Disclaimer: I own nothing; it all belongs to J.K.Rowling. I’m just borrowing the characters to play with for a while. This is for pleasure only, no profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.

Harry bolted upright in bed and stared around wildly before realizing he was in his dormitory. He wiped the sweat from his brow and allowed his heart rate to slow. He’d been dreaming again…it was a dream he’d had several times the previous year about Ginny lying dead in the Chamber and then morphing into Voldemort. For some unknown reason, the dream had been repeating itself again.

Ginny had given him some of the Dreamless Sleep Potion, too; he must be building up a kind of resistance to it. Ginny had been faithfully administering it every third night, talking with him at length about his captivity and what had transpired while he was there. He’d been reluctant at first, but found it easier the more he told her. Although he was still regularly having nightmares, the ones focused solely on that time were diminishing, and the flashbacks were rare. Remus had been right — talking about it did help.

He tried to lie back down, but his eyes were open wide and adrenaline still coursed through his veins. He knew he’d not be getting any more sleep on this night. Sighing, he quietly got out of bed and pulled some books from his trunk. He tiptoed from the room and headed down to the common room, where he sat in his now familiar spot. He spread his books out on the table to work on his Transfiguration essay. This restlessness had become such a common ritual with him lately that he was nearly as ahead in homework as Hermione. Although Hermione was pleased that he was showing more interest in his studies, he knew she was suspicious of when he was getting it all done. The one fortunate thing about her being so focused on fighting with Ron was that it let him — and his bad habits — slip under her radar.

Harry put his books away as students began straggling into the common room early the next morning. He rubbed his eyes tiredly and stretched his legs in front of him. He’d planned on going for a run, but it was pouring rain outside, so he decided to skip it for today.

"You’re up early," Hermione said as she sat down at the table across from him. Her eyes were puffy, and she looked rather tired herself.

"Yeah…couldn’t sleep. You?" Harry asked.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Lavender and Parvati kept me awake much too late with their gossiping. They’re impossible."

Harry chuckled; he’d never really though about it before, but Hermione must have had a tough time rooming with those two all these years. She really didn’t have a lot in common with them. "Gossiping? Anything I should know?"

Hermione waved her hand in the air. "Same as always — who’s seeing whom? Since you haven’t given either of them the time of day, they’re quite interested in Ron these days."

Harry watched Hermione closely. She’d said the last bit casually, but he’d known her long enough to recognize the alertness in her eyes and set of her shoulders. She wanted to know herself if Ron was seeing anyone else. Harry didn’t want to be in the middle of this feud between his friends, but he really couldn’t see a way to stay out of it without pulling away from both of them. Their friendship was strained already, and he didn’t want to lose any more of what he had.

Fortunately for him, Ginny chose that moment to arrive. "Morning, Harry. Morning, Hermione," she said, plopping down at the table and laying her head on her arm. "You two look like you’re having a deep conversation already. What’s happening?"

"Nothing," Hermione said, shaking her head. "I was just telling Harry that I couldn’t sleep last night because of Lavender and Parvati’s chatter."

"Oh. More intellectually stimulating conversation?" Ginny asked with a snigger. Obviously, she and Hermione had discussed this topic in the past.

"Right in one."

"Should we wait for Ron or go get some breakfast? Is he coming down?" Ginny asked.

"I dunno," Harry shrugged. "I’ve been here for a while. I’m hungry; let’s get something to eat, and he can meet us there."

"Didn’t you sleep well?" Ginny asked, picking her head up from the table.

Damn. Harry realized too late that he’d said too much. "I had some work to do," he said evasively.

"Harry, I gave you the Dreamless Sleep Potion last night…you should have had a full night’s sleep. You look exhausted," Ginny said, running a hand along the side of his face.

"Harry, are you building up a resistance to the Sleep Potion? That’s not good, you know," Hermione said, frowning. "Madam Pomfrey has had to up your dosage once already."

"I know," he said, sighing and rapidly scanning his tired brain for a change of subject. He was simply too knackered to come up with anything. "Let’s just go downstairs and grab a bite to eat. I’m starving."

