Chapter Eleven
The First Match Of The Season
After that class, Harry started spending most of his free time alone, usually in some quiet corner of the castle. Behind his back, Ron and Hermione quietly worried about him. When they were with Harry, he was as cheerful as usual, but there seemed to be a distance growing between them. Not a distance of going separate ways, but a keeping of secrets distance. Ron wanted to pester Harry until he told them, but Hermione rather sensibly told Ron that Harry would talk when he was ready to.
A couple of Saturdays into October, while they were at breakfast, Hedwig delivered a note to Harry. He opened it and it read:
My place. Midnight.
Wear the cloak.
Hagrid.
"Now that's odd" said Ron. "He hasn't done that in a while. Perhaps he's got another dragon egg or something."
Hermione gave a little sniff.
"With our luck, he's probably crossed a chimaera with a nundu."
At that moment, a spotted owl dropped a bulky looking envelope on Hermione's head. She gave a little shriek of pain and surprise and grabbed the envelope. Inside were what looked like a bunch of newspaper clippings and a note.
"It's from Mum and Dad!" she exclaimed. She read the note and frowned.
"What's up?" said Harry.
"It says, 'Go with Harry and Ron tonight, and bring the envelope.' Why would they write something like that? How did they know you were going to see Hagrid tonight?"
Harry and Ron shrugged and they looked at the Head Table, where Dumbledore was happily chatting with Professor Sinistra. None of the faculty seemed to be taking any notice of them.
Just then a little brown blur shot by Ron's face and left something in his lap.
"What on earth was that?" asked Hermione.
"I think that was Pig, but he's never just delivered and flew off. He usually likes to show off that he's done it."
"Did you get a letter, too?" asked Harry. Ron looked in his lap and showed them a small letter. He opened it and turned beet red. He handed it to Hermione who held it so that both she and Harry could read it.
You three don't say another word. Act like
this is an ordinary day and be ON TIME tonight. Or else
you will regret it. Ron, eat this letter.
Fred and George
P.S. This is a new edible parchment and ink, for passing
notes without getting caught. Hope Ronnie likes it.
"Well, Ron" said a grinning Harry. "Do your duty."
Ron made a face and folded up the letter and put it in his mouth. He chewed for a moment, shrugged, and finished. When he swallowed, he made another face.
"How was it?" asked Hermione.
"Rather like a bland wafer without too much sugar. But they had to use blue ink. I hate blueberries."
Harry looked at his watch.
"I've got to go. Windrider is expecting me . I'll try and make it back in time for the match today. Cho's got a new Nimbus and I can't wait to see her fly rings around Malfoy." It was the first match of the season, Slytherin against Ravenclaw. Harry stood and started out.
"Oh yeah--Harry--" said Ron, "So, are you and Cho--"
"Just friends" Harry called back, waving. "See you later."
Ron and Hermione followed Harry as he left with Windrider. Ron shook his head.
"He's hiding something. You know it. I know it. Why won't he talk to us? I bet if I--"
"You do anything of the sort, Ronald Weasley, and I'll make what Fred did to your teddy bear seem like the best time of your life! Of course Harry's hiding something. He's hiding a few somethings. For the forty-seventh time, he'll tell us when he's got it sorted out."
Although they were whispering, Harry heard this last bit of conversation and whispered a silent thank you to Hermione. He most definitely was not ready to share what he learned on that terrible night in June when his life changed forever.
Once they were out of the castle and on the way to Hogsmeade, Harry looked up at Windrider.
"Professor, do you know anything about Prophecy?"
Windrider chuckled softly.
"No one knows much, Harry, that is one of the reasons it is studied in the Department of Mysteries. As a shaman, I can sometimes look into people's hearts and make guesses about where their next steps may lead them, but amid the chances and probabilities of the world, I can't say this thing or that thing is definitely going to happen. So much of what will happen in the future is based on the choices we make today that it is almost impossible to predict what will happen, especially when it comes to individual people or events. The centaurs know more about this, but they aren't telling. But that's not the kind of Prophecy you're asking about, is it?"
