Chapter 9- The Snake and A Surprise for Oliver

After sitting with Wood for about an hour, Harry went down to the great hall to get a drink and overheard Malfoy talking to Flint at the Slytherin table.

"So you think this'll slow him down tomorrow Flint? I sure hope you know what you're doing, because I don't want to get in any more trouble than I already am! You're the one that should have all these punishments!!"

"Oh shut up Malfoy! There's pot-head at the other table! See I told you that you never listen to what's going on around you. It's all Draco, Draco, Draco! You need to figure some stuff out kid, if you ever want to be like me."

"I suppose I better go bend my teeth then…"

"Oh SHUT UP!" Flint kicked Malfoy, hard, in a place that isn't too nice for guys to be kicked. Malfoy drew his want and yelled "Serpensortia!" A huge rattlesnake protruded from his wand and started after Marcus. Just then Professor Snape walked in and saw the huge snake that was now hissing and rattling on the floor, ready to strike. Snape ran over and shouted a big long word that made the snake disappear. His eyes leered from Malfoy to Flint, and reluctantly took 30 points from Slytherin's 50-point lead.

"You two better win this match tomorrow, or whenever it's going to be, if you want those points back. I'd like them too, but rules are rules. Don't get so mad at each other next time and I won't have to do this. Now I think you should go up to the common room and get some rest. You're going to need it."

Harry had been watching Flint and Malfoy the whole time, and wondered what they were up to now. They seemed to be mad at each other over something. Suddenly Harry had an idea.

"Er, Professor Snape? I was wondering…could I talk to you for a minute?" Snape looked at first surprised, but then agreed and walked Harry down to his dungeon.

"What do you want Potter? I'm busy."

"Well, I just thought that, since Flint wants a day to rest before the match, why don't you give Slytherin the 10 points back, but make the match tomorrow for sure?"

"You know Potter, I thought you were all fame and no brains, but this makes sense. Alright, you may leave. And er…hehe…good luck tomorrow."

Harry walked back to the common room with a smile on his face and ran in to tell Wood the good news. He walked up to Oliver's dormitory and knocked on the door. Wood answered, and walked back down the stairs with Harry to talk.

"What are you so smiley about? I don't see anything happy about today…"

"Oliver!!! We're having the match tomorrow! I'm sure of it! Snape's going to tell Flint that it has to happen!"

"How did you?! …What did you?!…What?!?!!?!?!??" Oliver got immediately excited. Harry explained about the snake and going down to Snape's office. "HARRY!! Holy shit! You are so awesome!! Okay so, this is for sure though? I mean did you actually see Snape tell Flint?"

"No, Snape made me leave, but…" Harry was interrupted by the common room door opening and Dumbledore walking in.

"Ah, there you two are. Wood, can you round up the team and come to my office please?" Wood jumped up and ran up the staircase. He came back with the rest of the team and they made their way to the gargoyle.

Dumbledore watched the seven athletes walk in and position themselves in a little half-circle around his desk, awaiting his news. Wood and Harry had uncontrollable smirks on their faces.

"Well Oliver, you and your team have managed to get the good end of the deal. I had a short talk with Professor Snape and he insisted that the match be tomorrow, so there you have it." Wood's smirk turned into a full-fledged smile and he winked at Harry. "Your much-anticipated match will be played as scheduled. Now I suggest that you either have that second practice you were planning, or get your team to bed."

"Thank you very much Professor," said Wood, and led the team back down the staircase and to the common room. "Alright everyone, I know it's a bit late, but there's lights on the field for a reason, so let's get out there and practice our defense moves one more time! We just have to win tomorrow, or we're out of the running this year! Meet me on the field in 20 minutes."