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Krysta · 06-25-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsMorgan

. . . and still no Draco . . . hmmm . . .

Patience, patience. All shall be revealed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by alyweasley

I CAUGHT UP!!!! YES IT'S ME!

hehe! It only took me 12 hours but hey I did it!! hehe! I love it! Some things I'm confused about, but I guess thats the idea. I love it ... you are a great writer! Your imagery is genius! I love it!!!

PAM NOW!!! hehe!

Love always
Jade xxxx

YAY! Jade's reading The Coven! Which bits are you confused about??? I want to make sure I've explained them all later on.

I'm really, really glad you like it. I really love your fic...which reminds me: my siggy needs updating...

...ta daaa!

alyweasley · 06-27-2008, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krysta

YAY! Jade's reading The Coven! Which bits are you confused about??? I want to make sure I've explained them all later on.

I'm really, really glad you like it. I really love your fic...which reminds me: my siggy needs updating...

...ta daaa!

I don't really know what I'm confused about!!! hehe!! I love it! I just subscribed! hehe Love you!!

Jade xxx

Little Trooper · 06-28-2008, 03:55 AM

New Reader here. I love this stroy so can't wait for more.

Krysta · 06-29-2008, 05:16 PM

Yay, new reader! Welcoe, welcome, welcome!

I'm going to post the chapters in single sections from now on becasue people are obviously struggling to keep up with it. So here's part one of the next chapter:

Chapter 14: May The Best Weasley Win

Harry was at a loss for emotions. Knowing Sirius was alive made him feel a little more at ease but the frustration at having no contact with his Godfather was driving him crazy. He had so much he wanted to discuss with him, and so many questions to ask. Harry’s problem was that so much was going on, his brain couldn’t cope with it all. And in the style of Hermione he was going to do something about it.

“Alohomora.” He cast quietly and his Diary unlocked itself and fell open at the next empty page. He was alone in the dorm. The whole school had reached fever pitch over the upcoming Quidditch try-outs and as the Ravenclaw students were already on the pitch, the Gryffindors were elsewhere either preparing or just gossiping.

He had two hours before he was due at the team meeting and he was going to use that time wisely. Selecting his neatest quill and skipping to the very back of the book he jotted down a list on the very last page:

The Witch
Lucius Malfoy
Draco Malfoy
K.H.
Hagrid
Snape
The Panther
The Kestrel
Hermione
Winky

Leaving the rest of the page free in case he needed to add anything he turned to the next but last page, which of course was a double page. Right across both pages he drew a straight, thick horizontal line approximately mid height of the page. At the left hand side of the line he wrote the date of the night he had left the Dursleys house and jotted: “Left Dursleys” horizontally to his brand new timeline. Then at different intervals he began logging the events of the last few months to the best of his memory and as accurately as he could. He knew he must be forgetting things but he knew he could add them in as they came back to him. He logged every strange event he could think of. The Knight Bus, The Bumps (fun, but weird), the money in the vault, both sightings of the witch, when each and every letter was received, each time he’d heard from Sirius, Draco going missing (although he didn’t have a date), Winky going missing (same applied), when he first saw the panther and when his dreams/visions started and every time they occurred to the best of his memory.
He noted when Hermione was attacked, the snake attack, when Snape disappeared, and when he returned. He finally noted down the strange behaviour with the weather and sat back to look at his timeline. It had crossings out and gaps all over it but it was a decent record and there was room for additions or any editing he may have to do. Next he turned over onto another clean page and wrote sub-headings for each of the names he wrote on the very back page. He made brief but accurate notes on the events surrounding that person, again leaving space for any additions. This took up 11 pages after which he flicked through his work and sat thinking carefully about what he’d written. He knew he was forgetting a lot of things, and he was sure that there were things he knew that were important, but which weren’t obvious. Clues. There were always clues. He felt like a detective in one of the old programmes Aunt Petunia used to watch.

“Mondieu.” He whispered to himself smiling a little. “Just using the little grey cells.” He added with a cold feeling developing in his gut. Something was bugging him. He was forgetting something.

“D’oh!” he cried aloud in the style of a popular American cartoon character. He couldn’t believe he’d forgotten the most important things of all. Quickly he wrote two more paragraphs covering the events surrounding his Mother’s Pendant and of course, the Arinella. Although pleased with his work he still felt like there were things he was forgetting, or maybe things that hadn’t occurred to him yet. It was antagonizing to say the least. He felt sure of two things, that: a) all the above events and people were somehow linked together and, b) that all the information and clues were right here in front of him and he just wasn’t able to piece them together. In that instant he made a decision. When the fuss over try-outs was over and everyone had settled down, he, Hermione and Ron were going to knuckle down and they were going to figure out what the heck was going on…even if it killed them.

Harry was so caught up in his diary that he was five minutes late to the meeting. However once there, he almost wished he’d forgotten completely. The moment he entered the changing room he was almost drenched by a cup of water that hurtled across the room at him. Ducking he looked nervously around him to find a most unusual sight. War had broken out between the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Each of the other four members was holding a defiant and defensive stance and seemed to be staring each other out. After a few moments Alicia noticed his presence.

“Oh, you’re here. Nice of you to turn up.” She said gruffly. Harry was just about to explain his tardiness when he was cut off before he had the chance.

