"I can't wait to finally shut those Slytherins up," said Julian Weasley sullenly.
"Focus on the game, Julian, not vengeance," Lizzy advised. She waited, broom in hand, with the rest of Gryffindor team to take the pitch.
"I can do two things at once," Julian objected.
"You tripped while walking and talking on the way over here," said Phoebe flatly.
"Because you stepped on my shoe," Julian snarled back.
"We don't have time for this, Weasleys," Siobhan sighed.
"For the first time this term, meet the team from Gryffindor!" shouted the magically amplified voice of Eldon Fawley. He was a seventh year Hufflepuff, and a good friend of Jane's to boot. "Seeker, Ezra Cooper!" Ezra took flight. "Keeper, Siobhan Malloy! Beaters, Levi White and Julian Weasley!"
"Remember, keep an eye on each other, communicate, and we'll do just fine," Lizzy said as she and her fellow Chasers mounted their brooms.
"And lastly, Captain Lizzy Bennet with her fellow Chasers, Octavius Donaldson and Phoebe Weasley!" Eldon announced.
Lizzy took to the air with a mix of cheers and jeers. It was nothing new. She could handle it very well, ignore it even. The crowd was of no concern to her. All she wanted was to play well and win if she could.
Eldon next introduced the members of Slytherin, who also entered the pitch amidst mixed reactions.
Lizzy went down to the ground as Warrington did, to meet Madam Hooch.
"Captains shake hands," Hooch ordered.
Lizzy extended her hand and set her face to be like stone as Warrington tried to crush it in his own.
"You both know the rules, and have hopefully been teaching them to your team," said Hooch. "Any questions before we begin?"
"No, Madam Hooch," Lizzy answered promptly. Warrington also answered in the negative.
"Then good luck to the both of you," said Hooch diplomatically before taking to the air, herself.
Lizzy hopped back on her broom and joined her teammates.
"How's the hand?" Octavius asked pointedly.
"It's fine," Lizzy answered flatly.
"For now, perhaps," said Phoebe. "I'm sure the skin will start to corrode soon from the poisons Warrington excretes. Ezra, you'd better catch the Snitch quick, before Lizzy's down to one hand."
"Absurd, the lot of you," Lizzy said with a badly concealed smile. "Alright, we've spent a lot of time practicing for today. Don't let the pressure get to your heads. Just play as well as you've done in practice."
"And maybe send a few Slytherins to join the Headless Hunt," said Levi.
Lizzy rolled her eyes. "To your positions," she said as Hooch gave a warning whistle. "Good luck!"
It did not take long for Lizzy to realize that Malfoy meant to make good on the threat he had posed in Herbology. Every time she got the Quaffle, she found herself pulling some stunt or other to avoid a Bludger. After her seventh dodge and Gryffindor's first shot made, Warrington called a time out.
"What's the deal?" Siobhan asked hotly as the team gathered. "I swear the Slytherin Beaters are waiting until Lizzy's got the Quaffle to strike!"
"Well, Malfoy did say he planned to knock me off my broom today," Lizzy said unconcernedly. "It doesn't matter. We can use it to our advantage. If their Beaters are so focused on me, that leaves Octavius and Phoebe with more room to maneuver."
"I think maybe Julian and I should pay a little more attention to you, too, Lizzy," Levi suggested. "Malfoy's got a pretty mean swing, and so does Nott."
"You will do no such thing," Lizzy snapped. "Julian and Levi, you will continue to do as you've practiced and as I've told you. I'll keep the Slytherin Beaters occupied as best I can. Octavius, Phoebe, keep somewhat nearby. Anytime I have the Quaffle, I'm going to hand it off pretty quickly."
"I can – " Ezra started.
"You can keep above the action until you locate the Snitch?" Lizzy asked. "Is that what you were about to say, Ezra? Because I certainly hope so!"
Ezra sighed heavily.
The whistle blew to signal the end of the timeout.
"Just do your jobs, and don't worry about me," Lizzy ordered.
Siobhan and Phoebe exchanged a loaded look before flying back to their positions.
"So, Mr. Darcy, what will it be today?" asked Mary when Darcy sat near her. "Will you run away from me for promising not to reveal your secrets, or will you ask me to tell said secrets?"
Darcy coughed to hide his discomfort.
"Remember who you are trying to fool, Darcy," said Mary airily without taking her eyes off the game.
"I was in the wrong in both instances," Darcy admitted. "My apologies."
"Apologies accepted, Darcy," said Mary.
"Is she worried?" Darcy asked lowly after Elizabeth dodged yet another Bludger.
Mary smirked. "What do you think, Darcy?"
