The Sides of Fear

The Sides of Fear

Chapter 4
Quidditch Battles

As the morning light shone into the dormitory one of the beds was empty. The owner could be found in the common room. The fire flickered for a moment from a gentle breeze. Draco Malfoy was sitting in a chair watching the flames dance in the fireplace. He was gazing at the fire and the reflection of the flames could be seen burning with hatred in his eyes. He winced as his left arm brushed against the arms of the chair. Two unmistakable figures came into the common room to join Draco.

"Crabbe, Goyle, this is the year when we prove ourselves," said Draco. "Has He talked to both of you?"

"Yes," said the two boys nodding.

"Then you know what to do. We must wait until we have received word. My father will see to that," added Draco.

Draco sat up and walked down to the Great Hall accompanied by Crabbe and Goyle.

"This will be my year," thought Draco, "and nobody will stop me."

***

"Harry, wake up!"

"Go away," mumbled Harry trying to hide underneath the covers.

"We're already late as it is," sighed Ron, "and it's only the first day of school."

"Oh, fine," Harry grumbled staggering out of bed putting on his robe.

"Hurry up! I'll be in the Great Hall waiting for you," said Ron as he went downstairs into the common room.

A few minutes, and two stubbed toes, later, Harry emerged from the fifth year boys' dormitory only to run straight into someone else who was as late as he was. Both of them tumbled down the stairs and ended up in one big pile with limbs in a tangle. Harry got his bearings straightened out, and looked to see who he had shared this death-defying stunt with.

"Nggh," groaned Ginny with one hand on her head.

"Are you alright?" asked Harry with a worried look.

"I think so," replied Ginny as she tried to stand up only to fall back down tripping on Harry's right leg. "Oww!"

A few more words that were fairly unsuitable followed as Ginny tried to get up once again. Harry, who was already on his feet, stretched out his hand to help her up.

"I can get up on my own, thank you very much," Ginny said irritated.

"I'm sorry Gin, I didn't see you,"

"Well, what's new?" said Ginny sharply leaving Harry behind as she hurried down to the Great Hall.

"This is definitely not a good morning," thought Harry. "At least it can't get any worse than this."

***

Harry had been wrong. Things could get worse. A lot worse. He sat down at the Gryffindor table to find Hermione sitting by Viktor, and Ron squeezed in by Fleur who was surrounded by most of the Gryffindor boys. Ginny was sitting at the other end of the table concentrating on her food. Harry decided to sit down across from Hermione.

"So what classes do we have this morning?" asked Harry making sure he wasn't interrupting anything.

"You'll be happy to know that we have double Potions with the Slytherins, followed by Arithmancy for me, and I take it Divination for you," Hermione said with a slightly disgusted look.

"Just great!" moaned Harry. "I'll start out the day in hell, only to be followed by my yearly prediction of Death breathing down my neck."

"Well, Professor McGonagall and I told you that Divination is the least accurate form of magic. You should've taken Arithmancy instead."

"Hermione, please don't start. I've had a bad enough morning as it is," said Harry scooping in a mouthful of scrambled eggs.

"What happened? Did you have another dream?"

"No, nothing like that. I accident...ummph"

"Oh, I'm sorry Potter. Did my elbow accidentally knock over your big head?" said Draco with a smirk.

"Malfoy, get away from me before I do something we'll both regret," growled Harry.

"My, my. No need to get so violent Potter," Draco turned his attention to Hermione. "Besides, I see you have your Mudblood friend here. You wouldn't want anything to happen to her, would you?"

Harry stood up ready to turn Malfoy into a ferret, but before he knew it Viktor had swooped down on Malfoy, pushing him down on the floor.

"Vatch vat you say," said Viktor looming over Draco.

Malfoy was trying to get up from the floor as the Great Hall had fell silent holding their breath.

"Don't think you scare me you overgrown Bulgarian bird brain," sneered Malfoy. "I wouldn't turn my back on your own people. Just remember that."

"I don't know vat you are talking about," Viktor said hesitantly.

