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Author: jedi34 Story: Flying Free Rating: Teens Setting: AU Status: Completed Reviews: 10 Words: 69,057
AN: Thanks again to all my readers who have waited patiently, I really appreciate it. Best regards to Arnel, who edited this even though she had the flu, and to Julie for her ideas and thoughts. Enjoy! ~*~ *BAM* Harry cursed and veered to the right, clutching his side from the Bludger that had just barrelled into him. He turned and glared silently across the pitch at Alison, who waved cheerily at him before diving abruptly in search of another victim. Harry had been splitting his time evenly between the first team and the Meat Squad since the Arrows' stunning victory over Puddlemere. He was starting to dread the time he spent playing with the first team. Ever since he’d mentioned Alison’s smaller stature, she had gone out of her way to pummel him with Bludgers. He had to admit she was quite good with a bat. Scary, even. Harry twisted around and gasped at the sharp pain in his chest. Holding his side, he flew down and landed on the field, staggering as he dismounted. Coach Smith halted practice and glided over to his obviously injured Seeker. “Alright there, Potter?” “I think I’ve got some broken ribs… again.” Coach Smith sighed as he ran his hand over his face. “This is the third time this week. I don’t know what you said to Ali to make her target you like this, but you two need to fix it.” Smith blew his whistle and called loudly to the rest of the team, “Practice is over for today. Jones, Potter, I want to see you both in my office in half an hour.” Harry watched tiredly as Smith stomped off the pitch, muttering about foolish players and crazy witches. Later, after his ribs had been tightly bandaged, Harry and Alison emerged from Smith’s office. “Well, that was fun, Ali. I hope it was worth it,” Harry growled. “It was so worth it, Potter.” Alison smiled cheekily at him. “Coach told us to fix it, so let’s fix it,” she said. “I already apologized, what more do you want?” Harry asked with exasperation. “We’re playing the Cannons tomorrow. It won’t be much of game so we’ll have some slack before we play the Harpies…” she trailed off suggestively. “And?” Harry asked. “Take me out to Diagon Alley and we’ll call it even.” Harry stared at her for a second, trying to figure out if she was joking. “You mean, like a date?” he managed to squeak. “Yes, a date.” Alison started laughing uproariously. “Don’t look so worried. I’m not looking for anything serious, just a fun time. I like famous and handsome, and you’re both.” Harry quieted at her statement with a troubled, faraway look in his eyes. “If it will stop the rain of Bludgers during practice, then fine. It’s a date.” Harry watched Alison as she walked away, swaying as she went. “Harry, a word,” said Matt. He had been exiting the locker room and heard the end of their conversation. “As team Captain, and hopefully your friend, I need to warn you about Alison. She has a reputation for going after, er... blokes like you. She’s got a bit of reputation and tends to love ’em and leave ’em, if you understand what I’m saying.” “I don’t think you have to worry, Matt,” Harry said quietly. “I’m not really interested in her like that.” He sped up as Matt raised a sceptical eyebrow. “I mean, she’s fun and drop-dead gorgeous, but I don’t think she’s my type. I don’t think I’m her type, either.” “Well, just be careful, alright, mate? Besides, we don’t need real trouble between you two, especially as your playing time increases.” “I’ll be careful, Matt. Thanks for the warning.” Matt hesitated as Harry walked away. Harry had said all the right things, but there was something in his expression that had Matt worried. He would need to keep an eye on Harry, just in case. ~*~ Two days later, the Arrows had demolished the Cannons in a game so one-sided that the new MirrorVision had stopped broadcasting halfway through. Harry had got considerable playing time, due to the score, and had gained valuable experience. He had also caught his first professional Snitch. Jacob was being a git about it, but Harry was happy. Therefore, he wasn’t too put off about going out with Alison tonight. After all, he had something to celebrate. Alison dragged him along Diagon Alley to a section where Harry had never been before. Outside a wizard dance club, an extremely long line of young witches and wizards stood waiting to get in. Even with the doors shut, the blaring music made conversation difficult. “It’s the newest club in London,” Alison spoke loudly to him. “It’s virtually