Hello everyone, I'm back again for the next chapter. I guess now my little rant about getting Lily's age wrong will make sense.
I need to make an announcement here... I'm getting very busy lately. Trying to get a proper job, and also trying to write and publish original fiction means it's getting harder to find time to work on my fanfics. I'm going to take a break from fanfiction for a while. I will be back; Scorp, Al, and Kiyomi are too vivid in my mind to stay away from them for too long. When I do come back I'll also try and get some chapters of Slytherin Stand going too.
Next month's chapter is already written, so there will still be one more chapter in April... but after that, I'm not too sure when I'll be updating again. Maybe I'll try and work on a chapter between original stories. It will all depend on how work and other things in real life go as well.
Anyways, don't worry too much about that now. Now it's time for some Quidditch Carnage... but don't worry, next month there will be peace offerings. 197 of them to be exact. Enjoy:
Chapter 9: Quidditch Carnage
Scorp had always imagined that the Halloween feast would be a happy, lively occasion. Maybe normally it was, but this feast sure wasn't. It could have been the description of the Great Hall Al had given him (no decorations, trunks everywhere), or it could have been the fresh pangs of guilt that he felt now that he was faced with what he had done to half the school.
"This feels kinda awkward" Kiyomi said as they sat down at the Hufflepuff table. "Gryffindors behind us looking at us like we're trespassing in their territory, and Slytherins across the room doing the same thing."
"School unity or not, I think we should have had the feast in our Common Rooms" Al said. "Then again, I guess we only have ourselves to blame."
"Shh!" Kiyomi said. "People will hear."
Scorp cringed at the reminder of the secret they had been keeping over the past five days. They had at many times been ready to turn themselves in, but the thought of expulsion kept them quiet. Even Uncle Blaise's insistence that they not risk getting expelled hadn't made them feel any better, since there was a chance that them getting into trouble would ease the tensions building up between the Slytherins and Gryffindors.
Scorp wondered if Maffy would find the situation ironic; Scorp and Al had been sorted into Hufflepuff and become friends, however they had still caused more hatred and division amongst the Slytherins and Gryffindors than had been seen since before Voldemort fell. Scorp wished he could joke about it with Maffy.
The fear of being caught had mostly faded - after all, they had found the cauldrons and lids in the Room of Requirement and had not been missed at dinner. No-one had any idea that the Trio were involved (except maybe for Blaise Zabini) and no-one had asked them anything. Still though, Scorp felt himself panic whenever Al said something about the experiment in public. Though Scorp couldn't be too angry at Al; he knew that if he himself was questioned about the issue he would end up confessing. Maybe Kiyomi would do better, but not by much.
There were announcements from Professor Flitwick after the feast; most were of the festive or optimistic nature, but there was one conspicuous plea for whoever lunched the attack on Gryffindor Tower to come forth. The next day, Scorp found out just how much that plea annoyed a certain quarter of the school.
During Transfiguration, Scorp was shocked to find the two Slytherins in his group so united.
"Everyone in this school favours Gryffindor over us" Autumn Page said. They were halfway through the lesson on beetle transformations and she had so far not given Scorp, Caleb, or Dorian any of her usual taunts.
"I know" Dorian said, agreeing with Page for what Scorp thought might be the first time ever. "Help us find out who attacked Gryffindor Tower. That was a horrible thing that happened to the Gryffindors. Oh no, the attack on Gryffindor Tower also ended up damaging the Slytherins too. What a terrible side effect. Do they honestly except us to believe that Slytherin wasn't also attacked?"
Scorp kept quiet. He did not know how he could possible respond to Dorian's rant without hinting that he had been involved in the whole issue.
"The Giant Squid weakened the window and then a huge piece of tower crashed into it?" Page said. "I've seen the Giant Squid hit the window like, once since I've been here. You know what? I'm going to get answers."
Scorp heard her chair fly backwards, assumed she was standing up, and then heard her demand that Professor Montague tell her what really happened to Slytherin Dungeon.
"What was that Miss. Page?" Montague said.
"Professor, no-one really believes what Professor Goyle said about the Giant Squid" Page said. "What really happened to Slytherin Dungeon? And why don't any of the teachers want to admit that we were attacked just like the Gryffindors were?"
Despite his intense dislike for Autumn Page, Scorp had to admire her for having the guts to stand up to Montague like that.
"No-one really believes the Giant Squid story at all do they?" Montague said, his voice more cold and calculating than ever before. "Well, I can assure you that it is just as plausible as disgruntled Gryffindors having the ability or cunning needed to disable the Dungeon's Structural Protection spells and then guide a suitably large chunk of debris into the main window."
"But -"
"Quiet Page" Montague said. "You want an answer from me, now you're going to shut up and listen while I give you one. There are a few possibilities that could explain why a collision between the debris of Gryffindor Tower and the main window ended up being so destructive. Professor Travers was adamant that they not be brought up lest they scare the students. In the end Professor Goyle and Headmaster Flitwick agreed. But if the official story is so weak that a First Year can see through it, well... hmph.
