Chapter 11: Gryffindor -vs.- Slytherin

Jade followed a long corridor that seemed to lead no where. She was following a dark figure who was walking away from her. She reached a door, opening it and finding Harry, Ron, and Hermione lying on the floor. She checked them seeing they were gone. Jade saw red lettering on the wall:

They Have Suffered Because of You!

Jade turned to run, suddenly waking up from her dream. She was shaking from the reality of the dream. Jade puller her curtain back seeing it was already light. She got dressed quickly going to find Hermione to tell her about her dream. It was the third one she has had in weeks. She wished Dumbledore would reveal who her father was. She found Ron and Harry walking towards the Quidditch Pitch. Today was their first match of the season against Slytherin.

"Harry, Ron wait up," Jade shouted as she ran to meet them, "Where's Hermione?"

"Probably in the stands already," Ron told her.

"Thanks, see you guys after the match," she called to them, "And good-luck!"

Jade ran towards the stands. She climbed up into the Gryffindor stands finding Hermione sitting next to Hagrid and Madame Maxine. Jade sat down next to Hermione taking the other end of their 'GRYFFINDOR FOR CHAMPIONS' sign.

"Where's Sirius, I don't see him in the teachers box," Jade inquired.

"Refereeing the match, I believe," Hermione said.

"Welcome Quidditch Fans. Todays match-up ought to be a good one, Slytherin -vs.- GRYFFINDOR! Now here comes the teams. For Slytherin; Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Zambini, Herron, Casserly, and Goddard. For Gryffindor; as beaters the Weasley twins Fred and George, our chasers are Alicia Spinnet, Angelina Johnson, and Colin Creevey our newest addition, our new keeper Ronald 'Ron' Weasley, and out seeker Harry Potter," Lee said with enthusiasm, "As usual the golden snitch is worth 150 points and ends the game.

"The Quaffle is up and Gryffindor takes early possesion. It's Colin Creevey, he throws it to Alicia Spinnet and Oh! She's hit with a bludger. Slytherin chaser Zambini takes possession and they score. Slytherin 10 - Gryffindor 0. Angelina Johnson has the Quaffle and is making a run…Oh No…Angelina Johnson is hit with a bludger bat, those dirty, rotten…"

"Jordan!" McGonagall said.

"Sorry Professor…Angelina Johnson takes a penalty shot and it's good. Slytherin 10 - Gryffindor 10. Slytherin chaser Cornelius Herron has the Quaffle but nice shot from Weasley twin I think George or was it Fred, someone get them name tags please. And I think Harry Potter has spotted the snitch. He is diving 50 feet and boy does that Firebolt, which by the way Which Witch and Brooms Weekly have rated…"

"Jordan! Comment on the game not the broomsticks."

"Sorry Professor. Malfoy is following in the dive and oh my Harry Potter has pulled up only a few feet from hitting the ground and Malfoy is face first on the ground. I don't believe it that was the Wrongski Feint. Only one other can pull that move off, Viktor Krum of the Bulgarian Quidditch…"

"Jor-Dan!" McGonagall nearly scream, "If you can't comment on the team them…"

"Okay, Okay, sorry Professor, Colin Creevy has the Quaffle and is speeding towards the Slytherin Keeper Galant Goddard. He shoots, he scores. Slytherin chaser Martin Casserly has the Quaffle and dodges two bludgers, two Weasley twins, and even Alicia Spinnet, but he doesn't get by Ron Weasley. And what an excellent save. Creevey has the Quaffle again and he has two Slytherin chasers on his tail and OH NO! He is knocked off his broom by Goyle. Why those dirty, rotten, slimey, why I oughta…"

"Jordan Please…"

"Sorry Professor, Alicia Spinnet takes the penalty shot and it's blocked by Slytherin Keeper Goddard. Oh look is that the snitch, I believe it is. Potter sees it and so does Malfoy. They are going for it, but which will catch it."

Harry sped towards the snitch, but Malfoy had the advantage being that he was closer. He put on a burst of speed and the Firebolt responded to his beckoning. Harry caught up to Malfoy. Malfoy bumped his broom into Harry's sending him flying towards the stands. Malfoy glanced to see where Harry went and lost the snitch. Harry realized what happened and stopped scanning the pitch to see where it went. Harry saw the golden snitch flitting around near the bottom of the Slytherin goals. He started towards it and dove down fifty feet, he pulled up just before hitting the ground, catching the Golden Snitch.

"Gryffindor wins," Sirius Shouted seeing that Harry had indeed caught the golden snitch.

"Harry Potter has caught the snitch winning the game. That was probably his most spectacular catch yet. Final score Gryffindor 190 - Slytherin 50," Lee cried still celebrating.