“It would bloody help if you were on time Harry. Or maybe you’re just not taking this seriously enough.” It was George who spoke and Harry stared at him in horror. What was wrong with everyone?

“Not that it makes any difference.” Muttered Fred.

“Oh shut up Fred, you’re talking rubbish as usual.” Angelina snarled in response.

“You can bloody well talk!” Fred retorted and turned on Angelina who promptly snapped out her wand angrily.

“Don’t you dare start with me Fred Weasley, else I’ll make you sorry.” She threatened, holding her wand at the ready. Harry had seen enough and boldly stepped between Angelina and Fred.

“Ok, what’s going on?” he demanded and received only a few empty expressions. It was almost as though none of them knew what was going on. The stared at each other blankly for a few seconds until the anger and resentment returned to Fred’s face.

“Well she started it!” he said waving an accusing finger at Angelina who opened her mouth wide in protest before holding her wand high as if to curse Fred on the spot.

“Ok! Stop! Angelina, lower the wand. Let’s talk rationally here. Someone tell me what’s going on. Why are you all fighting?”

“Who made you captain?” butted in Alicia angrily and George joined in.

“Yeah Harry, who do you think you are trying to tell us what to do?”

“I just…” he began but was cut off again, this time by Angelina.

“Yeah Harry. Why don’t you leave running the team to the adults.” She told him in a patronizing tone Harry didn’t like much.

“Ok. Fine. You lot sort this out. I’ll just sit and watch.” He announced, taking a seat on one of the benches by the water cooler. He couldn’t help thinking that for so-called adults, they were being extremely childish. Downing a plastic cup full of water from the cooler, he sat back and watched as the argument developed, peaked and then started all over again. The gist of it was, both Fred and George were contending for Captain. The twins who were normally always on the same side found that they were both quite competitive when up against each other. Any attempt from either of the girls to talk reason turned into another argument as they were accused of wanting the captainship for themselves. It went round and round like this for nearly 45 minutes and Harry found himself getting more and more agitated as time went on. Swallowing another cup of water Harry finally got to his feet.

“Oh for Spirit’s sake look at you! You’re never going to sort this out.”

“Shut up Harry, stay out of it.”

“No!”

“I mean it Harry.” Angelina was getting angrier by the second. Finally she threw her cup onto the floor in a rage, splattering Alicia in the process.

“Hey watch it you idiot!” shouted Alicia as Angelina rounded on her.

“Who are you calling an idiot?”

“You, you stupid, jumped up cow!”

“Watch what you say you nasty little mudblood.” Sneered Angelina causing Alicia to scream with hatred and before anyone could stop her she hurled herself at Angelina in a rage. For a few seconds the boys watched in horror. Harry was shocked for more than one reason. He hadn’t known Alicia was Muggle-born and he couldn’t believe someone like Angelina would say such a thing. Fred and George were already trying to haul the angry blonde from strangling the brunette but they were getting nowhere at all.

“Separate!”

As Alicia and Angelina were thrown apart by the spell they all turned to see who had cast it. Standing like a Dementor in the doorway, Madam Hooch glowered at them her yellow eyes somehow more fiery then usual.

“Would someone please like to tell me what is going on?” she spoke slowly and powerfully. The five of them looked away, avoiding eye contact with anyone. “No? Well then I suggest you continue this discussion another time. Meanwhile there are some people outside waiting for you.” Harry glanced at his watch and saw to his surprise it was five past four o’clock and they were late for the try-outs. As Madam Hooch strode from the changing rooms the team members filed out after her one by one.

The group of hopeful Gryffindors waiting for them outside watched them curiously as they emerged from the changing room tunnel. Ron stood out by his red hair and Harry gave him a half-hearted nod. Ron shrugged in response and looked moodily in the other direction. A second later Harry realised why. Another shock of red hair stood out in the group and Harry was only half surprised to see Ginny. She stood tall and defiant next to Heather whom Harry already gathered was trying out, due to her harsh response when Ron had been mouthing off that morning. Ginny was obviously avoiding any kind of communication with Ron, for which he couldn’t blame her.

Above them a couple of stands were already scattered with Gryffindor spectators (and he suspected a few Slytherin ones too) who had come to support their friends. He could see Reena waving frantically and despite the edgy, wound up mood he was in, smiled to himself when he saw Ginny waving back. Her body language however told him that she definitely hadn’t calmed down much since breakfast and as she and several other students swallowed water from the cooler Madam Hooch had placed at the side of the pitch, he noticed something similar in several people. They all seemed edgy. Try-outs were a huge event for Quidditch lovers, whether you were trying out or not. Everyone wanted the best possible people picked for the team. It had occurred to Harry that picking players could be a very difficult process indeed, even more so considering that the existing team members were far from getting along right now. Harry’s thoughts were cut short as Madam Hooch began speaking to the students around her.

“Right. Well as some of you may have gathered, the existing team have not yet agreed on a new Captain.” ‘We haven’t agreed on anything at all.’ Harry thought to himself.
“Try-outs will continue as planned and the new captain shall be announced later this week hopefully, once the new team has been established.” She looked at the twins and Angelina who were still glaring at each other, and at Alicia who was sulking by the cooler out of the way.
“Anything any of you would like to add?” she asked them and they all shook their heads moodily.

