I don't own Harry Potter, only the OC

Hello guys, Badger here. I'm glad to see that you guy enjoyed the previous chapter. I am also glad to see that you guys seem to like the idea of Pansy being a secret friend/spy for the trio, at least those that left a review. If you remember in the last chapter, I asked if you wanted me to post chapters for another Fanfic, so you guys had variety. I thought about it, whilst writing this chapter, but I don't think I will be posting chapters for another Fanfic, as it is difficult enough to balance College, personal life and Fanfiction, and I don't think having two Fanfics to balance between is the best idea right now, so I apologise if you want to see a variety in Fanfics. That is all for now, I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 9

Granger Danger

Harry sat at the Slytherin table, at breakfast, feeling incredibly nervous. So nervous in fact, that he found himself unable to eat, he just picked at his food.

"Come on Harry" Daphne said "You need to eat something, a bit of toast at least"

"I know" Harry replied softly "I'm just nervous"

James patted his shoulder gently, before he passed him a goblet of pumpkin juice.

"Drink this" James said "It should help with your nerves"

Harry smiled appreciatively at James, as he began drinking. Daphne meanwhile looked at the goblet, before looking at James, who just gave her a discreet wink.

"Hey, Potter" Flint called, which caused Harry to look up "Come on, match starts in just over an hour, we need to go and get ready"

"Okay" Harry said, taking a small breath "See you guys soon"

"See you after the match Harry" Daphne replied

"Yes and don't worry" James added "You've got this, just relax, me and Daphne will be cheering from the stands"

Harry smiled at the two of them, before he followed after the rest of the team. Daphne watched him leave, until he left the Great Hall, before she turned to James, a suspicious look on her face.

"Did you put a calming draught in that goblet?" She asked

"Of course I did" James replied, as if she was crazy for thinking otherwise "You saw him, he may not have noticed, but he was shaking…if I didn't give him the draught, he would've fallen off his broom because of his nerves"

"I guess" Daphne sighed "Where did you get a calming draught anyway?"

"I always carry one around just in case" James shrugged "Never know when you might get stressed"

"Do you think that calming draught will help him?" Daphne asked

"It should do" James replied "They have always worked for me…but even if it doesn't work, he is still a natural on a broom, he'll be fine once he is in the air"

That didn't really reassure Daphne, but she had to just take his word for it.

Harry stood next to Flint, as the team waited patiently to be called out onto the pitch. He was incredibly grateful for the drink James gave him. He wasn't sure why, but it did calm him down quite a lot, though he still felt just a little bit nervous. He took a few deep breaths in hopes to steady his, rapidly, beating heart.

"You alright there Harry?" Flint asked, noticing his slight unease

"Yeah, I'm just…a little nervous" Harry replied

"Ah, don't worry about it" Flint smiled slightly "We all were…I remember how nervous I was before my first game"

"What happened?"

"I…I don't really quite remember" Flint replied, narrowing his eyes in thought "I took a bludger to the head halfway through the game and…woke up in the Medical wing about a week later"

All of a sudden, Harry felt even more nervous then he was this morning. The team then stood in silence, as they listened to Lee Jordan making the announcements for the Gryffindor team.

"Okay everyone, mount up and get ready" Flint said

Everyone began to mount their brooms and just in time too, as Lee Jordan announced the Slytherin team.

"And now, introducing Slytherins Quidditch team" Lee announced "We have Marcus Flint, the captain, alongside fellow Chasers Adrian Pucey and Terrence Higgs. Their keeper, Miles Bletchley. Their beaters, Michael Crawford and Theodore Levin. And finally their new Seeker, the youngest Seeker in a century…Harry Potter!"

The crowd cheered and applauded for the team, as they shot out of their entry point, flying around the pitch a few times, before they gently flew to the center point of the pitch. Harry was able to spot James and Daphne in the stands, cheering him on, which made him smile, before he turned his attention to Madam Hooch who was standing on the pitch below them, with the box that held the Quidditch balls. She looked at each player as she addressed them.

"I want a nice and clean game" She said "From all of you, am I understood?"

Seeing the nods of agreement coming from each of the players, she opened the trunk, where the bludgers and snitch flew out. Harry was able to catch a glimpse of the Golden Snitch, before it disappeared.

"The Bludgers are released" Lee's voice rang across the pitch "Which are quickly followed by the Golden Snitch, remember the Snitch is worth 150 points, whoever catches the Snitch determines who wins the game"

Madam Hooch picked up the Quaffle, taking a moment to take one last look at the players, before she threw it into the air. Immediatley, the chasers charged for the Quaffle, with the other players spreading out to their positions. The game had officially begun.

Harry immediatley flew across the pitch, looking high and low. He noticed that Gryffindors Seeker, had chosen to stay up high and look down at the pitch, hoping to spot a glimpse of gold. Whilst it may help, Harry decided it would be easier to keep moving, whilst keeping a sharp eye out. As he searched, Harry heard commotion going on around him, with Gryffindor scoring the first three goals in a matter of ten minutes, whilst Slytherin struggled to get a goal in. Gryffindors Keeper, Oliver Wood was just a difficult person to get past it seemed.

