A/N - JKR owns everything familiar.
A/N -Read, enjoy, and review.
A/N - David H, thanks again. To all those others who reviewed Ch57 by the time I wrote this chapter (TeamExtremeGurl,james porter, Sako Akarui, Mella deranged, Zoheb, Lady Reaper of the Shadows, lord archimonde, Signa, GlassGhost, princess55,NasserPotter, Ceywen, The Godddess of the Black Rose, Alex, David305,ChrismKing208 and Crystal,lily,james and Sirius) thank you for your interest and reviews.
Chapter 58
EXCITING EVENTS
Dumbledore surveyed the parchment for a moment. Harry thought he saw a short lapse in the twinkling of his eyes behind the half mooned spectacles. Dumbledore slowly moved his eyes from the parchment to meet Harry's. Harry remained unblinking while waiting for his fate to be announced. The Great Hall was quiet as Dumbledore announced, "Severus Snape".
Gasps could be heard from students and teachers alike. It seemed as though time was standing still. No one was moving nor speaking. No one coughed and no one sneezed. The silence was deafening. The only thing that brought everyone out of his or her half-trance like state was Ron yelling "GET HIM HARRY!"
Not only did Ron awaken most of those who were transfixed by Dumbledore's announcement but he also spurred others into action.
"YOU CAN DO IT HARRY," Hermione shouted.
"YOU SHOW HIM HARRY," Dean yelled.
"GET HIM MATE," Seamus called gleefully.
"EEP, YOU --- YOU --- YOU BEAT HIM GOOD HARRY," Neville added.
"TEACH HIM A LESSON," someone from the Ravenclaw group yelled out.
"SCHOOL HIM HARRY," a Hufflepuff added.
"POUND HIM DOWN TO THE SIZE OF A FLOBBERWORM!"
"PUT HIM IN HIS PLACE THE GREASY --- "
"THAT WILL DO STUDENTS," Professor Dumbledore interjected while looking down the row of teachers until his gaze landed on the one who's name had just been called. "Severus, if you please." And Dumbledore indicated the Sorting Hat where Snape was due to pull out his restriction.
Again though, the Slytherins were torn. Although they all wanted to win the match (and knew that they were currently losing 3 to 4) they also wanted to see their Head of House trounce on their least favorite fifth year Gryffindor. Consequently, most of them chose to just stand there mute.
Snape strutted to the Hat wearing a smile the likes of which Harry had never seen on him. He looked truly happy. For his part, Harry was torn. He wasn't scared of Snape, not at all. After all, he reasoned, all the pressure was on the Potions Professor. No one expected him, a mere fifth year, to best a spy. And any licks at all that he could get in --- well --- that in itself would be reward enough. But more than besting Snape, what Harry wanted was a shot at the Death Eater who was still loyal to Voldemort. And through all of his hatred of Snape, he had to admit that he knew that Snape was loyal to Dumbledore and the Order. His thoughts were interrupted by Dumbledore's voice.
"Professor Snape's limitation," he began while unfurling the piece of parchment. Again though, the Headmaster paused after looking at the parchment that was handed to him. Finally he continued, "Is that he has no limitation."
For the second time in as many minutes an eerie silence enveloped the Great Hall. Also for the second time, it was Ron Weasley's voice that broke the silence.
"NO FAIR! YOU SAID EVERY STAFF MEMBER WOULD HAVE A RESTRICTION!"
Again, Ron spurred others to voice their outrage.
"CHEAT!"
"NO FAIR!"
"EVERY TEACHER IS TO HAVE A RESTRICTION!"
"SCAREDY CAT!"
"HE'S ONLY A FIFTH YEAR!"
"AHEM," Professor McGonagall said loudly when it became apparent that the Headmaster was contented to let the students air their grievances.
He chuckled before picking up the signal. "Yes. Yes. Quite right. That is enough students. Every teacher does have restrictions. Of course, it would be unfair for me to reveal them at this point. Additionally, each professor takes an additional chance at drawing more restrictions from the Sorting Hat. Professor Snape drew the one that placed no additional restrictions. Now I believe that's enough to be going along with."
Harry forced himself to walk calmly to the back of the Great Hall. He reminded himself that he wasn't expected to win --- all he wanted to do was get in one or two good blows. He just needed to remain calm and think of a plan. All he really needed was one good hex.
Harry didn't even notice as the last pair was announced. He thought about the first few spells he was going to cast. Before he knew it Dumbledore was preparing the duelers.
Dumbledore's voice rang out. "You --- may --- BEGIN!"
"EXPELLIARMUS!" Snape shouted. But Harry had already erected his rebounding shield. Unfortunately Snape was ready for that. He deflected the rebounded curse with ease.
