Disclaimer: Trust me, if I actually owned this, then I would be much wealthier.

Chapter Twenty-One: Halloween and Quidditch

The Halloween feast was absolutely spectacular. The decorations were immaculate and, generally, there was an air of good-spirit in the castle as we enjoyed the holiday season. I remember sitting down with the Gryfindor table and genuinely having a splendid time speaking of all sorts of topics. The Great Hall was decorated with pumpkins of all sorts, the spirits dressed up and conversed with the rest of us, while the professors discussed chipper amongst themselves.

"Nothing good ever comes from Goblins!" One of the younger boys exclaimed at the table, taking a sip of his pumpkin juice.

"I'll have you know that Gringott's is run entirely by goblins. They must be of some worth if they can protect the world's most sacred wizarding bank!" Percy Weasley was quick to argue.

"I have to disagree, Percy," Another boy added. "Those things are just greedy and plain old nasty."

I quietly cut my meat before taking another scoop of mashed potatoes, though I did lean toward Percy's side.

"That is a matter of personal preference! The importance to their role in society is a much more valid argument rather than-"

"Percy," George Weasley said as he took a seat at the table. "I think there's a question you should be asking yourself."

Percy simply rolled his eyes before setting his hand on the side of his head and saying very unenthusiastically," Do tell."

It was at this time that Fred popped up right beside me across from Percy," A very important question indeed."

"How many goblins does it take to screw in a light bulb?" George asked, leaning closer to Percy.

I immediately rolled my eyes before Percy groaned and asked," How is it you even know what a light bulb is?"

"NONE!" Fred exclaimed, a smile coming to his lips as he explained in his best imitation of a goblin working at Gringotts. "Time is money…money is-"

And just before he could get to the punch line, the beautiful dinner was interrupted by the sound of the doors to the Great Hall being thrown open. Professor Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with the turbin that he always wore wrapped around his head, came sprinting into the room, appearing very out of breath. All of our eyes turned from the humorous Weasley twins to the sight of our frantic teacher. It was incredible at how quickly the room's joy had been shattered.

"TROLL! IN THE DUNGEON! T-TROOLLL IN THE DUNGEON! Just thought you ought to know,"

He screamed before collapsing onto the ground.

Nearly instantly, this sent all of the room into a complete frenzy. All it took was the sound of Dumbledore's booming voice to put a stop to all of the commotion. I stopped, just as I was standing up.

"SILENCE!" His voice echoed through all the Hall and no one dared make a sound. "Now, Prefects will lead their houses back to the dormitories. Teachers will follow me to the dungeons."

It took several seconds before everyone dared move again. As soon as they did, however, Percy was quick to engage in his authoritive tone seeing as he was a prefect and all.

I asked little questions, but followed along with Percy and the rest of the crew. Though a troll in the dungeons was nothing to be thankful for, I did rather hope this would count as a pass for serving my detention with Snape and Wood tonight. My mind, however, was rather curious as to how this could happen. I ran through all sorts of different theories in my head, until I felt someone tap me on the shoulder.

It was Benjamin, someone whom I had not spoken with in a while.

"So, how'd you do it?" He asked, nudging me in the side playfully.

I furrowed my brow," What?"

"The troll! Duh!" He teased before we both began laughing.

"Yeah, right. Like I would ever come within ten feet of a troll not to mention try and lure it into a school," I answered dryly with a roll of my eyes before chuckling along.

Benjamin had grown up quite a bit in the time that my parents had divorced and we had spent the years at Hogwarts. The difference in his appearance during his first and fourth year was nearly unrecognizable. Granted, he was still the same "smart kid" he was before, just with a clean hair cut and less baby fat. If he wasn't such good friends with Percy, he would have all the girls swooning. I don't mean this to insult Percy…but it was only true. The both of them were not the most socially gifted.

"How do you think it got in?" He asked me as we followed behind the authorative Gryfindor prefect.

"Haven't a clue," I answered with a shrug of my shoulders. "It was probably just some pathetic attempt at a prank."

With a quick glance over his shoulder, he whispered back to me," You don't think it had anything to do with Potter do you?"

Harry Potter. Potter. Mr. Famous Harry Potter. The Chosen One. The Boy Who Lived. It was all exciting and whatnot when he first arrived, but now it's only slightly annoying. It seems as though everything in this school revolves around him in one way or another. It is impressive that he survived a curse from the Dark Lord, but could we not treat him like a normal student for once? Then again, perhaps he was just destined for bad publicity.

