The Match Of Doom
The weekend went by really fast. No one even had enough time to finish their homework! None of the other girls had been in contact with Michelle since Friday night, when she took off with Harry. She was never at meals, and no one had caught her wandering the halls like she usually did. Jenny, Kim and Katie were getting worried.
"Has this girl locked herself in her dorm room or something? Or are we just going crazy?" asked Jenny. The three friends set off to search for her.
As they walked through the corridors, they came across Justin. He was heading in the direction of the Hufflepuff common room.
"Justin!" yelled Kim. "Do you know where Michelle is? Has she even come out of her room all weekend?"
Justin replied, "I don't even think she's spent any time in the dorm other than to sleep. She leaves the common room in the morning in a good mood, and then comes back at night in an even better one!"
The girls all looked at each other. What could Michelle have possibly been doing all weekend long?
Jenny said, "Did you ever happen to see which way she went, when she left the common room, or even who she was with?"
"Well," he started. "I did see her walk away from the room with a guy this morning. All I saw was their backsides. He had really messy hair, but I didn't get to see his face." The girls all started to giggle. They knew exactly what was going on. Justin didn't understand what was going on, so he decided to set off to his original destination.
"Okay, so at least we know who she's with. It's just a matter of finding out what they're up to, and where they are." said Katie.
Jenny replied, "I don't think I want to know what they're doing!" Kim agreed with the statement. They all started down the hall. Kim had quidditch practice, so Katie and Jenny were going to walk her there.
The girls crossed the grounds towards the quidditch pitch, and saw people on their brooms already. Angelina Johnson, Gryffindor's captain, was shouting out orders at the Weasley twins, who seemed to be fooling around. When Katie saw George, she turned a bright shade of red. Jenny and Katie said good-bye to Kim, and climbed the stairs in the stands so they could watch.
They reached the top of the stairs, and saw that there was someone else watching the practice.
"Michelle!" they both yelled. "Where have you been all weekend?"
Michelle was startled by the noise and said, "Oh! Hey you guys. Well, you see, I was, uh, studying all weekend. I just came out for some air!"
"Sure you were. Justin told us he saw you leave with someone. Could that someone possibly be - HARRY POTTER?" Jenny had an evil grin on her face. Michelle's eyes widened.
She was about to deny it, but it wasn't worth it. "Alright. I'm not gonna lie to you. I was with Harry all weekend. We're kinda seeing each other now."
"OH MY GOD!" the others said in unison. Katie then said, "Do you think it'll get serious?"
Michelle said, "Well, I sure hope it does!"
Katie and Jenny were so excited for Michelle, that they didn't even notice that Cho Chang from Ravenclaw was sitting a few rows behind them. Everyone at Hogwart's knew that she wanted Harry really badly. Actually, she wanted practically every guy in the whole school. It was her who sabotaged Jenny's relationship with Cedric a few months before he died in their fourth year. Jenny had never completely gotten over it. Cho's icy eyes stayed fixed on Michelle, as she continued to tell stories about her and Harry.
Jenny, Kim, Michelle and Katie spent the rest of the afternoon sitting by the lake, discussing their love lives. Kim was in a serious relationship with Oliver Wood. He used to be the captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team. It was hard for them to maintain a relationship, but they visited during the summer, and on all holidays. She was busy with school, and he was busy playing quidditch professionally. Kim missed him very much, since she hadn't gotten an owl from him since the week before school started. Michelle updated Kim about all of the weekend's happenings. Everyone was so excited that Michelle and Harry were now an item. Jenny was single. She hadn't dated anyone since Cedric, but she was getting pretty close.
"Seriously Jenny," said Kim. "Why don't you just ask him out? He wants you so badly, how can you not see it?"
Jenny said shyly, "I don't see it. We are really good friends, and I don't think he's interested in me. I have no idea what you are talking about."
"Listen, shut up. You like Draco, and he likes you. End of story, alright? Ok, Katie, is there anyone that you have had your eye on?" asked Michelle. Kim and Jenny's eyes lit up. They knew that Katie was interested in someone, and they wanted confirmation.
"Okay, but you can't say anything to anyone. Especially you, Kim." Katie said quietly.
"Why me? I don't have a big mouth!" Kim replied.
"No, it's not that," Katie started. Her voice was now becoming very shaky. "He's in your house, and you both participate in a common activity."
"Like, say, QUIDDITCH?" Jenny interrupted. Katie glared at Jenny. It was not a pleasant look at all. Kim found it to be very funny. Michelle was slightly confused.
"Alright. I'm going to tell you guys now. Are you sure you won't say anything? Ok, enough stalling. I – like - George Weasley." Katie could hardly get those last two words out of her mouth.
A burst of excited screams and giggles erupted from the area that the girls were sitting. The flock of birds sitting in that tree took off away from the noise.
"I knew it! I knew it!" was all Jenny and Kim could say. Michelle was laughing so hard; she could hardly sit up straight.
"It's not that funny, you guys. I only realized it on Friday. When we went flying, it was so - magical." Katie had never thought she'd ever hear herself saying something so corny in her entire life.
