Quidditch and Encouragement

In the Great Hall the next Saturday, Fred and George were trying to pep everyone up for the game. Mora was more than ready, though, and didn't need the pep talk. The nervous energy had built up to a boiling point. It was almost a relief to change into her scarlet Quidditch robes once they reached the locker rooms. The Weasley speeches continued in the changing rooms, as everyone's breakfasts were sitting like lead in thier stomachs.

Just remember, said Fred, we have a title to defend.

But we still want everyone to have fun, said George.

Harry, it's bright out there. Keep your eyes out of the sun, of course, Fred suggested.

George chimed in, Chasers, be careful with the Quaffle. Don't keep a loose grip on it.

Fred turned to Mora, Just keep up with what you've done in practice. Then he turned to George, And hit that bloody Bludger every time!

Everyone laughed a bit, and it seemed to lighten the mood. They gathered their brooms and walked to the entrance of the stadium. When they were announced, they mounted the brooms and flew around the stadium for a bit of warming up. Then they all gathered around the box holding the Quidditch balls. Madam Hooch was out on the field, next to the crate, waiting for the two teams to get into position. With a tweet of her whistle, she kicked open the chest and all four balls zoomed into the air.

Mora headed straight for the goal posts on the Gryffindor end of the field, and keeping her eye on the Chasers too. She did not have to wait long before she blocked the first attempt by Ravenclaw to score. She watched all the Chasers intently, successfully blocking the many attempts by the Ravenclaws to score. Soon the score was thirty to zero after the Gryffinfors successfully scored three times in a row.

She took her attention up to Harry for a moment while the Quaffle was moving to the other end of the pitch. He was making slow circles around the field, looking for the Snitch. Mora than once, a Bludger came close to hitting him, but he easily dodged it.

Suddenly, Mora realized that the Quaffle was coming at her and she quickly returned her full attention to the game. Mora caught the Quaffle then, as Ron flew in front of her, she passed the ball off to him. He went straight down the field to score another ten points.

The game went on for about thirty minutes. Mora was blocking every attempt Ravenclaw was making to score. Finally, she heard Madam Hooch's whistle. Harry had caught the Snitch.

Once on the ground, Mora ran to him and asked, How did you catch it? I did not even see you go for it.

I was just avoiding a Bludger and the Snitch appeared right in front of me. I grabbed it and..., Harry held out the winged, golden ball in his hand.

Good game! said George.

Fred came up. Yeah! Two hundred and fifty to zero!

It's gotta be the first shutout game I've ever seen, said Ron, thanks to you, Mora. She blushed.

It's time for a celebration! said Hermione, who had rushed out onto the field.

We'll get the food, said Fred, with a wink. He and George ran back to the changing rooms to get out of their Quidditch robes.

There were hugs all around on the field. Mora and Harry noticed that the Slytherins seemed a bit nervous. Their game against Gryffindor was fast approaching.

The Gryffindor common room hummed with excitement when they got back. Harry got most of the handshakes and congratulation, but Mora and the other team members got their fair share, too.

Mora sat with Ron in a corner of the room and watched the carryings on by the rest. Is it always this crazy when Gryffindor wins?

Ron shook his head. Only when it's that good of a game.

From what I saw, you were really good.

Ron blushed. But you were better. You stopped the Quaffle every time!

Harrry came over and sat next to Ron. Man, that was great! Ron, you were great! And Mora, wow! Ron beamed and Mora turned bright red.

Fred and George appeared. Slytherin doesn't stand a chance! We'll win the Quidditch Cup again, for sure! said Fred. And the House Cup, too!

As long as Longbottom doesn't loose all the points in Potions, commented George.

Mora saw over the twins shoulders, Neville sitting alone in a chair. He looked crushed. Her blood boiled. That, was uncalled for, George, she said, firmly.

The twins just blinked at her. You've got to admit, he does lose points in that class, Fred said.

Neville took off to the bedrooms. Mora stood up and stared down the two Weasleys. In case you have not noticed, no Gryffindor earns points in Snape's class, not even Hermione. She stormed towards the stairs but rounded on the twins, again. Also, it would benefit you to make sure the one you are insulting is not within earshot when you speak ill about him.

She went up the stairs and knocked on the boys' dormitory door. Mora could hear sobbing on the other side but no answer came. She knocked again and cracked the door open. Neville? Are you okay?

You came to laugh at me, too? he said between sobs.

No. I came to see how you were doing after those awful things were said.

But they're right and you know it!

Mora walked in and sat on a nearby bed. Neville, I will not deny you have lost many points in Potions class. But can you name any Gryffindor who has earned points from Professor Snape?

Neville looked at Mora and shook his head. She could tell he had been troubled by this kind of teasing for a while.

They sat in silence for a few moments before Neville finally said, I wish I could make it through one of his classes without losing a single point. Tears were coming back to his eyes. I don't even want to be good in Potions. I just wish I could stop messing up everyday.

I could help you.

But you won't, he said, in a pitiful voice.

Let me rephrase what I have said. I will help you if you want my help.

Neville looked at Mora and saw she was serious.

Mora smiled. I think you have a confidence problem. Maybe I can show you a few different ways to learn the material. Neville looked confused. Once you learn it well, you will know you know it. Then, you will rely on that knowledge to carry you through your classes. Instead of wondering if you know what you are doing, you will be confident that you are correct in your actions. Does that make any sense?
Neville nodded. Mora reached over and hugged him.

Just then, Ron came in. When he saw Neville and Mora hugging, he turned white, then red, with anger. He said nothing, but grabbed a quill, parchment, and ink off his bureau and exited quickly.

Mora saw how upset he was and remembered what Pearl had told her; He likes you. She realized how hugging Neville must have looked but didn't care. He needed her help and no one was going to make her stop. Neville deserved it.