Harry got off his broom and was nearly knocked flat by his team cheering. Ron was also beaming at how he did. Harry handed the Golden Snitch to Sirius who put it away. The crowd was beginning to file down to the ground level. Harry saw Jade and Hermione making their way through the crowd towards them. Hermione, once clear of the cheering fans, ran up to Ron throwing her arms around his neck in a tight hug.

"Hermione, your choking me," Ron said laughing as Hermione withdrew her arms from his neck.

"You were wonderful up there," she said.

"Naw Harry's better," Ron said, "That catch was superb."

"Come on guys we've gotta go change before we miss the Hogsmeade trip," Angelina said.

Ron and Harry left the Quidditch Pitch heading towards the locker rooms. Soon they were showered and changed into their weekend attire. The boys followed the flow of students up to the school, meeting Jade and Hermione in the Front entrance. Professor McGonagall saw them and came over.

"Don't forget to keep an eye on your house members," McGonagall told them.

"We will Professor," Jade said as the other three Order members shook their heads.

As she left Jade led the way outside heading towards Hogsmeade. Ron and Hermione towards already snuggling up to each other. Harry pulled his winter cloak tighter as a sudden gust of wintry air threatened to rip it off. Jade also did the same as she walked through the entrance gates. They headed into the town of Hogsmeade. Jade was suddenly in awe of the beauty of Hogsmeade. Harry led the group to Honeydukes where Ginny, Fred, and George would meet them. Once inside the warm shop Jade was astonished at the sight of all the amazing sweets and goodies. Harry met Ginny, giving her a hug as he saw her.

"Wanna get that butterbeer I promised?" he asked Ginny.

"Yeah I do," she told him smiling.

Harry shouted over his shoulder, "See you guys later."

Ron grabbed Hermione's hand, "Let's walk a while then grab a butterbeer."

"But what about Jade?" she inquired.

"Go on, I'll be fine. I'll patrol for a bit then meet you guys for a butterbeer," she said smiling.

"Thanks," both Ron and Hermione said as they left hand in hand.

"If you want I - um- we can stay," George said in that misty, dreamy voice.

"I guess the joke shop can wait," Fred said rolling his eyes at his twin.

"Well how about if I walk with you guys to the joke shop, considering I have never been there before," Jade said.

George's eyes lit up when she said this. He looped his arm through hers leading the way. Fred followed behind watching George drool over Jade. He knew that Angelina would be upset if she ever found out how he was behaving. They reached Zonko's Joke Shop and walked inside. The interior of the shop was something to behold. There was everything from exploding quills to stink pellets to Dr. Filibuster's Wet-Start, No-Heat Fireworks. Fred met Lee over by a display of hiccup powder (guaranteed to cause you friends and enemies to crawl the walls). George was leading Jade over to where the exploding quills sat on the shelves.

"George I really must go and patrol now. Thanks for showing me where the joke shop is," Jade said kissing George lightly on the cheek in thanks.

George stumbled over to his twin and Lee in a daze. Jade smiled before walking out of the shop. She watched the students as she walked towards the Three Broomsticks to meet up with the anonymous note writer. Once she arrived she didn't see any one waiting for her. Jade heard laughter coming from inside and she debated whether or not to go inside and warm up.

She was about to go in when she felt someone grab the back of her cloak and pull her around the corner into the alley. Jade turned around her wand ready to defend herself. Jade came face to face with Draco Malfoy, he was warily watching her and her wand. She eyed him precariously debating whether or not to put away her wand. She realized that he didn't have his wand out, so she put hers away.

"You're the one who wrote the note?!" she asked trying to keep the shock out of her voice, "But why?"

She saw the shocked look on his face, "I wanted to give you back you quill and talk."

"Okay?" she said confused as to why Draco Malfoy of all people was here wanting to talk

to her.

"I was wondering if…" he suddenly didn't seem so arrogant and smug.

Jaded looked into his blue eyes seeing a scared fifth year boy before her, "You were wondering if what?"

"I was wondering if… ifyouwouldgotothedancewithme?" he stammered out running every word together.

Jade looked puzzled, "What was that?"

Draco took a deep breath before beginning again, "Would you like to go to the Yule Ball with me?"

Jaded watched with amazement Draco, "You want to go with me? Even though I'm a Gryffindor and friends with Ron, Hermione, and Harry?"

Draco looked at the ground, "Yes."

"On one condition," Jade began, "You don't act arrogant or make fun of my friends."

"Agreed," he said smiling.

For some reason he looked different. Jade couldn't really place it, but it was almost as if he was truly happy.

"By the way, where are Crabbe and Goyle," Jade asked out of curiosity.

"Um…erm…they-they are following someone else, okay?!" he said suddenly blushing.

"Sorry," Jade said sensing tension around the subject, "Do you want to join me for a butterbeer? I am going to meet Hermione, Ron, and Harry."

