The next day, Ron, Harry, and Hermione were back in Potions. Everyone was standing outside the dungeons, waiting for Professor Snape to open the doors.
Ron had just said, "Wonder what we'll be doing this time," when Malfoy purposely bumped into him. "Ouch! Hey, watch it, Malfoy!" said Ron
Malfoy smirked. "Oh, did I bump into you, Weasley? I'm so sorry." He pulled out a copy of The Daily Prophet, and held it up to Ron. "Have you seen today's paper, Weasley? What about you, Potter?"
He read an article aloud for the whole class to hear:
MINISTRY DIVIDED OVER YOU-KNOW-WHO
Since June, the Ministry of Magic has been divided over
the issue of whether You-Know-Who, the worst has come back.
Lucius Malfoy, a top wizard at the Ministry said, "I
believe it is absolutely ridiculous that You-Know-Who could
possibly be back. I also don't see how everyone finds their
reasons for believing it. The man they claimed worked for You-
Know-Who clearly was insane, and Harry Potter is disturbed."
Arthur Weasley, the head of the Misuse-of-Muggle-
Artifacts department, is on the opposing side. He said, "Harry
Potter is a friend of all of my family, as is Dumbledore. I, along
with everyone who believes as I do, have faith in them and their
honesty. You-Know-Who being back would also explain a lot
of the odd occurrences that occurred last year."
There have been several disappearances, as well as a
murder of a Hogwarts student, Cedric Diggory, at the end of a not-
so-successful attempt to start the Triwizard Tournament, a
competition between three wizarding schools. Diggory's body
was brought back by Harry Potter, allegedly after he was killed
by one of You-Know-Who's supporters. Albus Dumbledore,
headmaster of Hogwarts, even announced to his students that
Cedric had been killed by You-Know-Who. Hundreds of angry
parents have plagued the Ministry with owls, demanding either
an apology from Dumbledore, or his removal.
The Minister of Magic himself, Cornelius Fudge, said
this, "I personally do not believe a word of the story. The man
they said helped You-Know-Who was in no state to testify.
Harry Potter has given ridiculous stories before, and I am not one
to believe him. I believe that Dumbledore should not have told
this outrageous story to his students, and I will speak to him
about it. I am fully aware that wizards and witches in my own
Ministry have a different opinion, and I will be reconsidering
whether or not we have room in the Ministry for wizards who
are willing to cause unnecessary fear."
"You hear that, Potter? Fudge doesn't believe you! Weasley, you hear how they called my father a 'top wizard? And you hear that part about reconsidering whether or not they have room in the Ministry for wizards 'willing to cause unnecessary fear?' That means your Father may lose his job soon. Oh God, then you'll be even poorer, if that's possible!"
Thwack. Before anyone could comprehend what was going on, Ron had punched Malfoy in the lip, and it was now bleeding. Everyone gasped. Malfoy patted his lips with his fingers, saw the blood, and scowled. Crabbe and Goyle moved forward, to retaliate, but Malfoy jumped forward and punched Ron right back. Soon, Malfoy and Ron were in a fury, each letting out rage that had gathered for five years.
Harry and Hermione knew that Snape would only punish Ron if he saw them fighting, and they tried to get Ron to stop. Crabbe and Goyle were watching Malfoy, ready to back him up, and everyone else was either cheering on Ron or Malfoy. But before they could —
"WEASLEY!"
Ron and Malfoy both froze immediately. Everyone grew silent. Snape had just opened the dungeon doors and was staring angrily at Ron. Ron had a black eye, and a bloody nose. Malfoy's lip was still bleeding, and his chin was scratched. "It wasn't my fault, Professor! Weasley attacked me!" Malfoy said, pointing at Ron.
"Malfoy provoked him, Professor!" Harry said, but Snape just glared at him.
"Silence, Potter! Weasley, that's fifty points from Gryffindor, and detention," Snape hissed.
"What about Malfoy, Professor Snape?"
Everyone turned. Professor Somorum was standing against the wall, watching Snape.
Snape's face filled with an expression Harry had never seen before, a mix of hatred and respect. He merely said, "I only saw Weasley hit Malfoy, so I can only punish him." Then he snarled, "Everyone — "
"Well, I saw Malfoy insult both Harry and Ron, and hit Ron back. So, I believe that if Ron should be punished, they both should be punished." Professor Somorum walked right up to Snape and whispered, "And if you don't punish Malfoy, Professor Snape, then I will."