impossible to get in, obviously,” she said, gesturing to the line. “Then how are we getting in?” Harry yelled back. Alison gave him a look full of pity and patted his head. “Watch and learn.” Grabbing his hand, she pulled him up to the front of the queue, directly in front of the bouncer. “End of the line, lady,” the wizard said gruffly. Alison pulled Harry up in front of her. “Take another look… you’re not going to turn Harry Potter away, are you?” The wizard’s eyes widened as recognition set in. “Mr. Potter, it’s an honour, a real honour,” he stammered as he stuck out his hand, which Harry slowly shook. “Come right in, both of you.” As they walked into the club, Harry glared at Alison. “You used me to get in.” “Yep.” Alison didn’t look ashamed at all, and Harry felt his previous good mood vanish. “I’m going to go grab a drink,” Harry said, jerking arm out of her grip and stalking off to the bar. Alison shrugged and made her way into the crowd and the dance floor. Harry remained at the bar and with his hat pulled down over his eyes in an attempt to avoid further recognition. He had lost Alison in the crowd sometime ago and wasn’t sure where she was. Honestly, Harry really didn’t care. He sipped his drink, deeply uncomfortable. The music was too loud; the crowd was too packed together. He kept seeing threats everywhere and his training was screaming at him to find cover. Harry closed his eyes, trying to gain his composure. “Well, I never thought I would see you here. Mr. Thompson, I believe?” Harry opened his eyes and, to his amazement, standing in front of him was Ginny Weasley. “Ginny?” “I’m so pleased you remembered me,” she laughed at his blush and sat down next to him at the bar. “I’m surprised to see you here,” Ginny said lightly. “For some reason, I didn’t see this as your type of place.” “It’s not,” Harry replied with a wry grin. “I’m here with a friend, and to be honest, I’m not sure I really fit in.” Ginny looked at him with understanding. “You’re doing just fine.” She hesitated a second before continuing. “I spoke with my brothers about some things that happened in the war. If you ever feel like you could talk about it, I would like to hear about it.” “I don’t know, let me think about it,” Harry said with obvious reservation. “No worries,” she said with understanding. “Come on, Harry, let’s dance,” she said in the suddenly awkward silence. “Unless you have more house-elf errands to run.” Harry smiled at her. “You’re on, Weasley.” Several dances later, Harry and Ginny were back at the bar chatting amicability. “Are you here by yourself, Ginny? I never thought to ask,” Harry said, looking around for Dean. “I’m here with some girlfriends, who are all over there watching us,” Ginny giggled. “They are giving me some room to ‘operate’ as they call it.” She leaned in and whispered, “They think you’re cute.” Ginny winked and laughed again at his blush. “What about your boyfriend?” Harry asked. “They never really liked him much, so they encourage me when they can.” “You guys are still together though, right?” Harry asked. “Yes, no…I’m not sure,” Ginny said. “I really don’t want to talk about him though, do you?” “Not really,” Harry laughed. “It would just be good to know, though.” “Oh, why is that, Mr. Thompson?” Ginny asked as she leaned toward him. “I’m not really sure,” Harry said suddenly serious. “I… like being around you.” “I like being around you,” Ginny said quietly, “despite how we met.” She leaned in even closer. “This seems familiar, doesn’t it? I told you that I wouldn’t hesitate next time,” Ginny whispered. “Harry!” The sound of his name being called caused Harry to jerk away. Alison walked over, sat on his lap, and kissed him soundly on the cheek. “Oh, Harry, who is your little friend?” Alison asked. “Alison, this is Ginny Weasley. She plays for the Harpies.” Alison eyes lit up with recognition. “Oh, I know you! You’re the little reserve player who threw herself at Harry during the reception.” “Alison,” Harry warned. “Trying to finish what you started, are you?” Alison continued, wrapping herself closer to Harry. “As you can see, he’s here with me, so scamper off and find some other person’s date to bother.” “Date?” Ginny asked, turning her hurt eyes to Harry. “Well, er… not exactly…” Harry trailed off. “You two have fun, you seem well suited to each other,” Ginny said, clearly upset as she turned to walk off. “Ginny, wait…” Harry tried to call after her. “Let her go, Harry, you’re here with me, or have you forgotten?” “I haven’t forgotten, Ali,” Harry said. “You didn’t have to be so mean, we were just talking.” For