Hearting Quidditch

"And so, for the duration of this term, we will have different Muggle devices around the castle so that our students can experiment with them," said the Muggle Studies professor.

That brought Ginny out of her funk quickly, and she raised her hand. "Professor, I thought electricity didn't work at Hogwarts."

"Yes, well, the Headmaster has kindly put in place some charms that will minimize the magical aura in the areas where we will have the Muggle devices," the professor explained.

"And what kind of Muggle devices will we have?" Colin Creevey asked.

The professor consulted his list. "Blenders and toasters in the kitchens, electric blankets in the dorm, and computers in the common rooms."

"Computers?" Luna asked. "With the intrawet?"

"Internet," the professor corrected. "But, yes, the computers will have the internet."

Those fateful words. Soon enough, students that weren't in the Muggle Studies classes had discovered the internet. The Muggle-born students were happy to have email, as it made it easier to communicate with their parents. Professor Dumbledore noted the increase of computer usage, of course, and had the Muggle Studies professor set up special Hogwarts chat rooms and discussion boards, so the less adept students wouldn't give away any secrets.

Before the week was out, it seemed that every student at Hogwarts had a screen name and an email account. The chat rooms were full of people who were chatting idly about the last Quidditch game, their Arithmancy exams, and everything else under the sun.

Some students didn't care if everyone knew who they were, evidenced by screen names such as partypatil, Cchang, LongbottomLeaf, and JustinFF. Ginny, on the other hand, chose the ambiguous name IheartQuidditch.

One night, Ginny had commandeered one of the computer consoles in the Gryffindor common room, and was enthusiastically discussing Quidditch techniques with a few fellow students in one of the chat rooms.

Someone called IrishTerror, whom Ginny was almost sure was Seamus, as he was in the computer console next to her, was pointing out the spectacular Starfish With Stick executed by the Kenmare Kestrels keeper (now available on RealPlayer).

Ginny rolled her eyes and typed in a reply:

Thank you, Terror, for that extremely biased opinion. I think the same maneuver was better preformed by Oliver Wood last week in the Puddlemere vs. Harpies match.

Someone called Dragontamer agreed with her, pointing out that the Kestrels keeper couldn't block a Quaffle unless it hit him in the head.

Lol, Ginny typed in, grinning to herself and wondering who this Dragontamer person could be. She sighed, hating the anonymity of the internet.

Lavender Brown came and sat in the console on Seamus's right, looking highly disgruntled as she started hitting keys. Seconds later, the message appeared: PurpleGirl has entered the chatroom.

PurpleGirl says: Seamus Finnigan, you never talk to me anymore. Get off the stupid computer and come snog me, right now!

Jeers and choruses of LMAO met this statement, as Seamus turned to raise his eyebrows at Lavender, who smirked at him.

Dragontamer says: Why are you still in here, Finnigan? A girl like that says that to you, and you jump! You Gryffindors are more stupid than I thought...which is saying something.

Ginny bit back a retort, not wanting to give away that she was a Gryffindor.

IrishTerror has left the room. PurpleGirl has left the room.

Seamus and Lavender jumped up and left the common room quickly, both smirking and laughing.

Dragontamer says: Salazar's ghost, the hormones in this school are so thick it's hard to breathe.

IheartQuidditch says: That's what I said. *eye roll* Stupid sixth years.

Dragontamer says: Hey! I'm a sixth year...Okay, never mind, sixth years are stupid.

IheartQuidditch says: Seamus left...there's no one to argue with anymore...

Dragontamer says: You can argue with me.

IheartQuidditch says: But you're way too cool to argue with.

Dragontamer says: Aww. Thank you.

OwlTheNewt says: Let's get back to Quidditch, people. Dragon and heart, take your flirting somewhere else.

Dragontamer says: Well, someone's a bit testy.

OwlTheNewt says: I just want to talk about Quidditch! Is that so bad? There is a singles chat, you know.

Dragontamer says: I'm sure you know, as that's the only place you can get a girl to talk to you.

IheartQuidditch says: Lol!

OwlTheNewt says: I have a girlfriend, thank you very much.

Dragontamer says: What is she, blind and deaf?

OwlTheNewt says: I don't think you're amusing at all.

Dragontamer says: I got the impression that you didn't think in the first place.

IheartQuidditch says: Dragon, leave poor newty alone. He can't help being stupid. He's probably a Hufflepuff.

OwlTheNewt says: What is the problem with Hufflepuffs, may I ask?

IheartQuidditch says: Told you so.

Dragontamer says: I didn't know Hufflepuffs could read.

OwlTheNewt has left the room.

Londoner says: I think you two scared him away.

Dragontamer says: Thank Merlin.

IheartQuidditch: Now that we've taken care of that riffraff...what did everyone think about the Puddlemere chasers and that Hawkshead AF?

Suddenly, Ginny loved the anonymity of the internet.

The next day after class, she checked her email at one of the consoles newly installed in a few unused classrooms and found the following message:

IheartQuidditch,

What's up? Thanks for the help last night with that OwlTheNewt person. I suspect Macmillian, but I'm keeping my mouth shut for fear of him finding out who I am and docking points from me.