"There's always the possibility that the Merfolk who live in the lake are becoming hostile with us. Professor Hagrid has been meeting with them to discuss the incident, and says that the Merfolk leaders have no qualms with us. Though enough debris fell into the lake to cause damage to some of their dwellings, so I wouldn't be surprised if some were seeking revenge. They have the magical skills needed.
"Then there's the possibility that there is a problem with the school security spells. The tunnels you entered the castle from contain the wards and devices that keep the school safe and unplotterble. Slytherin Dungeon is directly below these tunnels; making it one of the safest places in the school normally, and one of the first places to notice if the wards start playing up.
"Has anyone noticed the entrance to the Common Room becoming easier to find and less camouflaged?"
"Well yes" Page said. "But I thought that was just because I'd been getting better at finding it."
"A logical enough assumption" Montague said. "But it's also a sign that the school's wards could be weakening. If so, then such a change could also weaken the structural wards placed on Slytherin Dungeon. This weakening could have gone on unnoticed for a long time... in a way, that chunk of Gryffindor Tower breaking the window while the Common Room was empty was a blessing. It could have been so much worse."
"Does that mean the school is vulnerable?" Scorp asked.
"Not yet" Montague said. "That collision alerted us to the problem in time. I've been in those tunnels strengthening the wards ever since. We're safe."
"Could the Gryffindor Team have weakened the wards?" Page asked.
"Could the Gryffindor Quidditch Team have been gradually weakening the most advanced security spells in Scotland and planed an attack on their own Common Room just to get a chance at damaging the Slytherin Common Room?" Montague said. "That is basically what you are asking Miss. Page."
Scorp had an uncharitable image of the Gryffindor Team doing some evil plotting - Fred Weasley as the mastermind - and couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. How could anyone possibly suspect the Gryffindor Team of doing that?
INTERLUDE; DRACO
It was one o'clock on Friday, and Draco was leaving the spectacle shop with a happy Paulie in tow. Draco was dressed in navy-blue smart-casual robes (he had thought his usual work suit-robes to be too formal for a casual meeting at Ella's Ice-Creamery) whilst Paulie had on black pants and a red jacket that looked nice and normal in both the Muggle and Magical worlds. Poking out from beneath the jacket though, Draco could make out a few letters near Paulie's collar that spelt 'Deep Purple'. It was an old shirt of Scorp's which Paulie had claimed even though he had no need for hand-me-downs.
Things had gone well in the spectacle shop; well, mostly well. Draco had found himself cringing when Paulie asked the shop assistant for something "Hipster" and then got excited when she brought out what Paulie called 'Awesome Buddy Holly Glasses' but Draco thought of as "Bully Magnets." Not for the first time, Draco silently cursed Dennis Creevey's infectious taste in music, but acted enthusiastic about his sons choice. He even got Paulie to agree to let him shrink the glasses a bit before leaving the store; just a little bit though.
As they walked along Diagon Ally and Draco noticed Paulie checking out his reflection in every window, he had to wonder if he was right to try and influence Paulie's choice like that. Sure, the overlarge thick black glasses looked comically large on his face, but what the hell, Paulie liked them; and they did kinda suit him. His eyes finally stood out from beneath that untameable mop of curly hair that he had inherited off his mother.
Not that Astoria's hair was an untameable mop; god no, Draco thought she had the most beautiful hair possible. And it was absolutely perfect that their son looked so much like her. Well, like her at first glance. Paulie's facial features still had a lot of Draco and Scorp in them, all pointed and delicate. Though Paulie also had more deep-set eyes and a much stronger chin, just like Draco's long deceased and much loved mother.
Draco stopped worrying about the glasses. Paulie looked like the perfect mixture of everyone else Draco loved, and nothing could make his little boy any less perfect. Anyway, Paulie would either grow into the glasses or decide to swap them for a more conventional pair.
They came to Ella's Ice-Creamery, and Draco saw Harry Potter sitting by the window with a little red-haired girl. She had a cute little face and not a single freckle in sight. Draco and Paulie went inside, and Draco felt cheered by the familiar ice-cream parlour. No, it was not the Florean Fortescue's from his's youth, but it was a large, cheery place, with comfy booths for the adults and a large toybox in the corner and lots of floor-space for the kids. The door-chime rang and Potter - no, Harry - looked up and beckoned them over.
"Hello Draco" Harry said, extending his hand. "Glad you could make it. This is my daughter Lily."
"Hello Mr. Draco" Lily said, putting her hand out just like her father.
"It's Mr. Malfoy Lily" Harry said.
"No, I can live with Mr. Draco" Draco said. Shaking first Harry's hand and then Lily's. "It's nice to see both of you. And this is my son, Paulie."
"Hello" Paulie said, vigorously shaking both Harry and Lily's hands. "I'm Paulie! Nice to meet you both. Hay Mr. Potter, I heard you used to play Quidditch at Hogwarts. Do you still play with Mrs. Potter?"
"I sure do" Harry said. "And she always beats me."