“Yes.” Harry suddenly spoke out and he distinctly heard Angelina tut to herself and saw her roll her eyes. Ignoring her he continued.

“I just want to say, and I’m sure the others, deep down at least, wish you all the best of luck. It’s not easy, but just do your best.” He finished. He got a few smiles from the students he was addressing, but upon glancing behind him, caught George sticking his fingers down his throat in a representation of throwing up. He ignored him, despite the growing anger and uptight feeling that continued to grow in his gut. He helped himself to more water, hoping it might calm him down a bit. He felt a little better and followed the others up the tower steps to the balcony from where they would observe the try-outs.

They were nowhere near as high as the stands above them as they needed quick access to the pitch.

The first try-out was for the Keeper. Harry saw Ron step up with four other students (only two of whom he recognised) and felt butterflies in his stomach. Harry really wanted Ron to do well and was extremely nervous for him.

“Am-I-gasp-too late?” panted a voice from the stairs. Harry grinned when he saw Hermione standing there out of breath. He was about to offer her a seat when Angelina spoke.

“Spectators have to sit in the stands.” She said firmly and shortly.

“But it’s Hermione.” Harry said, as if that solved anything. Angelina didn’t make eye contact but continued speaking in a stiff drone.

“Is she on the team?”

“No.”

“Is she trying out?”

“No.”

“Does she even play Quidditch at all?” Harry was losing his temper.

“No, but what does…”

“Well then she had to sit up in the stands.” Finished Angelina firmly.

“Oh stop being such a doxy and let her sit here.” Muttered Alicia bitterly and even the boys looked up in surprise. They neither one of them ever heard Alicia Spinnet use such language before and certainly not to Angelina.

“Yeah Angelina, it’s Hermione. Leave her be.” Added George defensively. The twins had always been fond of their brother’s friend and Hermione gave him a thankful smile. Angelina let out a loud, angry sigh of exasperation and reluctantly waved Hermione towards the seat near Harry. Hermione thanked her and watched her a little curiously as she took her seat.

“What’s going on?” she whispered to Harry. Harry leant closer and whispered back.

“I’ll tell you later. Just sit still and don’t upset anyone.” Hermione nodded and sat back in her seat with a most suspicious and apprehensive look on her face.

The first round of the try-outs involved everyone. It was a basic flying skills test, which helped to sort the definite no no’s from the maybes. It was basically an obstacle course, which tested reflexes, precision, fast turns and the ability to actually control the broom. Harry was shocked to see that after all the fuss over that last few days, only 23 people were trying out. Only 5 of those were trying out for keeper. Unfortunately, none of the other four contenders were knocked out in the first round. Only four in total were: Susan Krash - the name says it all, Jonathon Brakes – the speed he flew, we know why. Shrake Jendurn just couldn’t stay on his broom and much to her disgust and Hermione’s delight Christine Heathland who was fast and accurate but was let down by reactions, which weren’t up to scratch. Grinning sheepishly to the crowd she waved and ran off the pitch to get a cup of water, followed by the claps and wolf-whistles from the crowd. Harry managed a smile when Hermione wasn’t looking. The truth was the girl was ok, and the only reason Hermione didn’t like her was because of the whole prefect thing. Harry actually quite liked Chris, though of course he’d never let Hermione hear him say so.

For the Keeper try-outs Harry had to leave Hermione and join the other team members on the pitch. The first section involved protecting the three rings from enchanted quaffles, which zoomed towards the hoops in regular patterns. This was more of a warm up than anything. The real test was when Alicia and Angelina hurled Quaffles at them like a little mini Quidditch team. The idea was that the players would pass between each other in attempt to throw the keeper off and really test the reflexes and the candidate’s ability to block the quaffle. The competition was unbelievably tough. Harry knew that Ron was the best up there but something was wrong. Ron really wasn’t playing his best. He was clearly putting a lot of effort and emotion into it but somehow things just weren’t going quite right. Of course the chasers weren’t helping any. Angelina and Alicia weren’t exactly working well together.

The usually beautifully executed and perfected passing and sneaky moves the pair usually displayed when playing together were to say the least absent this afternoon. They seemed to instead be holding an ongoing battle to see who could hurl the Quaffle at the other the hardest. Not only was this distracting for the candidate but part of the skill of being keeper is to read the reactions of the oncoming chasers, and if the chasers don’t know what on earth is happening it only makes it harder for the keeper. Never the less, despite this and Ron’s off-colour defending which Harry was sure was down to his foul and edgy mood, Ron did ok. He certainly faired up a lot better than the three that had gone before him. All three had been boys. One had practically hobbled across the field and disappeared into the changing rooms like a scared mouse. The other two swore and cursed at the two air-borne chasers with such anger that Madam Hooch had to order them off the pitch.

“What is up with everyone?” asked an American voice from behind Harry. He turned to see Heather Summer who was watching the boys storm from the field in a huff. Harry smiled and shrugged.

