Chappie 8. I OWN NOTHING what more do you people want? Its supposed to get darker now, but I dunno if I achieved it. Review!
In a few days time, it was clear to find that the weather had taken a turn for the worst. It reminded Harry that he had missed a lot of the first term. The air was icy, and their breath hung around them like clouds. The sudden change in weather meant that, in addition to being cold, some of their lessons were relocated; for instance, Herbology.
So after a warm breakfast of egg and toast, The Gryffindors trudged down to meet the Hufflepuffs in a spare classroom, where they spent a mercifully tepid lesson on highly exotic plants.
All the fireplaces in the castle were constantly alight, and students frequently rushed to them between lessons, including Harry and Hermione.
'I think it's even colder today,' chattered Hermione, as they leant closer to a blazing grate.
'Hope it clears up for the match,' Harry said, worriedly. He wasn't too worried for himself; he had flown in all sorts of weathers, but he was concerned for his team mates; most of them had only joined the team, and hadn't had much experience in drastic weather. Just as he thought this, Andrea came round the corner.
'Hi Andrea,' Harry and Hermione said in unison. She smiled, and headed for them.
'Hi. I was just thinking,' she said, as she turned to Harry, 'you know we might be playing in this weather?'
'Yeah,' said Harry, wondering what she was on about.
'D'you have time for a practise tonight, I mean, we don't want to lose because we're all frozen to our broomsticks, do we?' She laughed, and Harry grinned uncomfortably; that was exactly his problem.
'We can go train tonight,' he said, ignoring the mound of homework waiting for him, and he hurried off to Defence against the Dark Arts.
Snape wasn't in the lesson immediately. Harry breathed a huge sigh of relief, for he and Hermione were rather late. They sat down at the back of the class, and Harry felt a pang of guilt as he looked at Ron's empty chair.
'D'you want to go and see Ron tonight? We haven't been for a while.' And this was true; they had been so immersed in their home and schoolwork, neither of them had much time to spare, meaning that they hadn't been to visit Hagrid for a while.
Hermione smiled, but put a finger to her mouth; audible footsteps were just outside the classroom, but to Harry and Hermione's amazement they carried on down the corridor. Harry now felt a surge of panic – where was Snape? Hermione was obviously thinking along the same lines, for she was sucking her quill, and shooting nervous glances to the open door.
Just as Harry opened his mouth to talk, he heard roaring sounds from the floors above.
'Centaurs!' Hermione gasped, and she grabbed her wand, and went outside the class room. 'Harry – they're coming this way!'
Although no one knew what Hermione was talking about, at her words, the Gryffindor's all leapt up, heading to the door; Harry was confused.
'No,' said Harry, and a couple of people turned their head's to his. 'NO,' he said louder, and people stopped. 'They're coming right at us,' he said, and he was certain they were; the deafening sound was getting louder and louder. Harry had to shout to make him heard. 'NOW EVERYONE GET BACK, AND GET YOUR WANDS OUT,' he bellowed, and Hermione shut the door with a wave of her wand. 'Good one,' Harry added appreciatively, and Hermione smiled shakily.
Meanwhile, every one was practically standing against the wall, Harry in front of all of them, like a dictator in front of his troops. Tears were streaming down most people's pale faces; they had never seen danger like this before.
Harry, who had had experience, said: 'Now, no one panic. We all know how to stun, right?' he asked, and every one nodded silently. Hermione sniffed loudly.
'Well, good, 'cause when they come in, we will have to stun them.'
'Harry,' Hermione suddenly said, as Harry was counting their numbers. 'Harry, what if they repel stunning? What if they're too magical?'
Harry's insides froze at these words, and he quickly issued new instructions.
