Sorry for the wait but It was my birthday on friday and then my party on saturday so I couldn't write, I swear I was getting withdrawral symtoms. So this chapter is mostly around Harry more so than Alex...obviously as he plays Quidditch. I know usually Gryffindor plays Slythrin first for the first game but I didn't want that in this chapter so please don't say that's a mistake because I understand that technically it would be. But hey I don't want it to be exactly a like.
Chapter 13 – Quarrels in Quidditch
The next morning dawned bright and early it was the official beginning of the Quidditch season the ground was thick with white fluffy snow which had covered the footprints of yesterday and now once more looked untouched. Alex looked down on the Quidditch pitch where she could see people defrosting broomsticks ready for the match Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw. Alex didn't know why but she was feeling extremely excited about the up coming game. As she entered the great hall it was buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm. She took a seat next to Hermione staring at Ron's pale face.
"You have to eat something." Hermione urged pushing a plate of eggs and bacon under Ron's nose.
"I'm not hungry." He mumbled staring blankly at the table. Alex looked around the hall spotting Justin with the exact same expression as Ron she knew he'd be feeling the exact same way. Harry joined the three taking a seat beside Ron assuring him that he'd do great and that there was nothing to worry about.
"Let's face it, its Justin if he takes a shot he'll miss by miles." Alex assured punching Ron lightly on the shoulder, at her words Ron gave her a small but not convincing smile. Stevie approached the table standing behind Alex.
"What do you want?" Alex asked bitterly.
"I just wanna say no hard feelings." Stevie smiled patting Alex on the arm.
"After what we went through…together with you I thought we'd be ok." Stevie continued as Alex got up from her seat to face Stevie. Stevie an unexpecting Alex into a hug.
"Ugh Stevie get off." Alex demanded pushing Stevie away.
"Fine if you want it that way Russo, I got what I wanted." Alex frowned as Stevie turned on her heel and strutted away. At 10:45 Alex and Hermione joined the floods of students making their way down to the Quidditch pitch while Harry and Ron joined the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team in the changing rooms going over strategies that they had been practicing for weeks. By 11:00 the stands were filled to the brim with students and visiting parents the on lookers cheered. Alex joined the Gryffindor's chants waving her little flag. While in the changing rooms Harry, Ron and the rest of the Gryffindor team got dressed into their scarlet Quidditch robes, Ravenclaw would be playing in blue. Harry and Ron turned as Angelina Johnson Quidditch captain for Gryffindor cleared her throat.
"Ok team, this is it…" Angelina started before Fred interrupted.
"The big one." Fred said eagerly.
"The one we've all been waiting for." George continued. The captain gave the same speech every year most of the team knew it by heart by now.
"Be quiet and let me finish you two." Angelina snapped glaring at the twins the two smirked giving a salute Harry and Ron smiled knowing they were just taking the mick.
"The first game of the season, we're smarter, faster and stronger we're going to win." Angelina continued glaring at the team.
"Good luck everyone." She screamed as they made their way out onto the snow cleared pitch where cheers erupted.
"I think I'm gunna be sick." Ron gulped lining up with the rest of the Gryffindor team. Ravenclaw made their way out of the changing rooms a mixture of boos from the Gryffindor side and cheers from Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin soon drowned out the boo's from Gryffindor. Even though Slytherin did not usually side with Ravenclaw it did not over rule the underlying ancient grudge between Gryffindor and Slytherin. And even though Hufflepuff had no grudge between their houses it was not unusual for them to side with Ravenclaw. Hermione and Alex watched intently as Madame Hooch blew her whistle and as both teams mounted their brooms. The quaffle was launched high into the air. There was a scramble for the quaffle as all six chasers shot towards it.
"The quaffle is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor what a talented player she is." Lee Jordan announced. He commentated for all the Quidditch matches.
"And she passes to Katie Bell another excellent player for Gryffindor and she passes back to Johnson oh and she drops it." The Gryffindor's let out a groan.
"The quaffle is picked up be Justin Russo the newest edition to the Ravenclaw team and he's speeding towards Gryffindor's posts I think he's going to score!" Lee Jordan announced his voice becoming frantic. The whole of Gryffindor were on their feet waiting with bated breathe. Alex glanced over at Hermione who was pleading with herself.
"Come on Ron, come on Ron." She whispered watching intently.
"Russo takes his shot." Ron dived for the quaffle missing it completely and hanging onto his broom.
"He's going to score oh no! But no Angelina Johnson saves it passing immediately to Alicia Spinnet great save by Gryffindor unfortunately not by their keeper." There was a groan from Ravenclaw.
"Alicia takes a nice dive around Roger Davis Ravenclaw should really pick up their slack." Lee continued.
"And now Ravenclaw is back in possession taken by Justin Russo who passes to Roger Davis and now back to Russo I believe I spoke too soon when I said Ravenclaw had to pick up their slack." Alex couldn't decide if she wanted Justin to score or not. On one hand she wanted to support her brother and on the other she wanted Gryffindor to defeat Ravenclaw so she could rub it in his face.