“I dunno. Everyone is at each other’s throats. Maybe it’s stress. Even Ron had a tough time up there and he’s a superb Keeper. Good luck to the last guy, coz to be honest he’ll have a job against those two today.” He said pointing up to Angelina and Alicia who were scooting around 30 feet from the ground avoiding each other.

“Well, I’ll give it my best shot.” Heather took one last mouthful of water from a bottle winking at him and Harry stared gob-smacked at her as she giggled and ran out onto the pitch with her broom, which Harry noticed was a Nimbus 2001.

To cut to the chase, Heather was darn good. Apart from Hermione, she seemed to be the only person who wasn’t acting like a moron and it was working in her favour. She was extremely light on her broom, which she controlled beautifully. Her slightly brighter frame of mind compared to everyone else on the pitch was making her clear headed and her reactions were clean and swift. She seemed to predict exactly what Angelina and Alicia were going to do, and the more successful she became the more reckless and angry the two chasers became. Harry noticed they weren’t the only ones. As many Gryffindor spectators (all who seemed their usual cheerful selves) cheered and applauded Heather, Ron was beginning to boil with anger. Harry stayed silent, not wanted to cause an eruption from his friend but as Heather hit the ground and hopped off her Nimbus to the claps of the audience in the stands, Ron turned on his heal and marched towards the changing room. He was considering following when Hermione came running up to him, having abandoned the safety of the booth she was sitting in.

“Wow, she was really good.” She exclaimed staring in awe at Heather. Harry nodded.

“Is he ok?” she asked and Harry didn’t need to ask whom she was talking about. He shook his head and shrugged.

“He was in a terrible mood even before Heather went up there.” Hermione rolled her eyes.

“He’s been in a bad mood for days. And he’s not the only one. Ginny’s been the same and now it seems everyone else is following suit.” Hermione commented and was shocked when another female voice answered.

“Oh good, I’m glad someone besides Harry and I have noticed. At least you’re still normal Hermione. It is Hermione isn’t it?” they both turned to see a smiling Heather. Hermione nodded, slightly confused.

“Yeah I’m Hermione. That was pretty impressive keeping up there.” Said Hermione brightly. Heather smiled genuinely in return.

“Thanks. I’ve been practising my behind off.” Harry noticed again the American accent that lilted in and out of Heather’s voice. She pulled her tight braids out of the ponytail they’d been tied back in and they fell in locks around her dark face. Hermione had obviously picked up on the accent too.

“Hey are you American?” Hermione asked in surprise.

“Yeah kinda. My Mom’s from Africa. She’s the witch. But my Dad’s from Philadelphia and he’s a muggle.”

“My Mum and Dad are muggles.” Hermione told her and Heather nodded in interest.

“Yeah I kinda heard about that little incident with Malfoy last year. Those Slytherins have a real problem with muggle borns. It’s ridiculous. My Mom says muggle borns are more special than pure bloods, because they’re the first in a new line.” Heather told them and both Harry and Hermione smiled in delight. Neither of them had thought of it that way.

“That’s cool.” Said a new voice and they jumped a little as Ron appeared behind them. Hermione and Harry exchanged a mildly nervous look. Would Ron feel betrayed because they were talking to his competition?

“Yeah I thought so too.” Heather grinned and Harry and Hermione were relieved when Ron smiled back.

“That was impressive flying earlier.” Ron added and Harry still felt a little uneasy.

“Thanks. You weren’t so bad yourself y’know.” She added and Harry could swear her accent was getting stronger. She took another swig from her bottle and offered it around the group. To Harry’s further surprise Ron took the offered bottle and swallowed a mouthful of water before handing it back.

“Thanks. I’ve been so thirsty recently.” He added. Heather nodded. You’re not the only one. The cooler’s empty. Lucky I always bring my own.” She said waving the bottle in the air before dropping it into her bag. “Hey Chaser Try-outs are starting.” She announced excitedly.

“Oh, I better get going then. Nice chatting to you.” Said Ron quickly grabbing his broom and heading towards the large crowd of wannabe chasers.

“Good luck!” shouted Hermione and he waved and grinned at her. Hermione looked at Harry smiling with relief.

“He seems so much better, did you notice?” Harry nodded.

“I just hope it’s genuine and he wasn’t just putting it on.” Hermione shook her head though.

“No, he seemed calmer, something in his eyes. He seemed like the Ron we know and love again.” She concluded and Harry had to admit he thought she was right.

“There been something up?” asked Heather with concern.

“Well, you know how everyone’s been so moody today?” Heather nodded and Hermione continued. “Well, he’s been like it for days. His sister’s been the same.” Heather shrugged then looked out towards the group of chaser candidates spotting Ginny standing as far away from her brother as she could.

“I noticed Gin wasn’t so cheery earlier. I don’t really know her though, so I wasn’t in any position to pass judgement. I thought she was just a miserable cow.” She grinned light heartedly and Hermione laughed.

“No, she’s lovely. Well usually she is, isn’t she?” Hermione asked Harry and Harry was slightly distracted.

“Er, what? Oh yeah…lovely.” He finally replied and knew he was blushing. He hoped the girls hadn’t noticed but he concluded by the knowing grin they shared that they probably had.

“Well it seems to me something’s always going on in this place…but I guess you guys already know that.” She winked and Harry grinned sheepishly.