'Right, listen up,' he called, but could barely hear his own words over the sound of the hooves, which were at least one floor above. Harry could hear screams, and panicked shouting. His heart was now beating very quickly. 'You remember the 'Impedimenta' jinx we did with Snape?' every one nodded mutely again, 'Well, we're going to have to use that. If it works, I'll run across them to Dumbledore's office. I know where it is; I'll be quickest.' At these words, Harry's heart jumped at the thought of the Mauderer's Map in his dormitory, floors, and floor's away. The screams grew louder, and they could now make up people trying in vain to stun the centaurs, but Hermione was right: it did nothing to them.
The strident sound of hooves slowed down. Pavarti and Lavender whimpered behind Harry.
'Get ready,' Harry said softly.
BANG!
'Now!' Harry cried, and everyone in the vicinity bellowed:
'IMPEDEMTIA!'
Harry's eyes were blinded, but he kept on uttering the jinx as quickly as possible. He saw a centaur head strait for Hermione, who screamed…
'IMPEDEMTIA!' and a centaur was blasted off of his four feet. He remembered how they had murdered Firenze, and his hatred rose up … Hermione seemed to lose her voice, and Harry stood in front of her, blocking her from harm's way. Harry heard most of the footsteps running to the next classroom; they obviously thought this one was too much trouble.
'Stay here,' Harry yelled, and looked across at his classmates. Most of them were on the floor, including Neville and Lavender. Most people had been severely scratched, and everyone was panting very hard. Both centaurs and people littered the floor.
Harry didn't waste another moment, and, before heading to the headmaster's office, he pelted to the Hospital Wing, thinking of Ron.
Harry took a few hidden passageways and a lot of running before Harry reached his destination, but when he was there, he almost laughed with relief; the centaurs clearly hadn't been here, for the corridor was deserted, and looked perfectly normal.
He wrenched open the doors, to find Madame Pomfrey holding out her wand, and she uttered something towards Harry, who yelled 'Protego!' just in time, and she was forced to duck onto the floor.
'The centaurs are coming up here, aren't they?' he gasped, looking at Ron, who looked very scared, his face even paler than before.
'Harry!' he said. 'What's happening? It's not the centaurs again, is it? ''Cause I don't think I can fight them, I don't feel right – I – I'
'Calm down,' said Harry, and he went over to check Ron was alright. Ron certainty sounded a lot better, and he was moving a lot more. Harry noticed that the gash on his neck looked miles better, and he smiled nervously.
'Sorry, mate, but the centaurs are in the castle,' he continued, and Ron yelped.
'Where's Hermione? Is she OK?' he said in a panicky voice.
'She's fine; we just had to fight of the herd …' Ron looked stunned and he ran his fingers through his hair.
'Are they gonna come up here, mate?' he asked.
'Dunno,' Harry said unhelpfully.
'You'd better go,' Ron said uneasily.
'You know, I think the Headmaster knows already,' piped up an angry voice from behind them; Madame Pomfrey had got up form the floor at last, and was addressing them both.
'S'pose so – HEY!' he yelled, as the door behind them burst open. The unnaturally small first-year was standing in the doorway, holding his wand out.
'Leave those centaurs alone,' he said, in what Harry (and Ron, by the look on his face) considered to be an unnecessary objectionable tone.
'You what now?' said Ron, looking thoroughly confused. 'They nearly killed Harry, and practically half the school, and we're s'posed to leave them alone?'
'Did you not hear what I said, Weasley?' the boy retorted, and Harry whipped his wand out.
'Go back to your room,' he snarled, uncomfortable aware of the raging footsteps above him. His scar gave a fresh twinge of pain, but he did not lower his wand.
The boy turned his wand onto Madame Pomfrey, and drew it back to make a slashing motion –
'PROTEGO!' Harry yelled, as he dived in front of Madame Pomfrey, and he only caught half of the spell. Madame Pomfrey was as still as ice. The boy drew his wand up again –
'Stupefy!' Harry yelled, but the boy ducked, and sent a green jet of light to him.
'Protego,' shouted Harry, but he knew it was no good.