"Oh and Russo is blocked by a bludger sent towards him by Fred or George Weasley, can't tell which but excellent play by Gryffindor beater anyway." Alex had watched in horror she had thought Justin would get hurt but to her relief he'd stopped in time.
"Gryffindor is now back in possession of the quaffle Angelina Johnson speeds off towards Ravenclaw posts she's really flying…ouch that would have hurt." Alex's jaw dropped and clapped her hands to her mouth as the flying ball smashed into the back of Angelina's head sending her hurtling towards the pitch. Alex was sure that could have caused serious head injury but nobody else seemed to be phased.
"Justin Russo is now back in control of the quaffle passes to Bradley back to Russo then to Davis and back to Russo the quaffle is really flying about like a hot potato it seems nobody wants it, Russo still in possession dodges a passing bludger he's speeding towards the posts he's going to score Gryffindor keeper Ron Weasley dives for the quaffle but no! Misses and the quaffle is sent flying through the hoop, 10 points to Ravenclaw!" Lee screamed the crowds of Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin students erupted into cheers and the groans from Gryffindor were drowned out.
"Unlucky for the Gryffindor keeper there." Suddenly chants from the stadium erupted.
"Weasley is our king he always lets the quaffle in." The Slytherins sang and Ravenclaw soon joined in.
"Poor Ron," Hermione breathed looking through her binoculars focusing on Ron who had turned as red as his hair. Harry watched over the game searching for the snitch they were 10 points down that wasn't too bad Gryffindor still had time to pick up their game. Harry stared around for the snitch the quicker he caught it the better he thought he didn't want to put Ron through that torture. A bludger came hurtling towards him almost knocking him off his broom.
"Watch yourself Harry!" Fred yelled chasing after the bludger and beating it furiously towards Roger Davis.
"Ravenclaw in possession, Davis passes to Russo who passes to Bradley, Bradley dodges two bludgers passes to Russo who dodges Spinet and Bell, passes back to Davis this isn't looking good for Gryffindor." Ravenclaw scored once more leading the score at
20 – 0. More groans came from Gryffindor, Alex narrowed her eye's as Justin flew past raising his fist cheering almost taunting the Gryffindor's, boo's and hisses came from them as Justin sped off resuming the game.
"Chaser Bell has the quaffle passes Russo passes Davis, hit in the face by a bludger that must have hurt hope it didn't break her nose and Gryffindor score!" The stands erupted as Gryffindor's cheered and jumped up from their seats. A flash of gold caught Harry's eye he sped towards the ground Cho Chang, Ravenclaw seeker just behind him. Alex had forgotten all about watching the chasers and watched Harry and Cho racing towards the pitch neck and neck she thought they were going to crash into the ground. Cho must have thought so too because she pulled out of the dive leaving Harry who had just pulled up in the nick of time and was inches from the solid ground. Suddenly a flash of red light caught Harry's eye but it was too late he was knocked off his broom the whistle blew and Angelina called for a time out.
"Fowl!" Screamed the Gryffindor's in rage nobody was sure where the spell had come from.
"It's not a fowl as it didn't come from the Ravenclaw team." Hermione protested most of the Gryffindor students surrounding Hermione glared at her as if she was taking sides. The Gryffindor team surrounded Harry.
"You alright mate?" Ron asked assisting Harry to his feet.
"You alright to play?" Angelina asked eagerly looking concerned, Harry wasn't sure if she just wanted to win or if she was actually concerned for his well being.
"Yeah, I'm fine." He replied rubbing his right shoulder.
"Who do you think it was?" Ron asked as they made their way back onto the pitch.
"Malfoy," Harry murmured through gritted teeth glancing up into the stands where Slytherin sat.
"And we're back after that disgusting act someone clearly doesn't believe in fair game." Lee was expecting Professor McGonagall to say something but to his relief she didn't say anything.
"As we resume Ravenclaw are in possession once again I've never seen such flying it's incredible." Justin scored once more making the score 30 – 10. It was about time Harry caught the snitch. Harry finally caught sight of it speeding towards it Cho on his tail close behind but his firebolt was too fast he could see the markings on the snitch the little gold wings fluttering, he stretched out his hand his fingers inches from the tiny golden ball another flash of red light caught his eye he dodged it, he was finding it difficult to keep his eye on the snitch and to dodge the spells. Harry continued racing round the pitch following the snitch Cho still close at his tail. The spell caught Harry's shoulder it was enough to send him flying off his broom and hitting the pitch hard unconscious. Hermione and Alex stood up in shock. Cho Chang had caught the snitch but the Gryffindor's exploded in protest.
The teams landed on the pitch awaiting the final result Roger Davis captain of Ravenclaw furiously arguing with both of the Weasley twins.
