Disclaimer
see chapter 1
Annie
Chapter 9
Lessons had been in swing for a whole two weeks, and the second Saturday was the date of the first Quidditch match of the year. Annie couldn't wait to see it. Sophie had told her all about Quidditch, and Annie had taken to a broom like a natural. Her first broomstick lesson had been a great success, and she had been one of the few who had managed to do what they were told. Even Madam Hooch had been pleased with her progress, and had urged her to try out for her house team next year. Annie fancied being a chaser, because according to Sophie, they were in the thick of the action. But first, she had to watch a game, and that was exactly what she was going to do that very day.
"Do you think we need our cloaks?" asked Francesca, now known as 'Frankie'.
"It's hot outside; you'd roast in the stands," said Isabella.
At that point, Annie came bursting into the room.
"Will you four hurry up, we're waiting and I want to get good seats."
"What do you mean 'we're waiting'?"
"Tom and I. Duncan, Jason and Andrew have already gone."
"Oh, you and Tom," teased Sophie.
"Shut up, we're friends, and he wanted me to help with him with his transfiguration homework."
"How come you're so good at that?" asked Sophie.
"It's a gift."
"My brother David said that you performed a miracle, turning your match into a needle in our second lesson."
"Why is that such a miracle?"
"Because you got McGonagall to smile. She never does that."
"I guess, but don't forget we have lessons with the Slytherins. I wouldn't smile about that either. But come on, can we get going?"
"Alright," said Isabelle, as Annie practically pushed them down the stairs.
Tom was waiting for them by the portrait hole.
"So you're finally ready?"
"Annie couldn't wait to get back to you!" teased Frankie.
"Frankie?"
"What?"
"Shut up!" Both Annie and Tom had gone slightly red.
"This game is a bit slow," complained Flic, who was focusing her binoculars on all the teachers in the stands. "Just wait until there's a game between Gryffindor and Slytherin."
"Why, what happens?" asked Annie.
"Well, you know how we're rivals?"
"Yeah," replied Isabelle.
"Well, give the two house teams a broomstick each, plus a quaffle and a couple of bludgers, and there you have some real action. The game can get pretty rough."
"How do you know all of this?" asked Andrew.
"A fifth year Ravenclaw told me, after that fiasco in their potions class."
"Now that was funny," said Annie.
"Ah, look, its little orphan Annie watching her first little Quidditch match."
A group of first year Slytherins had sat down behind the Gryffindors. They had overheard a conversation where Annie had been telling her friends about the orphanage, and had been teasing her ever since. So far, she had been able to ignore it, but their taunts were getting worse.
"We've heard that your parents gave you up because they hated you. Is that true?"
"Why should I dignify you with an answer?"
"Yeah," said Isabelle. "She doesn't want to talk to you."
"Is that so?" sneered Celia, the girl who had been rude to them in their first transfiguration lesson. "I can hardly believe that she has anything worthy to say, having been brought up in the rotten place that she lives. They shouldn't let people like you in. Orphan mudbloods are the worst."
Annie had barely noticed that the game had ended, and was fuming as they walked out of the pitch.
"See you later little orphan Annie," called the Slytherins.
"I'll see you guys back in the common room," said Annie, as tears threatened to escape, "I forgot...my scarf." With that, she turned and ran back into the stadium. The others shrugged their shoulders and made their way back to the castle.
AN: ooh, nasty, evil Slytherins!!!! ah but we love them...don't we...it wouldn't be Hogwarts without them....review plz!