Hermione appeared ready to protest, but Ginny cut her off. "Okay, let’s get some food. You can ask Madam Pomfrey about it later."

As they walked into the Great Hall and sat down at the Gryffindor table, Professor McGonagall got up from the professors’ table and made a beeline towards them. Harry stifled a groan and hurriedly filled his plate. She reached him just as he stuffed a forkful of scrambled eggs into his mouth.

"Good morning, Potter," she said before lowering her voice considerably. "Professor Dumbledore would like a word with you after you’ve finished your breakfast. The password is Pepper Imp."

Harry nodded at her before she continued on her way out the door.

"I wonder what that’s all about?" said Ginny.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "Dunno, but I’ll find out soon enough."

He quickly finished his breakfast before venturing up to the headmaster’s office once again.

Professor Dumbledore was waiting for him when he reached the top of the moving staircase. "Good morning, Harry. Come in and have a seat. Can I offer you anything to drink?"

"No, thank you, sir. I just finished breakfast. Is something happening with Voldemort?" Harry asked

Dumbledore sat down heavily and began playing with the whiskers on his chin. Harry noticed his beard appeared to be thinning out slightly.

"Some of your teachers could not help but notice that there has been some tension amongst you and your friends, Harry. Is there anything I can do?" he asked, startling Harry with his words. That hadn’t been what Harry was expecting.

"No, sir. Ron and Hermione always argue, and it sets me off sometimes. That’s all, really."

"I hope so, Harry. We must all try to control the squabbles amongst ourselves. Voldemort thrives on disharmony, and he will do his best to encourage it. Our best defense is to keep our faith in one another. Do not let him…or anything he is doing…divide you from your friends. I have told you before that I believe they are your greatest strength, and you must not let that bond become weakened," Professor Dumbledore said gravely. He stopped when a fit of coughing overtook him, and he sipped on a glass of water.

Harry could feel that annoying lump in the back of his throat again. It seemed intent upon returning whenever he talked with Professor Dumbledore these days, and Harry wasn’t certain why. The headmaster was right, however; he couldn’t allow this pettiness to come between him, Ron, and Hermione. He had noticed that his classwork had suffered whenever he was more focused on the tension with his friends. They had to pull together; he just had to figure out how.

"It’s nothing to worry about, sir. Ron and Hermione will find their way back to each other. They always do…the rest of us just have to survive the crossfire."

Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Ah, yes…the splendor of youth. Sometimes we all forget how painful those years can be. You are all now considered adults by age, but emotionally, reaching adulthood is a more painful process. It’s much like childbirth, actually — a lot of pain that is soon brushed aside by the wonderful outcome."

Harry furrowed his brow, uncertain about he headmaster’s analogy. He didn’t know much about childbirth, and honestly, he didn’t really want to know. He was much more interested in the events leading up to the need for childbirth than in anything to do with the process itself. And what that all had to do with Ron and Hermione fighting was beyond him.

Before he had time to ponder any further, the fireplace flared and a dusty Remus Lupin emerged, shaking the soot from his gray hair.

"Moony!" Harry exclaimed, delighted to see him. "I didn’t know you were going to be here."

"I asked Remus to join us to give us an update on what is happening back at headquarters," Dumbledore informed him.

Remus finished wiping the ash from his clothes and moved towards Harry with a genuine grin. "It’s good to see you," he said, enveloping him in a one-armed hug.

"You, too. How is everyone back at headquarters?" Harry asked.

"All right," Remus answered slowly. "It’s a bit hectic there right now. Jacqueline has been found, and she’s alive."

Harry’s heart soared; he’d never expected to find her alive. "How? Where? What happened? Where has she been?"

"I think we would all like answers to those questions," Professor Dumbledore said. "Sit down, Remus, and give us a full report. Can I get you something to drink?"

"Tea would be fine."

Professor Dumbledore conjured a pot of steaming tea and poured three cups as Remus sat in the chair Dumbledore indicated.