"I'll answer the same as I did before. Haven't a clue," I said simply. "Though it is a possibility. Where is Potter and his little friend? The Weasley boy…Ron?"

"They were at dinner," Benjamin answered, looking at me out of the side of his eye.

"You don't suppose they…" I trailed off, leaving an open ending.

"No, I'm sure they're around here somewhere," Benjamin said, looking over his shoulder, as if actually searching for the two.

Again, I had little interest in being Potter and Weasley's nanny, therefore, I continued walking with the rest of the crowd. We would know soon enough who the culprit behind the troll was.

There was another sort of drama that had blossomed during Benjamin's career at Hogwarts, that being his relationship with a girl by the name of Anna, whom I met on the train ride to Hogwarts our first year. Of course, difference of houses leads to a distant friendship. Though Benjamin and Anna were nearly inseparable (they had officially begun dating at the beginning of our fourth year), Anna and myself had our fair share of differences.

Just as I was thinking of the dark-headed girl, so she passed with the rest of the Ravenclaw House. I noticed that she nudged her boyfriend, Benjamin subtly as she passed. She smirked at him wildly before moving right along with her class. Her long dark hair had not been cut much from when she was younger and still reached to her lower back. I noticed, though, that it was tied back into a braid down the middle of her head.

It took several nudges from myself to get Benjamin to come back to reality.

"'ello? Ben? Benjamin Flockton!" I finally cried, hitting him out of his fantasy world.

"Oh, what?" He answered as we stepped inside the portrait leading to the common room.

"You were nearly drooling," I muttered under my breath before walking toward the far corner of the room to move out of the, already crowded area.

He shook his head, as if trying to wake himself up before saying," Oh, right. Sorry."

"I suppose you don't have to apologize. You are dating after all," I said, leaning against the wall as the rest of the students piled in.

"Oh, right yeah," He said, running a hand through his hair very awkwardly.

I shook my head and simply laughed at the boy. He was quirky and I appreciated him for that. Always.

As the minutes passed by with no Potter sightings, we presumed this must have had something to do with him. The night began to grew late and sooner or later, most of the students had migrated to the their dormitories. Benjamin and I chatted for a while before he finally strolled off. I found that I was by myself, but I certainly wasn't going to bed just yet.

I noticed Oliver Wood as well as the Weasley twins chatting in one corner, some other students here and there. I picked my spot on the couch in front of the fire and relaxed for a while until Percy, who had been summoned out of the room came in with news that the castle had been secured and details would come later.

"I do, however, carry a note for you and Mr. Wood," Percy added at the end of his spiel. "Looks as though Professor Snape wishes to see you."

Mentally, I swore as I grabbed the note and read it over. Low and behold, we were being summoned to meet Professor Snape in the Great Hall. I groaned a loud before walking over to inform Oliver of the news.

"Oy, Lana!" Fred greeted before George echoed.

"I've got a message for Oliver. We've still got detention tonight," I said, shoving the note toward him.

The Scottish Quidditch Captain looked at me as though I were crazy before taking the note and reading it over.

The Weasley twins let out a "ooo" before patting both of us comfortingly on the shoulder and whispering in Oliver's ear," Good luck, mate."

It took Oliver several seconds before he finally stood up and gave the note back to me. He started for the door without a word and I followed, wondering what had him so upset.

"What possibly could he have us doing?" Oliver groaned after we were nearly to the Great Hall.

"What we always do probably. The usual?" I guessed as we turned another corner.

"I've a Quidditch match in two days! I need all the rest I can get!" He muttered, almost growled as he turned the corner.

I couldn't contain myself. I laughed aloud at the sound of this.

His glare immediately shut down my laughter.

"Are you seriously worried about that?" I asked, clearing my throat and not trying to be anymore disrespectful than I already had been.

"Are you seriously asking me that question?" He returned with a bit of a snip to his voice.

I didn't answer, but merely stepped around him and continued into the Great Hall. If he was going to have an attitude, then I wasn't going to take time to converse with him. Upon our arrival in the Great Hall, both Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall were discussing something in a rather hushed tone. It wasn't until Snape looked up and saw both of us standing there that he stopped speaking and looked us up and down with his lips slightly pursed.

"How nice of you to arrive," He said, in his usual monotone voice.

"We only just received the message," I answered back as respectfully as possible.

He raised a brow, as if apprehensive before walking toward the back of the Great Hall. In the corner, we noticed a stack of absolutely horrendous cauldrons. I feared that this was precisely our mission.