"No, Professor, I was asking about Prophecies like the ones in the Department of Mysteries."
Windrider sighed.
"No one really knows where those come from, or why they are so exact. And it does not matter how many people know what a specific Prophecy says, they always are fulfilled. However, even though they are exact in what will happen, the words used are sometimes vague. Also, they can be fulfilled in ways that are unforeseen or unlikely. For example, Professor Dumbledore told me of the Prophecy you heard the night Pettigrew escaped. She said something like 'the servant, chained these past twelve years'. On the face of it, one would think that she was talking about Sirius. He was thought to be a servant of Voldemort, and he was certainly chained for twelve years. But look who it tuned out to be. Not even the wizards in the Department of Mysteries would have seen that one. It's only in the fulfillment of the Prophecy that it becomes clear."
He looked down at Harry with a mixture of pity and compassion.
"I'm sorry I can't give you a clearer answer, Harry, especially to the questions you haven't asked. The only advice I can give you is to think about the whole Prophecy, and not just at one part of it. If you do that, you will know what to do when the time comes."
Harry was silent the rest of the way into Hogsmeade. When they arrived, Professor McGonagall was waiting for them in the back room with another wizard Harry had seen once or twice going to meetings of the Order.
"Potter, this is Onslow Bucket. He's a member of the Order who works in the Magical Transportation Department as an Apparition Tester. Your lessons have been going well so far and I believe you are ready to be tested. Should you pass, you will not be required to come here every Saturday."
Bucket spoke up. "I'll give you the standard tests we use to issue Apparition Licenses. However, you will have to come in when you're seventeen to test for your 'official' license."
The test was straightforward enough. First, Harry had to describe what could go wrong with Apparition, and the penalties for Apparating without a license. Then, for the practical part, Harry began by Apparating to various corners of the room. He next Apparated from the room to just outside the Hog's Head. After that, Bucket had him Apparate around the town over various distances. For his final test, Harry had to go to Grimmauld Place and pick up the box of Chocolate Frogs McGonagall had left there, and return to the Apparition Point just outside the school grounds, where Bucket and McGonagall would be waiting. They Disapparated and Harry was left standing alone outside the Shrieking Shack. Harry concentrated for a moment on Grimmauld Place, then found himself standing in the shadow of Number Eleven. He looked around, and as Number Twelve began to appear, he saw the box on the doorstep. He hurried to pick it up, looked around to make sure no one was watching, and stopped. He had never been to the Apparition Point, and hadn't even known there was such a place. He had a brief moment of panic. They were expecting him, so he couldn't Apparate in Hogsmeade and walk back looking for it, not unless he wanted to admit failure. Perhaps this was part of the test, Apparating to an unfamiliar place. He concentrated on the name of the place, took a deep breath, and vanished.
He reappeared in a clearing of trees and breathed a sigh of relief, as he could plainly see the castle nearby. He turned around and looked for the road and saw two figures cloaked and hooded like Death Eaters standing close behind him. With lightning speed he dropped the box of chocolate, whipped out his wand, and dove for cover. His mouth opened to stun them, but at that moment they removed their hoods to reveal Professor McGonagall and Mr. Bucket. Bucket clapped his hands and beamed broadly and McGonagall had a tiny, almost amused smile on her face. Harry stood up and retrieved the box, blushing.
"Well done, Mr. Potter!" said Bucket. "Your reaction time was excellent. Forgive the deception with the cloaks, but we also needed to test your response to Apparating into a potentially dangerous place. Most young people experience a slight disorientation when Apparating into an unfamiliar place their first time. I am pleased to say you have passed with flying colors, and were you of age, you would be officially licensed to Apparate."
He gave Harry a wink.