"We'll see about that," Draco turned around walking out of the Great Hall.

"Herm-own-ninny, I'm so sorry you had to hear that," said Viktor sitting down by Hermione.

"Viktor, it doesn't bother me anymore. I'm serious," added Hermione smiling.

"Vell, he shouldn't say things like that about you."

Harry didn't know what to think, but a quick glance over at Ron told him what was going through his best friend's mind, and it wasn't any happy thoughts by the looks of it.

"Well, we'd better get to class before Snape deducts points from us before we're even there," said Harry trying to get Hermione's and Ron's attention.

Hermione looked up at Harry and quickly grabbed her bookbag.

"C'mon Viktor. I'll show you the way to your first class," said Hermione grabbing hold of Viktor's hand.

Ron jumped out of his seat proclaiming loudly that he would see to it that Fleur got to her class on time offering her his hand. Harry looked at both of his friends walking out of the Great Hall shooting glares at each other.

"At least things can't ge..."

He stopped himself in the middle of his thought remembering what had happened the last time.

"Off to a double dose of Snape," sighed Harry tossing his bookbag over his shoulder.

***

Snape had been in fine form as he had been able to take away 50 points from Gryffindor within the first five minutes. Harry had walked in a fraction late, and Snape had given him the usual sneer followed by a lecture about how "the Great Harry Potter doesn't think he has to follow rules." He had lost 25 points for being late, and an additional 25 for not knowing twenty uses for finely minced salamander tails.

The first class with Snape had turned into a 3-hour lecture with almost every student walking out of the Potions dungeon with hands cramping. Ron and Hermione hadn't so much as looked at each other for 3 hours, and Hermione was off to her Arithmancy class before Harry could talk to her. Ron and Harry walked up to the North Tower and settled down in Professor Trelawney's mist-filled classroom. Right before class was to begin Professor Trelawney floated in humming.

"I can see we will have long year," she said in her "trance."

Harry and Ron just looked at each other knowing all too well what was coming next as Trelawney turned her attention to Harry.

"My dear boy, your future does not look bright," sighed Trelawney.

"Yes, yes," muttered Ron. "You'll be dead again Harry."

Harry could barely keep himself from laughing while Trelawney gave both of them a look letting them know how serious things were.

After an hour of death predictions for Harry they headed down for lunch. Harry ended up eating alone since Hermione sat with Viktor and Ron drooled over Fleur. Right when he was sitting there playing with his food someone sat down beside him. He looked up to see Ginny.

"Harry, I just wanted to say I'm sorry about what happened this morning,"

"Sorry? You shouldn't be sorry. I'm the one who ran into you, and landed on top of you."

"Well, I shouldn't have said what I said," answered Ginny twirling a strand of her red hair with her fingers.

"Just forget about it Gin," said Harry smiling.

"So how's your day going so far?" she asked wanting to change the subject.

"Well, I lost 50 points for Gryffindor, I'm going to die a horrible death, and my two friends aren't talking to each other anymore," Harry glanced over at Hermione and Ron.

"Sounds like an exciting day," laughed Ginny.

"Yeah, well I could do without all this excitement," grumbled Harry.

There was an awkward silence after that and Ginny left to get ready for her next class. Harry had already had enough as Hermione wasn't talking to Ron, and vice versa. Transfiguration turned out to be just as bad as the morning classes as McGonagall was kind enough to assign an essay on the uses of transfiguring animate objects into purple teapots. When Harry had complained about the length of the essay Hermione had simply said that McGonagall was just trying to prepare them for their O.W.L.s. At this Ron rolled his eyes earning him a glare and leading to another fight between the two. "Well, at least they're talking to each other," thought Harry as he went up to his room while the odd couple fought in the common room.

***

After Draco had become part of Voldemort's circle Lucius had slowly begun to think about what the implications would be. He had made sure Draco would be ready for anything, but the question was whether Lucius himself was ready for what was going to happen. There was no doubt his son had showed great determination and strength of will during the long years of "practice." Lucius also knew his son would never forget what had been done to him. "After all he is a Malfoy," thought Lucius as he swiped a glass of wine.

