Chapter Sixty-five

Okay so you say that we should not review if we find there are things that aren't really great according to ffnet guidelines. HEY CHECK THIS OUT! :It is extremely helpful to use this opportunity to comment on an aspect of the story that can be improved. A well rounded critique is often the most rewarding tool for the writer. Those are EXACT ff.net rules!

Yes, you've copied and pasted them exactly. In chapter sixty-one, I was commenting on the fact the swearing and violence should be kept to a minimum for the reviewer's benefit, not the 'critical' content of the reviews. I'd hate for someone to later wish they hadn't said something, that's all. You are not prevented from sharing your thoughts otherwise.

TO thecurmudgeons: That was a nice poem, but I don't get it. What's a squee?

Hey, I tried the Google trick. The third link goes right to the story! That could be really useful if someone forgets the link, and wants to find it fast. I'm a little scared of that mctabby lady, though...her picture is scary. Um, did you really want me to have the link to pornishpixies? I don't think the internet is a good place to be...I kept going down more pages and things kept getting worse. I did find out that Araminta is a real name (I thought I'd made it up), and that Araminta Meliflua is part of the Black family, which is related to the Malfoys, so I did a really good job (or I got really lucky, lol) when I picked out/made up her name. Maybe her middle name can be Meliflua.

Among seahorses, the male carries the children, but the seahorses still have to have sex before there can be children. That's basic biology. I wouldn't harp on this as much if you explained things at all. Any explanation on how you think this all works would be most appreciated.
It's magic.

Yes, my spelling and grammar skills are above average. I have Mrs. Shekspir to thank for that--and I would, if she'd just pick up the phone when I call!

Araminta went to the meeting for the Gryffindor players first. Harry, as team captain, was busy drawing little X's and O's all over a chalkboard and making them wiggle back and forth to show possible plays. A fierce light shone in his emerald green eyes and inspired all of the other players to get fired up. They were stomping their feet on the floor twice, then clapping once, and singing a song about rock.

She couldn't forget to find out about what was happening on the other side of the pitch and hurried into the Slytherin locker room. Draco, already dressed and dashing in his green Quidditch robes, was swaggering around the room and handing out brand new brooms to everyone. "I even got one for you, Araminta," he said.

"Thanks!" Araminta's new broom fit her just right. It had a shiny handle and new twigs. Draco said it had an antilock braking charm and dual front airbags in case of a mid-air crash.

"All right, everyone," Draco said, gathering the team together in a huddle. "I want you to listen up. This is the last time Slytherin will play Gryffindor while I'm at school, and I want you to whip their..."

"Draco!" Araminta exclaimed.

He rolled his eyes and went on with his speech. "Do whatever it takes. Keep your eye on the ball. Pay attention. Flint, no more chewing on your bat."

Flint, a Beater, put his gnawed-on bat aside guiltily.

"I think it's a nervous habit," Draco whispered to Araminta. He turned his attention back to his team "I want everyone to give it their all and win one for the skipper. Who's with me?"

He put his hand into the middle and each player stacked a hand on top. "One, two, three, Slytherin!" they yelled.

The huddle broke up and Draco followed Araminta outside. "Have you talked to Madam Hooch yet? I know they were supposed to have a talk with you about playing for both teams..."

"I'll be as fair as I possibly can, Draco. Trust me. Trust your instincts." Araminta gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

Draco gave her a dubious look. "I just don't know how this is going to be fair. There's something strange here, Araminta. Look, I know were good friends, but..."

"But what?" Araminta asked innocently.

Draco looked around. "Come with me." He grabbed her arm and pulled her behind the broom shed.