"Now don't let anyone catch you at it. Up till now, we have been able to hide your activity under the radar, so to speak. From now on, you're on your own. So don't do it unless you're in gravest need, as Involuntary Apparition can sometimes happen under those circumstances. And now, Minerva, I think it's time for that drink you owe me?"
McGonagall nodded.
"Of course, Onslow. If you will give me a moment?"
She leaned in to Harry.
"You've done very well today. Your Saturdays are your own again. You may keep the box of Chocolate Frogs to share with your friends with Professor Dumbledore's compliments. I believe there is a note attached. Now, back to school with you. If you hurry, you'll make it back in time for lunch."
Harry hurried off. When he reached the gates, Filch looked at the box suspiciously, but as the note taped to it was in Dumbledore's writing, he let Harry in with it. Harry entered the Great Hall and found Ron and Hermione and sat down across the table from them.
"Harry! you're back already?" asked Hermione.
Harry nodded. "Windrider said I was done and that I didn't have to go on Saturdays anymore."
"Excellent" said Ron. "That means we can really concentrate on the Quiddich. What's that?"
Ron was pointing at the note taped to the box of Chocolate Frogs.
Harry opened the note.
Harry
You have done an excellent job so far this year. Here is a treat I
hope you will like. These are previews of a special limited edition
due to come out in time for Christmas. The manufacturers were kind
enough to send this small sample box which I give to you.
Albus Dumbledore
P.S. Share these with your closest friends. I would recommend opening
them away from groups as the public does not know they are coming out.
Harry showed Ron and Hermione the note. Ron was immediately excited.
"They've never done a limited edition before. The cards must be real rare and valuable."
After lunch there was a little bit of time before the match so they went to their favorite corner to see what was in the Chocolate Frogs. Harry opened box and handed one each to Ron and Hermione and took one for himself. Ron quickly opened his, stuffed the frog into his mouth, looked at the card and suddenly spit his frog out.
"Bugger me!"
"RON!" shouted Hermione. She looked at the card Ron held out to her.
"Oh, my."
Harry ripped open his and looked at the card, thunderstruck. Staring up at him, and looking a bit embarrassed, was Harry's own face. He turned the card around and read:
"Harry Potter
Famous for surviving a direct attack from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named
while an infant, Harry Potter, currently a student at Hogwarts School
of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has been instrumental in warning the
Wizarding World of the return of You-Know-Who and in thwarting his
plots to take over. This is a special limited edition card, and
we look forward to updating it as Mr. Potter's exploits grows."
Ron was grinning.
"Well, Harry, it looks like you've reached the pinnacle of fame. Wow! A Chocolate Frog card. Can we send a couple of them to Fred and George?"
Harry nodded weakly. He would never hear the end of it from the Weasley twins, but at least it would be in fun. Harry was dreading what would happen when the rest of the school found out he was on a card. It must have shown on his face, because Hermione was gently patting him on the arm, looking sympathetic but trying not to smile.
"Don't worry, Harry. I'm sure it won't be as bad as you're thinking. Anyway, let's get to the match."
They made it to the stands and sat down just as the teams flew onto the pitch. Dean Thomas had taken over Lee Jordan's commentating job.
"And now captains Malfoy and Chang are shaking hands--"
"Malfoy is captain?" Ron made an ugly face. "That's going to be fun when we play them."
