Chapter Four

Saturday turned out to be one of the nicest days of the autumn season, perfect for Quidditch. The sun was hidden behind white fluffy clouds, allowing for excellent vision on the field. Students from every house had gathered on the pitch after reading the announcement that the first of the trials would be held that very day and, with any luck, they would have a team before dinner that evening. Hermione had escorted Harry as far as the entrance to the pitch before she headed back up to the castle to work on her Arithmancy essay. Harry never expected her to stay. He knew she wasn't a big fan of Quidditch and when she had work that needed to be done, she did it as soon as possible. It was just the way Hermione was. Harry glanced around at the large crowd as he stepped onto the pitch. A lot of people were looking rather anxious at having to try out against some of the best Quidditch players in the school, and one girl, upon spotting Harry, actually grabbed her broom and ran off the pitch.

"All right everyone! Listen up!" Ginny's booming voice sounded over the crowd as she stood up in the first row of the stands. Harry watched her for a moment as she spoke, taking in the blazing look in her eyes that showed just how much passion she had for the sport. Her hair was whipping softly in the slight breeze as she spoke to everyone with a commanding presence. Everyone had questioned the decision at first, but Harry could see why the professors had chosen her as the captain to represent Hogwarts. "We're going to start with the Beaters first, then Keepers, Seekers, and Chasers will be last. If you are trying out for more than one position, stick around afterwards. Those of you not trying out for a Beater position, make yourselves comfortable in the stands and wait your turn."

Harry took a seat down the bench from Ginny and tried to look interested in the tryouts for Beaters, but his head was swimming with questions at the sight of the fiery redhead. He still hadn't figured out any reason as to why Ron and Ginny were acting so oddly towards him and Hermione. Hermione hadn't been any help either. When she wasn't busy studying, she insisted that the two would eventually get over whatever it was that was bugging them. Harry wasn't so sure. He had never seen Ron as angry as he was with him, not even during his fourth year when Ron had thought Harry had put his name into the Goblet of Fire. That didn't even begin to explain why Ginny was angry with them as well. Harry continued to mull over his thoughts until something caught his eye. Approaching Ginny was the arrogant Zacharias Smith, who was waiting for his turn to try out as one of the Beaters. Harry glared at the back of Smith's head and wondered if that guy would ever learn. He watched silently as they exchanged heated words.

Suddenly, Ginny stood up and glared straight into Smith's eyes, daring him to say something stupid. "Sit your bloody arse down and wait your turn. Everyone will be getting a fair chance, and I do mean everyone. I will not be giving anyone any preference, no matter what you think, so sit down and stop bothering me while I'm trying to choose my Beaters fairly and based on talent! If you bother me again, you won't get a chance to try out."

Harry snickered quietly while he watched Smith slink away, red-faced. He couldn't help but be amused by the display, especially after hearing what Smith had said about Ron on the train. Harry looked back at Ginny only to find her glaring at him. His amused smile quickly faded as he turned his attention back to the pitch, trying to avoid any confrontation with Ginny. He felt like anything he said or did around Ginny was wrong somehow. When he tried to be friendly and companionable, all he earned was scathing glares. It was as if he could do nothing right.

After the Beater positions had been filled by Marcus Belby of Ravenclaw and, unfortunately, Zacharias Smith, Hermione joined Harry while he waited for the Seeker tryouts. They had all been sitting for a while, and they were starting to get a bit restless. Harry couldn't help but be thankful that the number trying out for Keeper was smaller than the number for Beaters. The string of people trying out didn't do as well as Harry had thought, with most only saving two or three penalties shot by five of the top chasers in the school. Soon, it was down to the two remaining Keepers, Malcolm Baddock from Slytherin and Ron Weasley. Each had saved five and were now to face off with another five penalties as the tie breaker. Baddock was up first, and Harry couldn't help noticing that Ron looked a little green.

"All right, Baddock. You know the drill. Five penalty shots will be taken against each of you, and the person to save the most will be the Keeper for the team." Ginny glared back at Baddock, obviously hoping he would miss them all, but knowing that it wasn't likely. The crowd watched as Malcolm flew up and managed to save four out of five penalties. On the last one, however, he flew completely in the wrong direction, causing Ginny to smirk slightly. Harry thought it was a bit odd, as it almost looked as if he had been Confunded.

Finally, it was Ron's turn. He was still looking a bit peaky when he mounted his Cleansweep Eleven, but it turned out that there really was nothing to worry about. At first, Ron had flitted about as he waited for the Chasers to be ready. He looked extremely nervous, and Harry thought for a moment that he might even lose his nerve. However, Ron pulled himself together and managed to save all of the penalties without too much trouble.

When Ron was finished saving the last penalty, he glided down with a large grin on his face and met Ginny with a crushing hug. Harry couldn't have been happier for his best friend. He knew how much Ron loved Quidditch and was sure that he had desperately wanted to be part of the Hogwarts team.

"Ron, I'll need you to stay and help with the Chaser tryouts. I knew you could do it." Ginny smiled at Ron before she turned to his competition. "Well, Baddock, looks like you're out." Ginny smirked triumphantly as Baddock glared down at her.

