Chapter Ten

Tutoring and Quidditch

My cousin was probably one of the most reckless people I've ever known. He still wasn't speaking directly to me, but through the grapevine I heard that he, Ron, and Hermione had taken on the troll. Rumor was that Hermione had gone looking for the troll, thinking she could take it on herself. However I had heard that Hermione was already in the bathroom when Harry and Ron had come to her rescue. Professor McGonagall had awarded only five points.

Soon Saturday had arrived and I was in the Common Room in regular Muggle clothing, consisting of blue jeans and a maroon sweater with gold threading throughout. I managed to wrangle my hair into a ponytail and out of my face. I was reading my transfiguration book when a tap to my head alerted me to someone trying to get my attention. Glancing back as my head rested on the arm of a squishy armchair, upside down I saw the red haired twins in muggle clothes too. Both with cauldrons and potion making ingredients. They both wore matching emerald green sweaters and jeans.

"So where is this place we've never been too?" George asked.

I smiled and motioned for them to follow me. Up a staircase and around several corners we've arrived at my blank door.

"We've been here, nothing but storage." Fred argued.

I showed them my key and inserted it and ushered them inside.

"Wicked," the said in awe.

I shook my head as I closed the door behind them.

"Nox, we have visitors."

The twins looked confused until Nox materialized out of the shadows and proceeded to sniff the twins.

"Is that a Kneazle?" George asked.

I nodded.

"Fred, George, this is Nox. Nox, this is Fred and George," I introduced.

Nox sniffed both the twins and then began rubbing himself on their legs, purring. I smiled.

"He likes you," I admitted.

The twins broke out into a smile.

"Isn't this the same Kneazle we saw scratching the tar out of Pansy Parkinson?" George asked his brother.

Fred nodded in affirmation.

"We heard her screeching from Professor Quirrell's class," Fred added.

I shook my head.

"She probably tried to touch him or pick him up. If he doesn't like you, he'll let you know." I mused.

I toed off my converse and rubbed my slightly sweaty palms on my jeans as the boys looked around.

"This is your room?" Fred asked.

I nodded.

"This is my home," I added, offering to take their cauldrons.

I hauled them out to the balcony.

"Where do we sign up for digs like this?" the boys asked simultaneously.

My lips twitched slightly, I wondered if they did that on purpose.

"Have no family or anyone to take you in for the summer," I asked quietly.

I felt them both turn and look at me, both looking guilty. I shook my head.

"It's ok. My mum died when my brother and I were a year old. From there we were sent to live with my biological father. He never wanted anything to do with us, so the Ministry created a deal for him to take us in." I explained quietly.

"They paid your father to do the right thing by his children?" George asked flatly.

I nodded and sat on my bed. The boys took up seats on either side of me listening.

"He is a greedy man, a Muggle, but very greedy. We were treated fairly until my brother started showing magical signs. He tried to hide and conceal it, but the damage was done. After that things went downhill. Things changed. When Felix turned eleven and he received a letter and left. That was two years ago and I haven't seen or heard from him."

"Things changed with your father?" Fred asked.

"I'm a half blood, and my father is a very stern man. He hates anything unusual or magical. My brother and I included. He abandoned my mother when she was pregnant with me. He wasn't a…kind man." I said slowly.

The twin's normally bright eyes darkened at what I said, understanding the implication.

"It wasn't so bad when Felix was there, but it got so much worse when he left. My stepbrother Lucas, was far too interested in me."

The twins shook their heads but did not interrupt.

"It was shortly after my stepbrother's birthday when I received my first Hogwarts letter. My father and his family were away on holiday, and so they never knew it arrived. The selfish part of me wanted to hide it, because any scrap of mail or anything that proved my existence, they took and destroyed."

I looked out the window.

"The other part of me was hoping to be whisked away like Felix, maybe I would run into him. So imagine my surprise when Professor McGonagall arrived on my doorstep to fetch me."

The twin wore matching grins.

"Bet dear-ol'-dad wasn't too happy,"

I grinned and shook my head.

"He was livid, even more so when Professor McGonagall refused to back down and told me to pack my things. I've been here since. And will be until they find another guardian for me."