The balls were released and the match began. It soon became obvious that Cho had put together a formidable team. They were smaller than the Slytherin team, but they were very fast and well coordinated. They took a quick thirty to nothing lead, and Harry and Ron exchanged looks. They knew Cho was a good flier, but they hadn't know how good until they saw her on her new Nimbus. However, the Slytherin team had mounted a comeback. Malfoy had also put together a good team. While they were bigger than the Ravenclaw team, they were not the usual type of player Harry had gotten used to, with the exception of Crabbe and Goyle. They also seemed to be playing under a cloud of fear, as if losing would cause them a great deal of pain. As a consequence, Ravenclaw scored the next four goals on penalties. Suddenly Cho dove towards the Slytherin goalposts. Malfoy followed from the other side of the pitch. It looked like she would reach the Snitch before Malfoy, when all of a sudden Malfoy seemed to have a problem with his robes. He stopped and raised his arm, and the Snitch fluttered into his waiting hand. The Slytherin cheering was drowned out a moment later by the cheers of all the others as Cho, grinning triumphantly, also held up a Snitch at the same time Madam Hooch blew her whistle and began to award the victory to Slytherin. As the crowd began to realize there were two Snitches on the pitch, they began to mutter angrily, the buzz almost as loud as the Slytherin cheers. All fourteen players, as well as Professors Flitwick, Snape, and McGonagall converged on Madam Hooch and began talking at once. The muttering of the crowd became an angry roar directed at the Slytherins. It looked like there was going to be a riot when suddenly Dumbledore appeared in the middle of the pitch and raised his hands.
"SILENCE!" he cried, his voice magically magnified. "You are Hogwarts students and you will conduct yourselves in an appropriate manner. Madam Hooch, the Heads of Ravenclaw and Slytherin, and I will have a brief conversation and our ruling will be final."
They withdrew to one end of the pitch and huddled together amidst a great deal of whispering. Ron turned to Harry.
"So what do you think?" he whispered.
"Malfoy had that Snitch planted on him" replied Harry. "They have to award Ravenclaw the victory."
"Yeah, Malfoy will be even more unbearable if they give the win to Slytherin."
"Be quiet, you two" hissed Hermione. "Dumbledore's coming back."
Dumbledore, flanked by the other teachers, had reached the center of the pitch. Everyone fell silent as he began to speak.
"While we believe we know the person responsible for bringing an extra Snitch, we cannot tell which one is the correct one, and even though Mr. Malfoy was the first to catch a Snitch, we have no way of knowing who caught which one. Therefore, we have no choice but to declare the match--"
Everyone leaned forward in anticipation. Malfoy had a triumphant smirk on his face.
"--a draw."
For a moment there was a stunned silence. Malfoy's grin vanished. Then everyone started talking at once, and an angry buzz went around the stadium. Dumbledore held up his hands again for silence. Gradually the noise died.
"Draws, while rare, are not uncommon at Hogwarts because this is a school and we will not have students playing in prolonged matches when there is studying to be done. The match will be replayed in the spring. Now, I suggest you all enjoy the rest of the afternoon while this fair weather lasts."
As the crowd dispersed, it became apparent that there were two distinct groups. The Slytherins all gathered around Malfoy, and the rest of the students gathered around the Ravenclaw team. As Harry was leaving, he saw Windrider talking to Dumbledore and pointing at each group.
Puzzled, Harry was not paying attention to what was happening around him. Which is why a moment later he found himself on his back with someone landing on top of him.
"Ow! Watch where you're going!" said Cho.
"Sorry" Harry replied. He got to his feet and helped Cho up. She had her broom in her hand and was in quite a state.
"Erm--rotten luck, Cho. You had him beat."
Cho stamped her foot angrily.
"Damn it, Harry, it's not bloody fair! You heard Dumbledore, they know it was Malfoy who cheated, they know we won, and we still have to play them again."
She looked utterly miserable and almost ready to burst into tears. Harry tentatively put an arm around her shoulder.
"And you'll beat them again. I doubt they will let Malfoy have an opportunity to cheat like that again. You've put a great team together, and you fly great on your new broom."
Cho sniffed.
"Really, Harry?"
Harry nodded.
"You'll sure give us a run for the money." He grinned at her.
Cho sniffed again and beamed at him.
"And we'll beat you, too! Thanks, Harry, I feel better now. You're a great friend."
She gave his hair a friendly ruffle and trotted off to the locker rooms. Harry smiled, feeling good about cheering Cho up. He started on his way back to the castle when he felt someone watching him. He turned and saw Luna, watching him with a serene smile on her face.