"As you both know, due to the disturbance in the dungeons we are not currently able to proceed down there. However, I have had some of the cauldrons from class today transported up here and you both are responsible for cleaning them until they are spotless," He said, grabbing one of the cauldrons and shoving it into my hands.

I took at seat at one of the tables where what I presumed to be Muggle cleaning supplies sat. Not wishing to cause any more ruckus, I simply began peeling the gook off the side of the cauldron. Oliver, however, had more to say.

"Professor, I've Quidditch practice early in the morning; I really cant-" He started, but Professor Snape was not one to show any sympathy.

In fact, he smirked slightly as he said," Oh, how terrible. I suppose you'll have to explain to your team how you exploded a basic potion in my class."

And with that, he shoved a dirty cauldron in his hand before turning to resume conversation with Professor McGonagall.

For several minutes, both Oliver and I scrubbed in silence for we were both bitter and didn't wish to speak with anyone. However, after scrubbing nearly half a dozen cauldrons…I was going to go stir-crazy if I didn't speak with someone. Seeing as I could tell Oliver was still upset, I thought that perhaps if I…spoke with him over something he was interested in then, perhaps we could at least mend our relationship.

"So….how's the Quidditch team looking this year?" I asked, a little hesitant.

I thought he wasn't going to answer, until he looked up from his scrubbing," We actually stand a chance this year."

"Oh…really?" I asked, scrubbing harder at a dirty spot.

"Yeah…Potter, uh, is quite the Seeker. He's got what it takes to really put us over the top," He told me, looking up again.

I had heard of Potter's skills, but only very briefly. I supposed he must have had some experience playing before, or at least practicing, but then I remembered that he was raised by Muggles.

"And what of the other Houses? Is there competition?" I asked, trying to be cordial and friendly.

"There's always competition, but I'd say Slytherin is the biggest challenge."

I grabbed another cauldron before asking," Because of talent or because…"

"They don't play by the rules," He said simply, looking straight at me. "Marcus Flint…"

"Sounds like you feel the same way I feel about him," Just as the words left my mouth, I immediately wished to take them back. I was suppose to be making small talk…not relating.

This seemed to spark Oliver's interest. He nearly dropped the cauldron looking at me as though I were some alien. His brow furrowed, I knew I would now have to explain what I had just said to him.

"You've something to settle with Flint?" He asked, obviously curious.

Snape happened to look over just as we starting into a deeper conversation. I heard his dull voice echo through the Great Hall," If you wish to be able to return to your dormitories soom, then I suggest not conversing."

Immediately, we both turned back to scrubbing quiet, but just as he turned back to conversation…I whispered to Oliver," Yes, but its not anything I wish to discuss."

"Lana, please…you can't say something like that and then say you're not going to tell me!"

"Excuse me, but did you both not hear me the first time?" Snape hollered again and I knew that this may be my way out of this conversation.

I gave Wood a warning look before whispering one last time," Not now."

Days later, I found myself sitting in a rambunctious fan section at the first Quidditch game of the season. Benjamin was sitting to the right of me and Holly was to the left of me. It was a little brisk outside which was why all of us were sporting our scarves and sweaters. Excitement could be felt buzzing all through the Quidditch pitch. It was Slytherin versus our own team, Gryffindor. Just as Oliver said before, they were a huge rivalry…nemesis, if I dare say.

"Hello, and welcome to Hogwarts' first Quidditch game of the season! Today's game Slytherin versus Gryffindor!" The commentator, Lee Jordan, announced from his perch. Unfortunately, Jordan was a member of Gryffidor House…meaning he showed quite the bias.

The fan section erupted into loud cheers from both our side and the Slytherin side.

We watched as the players flew into their respective positions, forming a circle around where Madame Hooch came onto the field, where a trunk sat in the middle of the field.

"Now, I want a nice clean game...from all of you!" She announced, I couldn't help but notice her glance toward the Slytherin players.

Just as she said that, the bludgers and golden snitch were released into the air. As they began buzzing about, Madame Hooch released the Quaffle last. Nearly instantly, Gryffindor took possession and scored after some very impressive flying.

"Angelina Johnson scores! 10 points for Gryffindor!" Lee announced before adding ten points to the score board.

Slytherin took possession and was clearly not very pleased. I watched as Marcus Flint and one of the other players rushed toward their own path to scoring. Wood was perched right in front of their destination and just as Flint threw the Quaffle toward the goal, Wood turned and pushed it away with his broomstick. He smirked at Flint as the Slytherin glared back.