There was no doubt that Snape was on the offensive. He was relentless. Firing curse after curse, Snape gave Harry little time to react and no time in which to launch his own curses. Harry jumped, ducked and dove to avoid curses. He shielded himself with rebounding spells whenever he could but none of his own curses landed on Snape.
The fact that Snape was much faster than he was didn't surprise him.
The fact that Snape knew many more spells than he did didn't surprise him.
What surprised Harry, as he panted trying to catch his breath, was that even when one of his spells landed spot on, his Potions Professor seemed unaffected.
At first, Harry thought he was imagining things. But the more he noticed Snape's lack of reaction to his spells, the more he was sure that pain had little to no effect on the man. Briefly, Harry let his mind wander to the life that Snape must have led to be practically immune to pain. Voldemort, and probably other wizards, must have done some number on Severus Snape. They probably shared more in common than either wizard cared to know.
However, none of this was helping Harry win his duel.
He was vaguely aware of the fact that he was the only one still dueling. He risked a glance at the scoreboard to see what the tally was.
It read, "GS 5" and "HR 5".
"Great," Harry thought to himself. "It all comes down to me."
Briefly, Harry thought about turning into his Animagus shape. But, he reasoned, it wasn't worth revealing it to his enemies just to beat Snape.
On the other hand, he debated with himself as he dove to avoid another curse, doesn't Voldemort already know that I can become a Sphinx? And wouldn't Dumbledore have warned me if he didn't want me to use that skill?
Was it fair?
Did it matter if it wasn't fair? He was, after all, thinking about Severus Snape - an admitted former Death Eater, torturer of all Gryffindor students everywhere and just a general slimy good-for-nothing git.
No.
He wasn't going to do it he decided as he flung himself out of the way of another curse coming his way. People talked about him enough as it was and this --- this --- this was something he wasn't ready to share with the world yet. It wasn't exactly still private, after all Voldemort knew, but still --- it was his mother's face and smelly, slimy, stinky, Slytherin, Severus Snape didn't deserve to look at it.
Unfortunately he wasn't sure what else to try as Snape could take as much pain as was humanly possible --- at least.
Heck with it, he thought. If I can't beat him I might as well have some fun with him. As Harry ducked to avoid another hex, he transfigured one of the school chairs into a large strawberry filled pie that was at least 2 meters in diameter.
SPLUT
Snape was ready for the typical curses that pinpointed a body part. He was not ready for the massive strawberry pie that now covered him from head to toe.
Snape froze. There was not one centimeter of him was not covered in the messy fruit filling. The red goo was dripping off of him.
Harry allowed himself a smile as the Great Hall erupted in laughter. He knew he would pay for this evening not only tonight but also for the rest of the time that Snape was to be his Potions Professor. So, he reasoned, he might as well make it count. Unfortunately Snape was quick to retaliate.
"PETRIFICUS TOTALUS"
"EXPELLIARMUS"
"REDUCTO"
"INCENDIO"
"MOBILARBUS"
"REDUCIO"
Snape let out a long string of spells. Harry dove left, rolled and dove left some more. There was no denying it --- Snape could duel. He could get out five spells to every one of his. However, even if it was just a fraction, Harry noticed that Snape's aim was just a little bit askew. Apparently, he didn't deal nearly as well with being embarrassed as he did with pain. This angle Harry knew he could work with.
"RICTUSEMPRA," Harry shouted. But the tickling spell was too centralized. Snape deflected it almost lazily and then sent four of his own, which Harry was barely able to dodge. His opponent was obviously regaining his concentration and worse, his composure.
"TARANTALLEGRA," Harry tried next. He could imagine nothing funnier than the Potions Professor dancing his way around the Great Hall.
Again though it was too centralized a spell. Snape easily deflected it and had time to clean himself up. The Great Hall once again fell silent.
"INCENDIO"
"STUPEFY"
"REDUCTO"
"STUPEFY"
Apparently Harry's new tactics did not amuse Snape. But he knew what he had to do. It was only the first trick that worked and if it ain't broken ---
"ACCIO SNACKS"
Harry summoned the entire table worth of refreshments that had undoubtedly been laid out by the House Elves for everyone after the second task was over.
Just as happened with the strawberry pie, Snape wasn't ready to deflect that much bulk. He successfully avoided the pumpkin juice and pitcher of milk, however he didn't dodge the treacle fudge, Chocolate Frogs, cherry pudding, cheese dip nor any of the punch from the giant (and refilling) punch bowl.
Harry snapped the picture in his mind to save forever. He didn't have time to savor the moment now (his opponent was so mad that he was heaving) but you could bet your last Knut that he would see this image of Snape for the rest of his life. (For once in his life he wished the Creevey brothers and their cameras were here with him.)
