Chaser: Sorry I didn't get to your review on time. You reviewed just as I was posting the 20th chapter.
Lei Dumbledore: Thanks for everything! You're a great reader! (LOL…that sounds bad, but you know what I mean).
Phoenix Flight: Nope, sorry, she's really dead. I was trying to convey the severity with which Lily inflicted harm upon her brother. It came out well I think.
Sparrow: Well, for one, they just found out. It would probably take a while to switch from hated potions teacher to "dad." Second, Snape seems to have been raised in the type of family where "dad" wasn't used. Notice Malfoy doesn't call his father "dad." He may, near the end, but I don't know.
Luna Rose and Phoenix Child: ROFLMAO…I love you guys. You are both good people.
This chapter is dedicated to Saavik, who has been with me since the beginning!! Thanks for reading!
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The first Quidditch match of the year was Gryffindor versus Slytherin. Harry was grinning madly as he changed into his Quidditch robes. This year wasn't as bad as he'd originally thought. Snape had only been called once, but it had been enough to send Harry dashing to the dungeons in his invisibility cloak when it was over. He had helped his father to bed, but not before they'd talked about what he witnessed in his dream. Harry reassured Snape that he wouldn't do anything rash when he dreamed about Voldemort and the Death Eaters, and Snape had given him some Dreamless Sleep Potion. Harry took the vials, but knew he'd rather see the dream; so he decided silently to take it after the dreams.
After a quick motivational speech from Fred, they flew out onto the field. Ron had been right, and Ginny was an excellent Keeper. A shy second year had tried out for Chaser, and proved himself against Katie and Alicia, so Fred had clapped him on the back and congratulated him after the first try-out. Blaise Zabini had outmatched Malfoy, and was now the Seeker for the Slytherins, riding a Nimbus 2001. Malfoy, who was not happy at all, owled his father, who then talked to Snape. The potions master rationally explained that with a better Seeker, Slytherin was more likely to win the Quidditch, or even House, Cup. Begrudgingly, Lucius had demanded that Draco be a Beater, as the team needed a new one anyway. He had been made Beater and captain, which was more than enough compensation for not being the Seeker.
Harry flew up, and smirked at Malfoy, who had almost fallen off his Firebolt as he eyed Potter's XS. Trying to regain some composure, Malfoy shouted above him.
"Poor Potter, not good enough to be captain? Who bought your broom for you?"
"I bought my own broom, Malfoy. And what's this I hear about you being kicked off the team? Had to get "daddy" to bribe you back on." Malfoy narrowed his eyes and as soon as the game kicked off, he slammed a Bludger at Harry, but Fred darted up and blasted it back at Zabini.
And the game was underway. The new Chaser, Doug McClaren, was superb as he dodged in and out, performing complex plays with Katie and Alicia. In five minutes, Gryffindor was leading 40-0. Harry had to admit that Zabini was good, and managed to keep up with him even on the Nimbus. Harry smirked and dove, making Zabini think he'd seen the Snitch. Predictably, Zabini followed.
~Do you have to plow my Seeker into the ground in the first five minutes?~
~His fault for tagging me~
"And Harry Potter dives! I think he's seen the Snitch! Look at the XS go! It's much better than the last model, which is still superb Katie, but the XS has new features—"
"LEE!"
"Sorry Professor." The crowd watched Potter and Zabini in a vertical dive. Blaise realized too late that there was no Snitch, and tried to pull up. But the Nimbus series simply did not have the capability to perform such an intricate maneuver so quickly, and he hit the ground with a sickening thud. Harry however had managed to pull up and rose above the crowd to the cheers of the Gryffindors and the boos of the Slytherins. Malfoy nodded to his fellow Beater, who slammed the Bludger in his direction. He flew up right behind Potter and nailed it right at Potter's back. His aim, which still needed slight improvement, was a little off, and it merely glanced off his left shoulder. Crying out in pain, he fought to remain on his broom, which he did after Fred helped him out. Madam Hooch blew her whistle, indicating a foul for Gryffindor, and Katie easily made the goal, making the lead 50-0. Malfoy merely smirked and flew off, getting a nod from his Head of House.
Snape, however, was anything but pleased at the action. He hadn't even seen it coming until it was too late, so he had no way to warn Harry. Normally, he wouldn't use the stones to cheat so blatantly, but that was a cheap shot. But, Draco Malfoy was the embodiment of everything that everyone else associated with Slytherin: arrogance, deception, and cruelty. Snape shook the disturbing thoughts from his head, not really wanting to delve into a personal philosophical debate about that particular subject.
~Are you alright?~
~Yeah, just shook me up. Don't worry, I think Fred and George are going to get him back~ Snape pursed his lips at the thought. Though, he had to admit, the Weasley twins would not be so obvious about it, and would therefore get away with it.
Sure enough, ten minutes later, Fred rammed Malfoy into one of the towers, and when he emerged, a Bludger crashed into him. Harry had occupied Madam Hooch by diving suddenly, and when Madam Hooch looked back, Malfoy was already on the ground.
Down one Beater, the Slytherins didn't stand a chance, and the Chasers performed beautifully. Harry flew around some more, on the lookout for the Snitch. In the meantime, Gryffindor had scored three more times, and by the time Harry finally caught the Snitch, in a spectacular barrel roll, Gryffindor was leading 120-0. Everyone but the Slytherins cheered loudly as Lee Jordan announced the final score.
