Chapter Eight
A couple of weeks passed and Christmas was nearly here. Gwen had settled into her role at Hogwarts well.
She'd become quite a good teacher's assistant, helping Professor Trelawney with her lessons and helping the students.
Although Gwen got on with people, she still remained a little on the outside. She didn't feel included, mainly due to the fact she didn't have a house.
The excitement of having a merlin in the school had subsided and people were treating her like everyone else which Gwen was glad of.
She hated being the centre of attention, she much preferred to blend into the background.
Today, just before lunch, Trelawney had asked her to gather some books for her from the library and Gwen had agreed but was now very much regretting the decision.
Professor Trelawney had picked some of the larger books and Gwen had already made two trips before this.
She was glad that this was her last one because her arms were aching from carrying the books and she was starving.
"Ron!" She heard a voice from behind her shout.
Gwen tried to turn around but miscalculated her footing and tripped, the books falling everywhere.
As she bent to pick them up, she noticed Ron, Hermione and Harry in front of her.
Hermione was obviously lecturing Ron about something.
They eventually saw her, looking at them and walked over.
She hadn't talked to Ron or Harry since the night they'd caught her flying.
Even though, she'd seen them in class, they always seemed more preoccupied with other things and Gwen hadn't wanted to interrupt them.
Hermione on the other hand, she'd seen and spoken to a lot, mainly because they were always in the library together.
"Let us help you," Hermione offered.
All three of them then started to collect the rest of the books.
"I hope none of the books are damaged," Hermione said, picking up a book at looking at its spine.
Harry and Ron both shook their heads, placing some books into Gwen's arms.
"Why you carrying all these books? They're not for studying are they?" Ron said, his eyes scanning the book titles, "Guide to The Future," "How to Make a Good cup Of Tea for Your Future."
"No. These are for Professor Trelawney," Gwen said.
"Professor Trelawney needs to study?" Ron said, puzzled.
Harry, Hermione and Gwen all looked at each other and then carried on talking, ignoring Ron's bewildered expression.
"But they're so heavy," Gwen continued.
"Why don't you use a levitation spell?" Hermione added, placing another book into Gwen's hands.
"I would except."
"You don't know how? Oh, don't worry. I'll show you," Hermione said quickly, drawing her wand out.
"Anything to show off," Ron muttered under his breath to Harry.
"No, I do," Gwen said, "well, I think I do. It's just that I.," she looked at the floor, "I don't have a wand."
"You don't have a wand!" They all said together, their faces full of astonishment.
Gwen nodded, her face burning.
"Oh," Hermione said, trying to cover up her surprise.
"Hey, we'll help you," she added, taking some books.
The other two nodded, taking some books off Gwen.
She didn't think anything could be worse than this but then another voice shouted, "The merlin doesn't have a wand!"
It was Draco Malfoy, a blonde, pale-faced boy.
He was constantly trying to get her to do his divination homework for him, by pretending not to get it. But she saw through his little charade.
The boy was with his two bodyguards, Crabbe and Goyle, two blockheads, who wouldn't know the future if it, smacked them stupid.
Draco walked forward followed by Crabbe and Goyle; they stopped just in front of the foursome.
"I can't believe it. A powerful merlin doesn't even have a wand," Draco cackled as he spoke, "I can't wait to tell father and.everyone else," he laughed again.
This time Crabbe and Goyle grunted too.
"Malfoy why don't you.," Harry said angrily, stepping forward.
"Oohh, protecting the merlin are we, Potter? How pathetic," Draco hissed.
Harry took another step forward but Gwen stepped in front of him.
"It's ok, Harry. I can handle this," she said, then turning to Draco and looking him square in the face said, "do you know what merlins are famous for?"
"I don't know, not having wands?" Draco said smugly, impressed by his own cleverness.
"No," Gwen said, rolling her eyes, "their predictions and do you know what I predict for you?"
"What?" Draco said, turning and smirking at Crabbe and Goyle.
"I predict that you will have a great downfall," Gwen said, her eyes focused on Malfoy's face.
"Oh, I'm so scared," Draco said sarcastically.
"You should be, it's going to hurt," Gwen said calmly.
"Whatever, like I'm going to take advice from a merlin who can't even do proper magic. Come on," he said, gesturing to Crabbe and Goyle.
Malfoy then turned around and started to walk away.
"What was that about?" Ron said, coming up next to Gwen.
"Wait," Gwen said, holding a hand up.
As she did, they heard a large thump and turned to see Malfoy sprawled on the floor, with Crabbe and Goyle frantically trying to pick him up.
The foursome then burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"Hurt did it, Malfoy?" Harry called down to the figure who was now fixing his robe.
He shot them all a fierce look and walked off.
"How did you do that?" Ron said, through his chuckles.
"Predict he was going to fall?" Gwen said.
But before she answered, Hermione butt in, "well she's a merlin, isn't she?"
"Actually, it doesn't have anything to do with being a merlin," Gwen said, calming down.
"Then how." Harry said, his laughter stopping completely.
"I saw Filch mopping up there just before," Gwen said.