It was just at this moment that Peeves happened to float into the Great Hall.
Peeves' cackling could barely be heard over the din of the students (and possibly some of the faculty).
"Snivelling Skulking Snapey all covered in goop," Peeves began. "It looks like one of the ickle students has gotten the better of the great master of Potions."
Harry didn't think it was possible but the noise and laughter grew louder.
"SHUT IT PEEVES!" Snape roared.
That was the all the distraction Harry needed.
"EXPELLIARMUS!" Harry shouted.
Snape was unprepared. (His attention wavered toward Peeves during the brief ridicule session momentarily forgetting about his opponent.) His wand flew out of his hand into Harry's outstretched one. It was no tribute to Snape that not only did the Gryffindors and most of the Slytherins cheered for Harry, but some of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs (even though they had just lost the game) cheered as well.
"FOR HE'S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW --- "
Pandemonium erupted in the Great Hall. Students continued cheering as the fifth year Gryffindor boys hoisted Harry onto their shoulders.
As much as Harry wanted to keep Snape's wand as a trophy--- none of the victorious professors had kept any of the students' wands they had won. He looked down at the unfamiliar wand clasped in his left hand. After brief consideration, Harry tossed Snape's wand in the air knowing that one of the professors (e.g. Dumbledore) would retrieve it and return it to its rightful owner. The wand never touched the ground.
Meanwhile, the Gryffindors had one heck of a party that night. They were as loud if not louder than they were in Harry's third year but yet their Head of House did not interrupt their celebration. After word spread through the Tower about why the fifth years were celebrating and specifically about the final duel, not a single Gryffindor student went to bed before the morning hours.
Fred and George took turns covering each other with large strawberry pies trying to recreate the scene as best as they could. Lee Jordan and Ron nipped down to the kitchens for some refreshments. Everyone had a lot of fun that night. (At least, everyone in Gryffindor.) Hermione was so excited that she ran from fifth year to fifth year asking everyone what spell they were going to ask to learn. She was disappointed that no one else had given it much thought.
Announcing that she was going up to her room to look through her advanced spell books, Hermione was one of the first to leave the Common Room. The rest of the Gryffindors trickled up to their rooms until eventually even the last stragglers went to bed.
That's when Harry saw Ginny coming in through the Portrait Hole.
He grinned, "Late night?"
"Oh --- erm --- yeah. What are you doing still down here?"
"Going up to bed. Who were you with?"
"Oh --- well ---no one special. Good night." She replied while turning to make her way up the stairs.
"Ginny,"
"Yes."
"He better be special."
She blushed slightly and grinned. "Thanks Harry. G'night."
The next week passed in a blur.
Harry had a Quiddich practice every night that week. No one was going to stop Gryffindor from winning the Cup and to do that all they needed was to beat Hufflepuff on the following Saturday.
Everything went as expected. Quiddich practice went well. Transfiguration and History of Magic classes had more homework than Harry every remembered having before in his life. Even though OWLs were coming up, Harry and most of his classmates except for Hermione, thought that the teachers should spend more time reviewing old materials instead of trying to cram in last minute facts and spells.
Potions also went as expected. During his first class of the week Harry received a zero after Snape ignored Crabbe and Goyle's decision to knock over his cauldron seconds before he could fill his flask. During his second Potions class of the week Harry lost twenty points for Gryffindor when he made too much noise moving his chair when he went to sit down and a further twenty for moving his chair when he went to get up.
At last, Saturday morning arrived. After a short breakfast when most of the team (including the back-up players) ate little, the Gryffindor team made their way to the Quiddich Pitch. Harry quickly put on his robes and decided on a quick speech whilst the others were still dressing.
"I'm proud of you all already. Good luck today." With that, Harry grabbed his broomstick and began to walk out of the changing room.
"HARRY! THAT CAN'T BE ALL YOU'RE GOING TO SAY TO US!" Katie shouted.
"THAT'S LAME," Alicia added.
"OLLIVER WOULD BE ASHAMED!" Angelina finished.
"I'M ASHAMED TO CALL YOU OUR BROTHER!" George added.
"He's not your brother," Ron added.
"WELL NOT NOW!" Fred responded.
That brought a round of laughter from all present and in general relieved the tension. Everyone finished dressing and followed Harry out onto the Pitch.
Harry didn't even hear Lee Jordan announcing the players. He was too focused. The next words he heard were from Madame Hooch.
"Players, mount your brooms --- "
He along with all his teammates kicked off at the sound of the whistle. Once again, he was in paradise. As the ground got smaller below him, so did his problems. He didn't have to think about being leader of the Order of the Phoenix, nor the Order of the Serpents. He didn't have to think about the Death Eater at Hogwarts. All he had to think about was flying and finding the Golden Snitch.