"Well of course she does" Paulie said. "She's awesome. Do you play too Lily?"
"Yeah!" Lily said. "I try and play all positions; but I like Seeker best."
"Same" Paulie said. "Diving for the Snitch is the best!"
Paulie and Lily soon drifted over to the kid's corner to continue talking about flying, and Draco and Harry ordered their coffees and relaxed at the table by the window.
"They're getting along well" Draco said.
"Yup" Harry agreed. "And it's nothing like one of those corny romance novels."
"Not yet anyway" Draco said. "So, your wife always beats you in one-on-one Quidditch?"
"Well we usually play as Chasers" Harry said.
"I see" Draco said. "Astoria has never been a good Quidditch player. Fortunately Paulie's Quidditch mad, so I've got someone to go flying with."
"Scorp isn't a big flyer?" Harry asked.
"Nah, he gets a bit disorientated when on a broom. Though his happy to go up and get towed around."
"Oh that's a shame" Harry said. "Any idea what makes it so disorientating for him?"
"Well, I think the fact that he can't see where his going makes it harder."
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that." Harry said. "Scorp must be a real fighter to be able to do so well with such a handicap."
"I guess that's one way to put it" Draco said. "Though I think Paulie is probably even more of a fighter. Don't tell anyone I said this, but I think he might end up in Gryffindor."
"I imagine that would be a huge break in Malfoy tradition."
"Who cares? Scorp already broke Malfoy tradition and ended up in Hufflepuff. I couldn't be more proud of him though."
"Did you suspect Hufflepuff?"
"Not at all. Dad was the only one who did. Though, in hindsight I think it's the right place for Scorp. His the friendliest, loyalist kid I've ever known."
"Yeah, Al's the same. Though, I was still not expecting Hufflepuff. Al was worried about ending up in Slytherin, so I was just thinking it would be either Slytherin or Gryffindor. Though, Hufflepuff is the best fit. I can't believe it never occurred to me."
"Well you weren't the only one. Where do you think Lily will end up?"
"I have no idea. I've always imagined that all three of my children would be in Gryffindor, but now I just don't know."
"I'm sure she'll do well in any of the houses."
"Yeah" Harry said, his eye's going over to the children, who had found a small toy Snitch and were throwing it around. "Hey kids? Who wants ice-cream?"
A few minutes later, all four of them were sitting down at the booth next to the window eating ice-creams. Draco had ordered a chocolate chip, whilst Harry had a large chocolate and raspberry creation topped with nuts. Lily had a pink strawberry and vanilla delight, and Paulie had gone with his usual mix of every-flavour.
"I'm so glad you had the day off today Dad" Lily said. "This is much more fun than staying at the Ministry Day Care. You don't have to work on the weekend, do you?"
"No, I'm all yours for the weekend Lily" Harry said. "Don't worry though, Mum might be gone, but even if I wasn't around Aunty Hermione would be around on the weekend for you."
"I know" Lily said, not sounding the least bit pleased by this thought.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked. "I thought you liked Aunty Hermione?"
"Not when she's fighting with Uncle Ron" Lily said.
"Fighting?" Draco asked. He then covered his mouth and silently apologised once he realised how rude he had sounded. Now though he was torn - he found himself inexplicably curious about the Weasley's relationship, but didn't want to risk being rude about it.
"Yeah, because Uncle Ron spoils Rose and Hugo" Lily said.
"Their daughter Rose sent Ron a letter asking to go home for the week" Harry said, lowering his voice as if telling Draco a terrible secret. "The Gryffindor Common Room and dormitories are currently off limits at the moment. Anyway, Ron agreed to let her come home without telling consulting Hermione about it."
"That seems... dumb" Draco said.
"Yeah, not his brightest move. Anyway, Hermione comes home from work to find Rose there waiting for her. Her first instinct was that Rose was sick or suspended. Then she finds out the truth and kinda over-reacts."
"She said Rose can't go back to see the Quidditch Game against Slytherin" Lily said.
"That's lame" Paulie said.
"I know!" Lily said.
"I'm sorry I asked" Draco said.
"It's okay" Harry said. "I... I guess I probably shouldn't have said anything. I guess I'm just a bit on edge about it; Hermione spent last night over our place and now Ron's trying to vent all his complaints on me... sorry, you don't really want to know all that, do you? I guess I'm just stressed out a bit from work and need to vent a bit myself."
"That's okay" Draco said, simultaneously feeling awkward and feeling more curios and gossipy. "How is work anyway?"
"It was quiet for a while, but then something strange happened, and I want to investigate it."
"The new case takes up so much time" Lily said. "But I'm glad Dad got this weekend off."
"It is nice being the head of a department and dictating my own hours sometimes" Harry said. "Except of course when I come across something that I can't figure out or ignore."
"What case are you on now?" Paulie asked. "Is it Death Eaters? Or a Goblin Conspiracy? Oh I know, someone has built a magical doomsday device! Hmm... have you investigated Blaise Zabini yet?"
"No, it's none of those things" Harry said with a chuckle. "At least I think not."
