AN: I would love to thank everyone who reviewed and inspired me to go on. I'm happy to say this is the last chapter, but there will be an epilogue posted after Christmas. I've really enjoyed writing this story and would like to write a second part to it. If you think I should please tell me in your review. I also have to thank Cori, who is the best beta I could have asked for, thank you. Please have a happy holidays and a great New Year. Thanks again.
Rights? I do not own Harry Potter so we know what rights I have . . . none!
* "We will rock you" is performed and owned by Queen
Chapter 9: One Heart, One Mind
"Warrington with the Quaffle-he's cutting low headed right for the Keeper!"
Ron watched as Warrington came whipping past Seamus, past Ginny, then he cut up, Right for him. Just as he was within range to score WHAM! Neville Longbottom checked Warrington hard in the upper body. He threw all his weight into it sending Warrington far of course to score.
Seamus and Ginny descended on the out of control chaser like hungry dogs. Within seconds Warrington was stripped of the Quaffle. Seamus with the ball went high and Ginny went low as they streaked toward the Slytherin Keeper. Pulling himself as low as possible to his broomstick Seamus cut through the defending Chasers. Crabbe or Goyle he didn't know which, one of them sent a Bludger zinging past his head. He was trying to evade the deadly ball as it came around for another try he pulled up hard on his broom. The Bludger cackled wildly off in to the distance, and he started into a steep 45-degree angled dive toward Millicent Bulstrode, the Slytherin Keeper. Her legs tightened around her broom and her face screwed up in concentration waiting for his throw. Seamus drew back the Quaffle to throw, but instead dropped the ball straight down. Before Millicent knew what happened below her, Ginny caught the ball and sent it sailing into the lower left ring. The Gryffindor stands exploded with cheering fans.
"Gryffindor scores! Ginny Weasley with the first goal here today, and a lovely pass by Finnigan if I do say." Oliver couldn't contain the excitement in his voice. Marcus followed up, "Yes a classic move there. Bulstrode had better keep both eyes open. Gryffindor in the lead now 10-0"
As the Gryffindor team pulled back waiting for the next Slytherin advance, Ron was in total control. He moved forward a bit and barked out commands to the Beaters and Chasers. Harry didn't have to hear them to know what to do. His job was always the same - block or capture the Snitch, and since it was nowhere in sight he thought it was time to have some fun with Malfoy. Without warning he broke in to a leveled dive towards the Slytherin bleachers. Zipping past the advancing Chasers, he saw Nott with the Quaffle this time. Draco quickly pulled along side of Harry, and started scanning for the Golden Snitch. Just as he did this Harry stopped his forward movement, angled his broom skyward and rocketed into the air above. He peeked down between his arms and saw Draco shake his head in disgust and pull up from his dive. Harry laughed for a minute at how easy it was to trick Malfoy, but then he stopped laughing when he realized just how fast he caught up to him. It wasn't even 20 seconds and Malfoy was pulling ahead of him. There was no doubt that Draco had the faster broom this time.
With a strangled groan, Nott sent the Quaffle towards the upper ring, only to have it swatted back by one of Ron's long arms. Pansy Parkinson quickly scooped it up and sent it back at Ron. Ron turned into the sailing ball taking it in the chest, and caught it.
"Oh two Brilliant saves by Weasley there. You know once I blocked 18 consistent . . ." Wood was cut off by a very bored sounding Marcus, "That's great Wood, but back to the game. Weasley sending the Quaffle up mid-field to Creevey . . . Wow look at this kid go!"
Hermione was lost in the action as she watched the game. The Chasers cut through the air like birds of prey. Dennis Creevey moved up and down the field with ease. He scored two more goals before Slytherin had a chance to recover. Ginny and Dennis captured the Quaffle after another failed attempt to score by Nott. They started up field to score when from behind them Goyle sent the Bludger straight at Crabbe. For a second it looked like he meant to hit Crabbe, but he in turn hit it with a fierce backhanded strike. The Bludger ripped up the field faster then she'd ever seen it before. Poor Dennis never knew what hit him; it smashed him square in the back. The Quaffle dropped and so did he. They both hurtled toward the ground quickly. All of Gryffindor gasped in horror as his limp body smacked onto the pitch. Lavender and Parvati covered their eyes not wanting to look at him.