"Give me another go."

"No. You've had your turn. You saved four and Ron saved five. He won Keeper fair and square. Now, get out of my way."

Harry had to admit that he was impressed by Ginny's strength and character when faced with someone like Baddock. He looked almost twice the size of Ginny, yet she had no problem standing up to him. Even from his position in the stands, he could see the fire in her eyes, challenging Baddock to question her authority. It was no surprise to him that Ginny had been sorted into Gryffindor when he saw this side of her. He kept his eyes on Baddock as he stormed off in a huff, nearly knocking down a small first-year on his way off the pitch.

"Seekers, up next. Harper and Davis. You two are up first."

After a long and grueling tryout, it was down to Harry and Malfoy for the position of Seeker. Ginny had done each in pairs with a total of sixteen people trying out. The winner of each pair would face off against the winner of another pair until it was finally down to two people. They had been up in the air for what seemed like hours, but was actually only twenty minutes. Finally, after searching the pitch over and over again, Harry spotted the Snitch near the goal hoops on the other side of the pitch. A bright, tiny flash of gold was hovering near the left hoop, and Malfoy had yet to spot it. Keeping his eye on the spot, without drawing too much attention to the fact that he'd found it, Harry slowly flew closer and closer. Suddenly, Harry leaned down flat against his broom and took off, following the Snitch as it started to dart away. Malfoy finally caught on to the fact that Harry had spotted the tiny ball and was right on his tail. As Harry got closer, he reached his hand out, trying to keep his balance while Malfoy was trying his best to knock him off his broom. He curled his fingers around the elusive prize, and the tryout was over. He had caught the Snitch.

Harry landed with a large grin, just as Ron had earlier that day. Hermione ran down onto the pitch, heading towards him. His hand was still clutching the ball when he threw his arms around her. He couldn't help himself. He was so ecstatic that he had made it onto the team. He hadn't really believed Hermione at breakfast when she said he wouldn't have any problem getting the Seeker's position, and now it had come true. He pulled back slightly and pressed his lips to Hermione's in celebration.

Someone clearing their throat tore Harry's attention from Hermione, and when he looked up, he saw Ginny looking slightly annoyed. "Congratulations, Potter. The schedule will be posted tomorrow along with the final roster, complete with reserves. Be sure to try to make every practice, or I may have to replace you." Once Ginny was finished speaking, she turned and strode away, only to be accosted by a very upset Draco Malfoy.

Not wanting to stick around any longer than he had to, Harry gathered his gear and headed back to the castle with Hermione at his side. He really didn't feel like facing Ginny after she had been talking with Malfoy, especially with the mood she had been in earlier with Baddock and Smith.

The next morning when Harry entered the common room, he was met with the sight of about a dozen Gryffindors all standing around the notice board, trying to catch a glimpse as to who had made the team and who ended up as reserves. There seemed to be a lot of talk and whispers over some of the choices. With curiosity getting the better of him, Harry wandered over and tried to squeeze his way through the small crowd. He glanced up at the sheet, written in Ginny's delicate handwriting.

Hogwarts Junior Quidditch World Cup Team

First team meeting will take place next week on Friday at 3 p.m. For those who have classes, I have already spoken with your professors. Thank you to everyone who tried out.

Harry suddenly understood what all the whispering had been about when his eyes landed on Draco Malfoy's name beside the position of Chaser. His first thought was that it had been a mistake. He had never known Draco to ever play any position besides Seeker. He couldn't help but assume it was a mistake. He really didn't want Malfoy on the same team as him. They had never got along and Ginny knew this. In fact, Malfoy had never been nice to even her, except when she was announced as the team captain, and only then to hopefully secure a spot on the team. His eyes glanced towards the staircase that led to the girls' dormitories, hoping that there would be an answer soon. He didn't have to wait very long. Ginny stepped into the common room only a moment later and was immediately swarmed by a group of people, asking her question upon question about her selection of the players. She was starting to get agitated when they wouldn't quieten down in order for her to answer.

"All right. Shut up! Bloody hell, if you're going to ask questions, let me answer them. I chose fairly. I chose the best in the school, and if you don't like it, maybe you should practice a little harder. Maybe, if you're good enough, you'll make the Gryffindor team next year. There are no mistakes on that list, and YES, that includes Malfoy as a Chaser." Ginny glared at anyone who dared to try and argue with her.

"Are you really sure about that?" Harry glanced over to see an irritated Seamus Finnigan who had tried out, but hadn't even managed to make the reserves list.

"Yes, I am sure. He tried out and he was one of the best. End of story. No more arguing or questioning my judgement. Don't you all have a breakfast to get to?" Ginny crossed her arms over her chest as she watched everyone leave the common room. She glanced at Harry for a moment before she followed everyone else out of the tower.

During breakfast, Harry took his usual seat beside Hermione while Ron and Ginny sat with Lavender, Dean, Seamus, and Parvati further up the table. Harry still hadn't got used to not having Ron around, and he hated it. Harry pushed the food around on his plate, not all that interested in eating.