"Oh, but how did.," Harry started.
"Come on; let's get these books up to Professor Trelawney before she starts to predict death omens for me," Gwen cut in, walking away.
Ron and Hermione shrugged and then the three of them walked off, trying to catch up with Gwen.
***
Gwen watched Malfoy eat his breakfast and replayed the image of him, lying on the floor in a mess.
She laughed silently, then she noticed that Malfoy was staring at her.
She turned her head away but caught him whispering something to Crabbe and Goyle, then laugh, directing it at her.
Gwen felt slightly nervous, she'd seen what Malfoy was capable of, through the torture that he put Neville Longbottom through and she was completely defenceless without a wand.
But as long as she immersed herself in the crowd, then Malfoy wouldn't do anything, would he?
Gwen then realised that she was actually thinking about being scared of Malfoy, she laughed.
How could you be scared of pale faced Malfoy?
But still, she didn't want a confrontation, not unless she was pushed.
Gwen was completely lost in her thoughts when she realised that breakfast was over and people were leaving.
She quickly grabbed her bag and made her way out of the great hall.
There was bustle of people, trying to get to class and Gwen was glad, that she could blend into the crowd of people.
"Oi, merlin!" Malfoy yelled.
The way he said merlin, it sounded like an insult.
Gwen kept walking, she really didn't want to have to deal with Malfoy right now.
"I'm talking to you!" Malfoy screamed and Gwen felt a pair of cold hands pull her roughly around.
She looked at Malfoy with that smarmy look on his face and it made her stomach crunch up. She also noticed that the pair of them were building up an audience.
"Can I help you?" Gwen said, trying to remain calm.
Malfoy's eyes glinted when he spoke, "yes, I need to ask you something."
Gwen watched him closely, especially where his hands were.
"I need to know something.," his voice sounded so smooth, he leaned towards her, "I need to know why you wear that ridiculous hat." Then without any warning, his hand shot out and tried to grab it.
"Get off!" Gwen shouted and pushed Malfoy away.
He stumbled backwards, not expecting her to fight back.
Gwen stared at him and decided to quit while she was ahead but as she turned to leave, she tripped and fell onto the floor.
Afterwards, she realised she'd been tripped by Crabbe.
Goyle and him had been lurking around, watching from a distance and since it now seemed that poor Malfoy couldn't handle her by himself, they'd stepped in.
"What, going already?" Malfoy said, laughing.
He towered over her and Gwen could see, she wasn't escaping this, without being humiliated first.
"Yes, I've got lessons, don't you?" Gwen answered, she got up and tried to walk away but Crabbe and Goyle blocked her exit.
"Now, now, let's just see what we have here," Malfoy said and reached for her hat again.
Gwen swatted his hand out of the way, "I already told you, to get off."
Malfoy's eyes narrowed and he grabbed her wrist tightly, "who do you think you're talking to?"
Gwen felt something poke her in the chest and looked down to find Malfoy's wand pointed at her.
"Hey!" A voice called out.
Gwen turned to see the Weasley twins coming up towards them.
Malfoy instantly dropped her wrist but his wand remained out.
"Are you ok?" Fred asked, or Gwen thought it was Fred.
"I'm fine," Gwen replied, rubbing her wrist.
Malfoy stared at the three of them and then made a quick movement with his eyes.
Crabbe and Goyle then rested their hands on Fred and George's shoulders.
They weren't as tall as the Weasley twins but made up for it, in their stocky build.
They grunted at the two Gryffindors who took it as a challenge for a fight.
Although it wasn't exactly a fight, it was more like hostile circling but everyone seemed to be fully engrossed in it.
Gwen watched the four of them, each taunting each other to make a move.
Then she felt something fall onto her neck and realised it was her hair. She turned and saw Malfoy, his eyes wide open and her hat in his hands.
"You've.got.you've got." Malfoy said, but he couldn't say anymore because he then erupted into laughter which caused everyone else to look at Gwen.
She saw their eyes focus onto her hair and smiles forming on their faces but the only real person that was laughing was Malfoy.
For the first couple of seconds, Gwen blushed furiously, trying to hide her hair but then an anger started to boil inside of her and she turned on Malfoy.
"Give me my hat back," Gwen asked, clenching her teeth.
Malfoy stopped laughing and wiped an imaginary tear from his eye, "no, I don't think so."
Gwen moved towards the Slytherin and lowered her glasses slowly; her red eyes flashed at Malfoy, "I said, give it here."
Fear washed over Draco's face for a second.
Gwen did look quite terrifying with her blood eyes and acid green hair.
He handed the hat back to her and she shoved it onto her head and pushed her glasses back on.
Then with all the dignity she could muster, Gwen walked off back to her room and fell onto her bed, screaming into her pillow.
***
As Gwen walked to the pitch, she felt really awful.
After what had happened the other day, being embarrassed in front of half school hadn't been good.
She'd just gotten out of the spot light for being a merlin but now she was a merlin with green hair and red eyes.
At least I can disappear into the crowd today, Gwen thought, pulling her hat over her face.
"Gwen!" Hermione called.
