A/N- Hello! Even though the real Ootp is out, I hope you guys still like to turn to fanfiction. My dear God, has it really been over a half year since I've updated! I feel so ashamed. But never fear I'm back now and determined to finish. But do I have any readers left? ~cry~ I hope so 'cause you were the best! Please come baccccccck! Don't abandon me!
Chapter 17- Back to reality
"Potter, what is the…"
Harry silently groans. What's a better way to start off the term than double potions with the Slytherins!
Over the break, Harry showed Hermione the mysterious book. It innerved her greatly that she could not figure it out either. However, for reasons unknown to him, Harry kept the note to himself. Ron and Hermione did fill him on the Order of the Phoenix information they found out about which gave him that much more to think about.
All through the holidays, Harry spent most of his precious time in a book, studying and trying to catch up on everything he has missed. So, in the end, basically killing himself from boredom. Even though he was dismissed from any homework that was assigned, he quickly found out how far behind he was when practicing with Ron and Hermione. Many a nights were spent staying up late hounding textbook over textbook until he could finally be considered close to the same level as his friends. Last night was no exception when he learned of having potions first thing in the morning. It was a sure thing Snape would take Harry's disadvantage to extreme limits.
"The Wolfsbane potion is used to cure someone who was been bitten by a werewolf. It must be taken before an hour has elapsed from the time of being bit or else the transformation will begin with no possible way of undoing it," Harry replies in a monotone voice as if he were a muggle robot. How Hermione can study until her brain bursts and still sound human is something Harry will never know.
Snape replies with a grunt, being upset for not being ale to take away any points from Gryffindor.
"Harry, you alright?"
"Yes Ron, I'm fine, now shush before Snape hears."
"Well Harry, it's true, you do look a little worn down."
"Hermione," Harry replies through clenched teeth, "I stayed up late all week studying, of course I'm tired, why bother bringing it up now?"
Hermione doesn't answer but thinks to herself "I know he's been working hard but he just looked like he'd be sick all of a sudden. I've been trying to bring it up all week so now that Ron did I thought I would too. It's on more than one occasion since he's woken up that he looks quite ill, but after a fraction of a second the image disappears and he's fine…"
"Okay, so maybe I haven't slept well for the past little bit. It's nothing new for me to wake up in a cold sweat and not know why because I can't remember what I was dreaming. And just because it's happened more frequently now doesn't mean anything. It's to be expected with Voldemort back in power now, right? I'm sure it'll pass soon. There's nothing unusual about a boy having a nightmare; it's not like it could be anything important since I do not recall my scar hurting. They just have to leave me alone for awhile!" Harry's thoughts ended there as his professor turned back towards the class and began speaking.
"The Wolfsbane potion is a most difficult potion and I hardly doubt many, or any, of you shall succeed in making a perfect potion. Although I did not intend on teaching this pitiful, inexperienced class this potion yet, I have been instructed to do so." Snape glares as his gaze falls upon the Gryffindors and in particular, Neville Longbottom. "A few professors do believe you are capable though. Let us hope they are right, for this counts for a large portion of your mark." Snape smirks and sits at his desk. "Well, what are you waiting for? Copy down these notes," he barks, his grin growing.
Don't the holidays bring out the best of people?
****
"That bloody bastard-
"What's that Ronald?"
Ron's eyes grow wide as he turns to face the speaker.
"Oh, he was merely expressing his displeasure of our infamous potion master." Harry replies for his friend, who looks slightly uncomfortable for being caught cussing by this particular young person.
"He is in a foul mood these days," Ginny replies, abruptly turning away, her face becoming a vibrant shade of red from being addressed personally by Harry.
"Well, see you Ron, I got to go."
"So soon, Harry?"
"We've got a lot of catching up to do before our first Quidditch match," Harry says, picking up his things and heading for the Quidditch Pitch for Gryffindor's first official practice.
****
"That's it Weasleys! Good job, Alicia, Angelina, and Katie!"
"Yo, Harry, how 'bout a water break?"
"Already?" Harry teases.