He permitted himself a few seconds to watch the game below him but soon decided that he would rather keep his eyes moving the length of the field.
"DUCK!" one of the Weasley twins shouted.
Harry flattened himself to his broom narrowly avoiding the Bludger that was sent his way.
Fred whacked it with all of his might toward one of the Hufflepuff Chasers. "All Right Harry?"
Harry smiled and nodded.
The first thirty minutes of the game were very even. Harry could hear Lee Jordan giving the score updates and so he knew that the score remained within ten points towards either team. It wasn't until late into the hour when Harry was both extremely lucky and extremely unlucky. This time he didn't hear any warning shouts to alert him to the Bludger that was screaming toward him at breakneck speed.
WHAM
"Ugh," Harry moaned. The Bludger slammed into his side, breaking more than one rib. The impact with the Bludger also knocked Harry off course --- right to the Snitch. It was there for the grabbing and grab it he did.
"HOORAH!"
"WHEEEEEE!"
"HOORAY FOR HARRY!"
"WELL DONE POTTER!"
"WE WON!"
"THE CUP IS OURS!"
"GRYFFINDOR! GRYFFINDOR! GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry slowly brought the broomstick back towards the ground. His ribs throbbed in agony but still he would not release the Golden Snitch from his hand. He would buy another one for the school. This one --- this Snitch that won Gryffindor the Quiddich Cup during his first year as captain --- was his to keep.
"GEROFF!" Harry shouted. His teammates were especially vigorous in their attempts to congratulate him. They either didn't realize or must have forgotten that he took a Bludger straight in the side. Harry was yelling and celebrating with the best of them but he didn't think he could stand it if one more person tried to hug him or shake him before Madame Pomfrey fixed him up.
Harry's eyes widened as he saw Hermione worming her way through the screaming crowd. She could bit a bit --- er --- overenthusiastic at times and he didn't think he could handle her enthusiasm right now.
"Hermione NO!" Harry shouted as he put up a hand to stop her from coming any closer.
"Don't be silly," she chastised. Anyone looking at you can tell that you're hurt. We need to get you down to the Hospital Wing.
Ron grabbed her arm. "ARE YOU MAD WOMAN?"
"RON! He's hurt!"
"He's alive isn't he? He's not going anywhere until after the presentation."
Meanwhile, Madame Hooch and Headmaster Dumbledore escorted Professor McGonagall and the Quiddich Cup down to the middle of the Pitch. No one could hear what Dumbledore was saying (even though he had cast the Sonorus Charm on himself) over the roar of the Gryffindors.
Someone grabbed Harry's shoulder. He made to shrug it off when he heard an older, distinct voice saying, "Potter, don't be ridiculous. To the Hospital Wing with you."
"But Professor McGonagall, I don't want to miss the party. Not this one - please?"
"Come to your senses boy. She'll have you fixed up in no time. Now go!"
"Yes Professor," Harry said heavily as he turned to make his way back to the school.
"Oh, and Potter --- "
"Yes Professor?"
She smiled, "Nice game. The Cup looks so much bearing Gryffindor's name. Don't you think?"
He smiled, nodded, and made his way up to the school alongside Hermione and Ron feeling better than he had in weeks.
Sure enough, though constantly murmuring about the dangers of sports, Madame Pomfrey fixed him up in less than an hour. She didn't even make Hermione and Ron leave. Harry, eager to relive the tale through the eyes of his two best friends, used the time to pump Ron and Hermione for information about how the game looked from where they were (especially Ron since he was on the Pitch).
When Harry was released they went straight to Gryffindor Tower to join the party. Deafening cheers of "RON" and "HARRY" greeted the teammates as the entered the Tower behind Hermione.
Chaos reigned for hours. Even Hermione didn't try to convince anyone to study. It was an unspoken understanding that this night was for fun --- this night was for celebrating and blowing off steam.
Fireworks, streamers, noisemakers and dancing Gryffindors were only a few of the things still wreaking havoc in the Common Room. From first years through seventh years, no one could think of going to bed. Gryffindor had just won the Interhouse Quiddich Cup and tomorrow wasn't even a school day.
"We're out of food," called a sixth year.
Sure enough. There was nothing left. Fred and George looked crestfallen. Traditionally they were the ones who would come to the rescue at this point. But potential clients encircled them. No less than ten younger students were surrounding them watching the twins display some of their new products. One look at their faces told Harry what he ought to do.
"I'll go," Harry offered. And he went through the portal past the Fat Lady before anyone could say anything.
Unfortunately he didn't have the Marauder's Map with him. If he had, maybe he wouldn't have run into the Death Eater.