"Lucius?"

"Yes my dear?"

"Are you worried about Draco?" asked Narcissa sitting down next to to Lucius.

Lucius let the glass touch his lips before he answered.

"No," said Lucius, "I'm worried about us. Voldemort said there was more than anyone could expect in Draco."

They both looked at each other and exchanging a glance they knew what the other person was thinking. Lucius walked over to the window and looked out over Malfoy Mansion wondering when the time for reckoning would come.

***

Dumbledore was sitting in his office taking care of business when a there was a loud "poof" from the fire.

"Albus?"

"Hello Ashmir," said Dumbledore turning around to face the image in the fire. "I have a few questions, and I was hoping you could help me answer them."

"This wouldn't have anything to do with the chalice?"

"Of course it has. I have reason to believe Voldemort has been able to acquire it and is now planning on using it."

"What do you need to know, Albus?" said Ashmir realizing the danger.

Dumbledore sat back gently rubbing his forehead as he began to explain the situation.

"As you know Ashmir, Peter Pettigrew was able to resurrect Voldemort last year. However, he is still lacking more than his fair share of power," said Dumbledore gravely. "But with the use of the Chalice he could potentially become more powerful than ever."

"I know the immense power that is within the Chalice," said Ashmir, "but I thought he needed the three more elements to complete the spell."

"That is the problem, my dear friend," sighed Dumbledore. "Voldemort already has the Chalice, and the rest of the elements, I fear, are right here at Hogwarts."

"I know about the second element, which would be Harry Potter, but the other two?"

"They are here Ashmir, trust me."

"Are they safe?"

"They are as safe as can be," Dumbledore said. "I have a feeling we have already lost one of the elements which leaves us with the final piece of the puzzle."

"It must be protected at any cost Albus," replied Ashmir. "I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Don't worry Ashmir, the Dagger is safe for now," said Dumbledore before the Ashmir disappeared from the fire.

"As long as the bearer is left alone the Dagger will be safe," thought Dumbledore as he opened up a secret passageway by a bookshelf and disappeared.

***

"My dear son," sobbed Narcissa cleaning out the cuts.

"Mother, I hate him," said Draco with gritted teeth.

"He's just doing what he thinks is right," she said unconvincingly, "He wants you to be ready when the time comes. We don't want to lose another..."

Draco's head jerked up as his mother had stopped talking abruptly.

"What do you mean, lose another?" said Draco forgetting about the immense pain.

"Nothing my dear. You need your rest for tomorrow."

"Yes, another day of pain, right mother?" he snapped turning away.

"Draco...I..."

"Why don't you stop him?" yelled Draco tears beginning to trickle down his cheeks.

"I can't," she cried, "it's for your own good!"

"Tell me what that means!" yelled Draco as sadness had been replaced with anger. "Why do I need to suffer like this?"

"I...I can't tell you," said his mother turning away.

"I thought I only hated him, but I hate both of you."

"Draco..."

"NO!" screamed Draco. "Get away from me!"

Narcissa stood up not knowing what to do. Finally she turned around and walked out of the room. Draco turned around and curled himself into a ball, crying himself to sleep.

Draco woke up in the Slytherin common room having fallen asleep with a book on his lap. He kept remembering scenes from his childhood, and coupled with recent events he was sure it wouldn't stop until he had finished his task. He was just about to get up and go to bed when he saw a copy of Witch Weekly laying on the floor. The front cover had Harry Potter on it. He picked it up and threw it into the fire.

"Burn Potter...burn in hell," hissed Draco.

***

It was time for the first class of Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Harry and the rest of the fifth year Gryffindors had only heard good things about Professor Miala.

"She's incredible," said George flailing wildly with his arms.

"And good-looking," added Fred.

Hermione just rolled her eyes and Viktor gave her a pat on her shoulder, which earned a glare from Ron.