Gwen turned and saw the Gryffindor come up alongside her.
"Why don't you come and sit with me?" Hermione said, smiling.
"I. don't think I'll be allowed." Gwen answered.
She didn't really want to be near any houses.
Hermione eyed her for a minute before saying, "this isn't about the other day, is it? I've been through worse and survived. Trust me."
Gwen didn't want to look scared to one of the few remaining people that wasn't looking at her funny, so she nodded her head and followed Hermione.
As they appeared in the Gryffindor area, Lavender Brown started to stare unsubtly at Gwen's hat.
She was then elbowed in the ribs quickly by Parvati Patil and looked away quickly.
Gwen gazed down over the pitch and there was a roar from the crowd, as the teams entered the arena.
Gwen instantly saw Harry, in his red robes, flying agilely around the pitch.
He was great on a broom.
Then she caught sight of Ron and saw him proudly soar around.
The last game he'd only let in 1 goal from Hufflepuff and Gryffindor had won with an amazing catch from Harry.
"Why hasn't the game started?" Lavender said impatiently, holding her Gryffindor flag tightly.
"Apparently Bole and Derrik haven't turned up yet," Seamus said, anxiously looking around the stadium.
Then they saw the two large Slytherin beaters appear and take their positions.
"Ok and we're off," Lee Jordan cried, he was commentating again.
"Oh and Gryffindor has possession, Katie Bell throws to Alicia Spinnet and back again and it's a goal! Yeah, Gryffindor!"
There was an eruption from the Gryffindors, as the first goal was scored.
"And here we go.Angela Johnson and oh, stolen by Blaise Zabini. He's flying towards the goalposts.oohh, a bludger just missed him. He's face to face with Ron, the new keeper for Gryffindor and.it's saved! A nice save from the keeper!"
Ron beamed proudly at the audience, aiming a lot of smug pride towards the Slytherins.
"And.it's Blaise Zabini again and he's coming up to the goalposts, come on Ron, save it.but nooo.it's a goal for Slytherin."
The Slytherin team member laughed and punched the air, making a massive show of himself. The Slytherins in the stands, roared with applause and cheering.
The Gryffindors looked a little crestfallen, most of all Ron. His face was turning red with either anger or embarrassment, Gwen couldn't tell which.
"Wait.," Lee Jordan screamed, "I think.Harry Potter has spotted the snitch."
Everyone's attention then turned to watch the Gryffindor seeker who was quickly joined by Draco, the Slytherin seeker.
Then from out of a corner, she saw Ron and the two Slytherin beaters.
Ron had flown forward to look at the action going on between the two seekers but that was mistake because now, the two beaters were coming up behind him, their bats in their hands.
"Look out, Ron!" Gwen cried out, and everyone's attention was diverted to the scene at the Gryffindor's goalposts.
But it was too late, as Ron turned; the two beaters brought their two bats down and smacked him violently across the head.
Ron then knocked out, fell off his broom and started to hurtle to the ground.
Madam Hooch blew her whistle viciously, so that the shrill noise filled the pitch. She beckoned both teams to the ground.
The Gryffindors were in an uproar, screaming at the Slytherins that they were cheaters. The Slytherins simply smirked quietly to themselves.
"You.," Fred shouted at Bole and Derrik.
"What?" they both said, innocently.
"Enough," Madam Hooch shouted, the two teams stood silent.
"I have never seen such behaviour. That was a deliberate attack on the keeper which was totally uncalled for."
"I don't think it makes much difference," Blaise Zabini muttered.
The Gryffindor team were ready to attack but were stopped by a hand by Madam Hooch.
Harry glared at Malfoy who simply shrugged.
Due to the distraction, Harry had missed the snitch and Malfoy had taken this opportunity to kick Harry, sending him off, spinning.
"Now, since the keeper is unfit to play."
They all stared at Ron who was being carried off on a stretcher by Madam Pomfrey.
"And the unbelievable behaviour by the two Slytherin beaters, I'm allowing Gryffindor a penalty and to replace their keeper, if they have somebody suitable."
Harry looked at the two Slytherin beaters and saw they were both smiling at this news.
"Can we have a minute?" George asked.
"Yes, quickly. Then I want to know who your new keeper is," Hooch replied.
The Gryffindors huddled together, "who are we going to get?" Katie Bell said.
"I can't think of anyone. I mean, Ron was the best there was," Angela Johnson added.
"Do we really need one?" Alison remarked.
"Yeah, the way the Slytherin are playing. We definitely need one," Katie answered.
"How about Gwen?" Harry asked, looking around at his team mates.
"The merlin?" George said, "is she any good?"
"She's good," Harry replied confidently, remembering the night he'd seen her fly, "and we don't have any other choice."
"Ok then. I'll take your word for it," George said, turning to Madam Hooch,
"We would like Gwen Aldan to be our new keeper."
"The merlin? You can't have her," Blaise cried out.
"Scared?" Fred said, spinning his bat in his hand.
"She's nothing to worry about," Malfoy added, winking at his team mate.
"Fine. Have her, won't do you any good," Zabini spat.