The First Match Of The Season
After that class, Harry started spending most of his free time alone, usually in some quiet corner of the castle. Behind his back, Ron and Hermione quietly worried about him. When they were with Harry, he was as cheerful as usual, but there seemed to be a distance growing between them. Not a distance of going separate ways, but a keeping of secrets distance. Ron wanted to pester Harry until he told them, but Hermione rather sensibly told Ron that Harry would talk when he was ready to.
A couple of Saturdays into October, while they were at breakfast, Hedwig delivered a note to Harry. He opened it and it read:
My place. Midnight.
Wear the cloak.
Hagrid.
"Now that's odd" said Ron. "He hasn't done that in a while. Perhaps he's got another dragon egg or something."
Hermione gave a little sniff.
"With our luck, he's probably crossed a chimaera with a nundu."
At that moment, a spotted owl dropped a bulky looking envelope on Hermione's head. She gave a little shriek of pain and surprise and grabbed the envelope. Inside were what looked like a bunch of newspaper clippings and a note.
"It's from Mum and Dad!" she exclaimed. She read the note and frowned.
"What's up?" said Harry.
"It says, 'Go with Harry and Ron tonight, and bring the envelope.' Why would they write something like that? How did they know you were going to see Hagrid tonight?"
Harry and Ron shrugged and they looked at the Head Table, where Dumbledore was happily chatting with Professor Sinistra. None of the faculty seemed to be taking any notice of them.
Just then a little brown blur shot by Ron's face and left something in his lap.
"What on earth was that?" asked Hermione.
"I think that was Pig, but he's never just delivered and flew off. He usually likes to show off that he's done it."
"Did you get a letter, too?" asked Harry. Ron looked in his lap and showed them a small letter. He opened it and turned beet red. He handed it to Hermione who held it so that both she and Harry could read it.
You three don't say another word. Act like
this is an ordinary day and be ON TIME tonight. Or else
you will regret it. Ron, eat this letter.
Fred and George
P.S. This is a new edible parchment and ink, for passing
notes without getting caught. Hope Ronnie likes it.
"Well, Ron" said a grinning Harry. "Do your duty."
Ron made a face and folded up the letter and put it in his mouth. He chewed for a moment, shrugged, and finished. When he swallowed, he made another face.
"How was it?" asked Hermione.
"Rather like a bland wafer without too much sugar. But they had to use blue ink. I hate blueberries."
Harry looked at his watch.
"I've got to go. Windrider is expecting me . I'll try and make it back in time for the match today. Cho's got a new Nimbus and I can't wait to see her fly rings around Malfoy." It was the first match of the season, Slytherin against Ravenclaw. Harry stood and started out.
"Oh yeah--Harry--" said Ron, "So, are you and Cho--"
"Just friends" Harry called back, waving. "See you later."
Ron and Hermione followed Harry as he left with Windrider. Ron shook his head.
"He's hiding something. You know it. I know it. Why won't he talk to us? I bet if I--"
"You do anything of the sort, Ronald Weasley, and I'll make what Fred did to your teddy bear seem like the best time of your life! Of course Harry's hiding something. He's hiding a few somethings. For the forty-seventh time, he'll tell us when he's got it sorted out."
Although they were whispering, Harry heard this last bit of conversation and whispered a silent thank you to Hermione. He most definitely was not ready to share what he learned on that terrible night in June when his life changed forever.
Once they were out of the castle and on the way to Hogsmeade, Harry looked up at Windrider.
"Professor, do you know anything about Prophecy?"
Windrider chuckled softly.
"No one knows much, Harry, that is one of the reasons it is studied in the Department of Mysteries. As a shaman, I can sometimes look into people's hearts and make guesses about where their next steps may lead them, but amid the chances and probabilities of the world, I can't say this thing or that thing is definitely going to happen. So much of what will happen in the future is based on the choices we make today that it is almost impossible to predict what will happen, especially when it comes to individual people or events. The centaurs know more about this, but they aren't telling. But that's not the kind of Prophecy you're asking about, is it?"
