Extracurricular activities - year 6

At breakfast, when Hermione asked if they were excited about Apparation lessons, Ron said, "Not really. I think I'm going to skip out. How about you Harry?"

"I'm with Ron. I don't feel like going either," he added.

"You two can't be serious. We've been waiting years for this. There's no way you're going to miss this, I know you both too well," Hermione said exasperated.

They started walking Hermione to class and then Ron said, "This way to the common room Harry. How about some Wizard Chess?"

"I'm right behind you Ron. Tell us how the lesson went Hermione," Harry said and they ran off down the corridor. Hermione stood there dumbstruck and went on to class really mad at the two of them.

Other students noticed Ron and Harry missing and asked Hermione about it. She just said she didn't know where they were. Professor Binns made a quick announcement, "I see a couple Gryffindors are missing. It came as quite a surprise to me when I found out this morning that Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter have already passed their Apparation test and won't be attending the classes this term." The Professor then went on and started the lesson. Hermione's mind was racing and she couldn't wait until class ended to find out more. She found Ron and Harry playing chess in the common room.

"When did you two learn to Apparate? Why didn't you tell me?"

"We learned over the holiday. It was either find some way to get into trouble or learn something. I guess you're rubbing off on us," Ron said smugly.

"You told us to behave and study Hermione. We were just taking your advice," Harry added.

"Now I have to go through this without you two. I hate classes when you aren't there. I should have stayed here," she said sounding really sad.

"Don't worry Hermione; it was easier than we thought. Ron caught on really quick but I finally caught up to him."

After the next Quidditch practice, Harry quickly caught up to the coach. "Coach. I have some friends who know Viktor Krum and would be surprised if they could come to the match. Would I be able to get six passes this time instead of two?"

"Sorry Harry. All I can get you is four. This match is a big draw," Coach said.

Harry was unhappy and trying to think of which of his friends he would have to disappoint when he heard, "You can have two of mine schoolboy." It was Kristi.

"Really? Are you sure? Won't you need them?" Harry said.

"I don't invite many people. You're the reason the match is a big draw anyway. Here," she said handing him two passes.

"Thanks Kristi, I owe you. I don't believe I'm the reason for the draw though."

"That's because you stay locked inside that school of yours and only read that little Daily Prophet. You have no idea how France has taken to you. You really should let me show you sometime. You could even bring that little girlfriend of yours."

"I may take you up on that. The picture of Paris you sent me looked beautiful."

"Didn't get you into any trouble did it?"

"No, of course not. Thanks again for the passes. See you at the match," Harry left feeling happy again. He knew Kristi was nicer than she let on. Harry asked Professor McGonagall if it was ok he invited some friends to the Bulgaria match since she would be there too. She agreed when he told her it who it would be.

Harry found Cho with her friends and asked her to talk for a minute. "Cho would you and Kelly like to come to the match against Bulgaria this week? They're the best team in the league so we might not win but it'll be the biggest match of the year."

"That would be great. I know you'll do well. I'll ask Kelly but I'm sure she'll come," Cho said.

Harry headed back to the common room and went over to ask the rest. "If you guys aren't doing anything important this weekend, and if Ron could cancel early morning Quidditch practice, do you want to come to my match with Bulgaria? I've got enough passes for you three."

Ron lit up. "Really? That's one of the biggest matches of the year. To heck with practice."

Hermione and Ginny really liked the idea also. "Is Cho coming?" Hermione asked.

"Of course she is. And her friend Kelly," Harry responded.

"How did you get so many passes?" Ginny asked. "Do they just give you how ever many you want?"

"No, I only get four but Kristi gave me two of hers. So, Ron you and Hermione are going as Kristi's guests," Harry said.

"I have no problem with that." Ron joked.

During the week, Professor Dumbledore called Cho and Harry to his office. "We would like you to meet the giants this Sunday. They have been here for a few weeks and are now settled in."

"They've been here for weeks? I should have been spending more time with Hagrid," Harry exclaimed.