a second Alison looked contrite. “I don’t like sharing, especially tonight. Don’t worry, Harry, I’ll more than make up for it once we get back to my place,” she said with some heat. “Alison, that’s not going to happen,” Harry said. “Why not? We’re young and attractive. We’ll have fun. Don’t you want to have fun, Harry?” Harry looked at her and, for a moment, he almost said yes. He had never really lived his life and he wanted to experience everything he could. Something held him back. The memory of Ginny’s face as she walked away flashed through his mind. “I’m sorry, Alison, this was a bad idea. I hope we can still be friends, but I need to leave, alright?” Alison looked at him a moment before smiling and kissing him gently on the forehead. “I’m sorry for pushing, Harry, don’t worry about it.” “See you at practice next week?” he asked. “I’ll be there. I’ll even try to not hit you with Bludgers for a while.” ~*~ Harry brooded all week about the incident with Ginny in the club. The Arrows were playing the Harpies and Harry decided to try and talk to Ginny before the game as he really didn’t like the way things had been left. It seemed like all he did was make mistakes where Ginny Weasley was concerned. Welcome to today’s English League Quidditch broadcast, brought to you by the WWN and W3 Productions. Tonight’s game features two teams that have started out surprisingly strong this season. The Arrows have seemed unstoppable, with their excellent Chaser play, and the combination of Potter and Ashford at Seeker. The Harpies’ Chasers are also extremely good and their two wins this season were tough and hard-fought. What do you expect to see today, James? I expect a hard physical match, but I don’t see the Harpies being able to overcome the Arrow Chasers and Seekers. I think the Arrows have to be considered the early favourite to win the division this season with the way they have started. I agree, John. Our opening ceremonies coming up, right after this word from our sponsors. You’re watching MirrorVision on WWN/W3. Ginny walked across the pitch during the pre-game warm-ups, trying to keep her thoughts off Harry bleeding Potter. For some reason, she had found herself starting to actually like the git, even after the embarrassing moment at the ministry. “Speaking of gits…” she mumbled to herself. Harry was walking across the pitch toward her, clearly intent on speaking with her. “What to you want, Potter?” she said as he approached. “I wanted to talk to you about the other night, to explain…” “Explain what? You were there on date. It’s not a big deal.” “I know that. I just feel bad because…” “Yes?” Ginny said haughtily. “Because…” “Um…because…I’m not really sure.” “Maybe it’s because you were flirting with me all night while you were there with your little blonde friend? Maybe that’s it? What do you think?” “I don’t have to explain myself to you, Weasley,” Harry shot back. “Then why are you trying!” Ginny yelled at him. Harry turned and stormed back to the Arrows' bench, seething. He couldn’t wait to get on the pitch and make the Harpies pay. Ginny spun and marched over to her teammates. She really hoped she got some playing time; she would make the Arrows pay if she got a chance. And we are back, folks. Some interesting happenings while we were on break. Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley seemed to have words at mid-pitch and both seem very agitated. Our viewers may remember that there was a dust-up between the two at a Ministry function earlier in the season resulting in Weasley being given a public warning by the league. You’re right, James. Despite the public statement by Potter, it seems that there is still some bad blood between the two. It may be good for everyone that Weasley isn’t expected to get much playing time tonight. And they are off! Jones takes early possession of the Quaffle for the Arrows and quickly moves up the right side of the pitch, flying high and wide. He passes across to Colroy back to Jones, Jones loses the Quaffle at mid-pitch as the Harpies quickly take it straight down the middle. Jones passes to Johnson, Johnson to Jones, back across to Vance. It seems both teams are playing tight man defence here in the early going. It makes sense, given the relative strengths of both teams. The Harpies seem to be a little more physical, let’s see if the Arrow Chasers can adjust. Jackson blocks the shot by Johnson, recovered by Michael, and the Arrows are off. Colroy to Jones, Jones to Michael. Michael takes the Quaffle down the left side low, reverse back to the middle, passes off to Jones who