"Then what is it?" Paulie said. "Oh wait, it's a secret isn't it? Oh, but I won't tell anyone."
"I know what it is" Lily said.
"Oh what? Please please tell me!"
"Someone's controlling the Muggle MI6!"
"What's that?"
"Special Muggle police called Secret Agents."
"Really? Like James Bond?"
"Who?"
"His a Secret Agent that has a gun and fights with Nazis and Mad Scientists and the Mafia!"
"How do you know about James Bond?" Harry asked.
"I saw him on the TV at the Creevey Farm!" Paulie said. "Mr. Potter, do you know James Bond?"
"Not personally" Harry said. "I have met other Secret Agents though."
"Wow that's so cool!" Paulie said. "Whose controlling them?"
"I'm not sure" Harry said. "Maybe I'm just imagining it. But every time I've been to their HQ, strange things have happened."
"Really?" Paulie asked. "What kind of strange things?"
Harry begun whispering as he answered; and Draco found himself leaning closer just like the children; the remains of his ice cream temporarily forgotten.
"Well, I went in there last month to get some information relating to another case. Everything was normal... however as I left, one of the receptionists said 'good-bye Mr. Potter.' I found this a bit strange, since I don't remember ever seeing this receptionist before, however I didn't worry too much about it.
"A few days later, I was back there for some more information about the case. I bumped into the same receptionist at the water-cooler and said 'hello again', she just looked at me and said 'sorry, do I know you?' I mentioned that she greeted me the other day; she then looked at my name tag and said 'oh, you're the Auror guy. Hello again.' Now, the Secret Intelligence Service is not supposed to know about the magical world, so this triggered some huge alarm bells."
"They're not?" Draco asked. "I thought the top people in the Muggle World knew about us."
"Only the Prime Minister, the Queen and some of her family, the families of Muggleborn Wizards and Witches, or the Muggle Spouses of Wizards and Witches" Harry said. "Though I was quite surprised to find out the Secret Service didn't know too."
"So what happened after the receptionist recognized you?" Paulie asked.
"I pretended not to notice" Harry said. "However after I was done I snuck into their archives, to see what references they had on Aurors and Wizards."
"What did you find?" Draco asked, sounding just as excited as Paulie had.
"That's the problem" Harry said. "I can't remember! I know I intended to go there, but I have no recollection of doing so. And I can't remember anything else I may have done during that time. Then the next day Ron asked me how my meeting with ... um, Agent X went."
"Who?" Lily asked.
"I can't tell you any real names. This is the safe-for-the-public version of the story dear. But even so, I can't remember anything about this Agent X. All the other Aurors know I went to Vauxhall Cross to talk to someone, but I have no recollection of it happening. And worse, we can't find any records indicating how the meeting came to be."
"That's freaky" Paulie said.
"Freaky indeed" Harry agreed. "And since then it's gotten weirder. I've sent other Aurors to investigate MI6, but many come back with altered memories. And when I asked their chief about Agent X, he said there was no Agent X."
"That is so freaky" Lily said.
"I also haven't been able to find the receptionist that made me suspicious. My only conclusion is that there are wizards in the Secret Intelligence Service, and that they are altering memories in order to hide whatever they are doing within the SIS."
"Why does it have to be Wizards?" Paulie asked. "Maybe the Muggles are using a neural-thingy on you."
"A what?"
"I can't remember what it's called, but it was on the TV at the Creevey's. The Men in Black had a little steel wand that they used to rewrite memories so the Muggles didn't find out about the space-aliens."
"Paulie, the Men in Black and neural-thingy are make-believe" Draco said. "Remember what Uncle Dennis said about the TV? Most of it is just stories. Real Muggle Secret Agents can't erase memories. Only Wizards can."
"How do you know Secret Agents can't erase memories Dad?" Paulie said. "Have you ever met any?"
"No, but I'm sure Mr. Potter would know if they could. Right Mr. Potter. Um, Harry?"
Harry had a faraway look on his face, as if he was actually considering Paulie's suggestion.
"I dunno" Harry said. "I don't see how we could be unaware of it... but then again, Muggle technology is advancing so fast these days. It's really hard to keep up. I guess it's something to consider. Thanks Paulie; I bet you'll make a good Auror one day."
"Thanks Mr. Potter; but I'd rather be a Secret Agent. Hey Lily, I know what we can play next! Let's pretend to be Secret Agents and Aurors, and we can fight mad scientists!"
"Okay!" Lily said, taking a finishing her ice-cream and then running over to the toy box. "I'll be Mad-Eye Moody... oh, can we fight Death Eaters as well as mad scientists?"
"Yeah!" Paulie said, taking the final bite from his ice-cream and running off to join her. "The Death Eaters and mad scientists are working together to make a deathray... and they're going to use it on Hogwarts!"
"Oh no! We have to save all the students!"
Paulie found a grey wand in the toy box, and begun pointing it around the room.
"I'm James Bond, and this is my gun! Pew Pew Pew!"