"I think that you know her better than I do," Darcy answered.
"I should hope so, I've known her all my life," said Mary. After a moment, she finally turned to meet Darcy's eyes. "I will not aid you, Darcy. You are on your own."
Darcy grit his teeth in frustration. He had not even been given the chance to ask aloud. "Surely you can help me understand her just a little better!"
"No," said Mary flatly, and returned her gaze to the pitch.
"You, of all people, must know that I mean to ill will," Darcy tried again.
"Mr. Darcy," Mary started coldly, "I have never betrayed another's confidences, and I am not about to start now, certainly not with my sister!"
"I'm not asking you to betray her confidence, I'm asking – "
"I know precisely what you are asking," Mary interrupted. "As I said in the library, I will not do your work for you."
"You know how difficult it is for me to understand others," Darcy said lowly.
"I do," Mary replied. "That does not change my answer. Either change the subject or change your seat, Mr. Darcy, for I won't be moved."
Disappointment and anger alight, Darcy rose from his seat and fought through the crowd until he finally found Bingley amidst the Hufflepuffs.
"Darcy!" Bingley greeted. "I thought you might choose to lock yourself away this morning, rather than come join the festivities!"
"I had considered it," Darcy growled. Since coming to Hogwarts, Bingley had become much more teasing, and Darcy tended to disapprove.
"Well, I'm glad you emerged from your cave," said Bingley. "Matches at Beauxbatons were not nearly so exciting!"
"That is because there existed no House rivalry at Beauxbatons," said Darcy flatly.
"I find the friendly rivalry thrilling," said Bingley, directing his gaze back to the Quidditch game. "Oh, well done, Lizzy!" he exclaimed.
Darcy snapped his gaze to the pitch to witness the tail end of a flip Elizabeth had executed.
"Does Lizzy often practice such antics?" Bingley asked of Jane.
"I would imagine so," Jane answered. She seemed a little pale, and her fists were tightly clenched. "She knows it makes me nervous, however, so we don't often canvass the subject."
"I see no need for you to be nervous," said Bingley. "She flies exceptionally well."
Darcy found himself nearly overcome with envy as Bingley conversed freely with Jane. Bingley did not care, and did not really need to care, who he was seen giving special attention to. There were no societal expectations for who he would choose to spend his life with, in the magical world or otherwise. Darcy had no such luck. He needed to be exceptionally careful in how he attended to Elizabeth.
As time wore on, Gryffindor racked up an impressive amount of points. Elizabeth never kept the Quaffle for long, but she did still manage to score a few times. Mostly, she supported Phoebe and Octavius by keeping the Slytherin Beaters occupied.
Darcy spent half his time anxiously watching Elizabeth, and the other half of his time hatefully glaring at Malfoy. There was not a doubt in his mind that Malfoy had only one goal to accomplish in the day's game, nor that Elizabeth had adjusted the strategy of her team to accommodate it.
"Oh, I do wish the Beaters would leave Lizzy alone," Jane said anxiously after Elizabeth made yet another impressive dodge.
"It can't be long now before the Snitch makes an appearance," Bingley said soothingly. "Ezra's got a fine seat and an excellent broom. I'm sure he'll do his office justice."
"Perhaps you've got Seer blood in you, Bingley," Darcy said drily as Ezra suddenly dove with purpose. He and Slytherin's Seeker wove through the rest of the game, occasionally parting ways or crashing into each other, but staying on course.
"Gryffindor wins!" Eldon cried as Ezra's fingers clasped the Snitch. The Seeker made a steep ascent just before he would have crashed into a wall.
"LIZZY!"
Darcy had been so focused on the two Seekers that he had nearly forgotten about the rest of the game, but the panicked shout he had thought Jane incapable of making brought his attention back to it whole heartedly.
Elizabeth was doubled over on her broom, her shoulders shaking. Phoebe zoomed over and pulled Elizabeth upright, revealing that blood was dribbling down her chin.
All of Gryffindor dissolved into chaos.
"What happened?" Darcy asked Bingley urgently as Jane began clambering over people.
"A horribly ungentlemanly thing to do!" Bingley spat uncharacteristically. "As soon as Eldon made the announcement, Malfoy caught Lizzy full on in the chest with a Bludger! Absolutely disgraceful, and certainly against the rules!"
Darcy felt his insides light on fire. So Malfoy had made good on his threat. Well, Darcy believed he just might make good on a few of his own threats that he had concocted in his mind!
Phoebe and Octavius gently guided Elizabeth to the ground while Madam Hooch shouted at Malfoy. Julian Weasley and Levi White hovered behind her, bats still in hand and murderous looks upon their faces. Ezra and Siobhan bolted to the ground to be of whatever assistance they could.