In a second that contained an eternity, Harry looked into the small eyes of the boy, who was moving his lips soundlessly. Harry knew what was coming…that beam inched even closer, but…he couldn't kill him…it wasn't in the prophecy…but then what was going to happen?
Harry's head zipped back to normal time, and was astonished to see the beam of light be deflected…Harry's scar opened with pain…his head was on fire…his eyes rolled in his head…and a shrill, harsh voice filled his head…
'Fool! Why can't you kill the boy? Unless…' the piercing voice paused, Harry still gasping for breath … 'unless…unless…but how…'
'Harry!'
The pain stopped as abruptly as it started, and Harry could see Ron's face swimming oddly above him.
'Ron?' he asked groggily. 'What 'appened to that boy? Am I dead?'
Ron laughed.
'No, but it kinda rebounded off, you know, on to that idiot. I think he's dead.'
Harry didn't feel the slightest bit sorry, and he was just about to tell Ron, when he heard a blast not too far from where he was.
'Stay here,' he said, and tore away from the Hospital Wing, embracing himself to curse the damned centaurs from Hogwarts. Serve them right, he thought, as he ran silently down the corridors and stair cases. They shouldn't be charging around the school…
Harry turned the corner just in time to see a bright flash of what seemed like lightning, and was blasted off of his feet, and did a spectacular skid down the corridor, his scar now panging against his forehead. He lifted his head up, and saw the magnificent outline of Dumbledore holding up his wand, and Harry heard the final hoof echo into the distance before he got up.
'Professor – how did you do that? What happened?' he said as he climbed to his feet. He rubbed his back where he had been thrown on; it was sore.
'Voldemort seems to be using the Centaurs against us.'
'How?'
'I have no real theory,' he said simply, and sighed. 'Round up anyone you can find, and take them to the Great Hall. I need to help some people.'
And he left a bewildered Harry in a rush.
Harry wasted no time, and ran back to the classroom he was in a minute ago.
'Harry, are you alright?' Hermione gasped. Harry waved his hand as though waving away the question.
'What about you? I thought you'd fainted…' Harry's voice trailed off as he looked around the classroom.
Some people like Neville were sill looking at the door, holding their wands. Pavarti and Lavender were still weeping, but keeping a wary eye on everyone else. Seamus was muttering under his breath, and Dean wasn't moving at all. Harry looked automatically around for Ron, and then remembered he just saw him in the Hospital Wing.
'Right then,' he called, and several people looked up, poking their heads from the limp centaurs. 'We're going to the Great Hall. Now. Seamus, take Dean; you can float him, or, whatever. Tell as many people as you can on the way there. Let's go.'
The journey down only a few floors was a short, frenzied one. People everywhere were lying, some shocked, some unconscious and some blatantly injured. Harry floated all of them down to the Great Hall, where he found a mound of familiar squashy sleeping bags that he was sure they used in his second year…
'Come on, Harry,' whispered Hermione. She looked scared and gaunt again.
Although Hermione fell asleep almost immediately, Harry noticed that others didn't.
Up until two o' clock in the morning, Harry was still issuing instructions, standing by the door. It felt odd to give our commands, but everyone obliged and stopped talking so that the people who were asleep could stay asleep. It ended up that Harry got no sleep at all, but kept a wary look out for any signs. He had still not seen Snape anywhere…
'Potter!' some one yelled Harry's name. 'Are you alright?'
Harry woke up out of a light dose, still aware of his surroundings, still holding out his wand, though; he noticed dimly, his grip had slackened. He looked up, and saw McGonagall striding towards him, in and out of sleeping bags.
J-j-just tired,' he yawned.
'Well, boy get some sleep. I will keep watch. Goodnight,' she added.
'Night, Professor,' Harry said sleepily, and went to his untouched sleeping bag, next to Hermione's.
All lessons were cancelled the next day, and students were encouraged to go out on the grounds. Harry knew the teachers were putting extra security on they castle. Under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry and Hermione crept up to the Hospital Wing to see Ron, who was looking miles better.