Malfoy laughed and shook his head. Harry's fists clenched tightly around his broom handle, "You son of BITCH! He's only a kid!"
Malfoy's eyes opened wide in mock horror and gasped, "Ooh, I'm so sorry Mr. Potter was that one of your teammates? I dare say he fell down and went-boom!" He smacked his leg jovially almost doubling over at his own joke.
Harry's mind was distracted from the laughing git in front of him by a flash of gold off in the distance. The score was still too low to go after it yet only 30-0 so he had to be careful how he reacted. He did the only thing he could think of, distract Malfoy from the game to help Gryffindor score. Harry came alongside Malfoy's broom and looked closely at it, "Hmm so this is your new broom huh?"
Malfoy rolled his head to the side and smirked at Harry, "Best broom on the market. Nothing is faster then the Thunderbird series!"
Harry gave him a snort, "Pff it's so typical of you Malfoy. You always think because you have the best this or the purest of that, it'll make you better than me! Let's see what your broom can do then - follow me if you can Ferret Boy!"
With that last comment Harry broke into a steep climb into the heavens. Draco growled and broke into pursuit of him. He was quickly on Harry's tail but couldn't pass him because Harry had broken into a series of arial-acrobatics so wild he never knew which way to go next. They streaked across the pitch at breakneck speeds drawing the attention of the whole stadium. Everyone thought they where actually chasing the Snitch.
They cut threw the goal post, over the stands, and into the drainage trench. Malfoy was so close behind him that Harry swore he could feel Malfoy's rank breath on his neck. His heart was pounding in his chest, and as he soared up into the air upside down the g-force was so hard on his whole body he thought he would pass out.
As Harry made his second pass over the Gryffindor stands, he caught a quick glimpse of Hermione as he passed. Her face was white and her fingers where gripping the railing in front of her so tight that you could see the blood flush from her hands. Harry's stomach dropped as he remembered his promise to her to be careful, "I'm sorry Hermione, but I have to." Malfoy was only inches from the tail of his broom now. He gripped the handle tightly and jerked in up again. Draco sailed past him and Harry came to a dead stop. He couldn't bring himself to look at her; the look he was sure to see in her eyes would hurt too much.
When he finally cleared his thoughts and took in his surroundings, Gryffindor had scored two more goals. So the score was now 50-0. 'Also most there just 10 more points and the Snitch. I better start looking for it,' he thought to himself.
To say Malfoy was pissed would be an understatement. He dove toward the Slytherin goal post to Millicent, "What the hell are you doing! They're kicking our ass! You better not let one more goal in you hear me!?"
She couldn't keep eye contact with Draco. "Yes, yes sir," she said cringing in fear.
He flew away mumbling curses under his breath on his way to the center of the field, "Crabbe, Goyle get your asses over here NOW!" Like the good little lap dogs they were, they were there in a flash. They got into a quick huddle where Malfoy laid out his plan to them.
With Creevey out of the game, now the Slytherin Chasers had them out numbered on the field and continued to strip the Quaffle from Ginny and Seamus. Their efforts to score on Ron doubled now. Dean and Neville pulled back towards him to try and repel the endless attacks on him. Something was wrong Harry could feel it. The team's confidence was shattered when Dennis was hurt. The look in Ginny's eyes was not that of determination, but that of fear. Not of being hurt, but that they could very well loose this match the one that counted the most. Ron was getting worked up into a frenzy. His hair was wild matching the look in his eyes that screamed 'COME ON! I'M READY!'
Just then from high above, Malfoy broke into a hard curving dive towards the pitch. Harry didn't need to think twice it was now or never. Hugging the broom handle he took off after him. The sounds off the crowds melted away as his tracked Draco. The only things he could hear was the flapping of his cloak and the faint whistling sound his glasses made when the winds passed over the frames.
"Malfoy has seen the Snitch he's going for it! This could be over . . . Potter is way out of position now, but is closing fast!"
Hermione nearly jumped out off her seat, "Come on Harry! GO, GO, GO!" Colin Creevey's camera was in overdrive trying to catch the action. It was flashing so fast it was like a strobe light. Soon the whole of Gryffindor was chanting, "Potter - Potter - Potter!" As they started stomping their feet in time with the rhythm the whole seating tower started to shake. Hermione started to feel queasy and had to sit down, but just as she did, something caught her eye. Again Goyle cracked the Bludger hard up field to Crabbe. Her eyes watch in horror as Crabbe smacked the Bludger with all his might straight at Harry. "Oh no… NO," she screamed at the top of her lungs!