Remus took a sip of the steaming hot liquid before beginning. "As you know, Bill’s been leading the search team investigating her disappearance, but they’d turned up nothing. Yesterday, we got a call from our contact at St. Mungo’s that an unidentified young witch had been brought in. Bill rushed over to check, and sure enough, it was Jacqueline. She’s in rough shape and hasn’t been able to answer any questions. She’s been tortured and placed under a very strong memory charm. The healers have been unable to break it and fear they cannot without causing irreparable damage."

Professor Dumbledore rubbed his fingers along the length of his mouth in quiet concentration.

"Why, though? I mean…I’m happy they didn’t kill her, but why take the time to place a memory charm? It doesn’t make any sense," Harry said.

"They wanted some information from her. Perhaps they did not learn what they needed and wanted to see where she goes," Dumbledore said, thinking out loud. "Remus, please ensure that Bill is the only member of the Order who visits Miss McClaggen; we don’t want to tip our hand."

Remus nodded. "I’ll keep you posted, sir."

"Is there anything else?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

Remus hesitated for a moment. "Well…Moody is still extremely concerned about the wards here at Hogwarts, sir."

Professor Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, I’m aware of Alastor’s concerns."

Harry immediately sat up straight in his chair. "What’s the matter with the wards?"

Professor Dumbledore hesitated a moment before answering. "The wards that are in place around Hogwarts are set by each headmaster during his tenure and are directly tied to that witch or wizard. I’ve been feeling rather tired of late, and Alastor is concerned that the wards are weakening."

Harry felt a thrill of fear; he had noticed how tired and sickly Professor Dumbledore appeared recently. He may have some ongoing issues with his headmaster, but he still couldn’t bear the thought of losing him. "Are you all right, sir?" he asked in a very small voice, afraid of hearing the answer.

Dumbledore patted his arm gently. "Nothing to worry yourself with, my boy, although I appreciate your concern. There is simply too much happening all at once for an old man to juggle. That is why I have such a trusted circle of confidants to aid me. It is what you need to do, as well, Harry. Keep your trusted ones close and let them help you."

Harry nodded, feeling like Dumbledore hadn’t exactly answered his question.

"I am afraid that the discovery of Miss McClaggan will not be received well by Cornelius," Dumbledore said, swiftly changing the subject.

"No. I was concerned about that myself," Remus replied.

"Why? What does Jacqueline’s disappearance have to do with the Ministry?" Harry asked.

"Cornelius is desperate to protect the Ministry’s reputation, and the attack at the Ministry is not playing out well for him. He’s been using Jacqueline as a scapegoat, insisting it was her slip that revealed your presence at the Ministry that day. It’s why Percy has not been attending your training sessions with Abeforth. Cornelius did not want him being questioned."

"You don’t think Percy was involved, do you?" Harry asked, feeling alarmed. He would never want to have to face Mrs. Weasley with that kind of news. "But…that attack wasn’t Voldemort, it was Narcissa Malfoy after Ron. Percy would never sell out Ron." He had a few things he wanted to discuss with Percy when he finally saw him. No matter what his intent had been, his mistake had put Ginny’s life in danger, and that wouldn’t be tolerated. Still, Percy was a Weasley, and Harry simply couldn’t bring himself to believe that he would sell out his own family. He’d sell out Harry — most likely he’d be happy to do it — but not Ron. Harry didn’t think so, anyway.

Neither Professor Dumbledore nor Remus answered for a moment. "It appears that Cornelius is as yet unaware of Narcissa’s involvement, which brings us to the question of from where his information is coming. Of course, it is highly likely that he is hiding information from us in the same way we are hiding information from him."

"But…if it wasn’t Fudge, and it wasn’t Jacqueline…where is the leak?"

"That is the crucial question. Harry, we must be very careful about whom we trust with this information."

"Of course."

"I need to be going. I’ll be rather incommunicado for a while, but I promise to send word when I return," Remus said as he stood.

"Going where?" Harry asked with some alarm.

"I can’t give you all the details, Harry. You must understand that no members of the Order can know exactly what everyone else is doing. It’s safer for all of us that way. I’ll keep the mirror with me, but only for an emergency, all right?"