doges a Harpy and Bludger, back to Colroy, Colroy shoots toward the middle hoop. He scores!! We are seeing the weakness here of the Harpies when compared to the Arrows. Jackson is an outstanding Keeper for the Arrows. The Harpy Keeper just isn’t up to that same form. It’s 80-40 early on in favour of the Arrows. The Harpy response has been to tighten their defence even more, cause several bumping fouls and some penalty shots by Colroy, who is one of the best in the league. Meanwhile, Ashford and Harper have neither one been close to the Snitch and have been virtually non-existent for the match so far. Any thoughts on when we’ll see Potter, John? Well, James, the current Seekers aren’t really making an impact and the Arrow Chasers seem to have the game in hand. I’ll bet Smith will wait to use him at a more strategic moment. The Arrows have the Quaffle and are taking it right into the heart of the Harpy defence. Look at how close the Harpy defenders are on the Arrow Chasers! That’s got to be pushing the bounds of legality. Surely you would expect blatching to be called here. I agree, James, but it seems that the referee is letting them play on. Jones still has the Quaffle in the middle of the pitch, Jones circles to the left. It looks like he is trying to break out of the mass of players. Ashford has seen the Snitch! He is breaking for the middle of the pitch, it seems the Snitch is right next to Jones. OH, MY! LOOK OUT! Alison Jones of the Arrows just sent a Bludger toward the Harpy Seeker in order to help Ashford get clear. Everyone is converging on the centre of the pitch! My goodness, John, this could be bad. Someone needs to stop this before…OH MY MERLIN! Ladies and gentleman, we’ve just had a massive collision at centre pitch between three of the Arrow Chasers, three of the Harpy Chasers, both Seekers and two Beaters. All ten players are down on the pitch. We’ll be back after a few moments. Ginny bolted off of the bench as the mass of players went careening into the ground. The sidelines cleared as teammates and med-staff rushed to check the injured. Ginny found Gwenog swaying slightly as she surveyed the carnage. “This is bad, Weasley,” she murmured. “We’ve lost two Chasers, both Beaters and our Seeker. I’m not sure that any of them will be able to come back today.” “We only have one back-up Beater on the squad. I think we can fill in the Chasers… that could work.” Gwenog's head shot up and she looked Ginny in the face. “You’re going to have to go in as a Beater. It’s the only way.” Ginny looked at her Captain with alarm. “I’ve only practiced Chaser and Seeker. I’ve never worked as a Beater, not even at Hogwarts,” she hissed. “Sorry, Weasley, it’s just the way it has to be.” We are back, folks. We need to bring you up to speed regarding the collision. The Arrow Seeker, Jacob Ashford, has left the game, along with the Arrow Chaser Colroy. The Harpies have fared much worse, losing two Chasers and both Beaters. It looks like the Harpies have elected to put in Ginny Weasley at Beater. With Potter now playing Seeker for the Arrows, this could be a recipe for further disaster. The score is still 80-40 and we have resumed play. The Harpies have backed off the defence a little bit, opening up the passing lanes for both teams. Oh, Ginny Weasley just completely missed the Bludger with that last swing and her teammate had to dodge out of the way. Not a good way for Weasley to start her first match. I agree, James. The Arrows are taking advantage of the situation, pushing hard against the Harpy defenders. Without proper Beater support and with reserves in for their Chasers, I’m not sure how the Harpies hope to win. Weasley is lining up another swing — oh! Harry Potter buzzed by her at incredible speed, causing her to miss again. Weasley doesn’t look happy about that one. I’ll say, John. Weasley looks like she could hit Potter with her bat. Speaking of Potter, he’s seen the Snitch and he is off. Look at that speed! I don’t’ think anyone can catch him, James. He’s reaching out! Ginny circled around, embarrassed and angry. She had missed the Bludger twice and Potter had caused her to almost fall of her broom. How she loathed that man! Ginny arched her broom down toward the right in order to intersect another Bludger. She was going to get this one. Suddenly the crowd started cheering louder. Ginny looked up and saw Potter screaming toward the Snitch, hand outstretched. “Oh, no you don’t, you stupid git! Take this!” she shouted as she swung as hard as she physically could at the Bludger, aiming it toward Potter. Ginny immediately realized something