Chapter 12
"Harry wake up," whispered Sarah as to not startle Harry from his sleep. According to Ron, Harry sometimes woke up with a start if he had been having a particularly bad dream. So not intending to startle him she bent down and gently shook him awake.
"Harry's eyes fluttered open, but he couldn't make to much out because he wasn't wearing his contacts or glasses. As he began the tedious task of finding his glasses he felt a hand gently brush back the hair from his forehead and place his glasses on for him.
"Hey, did you sleep well?" Asked Sarah.
"Yeah, actually, I did," said Harry. "How about you?"
"Oh, I slept just fine, but you better go get changed. We all have transfigurations in fifteen minutes. Here, Hermione brought you some toast," Said Sarah.
"Thank you, I am starving. I didn't really eat that much at dinner yesterday, and then well, you know," said Harry.
"Yup, but I am afraid McGonagall won't if were late, so go, go," said Sarah as she pushed him off to go change.
Ten minutes later Harry came back down from the boys tower changed and minus the glasses along with Ron where they met up with Sarah and Hermione who were discussing different charms as they waited for the boys to come down.
"Okay lets go," said Harry.
"As they walked into class Harry felt a sudden hesitancy in approaching the front of the room where McGonagall stood, so he opted to sit at a table in the middle of the room. This pleased Ron tremendously, but Hermione and Sarah both had facial expression of disapproval.
"Okay class today we will begin transfiguring our wands into different objects. I know it is a particularly difficult task since you all are used to transfiguring objects with the use of your wands, but believe me when I say it can be useful at times," said McGonagall after she noticed the way Harry was hesitant about sitting up front by her desk.
"This is impossible," groaned Ron forty-five minutes later with his head resting against the table. "I mean why would you want to transfigure a perfectly good wand into something else?" He asked.
"Ron grow up. It is not impossible; I have just transfigured my wand into a flower. It wasn't what I was shooting for, but that's beside the point," scolded Hermione.
"Very good Mr. Potter, I see you have been successful in transfiguring your wand into small knife. Ten points to Gryffindor for Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger's success in completing this task. I suggest you all practice this assignment out side of class, now you may all go now. Mr. Potter I would like you to stay behind, I have a small matter I would like to discuss with you in my office," said McGonagall.
Harry nodded his agreement as the rest of the class left the room.
"I'll see you at lunch Harry," said Sarah as she Ron and Hermione left the transfiguration classroom.
"Okay," said Harry.
As the last of the students left the classroom, McGonagall's facial expressions softened and she gave Harry one of here rare smiles.
"Here Harry take another biscuit. Maybe you will like them more this year since you will be eating them under different circumstances," said McGonagall.
"Okay." "Can I ask why you kept me professor?" Asked Harry as he took the biscuit McGonagall was handing him.
"Don't worry you are not in trouble. I just wanted to make sure that there are no hard feelings between you and I. I noticed the way you shied to the middle of the classroom today instead of sitting up front by my desk like you have been doing all year. I don't want in hard feelings between us Harry," said McGonagall.
"N-No, no I don't have any hard feelings towards you professor. I was afraid you might have had some towards me. I guess it seems I have been foolish again. Tonks told me that you all were not mad at me, but I guess I still had a little doubt in my mind," said Harry.
"That is perfectly exceptable as long as things are okay between us now. So, now that that is settled, how are things going with quiditch? I would like to see the quiditch cup brought back to my office again this year to make it three consecutive quiditch seasons in a row. I will tell you a little secrete Harry, but keep this between us. You rile Severus up the best when you catch the snitch and take the quiditch cup away from Slytherin each year. Before you came to Hogwarts Slytherin had been dominant on the quiditch field. However, when you arrived you helped put a stop to it, and Severus has been fuming ever since," said McGonagall as she began laughing at the glee she watched dance in Harry's eyes.
"Professor, why didn't you ever tell me this sooner?" said Harry.
"Now, Now, Harry. I couldn't very well do that since you already give me a heart attack at every match with you risky flying maneuvers. I was afraid you would try even harder if I told you that knowing the animosity the two of you have towards each other, but I thought it would help brighten your day a little. Now I think it is best you get to charms. I already notified Flitwick that you would be considerably late. Believe me when I say that he did not mind it in the least. After he witnessed first hand your flaming phoenix you conjured that night I believe you have earned yourself a seat beside your dear old mother in his mind," said McGonagall.
