|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Author: KEDme Story: Ginny Weasley and the Goblet of Fire Rating: Young Teens Setting: Pre-DH Status: WIP Reviews: 22 Words: 59,242
Disclaimer: Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K.R. Note the opinions in this story are my own and in no way represent the owners of this site. This story subject to copyright law under transformative use. No compensation is made for this work.
*** Chapter Five: The Duelling Tournament Thirty-two had signed up for the duel but only twenty-nine actually showed. Of those twenty-nine, Ginny was only really worried about five or six fellow duellists. After the customary weighing of the wands and instructions from the panel of judges the tournament got underway with a round of duels. Ginny’s first duel wasn’t for a few minutes, so she had an opportunity to assess the other competitors. Just as she had predicted, her greatest competition came from her fellow DA members, Colin and Luna. Colin was fast and liked to throw his hexes hard, but he was also impulsive. Luna… well, Luna was unpredictable. Ginny had a difficult time anticipating what she was going to do next, and she knew that would give her some trouble. But the person who worried her the most had surprised her with his skill – Theodore Nott. Nott was a methodical dueller and he always seemed to have a plan for a counter-attack, but he was ruthless and showed no mercy to his opponent. Ginny knew this was the side of his personality that had made him ideal for Slytherin. His only weakness seemed to be that he sometimes over-thought his moves and lost valuable time in between attacks. His hexes were strong but not too terribly powerful, and his timing was just a little off. Ginny felt she could use that to her advantage. The tournament rules called for double elimination, so a duellist could lose one time and still make it to the delegation – but Ginny didn’t intend to lose even once. Since Harry was to act as one of the judges and had to appear impartial, Hermione had agreed to stay with her throughout the competition. Ginny almost regretted her choice now because her friend kept throwing worried glances in Ron’s direction; her brother had taken permanent residence in the stands and Hermione was more focused on him rather than the competition. The couple was still arguing, but the anger had cooled somewhat since Harry and Ginny’s talk. Ron had been furious with Harry at first and loudly declared him ‘whipped’ to anyone who would listen. Eventually they had exchanged harsh words (and possibly even fists according to the gossip mill), but with Harry’s help Ron had grudgingly come to the conclusion that this was Ginny’s choice to make and she needed all of their support to succeed. To her surprise, both Ron and Charlie had come to the match and actually wished her luck before retreating to the spectator stands, although Ginny knew it had galled them both to do it. They’d probably sooner see her kiss a Hippogriff than actually win this thing. Despite her nerves, Ginny won her first duel against a girl from Hufflepuff easily; it had only taken her two curses to knock the girl out. The second duel against an Asian boy from Ravenclaw, Anthony Tanaka, had been a little more challenging. They had exchanged curses for a full fifteen minutes before Ginny finally got him with a Jelly-legs Jinx. Ginny had found it exhilarating. She hadn’t felt so alive in a long time. She had always excelled at duelling and had plenty of practice honing her skills over the years, but it was good to do it in a friendly competition where she didn’t have to worry that someone was going to throw an Unforgivable at her. She could have ended the match sooner, but she was having too much fun. Her good friend Colin Creevey was next. Colin and Ginny had duelled together many times over the years in class and in the DA, so Ginny thought she knew what to expect. Unfortunately, Colin also knew what to expect from her. He narrowly missed hitting her with a tickling hex that might have done her in, and came a hair’s breath away from winning when his Tarantallegra Curse hit dead on. But as she struggled to break the effect of the curse, she managed save herself by throwing an anti-gravity curse his way that confused him just enough for her to right herself and finish him with a solid Disarming spell. After that Ginny didn’t waste time. She easily won her next two duels, and then faced a new challenge – Luna. Luna seemed to duel mostly by shooting out random curses, but with accuracy. Ginny