"I'm not sure," Madam Hooch said, leaning on her broomstick.
"But you said, we could have anyone suitable and she is," Fred said, standing in front of Hooch.
"Ok, someone go get her then," Hooch finally said, shaking her head.
***
A minute later, Gwen was walking onto the pitch; she couldn't believe she was going to play.
"Here you are," Hooch said, handing her a Gryffindor robe and a broom. "You understand all the rules?"
Gwen nodded; she wasn't sure why they'd picked her. She wasn't even in their house.
"Wait!" A voice shouted and Professor McGonagall came into sight. "A word, please," she beckoned Gwen to the sidelines.
"I don't think I should you let play," McGonagall said.
"Is there anyone else that can play?" Gwen asked, although she knew there wasn't.
"No," McGonagall replied. She seemed to be thinking it over.
"Well, we don't really have a choice then."
"Oh.very well," McGonagall said.
Gwen knew McGonagall wanted Gryffindor to win as badly as everyone else did.
"Give them hell," McGonagall said and walked off.
Gwen slightly shocked at the remark, stood frozen to the spot.
"Hey, Aldan, get up here!" Fred yelled.
Gwen pulled on her robe and kicked off on her broom into the pitch.
"And it seems that Gwen Aldan has replaced Ron Weasley. The game starts again and let's hope Bole and Derrik aren't going to cheat this time," Lee shouted, staring at the two beaters.
He then carried on with his commentary, "ok, it's Bell with possession of the quaffle and.she's coming up to the posts, nice duck from Montague and coming up to Bletchley.and goal for Gryffindor! So, it's tied, 20-20. Now, Slytherin has it and Warrington is speeding towards the Gryffindor end. Oohh, a bludger just missed him but now he's coming up to the goal posts."
Gwen could see Warrington coming up to her and she was ready.
Now, which post was he going to go for, she saw him swerving from side to side, left, she thought instantly.
She flew over and reached out, feeling the quaffle in her hands, she'd saved it.
"Gwen!" She looked up and Angela was there, hovering above the posts.
She threw it hard up to the chaser then a quick smile before she saw the girl dash down to the other end.
Harry was circling the pitch, searching frantically for the snitch, he wanted the game to end, he didn't trust the Slytherin beaters.
He had a feeling that they might launch another attack on the keeper.
Then as he soared around, he caught sight of Malfoy opposite him, also searching for the snitch.
The two seekers stared at each other, hardly blinking even when the bludgers flew perilously close to their heads.
Then, they saw the snitch hovering right in the middle of them. Harry and Malfoy both threw their weights forward and sped towards their prize.
It was different from when they'd last gone head to head, so many times before, because now, they both had firebolts. Draco had begged his father for one, so he could compete with Harry but in spite of this, Harry knew he could beat Draco.
They were both edging closer and the snitch was just in reach when a bludger hurtled itself towards the players and threw them off balance.
Both seekers spun for a second before they got their control again then the snitch was there, just in front of both of them.
Harry reached for it and grabbed, he felt the snitch in his hand but he also felt Malfoy's hand, trying to prise it out of his.
Then with an almighty push, he lurched himself backwards, taking the snitch with him. He sped off triumphantly but as he did, he caught sight of Gwen's unconscious body falling to the ground.
***
Gwen watched the fast-paced game, watching the Slytherin chasers carefully. She now had some confidence, now that she'd saved one.
Then she saw them, the two Slytherin beaters coming up to her, she looked over at the crowd and Madam Hooch, they were completely distracted by what was going on at the other end.
Bole and Derrik were now right in front of her.
"What do you want?" she asked, they were eerily calm and collected.
"Nothing much," Bole said.
"Just wanted to give you a message from someone," Derrik finished.
"Who?" Gwen asked, not liking the looks they were giving her.
"Oh, you-know-who."
Gwen froze; they couldn't be talking about the dark lord.
"Is this a joke?" Gwen asked, though she was certain it wasn't.
"Hmm. strange," Bole said, leaning on his hand.
"That's exactly what Bole and Derrik said, before we.," Derrik didn't finish his sentence.
Gwen wondered who these people were if they weren't Bole and Derrik, they certainly looked like them.
Then the fake Bole spoke again, "now about the message. Voldermort." Gwen shuddered at the name, "would just like to say, he's looking forward to meeting you and that he's planning something very special for your birthday."
"Now, we must be going," the fake Derrik said.
The two then turned away and were about to fly off when Bole turned around, "oh yeah, almost forgot, a welcoming present from our dark lord."
He then drew out his wand, pointed it at Gwen and a long blue streak came out and hit Gwen in the chest.
They then laughed and flew off. Madam Hooch started to yell at them but they ignored her then everyone looked at Gwen.
She was wobbling from side to side, her head on her chest.
Gwen felt cold, she couldn't feel her body anymore, all she felt was cold, ice cold, then black.
Everyone gasped, watching her motionless body fall off the broom and start to descend towards the ground.
*This is going to be my last chapter before Xmas. So, Happy Christmas to everyone! Also, any ideas about to happen next are greatly appreciated. Thanks*
A couple of weeks passed and Christmas was nearly here. Gwen had settled into her role at Hogwarts well.