Fred and George shared a look over the top of my head.

"You're more than welcome to come over to our place over the summer," Fred offered.

"Mum loves having new people over," George added.

"And dad will get a kick out of you, especially being raised with Muggles and all,"

I looked at him confused.

"Dad works in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts, he's quite fascinated by Muggles," Fred explained.

"I don't want to intrude,"

Fred and George shook their heads.

"Nonsense, it's not intruding if we're inviting you,"

The two sandwiched me into a hug.

"Thank you,"

There was a brief pause.

"So as far as tutoring should I start at my stuff first, then work our way up to third year?"

The boys nodded.

"All right. Let's get started."

Soon November arrived with cold weather. The twins were doing very well in their potions lessons with me. And my History of Magic grades went up. Along with winter, Quidditch had started. Although the twins were always available for lessons with me, I saw them less and less during the week. During my actual potions I was able to see that Professor Snap was limping horribly on his leg. I wasn't the only one whom notice. Harry and his trio were analyzing his leg too. Harry still hadn't said anything about my outburst, I wondered if it was because he was too busy between classes and Quidditch.

November 9th had arrived and it was time for the first Quidditch match of the year, Gryffindor vs. Slytherin. In lieu of the match I had cancelled Potion lessons since the twins were in the match and I had promised to attend. In the morning the Grand Hall was buzzing with excited chatter. Everyone was looking forwards to a good Quidditch match.

I saw many of the first years crowded around Harry who looked quite pale. I felt bad for him, he must be quite nervous. Being wrapped up in my thoughts I felt something being jammed onto my head covering my head and ears in warmth. Turning slightly I noticed the twins grinning at me. A red/gold striped beanie with a red and gold pom-pom on the top had been put on my head. Before I could even say thank you they scurried off. By elven o'clock the entire school seemed to be in the Quidditch Pitch stands. Many of the students around me had binoculars. I joined the other Gryffindors in the stands. AS a surprise for Harry, the other first years made a banner that said, 'Potter for President', Dean, whom was good at drawing , had done a large Gryffindor Lion below that. Hermione had done a charm on the paint so it flashed different colors.

Madam Hooch stood in the middle of the field waiting for the two teams. Gryffindor wore scarlet and Slytherin wore green. From my vantage point I was able to pick out the twin and Harry. Finally after what seemed like forever, both teams mounted their brooms. A loud blast from Madam Hooch's whistle and fifteen brooms rose high in the air, and the game begins!

"And the Quaffle is immediately taken by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor – what an excellent Chaser that girl is, and rather attractive too, - "

"JORDAN!"

"Sorry, Professor."

The twin's friend, Lee Jordan, was doing the commentary for the match, closely monitored by Professor McGonagall. I had brief interactions with Angelina. She was popular, and she knew it. She was close with the twins and I knew she didn't approve with me being around them. Most of our interactions were when she interrupted our History of Magic tutoring lessons in the library.

"And she's really belting along up there, a neat pass to Alicia Spinnet, a good friend of Oliver Wood's last year only a reserve – back to Johnson and - no, the Slytherins have taken the Quaffle, Slytherin Captain Marcus Flint gains the Quaffle and off he goes – Flint flying like and eagle up there – he's going to sc – no, stopped by and excellent move by the Gryffindor Keeper Wood, and Gryffindors take the Quaffle."

Most of the Quidditch players, the female Alicia and Angelina often thought they were better than other people because they played the sport. They were kind of like female jocks of the magical world. Katie Bell was another Chaser, she was sweet and kind and thankfully not like her fellow Quidditch players.

" – That's Chaser Katie Bell of Gryffindor there, nice dive around Flint, off up the field and – OUCH – that must've hurt, hit in the back of the head by a Bludger – Quaffle taken by the Slytherins – that's Adrian Pucey speeding off towards the posts, but he's blocked by a second Bludger – sent by Fred or George Weasley, can't tell which – nice play by the Gryffindor Beater, anyway, and Johnson back in possession of the Quaffle, a clear field ahead and off she goes – she's' really flying – dodges a speeding Bludger – come on, now, Angelina - Keeper Bletchly dives – misses – GRYFFINDORS SCORE!"