Harry didn’t like it, but he did understand and appreciated Remus keeping him in the loop. "All right, Moony. Take care of yourself, okay? Don’t take any chances."

Remus smiled warmly and gave Harry a brief hug goodbye. "You, too, young Prongs," he said gently cupping Harry’s chin for a moment. "Stay out of trouble, and behave yourself with Ginny. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do."

Harry grinned. "That leaves me wide open."

After Harry left Dumbledore’s office, he didn’t feel like returning to Gryffindor tower and dealing with Ron and Hermione’s bickering until he had a chance to clear his head. He felt particularly anxious about both Remus and Professor Dumbledore. He needed to fly. Since it was Saturday, and he had the day to himself, he decided to head over to the Quidditch pitch. He managed to retrieve his broom without being seen and took to the air.

He had known that NEWT year would be difficult, but he’d never expected how overwhelming it would be. Between training, homework, the DA, Quidditch, and patrols, he barely had time to catch his breath. It was the responsibility of the Head Boy and Girl to schedule the prefect rounds, and, at first, he’d paired all his rounds with Ginny. He soon realized that they spent more time doing the things that he was supposed to be stopping others from doing. It would be just his luck to have the castle invaded because he had decided to put himself back in a broom cupboard.

He had to admit, broom cupboards had moved up significantly on his list of favorite places. Although he missed the time with Ginny, at least he was paying attention, and he’d had the chance to get to know the prefects from the other houses. He avoided rounds with Pansy Parkinson because she was still so hostile, but he’d worked with Blaise Zabini on several occasions that had gone remarkably well.

Harry had flown hard for only a short time before he noticed a shadow tailing him. The back of his neck prickled slightly as he tensed before he noticed that his ‘pursuer’ had flaming red hair and wore an impish grin.

"Hi, Ginny," he said as he slowed and allowed her to fly up alongside him.

"You’re upset," she said simply.

"A bit. I saw Remus when I was with Professor Dumbledore; he’s going on some kind of Order business, but wouldn’t say much. Oh! Jacqueline has been found." Harry quickly filled Ginny in on all that had taken place during the meeting. He told her she needed to keep the news of the wards quiet. He’d tell Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna, but the rest of the DA was only on a need-to-know basis.

Ginny listened quietly, her face grave. "This is all getting so close," she whispered.

Harry reached over and squeezed her hand. "We just have to stick together; that’s what Professor Dumbledore said."

"He said that?"

"Uh, huh. He’s worried about all the bickering with Ron and Hermione. He said that’s what Voldemort thrives on, and he wins if we become divided. I need to have a talk with Ron and Hermione, but I’m still trying to work out what to say," Harry said, noticing the Hufflepuffs entering the field for their practice. Their first Quidditch match of the season against Ravenclaw would take place the following weekend.

"Come on. Hufflepuff must have booked the pitch; I hadn’t even checked. Let’s walk around the lake, okay?"

Ginny nodded and followed him. They joined hands and carried their brooms over to a secluded spot before sitting down. The leaves crunched on the ground around them, and the lake reflected the glorious autumn colors. There was a definite crispness in the air, making Ginny wrap her arms around herself.

Harry put his arm around her shoulders and rubbed her arm as they leaned back against a tree. Ginny snuggled in closer to him. "So, you’ve got to talk to Ron and Hermione and tell them to quit being such dunderheads and start talking to each other?"

Harry chuckled. "Basically."

"Good luck to you. Either one of them is liable to take your head off. They’re being such ninnies, and they really aren’t being fair to you. You have to stick up for yourself and tell them how they’re making you feel," Ginny said, craning her neck to see his expression.

He wrinkled his nose in distaste; he was not going to tell Ron and Hermione about his feelings. Ron would smack him upside the head if he tried. No, he’d talk to them…but he still didn’t know what to say.

"Honestly, Harry, you’re such a boy. It’s obvious they’re lost without each other. Hermione went on that date with Terry. Did I tell you? When I asked her how it was, she said ‘lovely,’ but the more I wheedled, the more she admitted. She said Terry was very nice and treated her very well. They talked about all sorts of things, and he’s very knowledgeable, blah blah blah…but she didn’t have a lot of fun. She said they never really laughed."