“Yeah…tell me about it. Oh I better go. I’m needed.” Harry hurriedly waved bye to the girls and joined Fred and George as they prepared for the Chaser try-out.

The try-out was little short of a blood bath. The two bickering beaters spent most of the time trying to knock each other off their brooms and the prospective chasers were flying rings around them. Harry felt he was the only person up there who was actually aiming the bludgers at the candidates, and although he wasn’t too bad for a seeker, he was up against some of Hogwarts’ best flyers and he was getting practically no support from his so-called team mates.
The result was that the particularly moody candidates were taking particular objection to Harry’s attempts to obstruct their path goal-wards. In anger and frustration they cut up his flight path, slammed into him sideways and even at one point a bludger was sent right back at him aimed for his head. The fact that it had been Ginny that had sent it only added insult to injury. To Harry’s relief Ron’s mood did indeed seem to have improved. He played skilfully but fairly and even backed Harry up when three 6th years decided to group up against him.

After 20 minutes of violent mayhem Harry called a time-out, which earned him further insults and even a violent shove from an anonymous candidate as they flew to the ground. Just managing to hold his balance Harry half flew, half toppled to the pitch floor and called his teammates over.

“Ok, what the hell is going on?”

“What’s eating you? Yell at him, he’s the moron trying to kill me.”

“Bloody hypocrite. You could have damn near…”

“Is everything alright?” said a new voice as Heather and Hermione appeared.

“Stay out of it, this is team business.”

“Yeah, Hermione. You’re such a busybody at times.” Hermione recoiled from the words and Harry could see she was truly hurt. Drawing herself tall she bravely walked away from them and sat herself on the side bench.

“There was no call for that. She was just asking.” Heather looked more confused than angry.

“You can butt out an’ all. Bloody yanks sticking their nose in.”

“Hey!” Heather bit back and Harry came between them.

“George that was out of order.” Harry really was furious now. George just looked away, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“Listen, I don’t know what’s got into everyone, but I know these try-outs are a huge disaster. You two are trying to kill each other and meanwhile everyone else is trying to kill Harry. Just chill for a sec, have a drink, calm down. C’mon guys, what’s up?” Harry admired how diplomatic Heather was being. He’d never really noticed her before this week and he didn’t really know her. He looked at Fred and George who just looked at each other sulkily. Moodily they accepted the drink they were offered, emptying the bottle before handing it back. Fred even said ‘thanks’ and Heather smiled gently.

“I know you guys want the best team you could possibly get and you’re really not going to get it like this. You aren’t even watching what’s going on around you. How are you supposed to pick the best chasers if you’re too busy knocking each other out to watch them?” Harry couldn’t have put it better himself. To his relief Fred and George’s expression softened and some kind of inaudible communication seemed to be occurring between the twins. Their body language changed and they picked up their broomsticks.

“Hey, what are you morons waiting for, a bloody written invitation?” yelled an agitated chaser candidate.

Looking at Harry, George spoke.

“Come on Potter, we have a chaser to find.

The rest of the try-out went like poetry. Ok, maybe it was Edgar Allen Poe, but poetry all the same. Between the three of them Fred, George and Harry gave each and every one of the candidates a serious run for their money. Pretty soon the obvious drop-outs were weeded from the best up there, and despite yells and screeches of anger from the candidates whose goal attempts were thwarted, they were happy with the performances. They already knew the decisions were going to be hard to make and the current attitude within the team would only add to it.
Harry was still relieved to discover that Ron, Fred and George were pretty much over their previous mood. He was only sorry he couldn’t say the same for others. Ginny stormed from the pitch in a tantrum, and considering her try-out had gone very well indeed Harry could not understand why. The general mood was similar in other candidates. The supporters on the stands were avoiding them like the plague and Harry was getting a niggling in his stomach that only told him what he was already beginning to suspect. He could understand tension and nerves materialising themselves as anger and bitterness under such conditions. But Harry kind of had the feeling that something beyond the nerves of a load of anxious Quidditch candidates was at work here. And this was only confirmed later that evening at dinner...

To be continued...

MsMorgan · 06-29-2008, 06:42 PM

oooh this chapter was rife with teen angst . . . love it!! especially the interaction between Fred and George

Little Trooper · 06-30-2008, 02:19 AM

Love it. teen angst was great. I loved it. can't wait for the 2nd part to it.

so in love with it.

Krysta · 07-01-2008, 08:28 PM

Teen angst with a magickal catalyst...

Here's Part 2:

“Please guys.”

“No.”

“Pleeeaaasssee.”

“No.”

“No, sorry, couldn’t possibly.”

“Oh you two are impossible.”

“Indeed we are.”

“And proud of it.” Fred and George shook hands and went back to their beef stew. Heather sat back, arms folded looking half-annoyed, half-amused. Frustrated as Harry knew she must feel, he also realised she was relieved that the twins were getting on again.

“Blimey I’m thirsty.” Announced George, swallowing mouthfuls of water from a jug on the table.

“Yeah, me too. Must be all the excitement.” Added Ron holding out his goblet for George to fill. Fred’s goblet joined Ron’s and the three brothers gulped down like beached whales. Heather smiled slightly.

“You must have some inkling of who’s made it through, surely.” She whined.