She'd become quite a good teacher's assistant, helping Professor Trelawney with her lessons and helping the students.
Although Gwen got on with people, she still remained a little on the outside. She didn't feel included, mainly due to the fact she didn't have a house.
The excitement of having a merlin in the school had subsided and people were treating her like everyone else which Gwen was glad of.
She hated being the centre of attention, she much preferred to blend into the background.
Today, just before lunch, Trelawney had asked her to gather some books for her from the library and Gwen had agreed but was now very much regretting the decision.
Professor Trelawney had picked some of the larger books and Gwen had already made two trips before this.
She was glad that this was her last one because her arms were aching from carrying the books and she was starving.
"Ron!" She heard a voice from behind her shout.
Gwen tried to turn around but miscalculated her footing and tripped, the books falling everywhere.
As she bent to pick them up, she noticed Ron, Hermione and Harry in front of her.
Hermione was obviously lecturing Ron about something.
They eventually saw her, looking at them and walked over.
She hadn't talked to Ron or Harry since the night they'd caught her flying.
Even though, she'd seen them in class, they always seemed more preoccupied with other things and Gwen hadn't wanted to interrupt them.
Hermione on the other hand, she'd seen and spoken to a lot, mainly because they were always in the library together.
"Let us help you," Hermione offered.
All three of them then started to collect the rest of the books.
"I hope none of the books are damaged," Hermione said, picking up a book at looking at its spine.
Harry and Ron both shook their heads, placing some books into Gwen's arms.
"Why you carrying all these books? They're not for studying are they?" Ron said, his eyes scanning the book titles, "Guide to The Future," "How to Make a Good cup Of Tea for Your Future."
"No. These are for Professor Trelawney," Gwen said.
"Professor Trelawney needs to study?" Ron said, puzzled.
Harry, Hermione and Gwen all looked at each other and then carried on talking, ignoring Ron's bewildered expression.
"But they're so heavy," Gwen continued.
"Why don't you use a levitation spell?" Hermione added, placing another book into Gwen's hands.
"I would except."
"You don't know how? Oh, don't worry. I'll show you," Hermione said quickly, drawing her wand out.
"Anything to show off," Ron muttered under his breath to Harry.
"No, I do," Gwen said, "well, I think I do. It's just that I.," she looked at the floor, "I don't have a wand."
"You don't have a wand!" They all said together, their faces full of astonishment.
Gwen nodded, her face burning.
"Oh," Hermione said, trying to cover up her surprise.
"Hey, we'll help you," she added, taking some books.
The other two nodded, taking some books off Gwen.
She didn't think anything could be worse than this but then another voice shouted, "The merlin doesn't have a wand!"
It was Draco Malfoy, a blonde, pale-faced boy.
He was constantly trying to get her to do his divination homework for him, by pretending not to get it. But she saw through his little charade.
The boy was with his two bodyguards, Crabbe and Goyle, two blockheads, who wouldn't know the future if it, smacked them stupid.
Draco walked forward followed by Crabbe and Goyle; they stopped just in front of the foursome.
"I can't believe it. A powerful merlin doesn't even have a wand," Draco cackled as he spoke, "I can't wait to tell father and.everyone else," he laughed again.
This time Crabbe and Goyle grunted too.
"Malfoy why don't you.," Harry said angrily, stepping forward.
"Oohh, protecting the merlin are we, Potter? How pathetic," Draco hissed.
Harry took another step forward but Gwen stepped in front of him.
"It's ok, Harry. I can handle this," she said, then turning to Draco and looking him square in the face said, "do you know what merlins are famous for?"
"I don't know, not having wands?" Draco said smugly, impressed by his own cleverness.
"No," Gwen said, rolling her eyes, "their predictions and do you know what I predict for you?"
"What?" Draco said, turning and smirking at Crabbe and Goyle.
"I predict that you will have a great downfall," Gwen said, her eyes focused on Malfoy's face.
"Oh, I'm so scared," Draco said sarcastically.
"You should be, it's going to hurt," Gwen said calmly.
"Whatever, like I'm going to take advice from a merlin who can't even do proper magic. Come on," he said, gesturing to Crabbe and Goyle.
Malfoy then turned around and started to walk away.
"What was that about?" Ron said, coming up next to Gwen.
"Wait," Gwen said, holding a hand up.
As she did, they heard a large thump and turned to see Malfoy sprawled on the floor, with Crabbe and Goyle frantically trying to pick him up.
The foursome then burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"Hurt did it, Malfoy?" Harry called down to the figure who was now fixing his robe.
He shot them all a fierce look and walked off.
"How did you do that?" Ron said, through his chuckles.
"Predict he was going to fall?" Gwen said.
But before she answered, Hermione butt in, "well she's a merlin, isn't she?"
"Actually, it doesn't have anything to do with being a merlin," Gwen said, calming down.
"Then how." Harry said, his laughter stopping completely.
"I saw Filch mopping up there just before," Gwen said.