Harry saw something heading towards him, from the corner of his eye. He did a loop, avoiding it, to see a Bludger go past him. He wasn't able to relax, when he caught sight of the Snitch. Not wasting any time, he shot after it, following it across the pitch. Harry was certain the Gryffindor Seeker was behind him, but he didn't care about that right now. He was slowly gaining the Snitch, so he reached out his hand. Just as his hand was about to wrap around the Snitch, he felt his broom violently jerk backwards, before it started throwing him all over the place, as if the broom was trying to send him flying off of it.

Everyone was watching what was going on in shock. Almost, everyone. Malfoy and his goons were laughing and cheering, hoping that Harry gets thrown off. James and Daphne, on the over hand, were worried.

"What is happening?" Daphne asked "He was flying perfectly well"

"I don't know" James replied

He snatched a pair of binoculars from a nearby kid, who let out a yell of protest, but James didn't care. He looked through them, taking note of what was going on, before he started looking amongst the stands. After a few moments, he threw them to one side, frustrated.

"He isn't in control" He said "Something, or someone is jinxing that broom, but I can't find who!"

"Can you think of a way to help him?" Daphne asked

"I do know of a counter spell, that can help" James replied "However, he is moving about so much, it would be near impossible to hit the broom from here"

"You have to do something!" Daphne said, when the broom managed to throw Harry off, but lucky he was able to grab the broom, before he could fall, but the broom was still moving all over the place "It may be impossible, but you have to try the counter spell"

"I'll try" James said "But if I hurt Harry, it is on you"

James took out his wand and was about to try and fire the counter spell, when Harry's broom all of a sudden stopped and calmed down.

"What just happened?" Daphne asked "Did you do something?"

"No, I didn't do anything" James replied, confused, as he pocketed his wand "Whatever it was, he now seems to be safe"

Harry wasn't sure what just happened to his broom, but he quickly got back on it. He didn't have anytime to think about what just happened, as he saw the Snitch flying across the pitch, with the Gryffindor Seeker following after it. Harry immediatley shot after them, where he quickly found himself alongside the Gryffindor Seeker, thanks to his newer and faster broom. The two Seekers didn't pay attention to one another, keeping their focus on the Snitch, which quickly shot downwards to the ground.

Harry never kept his eyes of the Snitch, though he did get nervous, the closer they got to the ground. From the corner of his eye, he could see the Gryffindor Seeker getting more nervous, sending Harry the occasional glance, to see if he was going to pull up first. However, as the two of them got closer to the ground, they pulled up, flying upwards into the air. Harry, meanwhile didn't move. He continued following after the Snitch, which finally flew up. Harry immediatley chased after it, when he was mere inches from the ground, his feet practically skimming the grass. Deciding to take a risk, he slowly but surely stood up onto his broom, arm outstretched, inching further closer to the Snitch. However he stepped to far, onto the end of the broom, which caused him to tip and fall to the ground.

Everyone watched, as Harry got up, where he began to retch

"It looks like he is going to be sick" Daphne said

Harry was expecting to throw up, but instead a golden ball popped out of his mouth, which caused him to catch it, before it fell to the ground. His eyes widened, when he saw it was the Golden Snitch. He saw the rest of the players hovering around him, to see what was going on. This caused Harry to proudly hold it up, causing the Slytherin team to cheer.

"And Potter has caught the Snitch" Lee called out, seeing the golden glint, "He has earned Slytherin 150 points, which means Slytherin wins!"

Harry couldn't help but smile, as he watched everyone cheering. His gaze crossed with Marcus Flint, who was smiling proudly at him, giving him a small nod.

After the match, Harry hit the showers. He spend a good while under the water, as he felt weak and sore, so he felt like a good soak would help him. When he finished, he exited the showers, to see James and Daphne waiting for him.

"Oh, hey guys" Harry said "You didn't have to wait for me"

"Eh, you better get used to it" James shrugged, smiling softly "But how are you, you were getting thrown about out there"

"I'm fine" Harry said, as the three began walking "Though I don't know what happened, did either of you see anything"

"No" Daphne shook her head "We are just as confused as you are…maybe you should see Professor Flitwick and have a few protective charms placed on your broom so it doesn't happen again"

"That does seem like a good idea" Harry nodded, thinking about it

"I would do it Harry" James agreed "We actually have Charms first thing tomorrow, we could speak to him about it then"

Harry nodded, before the Trio were stopped by the thorn in James' side that was Hermione. They couldn't help but notice that she looked really smug about something. Harry stood a little straighter, James prepared himself for a headache and Daphne just stood back, to see what happens, as she hasn't had as much of a run in with the bushy haired Gryffindor.