Michelle then said, "Some hooking up must be done! Kim, I think you should make it happen."
"I agree," nodded Jenny. "You guys were so cute together the other day!"
"Oh shut up," grunted Katie. The girls spent the rest of their day off laughing by the lake, and discussing ways to get George and Katie together. The sun was setting when they finally separated.
Monday did not get off to a good start for Michelle. In the morning, she had double Potions with Snape. He took off ten points off of Hufflepuff, just because she associated herself with Harry Potter.
"How could someone lower themselves to consider that boy a companion? Just like his father he is, a real brat," Snape mumbled to himself, as he walked by to check on everyone's potions. Divination didn't go that well either. Professor Trelawney gazed into Michelle's crystal ball, and declared that she would marry next week and die four days after that.
Lunchtime had finally come. It took forever just to get to the half point of the day! Michelle wandered into the Great Hall. She spotted her usual lunch buddies, but there was someone new to the table. Cho Chang was sitting right in Michelle's spot!
"Uh, hello Cho," Michelle mumbled. She was trying really hard to sound pleasant, but it wasn't working.
"Hello, Michelle. That's right, isn't it? Such a boring name for such a boring person," Cho said in a cold voice.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Michelle replied.
"I heard that you're banging Potter. You do know that he's mine, didn't you?" Cho sneered.
"Get your facts right, Cho. We've never done anything like that. It's you who sleeps with guys after knowing them for twenty minutes." Michelle was proud of herself for this comment. Cho did not look impressed.
"What did you say?" She seemed to be getting quite cross.
Michelle shot back, "I said - you like to sleep with guys after you've known them for twenty minutes. In other words, it means you're a whore! I don't know how many relationships you've ruined just within the school! Who knows how many you've ruined outside too?" There was fire in Cho's eyes. She was ready to pounce. Cho stood up from the table and slapped Michelle across the face. The entire room stopped and looked in their direction.
"You're gonna pay for that!" Michelle jumped on top of Cho, and started punching. Cho was swatting back, with her razor sharp nails. Some people were scared, since they were not used to seeing muggle fighting. Chunks of hair were being pulled out of each other's heads, and there was even some blood spilled onto the floor. The chaos didn't stop, until Professor McGonagall came marching up the aisle.
"Stop this nonsense right now," she screamed. The two girls looked up at her with fear in their eyes. The Professor picked both of them up, and ordered them to her office.
"Continue eating, the show's over. Move on with your lives," barked McGonagall. Everyone quickly went back to what they were originally doing.
Michelle and Cho entered Professor McGonagall's office, and took their seats across from her desk. She glared at both of the girls, and did not look pleased at all.
"Would someone like to explain to me why you girls started engaging in a muggle fight?" shed asked. Michelle and Cho just stared at her.
"She started it," Cho began. "She was calling me a slut, Professor! I think you should have her expelled!"
"Is this true, Miss Johnston?" McGonagall turned towards Michelle.
Michelle then said, "Actually, Professor. I called her a whore, and she was the one who hit me first. I think she should be the expelled one."
"I'm not going to suspend either of you, but I am going to give you a warning, as well as a detention. If either of you ever break another rule, I assure you, you will be expelled." McGonagall was quite serious. Both of the girls slowly stood up, and headed back to the Great Hall.
"You do know that I'm eventually gonna kick your ass, right?" said Cho.
"I'd like to see you try," Michelle retorted. "I think we should settle this the wizard way. Any coward can throw a punch. I want to see your magic skills. We'll have a duel." Cho stopped and thought for a second.
Then she replied, "Alright. I'm up for that. Tuesday night at 11:00, in the trophy room. Bring yourself, and your second - in case something should happen to you." Cho walked away cackling like an evil witch. Michelle stormed back to the Great Hall, and continued the rest of her afternoon in a miserable mood.
Night fell across the grounds, and people were starting to turn in. Michelle sat waiting in her common room. Cho said earlier that she had to bring her second. But who would she bring? She hadn't told all of her friends about the fight, since she avoided the other tables at dinnertime. Kim would be a good choice, since she was an athlete and all, but she had probably already fallen asleep. Jenny would be good too. The only thing was that she would have to send an owl to the Slytherin common room, and someone would surely rat her out if they found it. There was only one person left. Katie was a smart choice. She was near the top of all of her classes. She would be a great back up. Michelle quickly scribbled a note on a spare piece or parchment lying around.
Katie,
I know that this is short notice, but I really need your help. Cho wants to fight me at 11:00 in the trophy room. She said to bring a back up and, well, I thought that you would be the best choice. If you can, please meet me at 10:30 in the Great Hall, and we can leave together. Please don't let anyone else know about this, and reply as soon as possible.
From, Michelle
She quickly rolled up the parchment, and gave it to one of the other student's owls. It took off out the window. Michelle sat, waiting for a response.
About twenty minutes later, the same owl came swooping through the window, with a smaller piece of parchment in its claws. Michelle took the parchment, and opened it quickly. It was Katie's handwriting.