"Gryffindor 270, Slytherin 0!" An uproar filled the stadiums as Ginny was lifted up on the shoulders. Her first game was a shut-out, and Fred was letting everyone know. Blaise was getting death glares from pretty much every Slytherin, and in an instant, Harry made a decision. He ran over and stuck out his hand. Blaise's eyes went wide.
"What do you want, Potter? Here to humiliate me some more?"
"No," he dropped his hand. "I'm here to invite you to our common room. Ginny would like to talk with you. Come or not, just knock on the portrait." He ran off to join his friends, getting curious stares from the Gryffindors. Blaise looked back to his teammates, who were glaring back at him. He hated being in Slytherin; he had no real friends. He looked back to the retreating Gryffindors, and smiled.
"My, my Severus. Things are certainly looking up." Snape turned from his walk to the dungeons to address the Headmaster. In doing so, he noticed the exchange between Zabini and Potter.
~What are you doing with Zabini?~
~Have you seen the way the other Slytherins treat him? He's an outsider in his own house. Besides, I've seen Ginny eyeing him~
~What did you do?~
~Just invited him to our common room. God knows he won't be welcome in his~ Snape looked and saw the looks the new Seeker was receiving. He also noticed that no one seemed to be mad at Draco, who was fueling the mob. Smart lad, shifting it away from himself.
~Don't party too hard. You still have homework~
~Yes Father~ Snape shook his head at the droned voice, and continued to his dungeons, sending a message with one of the seventh-years that he wished to see Malfoy after dinner in the potions classroom.
The party in the Gryffindor common room was so loud, Blaise could hear it two corridors away. He stopped in front of the Fat Lady, who looked at him queerly.
"What do you want?" she asked.
"Pott—uh—Harry invited me to the party," he said weakly. She pursed her lips and sent Violet, who was visiting, inside to tell someone. Violet rushed in and got near Harry.
"Oh Harry dear!" he looked over, "There's a Slytherin at the door for you!" He smiled and walked over to Ginny.
"Hey Keep, there's someone at the portrait for you."
"Keep?"
"Yeah, it's a cool nickname I just came up with. Go to the portrait!" He dragged her over and shoved her playfully in the direction of the portrait-hole. She sighed, walked through, and opened the portrait.
"Yes? Oh…hi," she blushed slightly.
"Uh, Po—Harry invited me here." Ginny whirled around and looked pointedly at Harry, who immediately diverted his attention elsewhere. She sighed and beckoned him in. Once he was in view of everyone, most activity stopped. Ron was one of the first ones to speak up.
"What is he doing here?" he demanded, stepping closer to his younger sister. Harry stepped forward.
"I invited him here, Ron. You should have seen how the other Slytherins were looking at him."
"But he's a Slytherin. Could be a spy!" he shouted.
"Ron! I'm telling you, he's okay." Harry smirked at his best friend, who sighed and looked at the Slytherin.
"Don't try anything," he warned, giving Ginny a pointed glare. Harry waved him off and smiled at Ginny.
"Thanks, Harry," she said softly. He winked, telling her he understood her meaning, and walked off to find Hermione. Ginny smiled at Blaise.
"How are you feeling?"
Blaise chuckled nervously, "Better, though my shoulder still aches a little. That was some move."
"Well, you were tagging him," she scoffed.
"Yeah, I guess. But I wasn't expecting the Wronski Feint from him." Ginny smiled, and for the first time, got a good look at the Slytherin fifth-year. He was tall, about 5'8'' with broad shoulders and sandy colored hair. His eyes were a deep blue, like the ocean, and his skin fair. Actually, for a Slytherin, he was pretty good-looking. Despite the glares from her brothers, she had a great time talking with Blaise, and they even arranged to go to Hogsmeade together.
Hermione appeared behind him with a butterbeer. Harry whirled smiling. "Where did you get this?"
"Fred and George. That was nice of you," she motioned to Blaise and Ginny talking quietly in the corner.
"I saw them eyeing each other in the Great Hall. He's not as bad as the others."
"Yeah, but what about when he goes back? They're going to hate him even more now."
"I've already worked it out with the professor." There was no question as to who he meant, but he didn't want to say anything out loud, for fear of eavesdroppers.
"What have you got worked out?" Harry merely smirked, but it was so reminiscent of the potions master, Hermione nearly choked on her butterbeer. Harry patted her on the back and laughed.
"Don't do that! You look like Snape!" she hissed, still coughing.
No one wanted the party to end, but at 5 am, McGonagall came in, yelling at everyone. She huffed at the sight of the Slytherin, but Harry talked with her. It was agreed that he could stay in the Gryffindor dorm tonight, then they would face the Slytherins in the morning.
Harry closed his eyes, reflecting on a perfect day. Tomorrow, he would have to do homework.
~Good night Harry~
~Morning, professor. What are you still doing up?~
~What do you mean? I just awoke~ Harry laughed, then fell asleep after much complaining from his dorm mates.
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Whew…this was a tough chapter. But everyone loves Quidditch so hey. How does everyone like Ginny's guy? Hehe, I told you it was a Slytherin. Ok, review away people!
NOTICE: In your review, name one object (anything you like) and the 150th reviewer will have the next chapter (after the review) dedicated to them personally, and I will include the item somehow (promise it won't be hokey…unless it's something totally off the wall). If it ever gets that high, I will also do that with 175th reviewer, 200th, etc…so review away people!