Cho seemed shocked but Dumbledore just smiled and said, "Yes, now I'm sure you wish you had. I would imagine you would be on first name basis with them by now. However, I am glad it worked out this way. The first meeting is important and we want it to go well. The leader's name is Duram and his partner is Belissa. They have settled into an area of the forest that I'm sorry to say you both know of. If you would like, Hagrid can escort you but I think you know the way Harry. That choice is up to you two. Harry, I have a couple of comments aimed mainly at you. Miss Chang, please don't think I am being sexist with my comments but it is the way of the giants. Harry there has been an increasing number of attacks involving giants. Some were giants against giants and some were against small wizarding communities. We think Voldemort is directing these. Duram may well ask you what your thoughts are on these and what you would like to do. Be honest. Tell him truthfully what you think if this subject comes up. You won't be able to hide your true feelings from him. Miss Chang, in these conversations, please do not try to stop Harry from saying something. Duram would take it as an insult. Now, on a lighter note, this week is Bulgaria isn't it? What do you think your chances are?"

"Not very good sir. They are the best in the league right now and Viktor is an amazing seeker."

"True. But, when has it mattered to you that your chances weren't very good?" Dumbledore said.

Harry and Cho left. "I'm glad we finally get to meet them," Harry said sounding excited.

"I'm a bit nervous. What if I say something wrong?" she said.

"Then you say something wrong. Who cares? They will be able to tell what kind of person you are and everything will be fine. I say if you want to interrupt me, then interrupt me. The giants should know that your opinion is as important as mine. Oh yeah. Ron, Hermione and Ginny are coming to the match Saturday as well."

"That's good, then I'll have more than Fleur to talk to. If you had found out the giants were already here, would you really have tried to meet them already?" Cho asked.

"Probably. It's my own fault for not going to see Hagrid more over holiday."

Saturday came and everyone was excited about going to the match. Harry was more nervous than normal because he expected to lose his first match. They arrived in the lobby and Cho gave Harry a hug before going out to their seats. They had nice front row seats in one of the towers.

Coach immediately started talking to him, "Now Harry, Krum's a really aggressive player. You need to stay close but don't fall for his feints, he's the best at that. Don't let him rattle you either." He was still talking when Tom announced that someone was here to see Harry.

In walked a man Harry recognized from the world cup. It was the Bulgarian Minister. The one Ludo Bagman thought didn't speak English. "Harry Potter, we met at the last World Cup."

"Yes Minister, I remember. It's good to see you again sir," Harry said shaking his hand.

"I wanted to wish you good luck today. You'll need it of course since we seem to be having a record year," the minister said loudly.

"Yes sir you are. I'm sure you realize we are going to try our best to put a dent in that record," Harry said.

The minister laughed loudly and said, "I'm sure you will and wouldn't expect anything less. I must be going. Good Luck to you all."

They went out and waited for Bulgaria to be announced. There were many boos until Viktor Krum was announced and everyone clapped for him. Then it was their turn and the crowd was very loud for all of them. After Harry was announced, he went to the middle of the pitch to wait. He turned and saw Viktor coming over. Viktor pulled up next to Harry and said, "Good Luck today Harry. You have been playing very well."

"Good luck today too Viktor. I wish we were playing as well as your team. You've been amazing."

"See you after the match," Viktor said and extended his fist. Harry hit Viktor's fist with his own and went to the rest of his team.

"What was that all about Potter?" The coach yelled.

"Just wishing each other good luck sir. I know Viktor, remember," Harry said.

"Of course, just be friends after the match, right now he's the enemy," Coach yelled and told everyone to get into position. The match wasn't close for very long. France was really outplayed by Bulgaria. Harry had managed to break up some runs, but Viktor broke up far more. By the time the first timeout was called, it was 90-20 Bulgaria.

"Damn they're good," one of the French beaters said. "They're like a machine," the other one added.

"Come on, we're still in it. We need the snitch to come out quick and for Potter to get to it first," Coach yelled. Play started again and it continued looking bad. It was 150-30 when Krum made a sudden dive. Harry was right with him but couldn't see any snitch. At the last second, both Viktor and Harry pulled out of the dive together. It had been a feint but at least Harry didn't crash. At 180-30, Harry did see the snitch and went after it. Viktor had been a bit off to the side so Harry couldn't tell if he had seen it as well. Harry got right behind the snitch and was ready to grab it when he felt someone collide with his broom. Viktor had fouled him to keep him from grabbing the snitch. Harry could hear many boos from the crowd. He looked at Viktor who just nodded at him and Harry understood. A ten point penalty is better than a 150 point catch. It was a smart move.