was wrong. For the first part, she didn’t feel the bat connect with the Bludger and she realized that she had missed again, most likely losing the game for her team. The second thing she realized is that she no longer had a bat in her hand. This confused her greatly for a few seconds until she realized that her bat was now spinning end over end, headed directly toward Harry. “Harry, watch out!” Ginny screamed. Harry looked up at the last second, just in time for the bat to hit him squarely between the eyes. He rolled over and promptly fell off his broom. The crowd erupted. Whistles blew. The benches cleared. Chaos erupted. Ginny flew down toward Harry. She jumped off her broom and sprinted toward him, only to be grabbed roughly and spun around. Ginny fond herself face to face with the blonde Beater that Harry had been with at the club. “You little bitch!” Alison shouted. Ginny never saw the right hook headed her way. She tried to tell Alison that it was an accident, but before the words could leave her mouth she was already down and out for the count. ~*~ Chaos and foul play at Harpy/Arrow Match! The Quidditch world is in an uproar tonight over the unbelievable happenings at the Harpy / Arrows match yesterday. What was billed as a potential early season match between two title contenders quickly became a free-for-all due to the extremely aggressive play of the Harpies. Mid-way through the first hour, a major collision took out several players, causing reserves to fill in for the rest of the brief match. This would have been unusual enough for any one match, but the Harpies were not finished there. Soon after the collision, Arrow Seeker Harry Potter made a spectacular break on the Snitch for a potential game-ending grab. Harpy reserve Beater Ginny Weasley, who has already been reprimanded once this season for actions towards Potter, missed a Bludger and instead chose to throw her bat at Potter in order to distract him from the Snitch. Potter was struck in the head and fell approximately 30 feet to the ground, causing an immediate forfeit of the game by the Harpies. The excitement did not end there however. Both benches cleared and several fights broke out on the pitch and in the stands. Most amazing of all, however, was an unconscious Potter lying in the middle of the pitch. His appearance began to flicker and sparkle. Potter was obviously under the effect of some sort of charm, a clear violation of international Quidditch rules. This forces us to ask the question, how did Potter make it through the pre-game charm screening without being detected? What charms has he been using to enhance his game? Are his incredible abilities a result of cheating and foul play? What of Ginny Weasley? Will she be suspended? Several fans are calling for a criminal assault complaint against her as well. All this reporter knows is that never has there been a game of Quidditch quite like that one. We will all have to wait to see what happens from here, stay tuned! ~*~ Ginny Weasley sat forlornly at the kitchen table in The Burrow. She slowly sipped the hot chocolate her mother had made for her. It seemed she always ended up here whenever things happened to go wrong, and, boy, did they go wrong this time. Ginny brought her head down on the table. The past day had been a nightmare. She had woken up in the infirmary, unsure how she had got there. A tense staffer had tersely told her that she was temporarily suspended, pending review from the Quidditch board and that the team would be in touch. Now she was waiting for Ron to return from his meeting to find out her fate, trying her best to avoid the articles and reports that had been a never-ceasing stream since the match. Playing Quidditch had always been her dream. Ginny didn’t know what she would do if she wasn’t allowed to keep playing. Ginny brought her head up and focused on the Floo, willing it to activate. WHOOSH The green flames shot up and Ginny stood with them, waiting to hear the news. She sat down in disappointment as someone else came through the fireplace. “Dean,” Ginny said briefly before turning away. “Wow, Ginny, you really know how to make a scene,” Dean said, sitting down next to her. “Here I was thinking you liked the bloke.” Ginny turned back to face her… whatever he was. “How did you know where to find me?” she asked coolly. Dean somehow managed to miss her tone. “Ron told me where to find you. Right helpful, he is. I saw him at the Ministry earlier.” “Hmm… That’s twice I need to thank Ron for,” Ginny said. Dean finally picked up on her sarcasm. “Hey now, what’s with the attitude? It’s