"No, Professor, I was asking about Prophecies like the ones in the Department of Mysteries."
Windrider sighed.
"No one really knows where those come from, or why they are so exact. And it does not matter how many people know what a specific Prophecy says, they always are fulfilled. However, even though they are exact in what will happen, the words used are sometimes vague. Also, they can be fulfilled in ways that are unforeseen or unlikely. For example, Professor Dumbledore told me of the Prophecy you heard the night Pettigrew escaped. She said something like 'the servant, chained these past twelve years'. On the face of it, one would think that she was talking about Sirius. He was thought to be a servant of Voldemort, and he was certainly chained for twelve years. But look who it tuned out to be. Not even the wizards in the Department of Mysteries would have seen that one. It's only in the fulfillment of the Prophecy that it becomes clear."
He looked down at Harry with a mixture of pity and compassion.
"I'm sorry I can't give you a clearer answer, Harry, especially to the questions you haven't asked. The only advice I can give you is to think about the whole Prophecy, and not just at one part of it. If you do that, you will know what to do when the time comes."
Harry was silent the rest of the way into Hogsmeade. When they arrived, Professor McGonagall was waiting for them in the back room with another wizard Harry had seen once or twice going to meetings of the Order.
"Potter, this is Onslow Bucket. He's a member of the Order who works in the Magical Transportation Department as an Apparition Tester. Your lessons have been going well so far and I believe you are ready to be tested. Should you pass, you will not be required to come here every Saturday."
Bucket spoke up. "I'll give you the standard tests we use to issue Apparition Licenses. However, you will have to come in when you're seventeen to test for your 'official' license."
The test was straightforward enough. First, Harry had to describe what could go wrong with Apparition, and the penalties for Apparating without a license. Then, for the practical part, Harry began by Apparating to various corners of the room. He next Apparated from the room to just outside the Hog's Head. After that, Bucket had him Apparate around the town over various distances. For his final test, Harry had to go to Grimmauld Place and pick up the box of Chocolate Frogs McGonagall had left there, and return to the Apparition Point just outside the school grounds, where Bucket and McGonagall would be waiting. They Disapparated and Harry was left standing alone outside the Shrieking Shack. Harry concentrated for a moment on Grimmauld Place, then found himself standing in the shadow of Number Eleven. He looked around, and as Number Twelve began to appear, he saw the box on the doorstep. He hurried to pick it up, looked around to make sure no one was watching, and stopped. He had never been to the Apparition Point, and hadn't even known there was such a place. He had a brief moment of panic. They were expecting him, so he couldn't Apparate in Hogsmeade and walk back looking for it, not unless he wanted to admit failure. Perhaps this was part of the test, Apparating to an unfamiliar place. He concentrated on the name of the place, took a deep breath, and vanished.
He reappeared in a clearing of trees and breathed a sigh of relief, as he could plainly see the castle nearby. He turned around and looked for the road and saw two figures cloaked and hooded like Death Eaters standing close behind him. With lightning speed he dropped the box of chocolate, whipped out his wand, and dove for cover. His mouth opened to stun them, but at that moment they removed their hoods to reveal Professor McGonagall and Mr. Bucket. Bucket clapped his hands and beamed broadly and McGonagall had a tiny, almost amused smile on her face. Harry stood up and retrieved the box, blushing.
"Well done, Mr. Potter!" said Bucket. "Your reaction time was excellent. Forgive the deception with the cloaks, but we also needed to test your response to Apparating into a potentially dangerous place. Most young people experience a slight disorientation when Apparating into an unfamiliar place their first time. I am pleased to say you have passed with flying colors, and were you of age, you would be officially licensed to Apparate."
He gave Harry a wink.