"Thank you professor," said Harry as he gave her a warm smile as he exited her office. ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` `````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Later that evening in the Great Hall Harry was discussing Quidditch with Alicia, Katie, and Ron.
"As long as Harry here doesn't get himself into any more trouble we will be hard to stop this year. I know we don't have Angelina any more, but Ginny has become a formidable replacement for her, and she is improving at each practice. Now Harry I don't want you to get into any trouble at all this week. Our first match is Saturday against Slytherin, and I know that the Slytherins are going to try and get you into trouble. So us girls," said Alicia pointing to herself and Katie. "Have taken it upon ourselves to be your baby sitters for this week, and when we cannot be with you, which will only be when you are in class, Sarah, Lavender, and Parvati have taken over our positions. It seems Lavender and Parvati are hoping to see our little baby Potter asleep again so they can get a picture. I heard from some other girls that they have already enlisted Colin as their camera guy," said Alicia.
"What, I don't need a baby sitter, I am a man for crying out loud! Humph, I am also." said Harry before he got cut off.
"I know where just messing with you Harry," said Katie ruffling his hair. We just want you to be able to play on Saturday. This is mine and Alicia's last year here and we want to spend it playing with at least one original person from our old team," Katie said.
"Okay, I see your point, but no pictures if I am asleep or I will put some serious hexes on whoever does it," said Harry.
Both girls put their hands up in mock surrender.
"Good, now that we have that matter straightened up we better get going to the room of requirements, I have a big session planned for us today. I will tell you more when we get there. ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` ````````````````````````````````
Thirty minutes later the secrete order were all lounging around in their puffy chairs waiting for the discussions they always have before every session.
"Okay, well the first matter I guess we need to discuss is our search for medical recruits. Luna and I will be leaving for St. Mungos during our Hogsmead trip this Saturday after the quiditch game to recruit a few new members. They will be selected the same as you all were with the enchanted parchment. I am hoping that we can find at least three people to fill those positions. Is there any objection to that?" Asked Harry. "Good, well the second thing is that Hermione has brought it to my attention that she along with the rest of our research team have confirmed that the dementors have officially left Azkaban prison, so be sure you keep up the practice on your patronomus. Is there anything else that needs to be brought to our attention?" Asked Harry. "Well since no one else has anything to say, I thought that we should begin to practice on becoming more powerful in our magic. As we all can attest to during our last battle if Voldemort had sent any more death eaters that night then we would not have been victorious. So to rid us of that problem I want us all to increase our magic level the best we can," said Harry.
"Mate, what are you on about. We cannot upgrade the power of magic we can produce. What we've got is what we've got," said Ron.
"You are wrong there Ron. Have you ever wondered how Professor Dumbeldore got so powerful? It is because his strength in magic is above almost everyone else's. I witnessed him throw several hexes last year, and one of his hexes alone was powerful enough to stun two adult wizards and one adult witch. Now, I have been practicing this myself with a book I have been reading from, and it truly works. It is very hard, and you must concentrate with your entire mind, but in the end other then being drop dead tired, your magic level can increase a small amount. Most times you cannot even tell a difference, but I have been practicing these techniques now for five months, and my magic level has increased quite a bit. So if you all will stand up we will begin," said Harry.
An hour and half-later all of the order where completely exhausted and were plopped down again on the puffy chairs.
"Mate, that was the hardest lesson you have ever put us through yet. I hate to say it, but I don't fill the slightest bit stronger," said Ron.
"Listen everyone, do not get discouraged if you do not feel any stronger tonight. Believe me when I say that it took several sessions of practice before I noticed an increase in my magic level, but it is there now. This will save your life if you only continue to practice. Do any of you feel any stronger at all?" Asked Harry.
"I do," said Hermione.
"Yeah, I feel a little stronger too," said Parvati.
"Me as well," chorused Susan Bones, Ernie Macmillan, and Neville Longbottoms.