"Ron shows her a good time. Hermione has an adventurous side — she just buries it," Harry said.

"Uh, huh. What about Ron? Has he said anything?"

"What? About Hermione, you mean?"

"No, about the weather. Of course, about Hermione, you prat."

Harry shrugged. "Nothing specific. I think the sword fighting is helping him, though. He’s mellower. Of course, I don’t know if that’s because he’s not with Hermione."

Ginny laughed. "What’s going on with him and Hannah Abbott?"

"I dunno. He hasn’t said much, but I think it’s because he’s afraid that I’ll tell you or Hermione."

"So, ask him."

"What do you mean? Just come right out and say, ‘Hey, Ron, you’re paying a lot of attention to what Hannah has under her robes," Harry scoffed.

Ginny slapped him in the arm. "Well, maybe not in those terms, but yeah, exactly like that."

"You’re daft."

Ginny picked up a bunch of dried crinkled leaves and dumped them on Harry’s head. "Why do you boys have such a hard time asking a simple question?"

Harry spluttered, wiping the leaves out of his hair. He grabbed a bunch more and began to bury Ginny under them.

She shrieked and kicked her legs to get away. Standing up, she gathered a huge pile and stalked toward him with a playful glint in her eyes.

"Don’t hurt me," he said, chuckling and holding up an arm to fend her off.

"Don’t hurt you, Harry? Are you afraid of little old me?" Ginny asked with amusement.

"Of course, I’m afraid of you," Harry said, grinning mischievously. "You have a lot of power over me."

Ginny thought about that for a minute, then nodded. "Good to know. I like having power over you," she said, beginning to stalk towards him in a very sultry way. "That power makes me feel very sexy, Harry," she said, trailing her finger slowly and sensually along the side of his face. "There’s something very attractive about having power over you."

Damn! Harry licked his suddenly dry lips. At that moment, he’d willingly give her his Firebolt if she asked for it. She grinned and kissed him soundly on the lips. "Close your mouth, Harry; that expression you’re wearing is very unbecoming. I told Hermione I’d meet her in the library. She’s helping me with a Potions essay. I’ll see you at lunch."

Harry sat mesmerized, watching the gentle sway of Ginny’s hips as she walked away.

"Get your eyes off my sister’s bum," Ron hissed, coming up behind him and plopping down on the grass next to him.

"How do you know I’m looking at her bum?" Harry asked.

"You’re always looking at her bum," Ron grumbled.

"No. She has plenty of other parts I like to look at," Harry said with a wicked grin.

"Harry! Enough. I don’t want to hear this, you wanker," Ron said before he paused, a disgusted look crossing his face. "And I don’t want to think about you thinking about her when you do that either. Oh, gross, Harry."

"You said it, not me," Harry said, laughing at Ron’s expression.

"What are you doing out here, anyway?" Ron asked.

"Well, we were out flying, but the Hufflepuffs are having a practice so we had to leave."

"Yeah, their first match is next week. Are you going with Ginny?" Ron asked a little too casually. He shifted his eyes when Harry looked over at him.

"I suppose so. I hadn’t really given it much thought. I just assumed we’d all go together like we usually do."

"Oh."

"Why? What’s going on, Ron?"

"Well, um...I sortofkindoftoldHannahI’dsitwithher," Ron said very fast.

"Pardon?" Harry asked, knowing perfectly well what Ron had said but wanting to make him squirm.

Ron took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. "I told Hannah that I’d sit with her."

Harry forced his expression to remain neutral. He wanted to act as if this were the most ordinary thing in the world, and that his insides weren’t screaming in protest. "Oh, okay. I’m certain Ginny won’t mind. I’m don’t know if Hermione is bringing Terry or not."

Ron scowled briefly before saying, "No. Hannah wants to sit with her friends and cheer on her team, so I said I’d sit with them."