"Oh, but how did.," Harry started.
"Come on; let's get these books up to Professor Trelawney before she starts to predict death omens for me," Gwen cut in, walking away.
Ron and Hermione shrugged and then the three of them walked off, trying to catch up with Gwen.
***
Gwen watched Malfoy eat his breakfast and replayed the image of him, lying on the floor in a mess.
She laughed silently, then she noticed that Malfoy was staring at her.
She turned her head away but caught him whispering something to Crabbe and Goyle, then laugh, directing it at her.
Gwen felt slightly nervous, she'd seen what Malfoy was capable of, through the torture that he put Neville Longbottom through and she was completely defenceless without a wand.
But as long as she immersed herself in the crowd, then Malfoy wouldn't do anything, would he?
Gwen then realised that she was actually thinking about being scared of Malfoy, she laughed.
How could you be scared of pale faced Malfoy?
But still, she didn't want a confrontation, not unless she was pushed.
Gwen was completely lost in her thoughts when she realised that breakfast was over and people were leaving.
She quickly grabbed her bag and made her way out of the great hall.
There was bustle of people, trying to get to class and Gwen was glad, that she could blend into the crowd of people.
"Oi, merlin!" Malfoy yelled.
The way he said merlin, it sounded like an insult.
Gwen kept walking, she really didn't want to have to deal with Malfoy right now.
"I'm talking to you!" Malfoy screamed and Gwen felt a pair of cold hands pull her roughly around.
She looked at Malfoy with that smarmy look on his face and it made her stomach crunch up. She also noticed that the pair of them were building up an audience.
"Can I help you?" Gwen said, trying to remain calm.
Malfoy's eyes glinted when he spoke, "yes, I need to ask you something."
Gwen watched him closely, especially where his hands were.
"I need to know something.," his voice sounded so smooth, he leaned towards her, "I need to know why you wear that ridiculous hat." Then without any warning, his hand shot out and tried to grab it.
"Get off!" Gwen shouted and pushed Malfoy away.
He stumbled backwards, not expecting her to fight back.
Gwen stared at him and decided to quit while she was ahead but as she turned to leave, she tripped and fell onto the floor.
Afterwards, she realised she'd been tripped by Crabbe.
Goyle and him had been lurking around, watching from a distance and since it now seemed that poor Malfoy couldn't handle her by himself, they'd stepped in.
"What, going already?" Malfoy said, laughing.
He towered over her and Gwen could see, she wasn't escaping this, without being humiliated first.
"Yes, I've got lessons, don't you?" Gwen answered, she got up and tried to walk away but Crabbe and Goyle blocked her exit.
"Now, now, let's just see what we have here," Malfoy said and reached for her hat again.
Gwen swatted his hand out of the way, "I already told you, to get off."
Malfoy's eyes narrowed and he grabbed her wrist tightly, "who do you think you're talking to?"
Gwen felt something poke her in the chest and looked down to find Malfoy's wand pointed at her.
"Hey!" A voice called out.
Gwen turned to see the Weasley twins coming up towards them.
Malfoy instantly dropped her wrist but his wand remained out.
"Are you ok?" Fred asked, or Gwen thought it was Fred.
"I'm fine," Gwen replied, rubbing her wrist.
Malfoy stared at the three of them and then made a quick movement with his eyes.
Crabbe and Goyle then rested their hands on Fred and George's shoulders.
They weren't as tall as the Weasley twins but made up for it, in their stocky build.
They grunted at the two Gryffindors who took it as a challenge for a fight.
Although it wasn't exactly a fight, it was more like hostile circling but everyone seemed to be fully engrossed in it.
Gwen watched the four of them, each taunting each other to make a move.
Then she felt something fall onto her neck and realised it was her hair. She turned and saw Malfoy, his eyes wide open and her hat in his hands.
"You've.got.you've got." Malfoy said, but he couldn't say anymore because he then erupted into laughter which caused everyone else to look at Gwen.
She saw their eyes focus onto her hair and smiles forming on their faces but the only real person that was laughing was Malfoy.
For the first couple of seconds, Gwen blushed furiously, trying to hide her hair but then an anger started to boil inside of her and she turned on Malfoy.
"Give me my hat back," Gwen asked, clenching her teeth.
Malfoy stopped laughing and wiped an imaginary tear from his eye, "no, I don't think so."
Gwen moved towards the Slytherin and lowered her glasses slowly; her red eyes flashed at Malfoy, "I said, give it here."
Fear washed over Draco's face for a second.
Gwen did look quite terrifying with her blood eyes and acid green hair.
He handed the hat back to her and she shoved it onto her head and pushed her glasses back on.
Then with all the dignity she could muster, Gwen walked off back to her room and fell onto her bed, screaming into her pillow.
***
As Gwen walked to the pitch, she felt really awful.
After what had happened the other day, being embarrassed in front of half school hadn't been good.
She'd just gotten out of the spot light for being a merlin but now she was a merlin with green hair and red eyes.
At least I can disappear into the crowd today, Gwen thought, pulling her hat over her face.
"Gwen!" Hermione called.