Darcy's hands ached, he was gripping the edge of the bench on which he was sitting so hard. If he loosened his grip by even a small fraction, he was certain he would rocket out of his seat and curse Malfoy.
Elizabeth had been removed from her broom and laid gently on her side, though she was twitching horribly. Jane appeared, wand drawn, at the same time as Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout. Slughorn was a short distance behind them, his girth having slowed him down.
Sprout had to physically pull Jane away from her sister.
"I can't sit here any longer," said Bingley. He slammed his hand on the bench before rising from it. "I must go to Jane!"
Darcy could not pass up the opportunity to get closer to Elizabeth and took advantage of having the excuse of simply following Bingley.
"Please, Professor!" Jane said through tears. "Her lung's been punctured. I can help!"
"You are in no state to do any sort of wand work, Bennet!" Sprout said firmly. She looked past Jane to see Bingley approaching and her shoulders relaxed somewhat. "Bingley, bring Miss Bennet back to the castle. She can inform Madam Pomfrey of what's coming."
Bingley, with a perfect mixture of gentleness and firmness, took Jane's arm and guided her away.
"Out of my way, Donaldson!" shouted a petulant voice. "That is our sister, and I certainly won't let the likes of you keep us from her!" Lydia Bennet, in all her young fury, pushed Octavius out of her way and stormed onto the pitch with Kitty and Mary behind her. Darcy tacked on to the end of their line.
"Well we can't very well risk moving her in this state!" Flitwick was saying to McGonagall as the Bennets approached with Darcy.
"I am in complete agreement," said McGonagall worriedly from a crouched position by her student that was struggling to draw breath. She rose and turned, which allowed Darcy to see that the usually unshakable woman was pale and her eyes wide. "You've got to do some sort of damage control on this, Filius."
"I hesitate to do anything before Poppy can get to her," Flitwick objected.
"Professor, please," Mary pleaded. Like Jane and McGonagall, Darcy had never seen Mary so unhinged. The girl had tears running down her cheeks and was on the verge of breaking down completely. "She can't breathe, and her thoughts are getting foggy!"
Flitwick sighed heavily, then exchanged a meaningful look with McGonagall before drawing his wand and turning his attention to Elizabeth.
"Darcy, be a good lad and run to the hospital wing," said McGonagall. "Whatever Madam Pomfrey is doing, Jane Bennet will take over. Bring Pomfrey here."
Darcy did not need to be told twice. He was under no illusions. Elizabeth's life was at stake. He could only think of one occasion where he might have run faster.
"Madam Pomfrey!" he shouted as soon as he flung open the doors to the hospital wing.
"Merlin's beard, child!" Pomfrey chided, coming out from behind a curtain. "This is a – "
"Elizabeth Bennet has taken a Bludger to the chest and needs you desperately," Darcy said through his heavy breaths. "Jane Bennet is on her way here now, and will take over whatever it is you're – "
"Nothing Jane can't handle, is what I am doing," said Pomfrey. Without hesitation, she hurried from the wing. Darcy was quick to follow her. They met Jane and Bingley in the corridor.
"Madam Pomfrey, you have to help her!" Jane very nearly sobbed upon catching sight of the matron.
"Pull yourself together, girl," said Pomfrey pragmatically. "Your sister doesn't need your tears. She needs your support."
Jane pursed her lips tightly and nodded, and Pomfrey continued on her way, closely followed by Darcy.
"Fill me in, Darcy," Pomfrey demanded as she stormed across the grounds. Students gave her a wide berth.
"I didn't see exactly what happened, Madam," Darcy admitted. "Bingley did, though, and he said that Malfoy hit a Bludger at Miss Elizabeth just after Gryffindor's win was announced."
"Where in the chest did it hit her?" Pomfrey asked.
"I'm not sure."
"Fat load of good you are," Pomfrey muttered. At a normal volume, and before Darcy could protest, she continued, "What are her symptoms?"
"She's experiencing difficulty breathing, and has been coughing up blood," Darcy readily answered. "Her sister said a lung must have been punctured."
"That seems likely," Pomfrey huffed. She asked no further questions until meeting up with Flitwick at Elizabeth's side.
Darcy stood back, well aware he had no right to approach the scene.
Elizabeth was dreadfully pale. Her lips were even a little blue. What little breathing she managed came in shallow gasps.
"Oh, what will we tell Mama and Papa?" Kitty wailed nearby.
"Absolutely nothing is what we shall tell them," Lydia snapped. "Lizzy shall be fine, I'm sure! She'll not allow that boor Malfoy the satisfaction of besting her," she added with evident pride.
