the marriage stone (Discontinued)

Chapter 59 - Something Wicked

It had been a stressful two weeks for everyone in the castle as the students returned from holiday and the Quidditch Pitch underwent rapid transformation with dozens of workmen coming and going at all hours of the day and night. When Dumbledore announced that first day back from holiday that any student over the age of sixteen could try out for the National Team, the excitement that had taken over the student population had been palpable.

For Harry, the stress was doubly so. All the Gryffindors wanted him to try out for the team, and no matter how many times he tried to explain how dangerous that would be for everyone involved, there were still many who thought it worth the risk. It was Quidditch after all.

Beyond that, he also found himself trying to read something into everything Severus said to him. Even an innocuous question about how his day had gone left Harry wondering what he might mean - was he genuinely interested or was he just being polite?

He noticed too every time the man casually touched him - as if ever since that kiss his body had become overly sensitized to Severus' presence. And he was more aware now than ever of the sense of magic he could feel emanating from the man - vibrating just beneath the surface of his skin. How easy it would be to become addicted to that sensation, to grow to crave its presence.

While there was no repeat of that kiss, Severus did seem strangely attentive to him and it soothed some raw nerve inside of Harry as it seemed to confirm that Hermione had been right - that Severus had indeed grown fond of him. But for the first time in Harry's life, he found himself dreading the approach of his birthday, dreading the decision that he knew might suddenly be thrust upon him.

The day before the national tryouts, crowds began arriving. Quidditch players from every professional team in the league showed up for the tryouts, drawing with them scores of fans that wanted a chance to see them play. Hogsmeade filled up rapidly, and after that tents began lining the road to Hogwarts. True to his decision, Dumbledore kept everyone out of the castle, refusing admittance to even the famous players who came calling. Only the scores of Aurors who had come to manage crowd-control were allowed inside the castle gates.

Classes continued despite the distraction, the teachers putting in a valiant effort. But many of the teachers were also caught up in the excitement - after all, there were few Wizards or Witches who didn't love Quidditch or who didn't have a favorite team or player. Everyone had bought tickets to the match.

On the day of the tryouts Harry woke with a faint headache as if he'd tossed and turned all night with dark dreams. But of course like always he'd taken his potion before bed and had slept too deeply for that to be true. Nonetheless he felt uneasy, and he decided for once to eat breakfast in their quarters rather than face the chaos of the Great Hall.

Not surprisingly Severus joined him, sitting beside him at a small table that Dobby set up with various breakfast servings. When the fire flared and Sirius and Remus flooed into the room, Severus did not even protest when they sat down at the table and joined them for the meal.

Harry knew all three men were nervous about the day and the security of the event. Harry, like all the students, would be going to the tryouts. The Minister had decided that it would be a great show of national pride for all the students to be present in their House colors, each carrying a British flag. As this event would be covered heavily by both the national and international press, the Minister was taking every chance for a good photo opportunity. And while he could not force Harry to try out for the team - though that had nearly sent the man into a rage - he could insist that all students be present as part of a school activity.

Both Severus and Dumbledore had gotten the Minister to agree to certain security measures - after all the man didn't want to be known as the Minister who'd gotten Harry Potter killed. Harry, along with Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Draco who by mere association would also make good targets to any enemy, would be surrounded by Order members. Severus and Remus would stay at his side at all times, as would Dumbledore and most of the elder Weasleys - Molly who was now several months pregnant would remain home.