“Maybe we do…”

“…And maybe we do.” Began Fred and finished George, which only made Heather more frustrated. Harry decided to put her out of her misery.

“We haven’t actually discussed it yet.” He lowered his voice and his head, causing Heather to move her head closer just so she could hear him. “Apart from anything Alicia and Angelina aren’t exactly being cooperative.” Heather and Hermione conspicuously glanced up the table where the two Gryffindor chasers were working very hard at ignoring each other. Had Harry imagined it, or did Hermione and Heather exchange a knowing look?

Harry glanced around the table and just caught Ginny watching him with a scowl on her face. She immediately looked the other way and he frowned to himself. Her mood was really beginning to annoy him now. He hadn’t done anything and she was behaving like he’d just killed someone. It was time to break the ice.

“You played very well earlier.” He got no response. “Ginny.” She looked up as though she’d just been stung by a wasp.

“Oh, were you talking to me? Sorry, I thought you were talking to your friend there.” She nodded at Heather who only looked blankly back at her.
“After all she did steal the show somewhat, didn’t she? And your attention.” With that she returned to her dinner leaving Harry looking, yet again, as though he’d just been slapped. Ginny was jealous of Heather? Was that good or bad? He couldn’t decide. Heather and Hermione were whispering together and Harry could hear Ron speaking to them, but he didn’t hear a word. He was watching Ginny as if she were some marvel piece of art. He just couldn’t work her out right now. But he’d had enough. It was driving him mad.

“What is up with you?” she looked up stunned at his angry voice.

“Excuse me?” she said passively.

“You know what I mean. Something’s come over you recently besides the stress of the try-outs. To be perfectly honest you’re being a first class with honours cow.” He spat out, surprising himself. He hadn’t meant to be quite so mean. Expecting her burst into tears he was shocked when she just stared at him like he were some venomous snake. She seemed just about to speak when she suddenly stopped dead and stared at something behind Harry. He turned to see what it was and was surprised to see Ron holding aloft his Mother’s pendant by its golden chain. It spun slowly in mid air and Ginny watched, almost hypnotised.

“What’s that, Ron?” she asked quietly. Her brother looked from Hermione and back to Ginny before speaking.

“It’s Harry’s Mother’s pendant. You’ve seen it before, remember?” Ginny looked blank at Ron’s words but nodded vaguely.

“Harry kind of leant it to me, and I gave it to Ron to wear for good luck this afternoon.” Hermione added carefully watching Ginny’s face. Harry frowned slightly. Why would Hermione do that?
“Want a closer look, Ginny? You never saw it very close did you?” Hermione added and Harry was getting suspicious. Something was going on that he didn’t know about. He watched as Ginny carefully took the red and silver dragon pendant from her brother and held it softly in her palm, gazing at it.
A glassy look passed over her eyes and Harry looked at Hermione who was watching in earnest.
“Why don’t you keep it for a while? It goes with your hair.” Hermione continued and Harry was about to protest Ginny having possession of his Mother’s pendant when he received a sharp kick on the ankle. He glared at Heather in confusion and anger but fell silent at her warning expression. He turned back to Ginny who was clipping the clasp shut around her neck. Her movements were slow and deliberate as she picked up her fork again but paused, holding it over her plate.

“Thank you.” She spoke softly and for a fleeting second, she was Ginny again. But then she was gone again. A confused and bewildered expression flashed across her face. “Excuse me.” She mumbled, clumsily getting up from the table. Her eyes looked droopy and her body slouched a little.
“I…I feel so tired. I must, er, go…lie down.” She barely managed to get the words out before stumbling her way out of the hall. Ron and Harry watched in astonishment, but Harry didn’t miss the knowing looks Hermione and Heather were exchanging.

“Ok, spill it.”

Hermione gave him her best innocent look, but dropped it when he gave her his best ‘tell me or die’ look. She looked at Heather for confirmation and received a shrug.

“Ok, ok, I’ll explain.”

Harry had somehow managed to drag Ron and Heather to the library after dinner. Hermione naturally didn’t take much encouragement.

“Would someone explain to me what’s going on?” Ron looked totally confused and Hermione looked a little guilty.

“Harry, Ron doesn’t remember a thing. He has no memory of how he was behaving. And neither do you.” Harry stared at Hermione in confusion.

“I don’t remember what?” he asked. Hermione looked uncomfortable.

“Your behaviour. You’ve been really knarky all week. Just like Ron. But you don’t remember anything.” Harry and Ron exchanged odd looks.

“Hey, Harry was the moody one. Always snapping at everyone. Ginny too, she’s been a pain in the backside, and I’m not even going to mention Fred and George.” Harry stared horrified at his best friend.

“What are you on about? You’re the one who’s been snapping at everyone and going off in a mood all the time.” Ron stared at him as though he’d just grown another head.

“You don’t remember what an irritable git you’ve been for the last week, do you?” Ron asked him and Harry was just about to retaliate when Heather called for a time-out.

“Ok, ok, guys. Listen, you’ve both been acting like complete jerks for the whole week, but you’re not the only ones.” Harry and Ron both glared angrily at her.

“Hey who are you calling an jerk?” Ron barked at her and got a nasty glance from Madam Pince.