"Great, Listen, like I said you could have gotten stronger and not even realize it. Over time you will notice your level gradually increasing. So, I want everyone to practice these techniques at least once a day. I just have a feeling that we are going to be facing a huge battle in the near future, and I want us to be prepared. We want to prove everyone that thinks we should stay out of things wrong don't we?" Asked Harry.
"YEAH!" Chorused the order.
"Well, it is pushing ten o'clock so we better all head back to our dorms. I will see all of you again on Friday. Remember if you come up with anything let us all know," said Harry as everyone began leaving.
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Saturday finally rolled around dawned very bright and cold. Now into November, the lake had become almost frozen and the mountains around stood out with newly fallen snow. The grounds of Hogwarts also carried the morning frost well up past noon with the winter coldness now in effect. However, the first quiditch match was taking place today with Gryffindor versus Slytherin, and not a soul could care about the bitter coldness that awaited them outside.
"Come on guys, you all have to eat something," said Hermione as she watched Ron and Harry poke at their breakfast before their big quiditch match against Slytherin.
"Were not hungry," said Ron.
"Well that's a first," said Hermione.
"Don't worry Harry, I know you will be amazing," said Sarah.
"Thanks," said Harry as he tried to hide the blush that was creeping over his face.
"Come on team, it is time to go change into our quiditch robes," said Alicia.
"We will be cheering for you guys," said Hermione.
As all of the students pilled into the stands with their scarves and mittens on Hermione, Sarah, and several other people were all talking about the upcoming game.
"Oh, it is dreadfully cold out here, do you think they will be warm enough while they are up on their brooms," said Sarah.
"Don't worry Sarah, they will be fine. This is not the first match they have ever played," said Hermione.
"Yeah, and when you are up on your broom during a match, you don't even feel how cold it is. Harry and I have played against each other numerous times when it has been this cold or colder. After the match is when you feel the cold, but then you can go sit by the fire then, so no worries Sarah," said Cho who along with the rest of the secrete order decided to all sit together in the Gryffindor section to show their support towards Gryffindor.
Meanwhile, in the Gryffindor locker room everyone's nerves were running ragged.
"Okay women," said Alicia.
"And Men," she said with a laugh. "I always wanted to say that after listening to Oliver say that before every quiditch match while he was captain," said Alicia.
"Okay, now its time, so if we will all go out there and play the way we have practiced we will do just fine. Remember Harry, it is dreadfully cold out there today, so you will not be able to fly as fast, and we all know that the Slytherin team are going to try and put you out of the match. Just keep both eyes open at all times, and try to keep an ear open for Ron who will be giving you a heads up if a Bludger is coming towards you. So just catch that bloody snitch as fast as you can," said Alicia.
"You got it baby sitter," said Harry earning him a glare from Alicia before the team began laughing as they headed out onto the pitch.
"Keep it nice and fair, and everything will go smoothly. Now mount your brooms, and wait for my whistle," said Madam Hooch.
After a blast from her silver whistle and a quick toss of the Quaffle, the game had begun.
"Gryffindor is in possession of the Quaffle, the Quaffel work between the lady chasers of Gryffindor is spectacular. WATCH OUT-Alicia was almost knocked clean off her broom with that well aimed Bludger from Brody, the new Slytherin Beater. Potter looks like a man on a mission flying around above the game and wait, GRYFFINDOR SCORES! TEN POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!" Said Lee Jordan.
"Now Slytherin is in possession of the Quaffle, but they will not get it by Weasley because WEASLEY IS OUR KING, HE IS HE IS, WEASLEY IS OUR KING!" Chanted Lee, but it turned out Ron missed the Quaffle by inches, and Slytherin got there first points of the game as well.
Harry knew he needed to find the snitch fast because Ron got easily discouraged when a goal would get by him. So Harry began an even more intensive search for the snitch. The coldness of the air was making his eyes water, and the last time Katie had flown by to tell him she thought she saw a glitter of gold on the other side of the pitch her cheeks were completely flushed, and she was slightly shaking. It had seemed that the temperature had dropped another couple of degrees, but that did not stop the intensity of the game. For this being the first match of the year, the crowd had not been able to sit down for a second, as the game raged on at break neck speeds the entire time. Just then Harry saw a flash of gold and he took off in that direction. Malfoy had not been fast enough on the take and started screaming to his Beaters to stop him.