"No thanks, but thank you for the offer," he said sincerely.

He turned and left the alleyway. Jade had a feeling that Draco Malfoy was hiding something. She walked into the Three Broomsticks meeting up with her friends. They made room for her and Ginny ordered another butterbeer for Jade. Once it came the talk turned to the upcoming Yule Ball that Dumbledore was promising would be great. While they were talking Jade couldn't help thinking about the haunted look in Draco's eyes. She would definitely have to speak with him further. Soon it was time to go back to Hogwarts. Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione started walking back without Jade. She wanted to make sure everyone got back without a problem. She made her last pass and saw Draco walking towards the entrance. Jade ran up next to him pacing his every footfall.

"I thought maybe you could use some company," Jade said.

"Thanks," was all he offered.

"Draco is everything okay?" Jade asked concerned.

He stayed silent for a moment, "It's my father. He wants me to join with Voldemort. I was to be sworn in as a deatheater over the Christmas break. I was to have the dark mark burned into my arm. I told him no, I mean I may not like certain people and have my own opinion on who should be a wizard, but I will not harm or kill anyone. I have lived through his abuse for too long, the scars I keep as reminders of my disobeying his command or disappointing him. And now he has disowned me. I have no where to go. And I am positive that my father has been ordered to kill me, I-I just don't know what to do."

"I am glad you didn't join him," Jade offered squeezing his hand.

"Thank you, I am, you know, trying to become friends with Ron, Harry, and Hermione," he said quietly, "I am just about all alone in my own house. I mean yes Professor Snape is there, but I need help."

Jade looked into his eyes seeing the pain and suffering, "Let me talk to them and try and begin a new friendship. We could use any support possible in this dark time."

"I'd really appreciate it," he said.

They reached the front entrance and went inside. Malfoy went into the Great Hall, but Jade went upstairs to the Gryffindor tower knowing she had to think. She arrived at the portrait seeing that the fat lady was not in her frame, she was probably off visiting her friend Violet in another painting.

She decided that a bath in the Prefect's bathroom would be the best thing to clear her head. As she was walking towards the bathroom she saw Peeves the Poltergeist laying out banana peels on the floor. She was the only Prefect he actually listened to.

"Peeves what are you doing?" she asked.

"You! Just a little itsy, witty prank on the 'ickle 'ittle first years," he said dropping the peels.

"Peeves, pick them up now," Jade told him.

He picked them up before flying off to make more mischief elsewhere. Jade arrived at the hidden door saying 'Pine fresh'. The door/portrait swung open and she went in. Jade locked the door before going over to the swimming pool size tub. She added Amberlily scent to the water. Jade grabbed two towels, setting them near the tub. Moaning Myrtle showed up sitting on the edge of the tub.

"Good evening Myrtle," Jade said, "How has your evening been tonight?"

"Dreadful," she said gravely, "Peeves has been tormenting me all night. Making fun of me and where I must haunt."

"I am sorry, Myrtle. Do you want me to report him to Sir Nicholas so he can talk with the Bloody Baron?" Jade asked while she undressed.

As she got into the tub she splashed Myrtle, "Sorry."

"It's alright. You're the only one who actually treats me like a person, not a-a… thing!" Myrtle said, "No I think this time I will speak with the Bloody Baron."

"Good luck," Jade said as Myrtle disappeared from the room.

Jade finished up her bath figuring that the fat lady will be back in her portrait. Jade got dressed and headed back to the Gryffindor Tower entrance.

"Good evening dear. How was Hogsmeade? A boy had a note for you, but I told hem you weren't here," the fat lady said.

"Thank you and Hogsmeade was wonderful," Jade said, "Tea cakes."

"Good-night dear," she told Jade as she went in.

Jade went upstairs to her dorm room hoping everyone was still at dinner. Jade went in and saw Ginny on her bed stroking Crookshanks. Jade went to her bed changing into her pajamas. She was about to go to bed when an owl started tapping on the window. Jade opened the window and it flew in dropping a letter on her bed before flying back out. Jade closed the window and locked eyes with Ginny. Jade could tell she was curious to find out who would be sending letters to her this late at night. Jade grabbed the letter as she sat down on the bed. She drew her curtains shut before opening up the letter:

Jade-

Thank you once again for listening to me. Even if Harry

And them won't listen and put aside the petty past I will still have

You. Even if it was for one night.

Please speak to them for me tomorrow. I will be somewhere

On Hogwarts grounds. All you have to do is owl me on where to meet.

Thanks once again

Draco Malfoy

Jade smiled at the sincerity of the letter. She set the note under her pillow before lying down to try and sleep. She had the start of a headache and hoped it would go away before tomorrow's Hogsmeade trip. As she closed her eyes a cold chill went through her as well as a sense of dread.