She then read,
How did you get yourself involved in such nonsense? Cho is a whore, and always will be. You don't need to fight her. However, I will come back you up if you really need it. You should be lucky that you have people who are willing to help you in certain situations…
The letter continued on about the consequences of battling, and how much danger she is putting herself in. Michelle didn't care, because all that mattered was that Katie was going to be her back up. Michelle went to her room, and started practicing and memorizing her best spells.
The time went by at an amazing pace. By the time Michelle had looked up at her clock, it was already 10:28. She had to hurry fast, since she wanted to get there before Cho did. She grabbed her wand, and headed out of the common room.
Michelle sprinted towards the Great Hall, and she immediately saw Katie waiting for her.
"Wow, you're late. And I thought that I wasn't going to be here on time," informed Katie.
"Yes, I know," mumbled Michelle. "Now, can we please start heading to the room? If we get there early, we'll get to know our battling space a lot better."
"Our battling space?" said Katie. "You mean your battling space. I don't plan on participating in this unless it is absolutely necessary." Michelle and Katie headed towards the trophy room, hoping not to get caught by anyone in the corridors.
They reached the room long before Cho did. Michelle studied the surrounding area, looking for places that she would be able to hide from unfriendly spells and attacks. Katie stood back with her arms cross, mumbling to herself how irresponsible her friends are, and that they shouldn't act so childish.
It was getting later and later. Michelle was getting more anxious by the second. Katie also commented on how if Cho was willing to challenge someone, she should have the decency to show up on time.
It was finally 11:15 when Cho finally appeared. She was standing there with Britney, another Ravenclaw. People weren't too fond of her either. Michelle gave Cho an unpleasant glare, and stood her guard.
"Alright. Here's how it goes. When Britney raises her wand in the air we cast our spells. I'm sure you know at least a few. You know, simple spells we learned in first year!" Cho thought she was very clever with her comment. Michelle didn't think it was funny. Neither did Katie.
Michelle and Cho took their places on opposite end of the room. They got into their starting positions, and waited for their queue. Britney slowly raised her wand in the air, and when it got to its highest point, the battle began.
Cho started to recite her spell, "Tanta..." but Michelle was too quick for her.
"Expelliarmus!" she yelled, as the wand flew out of Cho's hand. She looked surprised, and scrambled to pick it up off of the floor. Michelle then had her chance to do another spell. But she was too late. Cho had picked up her wand too fast.
Cho yelled, "Tantamarina!" A bolt of lightning came out of her wand, and shot right at Michelle. It blew her off of her feet. Michelle got up and dusted herself off. The battle continued, and it seemed that no one was winning. Each spell was getting more challenging. Michelle had to think of something that would finish her off. She then remembered. It was so simple! Had she though of it earlier, the match would have been over in a few seconds. First, Cho had to be disarmed again.
Michelle did the "Expelliarmus" spell once more, but this time, the wand flew too far away for Cho to get to it in time. Michelle now had her chance. She shouted, "Wingardium Leviosa!" Cho slowly started to rise up in the air.
"Let me down, you whore!" she screamed, and Michelle led her around the room, occasionally bumping her into the sharp trophies. Katie watched in amazement.
She sure hoped that Michelle wouldn't die or get injured. Then she'd be left to do magic spells. It would expose her deepest, darkest secret. She couldn't even do a simple battle. Katie couldn't watch any more of the fight, so she covered her hands with her face. Michelle had decided that she had had enough fun with Cho, so she decided to finish her off. She drove Cho right into one of the trophy cabinets. There was a loud CRASH, and Cho fell to the floor. Katie and Britney just stood there, looking at Michelle. Michelle just looked at Cho. She lay there, moaning in pain, struggling to free herself.
Michelle walked over to Cho and said, "Yeah, I remembered a few first year spells. Now stay away from me, or I'll mess you up again." Michelle picked up Cho's wand, and threw it at her.
"Come on, Katie. Let's go." Michelle said with confidence. They both strolled out of the trophy room, and started to walk back to their rooms.
"Michelle, that was SUPER!" Katie exclaimed.
"Why thank you," Michelle replied. "That bitch got what was coming to her." The rest of the walk was mostly silent, so Filch or Mrs. Norris, or anyone else for that matter wouldn't catch them out of bed. It was a shock that no one had heard the massive crash in the trophy room. Snape especially was always looking for ways to suspend people who were not in Slytherin.
They reached the Great Hall, and Michelle turned to Katie.
"Thanks so much for being my second, tonight. I know that if something happened to me, you would have taken care of her!" Michelle seemed so grateful. Katie didn't know what to say. If something did happen to Michelle, Katie wouldn't have been able to save the day.
She gave Michelle a weak smile and said, "No problem. I'm sure you'd do the same for me." There was a moment of silence, before the girls decided that they had better get to bed. They said good night, and head off towards their rooms.
Cho was stuck in the trophy room all night, so Britney had to go get help. The two were caught, and the news got all over the school. Britney got a detention and 100 points taken off of Ravenclaw. Cho on the other hand, was expelled the next morning. She packed her bags, and Dumbledore saw her to the train. She left the school in tears.
Britney tried to blame Katie and Michelle, but no one bought her story. Michelle and Katie caught each other's eyes the next day, and they both had smirks on their faces.