"Potter has seen the snitch. This game might be over sooner then we thought, OUCH-THAT'S A BLOODY FOUL!" Raged Lee along with over three- quarters of the school. McGonagall along with Tonks who had come to watch Harry play were both being restrained by little Professor Flitwick, Hagrid, and Dumbeldore. Hagrid, however, was not doing a particularly good job of holding Tonks back because it seemed like the more she shouted the more it egged Hagrid on to vent his anger as well.
"FOUL, PENALTY SHOT TO GRYFFINDOR. YOU CAN NOT AND NEVER HAVE YOU OR WILL YOU BE ABLE TO SLAM INTO A SEEKER WITH HOUR BAT STUCK OUT IN A DANGEROUS ANGLE TO STOP HIM FROM CATCHING THE SNITCH!" Raged Madam Hooch.
Katie had been assigned to take the penalty shot, and after making a spectacular goal, she put Gryffindor on top 40 to 30, and now the game took up exactly where it had left off.
"TAKE THAT YOU CHEATING BAST." Lee began to say, but hesitated as he looked over his shoulder at McGonagall to see if she was going to reprimand him, but she didn't. However, Tonks finished his statement for him. "BASTARDS!" Yelled Tonks.
Ten minutes later. "Slytherin scores again," groaned Lee. "This has been a goalie battle today, Ron for Gryffindor and Marcus for Slytherin have both blocked five shots each, and now the score is tied 60 to 60," said Lee.
Just then though both Harry and Malfoy saw the golden Snitch high in the air, and the chase began.
"Look at them go, they are side by side. This chase will be up to who ever out maneuvers the other Seeker," said Lee.
Harry was not about to let Malfoy (future death eater), beat him to the snitch. As they both reached out for the snitch, it took a dive and headed straight for the ground 200 feet below. Both Seekers took dangerously steep descent, and chased half-hazardously after the snitch at speeds that should not be taken when flying straight towards the ground. As Harry reached out for the Snitch Malfoy let his elbow swing freely and cracked Harry right in the jaw, but with Malfoy's attempt at foul play gave Harry all of the time he needed to successfully end the match with his hands firmly grasped around the now ice cold Snitch.
"GRYFFINDOR WINS, EVEN WITH THAT CHEATER, HARRY STILL CAUGHT THE SNITCH!" Yelled Lee.
"As the stands emptied Professor McGonagall, Tonks, and Hooch were all gathered around Harry to make sure he was okay.
"Were does it hurt Harry?" said McGonagall.
"It's just my jaw, but its not broken, or else I would not be able to talk. It's just a little sore," said Harry.
"Watcher Harry!" That was wicked, let me just give you a few pointers and you will almost be as good as me," said Tonks.
"Oh please, Nymphadora. I cannot even count how many times you fell off of your broom during a match. I don't want to see you of all people ever give Harry pointers on flying. You both fly to dangerously for your own good!" Scolded McGonagall.
"But it sure is fun to watch," Chorused both Harry and Tonks at the same time. Causing everyone within hearing range to burst out laughing as they all headed up towards the school to get out of the cold, and continue their celebration in the Great Hall. Professor Dumbeldore had given permission for everyone to continue a civil party during lunch in the Great Hall before the departed for Hogsmead.
"Listen Harry, I can't stay long. I just wanted to drop by and see you play, and tell you that Remus wanted more then anything to come, but you know that it was a full moon last night. I am sorry I can't stay longer, but Christmas is coming up soon, and don't think for a second that you are spending it here alone. McGonagall already sent us a letter saying that she will be bringing you to Grimauld Place herself when the break begins. The Weasleys, McGonagall, and the gang are all spending Christmas together this year," said Tonks.
"That's great, I can't wait," said Harry as he hugged Tonks before she had to leave.
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An hour later as everyone began to leave for Hogsmead; Harry was now in his disguise along with Luna, and heading to St. Mungos VIA portkey to see if they could recruit any new members there. ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` ```````````````````````````````` I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I thought everyone would like a little quiditch. All work and no play makes a story dull to read. I'm just joking. I hope to hear from all of you soon, and the next chapter will be up next Saturday. Until then read, and have fun.