Harry was no more then five feet off the ground now and closing on Malfoy fast when he did something very odd. Draco turned his head around and flashed Harry a very evil smile and said, "Gotcha." Before his brain registered what Malfoy had just said, he was hit from behind. It felt like the Hogwarts Express had just hit him in the back. His whole body ignited with pain and he lost his grip and fell. Again he didn't hear or see anything as he pulled himself in to a ball bracing for the impact. Lucky enough he wasn't that high in the air, but he was moving very fast. When he hit the ground, his body bounced then came to a sliding stop face down in the grass.
The cheering crowds now broke in to cries of foul, penalty, and curses. No one but Lavender and Parvati noticed the stone statue Hermione had become. They wrapped their arms around her trying to tell her that it would be ok, and that Harry would be all right. Her whole body trembled and tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched Harry just lay there face down in the grass not moving. She couldn't seem to bring herself to speak; only parts of words and sounds escaped her tightly closed lips.
When Harry finally opened his eyes everything was black. He pushed himself up on very shaky arms and sat up on his knees trying to get his eyes to focus. Everything was moving in slow motion and sounded like he was underwater. Someone hopped off a broom in front of him and waved a hand in front of his face to get his attention. Madam Hooch looked at him in amazement that he was still awake. She looked right into his eyes and asked, "Are you ok? Do you need to sit out?" Slowly he shook his head 'No' and stood up on wobbly legs.
Almost the whole stadium cheered in approval when he did this, but no one was more relieved than Hermione. To Lavender and Parvati's relief, she started to breath again holding her head in her hands. Lavender gave her a tissue to clean herself up, "See he's fine. Don't worry, it'll take more then that to drop Harry." Parvati rubbed her back and nodded in agreement to this.
When Harry was able to think straight again two things where clear to him. First, the wounds on his back had now been reopened, and they where bleeding again. Lucky for him, they were under his cloak and Madam Hooch couldn't see them or she would pull him out of the game immediately. Second, was that almost all feeling in his right hand was gone. To move it set waves of pain through his shoulders and back muscles as well. His mind was racing with panic, 'How can I catch the Snitch now? Damn it! . . . just calm down-shit! Gonna have to do it left handed.' He was covered in several small cuts and bruises, but he didn't care. Harry's eyes started to scan the field quickly looking for his broom. When he saw his Firebolt it was all the way across the pitch, but something else caught his eye at the same time. The Snitch was floating high and to the right of the Gryffindor seating tower.
Ignoring the pain he broke in to a dead run at the stands. The whole time with his left arm out and said, "Accio Firebolt!" Malfoy noticed this and started looking around for the Snitch franticly. As the unmanned Firebolt streaked towards Harry he leaped into the air landing right on top of it. Holding on for dear life, Harry pulled into the air after the Snitch.
Malfoy caught sight of the Snitch and started after it. When he passed over his teammates he bit down on his lip and gave a high-pitched whistle. All three Chasers charged the goals. Parkinson tucked the Quaffle into her arms as tightly as she could and charged ahead. Nott turned around to the Goal so fast that he nearly knocked Dean off his broom when he passed him. When Ron saw all three of the Chasers coming at him at once he knew what was next, "Damn!"
As Harry streaked straight up towards the Snitch, Malfoy zoomed in along side him with a hard bump. Harry smashed back into him with his legs hitting Draco right in the face. He lagged behind for a second or two, and when he came back alongside Harry he could see that he must have broken his nose when he kicked him. Blood was pouring out of his nose like a river, splattering all over his green robes.
The Snitch was only a few feet away now and took off towards the other end of the field. Harry and Draco where forced to make a sharp 45-degree to follow. Harry had no problem keeping up with it, but when Malfoy tried to turn he couldn't. The angle was too deep and he smashed right into Harry sending him bouncing off the Gryffindor stands. Harry spiraled into the air above the seating box hanging on as tight as he could. Malfoy went sailing off over the lake completely out of bounds. Harry pulled himself so tightly to his broom his arms flooded with such burning pain his eyes watered. He broke the spin and dived towards the pitch and the Snitch. Just out of the corner of his eye he could see Ron fighting off all three Chasers at once. He held firm with his right hand on the handle and stretched out with his left for the Snitch, "Hang on Ron, please!"