"And this -" Lily said, put the toy Snitch up against her eye "-is my magic eye! I can see Death Eaters with it Mr. Bond!"
"Show me where!" Paulie said. "Let's go shoot them."
"And hex them!" Lily added.
"Yup, they're going to be friends for a long time" Draco said, with a smile all over his face.
"They sure are" Harry said. "Who would have thought it?"
"Not me" Draco said. "Though, I guess with all the other surprises my children have given me, I should have thought it."
END INTERLUDE
After another breakfast in the Common Room on Saturday, the Hufflepuffs begun making their way out to the Quidditch Pitch. Al was wearing red, Scorp green, and Kiyomi had made sure her clothes were completely neutral. Walking with them were Ira, John, Huan, Josie, Angel and Samara. Samara, Angel, Josie and Huan were supporting Gryffindor, John Slytherin, and Ira was dressed up in Hufflepuff colours.
"It doesn't really matter to me which team wins this game" Ira said. "I don't want to support Slytherin, because the house has more gits than any other house in this school, and I don't want to support Gryffindor because they have the second most gits. I hope they both get teeny-tiny scores so Hufflepuff can beat them easily. Both teams suck!"
"Ira, you do know my sister is the Gryffindor Captain right?" Samara said.
"And that I have a brother and a two cousins on the Gryffindor Team" Al added.
"And that the Slytherin Beaters are like big sisters to me" Scorp added.
"Well, um. Whatever" Ira said.
"Oh wow" Josie said as they emerged into the crowded, noisy Entrance Hall. "Gryffindor and Slytherin have both lost so many points since yesterday."
"I wonder if they were fighting last night" Angel said.
"I hope they're all alright" Al said.
"Yeah" Kiyomi agreed. "Rex said that a lot of the older students were starting fights."
Scorp had almost started feeling alright about the failed fuel test, but now that his idea was causing fights between Gryffindors and Slytherins...
"Oh well, look on the bright side" Ira said. "Hufflepuff is leading the House Cup now. We've just got to try hard in class and not misbehave, and I'm sure we can beat Ravenclaw!"
"Gryffindor isn't that far behind" John said. "If they win the match today, they should win enough housepoints to reclaim their lead."
"What?" Ira said. "No, they can't win! Scorp, can I borrow that scarf? I'm going for Slytherin!"
"Um, alright" Scorp said, handing Ira the scarf but clinging tightly to his Slytherin flag.
"Slytherin are going to be even more determined to win than normal" Samara said. "After all, if they don't make up the points they lost last night, then they'll be behind in both the Quidditch Cup and the House Cup."
"Oh yeah" John said. "This is going to be such a good game."
"Hey, you don't think both houses will have to go back to the Great Hall after the game do you?" Kiyomi asked.
"Where else could they go?" Huan asked. "Their Common Rooms are still unlivable.
"Yeah" Kiyomi said, "But it's going to be really awkward for the winning house to be celebrating while the losing house is like, right there with them."
"Oh... that'll be terrible" Angel said.
"I wonder if it'll make them fight again?" Josie asked.
"I hope it's a draw" Al said.
"Yeah" Huan said. "I don't want my friends in either house to fight. Hey girls, do some of you want my Gryffindor stuff?"
"I'll take your stuff" Samara said. "I have a lot of Slytherin friends, but I really want to show my sister how much I support her."
Soon they were outside and making their way to the Quidditch Pitch. The Pitch was much louder than it had been last time Scorp had visited - which was to be expected, since it was full of excited students. They found some good seats in the Hufflepuff stands, right next to Ariel and Hubert. Hubert couldn't stop talking, and Scorp felt his enthusiasm spreading.
"GREETINGS HOGWARTS!" Hope's voice boomed over the Pitch. "Welcome to the first Quidditch game of the year; GRYFFINDOR VERSES SLYTHERIN! Are you all excited? I know I am! I'm Hope Goyle, and I'll be your commentator today!"
"And I'm Mercy Goyle! I'll be commentating too!"
"Is everyone ready for the match to begin?" Hope asked. "Are you ready Hogwarts? Are you ready? Scream Quidditch if you're ready for an awesome game!"
"QUIDDITCH!"
"Louder!" Mercy said.
"QUIDDITCH!"
"LOUDER!"
"QUIDDITCH!"
"Again!" Mercy said.
"Um, Mercy, I think that's enough - "
"AGAIN!"
"QUIDDITCH!"
"Now cheer on your favourite team!" Mercy said.
"SLYTHERIN!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Draw!" Al, Scorp, Kiyomi, and Huan added.
"Here come the teams!" Hope said. "For Slytherin... Captain and Keeper Raymond Smyth, Chasers Mina Clemett, Tina Clemett and Riffat Farooqi, Beaters Liberty Goyle and Ruby Goyle -"
"Go Libby! Go Ruby!"
"Mercy, we're supposed to be unbiased."
"But they're our sisters!"
"It doesn't matter, we can't show favouritism. So yeah, Beaters Liberty and Ruby Goyle, and Seeker Estaban Hardcastle!"