A/N -Read, enjoy, and review.
A/N - David H, thanks again. To all those others who reviewed Ch57 by the time I wrote this chapter (TeamExtremeGurl,james porter, Sako Akarui, Mella deranged, Zoheb, Lady Reaper of the Shadows, lord archimonde, Signa, GlassGhost, princess55,NasserPotter, Ceywen, The Godddess of the Black Rose, Alex, David305,ChrismKing208 and Crystal,lily,james and Sirius) thank you for your interest and reviews.
Chapter 58
EXCITING EVENTS
Dumbledore surveyed the parchment for a moment. Harry thought he saw a short lapse in the twinkling of his eyes behind the half mooned spectacles. Dumbledore slowly moved his eyes from the parchment to meet Harry's. Harry remained unblinking while waiting for his fate to be announced. The Great Hall was quiet as Dumbledore announced, "Severus Snape".
Gasps could be heard from students and teachers alike. It seemed as though time was standing still. No one was moving nor speaking. No one coughed and no one sneezed. The silence was deafening. The only thing that brought everyone out of his or her half-trance like state was Ron yelling "GET HIM HARRY!"
Not only did Ron awaken most of those who were transfixed by Dumbledore's announcement but he also spurred others into action.
"YOU CAN DO IT HARRY," Hermione shouted.
"YOU SHOW HIM HARRY," Dean yelled.
"GET HIM MATE," Seamus called gleefully.
"EEP, YOU --- YOU --- YOU BEAT HIM GOOD HARRY," Neville added.
"TEACH HIM A LESSON," someone from the Ravenclaw group yelled out.
"SCHOOL HIM HARRY," a Hufflepuff added.
"POUND HIM DOWN TO THE SIZE OF A FLOBBERWORM!"
"PUT HIM IN HIS PLACE THE GREASY --- "
"THAT WILL DO STUDENTS," Professor Dumbledore interjected while looking down the row of teachers until his gaze landed on the one who's name had just been called. "Severus, if you please." And Dumbledore indicated the Sorting Hat where Snape was due to pull out his restriction.
Again though, the Slytherins were torn. Although they all wanted to win the match (and knew that they were currently losing 3 to 4) they also wanted to see their Head of House trounce on their least favorite fifth year Gryffindor. Consequently, most of them chose to just stand there mute.
Snape strutted to the Hat wearing a smile the likes of which Harry had never seen on him. He looked truly happy. For his part, Harry was torn. He wasn't scared of Snape, not at all. After all, he reasoned, all the pressure was on the Potions Professor. No one expected him, a mere fifth year, to best a spy. And any licks at all that he could get in --- well --- that in itself would be reward enough. But more than besting Snape, what Harry wanted was a shot at the Death Eater who was still loyal to Voldemort. And through all of his hatred of Snape, he had to admit that he knew that Snape was loyal to Dumbledore and the Order. His thoughts were interrupted by Dumbledore's voice.
"Professor Snape's limitation," he began while unfurling the piece of parchment. Again though, the Headmaster paused after looking at the parchment that was handed to him. Finally he continued, "Is that he has no limitation."
For the second time in as many minutes an eerie silence enveloped the Great Hall. Also for the second time, it was Ron Weasley's voice that broke the silence.
"NO FAIR! YOU SAID EVERY STAFF MEMBER WOULD HAVE A RESTRICTION!"
Again, Ron spurred others to voice their outrage.
"CHEAT!"
"NO FAIR!"
"EVERY TEACHER IS TO HAVE A RESTRICTION!"
"SCAREDY CAT!"
"HE'S ONLY A FIFTH YEAR!"
"AHEM," Professor McGonagall said loudly when it became apparent that the Headmaster was contented to let the students air their grievances.
He chuckled before picking up the signal. "Yes. Yes. Quite right. That is enough students. Every teacher does have restrictions. Of course, it would be unfair for me to reveal them at this point. Additionally, each professor takes an additional chance at drawing more restrictions from the Sorting Hat. Professor Snape drew the one that placed no additional restrictions. Now I believe that's enough to be going along with."
Harry forced himself to walk calmly to the back of the Great Hall. He reminded himself that he wasn't expected to win --- all he wanted to do was get in one or two good blows. He just needed to remain calm and think of a plan. All he really needed was one good hex.
Harry didn't even notice as the last pair was announced. He thought about the first few spells he was going to cast. Before he knew it Dumbledore was preparing the duelers.
Dumbledore's voice rang out. "You --- may --- BEGIN!"
"EXPELLIARMUS!" Snape shouted. But Harry had already erected his rebounding shield. Unfortunately Snape was ready for that. He deflected the rebounded curse with ease.