"Now don't let anyone catch you at it. Up till now, we have been able to hide your activity under the radar, so to speak. From now on, you're on your own. So don't do it unless you're in gravest need, as Involuntary Apparition can sometimes happen under those circumstances. And now, Minerva, I think it's time for that drink you owe me?"
McGonagall nodded.
"Of course, Onslow. If you will give me a moment?"
She leaned in to Harry.
"You've done very well today. Your Saturdays are your own again. You may keep the box of Chocolate Frogs to share with your friends with Professor Dumbledore's compliments. I believe there is a note attached. Now, back to school with you. If you hurry, you'll make it back in time for lunch."
Harry hurried off. When he reached the gates, Filch looked at the box suspiciously, but as the note taped to it was in Dumbledore's writing, he let Harry in with it. Harry entered the Great Hall and found Ron and Hermione and sat down across the table from them.
"Harry! you're back already?" asked Hermione.
Harry nodded. "Windrider said I was done and that I didn't have to go on Saturdays anymore."
"Excellent" said Ron. "That means we can really concentrate on the Quiddich. What's that?"
Ron was pointing at the note taped to the box of Chocolate Frogs.
Harry opened the note.
Harry
You have done an excellent job so far this year. Here is a treat I
hope you will like. These are previews of a special limited edition
due to come out in time for Christmas. The manufacturers were kind
enough to send this small sample box which I give to you.
Albus Dumbledore
P.S. Share these with your closest friends. I would recommend opening
them away from groups as the public does not know they are coming out.
Harry showed Ron and Hermione the note. Ron was immediately excited.
"They've never done a limited edition before. The cards must be real rare and valuable."
After lunch there was a little bit of time before the match so they went to their favorite corner to see what was in the Chocolate Frogs. Harry opened box and handed one each to Ron and Hermione and took one for himself. Ron quickly opened his, stuffed the frog into his mouth, looked at the card and suddenly spit his frog out.
"Bugger me!"
"RON!" shouted Hermione. She looked at the card Ron held out to her.
"Oh, my."
Harry ripped open his and looked at the card, thunderstruck. Staring up at him, and looking a bit embarrassed, was Harry's own face. He turned the card around and read:
"Harry Potter
Famous for surviving a direct attack from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named
while an infant, Harry Potter, currently a student at Hogwarts School
of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has been instrumental in warning the
Wizarding World of the return of You-Know-Who and in thwarting his
plots to take over. This is a special limited edition card, and
we look forward to updating it as Mr. Potter's exploits grows."
Ron was grinning.
"Well, Harry, it looks like you've reached the pinnacle of fame. Wow! A Chocolate Frog card. Can we send a couple of them to Fred and George?"
Harry nodded weakly. He would never hear the end of it from the Weasley twins, but at least it would be in fun. Harry was dreading what would happen when the rest of the school found out he was on a card. It must have shown on his face, because Hermione was gently patting him on the arm, looking sympathetic but trying not to smile.
"Don't worry, Harry. I'm sure it won't be as bad as you're thinking. Anyway, let's get to the match."
They made it to the stands and sat down just as the teams flew onto the pitch. Dean Thomas had taken over Lee Jordan's commentating job.
"And now captains Malfoy and Chang are shaking hands--"
"Malfoy is captain?" Ron made an ugly face. "That's going to be fun when we play them."