"Already? We've been out here for a bloody two hours!"
"Actually, one hour forty-eight minutes, thirty-six seconds, so you still have twelve minutes and thirty-six seconds before…"
He stops short and laughs as his teammates gape at him wide-eyed. "Alright, I guess we can take a break," he says in a fake exasperated voice.
After their break and flying for a little longer, the team goes to the change room.
"Alright, Sara, first of all, I have to say that you fly well, I haven't seen you on a broom since try-outs but it seems you haven't lost your touch. Perfect. Everyone, good practice, I think we all worked pretty hard-
"Pretty hard, Harry? Are you nuts! My lungs are going to explode!"
"Yea, they've never taken in so much air!"
Harry, acting unfazed by the twin's outburst innocently continued. "But next practice we'll really get down to business. I'd say this was a mere way to get back into shape. Sooner or later you'll thank me."
"Most probably later…"
"What's that, Fred?"
"Er, nothing Harry."
"Ok," he replies, holding back an enormous grin that threatens to escape. "Well then, we'd better head back to the castle and get a good night's rest-
"I am so going to sleep like a rock tonight."
"Well that's good Angelina! You'll need it! Everyone meet me in the Common Room at 6:30 sharp. We're going to go for an early morning team run. That's all, goodnight."
As Harry leaves, he cannot help but laugh as the others complain behind him.
"Has he gone mad?"
"Who knows what happened while he was out of it."
"He's even worse than Wood!"
"'Aye and that's hard to beat."
****
"It's Quidditch! I'm your commentator, Leeeee Joooooorrddann! We are just minutes away from the first match of the New Year between Slytherin, and GRYFFINDOR! Harry Potter now back on his feet has been training his team hard- it promises to be a great match."
In the change rooms, Harry was beginning his pre-game speech.
"Okay everyone, this is it-
"The moment we've all been waiting for-
"The time to prove those slimy Slytherins whose best-
'To kick some arse-
"And bite the snake by the tail
"And show 'em what Gryffindors are made of-
"And Fred, George may I continue? Or do you already know what I', going to say?"
"Of course we do, us Weasley's know everything."
"You were going to say GO GRYFFINDOR! Let's kick some Slytherin arse!"
As soon as the cheering quiets down, Harry continues, "Let's save the celebrations for after the match. We may have started late but we've practiced hard. Now as I was going to say before a few brief interruptions- Let's go show those slimy Slytherins what Gryffindors are made of and kick some ass!"
"And here they are! Taking on the role of Quidditch captain after Oliver Wood left we all know is seeker Harry Potter! Gryffindors new Keeper is third year, Sara Spencer! Don't forget the legendary Chasers- Angelina Johnson! Alicia Spinnet! And Katie Bell! Fred and George Weasley, the vicious Beaters complete this extraordinary team! Go Gryffindor!"
The stands erupt, eager for the game to commence. After the Slytherin introduction, which was not nearly as elaborate, it was time for the game to commence.
"Captains, shake hands."
"Good luck, Potter."
"Good luck Malfoy, you'll need it."
Eyes narrowed the two shook hands. As soon as their hands met, they were roughly pulled back.
"Players, mount your broomsticks."
"And they're off! Gryffindors, with a quick take-off are in possession. Angelina passes over to Katie, from Katie to Alicia back to Katie back to Spinnet and scores before Slytherin even touches the quaffle! 10-0 Gryffindor!"
Harry's land was quite simple- pass the Quaffle as often as possible. Slytherins may have the faster brooms but Gryffindors have the faster players.
Just for the hell of it, Harry starts circling the pitch below the game. As usual, too lazy to look for himself, Malfoy is trailing not far behind.
"So, Malfoy, how's Voldemort these days?"
"Shutup Potter, how would I know?"
"I don't know, maybe you could ask your father. Nice view, eh?"
At that instant, Harry speeds up to the top of the pitch and above the game.
"Hey snake, you ready to be eaten by the lions?"
"Slytherins score and make the score 20-20."