"Harry wake up," whispered Sarah as to not startle Harry from his sleep. According to Ron, Harry sometimes woke up with a start if he had been having a particularly bad dream. So not intending to startle him she bent down and gently shook him awake.
"Harry's eyes fluttered open, but he couldn't make to much out because he wasn't wearing his contacts or glasses. As he began the tedious task of finding his glasses he felt a hand gently brush back the hair from his forehead and place his glasses on for him.
"Hey, did you sleep well?" Asked Sarah.
"Yeah, actually, I did," said Harry. "How about you?"
"Oh, I slept just fine, but you better go get changed. We all have transfigurations in fifteen minutes. Here, Hermione brought you some toast," Said Sarah.
"Thank you, I am starving. I didn't really eat that much at dinner yesterday, and then well, you know," said Harry.
"Yup, but I am afraid McGonagall won't if were late, so go, go," said Sarah as she pushed him off to go change.
Ten minutes later Harry came back down from the boys tower changed and minus the glasses along with Ron where they met up with Sarah and Hermione who were discussing different charms as they waited for the boys to come down.
"Okay lets go," said Harry.
"As they walked into class Harry felt a sudden hesitancy in approaching the front of the room where McGonagall stood, so he opted to sit at a table in the middle of the room. This pleased Ron tremendously, but Hermione and Sarah both had facial expression of disapproval.
"Okay class today we will begin transfiguring our wands into different objects. I know it is a particularly difficult task since you all are used to transfiguring objects with the use of your wands, but believe me when I say it can be useful at times," said McGonagall after she noticed the way Harry was hesitant about sitting up front by her desk.
"This is impossible," groaned Ron forty-five minutes later with his head resting against the table. "I mean why would you want to transfigure a perfectly good wand into something else?" He asked.
"Ron grow up. It is not impossible; I have just transfigured my wand into a flower. It wasn't what I was shooting for, but that's beside the point," scolded Hermione.
"Very good Mr. Potter, I see you have been successful in transfiguring your wand into small knife. Ten points to Gryffindor for Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger's success in completing this task. I suggest you all practice this assignment out side of class, now you may all go now. Mr. Potter I would like you to stay behind, I have a small matter I would like to discuss with you in my office," said McGonagall.
Harry nodded his agreement as the rest of the class left the room.
"I'll see you at lunch Harry," said Sarah as she Ron and Hermione left the transfiguration classroom.
"Okay," said Harry.
As the last of the students left the classroom, McGonagall's facial expressions softened and she gave Harry one of here rare smiles.
"Here Harry take another biscuit. Maybe you will like them more this year since you will be eating them under different circumstances," said McGonagall.
"Okay." "Can I ask why you kept me professor?" Asked Harry as he took the biscuit McGonagall was handing him.
"Don't worry you are not in trouble. I just wanted to make sure that there are no hard feelings between you and I. I noticed the way you shied to the middle of the classroom today instead of sitting up front by my desk like you have been doing all year. I don't want in hard feelings between us Harry," said McGonagall.
"N-No, no I don't have any hard feelings towards you professor. I was afraid you might have had some towards me. I guess it seems I have been foolish again. Tonks told me that you all were not mad at me, but I guess I still had a little doubt in my mind," said Harry.
"That is perfectly exceptable as long as things are okay between us now. So, now that that is settled, how are things going with quiditch? I would like to see the quiditch cup brought back to my office again this year to make it three consecutive quiditch seasons in a row. I will tell you a little secrete Harry, but keep this between us. You rile Severus up the best when you catch the snitch and take the quiditch cup away from Slytherin each year. Before you came to Hogwarts Slytherin had been dominant on the quiditch field. However, when you arrived you helped put a stop to it, and Severus has been fuming ever since," said McGonagall as she began laughing at the glee she watched dance in Harry's eyes.
"Professor, why didn't you ever tell me this sooner?" said Harry.
"Now, Now, Harry. I couldn't very well do that since you already give me a heart attack at every match with you risky flying maneuvers. I was afraid you would try even harder if I told you that knowing the animosity the two of you have towards each other, but I thought it would help brighten your day a little. Now I think it is best you get to charms. I already notified Flitwick that you would be considerably late. Believe me when I say that he did not mind it in the least. After he witnessed first hand your flaming phoenix you conjured that night I believe you have earned yourself a seat beside your dear old mother in his mind," said McGonagall.
