Chapter Sixteen: The Quidditch Cup
"Ms. Lawson, would you kindly SHUT UP? Or if you stop talking will you spontaneously combust?" Snape yelled at his 'favorite' student the next day at Potions. Leo turned and faced him, her face lacking emotion of any kind.
"Nope, sorry. I know how that must make you feel."
"The picture of you exploding does cheer me up on a bad day," Snape told her, half-joking.
"So does the picture of you and your fro, Super Fly," she retorted, glaring as the class laughed at his hair, which still hadn't returned to its greasy state of uncleanness. He glared back at her in return, "Twenty points from Gryffindor, Lawson, and it'll be twice as much to the next person whosoever snickers. Now, back to work!"
"What do have against me, Professor? Why do you hate me so much?" Leo suddenly asked after class, looking down at Snape innocently as he sat at his desk, probably marking down Gryffindor's loss of points. She caught him off-guard, especially since she addressed him as Professor instead of Snapey.
He looked up at her, an unreadable look on his face, "Well, Ms. Lawson, it seems to me that you want me to dislike you," he replied cryptically.
"Ah, come off it, you probably hate me the most out of everyone you've ever known, and even I can't make that happen."
"No, there is one person that can make me much more angry than you can even imagine with just his presence."
"I pity the man."
"He deserves no pity."
Leo shook her head, "Everyone deserves pity, even you. Besides, you changed the subject: why do you hate me?"
"Easy: you remind me of him. Now, if this highly pointless conversation is over, I suggest you go to dinner. I have things to do."
*****
"No I don't forgive you!" was the departing jibe George received from Fred before he ducked out of the Great Hall. Leo had made it seem that all he had to do was say he was sorry and everything would be all right between the two of them.
"How wrong she was," he thought to himself.
As Leo turned the corner into the Great Hall, she was deep in thought of what Snape had said. Who had she reminded him of? She was so gone from the physical world that she didn't see George until she was right on top of him.
"Oooph, watch it! Oh, sorry Leo," George said, picking himself of the floor and brushing himself off.
"No, I'm sorry. I should've seen you there," Leo kissed him lightly in apology. "So why do you look so gloom 'n' doom?"
"Fred's being an ass and won't admit he's jealous. I tried to apologize, but he won't except. Besides that, I'm as chipper as a fresh spring morning," he looked at her objectively, "Why do you look like your brooding over something?"
"Maybe because I am," she said matter-of-fact.
"Over what?"
"Just something Snape said. It's nothing really, just my curiosity running wild."
"Running wild, eh? Sounds fun," George grinned mischievously, lightly kissing her neck.
"Stop it George! Someone will see!" Leo protested unconvincingly.
"Hmmm, let's see we have two hours before practice. I think we can manage."
"Manage what?" But before the question left Leo's lips, George swept her off her feet and carried her off to the Common Room.
*****
"Ok, now, quit your slacking! We've got the Slytherin's in a week and we can't lose this match!" Leo reprimanded the team at practice that night. She had been made captain/coach by Wood when it became apparent that his biased coaching of one team was not looked on too keenly by the teaching staff and other teams. "Alright, Harry, practice that Wronski some more, we're going to need that. And Chasers! Get the Hawkshead more solid! A well- placed Bludger could scatter the three of you to the four winds!"
"Aye, aye, Captain!" saluted Angelina, which caused Leo to grin a bit before turning on the Beaters, "And you two! Act your age and practice! We don't need you guys hitting Bludgers at each other! Hit them at the Chasers!" Fred and George, still fighting, were continuously taking cheap shots at each other. They glared malevolently at each other, nodded to Leo, and commenced serious practice. Leo sighed; she didn't know how Wood could put up with this for more than a single season and this was her first night. No wonder he was a maniac.
Two hours later, when the entire team was covered in sweat and aching from the strenuous exercise, Leo ended practice, calling them down to the pitch below.