"Oh. Okay, then. That’ll be strange," Harry said before he could stop himself. Harry had never watched a match that he wasn’t playing in without Ron.

"Yeah, I know." There was a moment of silence before Ron said a little too brightly. "Want to go up to the Room of Requirement and fence? Abe showed me a new move I want to try on you."

"You’re on."

After dinner that night, Harry waited in the common room for the crowd to thin out. Ginny sat with him, furiously writing her essays, but Harry couldn’t seem to concentrate. He was exhausted after not sleeping well the night before and having such a busy day. He wanted nothing more than to crawl into his bed and snuggle under the feathery comfort of his blankets. When the room was nearly empty, he asked Ron and Hermione to join him and Ginny at a table in the corner.

"What’s on your mind, Harry?" Ron asked immediately.

Harry ran a hand through his hair. "I need to talk to you both about something Professor Dumbledore discussed with me."

Hermione immediately perked up. "What did he say, Harry?"

"He’s worried about the fact that we’ve been rowing so much lately," Harry said bluntly, then instinctively gripped Ginny’s hand more tightly. She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

"What?" Ron said. Hermione merely blinked owlishly.

Harry took a deep breath. "He said that our teachers have commented on the tension amongst us, and he’s worried. He said that Voldemort thrives on disharmony, and the more we bicker, the weaker we become."

"Bloody hell," Ron said. "The headmaster is actually paying attention to our rows?"

"Ron, if Professor Dumbledore thinks our bickering is hurting Harry, then we have to do something to fix it," Hermione said, color flooding her cheeks.

"Oh, right. Of course, you’re willing to change your tune the second a teacher asks you to do it. You couldn’t simply do it when it was only one of your friends’ ideas, could you?" Ron asked bitterly.

"All right, you two," Ginny snapped. "This is exactly what Professor Dumbledore is talking about. You two are constantly having a go at each other. That isn’t all that different, but what’s changed is that you’re dragging Harry into the middle of it, because you’re not kissing and making up anymore. If you two really want to find yourselves, or whatever it is you’re doing, you need to do it without making Harry choose between you, because he can’t do that."

"I’m sorry, Harry," Hermione said immediately, tears springing to her eyes. "I didn’t realize that’s what I was doing, but Ginny’s right. Ron and I have been friends for a long time, and that’s not going to change." She looked over at Ron with a slight hesitancy, as if uncertain of her words. It seemed so very un-Hermione-like.

"I’m sorry too, mate. You know we’re with you, no matter what, right? I’ll always be there for both you and Hermione if you ever need me," Ron said, his eyes suspiciously bright.

Hermione flung her arms around both Ron and Harry and squeezed their heads tightly. "We both promise to try, Harry."

"And I’m certain Ginny will remind us if we slip," Ron said, grinning at his sister and pulling her into their group embrace.

Harry, who had remained quiet through most of the exchange, smiled gratefully at Ginny and his friends. "Thanks. You know I can’t do this without you. The idea that you two aren’t seeing each other anymore will take some getting used to for all of us, but we were friends first, and we need to make certain we hold on to that."

"We will, Harry," Hermione said earnestly.

The morning of the Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw match dawned sunny and cool — perfect Quidditch weather. The week had gone relatively smoothly for Harry, and he was looking forward to the match. Hermione, Ginny, and he were going together; Ron was sitting with Hannah in the Hufflepuff section, and Neville was sitting with Luna and the Ravenclaws.

Harry had a good week of classes and felt he deserved a day off. He wasn’t certain who he was cheering for; he just hoped it was a long match. He’d had a training session with Abe the previous day, and Percy had shown up for the first time since the Apparation test. He was very quiet and subdued, scribbling furiously in his notebook, but he said very little. When Harry had begun to berate him for leaving them and Ginny getting injured, he merely bowed his head and didn’t protest Harry’s tongue-lashing. His meekness subdued Harry somewhat, although he still gave Percy quite a beating while they dueled. Percy had ended up needing a visit with Madam Pomfrey before he’d left for the day.