"Yay Slytherin! ... and, yay Gryffindor too."
"And here come the Gryffindors; Captain and Chaser Martha Cox, Chasers Dominique Weasley and James Potter, Keeper Thomas Fudge, Beaters Cory O'Flaherty and Fred Weasley - "
"Fred Weasley is filling in for Hassan Wek" Mercy added.
"He sure is folks. And Seeker Clarice Churchill! What do you think about the teams Mercy?"
"You just said I can't show favouritism."
"You don't have to show favouritism; just make a few comments about the players and how they did last year, and how you think the teams will go today because of that."
"Well last year Gryffindor and Slytherin both played bad. Slytherin played a bit less bad than Gryffindor though, and with Libby and Ruby both as Beaters, Gryffindor are going down!"
"I wouldn't put it quiet like that" Hope said. "Both teams have new players; Clarice Churchill and James Potter are new for Gryffindor, and they can't be any worse than the last Seeker and Chaser. Fred Weasley is also new, but his tiny compared to Hassan Wek, who is one of Gryffindor's best players. In fact, his tiny compared to the Goyle sisters too. However O'Flaherty has always been a good beater, so maybe Gryffindor won't be completely put out of action by the Slytherin Beaters. Then again, with Riffat Farooqi joining the Clemett twins... what Mum? Oh yeah, right. Madam Jones is on the field. The Captains are shaking hands - or trying to break each other's fingers, I can't tell from here - and now they're in position. The Snitch is on the field... and THEY'RE OFF!"
There was a loud cheer throughout the crowd. Scorp was glad Hope and Mercy were doing the commentary; they were good at describing the action.
"Slytherin are in possession" Hope said. "Riffat Farooqi has the Quaffle, and the Clemett sisters are keeping the Gryffindors away from her."
"Go Riffat!" Mercy said. "Oh, I mean, Slytherin sure have good Chaser formation don't they?"
"They sure do. Oh, good shot from O'Flaherty; Tina Clemett is hit!"
"Isn't that Mina?"
"No that's Tina... oh, wait, no, that's Mina. Well, she's getting back up anyway, but Potter has Farooqi cornered. Farooqi passes, Clemett captures- oh, did Captain Cox just try to elbow Clemett? No, I guess not, it's play on. Clemett passes to Clemett, and now Clemett's speeding off towards the Gryffindor goals."
"Mina's going to score even after that huge hit!"
"The Gryffindor Chasers are in pursuit. And their path is cut off by a Bludger from Ruby Goyle!"
"Weasley returns fire! Oh, his Bludger misses. Now Mina passes to Riffat, Riffat's in position, Fudge races to intercept -"
"And Farooqi scores!" Hope said. "10 points to Slytherin. The first score of the match goes to Slytherin's new Chaser."
"Now Gryffindor has possession" Mercy announced. "Weasley's zooming down the outside ..."
"Hey guys, look over there" Kiyomi said.
"Where?" Al said.
"Back towards the castle. There are some students heading back."
"Can you see who they are?" Scorp asked.
"No, but they're wearing green. Can you see them through your binoculars Sev?"
"Yeah, there's five of them. I don't recognize any... wait, that's Bulstrode. And Avery... and Rookwood."
"Rookwood's gang" Scorp said.
"Yeah... hey, I think they're going to the lake."
"Back to their hangout near the tunnels?" Kiyomi asked.
"It looks like it" Al said.
"Wait, didn't Montague say that the school's protection comes from the tunnels?" Scorp asked.
"Yeah" Kiyomi said. "Wait, do you think they might have been the ones that weakened the wards? That would explain why Slytherin Dungeon got flooded so bad!"
"But why would they want to do that?" Al said.
"I don't know" Kiyomi said.
"What are you three looking at?" Angel said. "Oh, I see green people leaving... why would they do that when their team is winning?"
"Good question" Scorp said.
There wasn't much time to consider what Rookwood was up to. Dominique soon scored Gryffindor's first goal of the match, and then Fred hit Riffat so hard that she dropped the Quaffle into James's waiting hands. James then sprinted down the pitch and surprised Smyth for another easy shot.
After that though, the hostility between the two houses started to really come out. James was fouled for deliberately pushing Tina Clemett away with his arm, and Tina then scored Slytherin's second goal during the penalty. Slytherin then fouled when Mina rammed James hard enough to send him falling towards the crowd, but Smyth blocked that shot.
"Hardcastle's diving!" Mercy said. "And Churchill's right on his tail! They've seen the Snitch! They've seen it!"
"Churchill's catching up!" Hope said. "Oh, I just saw the Snitch, it's anyone's game here. Oh wait, maybe not. Ow! Hardcastle's hit. good shot from Weas - whoa! his grabbed Churchill's broom... they're both spinning out of control!"
"Do you think Estaban grabbed her broom by accident?" Mercy asked.
"It's possible" Hope said. "But I highly doubt it."
Madam Jones doubted it too. She awarded Gryffindor a penalty shot, which Cox took and successfully added another ten points to Gryffindor's score.