"Harry, you really should eat something," Hermione spoke quietly.

"I'm not hungry."

"Look, I know how much you miss Ron, and I do too, but there's nothing we can do about it if we don't know what's wrong." Hermione was always trying to be the voice of reason, and Harry hated to admit that she was right.

"Well, why aren't we trying harder to figure it out? I'm so tired of the three of us fighting all the time. If it's not one thing, it's something else." Harry huffed, throwing down his fork.

"Well, I'm sorry for that. It's not like we plan it or anything. It just happens."

Harry sighed and glanced down the table at Ron and Ginny. It seemed that Lavender Brown had taken quite an interest in Ron lately and was trying to keep his attention on her. It wasn't easy with Seamus, who appeared to be over not being chosen for the Hogwarts team, and some sixth year Harry didn't know flirting with Ginny on the other side of the table. Ron looked a bit torn between Lavender's attentions and trying to keep an eye on his little sister. Harry frowned and turned back to his plate, pushing around the cold eggs with his fork. He didn't look up again until Dumbledore's voice echoed through the Great Hall.

"I trust that you are all well fed by now and are interested in just who shall be the referees for the tournament. Our very own Madam Hooch will be assisting Hassan Mostafa of the International Association of Quidditch to ensure that our guest referees are fair in their judgements. We are very lucky to have procured three very special referees. The first is Mister Charles Weasley, who was one of the finest Seekers Hogwarts has ever seen. The second is Mister Oliver Wood, who plays Keeper for Puddlemere United. And finally, Mister Viktor Krum, the Seeker for the Bulgarian Quidditch team."

The whole Great Hall was in an uproar of cheers at Dumbledore's news. Even the Slytherins seemed almost satisfied with the choices. Harry glanced up from his plate, noticing for the first time that the three referees were sitting at the head table with the professors and Hassan Mostafa. The four guests were standing, accepting the applause the students were giving them. As the applause faded, Dumbledore dismissed the student body for the morning. Ginny was the first one up from her seat, but instead of leaving the Great Hall, she ran up to the front.

"Charlie!" Ginny flung herself at her older brother and wrapped her arms around him as he picked her small frame up. A few students looked on while others continued out the doors. Harry stood up and started walking towards the front, thinking that he should at least say hello to the three familiar visitors. Hermione followed closely behind, looking a little nervous.

"Good to see you, Harry." Oliver walked over to Harry and shook his hand. "Can I assume that you are the captain?"

"Err... actually, Ginny Weasley is."

"Well, I suppose that's not much of a surprise. She comes from a Quidditch family and is a Gryffindor as well. I heard the great success the Gryffindor Quidditch team has had. Two Cup wins since I've left. Excellent job. Your friend Ron has been doing an excellent job in my old position on the team." Oliver smiled proudly.

"Oliver." Harry glanced to where the sound came from and saw Charlie waving Oliver over. "I'd like you to meet my sister, Ginny."

Oliver nodded a goodbye to Harry before he walked over to the Weasleys. Harry walked slightly behind, a bit curious, though unaware as to why.

"Ah, Ginny. I was just talking to Potter about you. I hear you're the lucky one who's been named Quidditch captain. Congratulations." Oliver smiled at her and shook her hand.

"Thank you. I look forward to fulfilling my duties. I've already got my team assembled with the best players in the school. I tried to be as fair as possible of course, but Gryffindor has the top players for most positions. Can't help that, can we?" Ginny flashed Oliver a smile as she spoke. Oliver smiled back at her and picked up her hand, giving it a small kiss as she blushed.

"Looks like a possible loff match."

Harry's attention snapped to Viktor Krum at his words. A love match between Ginny and Oliver? That couldn't be possible. He was the same age as Ginny's brother, Percy. Harry was sure that Ron would never allow that to happen, but when Harry looked back over, Ron appeared to be too busy talking with Charlie to notice the flirting going on between his sister and former housemate.

Harry decided he had seen enough for the evening and took a hold of Hermione's hand. She looked a bit surprised when he started to walk away, still holding her hand. She said a quick goodbye to Viktor as she was dragged out of the Great Hall.

"Harry, are you all right?" Hermione looked at him with concern as they headed back to Gryffindor Tower.

"I'm fine... Do you really think Ginny and Wood...? I mean, he's five years older than her. I'm surprised Ron wasn't showing any concern for that. It's a bit pervy, don't you think? He's the same age as Percy."

Hermione stopped walking and stared at him, confusion etched across her features. "Would that be a problem, if they became involved? Other than the fact that it could possibly be against the rules of the tournament, I don't see a problem with it."

"Well, you wouldn't, would you?" Harry hadn't meant to say what he did. It just sort of slipped out.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione asked, a look of hurt shadowing her face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. It's just that, you know. You and Viktor... He's a bit older than you. I really didn't mean anything by it. I guess Wood just got to me a bit, assuming that I was the captain when I wasn't, then talking about Ron... I... Sorry..."

Hermione nodded softly, seeming to understand what he was trying to say. After a moment, they continued to walk back to the common room in silence.