I couldn't stop the shivers of excitement that were running down my back. I had no idea what the challenge was, just that the moment the curtain infront of me was lifted, I would have to run and grab the portkey.
My bright, flaming, red hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, keeping every strand of hair away from my face. I wanted to run out into the stadium and start whatever I had to do.
I couldn't help but think of Harry wishing me luck earlier and my heart skipped a beat.
*
Harry sighed and pulled me into a hug. “Be careful...” I smiled gently and stroked his cheek. “Don't be stupid. I'm going to be fine.” He shook his head but didn't say anything.
“Go on and kick some butt.” He murmured but I wasn't concentrating on that, just how close he was and how I could taste his scent on my tongue. I leaned in closing the distance between us and he placed a hand on the small of my back, the other on my neck, holding me in the kiss. I stroked his lower lip with my tongue and he let me increase the passion of the kiss.
A throat cleared. We pulled away and I clenched my teeth. Why were we always interrupted? It was getting ridiculus.
Harry sighed. “Good luck Ginny.” I pecked a quick kiss on his cheek and gave him a look that hopefully told him that we'd pick up where we left off.
From the expression on his face he certainly got it. I winked and smiled at George who was quirking his eyebrow. “C'mon brother. Let's go win this challenge.”
*
And now, there I was, biting my lip in anticaption.
A bell went off somewhere in the distance and the curtain rose. I moved into the dazziling light. I could see Neville, George, Malfoy, Pavarti and Lavender looking all slightly confused to. A massive goblet stood in the middle of the arena. The crowd fell silent. Neville was the first to break out of his trance. He ran at the cup and I suddenly chased after him, adreniline pumping in my veins. It made me run faster and I was the second to reach the portkey.
I grabbed it and could feel the portkey viberate underneath my touch and everyone except Pavarti sailed up in the air. She shreaked in outrage but it was fading into the distance. I didn't want to think about her. It was her fault if she'd lose. I gave Malfoy an ugly look full of hatred and smiled awkwardly at Neville. I let go of the goblet when I could see the ground., wanting to be the first to get a head start.
“AAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!” Blood roared in my ear and I hit the ground with a thud. Soon others were falling around me but I was already on my feet, not bothering to brush the muck and grass stains on my shins. I was in a clearing in a heavily wooded area. The sky above me was a deep purple of dusk – strange, seeing as when I left Hogwarts, it was noon.
The purple of the sky was silhoutting the trees beautifully. It took me a moment to start breathing again and then a roar echoed throughout the forest. I jumped in surprise, whipping out my wand. I exchanged a look with George and Neville, gave them a smile that hopefully said 'good luck' and headed into the forest.
I wondered through the forest, my wand out at the ready. I couldn't help but think of the prize. Another roar shook the forest and it was louder and much closer. I walked towards it, knowing that it was probably the ticket to winning the challenge.
I walked out into another clearing and stopped in my tracks. ('Oh yes! Now this will be fun' I thought) A chimera was standing in the middle of the larger clearing, facing away from me. My heart started to pound and I was shocked, even though I was so excited. I thought the Wizard Games was supposed to be safe? Different from the triwizard tournament. I barely registered that Neville was sending hex after hex at the chimera. I was finding it hard to breathe.
I'd never seen a chimera before. Just sketches, and a few roaring pictures in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them' and 'the Monster Book of Monsters'. It was more amazing and terrifying then any of the pictures or discreptions. It was huge, with the head of a lion. It had the middle of a goat and the tail of a dragon. Steam was issuing out of both it's nostrils. I think I read somewhere that the females could breathe fire.
I came out of my trance long enough to shout “DUCK NEVILLE!” Neville looked around before hitting the ground. A long stream of turqoise flames sailed over the air above his head. I grimaced. What the hell? Why had I just helped my competition? A distant scream and cheer. I felt confused. Where was that coming from? The chimera turned around and a low growl rumbled in it's throat. Whoops. I remembered my wand, and shouted the first jinx that popped into my head. “CUNFUNDUS!”