Gwen turned and saw the Gryffindor come up alongside her.
"Why don't you come and sit with me?" Hermione said, smiling.
"I. don't think I'll be allowed." Gwen answered.
She didn't really want to be near any houses.
Hermione eyed her for a minute before saying, "this isn't about the other day, is it? I've been through worse and survived. Trust me."
Gwen didn't want to look scared to one of the few remaining people that wasn't looking at her funny, so she nodded her head and followed Hermione.
As they appeared in the Gryffindor area, Lavender Brown started to stare unsubtly at Gwen's hat.
She was then elbowed in the ribs quickly by Parvati Patil and looked away quickly.
Gwen gazed down over the pitch and there was a roar from the crowd, as the teams entered the arena.
Gwen instantly saw Harry, in his red robes, flying agilely around the pitch.
He was great on a broom.
Then she caught sight of Ron and saw him proudly soar around.
The last game he'd only let in 1 goal from Hufflepuff and Gryffindor had won with an amazing catch from Harry.
"Why hasn't the game started?" Lavender said impatiently, holding her Gryffindor flag tightly.
"Apparently Bole and Derrik haven't turned up yet," Seamus said, anxiously looking around the stadium.
Then they saw the two large Slytherin beaters appear and take their positions.
"Ok and we're off," Lee Jordan cried, he was commentating again.
"Oh and Gryffindor has possession, Katie Bell throws to Alicia Spinnet and back again and it's a goal! Yeah, Gryffindor!"
There was an eruption from the Gryffindors, as the first goal was scored.
"And here we go.Angela Johnson and oh, stolen by Blaise Zabini. He's flying towards the goalposts.oohh, a bludger just missed him. He's face to face with Ron, the new keeper for Gryffindor and.it's saved! A nice save from the keeper!"
Ron beamed proudly at the audience, aiming a lot of smug pride towards the Slytherins.
"And.it's Blaise Zabini again and he's coming up to the goalposts, come on Ron, save it.but nooo.it's a goal for Slytherin."
The Slytherin team member laughed and punched the air, making a massive show of himself. The Slytherins in the stands, roared with applause and cheering.
The Gryffindors looked a little crestfallen, most of all Ron. His face was turning red with either anger or embarrassment, Gwen couldn't tell which.
"Wait.," Lee Jordan screamed, "I think.Harry Potter has spotted the snitch."
Everyone's attention then turned to watch the Gryffindor seeker who was quickly joined by Draco, the Slytherin seeker.
Then from out of a corner, she saw Ron and the two Slytherin beaters.
Ron had flown forward to look at the action going on between the two seekers but that was mistake because now, the two beaters were coming up behind him, their bats in their hands.
"Look out, Ron!" Gwen cried out, and everyone's attention was diverted to the scene at the Gryffindor's goalposts.
But it was too late, as Ron turned; the two beaters brought their two bats down and smacked him violently across the head.
Ron then knocked out, fell off his broom and started to hurtle to the ground.
Madam Hooch blew her whistle viciously, so that the shrill noise filled the pitch. She beckoned both teams to the ground.
The Gryffindors were in an uproar, screaming at the Slytherins that they were cheaters. The Slytherins simply smirked quietly to themselves.
"You.," Fred shouted at Bole and Derrik.
"What?" they both said, innocently.
"Enough," Madam Hooch shouted, the two teams stood silent.
"I have never seen such behaviour. That was a deliberate attack on the keeper which was totally uncalled for."
"I don't think it makes much difference," Blaise Zabini muttered.
The Gryffindor team were ready to attack but were stopped by a hand by Madam Hooch.
Harry glared at Malfoy who simply shrugged.
Due to the distraction, Harry had missed the snitch and Malfoy had taken this opportunity to kick Harry, sending him off, spinning.
"Now, since the keeper is unfit to play."
They all stared at Ron who was being carried off on a stretcher by Madam Pomfrey.
"And the unbelievable behaviour by the two Slytherin beaters, I'm allowing Gryffindor a penalty and to replace their keeper, if they have somebody suitable."
Harry looked at the two Slytherin beaters and saw they were both smiling at this news.
"Can we have a minute?" George asked.
"Yes, quickly. Then I want to know who your new keeper is," Hooch replied.
The Gryffindors huddled together, "who are we going to get?" Katie Bell said.
"I can't think of anyone. I mean, Ron was the best there was," Angela Johnson added.
"Do we really need one?" Alison remarked.
"Yeah, the way the Slytherin are playing. We definitely need one," Katie answered.
"How about Gwen?" Harry asked, looking around at his team mates.
"The merlin?" George said, "is she any good?"
"She's good," Harry replied confidently, remembering the night he'd seen her fly, "and we don't have any other choice."
"Ok then. I'll take your word for it," George said, turning to Madam Hooch,
"We would like Gwen Aldan to be our new keeper."
"The merlin? You can't have her," Blaise cried out.
"Scared?" Fred said, spinning his bat in his hand.
"She's nothing to worry about," Malfoy added, winking at his team mate.
"Fine. Have her, won't do you any good," Zabini spat.