After that the game became rougher and rougher. A few normal shots were made, but most shots were the result of penalties. It was a good game though - Scorp could tell just from hearing the commentary - however after the first time-out at the hour mark, disaster struck.
The score was 50-30 Gryffindor's way when they players came back out. They had patched themselves up, but were still bruised and bloody. Libby and O'Flaherty were on target almost every time they got a shot. Tina's robes soon looked as red as the Gryffindor team's whilst James, Cox, and Riffat were all constantly getting knocked off course, and almost off their brooms. Mina and Dominique were doing a better job at dodging and attempting to score, but even they soon had bruises and were noticeably stiff with their throws.
Ruby and Fred were less precises with their hits - their targets often dodged or got lucky at the last second. However both Beaters were eager to draw blood. The Bludger never got a chance to lose its momentum and then zip back to the wings; either Fred or Ruby was there to send it back across the pitch with increased force. It had become a dangerous tennis match; their Bludger cut off runs, was responsible for many bad Quaffle throws, but it didn't hit another player. Until...
"OW DAMN!" Hope said. The rest of the crowed also shouted, and Scorp heard someone shout out "FRED."
"Someone get him!" Mercy said. "Okay, looks like his safe. What happened?"
"I think he mistimed his swing" Hope said. "That Bludger was getting a lot of momentum. Looks like his winded."
"His arm is all crushed" Mercy said. "Oh, it looks like his hurt."
"A medical Time Out has been called" Hope said. "See you soon everyone. I hope Weasley's alright."
People all through the stands got up to go to the toilet or get snacks, however Al, Scorp, and Kiyomi headed straight to the sidelines. They got to where one of Madam Pomfrey's assistants was treating Fred with no trouble. However Al did not get much sense from James and Dominique.
"She aimed that at him on purpose!" Dominique said. "Those cheating Slytherins!"
"Is Fred going to be alright?" Al asked again.
"Yeah, but Madam Vane says he might not be able to go back and play" James said. "Damn those Slytherins! They are so going down now!"
Once Al was assured that Fred was going to be alright, the trio went back to the stands. When the game started again, Gryffindor were down a Beater, but more determined than ever.
Not that it helped them that much. O'Flaherty wasn't able to keep up with both Goyle sisters, and the Gryffindor Chasers had Bludgers raining down on them. The Gryffindors tried to make up for this by playing rougher. In a sense it did work; Mina Clemett was soon playing almost entirely one handed and Riffat became disorientated as blood began soaking through her hijab after being rammed into a stand tower by Cox. However after another time out both Riffat and Mina were patched enough to play almost at their normal level, and Gryffindor had fallen behind by fifty points.
"It's 110-50 Slytherins way" Hope said as Tina scored another penalty shot. "And I'm starting to wonder if the Gryffindors even care about winning, with all these penalties their giving away."
"It's like their just hoping Churchill will get the Snitch and save them" Mercy said. "These no way they can catch up being a player behind."
Not long after Mercy made that comment, the numbers evened up. O'Flaherty managed to knock Riffat off her broom with a well aimed Bludger to the head. After another medical time out, Riffat joined Fred in the hospital wing, and it was a six on six game.
At first it seemed the loss of Riffat had evened up the game. The Gryffindors were still getting constantly bombarded with Bludgers, but the Clemett sisters had now lost a lot of manoeuvrability. However, both sides were totally enraged with each other. Fouls were being issued left and right, and it came down to the Keepers to determine the score. It soon became apparent that Smyth was the better Keeper. Or maybe he was just in better shape; Fudge had taken a lot more Bludgers than Smyth, and was moving slower than he had at the start of the game. An hour after Riffat was taken out, the score was 210-70.
"Churchill's seen the Snitch!" Mercy said. "Oh, and Hardcastle's all the way on the other side of the Pitch! His chasing after her... will it be enough though?"
"The Goyle sisters are responding!" Hope said. "Bludgers are on the way... and Hardcastle is almost there. Anyone could - Oh, Potter just flew right in front of Hardcastle. You see that? Yes Potter, I hope that did hurt. You cheating little ba - oops, sorry Mum."
"She got it! Churchill caught the Snitch - ow. There are those Bludgers... she's down. Does that still count as a catch?"
"Yes Mercy, it sure does."
"Oh. Shoot."
"It's a catch, and hopefully she'll be alright. the final score is 220-210 Gryffindor's way. Gryffindor wins."
There were loud cheers and loud boos coming from the crowd; including a mix from the Hufflepuff stands. Scorp felt Al grab his arm and lead him away.
"Where are we going?" Scorp asked.
"To see if James is okay" Al said.
"From getting rammed by Hardcastle?" Scorp asked. "What actually happened?"
"Yeah, they're both on the ground and not looking so good" Kiyomi explained.
"Ouch" Scorp said.
They ended up running down the stairs, and even though they were worried about James, Kiyomi's enthusiasm for Quidditch became clearer to Scorp as she explained what happened.