had to be quick with the Shield Charm because one could not tell when Luna would decide to strike. In addition, she had a funny and frustrating habit of side-stepping curses thrown at her, making Ginny wonder if she was doing some kind of telepathic communication or Legilimency. In a stroke of brilliance, Ginny finally ended the weird back and forth dance they were doing by firing two curses almost simultaneously (the second slighting off centre), a trick she had learnt from watching Harry. Luna’s wand came flying into Ginny’s hand easily, ending the match. “That was brilliant!” Hermione exclaimed afterwards, clearly impressed. “I really was beginning to wonder if the two of you were going to end up an even match, but that last move was exactly what you needed. Wherever did you learn that?” Ginny’s eyes drifted to Harry who was looking sullen and pensive at the judges table. In addition to keeping tabs on the legality of the curses being thrown, each of the judges was supposed to be taking notes on the contestant’s skills including their strengths and weaknesses. But he wasn’t doing much writing. She guessed that her success was again making Harry nervous, but she couldn’t worry about that right now. She had a tournament to win. “Just a little trick I picked up over the years,” she answered Hermione noncommittally. Finally after hours of duels, the tournament came down to two undefeated contestants – Ginny and Theodore Nott. During the lull in the competition while the championship stage was being set up for the final duel, Harry made his way over to Ginny. His face was tight as he said, “Good duelling, Ginny.” He seemed sincere, but she could tell it wasn’t enthusiastic. “Contain yourself, Harry, or people might think you actually want to see me win this thing,” she quipped sarcastically, jabbing him in the ribs lightly. He smiled a genuine smile for a change, relaxing a bit. “Sorry. I’ve been stuck watching all of Nott’s duels. His hexes are clean but some of them border on illegal. It’s been pretty tense over there.” She searched his face for signs of doubt. “Are you certain you haven’t changed your mind about supporting me?” “Not at all,” he assured her. “I can see how much fun you’re having. This tournament just proves my point that you are the best of the lot. Only that doesn’t put my mind at ease, if you know what I mean. I think you’re going to have a tough time with Nott. He gets nasty when he’s losing, so watch your back.” “I will,” she promised. His face brightened slightly. “I guess the best thing about this is that we won’t have to spend the year apart. You’re guaranteed a spot now.” “Fleur assured me that it is a very romantic place, ‘ze Beauxbatons’...” she quipped in a perfect imitation of her French sister-in-law. “Won’t it be exciting to explore someplace new together? Think of all the fresh broom cupboards we could investigate.” He flushed and she knew exactly where his mind had taken him – a good sign that he was getting over his earlier reservations about her attending the delegation. “Do they even call them broom cupboards in “I dunno,” she shrugged. “I suppose we’ll find out, oui? Now wish me luck and let me get on with whipping some Slytherin arse.” He nodded, looking very much like he wanted to kiss her but didn’t dare in front of the entire school. “Good luck, Ginny. Be careful.” “Thanks, Harry. I will,” she said with a sunny grin. He always made her feel on top of the world – that is when he wasn’t driving her insane with his stupid nobleness. She moved off to take her place at her end of the platform and he made his way back to the judges table. “I told you he’d come to his senses as soon as he was free of the venom from the Microscopic Snapfoot,” Luna said with a dreamy smile as she passed. “I know,” Ginny admitted, blushing. “That was a brilliant duel, Luna. Sorry I had to end it like that.” Luna waved off her apology. “That’s okay. I only want to go to Beauxbatons, not actually be the Champion. I hear they have the most lovely Kalahillies there.” “Don’t you mean Calla lilies?” Ginny corrected her. “Oh, no,” Luna said wide-eyed. “Kalahillies are beautiful little fairies who grant wishes if you capture them. They live in the flowers in Mediterranean areas where it’s very warm, but they are extremely hard to catch. I’ve always wanted to actually see one.” “What would you wish for if you actually caught one?” Ginny asked curiously, wondering what someone like Luna would want. She looked startled at the question at first, and then smiled dreamily. “Why, true love