"All right, great practice you guys. If we keep this up, we'll take those slimy snakes for sure!"
"Of course we will, love," George grinned and put his arm around her, which caused Fred to look violently ill.
"Still, however, be on the lookout this week. You know how hostile the two houses have been towards each other. The Slytherins might try something to put on of us out of commission. Just be alert and don't do anything stupid."
"Eh, don't worry about it, Leo," Alicia piped up. "Nothing will happen to us."
Leo couldn't help thinking, "Famous last words."
*****
The week went by uneventful, that is if you don't count Katie getting the Jelly-Legs curse placed upon her by a Slytherin fourth year. Hermione easily reversed that, however. When Saturday arrived, the tension was so thick you could've cut it with a knife. It was decided that the Gryffindor team was to travel as a whole, as not to be caught by themselves by an evil, curse-casting Slytherin. As the walked to breakfast, it seemed that Leo's past worries had been in vain. It seemed too perfect of a day for anything to be amiss.
Leo sat down her fork from the plate of bacon and eggs she was devouring and stared at it. This tastes funny, she thought to herself. She poked through the eggs as if trying to look for the culprit, but concluded that she must've just put too much salt on them again. No matter; it was time to give the pre-game speech. She clinked her glass to get everyone's attention and then addressed the team, "All right, here's the game plan: we hit them at their weakest point. That, of course, is their Seeker. Harry, it would be a good idea to try and get the Snitch early so the least amount of cheating can be accomplish, thus, less injury."
"Easier said than done, Leo," Harry told her. "Malfoy isn't all that bad anymore."
"Still, the quicker you get the Snitch, the better. Also, George, Fred, hit the bloody Bludgers at the slimy gits like there is no tomorrow, but no playing dirty, got that? Don't stoop to their level."
"Righto, Captain," George agreed.
'And you guys, remember that we have to win by one-hundred and fifty points so make sure we counter every point they score, and then some," she smiled at the three Chasers, who all saluted her. "By tonight, we'll have one more win under our belts, and the Cup victory all wrapped up. Let's do it!"
*****
Tension was mounting at the Quidditch arena. Already several Slytherins and Gryffindors had to be separated and excused from the match because of scuffling, fist-fighting, cursing, and other types of bodily harm, and there was still fifteen minutes until the match began! All of the Hogwarts professors made sure that the two rivals had no contact with each other, even going as far as placing a Non-Permeable Charm between the two groups to prevent them from lunging at each other. Angelina peaked outside the chute at the chaos of the stands.
"Jesus, it's like St. Mungo's out there!" she gaped, shaking her head.
"That crazy, eh? I've got a feeling this could get really nasty," commented Katie, who moved over to the door to catch a glimpse for herself.
"I second that," agreed George. "By the way, has anyone seen Leo?"
"What? The captain's missing?" Harry looked around, thinking to himself that he had just seen her in the chute with them.
"Uhhhh, I'm right here," groaned Leo as she staggered in, grasping her stomach and looking frightfully pale and clammy. George rushed to her side. "What happened? What's wrong?"
"Nothing really, if you don't count the fact that I'm puking my guts out," Leo smiled weakly, then grimaced as her stomach clenched. "Shouldn't have eaten those eggs, I reckon."
"Oh God, what are we to do? We haven't another Keeper to our disposal!" Fred threw up his hands in frustration.
"What about the reserve," Harry began.
"Out with a torn ACL. Stupid bugger fell down the stairs," Katie said flatly.
"Look, I can still do it," Leo protested, standing up straight. She fixed her face into a look of pure determination, although inside she felt like screaming in pain. "All I need is to sit on my broom and block shots from time to time. I mean, I'm already feeling bet," she then promptly leaned over and vomited. George stood behind her, holding her hair back and stroking her back. "Oh, come off it love, it's all right. We can just reschedule the game or something. I bet Wood would let us," he tried to sooth her, but you could tell by his tone of voice that even he didn't believe what he was saying.