The Snitch's little gold wings moved so quickly he couldn't see them, but could only feel them as they touched his finger tips and then it shot farther forward out of reach. "Faster . . . Faster . . . Come on!" He screamed bucking the broom with his legs, as it would make it move faster. Suddenly he felt a strong surge of power from the Firebolt and it blasted forward faster then he'd ever gone before. His hand nearly crushed the Snitch's wings right off, he had grabbed it so hard.
Harry raised his hand in triumph to the cheering crowds, but when he spun around to show his teammates he was met with a very different scene then he expected. Madam Hooch was shooting bright yellow sparks in the sky and blowing her whistle loudly. Harry drifted over towards the Gryffindor side of the pitch.
"Potter has the Snitch, Ladies and Gentleman, I think this is over," Oliver Wood screamed at the crowd! "Hang on there Wood I think we have a foul over by Weasley's goal post," Marcus added in a very serious tone.
Harry made his way towards where Hermione was sitting slowly watching the action unfold at the goal. He thought maybe he should go over there and see what this was about, but he was starting to feel very tired and the only thing he could think about right now was her. Hermione was watching him the whole time with a very happy looking smile plastered on her face. While Harry increased his altitude to get to her height Madam Hooch blew her whistle and pointed down to the Slytherin goal posts.
"There you have it people. Penalty shot for Gryffindor," Wood commented in a very pleased voice.
Marcus sounded a little more surprised though. "This is defiantly out of the norm Oliver. The Snitch is caught and the game should end, but Madam Hooch is still going to allow the penalty to be taken."
Oliver noted, "Well this isn't the first time Slytherin has been penalized for 'Stooging' this year. I think she's trying to set an example here today to future players, this kind of behavior will not be tolerated at Hogwarts."
Marcus nodded in agreement. "Yes I think your right. So the Penalty is as follows; 20 points will be deducted from the Slytherin score, but they haven't scored today so that put them in at negative 20 now. Plus the lead Gryffindor Chaser gets one penalty shot at the goal."
Wood sounded like he was going to jump out of his set now he was so happy. "So with the Snitch already caught Gryffindor and Slytherin are tied for the Cup right now."
"It all rests on the skills of Ginny Weasley. If she makes It, Gryffindor keeps the Cup."
The rest of the team rallied around Ron as he was wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. They all were patting Ron on the back and cheering at Ginny as she slowly coasted over to the center of the pitch looking very nervous. She looked over to Harry who simply gave her an encouraging nod as he floated up towards where Hermione was. In increasing rhythm all of the Gryffindor fans started chanting to the Slytherin stands,
"Stomp~Stomp~Clap "We will, We will, Rock You!" Stomp~Stomp~Clap"*
Even with Harry's now increasingly foggy thoughts, he couldn't help but be pleased by all the support the fans had given them today. Looking over the stands he could see all the faces that filled the halls of Hogwarts daily, but also the happy faces of their families and friends. It made him feel good that everyone could enjoy life again without fear of some insane boogey man coming back to life and robbing them of their happiness. When he came back to Hermione's gaze the look in her eyes warmed his frigid limbs. Then she did it again. She gave him that look that said, 'Harry, please try and pay attention.'
Madam Hooch handed the Quaffle to Ginny with a smile and said, "Good luck dear." Ginny gave her a small nod, but never broke her stare at Millicent who was doing the same. Millicent rolled her head around on her shoulders, cracking it with several small pops. Ginny wasn't impressed as she bounced the Quaffle around in her hands, thinking for a second.
Harry shot Ron a concerned look, but Ron merely rolled his eyes back, 'Girls!' Somewhere from behind him Harry heard the voices of Fred and George as they screamed Ginny's name. He should of expected that the whole Weasley clan would turn up today and again thought how good it would be to have a family like them.
When Madam Hooch blew her whistle Ginny flattened completely on her broom and tore through the air so fast Harry thought he saw a little shock wave ripple in the air. She didn't arc or turn, but flew straight to Millicent who's face was as focused and still as a rock. Her legs wrapped around the handle of her broom tightly, and she held her arms out wide ready to block. A low roar was the only sound to escape from Ginny as she got close to Millicent.