of course,” she said. “Not everyone can be as lucky as you to have found it so easily.” Ginny looked over at Harry who was still watching her nervously. “That’s an excellent thing to wish for,” she said quietly. Luna smiled. “Good luck, Ginny. Theodore is a good dueller, but he hasn’t learned to listen to his inner voices and trust himself yet. He’s still got a lot of anger in him.” Ginny nodded. “I’ll do that. Thanks.” Nott was just reaching the other side of the platform and Ginny knew the duel was about to start, so she said good-bye to Luna and headed to her side of the platform. Hermione met her on their end to give her a few last minute words of encouragement. “Try to take him out as soon as you can,” she said seriously. “The sooner the better. I’ve been watching his duels, and he likes to play dirty the longer he goes. It’s time to pull out all the stops. Don’t hold back or you’ll regret it later. Try to keep moving and be ready with the Shield Charm.” Ginny nodded her understanding. “Dueller’s take the stage,” Professor McGonagall’s stiff voice called out from the middle of the stage. She stepped up on the platform, and Nott did the same. Professor McGonagall, who was officiating this final match, took the opportunity to remind the contestants of the rules. “I want to see a clean, fair duel,” she said, glaring at Nott. “This is a friendly competition – only Class II and III curses are allowed. Any use of a Class I curse will automatically cause you to forfeit the match. Only standard Jinxes and Hexes taught at Hogwarts are authorized – that means no Bat-Bogeys, Miss Weasley, understood?” Ginny nodded reluctantly. “All right then,” Professor McGonagall continued. “Let’s get on with it. Good luck to you both, and may the best contestant win.” She moved off the stage and Ginny was faced with a determined Theodore Nott. They moved towards each other, wands at the ready, and met in the centre. “Good luck, Weasley,” he sneered. “You’re going to need it.” “Good luck to you, Nott,” she responded sweetly. “I’m going to wipe the floor with you.” He jerked his wand down angrily, and she did the same. They both did an about face and stalked the required ten paces to the opposite ends of the stage and took their stances, waiting for the call. “On my mark,” McGonagall said, “…Begin!” Both contestants responded with a curse. Ginny’s grazed Nott’s shoulder, but didn’t do any lasting damage, and Nott’s missed her completely. Nott responded with a powerful Jelly-Legs Jinx, but Ginny managed to deflect it with a shield charm. The crowd clapped. She immediately countered with a Rapid-Hair Growth Jinx that hit her competitor head on. In seconds Nott was covered in hair over his shoulders. He dodged awkwardly out of the way as she followed up with a second curse. Tapping his head, he muttered the counter curse, and the hair disappeared. Ginny could see that his pale, weedy face was angry that she had almost got the best of him. He recovered his stance and threw a hard bludgeoning curse that knocked the wind out of her. The crowd gasped and Ginny knew she was in trouble; she hit the platform hard, her ribs throbbing where the curse had struck. As she was trying to right herself, she felt the magic of the next curse come and rolled to the side, keeping a tight grip on her wand. Nott’s Disarming charm almost ended the match, but Ginny somehow managed to hold on to her wand through sheer will. She wrenched her wand free of the spell and rolled again, righting herself, determined to not let Nott have the upper hand again. Ignoring the pain, she quickly shot a Petrifying Charm at him that would have hit its mark had he not stumbled while trying to get out of the way. Flustered and embarrassed, he tried to pick himself up but the floor had become soft and sticky. His hands and feet were literally stuck to the ground thanks to Ginny’s Sticking Charm. Since he still had his wand in his hand, however, Nott was able to cast the counter-curse and free himself just in time to avoid a third hex. The play went on like this for a good thirty minutes until both contestants were drenched in sweat. It had been a long, gruelling day and Ginny’s muscles ached and strained, but she refused to give up. Nott was a wily bugger, but she knew she could outlast him. Quitting was not an option. She thought she had him, finally, when she managed to confuse him with a conjured flock of birds. She was just taking aim with the Disarming charm when an angry Nott cast a spell she was unfamiliar with; Ginny could feel the force of it hit her