Our section roars, their cheers from the stands, we could hear the howls and moans from the Slytherins. I felt my heart beat wildly in my chest, and a smile play at my lips. This WAS fun.

"Budge up there, move along."

Turning my head I saw Hagrid squeeze together next to Ron and Hermione.

"Afternoon Hagrid!" I called over the crowd.

He beamed and waved at me.

"Bin watchin' from me hut," Said Hagrid, patting a large pair of binoculars around his neck. "But it isn't the same as in the crowd. No sign of the Snitch yet, eh?"

"Nope," Said Ron. "Harry hasn't had much to do yet,"

"Kept outta trouble, though, that's somethin'"

I had to agree, from what the twins told me, the Seekers could be attacked before the Snitch was released. Harry was gliding over the game keeping an eye out for the Snitch. I had missed some of the commentary when I watched Harry dive after a streak of gold. He wasn't, however, the only one who'd notice the Snitch. He was neck and neck with the Slytherin Seeker, Terrance Higgs. All the chasers seemed to have forgotten what they were supposed to be doing as they all paused to watch.

Harry was certainly faster and reached out towards the Snitch…

"Harry!" I called out.

Marcus Flint had blocked Harry on purpose, his broom spinning off course. Harry hung on for dear life.

"FOUL!" the Gryffindors screamed.

Madam Hooch spoke angrily to Flint and ordered a free shot at the goal posts for Gryffindor. In all the confusion the Golden Snitch had disappeared from sight. Dean was screaming about a red card, a rule in soccer when shown by the referee, kicks the offending player out of the game. Jordan was having difficulty not choosing sides.

"So – after that obvious and disgusting bit of cheating –"

"Jordan!" Professor McGonagall growled.

"I mean after that open and revolting foul – "

"Jordan, I'm warning you – "

"All right, all right. Flint nearly kills the Gryffindor Seeker, which can happen to anyone, I'm sure, so a penalty to Gryffindor, taken by Spinnet, who puts it away, no trouble, and we continue to play, Gryffindor still in possession."

While everyone was watching the game, I noticed something funny was going on with Harry's broom. It was trying to buck him off. His broom had unseated him and was now death-rolling around and around, with Harry only just hanging on. One wild jerk and Harry was flung off, dangling holding on with only one hand.

"Did something happen to it when Flint blocked him?" Seamus asked.

"Can't have," Hagrid said, his voice shaking. "Can't nothing interfere with a broomstick, except for powerful Dark Magic – no kid can do that to a Nimbus Two Thousand."

At those words I was aware that Hermione was searching the stands with Hagrid's binoculars.

"What are you doing?" Ron moaned.

"I knew it," Hermione gasped. "Snape – look."

Ron snatched the binoculars. From my own small pair I could see Snape in the middle of the stands opposite of us. His eyes were fixed on Harry and seemed to be muttering nonstop. Coincidently I noticed Professor Quirrell in the front row doing the same thing, he however, did not look friendly. When I returned to say something, the bushy haired girl was gone.

I returned my sights to Harry, the broom seemed to be vibrating it looked as though he wouldn't be able to hold on much longer. I noticed the whole crowd, both students and staff were watching terrified. Fred and George tried to pull Harry to safety on one of their brooms but it was no good – every time they got near him the broom would jump higher still. They dropped lower and circled beneath him, hoping to catch him if he fell. Marcus Flint seized the Quaffle and scored five times without anyone noticing.

It was a long five minutes before suddenly Harry was able to clamor back onto his broom. I noticed that he was speeding toward the ground when the rest of us saw him clap a hand to his mouth as though he was going to be sick – he hit the field on all fours – coughed – and something gold fell into his hand.

"I've got the Snitch!" he shouted, waving the Snitch above his head, the game ended in complete and utter confusion.

"He didn't catch it, he nearly swallowed it," Flint howled.

But it made no difference, even twenty minutes later, Harry had broken no rules.

Gryffindor won, one hundred and seventy points to sixty.