"Thank you professor," said Harry as he gave her a warm smile as he exited her office. ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` `````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Later that evening in the Great Hall Harry was discussing Quidditch with Alicia, Katie, and Ron.
"As long as Harry here doesn't get himself into any more trouble we will be hard to stop this year. I know we don't have Angelina any more, but Ginny has become a formidable replacement for her, and she is improving at each practice. Now Harry I don't want you to get into any trouble at all this week. Our first match is Saturday against Slytherin, and I know that the Slytherins are going to try and get you into trouble. So us girls," said Alicia pointing to herself and Katie. "Have taken it upon ourselves to be your baby sitters for this week, and when we cannot be with you, which will only be when you are in class, Sarah, Lavender, and Parvati have taken over our positions. It seems Lavender and Parvati are hoping to see our little baby Potter asleep again so they can get a picture. I heard from some other girls that they have already enlisted Colin as their camera guy," said Alicia.
"What, I don't need a baby sitter, I am a man for crying out loud! Humph, I am also." said Harry before he got cut off.
"I know where just messing with you Harry," said Katie ruffling his hair. We just want you to be able to play on Saturday. This is mine and Alicia's last year here and we want to spend it playing with at least one original person from our old team," Katie said.
"Okay, I see your point, but no pictures if I am asleep or I will put some serious hexes on whoever does it," said Harry.
Both girls put their hands up in mock surrender.
"Good, now that we have that matter straightened up we better get going to the room of requirements, I have a big session planned for us today. I will tell you more when we get there. ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` ````````````````````````````````
Thirty minutes later the secrete order were all lounging around in their puffy chairs waiting for the discussions they always have before every session.
"Okay, well the first matter I guess we need to discuss is our search for medical recruits. Luna and I will be leaving for St. Mungos during our Hogsmead trip this Saturday after the quiditch game to recruit a few new members. They will be selected the same as you all were with the enchanted parchment. I am hoping that we can find at least three people to fill those positions. Is there any objection to that?" Asked Harry. "Good, well the second thing is that Hermione has brought it to my attention that she along with the rest of our research team have confirmed that the dementors have officially left Azkaban prison, so be sure you keep up the practice on your patronomus. Is there anything else that needs to be brought to our attention?" Asked Harry. "Well since no one else has anything to say, I thought that we should begin to practice on becoming more powerful in our magic. As we all can attest to during our last battle if Voldemort had sent any more death eaters that night then we would not have been victorious. So to rid us of that problem I want us all to increase our magic level the best we can," said Harry.
"Mate, what are you on about. We cannot upgrade the power of magic we can produce. What we've got is what we've got," said Ron.
"You are wrong there Ron. Have you ever wondered how Professor Dumbeldore got so powerful? It is because his strength in magic is above almost everyone else's. I witnessed him throw several hexes last year, and one of his hexes alone was powerful enough to stun two adult wizards and one adult witch. Now, I have been practicing this myself with a book I have been reading from, and it truly works. It is very hard, and you must concentrate with your entire mind, but in the end other then being drop dead tired, your magic level can increase a small amount. Most times you cannot even tell a difference, but I have been practicing these techniques now for five months, and my magic level has increased quite a bit. So if you all will stand up we will begin," said Harry.
An hour and half-later all of the order where completely exhausted and were plopped down again on the puffy chairs.
"Mate, that was the hardest lesson you have ever put us through yet. I hate to say it, but I don't fill the slightest bit stronger," said Ron.
"Listen everyone, do not get discouraged if you do not feel any stronger tonight. Believe me when I say that it took several sessions of practice before I noticed an increase in my magic level, but it is there now. This will save your life if you only continue to practice. Do any of you feel any stronger at all?" Asked Harry.
"I do," said Hermione.
"Yeah, I feel a little stronger too," said Parvati.
"Me as well," chorused Susan Bones, Ernie Macmillan, and Neville Longbottoms.