even as she tried desperately to shield herself from it. Whatever it was cut though her Shield Charm easily and hit her squarely in the chest. The pain hit her like a bullet. It was like ice and fire all at once spreading from one spot and radiating out all over her body – not quite as bad as the Cruciatus Curse, but close. It took her entirely by surprise and she doubled over, dropping her wand and falling on the ground. Whatever this was, she was certain that it must be illegal. Professor McGonagall had specifically said no Class I Curses. She tried not to cry out, but it was impossible when she felt like her insides were being eaten alive. Helplessly, she fell to the ground, writhing in pain, knowing that Nott surely had her wand by now and hating that she was so vulnerable in front of all these people. At the same time she willed the pain to go away, crying out for help. She couldn’t even think coherently enough to utter a counter curse – not that she even knew which one would work. “Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth,” a voice drifted down from above. She knew that voice – it had saved her before. “It’ll be over soon, I promise,” the sweet voice whispered, cradling her in his arms strong arms. “I’ve got you now. Just breathe...” “Harry?” she gasped, feeling her mind and body slowly return to normal. The pain was still there but it was becoming bearable, at least. “W-what happened?” He was sitting on the platform, holding her in his arms. Other people were there too, crowding around her and blocking everything else from view. Ron, Charlie, Hermione, Luna, Colin… even Professor McGonagall. But all she cared about was that Harry was here. The others could all go away for all she cared so they wouldn’t have to see her failure. “I-I lost, didn’t I?” she managed weakly, looking up at him and trying to fight the tears that threatened to fall. She had wanted this so badly, but she would not cry. She refused to be a sore loser. “Actually, Miss Weasley,” Professor McGonagall said, “you won.” “H-how?” Ginny stammered, looking at everyone with wide, surprised eyes. “That Son-of-a-Death-Eater used a Class I curse on you, Ginny,” Harry practically snarled. “Anything that causes that much pain is deemed unsportsmanlike by the Ministry. He cheated, and he should be disqualified. If I have my way about it, he’ll be banned from the entire delegation and kicked out of school.” “Easy, Mr. Potter,” Professor McGonagall said through pursed lips. “While it is true that Mr. Nott should not have used that curse on Miss Weasley, the rules state that he only loses the duel. Since he was previously undefeated, technically he still came in second, which makes him more than eligible to join the delegation. Using poor judgement is not a reason to have him expelled, I’m afraid. I’ll have a word with Mr. Nott about his behaviour as soon as he is revived.” “Revived?” Ginny asked, confused, looking around. “Harry cursed the git for hurting you, and now he’s out cold,” Charlie said with venom, approval showing on his face. “Rennervate won’t even wake him.” “He’s awake now,” Amada said as she joined them. “Madame Pomfrey is with him and says he’ll be just fine eventually. He’ll have a headache for a few days, though.” “Good show, Harry,” Ron muttered darkly. “Serves the git right for what he did.” “Madame Pomfrey’s instructed me to fetch a potion, Ginny, to help your body recover from that curse,” Amanda said. “She also said to tell you not to move and that she’ll be over to check you out as soon as she’s finished with Nott. Congratulations on winning, by the way.” “Thanks,” Ginny said, wondering why she didn’t feel more elated. “You were brilliant!” Hermione practically squealed as Amanda rushed off. “Brilliant up until you got hit with that last curse,” Ron commented dryly. “But that was a low blow, even for a Slytherin.” “What was that curse, anyway?” she asked, looking only at Harry. Somehow she knew he’d know the answer and she wanted to hear it from him. “What did it feel like?” he asked softly, looking into her eyes. They were sad and fearful and understanding all at the same time. “Like icicles and hot coals radiating all over my body from the position where I was first hit,” she answered. “Not the same as the Cruciatus, but almost as painful. It started slowly at first so that I didn’t even notice, but grew strong really quickly until it was overwhelming and covered my whole body.” “The Vena Curse,” Harry said quietly. “It’s a specialty of the Death Eaters – a new curse developed by Voldemort. It