Chapter Ten:
Outdistance
Her fingers flipped through the pages, the small book held a secret and she intended on finding it.
I'm sitting here in the library. Outside it's gotten too cold and I have work to catch up on, Fabian said he'd help but of course he's late as always. Honestly I don't know where the boy keeps his head.
My guess is too busy thinking about nonsense as Molly would say. As I look up I notice Thorfinn walking towards me, his perseverance amazes me. Please God let Fabian get here before...
Katherine tiled her head. The writing ended there? That was it? She put the book down on her nightstand. Angelina and Alicia were to busy discussing tomorrow's game to notice the frown on Katherine's face.
She bit her lip frustrated, there was nothing in her mother's journal so far. All Katherine had come up with were names with no faces. She could always go to the library but lately it had become impossible. Ever since their last argument Micheal had become a sort of pest. He seemed to follow Katherine everywhere and usually would pester her to spend more time together studying, or simply walking around the castle. Between that and her Quidditch practices (each of them longer than the last) she barely had enough for herself anymore...not even for George.
Heather smiled him as she brushed his hair to the side. "Heather I have to go-" whispered George as he fumbled around with his tie the blonde smiled.
"I know I'm just hoping to tire you out" giggled Heather as she stood up from his lap. He shook his head with a small smile.
"Trying to save Hufflepuff the embarrassment?" he muttered standing after finally having won the battle against his tie.
"Very funny George" she smiled turning her back on him "well I'd better get going, wouldn't want Diggory to catch me again eh?"
"Of course" answered George nonchalantly. Perhaps she noticed he no longer cared for their nightly adventures, she noticed he grew bored of her with every passing moment. George turned to the wall behind him, there was a tall cracked mirror. His clothes were a mess and so was his hair, his brown eyes lacked their usual energy. Sighing George stuffed his hands into his robes turning on his heel he walked out of empty history classroom.
With each step George could see the raindrops that fell on her face. The way her eyes seemed so relaxed,...
He bit his lip as the portrait swung open. She was his best friend the girl who'd seen him cry in their fourth year after Harry had saved Ginny, the girl who'd brush his hair when he was stressed.
"Bed!' George jumped up as he turned noticing Oliver sitting in a corner, his hair was a mess and his eyes gave him a crazed look. George nodded walking by him cautiously .
"Alright captain bed it is!" George smiled making a mental note to tell Fred tomorrow that poor Oliver definitely needed a girlfriend.
The weather had gotten worse over night, the rain pelted down on the castle harder than before and the was a murky sort of grey. The Gryffindors sat together Oliver trying to force his team breakfast while he touched none himself.
"I still can't believe you two are able to stuff anything down your throats" said Alicia as she tried to coax Oliver into drinking some juice.
He shook his head turning to Katherine who nibbled on a small piece of bread "eat it you need it."
"Merlin knows you need to eat too Oliver!" snapped Katherine putting down her toast at her side Angelina sighed.
"She's right eat something Oliver and you too Harry."
Harry pushed up his glasses "I'm fine-"
"You know you're the seeker" began Katherine as Hermione pushed a plate towards him "the game rides on your shoulders."
"Yeah I forgot" he whispered causing Ron and the twins to snigger.
Oliver stood up "team time to go!" Alicia and Angelina shook their heads as they stood up. Oliver was definitely a nervous wreck this morning. His hairs stood on end and his eyes had dark circles around them. Katherine always knew he was too competitive for his own good but this was going to far.
Especially losing sleep over the Hufflepuff team.
The team followed Alicia and Angelina comforting Oliver. Fred and George chattering away while Katherine kept up the rear with Harry.
"You don't reckon he's gone mad?" asked Harry taking a glance at Oliver. Katherine chuckled.
"He's just tense" said Katherine turning towards him "you don't look to bright yourself."
"Just nervous" responded the seeker with a tight smile. She nodded throwing her fringes back.
"I understand" she sighed "I feel like I'm going to be sick." The thunder rumbled behind them as they entered the locker rooms.
Inside the team stood around Oliver waiting for his usual pep talk. This time even the twins stood in silence probably feeling pity for their sick looking captain. The thunder rumbled outside every time Oliver opened his mouth to speak after the fourth time he gave up and simple wished them luck.
They put on their equipment in silence each of them buried into their own thoughts. George sat on the bench slipping on his gloves. "Can't believe we're taking Hufflepuff this seriously" whispered Fred making sure Oliver couldn't hear him.