Harry hadn’t realized that Hermione didn’t know Ron wasn’t sitting with them for the match until he mentioned it at breakfast. Hermione had grown very still, but she’d smiled pleasantly and told Ron to have a good time. Harry was grateful for her effort in not bickering, but he felt bad, nonetheless. He wouldn’t like to be in her situation.

They walked over to the stands and found seats right in the middle. Seamus and Lavender were snogging heavily at the end of one bench, and Parvati was doing her best to ignore them. She seemed very happy to see Hermione, Ginny and Harry.

"Boy, am I glad to see you," Parvati said, glaring at the oblivious Seamus and Lavender. "These two need to get a room."

Ever the Head Girl, Hermione marched over to the couple and forced them apart. "Seamus and Lavender, I don’t want to take points, but I will. You should be ashamed of yourselves; there are first-years here. Sit up and pay attention to the match."

Seamus glared at her for interrupting and pulled Lavender closer to him. Lavender rolled her eyes, and Hermione returned to her seat.

"Where’s Ron?" Parvati asked.

"He’s sitting in the Hufflepuff section," Hermione answered without elaboration.

"Hufflepuff? Are you supporting Hufflepuff today? Didn’t they win the Quidditch cup last year?" Dean asked, climbing on the bench to join them.

Harry felt Ginny stiffen beneath his arm. Hufflepuff had won the Cup the previous year after beating Gryffindor while Harry and Ron were being held prisoner. Ginny had played Seeker in the match, but had missed the Snitch because she’d been too worried about Ron and Harry.

Harry squeezed Ginny on the shoulder. "But they’re not going to win it this year," he whispered in her ear. He felt her shiver slightly when his breath hit her skin and felt a tremendous surge of pride in having that effect on her.

The players took the field, and Madam Hooch blew her whistle to start the match. Harry’s eyes automatically began searching for the Snitch. Ravenclaw had a new Seeker this year, since Cho had left Hogwarts. The Seeker was an inexperienced third-year, and Hufflepuff was favored to win.

"I heard a rumor that there’s a Ministry scout here today somewhere," Ginny whispered.

"A Misistry scout?" Harry asked

Ginny nodded. "A representative from the Department of Magical Games and Sports. They scout for potential Quidditch talent, then set up deals with the various teams. I heard that the Falmouth Falcons are looking for a new Keeper."

"Don’t all the teams have their own scouts?" Harry asked.

"Why would they do that? No, the scouts are impartial and coordinate all the deals. The Ministry pays them very well and tries to discourage them from taking any incentives from the teams. They lose their jobs if any corruption is found in a deal."

Harry scanned the crowd. "I wonder if the rumor is true."

"Maybe. I also heard that the scout would be coming to our first match against Slytherin."

"Really?"

"A re you interested, Harry?"

Harry thought about it for a long time before answering. "I dunno. Maybe someday, but not now."

Ginny smiled sadly and kissed him on the cheek. Her lips felt cold against his skin, and he noticed she was shivering.

"Are you cold, Ginny?" he asked, removing his jumper and putting it over her head. Ginny snuggled into its warmth.

"Thank you, Harry, but won’t you be cold?" she asked.

Harry was cold in just his T-shirt, but he wasn’t going to admit it to her. "Nah, I’m fine."

Ginny wrapped her arms around him. "We’ll just have to keep each other warm."

Harry smiled and settled back to watch the match. Ravenclaw’s new Seeker’s inexperience showed, and she spent her time tailing the Hufflepuff Seeker, much like Cho used to do to him. From the corner of his eye, Harry caught Hermione staring off towards the Hufflepuff stands. Following her eye, he could see Ron’s bright red hair. Ron was sitting with Hannah Abbott and a bunch of her friends. He was laughing and appeared to be having a good time.

Hermione’s cheek twitched slightly, but otherwise she remained unruffled and glued her eyes to the match. Harry knew she was bothered; she’d never paid this much attention to Quidditch even when Gryffindor played.

He kept glancing up towards the Hufflepuff stands and noticed Ron staring back towards Hermione on several occasions. Harry swore beneath his breath. Why are they both so stubborn?