"We promised not to tell anyone about what you'll be doing tomorrow, but I can tell you that it'll be loads of fun," said Fred excitedly.

Harry purposely sat down in between Hermione and Ron in order to stop any arguments from starting.

"It's a good thing both Viktor and Fleur are seventh year students," thought Harry as the rest of the students piled into the classroom. The door to the office opened and in stepped Professor Miala.

"Well, I don't want to waste anybody's time so we'll start out with defending yourself against Dementors," she said loudly. "Who can show the rest of the class what to do?"

Her eyes gazed over the class and Harry slowly raised his hand.

"Go on, Potter. Show us what you're made of then."

Miala took out her wand, muttered a few words, and conjured up a Dementor who slowly turned around to face Harry. He felt the familiar cold feeling he had experienced before, and he could hear his mother's voice screaming. As soon as it had taken it's first few steps Harry stepped up with his wand.

"Expecto Patronum," yelled Harry as silvery mist came out of his wand forming into a silver stag.

The Dementor was charged down by the stag and immediately disappeared.

"Thank you," said Professor Miala as she gestured for Harry to go sit down.

"Can you tell the rest of the class how to perform the Patronus Charm?" she asked turning to Harry.

"There are two steps I suppose," said Harry blushing a bit. "First you have to think of a really happy memory, and then say the words Expecto Patronum."

"Very good, five points to Gryffindor. Now today you will be practising your Patronus so let's get to it."

Eagerly, the students all got out of their seats and began to yell out their charms. Most of them ended up with a light silver mist coming out of their wands. Unexpectedly, Neville was the only one who managed to get his Patronus to form into something more like a lion. On their way out Harry tried to convince Hermione that it would take a lot of practice before she would be able to conjure up her own Patronus. Her answer was of course to go to the library.

After lunch it was time for their first class with Hagrid.

"I just hope it's something interesting this year," sighed Ron pulling out a muffin from his pocket. "This is Fleur's favorite," he said dreamily.

"For your information I think Hagrid is wonderful," scowled Hermione obviously not liking the Fleur comment.

Before they could get any further Hagrid had walked out of his cabin and was dragging a large wooden box.

"Hi Hagrid, what are we doing today?" asked Harry sitting down by the box.

"Well, ye'll be surprised ter know that I did some research," said Hagrid in between grunts as he pulled out the next box. "It's amazing what ye can find in Knockturn Alley."

"Well, what is it?" said Ron clearly interested for once.

"I'll tell ye when everyone else gets here," said Hagrid putting down the last of the boxes.

There was just no avoiding the Slytherins, thought Harry as he saw Draco and his entourage coming from the Great Hall. Draco was wearing his usual disgusted look as he sat down making a remark about how Hagrid's position as a "lowly" Gamekeeper. Harry was about to tell Draco to shove it when he was interrupted by a loud squeek from the boxes. Everybody's attention turned to the now shaking and squeeking boxes.

"Welcome back," began Hagrid, "this year we will be taking on another Magical Creature as a project. First off I want to warn you that you need to be very careful and follow my instructions."

Everyone looked over at Draco who had almost got Hagrid fired when a Hippogriff had attacked him during his third year.

"Without any more talk," boomed Hagrid as he lifted the lid of a box, "I would like to introduce your newest pets."

A pair of eyes popped out of the box followed by several others. Hagrid picked one up and it looked like a cross between a wolf and a bat. It had four legs and yellow eyes, but the skin looked like that of a bat. Its 3-inch fangs were perfectly made to suck the living out of anything, and the group slowly moved away from the boxes.

"Now who can tell me what these beautiful creatures are?"

Hermione's hand shot up quickly.

"It's a Lupertilio," said Hermione still backing away.

"Very good Hermione, 10 points to Gryffindor."

Hagrid set down the Lupertilio in the box and closed the lid to everyone's relief.

"These are very gentle and kind creatures. You can find all the information you need on page 251 in your book," said Hagrid holding up his copy of Ferocious Animals Who Are Nice. "They react much like Hippogriffs," added Hagrid snapping Draco out of his rude comments. "If you treat them nicely, they will be yer best friend. If you don't...well they won't be nice anymore."