Just when the whole crowd thought Ginny was simply going to ram Millicent, she swung under her broom hanging upside down. They passed each other by mere inches, and Ginny summoned all of her strength as she released the Quaffle through the goal.
"GOAL!!"
" GRYFFINDOR WINS!!"
"She makes it look so easy out there. Unbelievable shot by Weasley! Gryffindor holds on to the Cup for another year!!"
The whole stadium exploded with cheers, fireworks shot into the air, no doubt from Fred and George. The energy in the air almost crackled with joy, it consumed them all. Harry couldn't help but smile as he watched Ginny corkscrewing through the air back to her teammates. He knew he should go to them too, but this was a Weasley victory. The last thing he wanted to do was steal Ron's limelight, and again the overpowering desire to sleep hung over him. There was one last thing he had to do before he went down though.
Lavender, Parvati, and Hermione clapped furiously as the team smothered Ginny in hugs. Hermione was ready to start running down the steps to the pitch when she saw Harry flying towards the stands. He looked only at her as he approached, ignoring Colin's flashing camera.
When their eyes locked it was as if the whole stadium melted away. Hermione again felt that flying feeling she had in the Hospital wing this morning. She walked right over to the edge of the box waiting for him. He floated along side turning in to the tailwinds that whipped past them.
There was nothing to say, it was all right there in his face. The sadness for the fear he caused her, the happiness for his friends and teammates, but most of all the desire for her touch. His lips twitched a bit in anticipation. She wasted no time in leaning forward, more then she would have liked, to close the gap between them. Gently she ran her fingers through his hair to the back of his head pulling him to her. His chapped lips met her moist soft ones and she was surprised by how cold he was. Her tongue probed forward begging for entry, but instead his head rolled to the side. She was about to protest, but then noticed how soggy and wet his cloak felt. She withdrew a little bit and Harry's head rolled backwards on his shoulders. Confused she pulled her hand back and sucked in a sharp breath at the sight of it. Her hand was covered in thick dark red blood. She threw her arms around his neck trying to pull him into the box as hard as she could and screamed, "Help me! Someone please!"
Lavender and Parvati gasped and tried to help her, but just then Hermione was pulled over the side of the box. Lavender who had a small handful of her robes almost went over too, but Parvati stopped her. Lavender watched helplessly as Harry and Hermione fell towards the pitch, "HERMIONE!"
Before she knew what was happening Harry was falling from his broom and she was too. She refused to let go of him as they plummeted to their doom. She did the only thing she could and wrapped her arms around his chest as tightly as possible. As she let the tears flow from her eyes she was happy. Happy for a second that she was with him, she couldn't dream of a world without Harry. That's when she heard a deep raspy voice in her head that screamed to her.
"APARATE!"
For a second she thought it was Sir. . .
"APARATE NOW!"
She tightened her hold on Harry and with all the strength she could summon. She focused on Aparating to the Hospital wing.
~Crack! ~
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~Crack! ~
When Hermione opened her eyes she was back in the Hospital wing again. Looking down at Harry in her arms she let it all out, and with a short scream started to cry. She shook him trying to wake him up, but he didn't.
Through her tears she watched the dark blood flow on the floor and she cried, "Wake up! Please Harry, come on."
In her frustration she pounded his chest with her fist, "You can't leave me! Don't you quit on me you bastard!"
She collapsed down on top of him holding on to his jumper, "You can't leave me Harry . . . I need you."
She lay there weeping and the sound of the Golden Snitch's wings made her open her eyes. The Snitch with its one broken wing floated in the midday's sun that poured through window. As she lowered her head the gloved hand of Harry stopped it. She looked down to him with hopeful eye, "Harry?"
His eyes cracked open and he flashed her a weak smile, "Well I guess you figured out how to apparate. Lesson one completed." Through all her tears she couldn't help but laugh a bit, "You stubborn idiot! You almost got us killed!" He simply stroked her face wiping away the tears, "Sorry about that luv."
She tried to be mad at him, but when she looked into his eyes, all the anger washed away. He was alive and so was she. There was nothing that could ever separate them now. They were both of the same heart now; two souls sharing the same heart, same mind, together forever.
Fin~
:for now:
**Quidditch Cup Kiss illustration**