“I’m not saying you are and jerk, just that you were acting like an jerk.”

“I was not acting like an jerk.” Harry argued, rather annoyed with Heather. He’d just begun thinking how cool she was, when she started this.

“Harry, you were. Honestly. Everyone was. They just don’t seem to remember it. Harry you yelled at Ginny in the middle of breakfast one morning for practically no reason causing her to storm out.”

“That wasn’t me. It was Ron mouthing off that caused her to storm out. Even you were arguing with him, you must remember.” Harry argued again, staring at Heather.

“I wasn’t mouthing off.” Protested Ron.

“You were. And yes, I did have a go at you. But Harry, you joined in. You were part of the argument.”

“I was not! I distinctly remember…” he trailed off. He couldn’t remember it at all. Just that it had happened. “…Oh Spirit, what’s happening to us? I…I don’t remember anything. I remember what everyone else said but…not what I said or did. What’s going on?” Hermione and Heather exchanged another one of their knowing looks. It had only just occurred to Harry how close these two seemed. He wasn’t aware of them having met before. Heather was in the year above them after all.

“So how many have been affected?” asked Ron, who seemed to be trying to make up for being such a prat over the last few days, and Harry admired him for that. Harry felt pretty awful himself. How many people had he angered or upset that he couldn’t remember? All he remembered was feeling slightly cranky before the try-outs but that was all. Something occurred to him.

“Wait a sec, before we go on. I was wondering, I know when Ron started acting normal again, because I mentioned it to you Heather. It was just before the try-out.” Hermione fidgeted a little. “But what about me? When did I start acting normal again?”

“Well, I noticed it just before the chaser try-out. You’d been talking to Heather, but…we have no idea what caused you to return to normal.” Hermione told him, and he was shocked. He’d been a complete and utter git right up until then? He couldn’t believe it.

“But I stood up for you when Fred and George wouldn’t let you stay in the box with us.” Hermione took a deep breath.

“No, you didn’t. You argued with them about it, but they finally agreed to let me stay and you told me to sit down and shut up. Then when you left, you told me you had more important things to do and just left me there.” Harry’s eyes widened in horror. How could he have been that mean to his friend?

“Hermione I’m so sorry, I don’t know what to say.” Hermione shook her head, discarding his words.

“Harry I don’t think it’s your fault.”

“It’s pretty obvious that something’s going on. This many people being jerks all at once? It’s gotta be some kind of curse.” Heather said and everyone nodded. “In answer to your question, Ron all the Quidditch team and all the people trying out have been affected. And of those people only you two, Fred and George have started behaving normally again.”

“Hopefully, Ginny will be joining you shortly.” Added Hermione and received a puzzled look from her two best friends. She glanced sideways at Heather and took another deep breath.

“Ok, I gave you that pendant as an experiment, Ron.” Ron looked blankly at her, obviously not following at all. She rolled her eyes in typical Hermione fashion and continued.

“We know that pendant has some kind of power.” Ron and Harry nodded. “Right. And that its power is probably what saved me a few weeks ago. So it must have some kind of healing power or something. I told Heather all about it.”

“I was fascinated. It’s an amazing piece you know, Harry. I’ve never seen anything like it. And yet somehow I feel like it’s familiar.”

“That’s what Neville said to you, Harry.” Ron commented and Harry nodded.

“Hermione gave it to Ron to see if it made any difference to his behaviour.” Ron shot Hermione an accusing look and she looked defensive.

“I was worried, Ron. I just didn’t want your mood to ruin your try-out. I…I really wanted you to get on the team. I was just trying to help. Besides, it worked.” She smiled nervously and to her relief he smiled back warmly, and kissed the top of her head. Harry and Heather exchanged a wink.

“We were going to give it back to Harry for a bit when we realised that it had worked. Ron began acting normally again almost immediately. Even you noticed it, Harry.” Heather explained and Harry nodded.

“So why didn’t you give it to me?”

“We didn’t need to.” Hermione grinned. “We don’t understand why yet, but you suddenly began acting normally. Like we said, just before the chaser try-outs.” Harry was puzzled.

“It was the same with your brothers.” Heather said to Ron. “Fred and George were exactly the same as you, Harry. During that time-out, they suddenly snapped out of it, and now they’re right as rain.” Heather told them.

“We thought to start with that maybe whatever was causing the behaviour in the first place might be wearing off or something. But it became quite blatantly obvious that that wasn’t the case. Everyone else was still behaving like idiots. As you noticed, probably.” Ron and Harry nodded, and the image of Ginny storming from the pitch flashed through Harry’s mind.

“What about Ginny? You gave her the necklace too. For the same reason you gave it to Ron?” Harry asked and the two girls nodded.

“I couldn’t stand to see her like that anymore. Hopefully, she should be fine.” Harry felt a huge burden lift from his shoulder, but with it came a question.

“So what’s the problem? If we know how to cure it?”

“Harry, how are we supposed to convince 25 people to wear your Mother’s pendant?” Harry thought about it, and realised Heather had a point.

“If only we knew what was causing it, we could try to do something about it. But we haven’t got a clue what’s going on.” Heather continued.