Snape looked at her, furiously, but said nothing. Finally, to everyone's amazement, he said, "Fifty points from Slytherin, Malfoy." Malfoy's face filled with horror.
But, before he could usher everyone in, Professor Somorum said, "And detention, Professor Snape."
After a silent minute, Snape spat, "And detention." He scowled at Professor Somorum, who walked away, smiling. Everyone could hardly believe their ears. Professor Snape had just taken away points and given a detention to a Slytherin. Never before had that been done.
Snape then snarled, "Everyone get in, now!" Everyone rushed in, and took their seats.
"Now, today we're going to work on a potion that induces sleep, and also drains energy from whoever drinks it. This is an extremely dangerous substance, and I want no accidents, am I perfectly clear?" said Snape.
"Yes, Professor Snape," the class said in unison.
"Now, this potion is sometimes known as the Aisehtsena potion. Although we cannot test it on you," he gave a sour look, as though he wished he could, "I will be judging each of your potions."
He listed the ingredients, which included shredded snakeskin, two handfuls of beetle eyes, and a piece of Mandrake leaf. They were powdered, and added to a cauldron of boiling water. Harry felt uncomfortable, as Snape stood right behind his cauldron, watching him, as if waiting for Harry to make a mistake.
The next night, desperate for ideas for his potion, Harry was thumbing through his Potions book. He eventually decided that it would be neat to create a potion that allowed the drinker to have the ability to change color, like a chameleon.
The next few weeks were extremely busy. The teachers were all piling homework on the students unlike any other year. The huge amount of homework, on top of Quidditch practice, was getting to be very stressful.
It also didn't help Harry that someone was clearly stalking him. He constantly was feeling someone watch him. In addition, he started hearing footprints as well. He hadn't heard from Sirius in a while, and Harry was starting to really get nervous. Although he knew that as long as there wasn't a story about it in The Daily Prophet, then Sirius hadn't been caught, he couldn't help being nervous.
When he mentioned this to Ron and Hermione, Hermione immediately suggested that Emeric Diggory was the one who was following him, and it made sense. He hadn't spoken to Harry since that night in the Great Hall, but he would constantly watch Harry during meals, whispering to Malfoy.
When they weren't doing the rest of their homework, all of the fifth years were in the library, researching potion ingredients for their potions. Harry, so far, had cricket legs, a piece of chameleon tail, two or three different colored Fwooper tails, and mandrake leaves.
In early November, it was time for the first Quidditch game of the season: Slytherin versus Gryffindor. In their first practice, the team had chosen Fred Weasley as their captain. Now he got to make the pre-game speeches. As the team, in their bright scarlet robes, waited in the locker room, Fred gave a little speech. "All right. We've trained hard, and we've worked hard. Slytherins cheat, and play unfairly, but we've got a clean game. We're stronger than they are, and we can win. With our new Keeper," Jessica blushed, "we'll be unbeatable. Now, get out there and win!"
Everyone climbed onto their broomsticks, and flew out onto the field.
"And here are the Gryffindors, flying out onto the field. They have their new Keeper, Jessica Braham joining them." Lee Jordan, the Weasley twins' friend, was providing commentary.
The Slytherin team burst out of the other locker room, in robes of dark green, and flew authoritatively around the field. "And here are the Slytherins."
Madame Hooch, the referee for the Quidditch matches, stepped out. "Captains, shake hands!" Marcus Flint, a huge, ugly Slytherin captain, shook Fred's hand. Both captains had fire in their eyes. Harry had never seen Fred Weasley look so solemn or serious in his life.
"The captains return to their brooms, and the players await Madame Hooch's whistle," Lee Jordan said.
After counting down, Madame Hooch blew her whistle, and the fourteen broomsticks flew up into the air, among the cheers of the thrilled students watching.
"And the Quaffle is immediately snatched by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor, who'll be leaving this year, sadly. She zooms towards the Slytherin goal post, followed closely by Flint."