"No," Leo wiped her mouth, stood up, and grasped her broomstick tightly. "We won't risk a forfeit and that's what will happen if I don't play. I'm going out there, come hell or high water, or puke for that matter." She looked so determined that the team knew that it was pointless to argue with her.
"Just promise me you'll vomit on Malfoy for me," Harry told her.
"No probs, Potter," Leo managed a smile before it was time to take the pitch. *****
"Oh, damn, and it's another ten points for Slytherin, making it 90 to 100, Gryffindor. Watch it, Lions, they're on your tail. And no pun attended, fans." Lee commentated. Already in the match there had been six fouls, all by Slytherin and Leo had gotten sick twice, resulting in goals. If Harry could get the Snitch, they would win, but he'd have to it soon.
"Spinnet with the Quaffle, heading for Syltherin territory.passed to Johnson, ooo nice duckage by Angelina, narrowly missed the Bludger from Beater Dex Flint.she shoots.and it's blocked! Damn, damn, damn!"
"Jordan, watch the swearing."
"Sorry, Professor. Slytherin possession. Pucey with the Quaffle, going straight up the middle, hey watch that Wood, he's swinging his elbows like bats! He's nearing the goal, shoots; Keeper Lawson makes a feeble dive, score, Slytherin. 100 to 100. What a mess this is. All right, Gryffindor possession, and wait! Is that the Snitch?"
Leo leaned over her broom and was sick again. She looked up quickly at Lee's announcement and she saw a blur of green and red shooting past her. Malfoy and Harry. She grinned to herself slightly. Her gut instinct told her that Harry could fly circles around Malfoy and that getting the Snitch was going to be a piece of cake. The game was to be theirs, easily. But as Harry touched the Snitch making the game, and the Cup, theirs,
"FOUL GRYFFINDOR!" Wood blew his whistle, and looked up at Harry, who was screaming that the game was over. "Gryffindor still gets the Snitch, but since the cobbing by Fred Weasley happened before the Snitch was caught, the penalty shot will still be rewarded on a count of the situation." Wood blew his whistle again, but it could not be heard from the mass protests from the crowd. They all seem to be shouting, "The game is over! Don't make Leo have to block a shot!" They all knew that this shot was the defining point; if Leo missed it, Gryffindor would still win, but Slytherin would win by point average. Leo knew it too. "Oh, shit," Leo muttered. If she lived through this, she was going to kill Fred. But she'd have to block this shot first. She sat up, got into the ready position, and prepared herself for the block. She watched Pucey make his way towards her, scanning his eyes for where he was aiming. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves and stomach, she saw his plan.
"Right bottom," she muttered as his arm cocked to throw. She dove on instinct as he let go of the Quaffle, feeling herself getting sick at the sudden descent. She toppled over her broom, and fell to the ground. The last thing she remembered before she hit the ground was the feeling her stomach was being pushed in. Then, everything went black.
A/N: Ah, yes, the wonderful cliffie. I'm sorry, I know that they're evil, but guess what? So am I! Next chapters should be up relatively soon, so keep up with the reviewing and I hope your enjoying the story!
Comments to reviewers:
Irish Donkey: What I meant was a home in a suburb in Chicago-you know like St. Charles or Schaumburg. But I can see how I wrote it is confusing. Thanks for pointing that out. I owe you one :D
Voidhawc: Thanks a lot! You've been very helpful. I didn't even know about changing me settings (I'm a new writer) so thanks for pointing that out. The idea of Wood being a teacher isn't an original; in fact JKR's thinking of making him the new flying instructor. And the reason's he's helping his house out so much is, well, he's Wood and he does things his way. Yeah, Snape's really evil, maybe too much, but I hate his slimy guts so it's reflected in my writing. I'll make sure to keep it real, however. Once again, thanks so much!
Muse: Thank you! You're very kind.
Syrone (): Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it.