George snorted "you're telling me?" He let his eyes wander as Fred went to retrieve the clubs. Katherine was currently brushing her hair back. George felt a smile crawl onto his lips, she suddenly turned meeting his gaze.
She smiled her expression was soft something rarely ever seen on her face. It made her almost look delicate like one of the porcelain dolls that his Aunt Muriel had.
He turned away keeping himself busy with his boots until Fred handed him his bat. "Nervous?" he asked smirking George copied his brother's expression.
"I'm pissing myself" said George his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Fred laughed throwing his arm around George suddenly they could hear the loud screaming and applauding outside. It seemed that not even the weather could stop the school from turning out for the first game.
A loud rumble of thunder could be heard as the team slipped on their goggles. Fred and George turned to each smiling at how ridiculous they looked.
They flew off on their brooms unable to hear Lee's usually commentary. The teams huddled as usual at the blow of Madam Hooch's whistle the chasers were off.
Katherine kept herself behind Angelina who held the quaffle under her arm avoiding the Hufflepuff chasers.
"Johnson with the Quaffle and she scores! Ten- to zero!" Lee cries happily. Katherine smiles at Angelina who flies past her. The Hufflepuff keeper puts the Quaffle back into play.
Summers held the Quaffle under his arm loosely almost dropping after Katherine punched out of his arm, swerving her eyes widened.
"And Rowle with the Quaffle...gets hit by a bludger or a beater? I can't see a thing can anyone else?"
Katherine held her arms crossed in the shape of an X over her chest. The Hufflepuff beater shocked pulled his club away. He said something only to be drown by the rumbling thunder. Despite all of them wearing goggles there was still little to no visibility.
She felt her fingers begin to numb themselves and currently Katherine didn't know where she was headed. She looked around frantically past her flew a speck of red, following it she noticed Alicia held the Quaffle, but windy conditions made it hard for her and the other chaser to maneuver.
"Alicia!" she called the blonde didn't turn instead she went only to have another Hufflepuff crash into her. "Alicia!" Katherine stopped luckily the blonde girl hung on to her broom and the Hufflepuff boy went on to catch the Quaffle.
"Kat?" Alicia had a look of relief as the raven haired chaser help back onto her broom. "I can't see a thing?"
Katherine nodded yelling back over the thunder "me either!"
A whistle was suddenly heard the two girls looked at each other but flew off towards the Gryffindor side of the pitch.
Oliver Wood stood under a large umbrella with Angelina Johnson. "Oliver what's the score?"
"Sixty to ten" he said running his hands through his hair, Angelina gave her fellow chasers a worried look.
Katherine pulled off her goggle wiping them on her wet robes. "That's not too smart Kitty" she turned as Fred and George Weasley landed clubs in hand.
"I can't see" she said simply. Fred asked for the score while George tried to get the excess water out of his hair.
"I'll be damned if I get a cold" he muttered Katherine shook her head as she turned towards the sky. Looking for their seeker
"Have you seen Harry?" she asked worried he nodded.
"He'll be here" said Fred his club on his shoulder. Seconds later their seeker landed and the team huddled. As they spoke Katherine simply nodded paying little attention to Oliver and Harry's until she saw Hermione Granger leave pulling Ron Weasley away with her.
"What happened?" she asked as George pulled her goggles away.
"Little Hermione just saved our lives" he answered smiling as he pointed his wand at her goggles. "It's supposed to repel water."
She nodded slipping them on "wow."
"It what's Oliver said" George smiled patting her back "well Kitten I'm off."
She nodded as Angelina and Alicia walked towards her. With the sound of the whistle the game was to start up again. Although it was still cold Katherine could see clearly, Gryffindor scored two more times but it would be useless unless Harry caught the snitch.
"We'll be playing into the night" thought Katherine passing the Quaffle back to Alicia when suddenly the temperature dropped.
She turned towards the stands unable to see as the goggles began to ice over. Her heart dropped as she pulled them off the rain pelting down harder than ever on the players who hung in mid-air until they heard a piercing scream.
Katherine's eyes widened as large cloaks figures flew over the crowd and started towards the players. "Move!" she yelled a nearby Hufflepuff pelted towards the ground a couple more followed suit until they heard Angelina gasp in horror.
"Harry!"
From the sky st full speed fell Harry potter followed by the dementors. Katherine flew towards the young boy digging into her robes for her wand.
