Chapter 2

A Swearing Wood, Frustrated Madam Hooch, and Some Whiffle Balls

The two twins managed to get the other bludger safe and sound in the little broomstick kit box. Now the real question was, where was the real chest for the Quiddich balls?

"We are going to be in SO much TROUBLE!" Wood wasn't taking the lost box too well at all, and he paced back and forth for some time. "Alright, I've got it." he said.

"I'll go to Madam Hooch, tell her that the bludgers got out of their box, and now the box is missing. I'm not sure if she'll believe me, but it's worth a try. Harry, why don't you come with me, to back me up or something?"

"Sure thing Oliver," Harry said, although he wasn't sure he would be of much help. So the two trod across the grounds and back to the castle. Wood was silent, which made Harry think even more about what Madam Hooch would say when she found the box was gone.

***

"The box is WHAT??" Madam Hooch was furious. She ran down to the locker room and stormed into the storage, with Oliver and Harry barely able to keep up with her. Fred, George, Alicia, and Katie, now accompanied by Angelina, were all sitting on a bench when Madam Hooch arrived.

"Which one of you was it? Which one? I can see through a liar's eyes, hmm, Angelina!" She jumped at the sound of her name, and looked up slowly.

"You look troubled, confused, something. What's bothering you, dear?" her voice suddenly became soft and soothing.

"Well, I had forgotten that we had practice this morning, and slept late. I was hurrying across the grounds when I spotted Flint and Malfoy running up to the castle with evil-looking grins on their faces. I wasn't---"

"Those *&^$*$#^*&%!!----"

"MR. WOOD!" Madam Hooch screamed. "Never say a thing like that in my presence! You don't' want to be suspended from the team!! Now, Angelina, you were saying…."

"I wasn't sure what they were up to so I…I….I followed them back to the castle. They went down to Professor Snape's classroom and were whispering with him. I thought Snape caught my eye, so I ran back here. That's all I know."

"Hmm….curious, very curious…." Madam Hooch sat and thought for a few seconds. Wood couldn't stand it.

"Madam, I'm sorry, but I know those !#^%&$ stole it! I just know it! Please go talk to them, or talk to Snape, or SOMETHING! DOOO SOMETHING!"

"My dear child, please calm down, and quit with that foul language of yours! You are not in trouble in the least bit, nor anyone on your team." Angelina let out a sigh of relief. "I am not suspecting anyone, although I will notify both Professors Mcgonagall and Snape on the issue. Until then I suggest all of you try to practice with only your brooms today."

"But Madam Hooch!" Wood whined. "Please listen to what Angelina was saying---Flint and Malfoy--"

"But NOTHING Oliver! I'm sorry but this is out of my hands. In fact, I'm not going to tell any teachers or staff about this. If you see anything else strange, report it, but I'm sure the box will turn up before the match tomorrow."

After Madam Hooch had left for the castle, Wood got on his broom and raced around the field for about an hour, seeming to need to blow off some steam. When he finally came down the team was more than ready to be up with him. They practiced their formations and attacks, and Harry tried the Wronski Fient a few times. Everything was going well, except for the fact that they couldn't practice any defense, passing, or dodging, and Harry couldn't practice catching the Snitch.

"You know Harry," Wood said, "I might be able to find some old Muggle golf balls in the storage somewhere. Maybe I could throw them and you could practice a bit?" Wood went into the locker room and a minute or so later came out with a large box full of whiffle balls.

"These are plastic, Harry. No need to worry about getting hit square in the face or anything! Okay, here comes the first one!" Oliver threw the first whiffle ball and Harry caught it in about 3 seconds. His new Firebolt was really working for him- it seemed like all he had to do was think about what he was doing next and it happened. Wood threw the whole box of balls and Harry only let one fall to the ground, and it was only because George had flew right in front of him, swinging his club wildly in the air, that he missed it.

"Great job Harry! I haven't seen a seeker as good as you since our famous Charlie Weasley!" Just then Harry realized that Angelina was missing again.