"How can we help you?" James asked, in forced politeness

"You owe me a thank you" Hermione said to Harry, the smugness beginning to annoy Harry

"What for?" Harry asked

"For saving your life" Hermione replied "I found Snape was jinxing your broom…"

"Snape?" James interrupted, "Why would Snape jinx his broom, he was the one who gave him the broom"

"I know what I saw" Hermione snapped, "I saw him muttering to himself, I have read about curses and Snape wasn't blinking"

"James is right" Harry spoke up "Snape gave me the broom, besides, he could have been doing the counter spell"

"No, he was cursing you" Hermione said "After I set fire to his cloak, it stopped an…"

"YOU WHAT!" The Trio exclaimed

"You set fire to a professors cloak" James said "And you actually just admitted that, you really are crazy Granger, now if you don't mind, we are going to go, before you try to do something similar to us"

James immediatley walked away, with Harry and Daphne wasting no time in following after him, leaving behind a fuming Hermione behind.

"I really can't stand that girl" Daphne said "She's worse than Malfoy"

"Welcome to our world" James sighed "I don't know why she is the way she is, but her ego is like a balloon that needs to be deflated one way or another and I would gladly be the one to pop that balloon"

It was a little over a month later and people were getting ready for the Christmas Holidays. Many students were leaving to spend time with families. Harry decided to stay at Hogwarts, which prompted James to choose to stay as well. Daphne wanted to stay, but her family had booked a small holiday which she wouldn't be allowed to miss. Harry didn't mind though. With James by his side, he would be fine.

After the Quidditch match, the twins had congratulated Harry, saying they were looking forward to future games, as they were now going to have a proper challenge. The trio had also approached Flitwick and asked about giving his broom some protective charms. The Charms professor was more than happy to do so. Harry also thought about what Hermione said. Though he really doubted everything she said, a small part of him was worried that Snape did try to potentially kill him. After their Potions class, he asked Snape about the broom. Snape revealed to him that he was trying to use the counter spell, until his cloak caught fire, but he wasn't sure who was trying to curse his broom. Harry couldn't help but feel that he wasn't telling him the full truth, but decided to let it be for now. If James held some secrets from him, then he guessed Snape could too.

Currently, the Trio were sitting in the Great Hall for breakfast, when a beautiful black barn owl flew toward them, giving James a letter.

"Thank you, Loki" James smiled, stroking her feathers

The owl hooted gently, before she flew away. Harry and Daphne watched with interest, as James began to open the letter.

"Was that your owl James?" Daphne asked

"Yes, that was Loki" James smiled

"I haven't seen her around before" Harry spoke up

"She's been out hunting for quite some time" James shrugged, as he began reading the letter

"What is the letter?" Daphne asked

"Just a friend wishing me a Happy Birthday" James replied

"Today is your birthday?" Harry asked "Why didn't you say anything"

"It's just another day" James said "It's nothing special"

Harry and Daphne shared a look. The tone of his voice was a cause of concern. They were also concerned about James' comment. They felt there was something else he wasn't telling them. They could only hope that he will tell them one day.

There you go guys, that was Chapter 9. I hope you enjoyed. I also hope you liked the name of the chapter. I found it fitting seeing as in canon Hermione LITERALLY SETS FIRE TO A PROFESSOR, and it never comes up again [as far as I know]. She is one crazy girl.

Now, while this chapter was easy to write, something happened when I was writing. Some kind of update made my computer restart and I was unable to save my progress, so I had to rewrite most of the chapter, so I'm sorry if the ending portion is a little odd or rushed. I think I was able to add everything though.

Harry finally had his first Quidditch game. I know it was Oliver Wood in canon, who described his first Quidditch game, but I wanted to have Flint as Harry's mentor figure, so I decided to give it to Flint, modifying it slightly. Speaking of modifying, I had to make up a few names for the Slytherin team: as the only named players in canon were Flint [obvs], Adrian Pucey, Terence Higgs, and Miles Bletchley. Everything else that happened in the Quidditch game was kept close to canon. Now, before you say anything, James and Daphne wouldn't have seen Snape, as I believe the Slytherin stands were next to where the professors were sat, [if I am wrong, do let me know]. It may seem odd that Hermione would save Harry, but the reasons for this is simple, she wants Harry to apologise to her for whatever he has said to her and probably make him admit that she is the best witch, knowing her.

There is another piece to the mystery that is James Badger. He doesn't celebrate his birthday? Why is that? You'll find out soon. I promise. And before you beginning stressing over who sent him the birthday letter, you will be introduced to them soon, so don't worry. I also apologise for how sudden the introduction was to Loki, James' owl. This was another character that was supposed to be introduced earlier, but forgotten about, so I decided to give her a brief introduction here.

Now, seeing as everyone wants to see a scenario where the Trio never find out about the Stone or Quirrell, that it what is going to happen. Because of this, after the Christmas chapter[s], there will be a time jump to the end of first year, as I don't think you guys will want to see like 5 chapters that are full of nothing but pointless filler.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I'll see you all in the next one.

Badger out.