Katherine heard her heartbeat in her ears, she knew the spell. It was simple in theory at least but she had never managed to cast it before. She took a deep breath "expecto patronum-" everything had suddenly gone black. The screaming was still as loud as before slowly it faded and it was replaced by an unknown voice.
Accelerated footsteps, a door slam and a small click afterward. There was sobbing and hushing.
"Katherine hush mommy promises we'll be ok" breathed a panicked voice. It was a woman and she seemed to be searching for something. "My wand...my wand" she spoke to herself something made of glass broke, she screamed.
"You thought you'd lose me Elizabeth!" sneered a man's voice as he shook the door.
She heard her frantic footsteps "Katherine everything will be ok" the woman tried to reassure her daughter her voice though broken. The door shook violently as the woman sobbed.
"Where's the blood traitor now?"
The question went unanswered as another man's voice could be heard "move Greyback we have no time for this!" the man sounded impatient.
She ran form the door towards her daughter.. An small explosion followed.
"Katherine!" called a woman's voice. She could her her accelerated heartbeat.
"To think that he would keep you safe pathetic Elizabeth" whispered the man called Greyback.
"Kill me but please...please spare her" she whimpered "please have a heart-"
The ground was soft and cold, she felt something burn under her. Fingers brushed the side of her face. "I have her broom!" said a hoarse voice "they're already taking Harry to the Hospital Wing, McGonagall said she'd get her out."
"She's bleeding!"
"Of course you prat! If you had just crashed into the stands you'd bleed too!" As the voice spoke Katherine felt someone pull her wand from her hand. "Listen she's lucky it just a couple of bones" she heard a sigh "even the wand survived."
Silence. All Katherine could taste was the thick substance on her lips.
Fred and George stared at Harry who was still staring at his broom horror struck. "Don't worry mate" said Fred patting Harry.
The seeker looked up with hollow eyes "like we said we still have a chance at the cup" sighed Alicia. Ron held a tight grip on Harry shoulder and Hermione wiped her eyes. A hundred and fifty foot fall does that to those who care about you. Madam Pomfrey shooed them from the Hospital Wing since visiting hours were over.
The Gryffindors walked together in pairs; Ron and Hermione, Angelina and Alicia, with Fred and George bringing up the rear.
Sunday morning they visited Harry this time with Oliver Wood who apologized for his behavior and explained to Harry that he didn't blame him for what happened. Still Fred and George could hear the disappointment in his voice, a couple of beds away was Katherine still sound asleep as Oliver spoke.
"Madam Promfrey says it'll be at least a week."
"That's horrible."
Angelina nodded as Hermione shook her head "but she'll be alright?"
"Of course" piped in Alicia with a smile "it's Quidditch, things happen..."
George listened as the girls spoke. She'd be out cold for a week, well to some extent it'd a comfort. At least she wouldn't be snogging Blackwood who was currently walking towards the Gryffindor table. "Don't look now-"
"Lee I'm not blind!" snapped George stabbing his eggs.
"Hello Angelina, Alicia" greeted Micheal with a smile the girls whispered their greetings in return. "How's Kat?"
"She'll be fine-"
Angelina glared at Fred who smiled pleasantly sipping out of his goblet.
"It'll be a week before she's awake" responded the dark girl Micheal nodded taking glances at Fred.
"A week?"
"Yes a week" he turned to George who raised an eyebrow "need me to say it in French?" Micheal smiled smugly putting his fists into his pocket.
"Not necessary-"
"Well you should know she'd be in their for a while, it was a pretty hard hit." Fred gave Micheal a small nod.
"Yes well it looked like a tough game" he turned to Alicia and Angelina making conversation. Fred stood up probably wanting to leave before Angelina could even notice he was still breathing. Lee and George followed definitely not wanting to witness what could have been a nasty row.
"Angelina's going to have your head" laughed Lee while Fred smirked.
"I can hear her already-" began Fred his joke cut short by the sound of laughter.
"Look the wittle wions" Taylor spoke in mocking tone unable to control her laughter. "What's wrong weasel?"
"Lost against Hufflepuff?" asked Montague the Slytherin chaser Pucey smiled smugly. The three boys stood staring down the Slytherins.
"Wood must be ready to kill himself" added Pucey tilting his head "the fact that he has such incompetent players-"
"Are you sure you're not talking about your own team?" asked Fred his ears red though he wore a smile on his face.
"No actually because I'm not stupid enough to crash into the stands" retorted Pucey giving Fred a small nod.
