caused him to jump when he had reached his favourite armchair. "Nervous?".

Harry just about jumped five feet in the air. His school bag fell to the floor with a clatter and he looked around in surprise and no small amount of alarm.

He was greeted by a head of familiar bushy hair and a wry smile from one of his best friends Hermione Granger. "Sorry Harry", she apologised. "Didn't mean to startle you I was merely surprised at your being up".

Harry gave her a tired smile. "Couldn't sleep", he replied through a stifled yawn as he picked up his school bag and headed over to where Hermione was sat on the large and squashy sofa by the roaring fire.

As Harry sat down next to her he grinned at seeing a book lying open on Hermione's lap. He was not surprised at all to find the inquisitive girl reading but was surprised, however, to find that the book was not an educational text on spells or runes or even her current favourite book called Hogwarts a History, no it was in fact a book all about Quidditch.

"A sports book Hermione?", Harry queried with a grin and a chuckle.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I may not be the worlds biggest sports fan Harry but given that one of my best friends is on our house Quidditch team I figured it was a good idea to learn more about the sport. That and the fact that you and Ron talk about Quidditch almost non stop even when studying", she added.

Harry shrugged his shoulders and smirked. "What can I say it's one of my great passions".

Hermione shook her head and muttered "boys" in a half joking manner before returning to reading her book.

Harry had hoped that he would be able to sit in silence with his thoughts but that was not to be as the inquisitive Hermione perceptively guessed "bad dreams?".

Harry sighed and nodded. "It's been a pretty long running bad dream to be honest. It's this jet of green light shooting towards me, only I'm a lot younger and standing up in a crib. There's always this sinister gleeful laugh and a voice that says farewell Harry Potter before the dream ends". He ran a hand through his messy black hair, "according to Mum and Dad and also Hagrid it's a memory of the night Voldemort killed my parents and almost killed me when I was an infant".

Hermione gasped. "Harry I'm so sorry you have to dream something like that, that's awful!". She reached out and squeezed his hand in a comforting gesture her brown eyes full of concern and caring.

Harry returned the hand squeeze feeling grateful for her support. "Thanks Hermione, do you mind if we talk about something else?".

"Of course not", Hermione replied easily. They slipped into a conversation about Quidditch and the various tactics and teams Hermione had read about. Harry felt glad to have her as a friend, with her willing to talk about a subject that bored her just to take his mind off his dreams.

As time passed the memory of the dream faded completely, just in time for two voices to call out "morning Harry, Hermione" and "morning". One voice sounded wide awake and the other rather drowsy.

"Ron, Neville thank goodness!", Hermione said with relief, "we can get some breakfast before the match.

Harry's stomach turned over and he didn't say much except to greet his brother and his friend. "I just need to put my school bag back up in the dorm room", Harry told them and without waiting to hear their responses he snatched up his bag, hurried up the stairs two at a time and dashed into the dorm room. He muttered a quick good morning to Seamus and Dean who were busy dressing, threw down his bag and headed for the bathroom.

Harry stood in front of the mirror, hands gripping one of the sinks and took deep breaths. He wasn't used to feeling this way. He had never felt overwhelmed like this. Knew it was just pre-match nerves. Oliver Wood had mentioned having the same before his first match as had the other team members including Fred and George. The fact that it was only temporary didn't make Harry feel any better. He hated feeling like this. Hated feeling anxious.

"Get a bloody grip Harry", Harry muttered to himself. "It's only a game, stop over thinking it".

The magical mirror chimed in then with it's own encouragement. "That's the spirit dear. The Quidditch match is nothing to be nervous about, you'll do fine".

Using various calming techniques and taking to heart the encouragement from the mirror Harry slowly began to calm himself down. He still had the heavy leaden feeling in the pit of his stomach and knew he'd only be able to manage a small breakfast but at least he knew the main panic had abated. He focused on his family and friends supporting him and used that as a coping mechanism.

"Harry are you nearly done?", Seamus called out loudly through the locked door. "I need the loo!".

Harry cleared his throat. "Sorry Seamus, I'm coming out now", he replied back calmly. He splashed some water on his face enjoying the cool sensation of it. He dried his face and headed for the door.

"All yours", Harry told Seamus as he exited the bathroom and watched in some amusement as the Irish wizard bolted past him slamming the door shut.

"He's excited about the match", Dean explained from his bed. "Not sure why", he added with a grin, "Quidditch isn't that great".

Harry gaped at Deans declaration. It sounded like heresy to him. "Not...not...not that great!" he exclaimed.

"It's miles better than football!", Seamus shouted from inside the bathroom. Dean smirked.