"I'm not sure," Madam Hooch said, leaning on her broomstick.
"But you said, we could have anyone suitable and she is," Fred said, standing in front of Hooch.
"Ok, someone go get her then," Hooch finally said, shaking her head.
***
A minute later, Gwen was walking onto the pitch; she couldn't believe she was going to play.
"Here you are," Hooch said, handing her a Gryffindor robe and a broom. "You understand all the rules?"
Gwen nodded; she wasn't sure why they'd picked her. She wasn't even in their house.
"Wait!" A voice shouted and Professor McGonagall came into sight. "A word, please," she beckoned Gwen to the sidelines.
"I don't think I should you let play," McGonagall said.
"Is there anyone else that can play?" Gwen asked, although she knew there wasn't.
"No," McGonagall replied. She seemed to be thinking it over.
"Well, we don't really have a choice then."
"Oh.very well," McGonagall said.
Gwen knew McGonagall wanted Gryffindor to win as badly as everyone else did.
"Give them hell," McGonagall said and walked off.
Gwen slightly shocked at the remark, stood frozen to the spot.
"Hey, Aldan, get up here!" Fred yelled.
Gwen pulled on her robe and kicked off on her broom into the pitch.
"And it seems that Gwen Aldan has replaced Ron Weasley. The game starts again and let's hope Bole and Derrik aren't going to cheat this time," Lee shouted, staring at the two beaters.
He then carried on with his commentary, "ok, it's Bell with possession of the quaffle and.she's coming up to the posts, nice duck from Montague and coming up to Bletchley.and goal for Gryffindor! So, it's tied, 20-20. Now, Slytherin has it and Warrington is speeding towards the Gryffindor end. Oohh, a bludger just missed him but now he's coming up to the goal posts."
Gwen could see Warrington coming up to her and she was ready.
Now, which post was he going to go for, she saw him swerving from side to side, left, she thought instantly.
She flew over and reached out, feeling the quaffle in her hands, she'd saved it.
"Gwen!" She looked up and Angela was there, hovering above the posts.
She threw it hard up to the chaser then a quick smile before she saw the girl dash down to the other end.
Harry was circling the pitch, searching frantically for the snitch, he wanted the game to end, he didn't trust the Slytherin beaters.
He had a feeling that they might launch another attack on the keeper.
Then as he soared around, he caught sight of Malfoy opposite him, also searching for the snitch.
The two seekers stared at each other, hardly blinking even when the bludgers flew perilously close to their heads.
Then, they saw the snitch hovering right in the middle of them. Harry and Malfoy both threw their weights forward and sped towards their prize.
It was different from when they'd last gone head to head, so many times before, because now, they both had firebolts. Draco had begged his father for one, so he could compete with Harry but in spite of this, Harry knew he could beat Draco.
They were both edging closer and the snitch was just in reach when a bludger hurtled itself towards the players and threw them off balance.
Both seekers spun for a second before they got their control again then the snitch was there, just in front of both of them.
Harry reached for it and grabbed, he felt the snitch in his hand but he also felt Malfoy's hand, trying to prise it out of his.
Then with an almighty push, he lurched himself backwards, taking the snitch with him. He sped off triumphantly but as he did, he caught sight of Gwen's unconscious body falling to the ground.
***
Gwen watched the fast-paced game, watching the Slytherin chasers carefully. She now had some confidence, now that she'd saved one.
Then she saw them, the two Slytherin beaters coming up to her, she looked over at the crowd and Madam Hooch, they were completely distracted by what was going on at the other end.
Bole and Derrik were now right in front of her.
"What do you want?" she asked, they were eerily calm and collected.
"Nothing much," Bole said.
"Just wanted to give you a message from someone," Derrik finished.
"Who?" Gwen asked, not liking the looks they were giving her.
"Oh, you-know-who."
Gwen froze; they couldn't be talking about the dark lord.
"Is this a joke?" Gwen asked, though she was certain it wasn't.
"Hmm. strange," Bole said, leaning on his hand.
"That's exactly what Bole and Derrik said, before we.," Derrik didn't finish his sentence.
Gwen wondered who these people were if they weren't Bole and Derrik, they certainly looked like them.
Then the fake Bole spoke again, "now about the message. Voldermort." Gwen shuddered at the name, "would just like to say, he's looking forward to meeting you and that he's planning something very special for your birthday."
"Now, we must be going," the fake Derrik said.
The two then turned away and were about to fly off when Bole turned around, "oh yeah, almost forgot, a welcoming present from our dark lord."
He then drew out his wand, pointed it at Gwen and a long blue streak came out and hit Gwen in the chest.
They then laughed and flew off. Madam Hooch started to yell at them but they ignored her then everyone looked at Gwen.
She was wobbling from side to side, her head on her chest.
Gwen felt cold, she couldn't feel her body anymore, all she felt was cold, ice cold, then black.
Everyone gasped, watching her motionless body fall off the broom and start to descend towards the ground.
*This is going to be my last chapter before Xmas. So, Happy Christmas to everyone! Also, any ideas about to happen next are greatly appreciated. Thanks*