Not that I'm afraid of a Hufflepuff, or anything.

Listen, me and a few of my internet buddies have this bet going that no one knows what an Avifor is. Do you?

Dragontamer

Ginny replied thusly:

Dragontamer,

Absolutely no clue. I'm guessing some sort of magical creature, but I could be wrong.

Me and a few of my chat buddies are having a scrimmage Saturday to try out some of the plays we've discussed in the Quidditch chat. Do you want to come?

IheartQuidditch

The reply came about half a minute later, as Dragontamer was apparently online.

IheartQuidditch,

Thanks anyway. I've got a load of homework that I've been putting off, so I'm going to pass on that. Plus, I don't want to embarrass Finnigan by thoroughly trouncing on him.

Dragontamer

Ginny laughed. Seamus would die if he saw that. She went and checked the rest of her email, opening a note from Bookworm (Hermione, of course).

Ginny,

Ron, Harry and I are headed to the lake. When you get out of class, come down and find us, okay? Unless you've got other things to do. If you see Luna or Neville, bring them along.

Hermione

Ginny didn't have anything better to do, so she finished checking her email and headed down to the lake. Although she looked, she didn't see Neville or Luna.

Later that night, back in the Quidditch chat, Ginny realized something about the person called Londoner.

Dragontamer says: I say the Gryffindor team has the best chance of winning the House Cup, much as it pains me to admit it.

IheartQuidditch says: Because two of the Slytherin chasers graduated, right?

StraightCorners says: Spinnet and Johnson graduated, too, so that wouldn't make much of a difference.

Londoner says: It wouldn't, but now that HP is back on the team, the Gryffindors have the Weasley girl to take one of the chaser positions.

IheartQuidditch says: And what's that got to do with anything?

Dragontamer says: Have you seen that girl play? She's wicked ace. I mean, it's like she doesn't even have a broom, and is just flying through the air. It's beautiful to watch.

Ginny blushed a bit, even though no one could see her.

StraightCorners says: I think you're a bit biased.

Dragontamer says: How so?

StraightCorners says: She's a great Q player, of course, but you just like her because she's pretty.

Dragontamer says: That is utter nonsense.

Ginny couldn't hold back a giggle. From the next console, Dean looked at her with raised eyebrows.

Londoner says: I think the both of you better shut up before you give her a big head.

StraightCorners says: She's not even in here.

Londoner says: I beg to differ. She's sitting in the console next to me grinning like a fool.

Ginny stuck her tongue out at Dean.

Dragontamer says: Hi, Weasley!

StraightCorners says: Oh, crap.

IheartQuidditch says: Which one of you tricky people is Ginny Weasley?

Ah ha, who was the tricky one? None must know of her true identity, as she suspected a few of her chat buddies to be Slytherins.

TrickseyHobbit has left the room.

Dragontamer says: Hobbit was Weasley?

StraightCorners says: I'd never have guessed.

IheartQuidditch says: Next thing you know, Hufflepuffs will learn to read.

Dragontamer says: What is this world coming to?

OwlTheNewt says: I'm still here, you know.

IheartQuidditch says: Unfortunately.

Dragontamer says: Go play tag with the Giant Squid, Macmillian.

OwlTheNewt has left the room.

Dragontamer: Was it something we said?

IheartQuidditch says: You never really know with Hufflepuffs.

Dragontamer says: This is true.

Londoner says: You two are mean, mean people. Btw, Hobbit wasn't Ginny. She's still sitting here.

"Shut up, Dean," Ginny said. Dean tried to look over at her console to see what her username was, but Ginny successfully blocked his view. "Don't think you're getting my secrets."

"You are just no fun," Dean sighed, turning back to the console.

Londoner says: She won't tell me who she is, either. I think she's enjoying this.

Dragontamer says: It's heart! Heart is Ginny! You're Ginny, aren't you, heart?

IheartQuidditch says: I wish.

StraightCorners says: *Pats heart on the head* We can't all be Weasleys, heart.

Dragontamer says: Thank Salazar.

IheartQuidditch says: Let me guess...you're a Slytherin, aren't you?

Dragontamer says: How did you ever guess?

IheartQuidditch says: By your blatant overuse of the name of Salazar Slytherin.

Dragontamer says: May his name be honored.

IheartQuidditch says: Salazar Slytherin=PURE EVIL!

Dragontamer says: I fail to be impressed by your admittedly well presented argument.

IheartQuidditch says: You Slytherins and your wands up your bums. *Shakes head*

Dragontamer says: My wand is not up my bum. Watch out, it's right behind you! I'm about to curse you!

IheartQuidditch says: You're a funny one, aren't you?

Dragontamer says: *Rolls eyes*

IheartQuidditch says: Watch as I completely and obviously change the subject and not care in the slightest.

Londoner says: We're dying of anticipation.

IheartQuidditch says: What did everyone think about the Slytherin/Ravenclaw match last week? Dragon, keep your biased opinions at least a little bit open to argument, if you please.

Dragontamer says: I think the Slytherin seeker could have used a bit more work.