"Doesn't seem like we're doing that bad Potter."
"I was talking to you. Your team itself isn't too horrible, but you my friend, there's no way you could ever catch the snitch."
Before Malfoy could retort, Harry zooms away.
"Gryffindor in possession. Alicia to Katie who throws it to…Fred? Who then bats it to George who clubs it over to Angelina who scores! A most incredible play by Gryffindor! Score is now 30-20."
"TIME-OUT!" screams a fuming Malfoy. "Madam Hooch they can't do that!"
"Why not?"
"Because it's against the rules for Beaters to touch the Quaffle!"
"Wrong Malfoy. Beaters are allowed to club any ball in the game, they aren't allowed to physically touch them. Such moves were first used in the legendary Quidditch World Cup in 1742," Harry says as he pulls up behind him. "Am I not right Madam Hooch?"
"Very risky play but totally legal. Play continue." With a blow of her whistle, the game continues.
"13 flying figures--
"Thirteen?"
"Along with Gryffindor's immobile Keeper, Sara Spencer, with her unusual technique take flight."
Harry chuckles knowing all too well the strange tactics of their Keeper.
"Another bold play by Gryffindor! Potter has trained them harder than I thought in such a short period of time…and I thought Fred and George were just whiners…70-20 Gryffindor!"
Harry scans the field once again, searching for the snitch and knowing all too well what his teammates were thinking when Lee made that last announcement. Chuckling, he turns towards the 3 gold hoops that mark Gryffindor's goalpost to check up on Sara.
And then he saw it.
Hovering, just behind the center hoops, its wings flapping like mad, there it was, the golden snitch.
With a burst of speed, filled with the adrenaline rush incomparable to anything else, Harry took off towards the snitch. Even with a slight lead and the faster broom, Harry was just inches ahead of Malfoy. He flattened himself against his broom, almost as though they were one. For two reasons this was necessary- to increase him speed and to be able to accomplish what he planned to do. Malfoy inched forward slightly, but not to the same extreme. He obviously didn't understand the purpose. Too bad.
"It's still there, come on, just a little further, just through the hoop, come one," Harry urged.
Through he went. Malfoy realized too late why Harry had flattened himself out. As Harry gracefully flies through the hoop and snatches the snitch, Malfoy not so gracefully smacks into it and begins a plunging descent to the ground.
Everyone watches the falling Malfoy. A few teachers trying to get out their wands, but they weren't moving quickly enough. Harry whips out his wand and slows his archenemy to a stop a few feet above the ground- then lets him drop.
GRYFFINDOR WINS!! 220-20!!
Laughter and cheers ring out in pandemonium while the whole of Gryffindor rush onto the pitch. Harry walks over to Malfoy to help him up. Scowling, he pushes him away, gets up, rubs his sore arse, and walks away in the foulest mood. Harry just stands there grinning.
The whole Gryffindor Quidditch Team is hoisted up on shoulders and carried u to the castle for the celebrations to continue.
In the opposite direction, a tiny, furry, scaly tailed, four-legged creature leaves, not appearing at all amused whatsoever. The news he must carry will not be taken lightly. Voldemort will be enraged.
****
"Damn that Potter. Being carried around like he's some hero. All he did was catch that stupid snitch. And what does he do to show his great sense of humor? Drops that Slytherin boy - Malfoy? – from mid air! What sportsmanship! What does it cost him? A lousy 5 housepoints! He totally humiliated some innocent kid just for fun! That slimy no good murdering bully! Maybe those Slytherins are right about him! All that fame has gone to his head! But no, not Potter, everyone has to love Potter! That's it, I'm tired of this! I'm finally going to do what I should have a long time ago!"
Fuming, Cho Chang storms her way to the Owlery.
****
"I could kill him! Potter is so great. He didn't get killed when he was a baby. Now he's got a stupid scar on his forehead and oh, Potter can catch the snitch. But no, no one gets mad at Harry, precious scarhead can't get into trouble. This has gone too far. Crabbe, Goyle, follow me."
"What are you going to do?"
