Chapter Twelve

Quidditch Match 2

Time flew by and before long March had arrived. The weather hadn't been pleasant for Quidditch. I felt bad for our team, the had a game coming up and nearly every practice it had rained. Practice should be ending soon and the boys should be arriving for History of Magic tutoring. Sure enough Fred and George came in, looking both worried and a fair bit upset.

"Was practice bad?"

"Apparently Snape has asked to referee the game on Saturday."

I knew Snap was supportive of the Slytherin team, but to actually referee a match…was a large jump. And he held no love for Gryffindor. They both face-planted on my bed on either side of me. I shook my head at their antics.

"Cheer up, from what I've heard Dumbledore will be watching, I doubt he'll let Snape be unfair."

Neither one responded. It took several jabs to their sides and tickling to get a response. Needless to say the lesson was abandoned in favor of the tickling war that ensued.

It was Saturday and I had gotten up early and turned in my report to Professor Snape on the twin's potion tutoring. I found space in the stands with Ron and Hermione near Neville. Snape looked quite mean as the teams marched to the fields. Ron flinched as something poke him in the back of the head. Glancing back, it was Malfoy. Joy.

"Oh sorry, Weasley, didn't see you there."

He grinned broadly at Crabbe and Goyle, as if he has something terribly clever.

"Wonder how long Potter is going to stay on his broom this time? Anyone want to bet? How about you Weasley?"

I silently applauded Ron from remaining quiet. He was too busy watching the game. Snape had just awarded a penalty to Hufflepuff because George had hit a Bludger at him. Meanwhile glancing at Hermione she had anxiety written all over her face, fingers crossed in her lap and squinting her eyes fixed on Harry, whom was circling the game watching the for the Snitch like a hawk.

"You know how I think they choose people for the Gryffindor team?" Malfoy said loudly a few minutes later, as Snape awarded Hufflepuff another penalty for no reason at all.

"Its people they feel sorry for. See, there's Potter, who's got no parents, then there's the Weasley's who've got no money – you should be on the team Longbottom, you've got no brains."

Neville turned bright red but turned in his seat to face Malfoy.

"I'm worth twelve of you Malfoy," He stammered.

Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle howled with laughter. I felt a rage burn in my chest.

"Longbottom, if brains were gold you'd be poorer than the Weasley, and that's saying something."

I could almost hear Ron's teeth grind.

"And how is Slytherin's team chosen then?" I asked glaring at the blonde.

"On talent, obviously." Malfoy retorted.

"Huh. Explains why you're not on the team then,"

I heard snickers from all around me, and I saw Malfoy's face fall. The crowd roared as I saw Harry go into a spectacular dive.

"You're in luck Weasley, Potter's obviously spotted some money on the ground!"

At that Ron snapped. Before Malfoy knew what was happening, Ron was on top of him wrestling him to the ground. Neville hesitated but then clamored over the back of the seat to help. Harry was speeding directly at Snape. He missed him by inches – the next second Harry had pulled out of the dive, his hand raised in triumph. He had caught the snitch, it had to have been a record, and the game maybe lasted five minutes. Noticing Ron and Neville were still fighting I managed to pull Neville away from Crabbe and Goyle. However Malfoy and Ron were a sea of flailing limbs. I managed to pull Ron off but Malfoy managed to get me directly in face. I felt the skin split and teeth cut into my cheek and the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth almost instantly. Everyone froze, wide-eyed. Crabbe and Goyle, stupidly began laughing, Malfoy joined them after getting over his initial shock. Big mistake.

Rearing my hand black, I slammed my fist into Malfoy's nose. Blood spurted and he howled in pain. Pushing through everyone and the crowd I made my way back to my room in the castle, I was done with excitement for one day.

It had been at least an hour since the incident on the stands. I was still spitting blood in the sink when there was a knock on the door. Knowing the twins never knocked, I assumed it was a teacher. Malfoy likely squealed. Sighing I grabbed a black towel and went to open the door, surprised to find Professor Snape. He had changed into his black billowing robes. He looked rather surprised by the towel at my face.

"How did Malfoy make it out to be?" I asked point blank.

He didn't answer for several moments.

"He said it was deliberate,"

"Aye, I was busy trying to pull people off one another when I was hit,"

"You are referring to Weasley and Longbottom?"

"I know fighting is against the rules, but Malfoy was rude and insulting. There's only so much a person can take of taunting before they snap." I said bitterly.

I pulled the towel away to see if the bleeding had stopped, and was aware Professor Snape was still there.

"What?"

I daresay he looked impressed.

"You pack a punch Ms. Evans, please in the future, and refrain from hitting members of my house."

With a swish of his cloak, he was gone. I'm certain I stood there dumbstruck for several minutes before closing the door. My lip bled for a few more minutes before Fred and George came in . Both were smiling and laughing before they zeroed in on my sitting on the bed with a towel to my lip. I hadn't changed from my clothes from the match so the front of my shirt was splattered with bits of blood from both my own lip and Malfoy's nose.

"What happened?" they demanded.

Before I could answer, Fred was pulling the towel away to look at the wound.

"Ron attacked Malfoy, I was trying to pull him off," I responded.

The two boys looked at one another. I could see the wheels turning in their heads.

"It's already taken care of,"

They looked at me.

"I already got Malfoy back, trust me. Besides, Snape has already visited me."

I mumbled putting the towel at my lip.

"You aren't bleeding much anymore," George offered.

"How much detention did you get?" Fred asked.

My brow furrowed.

"That's the thing…I didn't."

They were quiet.

"Does it look bad?" I asked.

They shook their heads.

"No, but we're curious, how did you get Malfoy back?"

I flushed pink, not looking up I knew they were both were wearing Cheshire cat grins.

"I MAY have popped Malfoy in the nose…"

The twins howled with laughter, and despite the pain in my face, I smiled.