Harry shook his head and smiled. "I'll see you both in a bit", he said as he headed for the dormitory door and headed down to the Common Room.

"What was that all about?", Ron commented as his brother approached the trio with a smile on his face. Harry shrugged and replied "needed the toilet", he brushed off the subject with a bright "lets head to breakfast".

As the foursome walked down the staircases, keeping a vigilant eye out for changing stairs and trick stairs, Ron and Neville chatted animatedly about the coming match. Harry and Hermione were quiet until the group reached the grand staircase when she whispered "are you sure you're alright Harry? you can tell me if you aren't".

As much as Harry was grateful for her concern he wanted to forget about his nerves and so he said "I'm fine Hermione, don't worry". He could tell she didn't believe him but she still didn't make any further comment.

As the foursome reached the Great Hall a barrage of noise assailed them. There was loud chatter at every house table, accompanied by the clatter and clang cutlery and goblets. Owls swooped down from the ceiling delivering the morning post and there was a general buzz of excitement among the student and staff populations of the school.

The first person Harry sighted as he looked around was Draco Malfoy who scowled at him from the Slytherin table. Ignoring the other boy Harry merely shook his head and walked over towards the Gryffindor table which was packed with students chattering away.

Harry, Ron and their two friends headed for a spot further down the table, a section where the entire rest of the Gryffindor team was currently sat talking in hushed voices. Most of the team looked sleepy while Oliver Wood, the Captain, was as lively as ever gesticulating wildly with his hands at some sort of tactical display on a sheet of parchment.

Halfway down the table a hand reached out to hold on to Harry's arm. He stopped at the contact and was surprised to see that it was Percy who had brought him to a halt. "Something up Perc?", Harry asked, wondering why his older brother had made him pause in stride.

"Look Harry, I know we don't get on as much as you do with Ron and Ginny...and even Fred and George to a certain extent but I just wanted to wish you luck for the match. The whole family is routing for you and don't worry about being nervous, it's natural to be. Just try to enjoy doing what you love and have fun eh?", Percy said.

Harry blinked. He wondered if the person who had really spoken to him was Percy at all or if his brother had been replaced. Oh it wasn't that Percy had never been kind to him before. Never been encouraging. He had been kind before but since they had been at Hogwarts Percy had barely spoken to him or to Ron for that matter save to tell them off.

It was fair to say that Harry felt quite moved by this little speech from his older brother. "Thanks Percy", he said as he gave the older boy a genuine smile.

Percy nodded, released Harry's arm and returned to eating his breakfast.

"Bloody hell!", Ron murmured in surprise. "Never thought I'd see the day when Percy would give an inspiration speech".

Harry nodded. "Me neither", Harry agreed. "It was a nice thought though" he added. Ron nodded as he piled sausages, egg and bacon on to his plate.

Harry stared at Ron's plate and his stomach turned. Even with his nerves having lessened he still didn't think he could face breakfast.

"You should eat something Harry", Hermione urged, "sport is intensive and you need to keep your strength up".

Harry shook his head. "I couldn't. My stomach feels like it's turning over".

"Hermione is right Harry", Fred chipped in.

"Yeah", George added, "you're going to be zipping about all over the place looking for that snitch, it takes a lot of energy".

"So eat something. We insist!", Fred and George said together.

Harry stared from Fred to George. Fred was holding out a toast rack while George had a butter dish.

"It goo' foo'", Ron mumbled through a mouthful of sausage and egg.

Harry shook his head but took two slices of toast and spread a thin layer of butter. "You win", he muttered as he took a bite. Fred and George exchanged a grin and a high-five while Hermione gave them an approving look and Harry a pleased smile.

The food wasn't bad, Harry had to admit and despite his slight nerves it actually gave him more energy and improved his mood.

After twenty minutes of eating and conversing with his brother, friends and teammates Harry stood up alongside his teammates as Oliver said "time to go team". Harry and the rest of the team headed out of the Great Hall as Harry called out "see you later", to Ron, Hermione, Neville and also Percy.

One quick trip back to their dorm rooms later and the entire Gryffindor team were laden down with their brooms.

Fifteen minutes later the seven Gryffindor's were situated in their changing room inside the Quidditch stadium changing into their gear. Once the seven of them were changed Oliver Wood looked at each of his teammates and launched into one of his inspirational speeches. "We will win today", he declared excitably, "we have the best beaters, best chasers and best seeker out of all four teams and, if I may say without being arrogant, the best goalkeeper as well. Slytherin don't stand a chance against us. Am I right?".