Half of the students were reminded of the latter part of the book title, and grimacing they let one of their hands feel their neck as to make sure their head was still there. Hagrid decided to let one student come up at a time and finally everyone had picked out their own Lupertilio. Harry had limited success with his, but he was just happy to see Draco almost getting his finger bit off. After a long hour of trying to get to know their "pets", they set off for the Great Hall.

"At least they're not Skrewts," said Ron hearing his stomach growl.

***

The yearly Quidditch Cup would be held this year, and McGonagall had taken the liberty to remind Harry they needed to find a new Keeper as well as determine who the new captain would be. She had suggested the six players who were still here should meet and vote for their new captain as soon as possible. A week into the school year and Harry was already finding himself buried in work, Quidditch, and quarreling friends. There was no need to worry about most of his school work because the lack of time spent with his friends made him spend more time with his books. As he flung his bag on his shoulder he swiftly grabbed his Firebolt and bolted out the portrait. With all that was on his mind he felt strangely liberated when he saw the stands of the Quidditch field come into sight. The rest of the Gryffindor team was already there and they had turned their attention to the oncoming Harry.

"Harry, hurry up!" yelled Fred giving Angelina a friendly push.

"Yeah, we want to get this voting business done as quickly as possible," bellowed George, "besides, we've got better ideas of what to do with the ladies."

Harry chuckled as George's comment was followed by three hard punches.

"Well, I'm sorry to take you away from your...business," said Harry smiling, "but McGonagall ordered me to do this as soon as possible."

"Let's get on with it then shall we?" said Katie.

"Er, how do we do this?" asked Harry.

"It's quite simple really Harry old chap," said Fred smiling. "All we do is nominate someone and then we vote."

"We figured we'd make it easier for us by discussing this before we came down here," added George, "so we nominated and voted earlier today."

"Congratulations Harry," said Alicia patting his back.

"But...what...I..." sputtered Harry unable to find words.

"Well, don't let it get to your head, or else we'll have to give you the same badge as Percy got," said George reminding Harry of the "Bighead Boy" badge.

Harry was about to ask why they had selected him because he thought either of the twins would be better at this when Angelina spoke up.

"We figured it would be best this way. We're all leaving after this year, and we thought it would be best if you would get some experience before you have to find new players to keep in line."

"Yeah, I mean, you won't find any Beaters as good as us," smiled Fred.

"But we thought this might give you a chance to get used to the idea," added George.

"I don't know what to say," said Harry still shocked.

"Then don't say anything at all," said George, "besides, we've got some 'business' to take care of."

With that the rest of the team left Harry alone on the Quidditch field who was still unable to grasp the fact that he was now the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. He quickly turned around and yelled,

"Practice at 5:30 tomorrow!"

The twins stopped in their tracks, turned around looking at Harry in disbelief.

"Sharp!"

He could see the twins throw their hands up in the air, and turn around dejected heading for the common room.

"I guess it's not that difficult to be captain," thought Harry as he made his way across Hogwarts.

When he came into the common room he was greeted by cheering as everyone had found out about his captaincy. He made his way through the room only to find Ron sitting with Fleur on the floor.

"Congratulations!" said Ron jumping up to give Harry a slap on the back.

"Thanks Ron. We're going to have tryouts next week for the Keeper spot. Are you going to try out?"

"Absolutely, I haven't been practicing all summer to sit and watch you play."

"Oui, congratulationz 'arry," said Fleur smiling.

"Thanks," said Harry. "Where's Hermione?"

"Oh she's off with Vicky doing something," snorted Ron. "Not that I care."

Ron sat down next to Fleur again as the rest of the Gryffindors mauled Harry once again with cheers of "We're gonna win the Cup" echoing loudly throughout the common room.

A few minutes later the portrait swung open and in stepped McGonagall.

"What is going on here?" she asked sternly.