Brittany: I'm glad you think so. Thanks much!
"Ms. Lawson, would you kindly SHUT UP? Or if you stop talking will you spontaneously combust?" Snape yelled at his 'favorite' student the next day at Potions. Leo turned and faced him, her face lacking emotion of any kind.
"Nope, sorry. I know how that must make you feel."
"The picture of you exploding does cheer me up on a bad day," Snape told her, half-joking.
"So does the picture of you and your fro, Super Fly," she retorted, glaring as the class laughed at his hair, which still hadn't returned to its greasy state of uncleanness. He glared back at her in return, "Twenty points from Gryffindor, Lawson, and it'll be twice as much to the next person whosoever snickers. Now, back to work!"
"What do have against me, Professor? Why do you hate me so much?" Leo suddenly asked after class, looking down at Snape innocently as he sat at his desk, probably marking down Gryffindor's loss of points. She caught him off-guard, especially since she addressed him as Professor instead of Snapey.
He looked up at her, an unreadable look on his face, "Well, Ms. Lawson, it seems to me that you want me to dislike you," he replied cryptically.
"Ah, come off it, you probably hate me the most out of everyone you've ever known, and even I can't make that happen."
"No, there is one person that can make me much more angry than you can even imagine with just his presence."
"I pity the man."
"He deserves no pity."
Leo shook her head, "Everyone deserves pity, even you. Besides, you changed the subject: why do you hate me?"
"Easy: you remind me of him. Now, if this highly pointless conversation is over, I suggest you go to dinner. I have things to do."
*****
"No I don't forgive you!" was the departing jibe George received from Fred before he ducked out of the Great Hall. Leo had made it seem that all he had to do was say he was sorry and everything would be all right between the two of them.
"How wrong she was," he thought to himself.
As Leo turned the corner into the Great Hall, she was deep in thought of what Snape had said. Who had she reminded him of? She was so gone from the physical world that she didn't see George until she was right on top of him.
"Oooph, watch it! Oh, sorry Leo," George said, picking himself of the floor and brushing himself off.
"No, I'm sorry. I should've seen you there," Leo kissed him lightly in apology. "So why do you look so gloom 'n' doom?"
"Fred's being an ass and won't admit he's jealous. I tried to apologize, but he won't except. Besides that, I'm as chipper as a fresh spring morning," he looked at her objectively, "Why do you look like your brooding over something?"
"Maybe because I am," she said matter-of-fact.
"Over what?"
"Just something Snape said. It's nothing really, just my curiosity running wild."
"Running wild, eh? Sounds fun," George grinned mischievously, lightly kissing her neck.
"Stop it George! Someone will see!" Leo protested unconvincingly.
"Hmmm, let's see we have two hours before practice. I think we can manage."
"Manage what?" But before the question left Leo's lips, George swept her off her feet and carried her off to the Common Room.
*****
"Ok, now, quit your slacking! We've got the Slytherin's in a week and we can't lose this match!" Leo reprimanded the team at practice that night. She had been made captain/coach by Wood when it became apparent that his biased coaching of one team was not looked on too keenly by the teaching staff and other teams. "Alright, Harry, practice that Wronski some more, we're going to need that. And Chasers! Get the Hawkshead more solid! A well- placed Bludger could scatter the three of you to the four winds!"
"Aye, aye, Captain!" saluted Angelina, which caused Leo to grin a bit before turning on the Beaters, "And you two! Act your age and practice! We don't need you guys hitting Bludgers at each other! Hit them at the Chasers!" Fred and George, still fighting, were continuously taking cheap shots at each other. They glared malevolently at each other, nodded to Leo, and commenced serious practice. Leo sighed; she didn't know how Wood could put up with this for more than a single season and this was her first night. No wonder he was a maniac.
Two hours later, when the entire team was covered in sweat and aching from the strenuous exercise, Leo ended practice, calling them down to the pitch below.
"All right, great practice you guys. If we keep this up, we'll take those slimy snakes for sure!"