"James just flew in front of Hardcastle and the two of them collided and tumbled to the ground" Kiyomi said. "That was so gutsy of James, though it was also kinda low of him to block Hardcastle. Not that Hardcastle would have made it over the Snitch in time anyway."
"It was still a bit low" Scorp said.
"Yeah it was" Kiyomi said. "But still gutsy."
"Gutsy or not, James could be really hurt" Al said, leading Scorp around another corner. Scorp judged that they were near the pitch now.
"I'm sure he'll be alright" Kiyomi said. "James is tough. You know, that game got way too rough, but it was so amazing to watch. I love this game! I think I'll take Madam Jones's advice and learn to play."
"I bet you'd be a great Qudditch Player Kiyomi" Scorp said.
"Thanks."
"Yeah - shame they don't let big fatties on broomsticks!"
Scorp spun around, growling Rose's name as he tried to pinpoint where the insult had come from. Even though they were almost outside, the stands were currently a chamber echoing footsteps and shouts. Scorp had no idea where Rose was or how many friends she had with her, but he recognized her voice. Looks like she was back to normal.
"Rose what the hell is wrong with you?" Al said, taking a step away from Scorp, slightly to the right. Scorp adjusted his position and reached into his pocket for his wand. If Rose kept talking, he might be able to find out where she was. Then he could try out that Silencing Charm they had learnt last week.
"I'm fine" Rose said. "But Kanno will never get to play Quidditch... even for the Hufflepuff team."
Despite Kiyomi yelling at Rose to shut up, Scorp could still hear Elliott and Tara giggling. Yes, they were definitely to his right, and a bit above him; maybe on the stairs.
"I see you've taken a level in nastiness" Scorp said. "Though let me tell you Rose; if you don't shut up right now, then I'll make you shut up."
"Yeah, you're very scary Malfoy" Rose said. "And for your information I'm not nearly as nasty as your family were during the war."
"Oh burn!" Tara said, and she and Elliott giggled again. Now though Scorp was pretty sure he knew where she was. And her friends were right next to her; so even if he missed, he should get one of them.
"Rose, can you please just leave us alone" Al said. "Why are you here anyway? I thought your Mum said you couldn't come back until the Tower was fixed."
"She changed her mind" Rose said. "You didn't really think she would stop me seeing the game just because she got into a fight with Dad do you?"
"No" Al said. "But I still think you need to apologise to my friends."
"Al, you're friends with a fat cow and a Death Eater" Elliott said. "And not only that, but I think you need to apologise to Rose for getting her into trouble with her mother."
"Yeah" Tara said. "You're a terrible cousin Al."
"SILENCO!" Scorp shouted, jabbing his wand forward towards the three Gryffindors. There was a small crash, and then all three started laughing.
"You missed!" Tara said.
"Poor pathetic Malfoy can't even cast a simple spell" Elliott said.
"It must be hard being prejudiced and useless" Rose said.
"SHUT UP!" Al yelled, and this time the three Gryffindors did fall silent. "You know Rose, I've really been missing you as a friend, and I've always hoped that you'd come to your senses and see that Scorp and Kiyomi are good and apologise to us. But now... now it looks like I'm just going to have to accept that I've lost you. I've lost that awesome cousin that was always my best friend, because now you're just a nasty bully!"
"I... I'm not a bully" Rose gasped. "I just... um, I just -"
"You are too" Al said. "And if you ever bully my friends again, I'll going to go and tell Uncle Neville!"
"No!" Rose said. "You wouldn't! You've already gotten me in trouble with my Mum. Al, I thought we were still friends... kinda."
"You're the one that stopped being my friend" Al said. "And you know what Rose? I think I'm the one that's better off without you!"
"Al!" Rose said. "But I... I miss you Al... and I'm not...,"
Rose burst into tears and ran off. Al would have followed her, but Scorp placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and shook his head.
"I think she needs some time alone to think about what you said" Scorp said.
"Yeah, I guess so" Al said.
"I guess hanging out with Malfoy and Kanno has change you Albus." Elliott said. "I can't believe you just made Rose cry. And I'm so telling on Malfoy for trying to attack us."
"But I -"
"You're horrible Albus!"
Elliott and Tara both stormed off, and Kiyomi and Scorp both started spilling out reasons why Al was not horrible at the same time. Before they could really talk about the incident though, There was an increase of yelling coming from the pitch. They ran down the last few steps, and emerged outside, where Scorp heard were Madam Jones yelling and then the accusations of two angry boys.
"I'm not going to apologise; I'm going to punch your face in again if I get a chance!" Hardcastle said. "You cheat!"
"I didn't cheat!" James said. "You wouldn't have caught the Snitch anyway snail-boy!"
"Enough!" Madam Jones said. "Both of you are coming with me. I've never seen a brawl like this. Disgraceful."
"Looks like they had a punch up" Kiyomi said.
"Well, at least James isn't hurt too badly" Al said.
Scorp meanwhile was listening to the crowd. He didn't hear much happiness or celebration; he just heard angry shouts and threats.
"I hope the Slytherins and Gryffindors don't kill each other tonight" Scorp said.