“We were chatting about what’s been going on. I’d noticed that she was the only person trying out for the team who wasn’t being a complete moron.” Hermione told them. Heather grinned and Hermione giggled.

“We spent hours in here, at this very table actually.” Heather continued.

“But we just couldn’t work it out. We couldn’t find any pattern at all. The only connection these people have is that they’re all linked to Quidditch. They’re all different years, different genders, different genetic backgrounds, everything we could think of. The only connection is Quidditch.” Concluded Hermione.

“Quidditch and Gryffindor.” Corrected Ron and they all looked at him. “Well have you noticed strange behaviour in any other house?” they all looked at each other. Ron was right. It had only affected Gryffindor.

“You’re right. And who do we know who’d like to see the Gryffindor Quidditch team in a rut?” asked Harry. They all looked at each other and answered at the same time.

“Slytherin.”

There were still a lot of questions to be answered. They still had no idea what was going on, and how the Slytherins were doing it. They were all convinced now that this must be the doing of their rivals. Only people connected with Quidditch were affected, and they could think of no one else. Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff would never do something like this. For the rest of the night Harry, Ron and Hermione talked to Heather about everything that had happened over the last few months and even filled gaps in her knowledge of events over that last 4 years.
Heather was dumbstruck by the stories, especially when she heard about what Voldemort had done to Ginny in the second year, and in particular the events surrounding the Triwizard Tournament.

She was fascinated and horrified by what had happened to Hermione, since she had only heard rumours and half-tales about what had happened. Harry told her about the dreams and even about the village on the ceiling at which point she giggled with delight and said how much she’d love to meet Harry’s godfather. She had been overwhelmed by the tale surrounding Sirius. To the rest of the world he was a wanted murderer and now that she knew the truth she was shocked. Especially when they told her that he was still in hiding because Fudge, the Minister of Magic refused to believe he was innocent.

However at 11 o’clock they left the library when Madam Pince had finished her filing. It had been an extremely long and exhausting day for all of them and they needed sleep. Grateful it was Sunday tomorrow they thankfully went upstairs to the common room, said their goodbyes and made their separate ways to the dorm rooms. Harry was the only one who noticed the sleeping figure on the crimson sofa.

Ron had fallen asleep almost immediately. Harry still waited a few minutes just to make sure before slipping down the stairway to the common room. It was strangely quiet. The Gryffindor tower was uneasy at present due to the strange behaviour of some of the students. It had affected the other students in that they had stopped associating with them, since many of them had started arguments and were generally unpleasant to be around.
Harry was actually quite grateful, because it meant no one would see him.
He crept to the fireplace and sighed. She was still fast asleep. For the first time in nearly a week she looked peaceful. Quietly and carefully, so as not to wake her, he knelt down on the floor beside her sofa and watched her. She was pale but some colour was at last returning to her cheeks. Her face was void of any emotion as her steady, even breathing confirmed that she was asleep. Her lips were parted ever so slightly and looked so soft, Harry had to physically look away from them to ignore the urge to kiss her right there and then.
His heart seemed to physically ache and he swallowed hard when he felt it thumping loudly in his chest. Another sound met his ears and he suddenly realised the sleeping girl was whispering. He noticed for the first time that her hand was gently clasped around the blue and silver pendant that hung against her chest. As he watched, her fingers tightened slightly and her whispering became a little more audible.

“No.”

He frowned. Something was wrong. Her voice sounded wrong, and yet deathly familiar.

“No, please.”

Her face had changed. No longer peaceful, she seemed distressed. He thought of trying to wake her. A terrifying thought crossed his mind. What if Ginny were being attacked by a nightwraith? He should wake her now. But before he got a chance, her next whispered words chilled him to the bone.

“No, please, not Harry.”

He felt as though he’d been plunged hundreds of feet into ice-cold water. As his Mother’s last words echoed through his ears he stared in horror at the girl before him. He was seconds from shaking her awake when suddenly she lurched from her curled up position and as she opened them, Harry stared into the most breathtakingly emerald eyes he had ever seen.

“Forever can wait, Harry.” Ginny spoke in his Mother’s voice and Harry grabbed her shoulders in shock and fear.

“Ginny?”

The girl blinked and when she opened her eyes once more they were the same shining blue they had always been, full of confusion as they were.

“Harry?”

With that she collapsed. It had been her own voice, he was sure of it. He gathered her in his arms and lifted her back onto the sofa. Cradling her he tried to wake her again but to no avail.

“Ginny? Ginny, please you have to wake up.”

Nothing.

Ginny slept again and Harry let her. He stroked her hair gently, deep in a train of thought that terrified him. Had his Mother’s spirit just entered the body of the girl now sleeping in his arms? Or had Harry in some way imagined it? Was it connected to the necklace she now wore and if so, had Hermione ever had a similar experience. She would have told him surely…if she had remembered it.

What was going on? Had Ginny just had a bad dream? Maybe the use of his Mother’s last words had simply been a coincidence. The voice? Had he imagined that? He was sure he hadn’t. And her eyes? No, they had been too striking to have imagined it.

Harry suddenly realised how tired he was. He fought the oncoming sleep, in the wish to stay awake to watch over the sleeping red head but sleep found Harry Potter an easy conquest tonight, and soon he slept as deeply as the girl in his arms.

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