"Write to my father."
****
"Don't Apparate too soon, you might be seen. They obviously have no idea what it's like trying to travel as a rat!"
Off in the distance, the flapping of a big winged bird sent one solitary signal to the rat: Hide. Being too close to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, he couldn't return to his normal state and apparate. He quickly turns, frantically trying to find a place to hide. As luck goes, nothing good has ever come by Peter. With a great dive, the old barn owl catches its prey in its talons and continues its trek.
The rat had only one choice: to stay as still as possible.
****
Dear Sir or Madam,
Upon further review, we the school governors agree that although using magic to ridicule another student is unacceptable behavior, we do not have the right to administer punishment. Albus Dumbledore you say was in presence during the 'offence'. We all believe he shall or has already taken the appropriate actions. In the future, please state your name and in this case, the offending students name. Also, there is no need for a student like yourself to contact us in the first place. Leave the disciplining to your professors. If they believe it necessary, they can contact us. If not, it is their sole responsibility.
L. Smith
School Governor
"Stupid, arrogant, lousy, GITS! Don't even believe in fair punishment! 'We all believe that 'he' will take appropriate actions.' Well, 'he' hasn't!"
In an outburst of rage, the parchment is torn to pieces and thrown out an open window. The ferocious youth returns to the waiting four poster bed, spitting and hissing until finally falling into a restless slumber, with the last hopes of an easy revenge diminished. Obviously, if you want something done, you've better do it yourself.
****
Sure flying is an incredible thing but not when your pilot is going to eat you the moment you land. For Peter, this was not a smooth ride.
"Dear God, how much longer do I have left?"
As if in response to his silent plea, they land, right at Voldemorts feet. Without a moment's hesitation, Peter transforms into his human self.
"M-m-master, I-I have r-r-re-returned."
"What is the meaning of this?" he demands, gesturing towards the owl.
"I-I d-don't kn-kn-ow s-sir. It-it picked m-me up ou-outside Hog-Hogwarts."
"Outside Hogwarts?"
"Y-ye-yes s-sir. And-and ev-everyth-thing you ask-asked m-me t-to look at is s-still g-g-good b-but th-there's one pr-problem, s-s-ir."
"Problem! There is no time for PROBLEMS!" Voldemort shouts as he tears open the letter."
"M-m-mas-ter, h-he's, alive."
"Who's alive?" the Dark Lord demands, eyes narrowed and anger mounting.
"H-H-Harr-y P-P-Pott-er s-sir."
"CRUCIO!"
As Pettigrew's screams echo throughout the area, Voldemort, still incensed, quickly scans the note.
The greatest wizard who all fear to name has revived, many too scared and stupid to believe it. I never doubted one so great could be so easily defeated. Now, revenge is sought on the cause of his downfall. Help within Hogwarts is now merely an owl away.
S.S
Shocked, Voldemort drops his wand, Peter's screams no longer heard. He knew his plans had to be changed the moment Pettigrew spoke, but this he did not expect.
A/N- Ok, please tell me what you think…I was never sure how writing Quidditch would be like and I have NO idea what it sounds like. Also, I re-read my whole fic and I am quite surprised at how bad it sounded at first…please tell me I've improved or I may as well quite now! Tell me what you think…if I can get at least 1 review I'll continue, 'cause then I know someone is reading it. Remember...the more reviews the faster I write ;)
Question? Comments? Nasty e-mails? Send 'em right here à dianahoule@hotmail.com
Luv y'all
l8er~didihoulio
Ok…to answer your reviews (if any of you are still reading)
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Kanzer – Well, here's an update even though it isn't as soon as you or I anticipated it to be.
JadedKatrina – Orange is his color don't you think? The professors had to wait for it to wear off by itself. Payback? We're talking hardcore marauders…what do you think? Oh! And I'm on your favorite list! I feel so special now!
CassandrAIarwen – Thanks for the offer, but I got a beta now…an awesome one too, but I've only got her about half way through the fic so the first chapters might be little sketchy.
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Spikey the Neon Blowfish
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