"We're celebrating our future reign as Quidditch Cup champions," chimed Fred and George.

"Well, please do so quietly. I do not want to take points away from my own house unless I am forced to."

With that she stepped out of the portrait hole again, and with that the room quieted down. Harry was relieved to see another familiar face sitting in the corner apparently busy reading her book.

"Hi Gin, reading anything interesting?" asked Harry.

"Um, not really," said Ginny peering out from behind her book.

There was an awkward silence for a minute before Harry broke it.

"So, um, there'll be tryouts next week for the Keeper spot," started Harry, "and I thought you might like to give it a try."

Ginny looked up surprised.

"I don't think I will. I'm not very good at Quidditch."

"I watched you at the Burrow and you looked great too me," said Harry feeling his cheeks burn slightly.

"You watched me?" Ginny said with wide eyes.

"Well, I mean, I saw how you looked," Harry was beginning to feel very uncomfortable, "and well, I mean...what I'm trying to say is I think you would stand a chance," finished Harry wishing he had his Invisibility Cloak.

"If you think so," said Ginny blushing, "then maybe I'll give it a try."

"Well, then, I'll see you there," added Harry before turning around to go up to his room.

He ran up the stairs and flung himself onto his bed.

"What is wrong with me?" he muttered. "It's just Gin, Ron's little sister."

"Harry?" Ron peeked into the room. "Are you alright?"

"Um, yeah, nothing to worry about. I'm just thinking about practice tomorrow," said Harry hastily not wanting to tell Ron what was really bothering him.

"I heard the twins talking about you becoming another Oliver Wood," chuckled Ron, "practice at 5:30 and all."

"They think they might've made a mistake," added Ron grinning.

"Hey! I'm not as insane as Wood was," said Harry sitting up.

"Well, from the looks of it you're starting to sound more and more like h...oomph"

Harry had thrown a pillow with deadly accuracy, and the ensuing fight led to feathers flying wildly around in the room.

***

The next week it was time for the Quidditch team tryouts Seeing as there was only one position open there were not that many hopefuls that showed up. Harry found himself feeling a bit disappointed as he looked over the people who had showed up. Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, and Ron were the only ones there. "Why isn't she here?" thought Harry. "I wish she was..." Harry slapped himself mentally reminding himself that she was, after all, Ron's little sister. "You just keep repeating that to yourself," said another voice in his head. Before he had any more conversations with himself he decided to get everything started.

"Each of you will show us how well you fly, then you'll be trying to stop our Chasers from scoring," said Harry looking at the three of them.

"Seamus, you're up first," said Harry looking at Seamus.

It didn't take long for Harry to see that Seamus was excellent in the air on his Nimbus Two Thousand, and he was able to deflect most of the early shots thanks to his speed. When Harry gave the sign for Alicia and company to turn up the tempo Seamus had some problems keeping up with the rapid movements of the Chasers. Harry finally blew a whistle and let Dean Thomas give it a go. Dean wasn't as good in the air and he immediately had problems with some of the easier throws. When it finally came to Ron he knew what was going to happen. He had already seen Ron fly during the summer, and he knew that Ron's logical mind was perfectly suited for the Keeper position. He had no problems stopping the first attempts, and after it was over he had only let 2 Quaffles slip past him.

"Thanks to all three of you. We'll inform you tomorrow of the new team," said Harry as the three of them left.

Just as they were about to make their decision a small figure could be seen running down towards the Quidditch field. Her red hair was flying in the wind, seemingly with a mind of its own, and she looked like she had just woken up.

"I'm so sorry," panted Ginny, "I fell asleep reading and..." she looked around. "Am I too late?"

"No, we were just about to leave," smiled Harry, "but I'm sure the girls *ahem* women won't mind," said Harry looking at Angelina, Alicia, and Katie. They all shook their heads and got back on their broomsticks.

"Here's what I want you to do," said Harry. "Show us how well you can fly, and then we'll let you try to stop as many Quaffles as possible."