"Great, Listen, like I said you could have gotten stronger and not even realize it. Over time you will notice your level gradually increasing. So, I want everyone to practice these techniques at least once a day. I just have a feeling that we are going to be facing a huge battle in the near future, and I want us to be prepared. We want to prove everyone that thinks we should stay out of things wrong don't we?" Asked Harry.
"YEAH!" Chorused the order.
"Well, it is pushing ten o'clock so we better all head back to our dorms. I will see all of you again on Friday. Remember if you come up with anything let us all know," said Harry as everyone began leaving.
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Saturday finally rolled around dawned very bright and cold. Now into November, the lake had become almost frozen and the mountains around stood out with newly fallen snow. The grounds of Hogwarts also carried the morning frost well up past noon with the winter coldness now in effect. However, the first quiditch match was taking place today with Gryffindor versus Slytherin, and not a soul could care about the bitter coldness that awaited them outside.
"Come on guys, you all have to eat something," said Hermione as she watched Ron and Harry poke at their breakfast before their big quiditch match against Slytherin.
"Were not hungry," said Ron.
"Well that's a first," said Hermione.
"Don't worry Harry, I know you will be amazing," said Sarah.
"Thanks," said Harry as he tried to hide the blush that was creeping over his face.
"Come on team, it is time to go change into our quiditch robes," said Alicia.
"We will be cheering for you guys," said Hermione.
As all of the students pilled into the stands with their scarves and mittens on Hermione, Sarah, and several other people were all talking about the upcoming game.
"Oh, it is dreadfully cold out here, do you think they will be warm enough while they are up on their brooms," said Sarah.
"Don't worry Sarah, they will be fine. This is not the first match they have ever played," said Hermione.
"Yeah, and when you are up on your broom during a match, you don't even feel how cold it is. Harry and I have played against each other numerous times when it has been this cold or colder. After the match is when you feel the cold, but then you can go sit by the fire then, so no worries Sarah," said Cho who along with the rest of the secrete order decided to all sit together in the Gryffindor section to show their support towards Gryffindor.
Meanwhile, in the Gryffindor locker room everyone's nerves were running ragged.
"Okay women," said Alicia.
"And Men," she said with a laugh. "I always wanted to say that after listening to Oliver say that before every quiditch match while he was captain," said Alicia.
"Okay, now its time, so if we will all go out there and play the way we have practiced we will do just fine. Remember Harry, it is dreadfully cold out there today, so you will not be able to fly as fast, and we all know that the Slytherin team are going to try and put you out of the match. Just keep both eyes open at all times, and try to keep an ear open for Ron who will be giving you a heads up if a Bludger is coming towards you. So just catch that bloody snitch as fast as you can," said Alicia.
"You got it baby sitter," said Harry earning him a glare from Alicia before the team began laughing as they headed out onto the pitch.
"Keep it nice and fair, and everything will go smoothly. Now mount your brooms, and wait for my whistle," said Madam Hooch.
After a blast from her silver whistle and a quick toss of the Quaffle, the game had begun.
"Gryffindor is in possession of the Quaffle, the Quaffel work between the lady chasers of Gryffindor is spectacular. WATCH OUT-Alicia was almost knocked clean off her broom with that well aimed Bludger from Brody, the new Slytherin Beater. Potter looks like a man on a mission flying around above the game and wait, GRYFFINDOR SCORES! TEN POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!" Said Lee Jordan.
"Now Slytherin is in possession of the Quaffle, but they will not get it by Weasley because WEASLEY IS OUR KING, HE IS HE IS, WEASLEY IS OUR KING!" Chanted Lee, but it turned out Ron missed the Quaffle by inches, and Slytherin got there first points of the game as well.
Harry knew he needed to find the snitch fast because Ron got easily discouraged when a goal would get by him. So Harry began an even more intensive search for the snitch. The coldness of the air was making his eyes water, and the last time Katie had flown by to tell him she thought she saw a glitter of gold on the other side of the pitch her cheeks were completely flushed, and she was slightly shaking. It had seemed that the temperature had dropped another couple of degrees, but that did not stop the intensity of the game. For this being the first match of the year, the crowd had not been able to sit down for a second, as the game raged on at break neck speeds the entire time. Just then Harry saw a flash of gold and he took off in that direction. Malfoy had not been fast enough on the take and started screaming to his Beaters to stop him.