The chimera blinked and started meowing, lying down on it's belly, licking it's uh...hooves. Neville smiled at me. “Thanks Ginny.” “What do we have to do...?” But even as I asked, I knew. The chimera was shimmering slightly, much like a port key. Neville sighed, “It's a portkey – to get back home.” He confirmed. “We can't destroy it, 'cause then were stuck here, but we have to touch it.” I sniffed. “That's great. Just great.”
Then George, Draco and Lavender emerged from the forest at almost the exact same time. Just then, the chimera decides it didn't want to be a cute little kitty anymore. It roared in angry and shot fire at Lavender who squealed and just had time to fall on her stomach. “We have to work together!” I shouted at the others. “THERE'S NO OTHER WAY!” We shot spells and hexes at the chimera, sometimes one of us would get close to the monster but it would roar and shoot streams of fire in our ways and we'd lose our nerve.
“WE – NEED – SOMEONE – TO – DISTRACT – IT - WHILE – OTHER'S – GET – TO – THE – MONSTER!” shouted Neville as everyone's jinxes bounced off the Chimera harmlessly. “LET – MALFOY - STAY!” Shouted George, jumping out of the way of flames. “WHAT?!” Roared Malfoy. I gasped and pushed him down to the ground as flames flew over both of our heads. He looked slightly disgusted at me as I lay on him, breathing heavily. Blushing heavily, I rolled off and stood up. “I'LL STAY!” I shouted. “NO WAY IN HELL!” Snapped George and Neville choroused “NEVER!”
I grimaced and sniffed. “GO...Now.” I said softly as I cast a bat bodey hex at the chimera, making it look at me and roar in annoyance. Everyone ran, and I stayed put. As soon as Lavender touched the chimera the monster and the scene around them faded to reveal the quidditch arena, millions of people roaring and cheering. It. Was. Fake? I felt stupid and dimwitted, wanting to get sick.
I looked down not meeting anyone's gaze. How could I not have realized?! Angie, McGonagall and Flitwick were sitting at the very front, positively beaming. I knew my cheeks were red, glowing like I just stook my elbow in a butter dish. I met the one pair of eyes I really cared about – Harry's. He gave me a smile but there was something in his eyes that told me the smile was forced. My own flickered.
“We will call up the contestants one by one to judge them.” McGonagall's voice was magnified by her wand. “Pavarti Patil.” Pavarti walked up, looking disgruntled. “We were very sorry that you missed the 'port key'.” McGonagall said formily. She rose her wand and, much like the Triwizard Tournament, shot a silvery ribbon that took the form of a 1. Angie and Flitwick both shot out a 0 and a 1. Pavarti walked off into the back of the stands to sulk. “George Weasley.” George walked up, grinning.
“Due to the fact you were willing to sacrefise Mr. Malfoy, you will lose points. But other than that you did a fairly well.” McGonagall announced before shooting an 8 from her wand. Flitwick gave him an 8 aswell. I felt myself clench my fists. Would Angie be biast because George was her boyfriend? Turns out I was very wrong. George got a 5. He didn't look too pleased.
*
I did pretty well. Second best, next to Neville. I leaned against Harry's knees. I usually sat like this. I yawned. What a bloody day. Ridiculous. I was incredibly tired but didn't want to sleep. I didn't want this feeling to end. The happiest I've been since the war and F-Fred died. Harry and I had had our own celebration, including a lot of stuff Ron would slaughter Harry for.
“Gin?” “Yeah,” I said sleepily, leaning my head back to awkwardly look him. “You are really good out there.” I grinned tiredly. “Thanks.” He paused. “You looked pretty hot too.” I wasn't so tired any more. I hopped up and grinned excitedly at him. “Oh really?” He blushed and looked away. “Yeah...” I kissed him softly.