Darcy felt his own pride swell in his chest. Lydia was correct. Despite Elizabeth's current predicament, he was sure she would not allow Malfoy the satisfaction of maiming or killing her. He allowed himself to relax somewhat, and dared to even approach the sisters. "Is there anything I can do to be of service?"
"Thank you, Darcy," Mary answered. "No."
"They have a right to know that Lizzy's injured!" Kitty continued.
"They shall know nothing, Kitty!" Mary said firmly. "What can Mama and Papa do about it, but cause more problems? Papa knows he is powerless here and Mama would only insist on Lizzy staying home."
Kitty released a sob and buried her face in her hands.
"Oh, where is that coward?" Lydia snarled, looking around the nearly empty stands. "I've already broken a nose, I think I can manage an arm or a leg!"
"Leave Ursus to me," Darcy growled.
"No, Mr. Darcy, he shall be left to me," said McGonagall, approaching from behind the group. "Me and Professor Slughorn, that is."
"La, we all know Slughorn shan't do a thing against anyone in his house!" Lydia objected.
"Even if that were so, Miss Lydia, we all know that I will," said McGonagall, her nostrils flaring dangerously.
"There, the bleeding's stopped!" Pomfrey announced.
All three Bennet sisters immediately assaulted the matron with questions.
"Yes, your sister will be well soon," Pomfrey said after a few moments of letting the sisters go. "The best thing you can do for her is let me tend to her without interference."
"I'll bring some of her things down to the hospital wing," said Lydia determinedly. She turned and walked away with her head held high after her announcement.
"Come, Kitty," Mary coached, seeming much more like her usual self now that something positive regarding Lizzy's condition had been proclaimed. "You and I shall go sit by the lake while we wait for news that Lizzy can entertain visitors. Perhaps we'll catch sight of the giant squid."
Kitty nodded mutely and allowed Mary to guide her away, though she looked back over her shoulder many times.
"What can I do?" Darcy asked the Hogwarts staff before him.
"You've done enough, Mr. Darcy," said Flitwick with a tired smile. "Return to Ravenclaw Tower. You've certainly earned an afternoon of rest."
"This incident involved my family, Professor, even if the relation is only by marriage," said Darcy firmly. "I must be allowed a part in its resolution."
"You've no right to anything, Darcy," said McGonagall flatly. "You've done us a large favor by fetching Madam Pomfrey. Now, go back to the castle and let us handle the rest."
Darcy gave a terse nod, not trusting himself to speak. He went back to the castle, as ordered, but he did not return to Ravenclaw Tower. Instead, he prowled about the dungeons, waiting for his prey. When Malfoy finally emerged from Slughorn's office, Darcy pounced on him and shoved him into a wall.
"What the devil is wrong with you?" Malfoy snarled, even as Darcy pressed a forearm to his windpipe.
"I could very well ask the same of you, Ursus," Darcy growled. He had to remind himself to tread carefully. As much as this was about Elizabeth, he could not let Malfoy know it. "You dishonored both our families by your actions today."
"I dishonored them?" Malfoy hissed. His face was becoming red as he fought to breathe. "I'm not the one debasing my family name by associating with Mudbloods and blood traitors!"
Darcy increased the pressure he was applying to Malfoy's throat. "You attacked another person possessing magic in front of hundreds of witnesses! Whatever you might think of her, Elizabeth Bennet is well thought of by much of the population of Hogwarts. Her injury will not be taken kindly!"
"Hogwarts is full of idiots, then!" Malfoy spat. "That Mudblood isn't worth anyone's worry!"
"Yet you spent a large portion of today's game dedicating your attention to her," Darcy shot back. The gears of his mind worked quickly. He could use this to his advantage. To Elizabeth's. "It did not go unnoticed that you used every available opportunity to try to knock her out of the air."
"I'm a Beater, it's my job!" Malfoy staunchly defended.
"It is also well known that you make a point of interacting with her in nearly every class you have together," Darcy continued. Oh, yes. This could work very well if he could spin it right, and he was sure he could. "If you are not careful, Ursus, people will begin to suspect your interests are more motivated by personal inclinations than those of societal expectations."
Malfoy was so overcome by emotion he finally succeeded in shoving Darcy away from him. "I don't care if my sister married your cousin, Darcy!" he shouted. "If you ever imply something like that again, I'll rip your guts out and feed them to a bunch of pigs!"
Darcy smirked as Malfoy stomped away. His goal had certainly been accomplished. Malfoy would think twice before making another attack on Elizabeth, if only for fear of what others would think his motivation was.