Harry flew above the regular field and scanned the area for any sign of the tiny Golden Snitch. He looked towards the castle, and saw thick, black clouds. Harry's hair was blown about by the wind.
"Tired already, Potter? Or, are you just waiting for the Snitch to come to you?"
Harry looked up and saw Malfoy, flying three feet above him.
"It would be a more reasonable guess that the Snitch would come to me than that you would ever catch it, Malfoy," Harry said in a completely serious tone. Malfoy scowled, but flew away.
"Angelina nearly there — passes to Katie Bell, who passes to Alicia Spinnet — she shoots — SHE SCORES! TEN TO ZERO, GRYFFINDOR!" Lee Jordan yelled, along with loud cheers from the Gryffindors.
"Yeah, Harry!" called Ron weakly. He was sitting next to Hermione, and in front of Neville, Dean, and Seamus. Hagrid was sitting on Ron's other side. Ron wasn't really watching Harry. He was watching Jessica, looking mournful.
"Looks like Harry's doin' all righ'," said Hagrid, smiling.
"Quaffle in Slytherin's possession. Flint flies down the field — he shoots — What was that?"
Gasps came from all over the Quidditch field. Flint had thrown the ball towards the lowest of the three golden hoops, and Jessica had been too high, so she had lowered her broom, caught the Quaffle with her feet, and picked it up. Looking pleased with herself, Jessica threw the ball towards Angelina.
"And an amazing catch by the new Gryffindor Keeper, Jessica Braham stops Slytherin from scoring. The Quaffle back in Gryffindor's possession, with Angelina flying downs the field. She shoots towards the goal — Come on, Angelina — and she scores again! Twenty to zero, Gryffindor!" More cheers erupted from Gryffindor, while Slytherins moaned.
Harry zoomed in, for a better look at what was happening.
"Slytherin in possession now — Captain Flint takes the Quaffle down the field… come on, Jessica — NO! Slytherin scores — twenty to ten, Gryffindor."
Slytherins cheered, while the Gryffindors moaned.
Harry thought he saw a spot of gold and immediately took off. He then realized he had seen wrong, and pulled up higher.
"Not too bad a team, Potter. Keeper's decent. Too bad there's such a lousy Seeker though," sneered Malfoy. He was flying a few feet ahead of Harry.
Harry replied coolly, "I don't know Malfoy. I don't think your Keeper's too good either."
Malfoy's eyes narrowed dangerously. "I'd be careful, Potter. I've got a question for you. How do you get rid of a Quidditch player that you don't like?"
Hermione looked towards Harry's broomstick. "What's going on? It seems like Malfoy's bothering Harry."
"What else is new, Hermione?" said Ron.
"'Arry can take care o' 'imself, 'Ermione," said Hagrid. "Besides, Malfoy's always causin' trouble."
"Yes but — oh, look!"
Harry was puzzled. "What are you talking about, Malfoy?"
Malfoy just smiled. "How do you get rid of a Quidditch player that you don't like? Would you like to know the answer?"
Harry wasn't sure. "How, Malfoy?"
Malfoy burst into laughter. "It's so obvious, Potter! Get — rid — of — his — broomstick!"
Harry felt his stomach lurch as his Firebolt did the same. He grabbed on, and turned to see Flint and another Slytherin Chaser grabbing his broomstick. They shoved it again, and Harry's fingers slipped. He tired to grab onto his broomstick, but he couldn't.
Harry heard and saw Malfoy laugh as he fell… and fell… everything was in slow motion. He saw the horrified faces of Angelina and Alicia come closer… he felt the wind blow… he heard the screams of the students… he closed his eyes. He heard Lee Jordan say, in a slow voice, "Oh my God! Potter!"
Suddenly, he felt himself stop. He opened his eyes, and looked up. He saw, biting her lip, Jessica Braham. She had apparently grabbed Harry's robes by the collar and was now pulling him up to her broomstick.
She pulled him until he could grab on, and then said, "Would you mind helping me, Harry?" Harry shook his head, and grabbed the broomstick. Both he and Jessica were breathing heavily when Harry finally got onto the broomstick.
"I can never thank you enough," said Harry.
"That's — okay, Harry," said Jessica. Then, silently, Harry used his wand to call his broomstick to him, and climbed onto it.
"Thanks, Jessica," said Harry.