Soon after play resumed, it got to be 210-40 when Harry knew he had to do something. He darted off toward the stand column and felt Viktor right beside him. He was going full speed and just before hitting the stand, pulled straight up. He heard gasps from the crowd and didn't see his friends start to lean over to see what happened. They jumped back when Harry came streaking straight up in front of them. Viktor had pulled out to the side and was coming back towards Harry. As soon as they were near each other, Viktor went into a dive. He was aiming at the ground right in front of the opposite stands. Harry was matching him and once again pulled out at the last second with Viktor going in the opposite direction. They he saw the snitch again and darted toward it. Viktor had seen it too and was also racing for it from the opposite direction. It was going to be close; a turn by the snitch one way or the other would be the difference. Harry concentrated only on the snitch, reached out to grab it and felt a terrible pain when Viktor collided with him. They were both thrown from their brooms and hit the ground hard. Harry could tell that at least his arm was broken, but he felt something in his other hand and opened it to see the snitch. The crowd was cheering and he heard someone call 'Medics'. Soon, he was being stretchered but before they took him off, he yelled at them to take him over to Viktor who was also on a stretcher. "Ok Viktor?" Harry yelled.

"Sure. Broken wrist and leg. You?" Krum responded.

"At least arm. Good game, you were just too good for us," Harry said.

"We'll meet again in the playoffs," Viktor said and stuck out his fist which Harry hit with his own before being hauled off.

Harry's feelings were mixed. He was happy about catching the snitch but upset they had lost the match. The medics finished with him quickly. His collar bone and arm were broken but they set them and had him taped up with his arm in a sling when they took him into the locker room. He expected everyone to be really upset. Coach immediately said, "I've never seen flying like that before. You were every bit as good as Krum."

"What does it matter, we lost," Harry said, sounding dejected.

"Yes we lost, but by 30 points to the best team in the league. We were expected to lose by two hundred. If we had only scored four more times, we would have beaten them. What did you say to Krum when you were on the stretcher?"

"I asked if he was ok. He said we'll meet again in the playoffs," Harry said and the rest of the team added, "Damn straight we will." Harry didn't change since he was so taped up and just waited for the rest of the team to get ready. They seemed too happy to Harry. When they opened the door, Harry couldn't believe how loud things got. Everyone was cheering and yelling out various names, mostly his. He couldn't see the reporter he usually talked to so was just heading to the side where he saw Ron waving his arms. Then he saw the reporter standing near the wall. He walked over to her.

"Hello again Harry. Thanks for coming over. How's your arm?"

"My arm's fine, thanks."

"How does it feel to come so close to beating the number one team in the league?"

"All I know is that it feels bad to lose. I would rather be in Viktor's place and have missed the snitch but won the match."

"What was that with you and Viktor? What was said before and after the match?"

"We just said hello and good luck to each other before the match. Afterwards we just made sure the other was ok and he said we'll meet again in the playoffs. Viktor's an amazing seeker."

"Well, today you were every bit his equal. France would have tied if Viktor hadn't fouled you when you were about to catch the snitch. You still talk to him after that dirty play?"

"That wasn't dirty, it was smart. A ten point penalty is better than me catching the snitch. He could have fouled me really hard but didn't. He only hit my broom hard enough to keep me from catching the snitch. It was a very smart move. I need to remember it. I need to go to my friends now. Thank you."

He got close to his friends and Cho came up giving him a big hug asking if he was ok. "I'm fine Cho. I just want to go home."

They were all saying how great he played, but all Harry said back was, "We lost! I really want to go home." Then he heard.

"Don't be so down schoolboy. You were amazing today."

"Hey Kristi. I just wish we would have won," Harry said.

"You act like you've never lost before," she said.

"He hasn't!" Ginny added quickly.

"I did that once," Harry corrected her.

"You were unconscious, that doesn't count. Remember the Dementors came," Ginny replied back.

Kristi looked between Ginny and Harry taking in their little argument and continued, "You gave Krum all he could handle. I was worried you wouldn't try hard after that little greeting at the beginning. Guess I was wrong. See you at practice," she said hitting her fist to his and leaving.

Fleur hugged him next and saying how proud she was of his playing. "If it hadn't been for your catch, we would have lost 370-40. You saved our honor."

They were all trying to cheer him up but he said he was just tired and sore and wanted to clean up and rest. He did clean up and try to rest but couldn't. He went out of the common room and outside without his friends noticing and went to the side of the lake to his favorite spot. It had been sunny, so the snow had mostly melted. He had to get used to losing, it was going to happen a lot. Playing in this league was going to cause him more than this one loss. He was happy about catching the snitch and about Viktor being such a good sport. Viktor has managed to handle things well, hopefully he could.

