Harry Potter and the Year After

Chapter Seventy-five: Battle Scars

Chapter 75: Battle Scars

Still under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry turned with Ginny still in his arms and slid down the tree. Sitting down on mossy roots, he held her against his chest as she sat on his lap.

"There was one more thing I wanted to tell you," Ginny said. She had one arm around his torso and her head rested against his chest.

"What, love?"

"The Holyhead Harpies asked me to try out as Chaser for their team."

"What?" Harry asked, pulling her back a little so he could see her face. "Wow! That's basically an in, them inviting you to try out."

"Well, I'm trying not to get my hopes up."

"When are tryouts?" Harry asked. "I may be a bit rusty but I can run drills with you the way Malfoy was."

"How'd you know he was doing that?"

"I was green with envy any time he so much as looked at you," Harry said matter-of-factly.

"Sorry... Er, tryouts are in May on a Saturday. Two weeks before N.E.W.T.s."

"That's a lot of pressure," Harry said. "But no matter. You'll do great. You're an amazing flyer."

"Not as good as you. You should try out too."

"I thought the Harpies only took witches?"

"Well, for a different team," she clarified, lacing her left hand into Harry's right.

"I want to be an Auror. That's where I'm meant to be."

"Yeah," Ginny said, "I agree. I'm kind of surprised you ended up deciding to finish school instead of just going straight into becoming an Auror, really."

"Well, you were a big reason for that. And, I don't want anyone treating me differently because of who I am. I want to earn my way like everyone else."

"Right... speaking of which..." She glanced up at him and he looked down at her under his glasses. "Can we sort of keep it quiet that we're together? At least beyond family and close friends? If I get a spot on the team, I don't want anyone thinking it was your doing. No offense."

"No, I completely understand," he said, kissing her temple. "Yeah, we can try to keep it secret. At least until we get married." He'd said it only to test her. He was amazed when she didn't even flinch.

"Right," she said simply. She gave him a soft kiss and then started readjusting her skirt and knickers. Then, shakily, she got off of Harry's lap, ducked out from under the Cloak and stood up.

After zipping his trousers and doing a quick cleaning spell on himself as well, he pulled off the Invisibility Cloak and stood as well.

***

As Hermione and Ron walked hand-in-hand up the stairs to the Gryffindor Common Room, Hermione tugged his hand so he'd lean closer. Ron leaned down, turning his face slightly toward hers.

She whispered into his ear. "If you come to the Room of Requirement with me right now, I'll finish your essay for you."

"What's in it for you though?" Ron asked, "You didn't even need to ask."

Hermione smiled. "Good."

They walked right past the Portrait of the Fat Lady and down the hall toward the Room of Requirement.

***

Draco sat alone at the bar in the Three Broomsticks with a butterbeer. He had a textbook for Arithmancy opened in front of him but he wasn't reading it.