However, Gryffindor was back in possession once more. I believe the girl's name is Katie Bell, she's a second year. If I remember correctly, one of the nights at detention Oliver had told me the names of every single player on the team. He was rather impressed with her.

Another scoring for Gryffindor and the crowd going wild spurred the Slytherin to play a little bit rough. We watch as they obtain possesion and begin to drop kicks, elbows…whatever it took to get on the board. Just as Marcus Flint tossed the Quaffle, Oliver was there to block it once more. The crowd went wild, but Flint was mad as was the rest of his house.

Viciously, he grabbed the beater's bat and sent a bludger spiraling straight for Wood. Even though I wasn't the best of friends with him, I was…growing a little more fond of him. More importantly, I was upset at how dirty Slytherin was playing, in general. Just as Oliver fell to the ground, Slytherin house began laughing while the rest of us booed. It took their team little time to recover for quickly the green capes had scored and their side went wild.

"Looks like we may be seeing Wood in the hospital wing again, eh?" Holly nudged me, but I was looking to ensure he was alright.

"It appears that way, doesn't it?" I answered, slightly numb as my eyes were averted up.

I caught a glimpse at Potter, who still seemed so small compared to the rest of them out there. He hadn't done anything absolutely impressive yet, but he certainly hadn't had the opportune moment yet. At the moment I saw him, however, he looked just as upset as the rest of us. This anger grew when Slytherin boxed in Angelina Johnson, another skilled player, and ran her into one of the observation towers. In the time that she was boxed in, Slytherin had scored once more.

It's at this moment that my eyes went back to Potter, who clearly spotted something. Just as he started to go, his broom started acting very strangely. I looked down to where several of the first years were sitting and saw that one of his little companions, a very intelligent girl whose name slipped my mind, was exiting the fan box while his other red-headed friend stayed put, watching.

After several moments of being on the edge of our seats as to how Harry would fair, he suddenly seemed to regain control and was zooming off against the Slytherin player to catch the Snitch. I was never a huge Quidditch fan, but I was on the edge of my seat the whole time as Potter and the other seeker fought back and forth for the advantage. After what appeared to be a nose dive to the ground, the Slytherin seeker had to pull up, but the first-year Potter kept on going before leveling himself nearly at ground level.

Then, the strangest thing happened…Potter stood up on his broom. I thought he had steadied himself, but just when I thought that…he fell over nearly atop on the Snitch, but no one knew for sure. All of us were literally on the edge of our seat as Potter stood up, he looked as though he were going to spill his stomach…but rather he spit out the Snitch into his hands.

"Gryffindor wins!" Madame Hooch announced as she flew into the scene.

And with that, the first Quidditch game of the season was complete.

The cheers and celebration had migrated from the Quidditch pitch, but Holly and I were still lingering toward the back. We still had our duties to fulfill in the Hospital Wing, where we were sure that several Quidditch players would be awaiting treatment.

"Sounds as though Gryffindor stands a chance this year," Holly said as we walked down the long stairwell.

"Ironic isn't it? The year they're splendid is when they've a first year on the team," I added.

"True, but Potter is a bit more than your average first year," She said as we reached the end of the stairs.

We continued walking, chatting casually until we reached the castle once more. It was at this moment in time that Holly realized she had to take a trip back to the common room.

"Madame Pomfrey told me to bring along my Potion's book today for some reason. I nearly forgot it," Holly told me as we turned another corridor. "Wouldn't want to further her anger toward either of us. I'll meet you there!"

"Alright!" I answered as she turned an opposite corner, sprinting off to the common room.

I continued walking and enjoyed the time alone to contemplate various school tasks that I needed to finish. Really, the silence was quite nice and passing the occasional overly excited Gryffindor member or still-bitter Slytherin student was enough to keep me entertained. It wasn't until I began walking through a completely empty corridor that I faced a…situation.

Just as I turned the corner, I saw a boy standing at the end with his arms folded over his chest. I noticed the green Quidditch robes he was wearing; I noticed how tattered they were and the various scrapes on his face as I came closer. Strange, he wouldn't move a muscle as I came closer. It was when I noticed these details that I recognized him as none other than Markus Flint.

At this moment, I started to back up…I wanted no part in this.

Unfortunately, two more Quidditch players blocked me from leaving behind me.

A/N: Oooo, what's to happen next? Please, keep on reading and let me know what you think! I truly do appreciate all feedback. Thanks for the support thus far!