'Hello,' he said cheerfully. Something groaned next to them, and Harry turned and saw Malfoy still in the Hospital Wing. 'So what's new? Is the match still on?'
Harry laughed; Hermione smiled a little bit. 'I don't think you can play.' He said.
'Oh,' said Ron, his face falling. Hermione, noticing this, said:
'None of the replacements are that good.'
'Yeah,' said Harry, 'you're tons better.' Ron beamed.
'I s'pose I can listen to the commentary,' he said. 'Any idea who'll doing it?'
'No,' said Hermione and Harry together. 'You could watch from the window,' Hermione added, smiling faintly.
'Probably will,' said Ron glumly, looking out of the frosty window.
'Come on, team, you know we can do this,' said Harry. He was still worried about the conditions. Andrea, who was watching him, said that the weather was fine, grinning. Harry saw that she had a nice smile, and felt swoops in his stomach unconnected to the match.
'Anyway, we know we can beat Ravenclaw, don't we?' Harry added, and although they nodded, Harry could tell they weren't convinced.
'Let's go,' said Ginny, her usual grin in place, and, as they trudged outside to tumultuous applause, Harry caught sight of the commentary box… wasn't that –
'Hermione!' he said loudly, with much surprise. He smirked and mounted his Firebolt, and nearly flew off before Ravenclaw's captain; Rodger Davies, who offered him his hand. Harry shook it hastily, still not liking Davies, because he used to like Cho, who was obviously not on the team anymore. Davies was visibly Seeker.
'And the match starts! There's the sni- no I've lost it … well, never mind it's not my job to find it, is it?' Hermione laughed, and was obviously heartened to find that most of the seas of supporters (except for the ones dressed in green) were laughing too, even though Gryffindor was playing Ravenclaw; it was a mark on how much they all hated Slytherin.
Harry swooped round the posts, and saw that his new keeper, Alice, had already saved a goal.
'Alice Palladam, new find of Gryffindor's has saved the first attempted goal – watch out – that's a Bludger!'
And she was right; a Bludger had flown strait for Kirke, who shrieked and dropped his bat. Many Slytherins, along with a few spiteful Ravenclaws roared their approval. The red and gold clad groaned as the Bludger contacted with Kirke's teeth. Madame Hooch pulled him towards her with a flick of his wand.
'Kirke's now being taken to the wing – he looks bad doesn't he?' Ginny grabbed the floating Quaffle, and scored ('Gryffindor score!') and then Katie seized the Quaffle and scored twice.
'THIRTY – ZERO TO GRIFFINDOR! Well done, Katie and Ginny! I mean, Bell and Weasley!'
Harry was still searching the stands fruitlessly. Davies was doing the same.
'Some new kid has the Quaffle – he's going to the goal! Oh no! He scored.' Hermione sounded most upset. Harry grinned. 'Thirty – ten,' she groaned.
In the next Snitch-free ten minutes, Ravenclaw had scored twice.
'Andrea's got the Quaffle – come on Andrea!' Half the crowd was screaming on Andrea, who put the goal away easily. She was halfway through doing a small, lap of honour when the vast Ravenclaw beater jabbed her with the elbows.
'HEY!' yelled Hermione, scandalised, 'That's cheating!' And, sure enough, Madame Hooch gave a loud blast on her whistle. Davies flew down to her and started yelling –
'I don't think yelling at the referee is wise – yep, I'm right –' Madame Hooch gave another two blasts on her wand, indicating three penalties. Harry, although she thought she was acting slightly biased, was thankful – he hadn't seen the snitch yet.
Andrea took all three, and put them away very easily. She smiled at Harry, who had lifted his arm to wave at her and dropped five feet in the air. She laughed, and Harry caught sight of the Snitch at the other end of the pitch. He dived; the Snitch was very near the ground.
'Harry – I mean, Potter's seen the Snitch! Look at him go!'