He started playing catch with the squid, but he wasn't using his wand. Absently minded, he started sending multiple stones into the water and the squid responded with multiple tentacles sending them right back. Harry didn't know that Cho had gone looking for him and when Ron said he wasn't in his room she started checking other places and had finally found him. He was just lost in the actions of keeping six stones in the air with the squid that he didn't hear her come up. She had been standing there for a few minutes watching in confusion as the stones kept flying around. A couple of the stones were very large, looking more like small cars. "I thought I might find you here," Cho said. Harry was startled and almost didn't stop a couple of the stones. He managed to get them all on the ground while Cho was saying, "Sorry, I didn't mean t startle you."

"That's ok Cho, I'm glad you're here. I just wanted to be alone at first, but I'd rather be with you," Harry said and she came over.

"What were you doing just then?" She asked.

"Playing catch with the squid, you've seen me do that."

"Not without your wand I hadn't. I hadn't seen you do anything without your wand since early last year, and you didn't talk to me about it." Cho hesitated but realized Harry wasn't going to talk about it. "I couldn't believe how you flew today. We all thought you were going to get ploughed a few times. That once when you came shooting up in front scared all of us. It's so weird hearing all those people call your name."

"I don't care as long as you're the one calling my name."

"Cheer up, remember tomorrow we go meet the giants. C'mon let's go back up," Cho said. Remembering the giants lifted his spirits.

He and Cho went back to the Gryffindor common room and listened to Ron, Ginny and Hermione tell their versions of the match. Harry had to laugh hearing the different versions. Ron started, "I think Viktor was just trying to mess with Harry by being nice at the beginning. Did you see him foul Harry."

Hermione countered, "He didn't foul Harry that hard. And, they talked after the match so it must not have been a big deal."

"Well Harry didn't fall for his feint like that git at the world cup did," Ron said.

Harry whispered to Cho and the quietly got up and walked out and up to her common room. He hung out with her and even ate at their table that night. He was feeling tired so went to bed right after supper.

He woke up and noticed Ron had already gone. His arm was still sore. He quickly had a shower and went to see Professor McGonagall. "Professor, I don't think I can carry the present to the giants. My arm is still pretty sore. Should I use magic?"

"No Mr. Potter, I don't think that would be a good idea. Giants resent us using magic. However," She thought for a moment, "I might suggest using wandless magic. Giants place a great deal of importance on history and legend. If you aren't using your wand, I don't think they would be offended at all. It may help with a good impression. Have you had breakfast?"

"No professor, I slept late and haven't gone down."

"Then it's safe to say you haven't seen this," she handed him the Daily Prophet.

The Best of the Best

Those who were fortunate enough to have been at the France and Bulgaria Quidditch match yesterday will not soon forget the performance put on by obviously the best two seekers in the game. Viktor Krum and Harry Potter surprised everyone by greeting each other before the match. (There was a moving picture of them hitting fists) And then proceeding to put on an amazing demonstration of flying techniques. They each initiated feints that would have ploughed most other seekers but didn't cause each other much problem. Krum did commit a foul to keep Potter from grabbing the snitch that would have tied the match. Both seekers had nothing but determination when going after the snitch. Neither of them slowed down and ended up in a tremendous crash that had them both on the ground injured. Somehow Potter managed to keep hold of the snitch and the 150 points went to France. Even after such a hard fought match, these two competitors congratulated each other from their stretchers. (There was the second picture of them hitting fists from the stretchers)

I can't imagine seeing a better battle between seekers. France has obviously silenced the critics who didn't approve of selecting Potter as their seeker. Why couldn't England have gotten him instead?

This reporter overheard Potter telling a fellow reporter that he would rather have been the one to miss the snitch if France had won. Why can't all the other Quidditch players look to Krum and Potter and play with as much heart and sportsmanship?

"I got lucky, that's all. If the snitch had swerved towards him, he would have caught it." Harry said.

"Everything comes down to little things Mr. Potter. A wrong choice here or there can change everything. Ah, here comes Miss Chang and Professor Dumbledore."

Harry turned around to see Cho carrying a medium sized box. He smiled at her. "Are you ready Harry?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes sir, but I don't think I can carry the present. Professor McGonagall suggested I use wandless magic to get it there."

"That sounds like an excellent idea to me. We won't mention to the other students how it is following you though will we?"