Ginny took a deep breath, nodded, and kicked off from the ground. She flew through the air a bit uncertain, but as she got more comfortable her flying improved. Harry found himself staring at her graceful body cutting through the air.

"Right, let's see what you can do as Keeper," he said in an effort to stop thinking about Ginny.

The three Chasers started taking turns trying to shoot past Ginny, but she seemed to glide easily through the air and blocked every shot. Harry gave Angelina the sign to speed up and all three of them were now flying like it was a real match. Harry watched as Ginny continued zooming through the air stopping all but one Quaffle. Harry finally blew his whistle.

"Right, we'll let you know tomorrow," said Harry motioning them to leave while the team discussed who their newest member would be.

"I think it's pretty obvious," said Fred.

"I'm glad we agree," said Angelina.

"It's definitely Ron," said the twins.

"You mean Ginny," retorted Alicia.

"No, we said Ron."

"Ginny."

"R-o-n. Ron."

"Harry? What do you think?" said Katie as everybody waited for his response.

"Oh, just bloody brilliant," thought Harry as he gave Katie his answer.

***

Ron went back to the common room and saw Fleur sitting by the fire alone. The first impression she had had on the rest of the Gryffindor boys had slowly worn off, and accompanied by the fact that Ron had become her "boyfriend" made the rest of the boys step away from her. They had all seen what the Weasley temper could do, and they had decided not to tempt fate. Just as Ron sat down next to Fleur he heard the portrait open, but where he expected Harry and the rest of the team to walk in was Viktor Krum and Hermione Granger. It seemed like they had just got back from one of their evening walks. "I wonder what she sees in that overgrown, wobbling, bird brain," thought Ron as he moved closer to Fleur earning him a smile from her. He couldn't help but overhear the conversation from across the room.

"I am so glad I came to Hogvarts."

"You have no idea how happy I am Viktor," said Hermione grabbing hold of his hand.

"I thought that you...vell...didn't vant to see me anymore," Viktor said hesitantly.

"Whatever made you think that?" laughed Hermione.

"Vell, you said..."

"A person can change their mind, now can't they?" Hermione said loud enough for Ron to hear clearly.

Ron couldn't believe it. For once he had built up enough courage to tell Hermione how he really felt, and now she was prancing around with Viktor Krum. "When am I ever going to get something I want?" he thought. He couldn't do anything his brothers hadn't done already. "My only hope is to make it on the Quidditch team. At least I'll be able to get that."

Hermione looked over at Ron who was now talking to Fleur holding her tightly. "He's such an oaf," she thought as she tried to keep herself from crying. The feelings from last year had surfaced as soon as she had seen Fleur walk through the doors of the Great Hall. Evidently Ron had been reminded of his feelings as well. She excused herself to Viktor and walked up to her room.

"Ronald Weasley, you're still a stupid prat," she muttered taking out her Transfiguration book.

***

When Ginny walked in she wanted to get up to her room, but Ron was too quick for her.

"Where have you been?" he asked sounding like their mother.

"It's none of your business," snapped Ginny tired of being treated like a child.

"You're my little sister, and I decide what's my business," Ron said sharply moving between Ginny and the stairs.

"Get...out...of...my...way," hissed Ginny feeling the roots of her hair turn red.

"No! Not until you tell me where you were," said Ron looking cross.

"Fine!" yelled Ginny. "If you have to know I was trying out for the Quidditch team."

Ron was so startled that Ginny was able to wrestle past him and head upstairs to her room. He broke out of his reverie when Harry and the rest of the team walked in glaring at each other. The girls walked up the stairs without giving Fred and George as much as a look.

"What's wrong with those three?" asked Ron curiously.

"We just had some trouble down at he Quidditch field," said Harry.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with Ginny, would it?" Ron said frowning.

"Well..." began Harry.

"The girls wanted Ginny to be the new Keeper," said George, "and we wanted you to be our new Keeper."

"Since Harry is the captain he held the deciding vote," added Fred looking irritated.

"So I'm on the team then?" said Ron excitedly.