IheartQuidditch says: Malfoy? Nah, I don't think so. As someone who frankly can't stand the bastard, it pains me to admit that he's a pretty good seeker.

Dragontamer says: I was just trying to be open to argument.

IheartQuidditch says: You are a very sad, strange person.

Dragontamer says: Can't stand Draco, eh?

IheartQuidditch says: I hate him with the fire of a thousand suns.

Dragontamer says: I can feel the warm fuzzies all the way from here.

IheartQuidditch says: But he is a great Quidditch player. The Slytherin beaters, however...

Dragontamer says: Couldn't find their way onto the pitch if Malfoy wasn't with them.

IheartQuidditch says: Yeah, that about covers it.

StraightCorners says: But Chang did an excellent seeking job.

IheartQuidditch says: She cried all over Michael's robes, and Malfoy caught the snitch while she was distracted.

Dragontamer says: And you said I was biased.

IheartQuidditch says: Thank you for that whipped boyfriend opinion, Michael Corner, you fiend.

StraightCorners has left the room.

Londoner says: You two have got to stop scaring people away.

Dragontamer says: Afraid to be alone with us, Londoner?

IheartQuidditch says: He's afraid we're going to start on him next.

Ginny cocked an eyebrow at Dean. "Afraid of them?"

"Not at all," Dean said evenly.

Londoner says: I think you should concentrate on finding Ginny Weasley. She's a bit too smart-mouthed for her own good.

Dragontamer says: Oi! Weasley! Show yourself this instant.

IheartQuidditch says: Oh yeah, like that's going to be effective.

Dragontamer says: It was worth a try. You never know with Weasleys.

IheartQuidditch says: Ooh, I wonder if Malfoy will make up a "Weasley is our Queen" song next!

Dragontamer says: I highly doubt it.

IheartQuidditch says: Then I shall compose one. Weasley is our Queen, Weasley is our Queen, she hit Malfoy in the head with the Quaffle, Weasley is our Queen!

Dragontamer says: That didn't even rhyme.

IheartQuidditch says: No, but it did put some nice images in my head.

Dragontamer says: You are sick, woman. SICK!

Londoner says: And you, Dragontamer, are Malfoy.

Dragontamer says: Am not.

Londoner says: You have to be.

Dragontamer says: How on earth would you know?

Londoner says: I'm private chatting with Blaise, who says that Malfoy's the only one at the computer consoles. And it's past curfew, so Malfoy wouldn't be in one of the classrooms.

Dragontamer says: Zabini, you traitor.

Ginny gasped. "It's Malfoy?"

Dean grinned at her. "You're IheartQuidditch, aren't you?"

Ginny nodded blankly.

"You've been flirting with Malfoy for days now," Dean crowed. "I'm telling Ron on you!"

Ginny banged her head against the keyboard. "Bugger, Dean! Don't tell anyone."

"My lips are sealed," Dean promised.

Ginny suddenly hated the anonymity of the internet. Who knew Malfoy had a sense of humor? Who knew that his sense of humor was just like hers? They got along. She got along with Malfoy. This was terrible.

UnresolvedST says: I love you, too, Malfoy!

IheartQuidditch says: Oh that's just great. Here I am, insulting Malfoy behind his back, and it turns out he's here!

Dragontamer says: Hahaha! I'm everywhere!

IheartQuidditch says: You're Malfoy.

Dragontamer says: Yes, I am. Is that a problem?

IheartQuidditch says: You have no idea. Snake.

Dragontamer says: Now, now, Weasley, there's no need for insults.

IheartQuidditch says: You knew it was me?

Dragontamer says: It was obvious. You Gryffindors are pitiful when it comes to subterfuge.

IheartQuidditch says: I don't believe you. Do not believe you. Then why did you talk to me anyway?

Dragontamer says: Because you're funny. And smart. And you like Quidditch.

IheartQuidditch says: Oh, yay! Back to Quidditch! What does everyone think about those Ravenclaw seekers?

Dragontamer says: Is she blushing, Londoner?

Dean looked over at Ginny, then back to his console.

Londoner says: Did you see Ron after Hermione gave him that good luck kiss last year?

Dragontamer says: Funniest thing that happened that day.

Londoner says: She's making that look tame about now.

IheartQuidditch says: SHUT UP, DEAN!

Dragontamer says: Hey, Weasley, you want to go to Hogsmeade with me next weekend?

IheartQuidditch says: Malfoy! Are you asking me on a date?

Dragontamer says: It's entirely possible. Are you going to say yes?

Ginny glared over at Dean.

"I won't tell a soul," Dean promised.

IheartQuidditch says: I'd love to.

GryffindorKeeper says: Ginny! You most certainly will not!

Ginny looked over at the console on the other side of Dean. Ron was glaring at her from the chair, the light from the monitor playing sinisterly across his face.

IheartQuidditch says: Shut up, Ron. You're just sore about that Hermione comment.

GryffindorKeeper says: I am not.

Dragontamer says: Ron and Hermione, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!

GryffindorKeeper says: Sod off, Malfoy.