The other six players' responses varied between shrugging and nodding agreement. Oliver seemed disappointed by the lack of reaction and continued with his speech. By the time he was done he had the other six players cheering for him and Harry had to admit the speech had fired him up.

A magically enhanced voice sounded from outside "would all Gryffindor and Slytherin players please enter the pitch". Wood looked towards the pitch side tunnel and stated "that's us, come on team".

The seven of them, led by Wood walked in single file out into the tunnel and stood waiting. "Nervous Harry?", Wood asked him.

Harry nodded. "A bit", he admitted.

Wood chuckled. "So was I the first time, just try to enjoy yourself, okay?".

Harry nodded and asked. "So what happened...in your first match I mean?".

Wood grimaced. "Err...I don't really remember, took a bludger to the head ten minutes, all a bit of a blank after that".

Harry gulped and grimaced before centering himself. The team stepped out of the tunnel to a cacophony of noise.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen, witches and wizards, students and professors!", a voice called out. Harry recognised it as the voice of his brother Fred and George's friend Lee Jordan. He smiled at the voice, feeling glad that someone familiar was doing commentary.

"Today marks the first day of the latest Quidditch season and boy do we have a feisty encounter for you today. The sneaky snakes of Slytherin meet the roaring lions of Gryffindor! Give them a big cheer...but not the Slytherins", Lee said.

"Jordan!", came the warning voice of Professor McGonagall.

"Sorry Professor", Lee apologised, not sounding at all sorry. The commentary continued though Harry drowned most of it out, instead focusing in on the stands. He grinned widely at the sight of his friends Neville and Hermione, his brother Ron and several other Gryffindor's including Percy, Seamus and Dean holding aloft a banner in bright orange, bearing a large lion that roared at intervals, an impressive bit of charm work. Harry gave them all a wave and a grin, his nerves dissipating. Hagrid arrived and also waved and gave a thumbs up. Harry grinned at him too.

Looking over at the teacher and parent section Harry got a very pleasant surprise as his parents, Ginny and Bill were all sat in one of the rows. They all waved and smiled down at him, Fred and George. Harry waved back happily, his heart leaping. His homesickness had abated for the most part but he still felt it on occasion and it was brought back by seeing his family who had come to watch the game.

Harry turned his attention back to Oliver Wood who had stepped up to the centre circle of the pitch. The older boy was staring down the Slytherin Captain Marcus Flint.

Flint, who resembled a troll in Harry's opinion, seemed to be trying hard to break Wood's fingers as the two opposing Captains shook hands and glared at one another.

"Right, I want a nice clean game!", Madam Hooch, the referee instructed, "no fouls and no dirty tricks. The winner of the coin toss will decide which side their team starts on, clear?". Both Captains nodded. The coin was tossed and Gryffindor won it.

"We'll start on this side", Wood informed Madam Hooch, gesturing behind him. Madam Hooch nodded and instructed both teams to get ready to mount and ascend on their brooms.

The whistle followed shortly after and Harry kicked off hard from the ground, sailing into the air alongside his teammates. He threw a thumbs up to the others as he continued to head upwards above the goals and snapped into seeker mode keeping a keen eye out for the golden snitch that would ensure victory.

As Harry stared around looking for the snitch he found himself face to face with the opposing seeker Terence Higgs. Higgs had narrowed his eyes and was sneering as if he didn't believe Harry would be capable of beating him to the snitch.

Harry snorted and thought 'let him believe what he wants'.

A fluttering of wings nearby jolted Harry out of his thoughts and Harry made to zoom off after the snitch. He was bumped aside by Higgs and swore at the older boy who had pulled ahead on his broom.

Harry zoomed about the sky for what felt like an age trying to seek and catch the snitch a he stopped Higgs from doing the same. Eventually, the snitch came back into view but just as Harry reached out a hand for it his broom jolted heavily.

Harry frowned down at his broomstick. "What...". It jolted again heavily and then again as he struggled to keep it under control. Nearby, Higgs grinned looking amused by the whole thing as he flew off.

"What's Harry doin'?", Hagrid called out from just behind Ron, Hermione, Neville and Percy.

"His broom is out of control!", Ron exclaimed.

Hermione scanned the sky and the stands frowning heavily. "Over there!", she whispered to Ron and Neville.

Ron and Neville followed Hermione's gaze to Professor Snape, the Head of Slytherin house who was muttering something that they could not hear at such a distance. They followed Snape's line of sight up to Harry whose broom was still out of control and had caused Harry to nearly slip off. The other professors didn't seem to have noticed except for Professor Quirrell who was blank faced and staring up at Harry.