"Potter has seen the snitch. This game might be over sooner then we thought, OUCH-THAT'S A BLOODY FOUL!" Raged Lee along with over three- quarters of the school. McGonagall along with Tonks who had come to watch Harry play were both being restrained by little Professor Flitwick, Hagrid, and Dumbeldore. Hagrid, however, was not doing a particularly good job of holding Tonks back because it seemed like the more she shouted the more it egged Hagrid on to vent his anger as well.
"FOUL, PENALTY SHOT TO GRYFFINDOR. YOU CAN NOT AND NEVER HAVE YOU OR WILL YOU BE ABLE TO SLAM INTO A SEEKER WITH HOUR BAT STUCK OUT IN A DANGEROUS ANGLE TO STOP HIM FROM CATCHING THE SNITCH!" Raged Madam Hooch.
Katie had been assigned to take the penalty shot, and after making a spectacular goal, she put Gryffindor on top 40 to 30, and now the game took up exactly where it had left off.
"TAKE THAT YOU CHEATING BAST." Lee began to say, but hesitated as he looked over his shoulder at McGonagall to see if she was going to reprimand him, but she didn't. However, Tonks finished his statement for him. "BASTARDS!" Yelled Tonks.
Ten minutes later. "Slytherin scores again," groaned Lee. "This has been a goalie battle today, Ron for Gryffindor and Marcus for Slytherin have both blocked five shots each, and now the score is tied 60 to 60," said Lee.
Just then though both Harry and Malfoy saw the golden Snitch high in the air, and the chase began.
"Look at them go, they are side by side. This chase will be up to who ever out maneuvers the other Seeker," said Lee.
Harry was not about to let Malfoy (future death eater), beat him to the snitch. As they both reached out for the snitch, it took a dive and headed straight for the ground 200 feet below. Both Seekers took dangerously steep descent, and chased half-hazardously after the snitch at speeds that should not be taken when flying straight towards the ground. As Harry reached out for the Snitch Malfoy let his elbow swing freely and cracked Harry right in the jaw, but with Malfoy's attempt at foul play gave Harry all of the time he needed to successfully end the match with his hands firmly grasped around the now ice cold Snitch.
"GRYFFINDOR WINS, EVEN WITH THAT CHEATER, HARRY STILL CAUGHT THE SNITCH!" Yelled Lee.
"As the stands emptied Professor McGonagall, Tonks, and Hooch were all gathered around Harry to make sure he was okay.
"Were does it hurt Harry?" said McGonagall.
"It's just my jaw, but its not broken, or else I would not be able to talk. It's just a little sore," said Harry.
"Watcher Harry!" That was wicked, let me just give you a few pointers and you will almost be as good as me," said Tonks.
"Oh please, Nymphadora. I cannot even count how many times you fell off of your broom during a match. I don't want to see you of all people ever give Harry pointers on flying. You both fly to dangerously for your own good!" Scolded McGonagall.
"But it sure is fun to watch," Chorused both Harry and Tonks at the same time. Causing everyone within hearing range to burst out laughing as they all headed up towards the school to get out of the cold, and continue their celebration in the Great Hall. Professor Dumbeldore had given permission for everyone to continue a civil party during lunch in the Great Hall before the departed for Hogsmead.
"Listen Harry, I can't stay long. I just wanted to drop by and see you play, and tell you that Remus wanted more then anything to come, but you know that it was a full moon last night. I am sorry I can't stay longer, but Christmas is coming up soon, and don't think for a second that you are spending it here alone. McGonagall already sent us a letter saying that she will be bringing you to Grimauld Place herself when the break begins. The Weasleys, McGonagall, and the gang are all spending Christmas together this year," said Tonks.
"That's great, I can't wait," said Harry as he hugged Tonks before she had to leave.
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An hour later as everyone began to leave for Hogsmead; Harry was now in his disguise along with Luna, and heading to St. Mungos VIA portkey to see if they could recruit any new members there. ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` ```````````````````````````````` I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I thought everyone would like a little quiditch. All work and no play makes a story dull to read. I'm just joking. I hope to hear from all of you soon, and the next chapter will be up next Saturday. Until then read, and have fun.