Lizzy felt as though someone was sitting on her chest. Perhaps it was that unfamiliar sensation that woke her up. When she did not see the familiar hangings of her bed in Gryffindor, Lizzy stiffened. Had she been sent home? Surely not!
After a brief moment of panic, Lizzy recollected the ending of the Quidditch match, and realized she must have fainted. She tried to sit up, but a groggy voice stopped her.
"Be still, Lizzy. You'll only make things worse by trying to be up and about now."
Lizzy tilted her neck to see that Jane had scrunched herself onto the bottom half of the bed, her head resting on Lizzy's thigh.
Jane yawned as she pulled herself up, then smiled at her sister. "I am so very glad you've awakened."
"How long have I been out?" Lizzy asked, gently prodding her chest.
Jane looked at the clock on the wall. "At least eighteen hours," she answered.
Lizzy exhaled carefully. "How bad is it?"
"I've already talked with Phoebe, Josephine, and Zebulon," said Jane. "You won't be on your broom for at least a week, and they'll help you carry your books from class to class."
"I can carry my own bag, surely!" Lizzy objected.
Jane's eyes hardened. "You most certainly will not, Elizabeth Bennet!"
Lizzy felt her eyebrows rise. Jane was not usually firm without a measure of gentleness to counteract it.
"You very well could have died from that hit, Lizzy," Jane continued in a softer voice. "In fact, in the Muggle world, you would have died. Your rib broke and punctured your lung.
"Lizzy, please, I beg you, do as I ask," Jane implored, grabbing her sister's hand firmly. "Let your body heal completely. The entire school saw you take that hit. No one will think less of you for taking it easy for a few days."
Lizzy pursed her lips unhappily, but could not deny Jane's request. "For you, Jane," she said in acceptance.
A smile broke over Jane's face. "Perhaps you agree for me at the moment, but you'll be pleased for yourself in the long run, I think," she said happily. "Breakfast only just let out a few minutes ago. Mary should have taken Kitty and Lydia to the library. Shall I go fetch them?"
Lizzy started to sigh before wincing as her tender ribs objected to the strain. "I suppose I shall see them," she said, her smile contrary to her tone.
Jane's grin widened. "While I'm gone, you can do some reading. Lydia brought your bookbag down for you."
Lizzy checked the table at the side of her bed as Jane left, and she gazed fondly at all that Lydia had fetched from her room. Perhaps Lydia's selfishness was not so firmly engrained as Lizzy had thought.
Darcy's eyes scanned the same paragraph for what must have been the seventh time. He so very desperately wanted to know how Elizabeth fared, but he was in no position to go inquire after her, himself. Instead, he had to keep himself close to Mary, Kitty, and Lydia Bennet in the hopes that he would be present when Jane finally emerged from the hospital wing to summon them.
"I can't possibly focus," said Kitty frustratedly, slamming her book shut.
Mary ripped Kitty's book back open. "You'll get more done by at least making an attempt, and you might as well try to keep your mind occupied."
"How are you not out of your mind with worry?" Kitty asked scathingly.
"I am plenty worried, Kitty," said Mary with a bit of bite. "However, I trust that Jane and Madam Pomfrey will tend carefully to Lizzy, and Jane will come to us as soon as something worth noting occurs."
"I still think you ought to hex Malfoy," Lydia mumbled.
Mary huffed. "He's got a month of detentions and has been shunned by most of the student body, Lydia. Let it be for now. If we raise our wands against him, he becomes the victim."
"Well he ought to have a taste of his own medicine!" Lydia objected.
"Mary is right, Lydia," said a new voice.
Darcy finally glanced up from his book, though only long enough to confirm it was actually Jane that spoke before burying his nose once again under the guise of reading.
"Lizzy is awake," Jane announced to her anxious sisters.
"God be praised!" Kitty sighed.
"I quite agree," said Lydia, rising and beginning to recklessly shove her things back into her bag. "Now we can stop this dull work!"
"Lydia, have some care!" Mary snapped. "You nearly spilled your ink on my essay!"
"The library is not the place for you to squabble," Jane pointed out to her sisters. "Come on, now! Lizzy is waiting!"
Darcy waited for the Bennet sisters to make their exit before sighing, leaning back in his chair, and rubbing his hand over his face. Elizabeth was awake and well enough to receive visitors. With luck, she might even return to class the next day, and Darcy could make sure Malfoy stayed far away from her.
Author's Note
For not leaving you with a cliffie, you're welcome. :)
I meant to update yesterday... then didn't. For the most part, I plan to stick to a Monday and Wednesday update schedule, with an occasional Thursday or Friday thrown in there. So, yes, I will update again tomorrow.
Please share your thoughts with me in a review!