Ginny distracted him from his musings by nibbling on his ear and sending delicious shock waves of pleasure down his spine. He groaned lightly as he let his head fall back, causing Ginny to giggle.

"Shh, Harry. You don’t want Hermione scolding us, in addition to Seamus and Lavender."

Harry glanced over at Hermione, who was chatting away with Parvati and Dean. Seamus and Lavender had moved back over to the corner. "I’ll risk it," Harry said, grinning.

Ginny giggled and nuzzled his neck.

"Hem, hem," someone cleared his throat behind them. The Gryffindors turned to see Terry Boot standing there, awkwardly shifting from foot to foot.

"Terry," Hermione said. "Hello."

"Hey, Hermione. I was wondering…er…it doesn’t look like Ravenclaw is going to be able to pull a win out of this one. Would you like to join me in the Library? We could start on our Arithmancy essay," Terry said.

Lavender had practically pushed Seamus off of her to sit up and watch this encounter. She and Parvati’s eyes were wide and unblinking.

"Leave?" Hermione asked blankly. "Before the match is over?"

"Well, unless our Chasers show a marked improvement, it’s mathematically impossible to win, even if we catch the Snitch. Since our new Seeker is rubbish, it’s highly unlikely, and I can make better use of my time," Terry said reasonably.

Hermione blinked for a moment, as if her brain were having trouble accepting someone else repeat the same words she’d used on many occasions. "But…don’t you want to support your team?"

"Hermione, it’s only a game," Terry said with a furrowed brow. "It’s not like my staying or leaving is going to change anything."

Hermione looked stunned. She hesitated for a moment, staring at him as if he completely baffled her, before saying, "All right, then. I’ll catch up with you later, Harry and Ginny."

The moment they’d left the stands, Lavender and Parvati closed in on Harry and Ginny. "What’s going on with those two?" Lavender asked.

"I noticed they’ve been spending a lot of time revising lately," Parvati said. "Since it was Hermione, I thought they were actually revising. Now, I’m not so certain. What’s the real story?"

Ginny shook her head. "I wish I knew." Turning towards Harry, she placed her fingertips on his chin and forced his jaw closed, erasing the gob-smacked expression from his face. He blinked at her stupidly, unable to comprehend Terry’s dismissal of Quidditch for homework.

"I thought it was just a Hermione thing," he whispered.

Ginny giggled. "Don’t worry, Harry. I don’t think Hermione knew what to make of that kind of reaction to Quidditch, either. It’s certainly not what she’s accustomed to, and I think it disappointed her."

Harry glanced up towards the Hufflepuff section and could detect the angry redness on Ron’s ears even from a distance. Great.

Hufflepuff ended up winning the match 420 to 100; Gryffindor would need a big win over Slytherin to catch them.

The next morning, Harry made his way down to breakfast alone. Ron had gone back to the Hufflepuff common room with Hannah after the match and stayed for their victory celebration. He hadn’t got back to the dormitory until well after curfew and had no intention of rising anytime soon. Not even food would entice him, so Harry had finally given up and gone on alone.

As he entered the Great Hall, he immediately knew something had happened. A strange hush had fallen over the hall as he entered, and all heads in the large room had turned to face him. His neck heated as he felt everyone’s eyes following him over to Hermione and Ginny. Ginny had a dazed, horrified expression on her face, and Hermione was buried behind her copy of the Daily Prophet.

"Harry–" Ginny whispered.

"What happened?" he asked.

Silently, Hermione handed him her paper. Her face was pale, and he could read the dread in her eyes. He grabbed the paper and sank to the bench. He felt thoroughly sick to his stomach when he read the headline:

A/N: Thanks, as always, to my beta, Mistral for all her help and hard work. I really appreciate all that you do.

Did you all catch the promotional countdown banner for HBP? Things are looking good for us H/G fans. Here’s the link if you didn’t:

http://www(.)the-leaky-cauldron.org/imag es/2005/03/scholstandupbig(.)html http://www(.)the-leaky-cauldron.org/imag es/2005/03/scholstandupbig(.)html