The balls were released and the match began. It soon became obvious that Cho had put together a formidable team. They were smaller than the Slytherin team, but they were very fast and well coordinated. They took a quick thirty to nothing lead, and Harry and Ron exchanged looks. They knew Cho was a good flier, but they hadn't know how good until they saw her on her new Nimbus. However, the Slytherin team had mounted a comeback. Malfoy had also put together a good team. While they were bigger than the Ravenclaw team, they were not the usual type of player Harry had gotten used to, with the exception of Crabbe and Goyle. They also seemed to be playing under a cloud of fear, as if losing would cause them a great deal of pain. As a consequence, Ravenclaw scored the next four goals on penalties. Suddenly Cho dove towards the Slytherin goalposts. Malfoy followed from the other side of the pitch. It looked like she would reach the Snitch before Malfoy, when all of a sudden Malfoy seemed to have a problem with his robes. He stopped and raised his arm, and the Snitch fluttered into his waiting hand. The Slytherin cheering was drowned out a moment later by the cheers of all the others as Cho, grinning triumphantly, also held up a Snitch at the same time Madam Hooch blew her whistle and began to award the victory to Slytherin. As the crowd began to realize there were two Snitches on the pitch, they began to mutter angrily, the buzz almost as loud as the Slytherin cheers. All fourteen players, as well as Professors Flitwick, Snape, and McGonagall converged on Madam Hooch and began talking at once. The muttering of the crowd became an angry roar directed at the Slytherins. It looked like there was going to be a riot when suddenly Dumbledore appeared in the middle of the pitch and raised his hands.
"SILENCE!" he cried, his voice magically magnified. "You are Hogwarts students and you will conduct yourselves in an appropriate manner. Madam Hooch, the Heads of Ravenclaw and Slytherin, and I will have a brief conversation and our ruling will be final."
They withdrew to one end of the pitch and huddled together amidst a great deal of whispering. Ron turned to Harry.
"So what do you think?" he whispered.
"Malfoy had that Snitch planted on him" replied Harry. "They have to award Ravenclaw the victory."
"Yeah, Malfoy will be even more unbearable if they give the win to Slytherin."
"Be quiet, you two" hissed Hermione. "Dumbledore's coming back."
Dumbledore, flanked by the other teachers, had reached the center of the pitch. Everyone fell silent as he began to speak.
"While we believe we know the person responsible for bringing an extra Snitch, we cannot tell which one is the correct one, and even though Mr. Malfoy was the first to catch a Snitch, we have no way of knowing who caught which one. Therefore, we have no choice but to declare the match--"
Everyone leaned forward in anticipation. Malfoy had a triumphant smirk on his face.
"--a draw."
For a moment there was a stunned silence. Malfoy's grin vanished. Then everyone started talking at once, and an angry buzz went around the stadium. Dumbledore held up his hands again for silence. Gradually the noise died.
"Draws, while rare, are not uncommon at Hogwarts because this is a school and we will not have students playing in prolonged matches when there is studying to be done. The match will be replayed in the spring. Now, I suggest you all enjoy the rest of the afternoon while this fair weather lasts."
As the crowd dispersed, it became apparent that there were two distinct groups. The Slytherins all gathered around Malfoy, and the rest of the students gathered around the Ravenclaw team. As Harry was leaving, he saw Windrider talking to Dumbledore and pointing at each group.
Puzzled, Harry was not paying attention to what was happening around him. Which is why a moment later he found himself on his back with someone landing on top of him.
"Ow! Watch where you're going!" said Cho.
"Sorry" Harry replied. He got to his feet and helped Cho up. She had her broom in her hand and was in quite a state.
"Erm--rotten luck, Cho. You had him beat."
Cho stamped her foot angrily.
"Damn it, Harry, it's not bloody fair! You heard Dumbledore, they know it was Malfoy who cheated, they know we won, and we still have to play them again."
She looked utterly miserable and almost ready to burst into tears. Harry tentatively put an arm around her shoulder.
"And you'll beat them again. I doubt they will let Malfoy have an opportunity to cheat like that again. You've put a great team together, and you fly great on your new broom."
Cho sniffed.
"Really, Harry?"
Harry nodded.
"You'll sure give us a run for the money." He grinned at her.
Cho sniffed again and beamed at him.
"And we'll beat you, too! Thanks, Harry, I feel better now. You're a great friend."
She gave his hair a friendly ruffle and trotted off to the locker rooms. Harry smiled, feeling good about cheering Cho up. He started on his way back to the castle when he felt someone watching him. He turned and saw Luna, watching him with a serene smile on her face.