uses the bloodstream to carry the curse to the other parts of the body. It never goes as far as the brain, though, so there’s no danger of insanity, but it hurts like hell while you’re under it and there’s no counter-curse. It just has to wear off on its own. Lucky for you Nott’s curse didn’t have a lot of power behind it or it could have lasted a lot longer. I’m so sorry you had to go through that.” “Nott said he didn’t intend to cast that curse,” Amanda said. “He’s insisting it was an accident. He said he never intended to hurt you Ginny – he just reacted without thinking. He wants to come over and apologize...” “Keep him away,” Harry growled darkly, “or I might react without thinking.” “I’ll deal with Mr. Nott,” Professor McGonagall said firmly. “Then we’ll post the rankings. I’m sure the other delegates will want to know who has the privilege of accompanying us to Beauxbatons. Congratulations, Miss Weasley. That was an excellent performance. I expect great things from you, my dear. Now, if you’ll excuse me…” She departed with a swish of her tartan robes and made her way to the other side of the room where Ginny supposed she was about to have a conversation with Theodore Nott. Ginny stirred. “Stay still until Madame Pomfrey checks you out,” Harry said concern evident in his eyes and voice. “Don’t be silly,” she said, struggling to sit up. “I’m fine. Just help me up.” Obediently, he took her hand and pulled her to her feet, catching her as she swayed dangerously. “You’re not fine,” he insisted, helping her right herself. The others drifted off discussing the tournament and other issues as soon as they saw that she was steady on her feet and under Harry’s watchful eye. “You’re one to talk,” she groaned trying not to wince from the pain. She didn’t want to be fussed over, and she didn’t want to spend even one second in the hospital wing. “Really, Harry, I’m just exhausted and a bit stiff.” He sighed and she was startled by the intensity of the look he was giving her. “Ginny, I don’t know how I’m supposed to handle this.” His jaw clenched and his muscles tensed even as he held her tenderly. “When I saw you lying there screaming, I... I lost it. The anger... it just came from nowhere. I wanted to kill him for hurting you.” She raised her eyes to his and held his gaze. “Thanks for cursing the git, Harry.” He seemed startled but pleased. “You’re welcome.” “You know, I started this whole thing to prove a point that I can take care of myself...” she said, leaning into him tiredly and letting him support her weight. “I think you did that,” he interrupted. “You were fantastic, Ginny. I never knew you could duel so well, and you really seemed to enjoy it.” “I did,” she assured him. “But in the end when I needed you most, you were there and I was glad. I told you once I don’t want to live with regrets, but I do regret something. I regret that I’ve let this tournament get between us and what we have together.” She took a deep breath, her decision made. “So I’ve decided to quit. If you don’t want me to enter this tournament, Harry, I won’t. Nothing is worth risking what we have together. Not this tournament, not my desire to become an Auror and stand by your side as we fight Dark Wizards together... nothing.” He froze, looking for the truth in her eyes. “You want to be an Auror?” She nodded. “But I want you more.” She could see the temptation in his eyes, but it only lasted a second before he shook his head. “No. I can’t keep holding you back, Ginny. I love you too much to tie you down.” He pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and his voice grew husky and low. “You’d come to resent me if I tried to make you into something you’re not. I could see how alive you became – how you love the thrill of it all. I’m so proud of you, Ginny. I was wrong to let my own fears and insecurities hold you back from being who you are.” Her brow creased in confusion. “What are you saying, Harry?” He smiled. “I’m saying that if you want to enter this competition, then I’ll support you one hundred percent. If you want to be an Auror, then we’ll do it together. Whatever you want is fine by me, so long as I’m there with you.” A rush of love swept over her and she leapt into his arms. “You really mean that?” “Yes.” He kissed the top of her head and held her close. “With all my heart.” “I love you, Harry,” she said, choking back the tears that threatened to spill out. He bent his head and kissed her lips reverently, holding her close. “No regrets, Ginny,” he murmured. “No regrets.” “No,” she agreed. “No regrets.”
|