"Just catch the Snitch," she smiled, pointing. Harry looked where she was pointing, and saw that Malfoy had flew over there, and was chasing the Snitch. He nodded to Jessica, and flew off.
Soon, he'd caught up with Malfoy.
"And, an amazing catch by Jessica Braham saves Harry Potter's life," Lee said, breathless. "After the little — " Lee called Malfoy a name that made Professor McGonagall try and swipe the microphone. "Sorry, Professor, won't happen again — "
"Thanks a lot, Malfoy!" called Harry. Malfoy jerked his head around and flushed.
"What? How'd you — "
"Jessica caught me. She caught me by the robes, and got me onto her broomstick. Your little plan failed," said Harry.
"Well, I can still catch the Snitch," Malfoy said, and he took off after it. Harry followed him, refusing to let Malfoy win. He and Malfoy were neck in neck… Harry urged his Firebolt to go just a little faster. The Snitch dived, and Harry followed it. Malfoy took an extra second to realize what had happened, and that extra second was all that Harry needed.
He put on a burst of speed and clasped his hand around the Golden Snitch. Madame Hooch's whistle blew, and the Gryffindors screamed with joy.
Lee Jordan announced happily, "Harry catches the Snitch! After nearly being killed, Harry Potter catches the Snitch! Gryffindor wins, one hundred seventy points to ten! Take that you filthy, cheating little — "
"JORDAN!" shouted Professor McGonagall.
All of the players landed, and the Slytherins headed off towards their locker room. Professor McGonagall hurried down though, and stopped Malfoy, Flint, and the other Chaser. "I can't believe such tactics! Nearly killing the Gryffindor Seeker! Detention, and fifty points from Slytherin, each! And I will be talking to Professor Snape!" Then, she sent them on their way.
The Gryffindor team got together in a huddle, and everyone was breathing heavily. Everyone was looking at Harry, except Fred, who was looking at the ground.
"Braham?" Fred said, still looking down.
"Yes, Fred?" whispered Anna.
"Never, ever, ever let me question whether you belong on this team. And thank you."
Jessica just nodded.
"Harry? I want you to come with me, to talk to McGonagall," Fred said, looking at Harry.
"Why?"
"I want to see of we can get Malfoy kicked off of Slytherin team."
Harry nodded, and followed Fred. "Everyone else can hit the showers, and meet back for practice Monday," Fred called over his shoulder.
They went up to Professor McGonagall. "Professor?" said Fred.
"Yes, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter?"
"We'd like to talk to you, about getting that little monster Malfoy off of the — "
"I'm afraid, Mr. Weasley, that that is beyond my authority," Professor said McGonagall somberly.
"What?" Fred and Harry said together.
"The head of each house is the one in charge of the team. Other teachers can only try and persuade those teachers to not let a student play," explained Professor McGonagall.
"You're saying that Malfoy just tried to kill me, and Snape gets to decide if he's on the team?" said Harry. Professor McGonagall nodded. "But Snape hates me! He'll never kick Malfoy off of the team!"
"Don't assume that, Harry." Professor Somorum had taken a place next to Professor McGonagall and was listening intently. "I'll have a little talk with Professor Snape, and see what I can do."
"Now, Professor Somorum," said Professor McGonagall, "you know as I do that no one can change Severus's mind. Now, let's go." She left, although not without making sure that Professor Somorum was right behind her.
Fred shook his head. "That's stupid — that little git nearly killed you — " He sighed. "Well, let's hit the showers, Harry."
When Harry arrived at the Great Hall for dinner that night, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny came up to him.
"Harry! Are you all right?" Hermione demanded, thoroughly looking Harry over, looking for scratches, or anything indicating injury.
"I'm fine, Hermione," Harry said, stepping back.
"You scared us, Harry. We thought you were going to —" Ron didn't finish, but he didn't have to.
"You have to be careful, Harry," Ginny said, anxiously.
"I'm fine, okay? I'll be just fine," Harry said, assuring them along with himself.
Just then, Harry looked furiously around.
"What's wrong, Harry?" Hermione asked.
"Someone's watching me —" Harry whispered. Hermione gave Harry a look as if he were going mad. Harry didn't blame her. He felt it was time he told Dumbledore.