"Ask your 'friend' over here," said Fred looking over at Harry.

"Am I on the team then?"

"Technically...yes," said Harry trying to avoid looking at Ron.

"What do you mean...technically?"

"You'reourreserveKeeper," said Harry barely audible.

"What?"

Harry sighed.

"You're our reserve Keeper."

Ron felt disappointment flush over him, but managed to let out a question sounding more like a huff.

"Who's the new Keeper?" he asked not wanting to hear what he feared.

"Well," George said, "your 'mate' here decided to vote for our very own little Ginny."

If he had felt disappointed before, Ron was now feeling furious. He glared at Harry who was fixating on a very interesting crack in the floor.

"I don't bloody believe it!" Ron yelled. "My best friends votes for my little sister."

"Ron, I..."

"Just...I can't even have that. You can't even let me have that much, can you?"

"What do you mean?" Harry was dumbfounded.

"Yeah, well if you can't see what I mean then maybe you're not as good of a 'friend' as I thought," said Ron turning around, and slamming the door to the fifth year dormitory

***

Hermione had heard Ron and Ginny arguing and when she heard the door open she knew it was Ginny. Her face was flushed from the Quidditch tryouts, but Hermione could see her seething with anger as she paced the floor.

"Who does he think he is?" she yelled.

"I guess we're talking about Ron," said Hermione trying to get Ginny to sit down.

"He can be such an idiot at times," she said sitting down by Hermione.

"At times?" asked Hermione smiling.

"Well, almost all of the time," added Ginny with a grin.

"So how did it go?"

"I think I did well," said Ginny slowly, "but I don't think I'll be able to beat Ron."

Just as Hermione was about to say something they could hear Ron yelling downstairs. It was followed by loud thumps coming up the stairs, and an ear-shattering thud as a door was slammed shut. The girls looked at each other and made their way out through the door. They could see Fred and George making their way up to their room, and Harry slumping down into a chair rubbing his forehead. They walked down to see what was going on.

"Harry," started Hermione, "what just happened?"

"Oh nothing much," said Harry tired. "I just voted Ron off the team."

"You did what?" asked Hermione. "Why?"

"Because there was someone better at the tryouts," Harry said still rubbing his forehead.

"Who?" asked Ginny knowing it must have been Seamus.

"You," replied Harry giving Ginny a slight smile.

"Me?" Ginny said baffled.

"We weren't going to make it official until tomorrow, but I guess it doesn't matter anymore," sighed Harry.

"I think I'll sleep down here tonight," said Harry making himself comfortable in the chair and closing his eyes.

"Goodnight Harry," said both girls as they turned around.

"Goodnight Hermione, Gin," said Harry laying his hands on the arms of the chair.

"Oh, and Gin," he said making Ginny stop and turn around. "Practice on Wednesday at 5:30."

"Yes sir, captain sir," she said jokingly making Harry chuckle.

Harry heard her walk up the stairs and close the door. He opened up his eyes and took out the pendant she had given him. It had barely been two weeks since they came back to Hogwarts, but he had spent more time with her than in the previous three years put together. It was mostly due to that Hermione and Ron weren't going anywhere near each other, which left him alone with Ginny. It was strange to Harry, but he had somehow always felt like she was there for him. Whenever he needed someone to talk to she would be right around the corner ready to listen or talk. "She actually talks," he thought to himself remembering that Ron had told him that she never stops talking. He let the pendant turn occasionally reflecting the fire in the eyes of the snake. He had not had any dreams since he had worn it, and every time he took it he felt his body and mind relax. Sometimes the eyes would glow stronger, but he didn't think anything of it. He rubbed the pendant before putting it inside his robe and falling asleep. The eyes were glowing bright red as the only thing that could be heard was the crackling of the fire.

Outside a small animal could be seen scurrying across Hogwarts. Mars was glowing bright, and as a cloud passed away the moonlight shone on the silver claw of the rat who moments later was swallowed up by the embracing arms of the Forbidden Forest.