There was no doubt that Snape was on the offensive. He was relentless. Firing curse after curse, Snape gave Harry little time to react and no time in which to launch his own curses. Harry jumped, ducked and dove to avoid curses. He shielded himself with rebounding spells whenever he could but none of his own curses landed on Snape.
The fact that Snape was much faster than he was didn't surprise him.
The fact that Snape knew many more spells than he did didn't surprise him.
What surprised Harry, as he panted trying to catch his breath, was that even when one of his spells landed spot on, his Potions Professor seemed unaffected.
At first, Harry thought he was imagining things. But the more he noticed Snape's lack of reaction to his spells, the more he was sure that pain had little to no effect on the man. Briefly, Harry let his mind wander to the life that Snape must have led to be practically immune to pain. Voldemort, and probably other wizards, must have done some number on Severus Snape. They probably shared more in common than either wizard cared to know.
However, none of this was helping Harry win his duel.
He was vaguely aware of the fact that he was the only one still dueling. He risked a glance at the scoreboard to see what the tally was.
It read, "GS 5" and "HR 5".
"Great," Harry thought to himself. "It all comes down to me."
Briefly, Harry thought about turning into his Animagus shape. But, he reasoned, it wasn't worth revealing it to his enemies just to beat Snape.
On the other hand, he debated with himself as he dove to avoid another curse, doesn't Voldemort already know that I can become a Sphinx? And wouldn't Dumbledore have warned me if he didn't want me to use that skill?
Was it fair?
Did it matter if it wasn't fair? He was, after all, thinking about Severus Snape - an admitted former Death Eater, torturer of all Gryffindor students everywhere and just a general slimy good-for-nothing git.
No.
He wasn't going to do it he decided as he flung himself out of the way of another curse coming his way. People talked about him enough as it was and this --- this --- this was something he wasn't ready to share with the world yet. It wasn't exactly still private, after all Voldemort knew, but still --- it was his mother's face and smelly, slimy, stinky, Slytherin, Severus Snape didn't deserve to look at it.
Unfortunately he wasn't sure what else to try as Snape could take as much pain as was humanly possible --- at least.
Heck with it, he thought. If I can't beat him I might as well have some fun with him. As Harry ducked to avoid another hex, he transfigured one of the school chairs into a large strawberry filled pie that was at least 2 meters in diameter.
SPLUT
Snape was ready for the typical curses that pinpointed a body part. He was not ready for the massive strawberry pie that now covered him from head to toe.
Snape froze. There was not one centimeter of him was not covered in the messy fruit filling. The red goo was dripping off of him.
Harry allowed himself a smile as the Great Hall erupted in laughter. He knew he would pay for this evening not only tonight but also for the rest of the time that Snape was to be his Potions Professor. So, he reasoned, he might as well make it count. Unfortunately Snape was quick to retaliate.
"PETRIFICUS TOTALUS"
"EXPELLIARMUS"
"REDUCTO"
"INCENDIO"
"MOBILARBUS"
"REDUCIO"
Snape let out a long string of spells. Harry dove left, rolled and dove left some more. There was no denying it --- Snape could duel. He could get out five spells to every one of his. However, even if it was just a fraction, Harry noticed that Snape's aim was just a little bit askew. Apparently, he didn't deal nearly as well with being embarrassed as he did with pain. This angle Harry knew he could work with.
"RICTUSEMPRA," Harry shouted. But the tickling spell was too centralized. Snape deflected it almost lazily and then sent four of his own, which Harry was barely able to dodge. His opponent was obviously regaining his concentration and worse, his composure.
"TARANTALLEGRA," Harry tried next. He could imagine nothing funnier than the Potions Professor dancing his way around the Great Hall.
Again though it was too centralized a spell. Snape easily deflected it and had time to clean himself up. The Great Hall once again fell silent.
"INCENDIO"
"STUPEFY"
"REDUCTO"
"STUPEFY"
Apparently Harry's new tactics did not amuse Snape. But he knew what he had to do. It was only the first trick that worked and if it ain't broken ---
"ACCIO SNACKS"
Harry summoned the entire table worth of refreshments that had undoubtedly been laid out by the House Elves for everyone after the second task was over.
Just as happened with the strawberry pie, Snape wasn't ready to deflect that much bulk. He successfully avoided the pumpkin juice and pitcher of milk, however he didn't dodge the treacle fudge, Chocolate Frogs, cherry pudding, cheese dip nor any of the punch from the giant (and refilling) punch bowl.
Harry snapped the picture in his mind to save forever. He didn't have time to savor the moment now (his opponent was so mad that he was heaving) but you could bet your last Knut that he would see this image of Snape for the rest of his life. (For once in his life he wished the Creevey brothers and their cameras were here with him.)