not my fault that you lost your marbles and chucked your bat at Potter.” “Dean, really, now isn’t the best time. I’m really not having the most spectacular day,” Ginny said tiredly. “I’m just saying that it’s not my fault, so don’t take it out on me.” “You really could be more sympathetic, you know,” Ginny replied, getting angry. Dean looked at her and shrugged. WHOOSH! Ginny stood again, all thoughts of Dean forgotten, as Ron came through the Floo. “Hey, sis,” Ron said tiredly. “Git,” Ron added for Dean. “Why is everyone so down on me, what did I do?” Dean hollered. “Dean, be quiet,” Ginny said quietly, her eyes never leaving Ron’s face. “Well?” she asked. “I’m sorry, Ginny, it’s not good news.” Ron sat down at the table, sighing sadly. “You’ve been suspended for the rest of the year. You’re not allowed to attend any Holyhead games or even buy tickets for any other Quidditch matches. Your status will be reviewed at the end of the season to determine if you get to come back next year or not.” Ginny’s face turned pale. “They’re considering a lifetime ban?” she whispered. “I’m afraid so. I wish I had better news.” Ron put his arm around his sister and pulled her close. “Just for clocking that cheater? Doesn’t anyone care that he was cheating? It should make a difference,” Dean said, agitated. “He wasn’t cheating,” Ron replied, his face drawn tight. “The Ministry was aware of special circumstances that allowed Potter to take the field with specific charms. They didn’t affect his play.” Ginny pulled back and looked at her brother incredulously. “You knew he had charms and you didn’t tell me?” “We all had to take vows not to reveal their existence. I don’t even know what they are, only the Minister and some high-level Aurors from the war know. We’ve been assured that they don’t affect Quidditch, though.” “You’re going to have a hard time convincing other players of that,” Ginny said thoughtfully. “I know.” “Hold on, I can’t believe you two. The important issue here is Ginny! What am I supposed to do now?” Dean said with anger. “You?” Ginny said with confusion. “Yes, ME!” Dean howled. “My girlfriend isn’t a professional Quidditch player anymore, you’re just a suspended troublemaker. How is this going to look?” “Oh, oh goodness, you’re actually serious, aren’t you?” Ginny said softly. Ginny glanced at her brother, who was shaking with rage, his entire face red. “Ron, do you remember what you did to Mr. Potter the first time he came to The Burrow?” “I sure do,” Ron replied, starting to grin with malice. “Good; why don’t you show Mr. Thomas here the way out? And, Dean, don’t bother coming back.” ~*~ Fallout from Harpies / Arrows Match Shakes Quidditch World The repercussions from last week’s game continued today as the Ministry and the English Quidditch Association made several decisions and hosted no less that three interviews around the issues brought to light. First, the Ministry and the Association have decided to suspend Ginny Weasley for the rest of the season. Her status will be reviewed at the end of the year to determine if she will be allowed to play in following seasons. The official statement from the Ministry included the following: “The Ministry is not convinced of the actual intent of the attack by Miss Weasley on Mr. Potter and therefore no criminal charges will be filed. Due to the previous reprimand by the Association in regards to her behaviour towards Mr. Potter, however, we have no choice but to suspend her for the rest of the season.” And what of Mr. Potter and his illegal charms? The Ministry had little to say and refused to address it during the press conferences. They did, however, release a written statement:. “Mr. Potter has not broken, nor circumvented, any rules of Quidditch or the English Association. The Ministry was entirely aware of the charms on Mr. Potter, and had approved them as special circumstances. Rest assured these charms did not affect Mr. Potter’s playing ability, nor did they give him any special advantage over any of his opponents. While we can not divulge what charms Mr. Potter wears, or the exact nature of these charms, due to privacy concerns and classified Ministry secrets, we can say the charms are a result of circumstances that Mr. Potter encountered during the war against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.” These explanations still leave much to be desired and several players have stated that they will not play against Mr. Potter until more details are given. The Arrows are scheduled to play again next week against the Falcons. We will keep you updated until then. ~*~ Eight-year-old Harry Potter was lying on his stomach, peering through the bushes. His godfather and teacher, Sirius, was next to him, whispering instructions as they watched the Death Eaters gather in the clearing. “Steady, Harry, lad. You’ve been trained for this. James would be very proud of you.” Harry’s small fingers curled around his wand, sweat dripped down his face. “Uncle Sirius, are you sure we should be doing this? Uncle Albus told us to stay at headquarters while he was gone,” little Harry whispered quietly. “Stay at headquarters!” Sirius exclaimed in a hoarse whisper, his eyes wide. “And miss all the fun? Your father would never have suggested such a thing! Now remember the plan, don’t move until I have them distracted.” Harry ground his teeth. Uncle Sirius never listened when he got this way. The next few moments were a blur. Uncle Sirius jumped up and was in the middle of the clearing firing curses left and right. Harry waited a few moments and then joined in from behind, easily Stunning several Death Eaters before they even knew he was there. “That a boy, Harry, keep it up,” he remembered Uncle Sirius saying at one point. The rest though was a blur. Noises, flashes of light. The only clear memory he had was a flash of green and Uncle Sirius falling to the ground, motionless. The scared man turning toward Harry with hate in his face. He remembered the curse and the pain and the blood. He remembered the anger on Uncle Albus’ face when he finally arrived. He remembered the…MASTER HARRY! Harry jerked awake. He hadn’t had that dream in awhile. Not since right before the final battle. He looked over at the small elf who had called his name. Kreacher was wringing his hands nervously, worried about Harry. “It’s alright, Kreacher. It’s just an old dream.” Harry sat up and wiped his hand over his face, noticing the sweat that had dampened the sheets. “It’s the stress that Master Harry is under. Yes, the stress. Master Harry should just stay inside with Kreacher and let the world be. Master has done enough without all the lies and slander and…” “Kreacher!” Harry broke through the small elf’s diatribe. “I’m assuming there have been more articles that have got you upset,” Harry asked. “Articles, Master? I’m not sure what you mean.” Kreacher moved around, fluffing Harry’s pillow, refusing to meet his eyes. Harry noticed that the elf was digging his fingers into his palm hard enough to break the skin. “What did I tell you about hiding things from me? And what did I tell you about punishing yourself?” Harry said quietly. “Master said to not protect him from the evil media, that he needed to know.” Kreacher’s voice dropped to a mere echo. “Master said friends don’t have to be punished and Kreacher is a friend.” “Right you are, little friend. Let’s grab some breakfast and see what else they are saying about me today,” Harry said, patting the elf on the shoulder and rolling out of bed. Harry sat at the table, scanning the morning news. It wasn’t as bad as it could have been. The media had backed off somewhat after the Ministry had announced they had known about his charms. Although a conspiracy theory had been developed that the Ministry was simply covering for him because of who he was, the mainstream media, however, didn’t seem to take that it that seriously. The main focus was on Ginny Weasley. Harry winced as he read the comments about her and some of the fan comments that had been mailed to the Prophet. He sighed to himself and stared out his kitchen window aimlessly. He didn’t believe for a minute that Ginny had hit him intentionally. He had gone to the Ministry in person and argued on her behalf, but the decision had been made. There had been too much bad publicity for them not to act. For the good of the game, of course. Harry snorted. The good of the game. More like the good of their own careers. The Wizarding public took Quidditch very seriously. Seriously enough to affect politics. If there was only some way he could help her. Harry sat upright in his chair. He had an idea. His mind furiously went over all the conversations he'd had at the Ministry detailing Ginny’s suspension. Nothing he could remember went against his plan. It wasn’t much, he admitted, but maybe it could help the public see that Ginny and Harry weren’t mortal enemies. Harry jumped up and self-consciously checked his appearance in the mirror. The charm seemed to be holding, with no signs of the previous instability. He grabbed his coat and Apparated to the only place he knew Ginny might be, The Burrow.
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