Lee pulled George back. Taylor noticed and with a smile spoke "rumors are true then Weasel?" Fred turned to Taylor though her brown eyes were glued to George "take this as a piece of advice." She walked past them with Montague in haul "you're nothing compared to Blackwood, he's got good looks, charm, and wit while you and your family have nothing."
"You're a bitch-"
"That stung" her smiled was wider than before "even that monkey you're with is-"
"Watch it with the insults!" yelled Lee pulling George back while eying Fred who seemed close to losing his temper.
"Well then I'm off Pucey are you coming?"
"Of course, tell Rowle to keep both hands on her broom next time" he saluted the Gryffindors who watched them walk away each with a sly smile.
"I say we already have our first targets."
"Fred I personally second that."
"Count me in" added Lee the boys walked up the stairs walking towards their first class. George felt Fred's eyes on him he'd admit maybe it was a little too much to call Taylor a bitch but it was what she was.
The room was spinning and her head was pounding. She opened her eyes slowly praying for everything to come into focus. Katherine took a deep breath as everything slowly began to take shape.
"Hospital Wing?" she whispered lifting the cover off her legs. Katherine looked around as if hoping someone could confirm if this was all true.
The beds were empty and Madam Promfrey was nowhere to be seen. Katherine stood up slowly afraid to fall over, outside a nearby window she could see the sun had already begun to set. "!"
Katherine turned her head instantly only to find herself with Madam Promfrey's shocked face. "You should be in bed!" she yelled walking briskly towards Katherine.
"Why? I-"
"Need I remind you -" began Madam Promfrey pulling her back towards her bed.
"How long have I been here?" asked Katherine as Madam Promfrey turned her back walking towards the door. "Madam Promfrey!"
"Quiet! Stay here while I retrieve your Head of House."
Katherine walked after her "please I don't think that's-" she stopped taking a deep breath her head was still pounding "I''m fine..." her voice had turned into a whisper.
"No you are not" the matron once more helping the young woman back to her bed. "I still don't understand the need-" Katherine after that heard no more once again having everything around her fade away.
She had just say the incantation only able to summon a small wisp of white smoke. The cloaked figure recoiled but the one behind it flew towards her with open arms.
Her green eyes widened shock, Katherine felt inside become cold closing her eyes she heard screaming.
For a split second she saw blue and silver material. It felt like everything had slowed down, in this situation it was best to crash with you side towards the stand.
Katherine never knew why she just heard Fred say it hurts less. With the way the wind was blowing it was hard enough to go straight in her mind there was only one option left. She raised her wand a bit "Protego!"
Katherine was feet away and managed to just pull her wand close to her chest. Taking a deep breath she could only pray for the best.
"Are you sure?"
His brown eyes lit up with mischief "positive I've looked-up the spell a dozen times." Lee drummed his fingers on his desk.
"It's a good idea, it'll give us time to slip in the canary creams" whispered Lee. Fred nodded looking at George for the final approval.
It was their rule. They all had to agree or they didn't go through with their plan.
A rule that had been established since their second year after a wee-complication.
Complication that ended in a month full of detention with Filch cleaning the bathrooms...(weekends included.)
"Alright I cast" said Fred turning to Lee "you slip in the canary creams."
"I create a distraction" piped George ready with his wand. "Got it."
They turned to the front of the class. Everyone was quiet as they usually were Professor Binns voice was enough to have everyone in a deep sleep or trance. A distraction wasn't probably needed but it was alas a necessary precaution.
George winked at his brother standing "Professor Binns."
"What is it Weatherby?" droned Binns causing some of the students to chuckle.
"Professor I was wondering what was the importance of the Goblin wars again" he heard people groaned some scoffed probably knowing this was some stupid ploy to cover up whatever they were up to.
"Yes,yes I seem to have forgotten to tell you..." Binns nodded to himself before he ordered George to sit.
Lee had already crawled over towards the Slytherin while Fred had conjured the small birds under their desk.
"Weatherby sit" it was the second time he spoke. George's mind raced her needed something to keep everyone distracted.
"But sir, aren't the Goblins still at war with us? I mean they don't really care about wizards" said George. He took a glance at Angelina and Alicia who were staring at him.
Angelina was glaring while Alicia stifled her laughter.
"No Weatherby-"
"But my brother's a curse breaker and he say-"
A high-pitched shriek interrupted George Weasley.