"Ravenclaw caught the snitch so we win!" Roger Davis bellowed.
"You didn't win Harry was knocked off his broom by someone in the stands it doesn't count." Fred protested glaring at Roger Davis. Harry soon awoke to arguments from both teams Harry joined with the Weasley twins. Both sides began to violently push each other George raised his fists in front of his face as if he was a champion boxer. Harry was rolling around on the floor with Bradley his fists swinging in all directions, Bradley furiously trying to defend himself. George took a few swings at Roger Davis breaking his nose, Alex and Hermione watched in horror when they saw Umbridge walking briskly towards the ball of flying fists.
"Stop it, stop it right now!" She screamed the boys paused for a moment glaring at her but then continued. Ron and the three chasers Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet had to hold back the three Gryffindor's although it did turn out to be quite a task, Ron restraining Harry while the three girls restrained the two infuriated twins.
"This game is cancelled." She continued coldly glaring at the three boys.
"But we already won!" Roger Davis protested at this Umbridge narrowed her eyes and then smiled.
"I said this game has been cancelled Mr Davis." He nodded obediently turning and walking back to the changing rooms clutching a bloody nose with the rest of the Ravenclaw team. The Gryffindor team also made their way into the changing rooms Harry sat down and stared are the ground.
"Mr Potter, Fred and George Weasley I would like a word with you in my office." Umbridge called through the door of the changing rooms.
"Great," Harry muttered bitterly. All three followed Umbridge to the castle and into her office none of them said a word although they all wondered what she wanted from them. She sat calmly in her seat eyeing the three boys stood in front of her gleefully. Whatever it was she wanted to talk to them about Harry knew it wasn't going to be good.
"Fighting…Is not tolerated at Hogwarts." She spoke calmly smiling at the three boys who looked at each other uncertainly.
"So what are you gunna do?" George asked.
"Make us do some lines?" Fred answered smirking.
"Or hang us in the dungeons." George continued taking the whole thing light heartedly but Harry stood silent.
"No…" Umbridge answered slowly her smile widening, Harry didn't think it was possible.
"You are suspended from the Quidditch team." She answered giggling at the boy's reaction. Harry, Fred and George's mouth dropped.
"You can't do that!" Harry protested slamming his fist on Umbridge's desk. Umbridge flinched slightly but regained her composure.
"Mr Potter…this is exactly the sort of thing that has got you in to trouble for you need to learn to manage your temper." She smiled wickedly. Umbridge had taken their brooms and chained them in her office this was something Harry did not take kindly to. He slammed his fists into the table at dinner Alex, Ron and Hermione stared almost scared.
"It's not fair." Fred groaned placing his head on his clenched fist playing with his food.
"One day we're gunna teach that hag a lesson." George added.
"That we will," Fred smiled rising from his seat George accompanied him. Hermione leaned in.
"I'm wondering who cast those stunning spells at Harry during the Quidditch match." Hermione whispered.
"I heard they're checking people's wands." Seamus butted in clearly eavesdropping on their conversation. All four looked towards the door and saw professor McGonagall and professor Flitwigg checking students as they left the hall. Alex watched and groaned as she saw Justin approaching the table.
"Justin if you're here to gloat about winning but not really winning I don't wanna hear it." Alex said before Justin could even open his mouth.
"Fine, then I'm guessing you don't want your wand back." Justin replied pulling the sleek dark wand from his robe pocket. Alex frowned patting down the pockets in her robes but her wand was nowhere to be found. She looked up at Justin.
"You stole my wand!" Alex claimed snatching her wand from Justin.
"I didn't steal your wand!" Justin protested offended by his sister's accusation.
"You obviously dropped it being the careless irresponsible person that you are." Justin retorted walking briskly out of the hall before being stopped by Flitwigg.
"Ugh brothers," Alex sighed continuing to finish her dessert. Ron agreed wholeheartedly. The four began making their way out of the hall before being stopped by the two Professors. They checked Harry's wand and Ron let out a laugh.
"You're checking the person that was attacked that makes a lot of sense." Ron said sarcastically handing his wand to McGonagall who glared at Ron. Alex handed her wand to Flitwigg.
"Prior Incantato," He squeaked pointing his wand at Alex's her wand. The red light shot from her wand.
"This is it!" He squeaked Alex's jaw dropped in astonishment.
"WHAT!" Both Hermione and Alex chorus in unison.
"Professor…I swear I didn't." Alex began.
"This is out of my hands Miss Russo." She sighed
"Follow me…" She continued.
"But Professor, Alex was with me the whole time." Hermione protested following closely behind them.
I was thinking of doing the first DA meeting in the next chapter...what do you guys think which spells they should use? I will get to the Christmas holidays soon I promise I think that will be chapter 15 so soon I promise we'll see how it goes. I have a great idea for when Alex goes home. I'm excited about it I sure hope you guys are too.