It was just at this moment that Peeves happened to float into the Great Hall.
Peeves' cackling could barely be heard over the din of the students (and possibly some of the faculty).
"Snivelling Skulking Snapey all covered in goop," Peeves began. "It looks like one of the ickle students has gotten the better of the great master of Potions."
Harry didn't think it was possible but the noise and laughter grew louder.
"SHUT IT PEEVES!" Snape roared.
That was the all the distraction Harry needed.
"EXPELLIARMUS!" Harry shouted.
Snape was unprepared. (His attention wavered toward Peeves during the brief ridicule session momentarily forgetting about his opponent.) His wand flew out of his hand into Harry's outstretched one. It was no tribute to Snape that not only did the Gryffindors and most of the Slytherins cheered for Harry, but some of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs (even though they had just lost the game) cheered as well.
"FOR HE'S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW --- "
Pandemonium erupted in the Great Hall. Students continued cheering as the fifth year Gryffindor boys hoisted Harry onto their shoulders.
As much as Harry wanted to keep Snape's wand as a trophy--- none of the victorious professors had kept any of the students' wands they had won. He looked down at the unfamiliar wand clasped in his left hand. After brief consideration, Harry tossed Snape's wand in the air knowing that one of the professors (e.g. Dumbledore) would retrieve it and return it to its rightful owner. The wand never touched the ground.
Meanwhile, the Gryffindors had one heck of a party that night. They were as loud if not louder than they were in Harry's third year but yet their Head of House did not interrupt their celebration. After word spread through the Tower about why the fifth years were celebrating and specifically about the final duel, not a single Gryffindor student went to bed before the morning hours.
Fred and George took turns covering each other with large strawberry pies trying to recreate the scene as best as they could. Lee Jordan and Ron nipped down to the kitchens for some refreshments. Everyone had a lot of fun that night. (At least, everyone in Gryffindor.) Hermione was so excited that she ran from fifth year to fifth year asking everyone what spell they were going to ask to learn. She was disappointed that no one else had given it much thought.
Announcing that she was going up to her room to look through her advanced spell books, Hermione was one of the first to leave the Common Room. The rest of the Gryffindors trickled up to their rooms until eventually even the last stragglers went to bed.
That's when Harry saw Ginny coming in through the Portrait Hole.
He grinned, "Late night?"
"Oh --- erm --- yeah. What are you doing still down here?"
"Going up to bed. Who were you with?"
"Oh --- well ---no one special. Good night." She replied while turning to make her way up the stairs.
"Ginny,"
"Yes."
"He better be special."
She blushed slightly and grinned. "Thanks Harry. G'night."
The next week passed in a blur.
Harry had a Quiddich practice every night that week. No one was going to stop Gryffindor from winning the Cup and to do that all they needed was to beat Hufflepuff on the following Saturday.
Everything went as expected. Quiddich practice went well. Transfiguration and History of Magic classes had more homework than Harry every remembered having before in his life. Even though OWLs were coming up, Harry and most of his classmates except for Hermione, thought that the teachers should spend more time reviewing old materials instead of trying to cram in last minute facts and spells.
Potions also went as expected. During his first class of the week Harry received a zero after Snape ignored Crabbe and Goyle's decision to knock over his cauldron seconds before he could fill his flask. During his second Potions class of the week Harry lost twenty points for Gryffindor when he made too much noise moving his chair when he went to sit down and a further twenty for moving his chair when he went to get up.
At last, Saturday morning arrived. After a short breakfast when most of the team (including the back-up players) ate little, the Gryffindor team made their way to the Quiddich Pitch. Harry quickly put on his robes and decided on a quick speech whilst the others were still dressing.
"I'm proud of you all already. Good luck today." With that, Harry grabbed his broomstick and began to walk out of the changing room.
"HARRY! THAT CAN'T BE ALL YOU'RE GOING TO SAY TO US!" Katie shouted.
"THAT'S LAME," Alicia added.
"OLLIVER WOULD BE ASHAMED!" Angelina finished.
"I'M ASHAMED TO CALL YOU OUR BROTHER!" George added.
"He's not your brother," Ron added.
"WELL NOT NOW!" Fred responded.
That brought a round of laughter from all present and in general relieved the tension. Everyone finished dressing and followed Harry out onto the Pitch.
Harry didn't even hear Lee Jordan announcing the players. He was too focused. The next words he heard were from Madame Hooch.
"Players, mount your brooms --- "
He along with all his teammates kicked off at the sound of the whistle. Once again, he was in paradise. As the ground got smaller below him, so did his problems. He didn't have to think about being leader of the Order of the Phoenix, nor the Order of the Serpents. He didn't have to think about the Death Eater at Hogwarts. All he had to think about was flying and finding the Golden Snitch.