"Of course we will, love," George grinned and put his arm around her, which caused Fred to look violently ill.
"Still, however, be on the lookout this week. You know how hostile the two houses have been towards each other. The Slytherins might try something to put on of us out of commission. Just be alert and don't do anything stupid."
"Eh, don't worry about it, Leo," Alicia piped up. "Nothing will happen to us."
Leo couldn't help thinking, "Famous last words."
*****
The week went by uneventful, that is if you don't count Katie getting the Jelly-Legs curse placed upon her by a Slytherin fourth year. Hermione easily reversed that, however. When Saturday arrived, the tension was so thick you could've cut it with a knife. It was decided that the Gryffindor team was to travel as a whole, as not to be caught by themselves by an evil, curse-casting Slytherin. As the walked to breakfast, it seemed that Leo's past worries had been in vain. It seemed too perfect of a day for anything to be amiss.
Leo sat down her fork from the plate of bacon and eggs she was devouring and stared at it. This tastes funny, she thought to herself. She poked through the eggs as if trying to look for the culprit, but concluded that she must've just put too much salt on them again. No matter; it was time to give the pre-game speech. She clinked her glass to get everyone's attention and then addressed the team, "All right, here's the game plan: we hit them at their weakest point. That, of course, is their Seeker. Harry, it would be a good idea to try and get the Snitch early so the least amount of cheating can be accomplish, thus, less injury."
"Easier said than done, Leo," Harry told her. "Malfoy isn't all that bad anymore."
"Still, the quicker you get the Snitch, the better. Also, George, Fred, hit the bloody Bludgers at the slimy gits like there is no tomorrow, but no playing dirty, got that? Don't stoop to their level."
"Righto, Captain," George agreed.
'And you guys, remember that we have to win by one-hundred and fifty points so make sure we counter every point they score, and then some," she smiled at the three Chasers, who all saluted her. "By tonight, we'll have one more win under our belts, and the Cup victory all wrapped up. Let's do it!"
*****
Tension was mounting at the Quidditch arena. Already several Slytherins and Gryffindors had to be separated and excused from the match because of scuffling, fist-fighting, cursing, and other types of bodily harm, and there was still fifteen minutes until the match began! All of the Hogwarts professors made sure that the two rivals had no contact with each other, even going as far as placing a Non-Permeable Charm between the two groups to prevent them from lunging at each other. Angelina peaked outside the chute at the chaos of the stands.
"Jesus, it's like St. Mungo's out there!" she gaped, shaking her head.
"That crazy, eh? I've got a feeling this could get really nasty," commented Katie, who moved over to the door to catch a glimpse for herself.
"I second that," agreed George. "By the way, has anyone seen Leo?"
"What? The captain's missing?" Harry looked around, thinking to himself that he had just seen her in the chute with them.
"Uhhhh, I'm right here," groaned Leo as she staggered in, grasping her stomach and looking frightfully pale and clammy. George rushed to her side. "What happened? What's wrong?"
"Nothing really, if you don't count the fact that I'm puking my guts out," Leo smiled weakly, then grimaced as her stomach clenched. "Shouldn't have eaten those eggs, I reckon."
"Oh God, what are we to do? We haven't another Keeper to our disposal!" Fred threw up his hands in frustration.
"What about the reserve," Harry began.
"Out with a torn ACL. Stupid bugger fell down the stairs," Katie said flatly.
"Look, I can still do it," Leo protested, standing up straight. She fixed her face into a look of pure determination, although inside she felt like screaming in pain. "All I need is to sit on my broom and block shots from time to time. I mean, I'm already feeling bet," she then promptly leaned over and vomited. George stood behind her, holding her hair back and stroking her back. "Oh, come off it love, it's all right. We can just reschedule the game or something. I bet Wood would let us," he tried to sooth her, but you could tell by his tone of voice that even he didn't believe what he was saying.