Taylor was slapping away at the small birds with her large textbook, Pucey covered his face while he cowered in the corner and apparently the only one to pull out his wand was Montague.
The classroom burst with laughter especially from where the twins sat. "Settle down" called Professor Binns though his voice was drowned away by Taylor's screaming.
"Wait 'til Montague tries something!" snickered Lee rubbing his hand together.
"You gave him a rubber wand?" asked George excited. Lee nodded.
"You have a wicked mind young man" said Fred proudly turning so he wouldn't miss the action.
"Evan-" Mountague's face was twisted with anger as his wand turned into a rubber chicken. The class was now roaring with laughter including Angelina Johnson who was enjoying the Slytherins humiliation more than the twins were.
He turned his dark eyes onto the boys "Weasley!" he shouted slamming down the rubber chicken.
"Hey don't forget Jordan!" called back Lee as the bell rang signaling the end of class. Of course they couldn't leave not without Binns yelling at them for two feet of parchment on Goblin Wars.
George threw his bag over his shoulders waving to the Slytherins as the students walked by. Some congratulating him others glared or muttered nasty things under their breath.
"You know it's not over-"
"Oh Graham" began George clicking his tongue as Pucey looked for his wand instead finding a rubber chicken. Taylor still was dealing with the poor birds whom were picking at her hands. "Mate I wouldn't try anything-"
"You and arrogant little-"
He turned his back on Montague smiling "really the threats are getting old mate." George walked over to where Fred stood with Lee and the two girls.
Fred seemed to be explaining to Angelina the reason behind the joke while Lee and Alicia smiled at the petty argument. "What's next?" asked George distracting Angelina for a moment.
"Defense" she shook her head "you know you'll get detention?" The twins both nodded. Honestly at this time in their life was that even worth asking?
"Believe it's going the first-"
"Nor the last time dear Angelina" ended George as he followed Alicia who lead the group away towards Lupin's class.
"Angelina take it easy besides they're the ones who keep the whole detention system running" said Lee earning a look of disapproval from the chaser.
Ahead they noticed McGonagall walking briskly towards them a look of relief on her usually serious face.
"There you are" she said stopping the group. The boys feigned innocence while the girls gave them uneasy looks.
"Professor what can we do for you on this fine afternoon?" asked Fred only have he raise her hand up.
"I need you two to accompany me, later I shall retrieve the rest of you" McGonagall signaled Fred and George to follow her.
"Wait Professor what happened?"
"I'll let you know when you times comes Miss. Spinnet" said McGonagall simply walking away with Fred and George.
They turned to each other, Fred shrugged while George sighed. It looked like detention but for some reason it felt off especially when he noticed they weren't walking towards her office.
"Professor if you don't mind us asking" began George holding his school bag "where are we going?"
"The Hospital Wing" she answered her voice as brisk as usual "I thought you'd like to see while she is awake."
"Katherine's up?"
"Yes that was I said Mr. Weasley." George could hear his own heartbeat. She was awake and he'd get to see her. It was hard to contain his excitement especially in front of his brother.
That was the hard part about being a twin. One could always tell when the other was lying, upset or worse...
Hopelessly in love with a girl. George glance over at Fred who already had a small spark in his eye.
They walked up the stairs each step filled George with expectation, and made him slightly sick.
"Mr. Rowle I think it'd be best if-"
Madam Promfrey's voice could be heard a few feet from the door, McGonagall hurried up the steps and the boys followed suit.
"I want a word with my daughter-"
"Father please!" pleaded Katherine "I-"
"Is there are problem?" McGonagall put her hand on Madam Promfrey's shoulder. Into view came a tall blonde man with steel-like eyes. He was dressed in black dress robes giving him a vampire-like appearance.
George stared that man was Katherine's father. The man she never spoke of and when she did Katherine would too often change the subject.
Behind him sat Katherine propped up on pillows her face drained of what little color it might have had. Her eyes gave the man a pleading look.
"No there isn't a problem at all" his grey eyes stared down at Professor McGonagall who walked towards him.
"Then I assume you have no problem with following me to the Headmaster's office" she said in tone that caused George's hair to stand on end.
It reminded him too much of his Mum.
"Of course not Minerva" he turned to Katherine who kept her head up "we aren't done with this conversation." He walked past the twins looking at as id they had set a dungbomb off right under his nose.
Madam Promfrey shook her head walking towards her office muttering something about disrespectful behavior, leaving the twins to stand staring at the young witch.