"It must be Professor Snape", Hermione hissed. She beckoned to Neville and Ron. The trio slipped off away from a horrified looking Hagrid and Percy who were gazing skywards.

The trio made their way through the stands towards a set of stairs. "This way", Hermione called out not waiting for a response from Ron and Neville as she headed over to a section of stand just below the teacher and parent stand.

"What do we do?", Ron whispered.

"Isn't it obvious?", Neville chimed in, "we set fire to Snape's robes. That should break his concentration".

Hermione nodded looking satisfied. "Exactly", she said. She pulled out her wand, aimed it at the hem of Snape's robe and murmured "Incendio".

There was a commotion in the stands above as a someone shouted "Severus, your robe is on fire!". There was much rustling and shoving as people tried to get clear and someone seemed to be trying to put the flames out while Professor Snape yelled in horror. Hermione, Ron and Neville watched as Professor Quirrell was shoved aside and accidentally fell out of the stand onto the stairs.

They all felt very sorry for the turban clad professor as he picked himself up, dusted himself down, shook his head and stormed off looking very disgruntled muttering "bloody pranksters".

Hermione, Ron and Neville hurried away from the stand back to the Gryffindor section. "Don' know where you three got to", Hagrid commented, "but Harry's alright now. The broom is back under control".

"That's good news", Ron answered for them looking somewhat guilty.

Percy narrowed his eyes and demanded "what have you done?".

"Oh...nothing", Ron lied and then ignored Percy in favour of checking the sky to confirm Hagrids words. To his vast relief, Harry was properly mounted on his broom once more and now zooming down through the air in pursuit of the golden snitch.

"Bloody hell, glad that's over", Harry muttered as he remounted his broom. He had no idea what had caused his normally reliable broomstick to act up in such a way. Just as he was thinking about the incident a fluttering nearby caught his attention. He froze for a heartbeat as something small, winged and golden coloured appeared to his left hand side. It was the snitch.

Harry wasted no time, zooming off after the snitch as it flew at high speed trying to evade his reach. To his right, Higgs was also pursuing the snitch. Down and down they streaked. The crowd in the stands were a blur to Harry such was the speed of the broom and his zeroed in focus on his goal.

Four feet from the ground, Harry pulled away from a distraught looking Higgs, reached a hand out for the snitch. He was too far away and made a reckless decision. He stood up on his broom and edged slowly forwards until his fingertips closed on the snitch. He didn't see the ground rushing up to meet him until it was too late and he was forced to jump off the broom and roll. He tweaked his ankle painfully on landing but it was worth it. He opened his palm from a sitting position and held up the golden snitch. He had caught his prize.

"Harry Potter has caught the snitch!", Lee Jordan roared with joy.

Above Harry, Higgs glared down at him looking enraged as Madam Hooch blew her whistle and proclaimed "Gryffindor wins!".

Harry was gazing at the snitch when he felt six figures clatter into him and embrace him. "We did it!" Angelina shouted joyously.

"That's the first time in three years we've beaten them!", Wood said with a grin as he clapped him on the shoulder. "Knew you could do it Harry!".

Fred and George helped him up and put him on their shoulders chanting. "Harry! Harry! Harry!". The chant was taken up by rest of Gryffindor house and even many in Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff who were elated at seeing Slytherin lose.

Harry's friends Hermione and Neville arrived on the pitch, joined by Ron and Percy. His brothers were cheering and smiling.

Harry was let down by Fred and George and as he struggled to stand he found his hair being ruffled by Bill. "Little brother that was the best seeking I have seen at Hogwarts in years!". Harry grinned widely.

"Thanks Bill", Harry said.

Harry watched as his parents hugged Ron, Percy and the Twins.

"Harry that was amazing flying and amazing seeking!", Arthur said with a smile as he hugged his son and ruffled his hair. Harry grinned.

"Harry that was so reckless!", Molly said by way of a greeting, she sounded half proud and half exasperated and he felt a rush of love for her and all of his family.

"Well I want to fly like that too when I'm here next year!", Ginny declared as she gave Harry a warm hug.

Not caring who saw Harry hugged Ginny back and grinned. "How about I teach you?", he offered.

"You will not!", their mother exclaimed in exasperation, "it's far too dangerous!".

"You will though...right?", Ginny whispered to Harry. Harry winked and nodded.

Harry found himself being hoisted aloft once more and the chant of "Harry! Harry! Harry!" went up yet again. His joy felt so great that he felt his heart might burst and the grin so large that he thought his face may split in two.

This felt like one of the greatest moments in his life.