"No," Leo wiped her mouth, stood up, and grasped her broomstick tightly. "We won't risk a forfeit and that's what will happen if I don't play. I'm going out there, come hell or high water, or puke for that matter." She looked so determined that the team knew that it was pointless to argue with her.
"Just promise me you'll vomit on Malfoy for me," Harry told her.
"No probs, Potter," Leo managed a smile before it was time to take the pitch. *****
"Oh, damn, and it's another ten points for Slytherin, making it 90 to 100, Gryffindor. Watch it, Lions, they're on your tail. And no pun attended, fans." Lee commentated. Already in the match there had been six fouls, all by Slytherin and Leo had gotten sick twice, resulting in goals. If Harry could get the Snitch, they would win, but he'd have to it soon.
"Spinnet with the Quaffle, heading for Syltherin territory.passed to Johnson, ooo nice duckage by Angelina, narrowly missed the Bludger from Beater Dex Flint.she shoots.and it's blocked! Damn, damn, damn!"
"Jordan, watch the swearing."
"Sorry, Professor. Slytherin possession. Pucey with the Quaffle, going straight up the middle, hey watch that Wood, he's swinging his elbows like bats! He's nearing the goal, shoots; Keeper Lawson makes a feeble dive, score, Slytherin. 100 to 100. What a mess this is. All right, Gryffindor possession, and wait! Is that the Snitch?"
Leo leaned over her broom and was sick again. She looked up quickly at Lee's announcement and she saw a blur of green and red shooting past her. Malfoy and Harry. She grinned to herself slightly. Her gut instinct told her that Harry could fly circles around Malfoy and that getting the Snitch was going to be a piece of cake. The game was to be theirs, easily. But as Harry touched the Snitch making the game, and the Cup, theirs,
"FOUL GRYFFINDOR!" Wood blew his whistle, and looked up at Harry, who was screaming that the game was over. "Gryffindor still gets the Snitch, but since the cobbing by Fred Weasley happened before the Snitch was caught, the penalty shot will still be rewarded on a count of the situation." Wood blew his whistle again, but it could not be heard from the mass protests from the crowd. They all seem to be shouting, "The game is over! Don't make Leo have to block a shot!" They all knew that this shot was the defining point; if Leo missed it, Gryffindor would still win, but Slytherin would win by point average. Leo knew it too. "Oh, shit," Leo muttered. If she lived through this, she was going to kill Fred. But she'd have to block this shot first. She sat up, got into the ready position, and prepared herself for the block. She watched Pucey make his way towards her, scanning his eyes for where he was aiming. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves and stomach, she saw his plan.
"Right bottom," she muttered as his arm cocked to throw. She dove on instinct as he let go of the Quaffle, feeling herself getting sick at the sudden descent. She toppled over her broom, and fell to the ground. The last thing she remembered before she hit the ground was the feeling her stomach was being pushed in. Then, everything went black.
A/N: Ah, yes, the wonderful cliffie. I'm sorry, I know that they're evil, but guess what? So am I! Next chapters should be up relatively soon, so keep up with the reviewing and I hope your enjoying the story!
Comments to reviewers:
Irish Donkey: What I meant was a home in a suburb in Chicago-you know like St. Charles or Schaumburg. But I can see how I wrote it is confusing. Thanks for pointing that out. I owe you one :D
Voidhawc: Thanks a lot! You've been very helpful. I didn't even know about changing me settings (I'm a new writer) so thanks for pointing that out. The idea of Wood being a teacher isn't an original; in fact JKR's thinking of making him the new flying instructor. And the reason's he's helping his house out so much is, well, he's Wood and he does things his way. Yeah, Snape's really evil, maybe too much, but I hate his slimy guts so it's reflected in my writing. I'll make sure to keep it real, however. Once again, thanks so much!
Muse: Thank you! You're very kind.
Syrone (): Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it.
Brittany: I'm glad you think so. Thanks much!