The Lecture
Thanks to all my reviewers. Hugs reviewers!! I still don't own rights to Harry Potter so I ll publish next chapter anyway.
Behind Hagrids cabin the Slytherins were shutting the last of the blast-ended screwts back into their cages. The students were filthy, weary, and covered in soot. They slumped against each other in relief.
"How do you like being game keepers," said Professor Snape, pleasantly strolling in the yard," It will likely be the best profession you can get into if you are no better in your other classes than at potions."
The students stared at each other sheepishly.
His voice rose in anger," Can you imagine how disgraced I was to see each of your papers, Slytherins from my own house, come out the potion red! I imagine that many of you, like Malfoy, thought I'd turn a blind eye to this behavior. After all ambition is highly prized in our house, correct?" Several students nodded their heads in assent.
" Then let me tell you something," he continued," ambition is NOT getting what you want in the easiest way possible. I know that my pupils are smarter than all the other houses total. Tomorrow you are going to start proving it after dinner you all are going to study three hours in the dungeon every night until you are able to make your own tests, never mind cheating on one."
Crabbe, Goyle, and Malfoy dragged themselves up the stairs to bed.
" I know who is responsible for this, Potter," said Malfoy," He's going to pay for this. The Bloody Baron will see to it."
Harry had raced back down to the Quidditch field. Apparently when he rolled upside down to catch the snitch, one of his glasses lens had fallen out. He told the others to go on up without him he would be straight back. As he walked out past the bleachers, he saw a boy sitting on the ground polishing his broom and looking forlorn.
" Hey you haven't seen my glasses lens have you? I lost it during the game," he said. The other boy looked quickly up. It was Aaron Cauldron, the seeker he had just beaten.
" Here," he said reaching into his pocket," It must have fallen in my robes when you were underneath of me." He looked back to his broomstick and started polishing again.
" Gee, thanks. You were really great today. You almost had me," he said.
Aaron said," That's only because you weren't paying attention. You know I love playing for Hufflepuff but I hate coming in last all the time."
"Well you won't be last this year," said Harry kindly.
" We won't," asked Aaron.
" No that'll be Slytherin. I still can't believe that Snape canceled the rest of their matches. Would you like to come up to Gryffindor for the party," Harry said.
" Sure," He said," let me put my broomstick up."
Harry and Aaron waked towards the common room. Harry gave the password "honesty". The room was packed with Gryffindors chugging butter beer and eating every kind of candy imaginable. Neville was chasing a chocolate frog around the floor on all fours. Come back here I want to eat you!
" What took you so long 'arry," said Ron.
"Cauldron probably challenged him to a rematch an' has been wiping the field with him all this time," said George, jokingly.
" You did very well today," said Hermione, blushing," Hufflepuff is lucky to have such a good seeker."
The night wore on and the Gryffindors asked Aaron endless questions about Hufflepuff and passed him plates of candy. Finally, everyone became tired and Aaron headed back to his commons. Maybe third place was all right after all.