Fred elbowed George after what seemed to them like hours.
"Er...Katherine" he whispered she turned towards him with a small smile.
She stared back at him her eyes had a glassy look "I'm alright" her voice cracked a bit towards the end "I just had a tiny row there with my father..."
"Sorry about that if you want we can leave" said Fred, she scoffed shaking her head.
"Don't be stupid!" she said her voice returning back to it's usual strong tone. "I wanted to talk to you two." She wiped her eyes signaling to sit next to her bed.
"Anyway before anything where's my wand?"
"Er... Angelina has it" answered George "she didn't think it'd be safe with us."
Katherine smiled "Angelina was right you two are a menace to society."
"We'll take it as a compliment" Fred smiled "I'm pretty sure you're next question has to do with the game." Katherine nodded though her face fell the minute she set her eyes on George.
Fred went on to explain their loss and fill in Katherine with the current events in the last few days. George watched as she nodded, bit her lip, shook her head and even smile a bit when Fred mentioned their most recent accomplishment.
"In Binns's class" she said in disbelief "I can't believe you two" she took a glance at George at that moment he felt himself smile. "Though I must admit that was creative."
"Of course Kitten" George pointed to himself and Fred "we are creative young wizards!"
"Indeed Georgie!"
She chuckled tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. A soft red color crept up onto her cheeks.
"Can you bring Angelina, Leesh, and Lee in tomorrow?" asked Katherine her eyes on George he nodded giving her a smile.
"Of course they'll be dying to see you."
"Yeah" added Fred "We thought you'd out cold for a week..."
Katherine gave them a bashful look "I was supposed to be...I sort of used a shield charm...though it didn't work to well" she looked away "my head's still pounding and my hands feel a bit numb."
"A shield charm?" asked George baffled "at that speed."
"You know I am a capable witch George" she snapped frowning "believe me I'm shocked too..."
"We know you're good with a wand Kitty" said Fred chuckling as she threw him a dirty look. George felt his face heat up it was just like Fred to make an uncomfortable comment on propose.
"You're a prat!"
"And we adore you too our little lion" Fred patted her shoulder as he stood. Madam Promfrey walked towards the giving the boy her I'm going to shoo-you-out look.
"We best be off" said George as Fred gave her a soft hug good-bye. George noticed the small silver bracelet on her wrist. The one they had giving her for her birthday.
He smiled as Fred walked past him "you still wear it."
She looked up at him "of course I always have." George bent down surprising himself when he kissed her cheek. Her hand held his and for a moment he could have sworn his heart had stopped.
Her cheek was against his "I'm glad you do" he whispered, she wrapped her arms his neck.
"Mr. Weasley I believe you have class" Madam Promfrey's voice caused Katherine to suddenly release George.
"Yes I do in fact, so I'll be leaving" he picked up his bag and began on his way towards the door.
"George wait!" shouted Katherine caused Madam Promfrey's to give her a disapproving look. He stopping turned he saw her smile "could you tell Micheal to come see me?"
His heart sank. Of course she'd want to see him.
She loved him. George clenched his jaw "of course Katherine."
With one last look George walked out the door trying to keep himself form showing his distaste for the situation.
He knew she'd probably never give him a second look, after all to her he was like a brother. Katherine never showed anything close to romantic feelings towards him and he'd never understand why in Merlin's name he did.
He sat in Trelawney's classroom listening to Heather talk away about her plans for the next Hogsmeade visit, he nodded when needed and tried to keep the smile on his face a realistic as possible. He didn't love her but he appreciated her friendship especially of the late. She was sweet, caring, and understanding.
"Of course that's at the end of this month" she took his hand "oh! I forgot did you hear? Ravenclaw's playing in the first week of December."
Now this peaked his interest "really who told you that?" asked George she smiled.
"Matthew, Ravenclaw's keeper" she said plowing on "he reckons they have a chance at the cup."
George snorted "over Oliver's dead body."
Heather shrugged "as long as the Slytherins don't keep it I'm fine" her smiled faded.
"I'm fine Heather, it's just-" he tilted his head a bit as she put her hand on his cheek "Oliver's being hard on us..."
"Oh! Well look on the brightside" said Heather excited "Christmas is around the corner.
George took Heather's words to heart as the remaining weeks of November melted away into December. Bringing the holiday spirit and the expectation of the next match in which laid Gryffindor's hopes at achieving the Quidditch Cup and of course Oliver Wood's sanity and that of his team.