He permitted himself a few seconds to watch the game below him but soon decided that he would rather keep his eyes moving the length of the field.
"DUCK!" one of the Weasley twins shouted.
Harry flattened himself to his broom narrowly avoiding the Bludger that was sent his way.
Fred whacked it with all of his might toward one of the Hufflepuff Chasers. "All Right Harry?"
Harry smiled and nodded.
The first thirty minutes of the game were very even. Harry could hear Lee Jordan giving the score updates and so he knew that the score remained within ten points towards either team. It wasn't until late into the hour when Harry was both extremely lucky and extremely unlucky. This time he didn't hear any warning shouts to alert him to the Bludger that was screaming toward him at breakneck speed.
WHAM
"Ugh," Harry moaned. The Bludger slammed into his side, breaking more than one rib. The impact with the Bludger also knocked Harry off course --- right to the Snitch. It was there for the grabbing and grab it he did.
"HOORAH!"
"WHEEEEEE!"
"HOORAY FOR HARRY!"
"WELL DONE POTTER!"
"WE WON!"
"THE CUP IS OURS!"
"GRYFFINDOR! GRYFFINDOR! GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry slowly brought the broomstick back towards the ground. His ribs throbbed in agony but still he would not release the Golden Snitch from his hand. He would buy another one for the school. This one --- this Snitch that won Gryffindor the Quiddich Cup during his first year as captain --- was his to keep.
"GEROFF!" Harry shouted. His teammates were especially vigorous in their attempts to congratulate him. They either didn't realize or must have forgotten that he took a Bludger straight in the side. Harry was yelling and celebrating with the best of them but he didn't think he could stand it if one more person tried to hug him or shake him before Madame Pomfrey fixed him up.
Harry's eyes widened as he saw Hermione worming her way through the screaming crowd. She could bit a bit --- er --- overenthusiastic at times and he didn't think he could handle her enthusiasm right now.
"Hermione NO!" Harry shouted as he put up a hand to stop her from coming any closer.
"Don't be silly," she chastised. Anyone looking at you can tell that you're hurt. We need to get you down to the Hospital Wing.
Ron grabbed her arm. "ARE YOU MAD WOMAN?"
"RON! He's hurt!"
"He's alive isn't he? He's not going anywhere until after the presentation."
Meanwhile, Madame Hooch and Headmaster Dumbledore escorted Professor McGonagall and the Quiddich Cup down to the middle of the Pitch. No one could hear what Dumbledore was saying (even though he had cast the Sonorus Charm on himself) over the roar of the Gryffindors.
Someone grabbed Harry's shoulder. He made to shrug it off when he heard an older, distinct voice saying, "Potter, don't be ridiculous. To the Hospital Wing with you."
"But Professor McGonagall, I don't want to miss the party. Not this one - please?"
"Come to your senses boy. She'll have you fixed up in no time. Now go!"
"Yes Professor," Harry said heavily as he turned to make his way back to the school.
"Oh, and Potter --- "
"Yes Professor?"
She smiled, "Nice game. The Cup looks so much bearing Gryffindor's name. Don't you think?"
He smiled, nodded, and made his way up to the school alongside Hermione and Ron feeling better than he had in weeks.
Sure enough, though constantly murmuring about the dangers of sports, Madame Pomfrey fixed him up in less than an hour. She didn't even make Hermione and Ron leave. Harry, eager to relive the tale through the eyes of his two best friends, used the time to pump Ron and Hermione for information about how the game looked from where they were (especially Ron since he was on the Pitch).
When Harry was released they went straight to Gryffindor Tower to join the party. Deafening cheers of "RON" and "HARRY" greeted the teammates as the entered the Tower behind Hermione.
Chaos reigned for hours. Even Hermione didn't try to convince anyone to study. It was an unspoken understanding that this night was for fun --- this night was for celebrating and blowing off steam.
Fireworks, streamers, noisemakers and dancing Gryffindors were only a few of the things still wreaking havoc in the Common Room. From first years through seventh years, no one could think of going to bed. Gryffindor had just won the Interhouse Quiddich Cup and tomorrow wasn't even a school day.
"We're out of food," called a sixth year.
Sure enough. There was nothing left. Fred and George looked crestfallen. Traditionally they were the ones who would come to the rescue at this point. But potential clients encircled them. No less than ten younger students were surrounding them watching the twins display some of their new products. One look at their faces told Harry what he ought to do.
"I'll go," Harry offered. And he went through the portal past the Fat Lady before anyone could say anything.
Unfortunately he didn't have the Marauder's Map with him. If he had, maybe he wouldn't have run into the Death Eater.