The Snitch was moving very quickly, and Harry could hardly keep up with it. Davies was just behind him – Harry could smell his putrid breath. Suddenly, Davies dug his elbow into Harry's chest, and Harry flinched.
'YES!' Harry heard Davies roar; he evidently thought he had caught the Snitch, but he was very much mistaken. Enthralled by the success of harming Harry, Davies had patently forgotten to catch the Snitch. Harry laughed as Madame Hooch called for another penalty. Ginny scored yet another goal, making the score –
'SEVENTY – TEN! Wow! We're – I mean Gryffindor are in the lead!'
No sooner had these words escaped Hermione's mouth had Ravenclaw scored–
'Five times? How did that happen? I mean – well I meant that – well the point is – COME ON, ANDREA!' Andrea was streaking off with the Quaffle that a Ravenclaw chaser had dropped. She hurled it to the left goal post, but Harry didn't see this; he had just spotted the Snitch near the commentary box.
'Oi Davies, look over there!' he yelled, and a successfully confused Davies spun round as Harry dived for the Snitch. He could hear Davies shouting behind him as his hand closed over the Snitch. Hermione was shouting the score.
'230 – 60 TO GRIFFINDOR! GRIFFINDOR WIN BY 170 POINTS!'
'Well done Harry!'
'You were great!'
'A hundred and seventy-two points? We could win the cup!'
'Yeah, we could win the cup!'
Harry was bombarded in a many-armed hug all the way up to the changing rooms. No one could stop grinning; laughter was infectious. Their joy lasted all the way up to the Common room for a celebrations party.
Harry clambered through the portrait hole with difficulty because so many people were trying to help him in. As soon as he got through the hole, he saw a group of people around a blushing Hermione, who called out to Harry.
'Harry! You were great! We're tied with Slytherin, who beat Hufflepuff!'
'You didn't say you were going to commentate!' said Harry amazedly.
'Surprise!' she said bashfully. 'I thought Ron would like it. Ooh, should we go and see him; I know he'd like to see you after you won by that much!'
'You too, I bet he'd never have thought you'd commentate. In a good way, of course,' he added, though Hermione smiled anyway.
Harry noticed how deserted the corridors were, and, although Hermione pointed out that everyone was probably in their Common Rooms, discussing the match, Harry felt that it was eerie.
When he got into the Hospital Wing, Ron was clearly waiting for them.
'HARRY! HERMIONE! We won!'
Harry beamed with Hermione as they walked towards Ron's bed, which had been moved towards the window as Hermione had suggested.
'Good match, though, eh?' Ron said. He looked round at Hermione. 'You never said you would commentate!'
'Well, I doubt I'll commentate again, I was awful.'
'Come off it, you were great!' Ron said, chuckling. 'We won by loads, though. 'Have we still got another match? Do you think I could come? D'you –' Ron was saying questions so quickly, Harry could hardly keep up. Hermione was looking at him confusedly.
'Well, as soon as you come out of the Wing, you can be keeper. Alice isn't that good.'
'We miss you, you know,' said Hermione sadly. Harry could tell Ron was quite pleased with himself. Ron certainty looked better, but he was still paler than usual. Hermione, who had noticed this, said, 'You can probably come out in time for Christmas and the holidays.' Ron nodded, and then looked worried.
'I 'avent learnt anything really this year,' he said anxiously.
'Well, neither have Harry and me,' said Hermione. 'McGonagall said we could take extra lessons. I asked her, but she said I wasn't too far behind, and gave me some essays.'
'Lucky you,' said Ron. Hermione smiled.
'I'm not gonna ask for essays, are you nuts?' asked Harry incredulously, who was a bit slow on the uptake because he was reflecting the match and his excellent team mates, Andrea in particular … she had scored so many goals … she had a very pretty smile, too …
'Harry? Harry?'
'What?' he said, poking his head out from his small fantasy. 'Eh?'
'Never mind, honestly,' Hermione said. 'Well, I hope you can come out for Christmas, it would be great, Ron.'
'S'pose it would,' he smiled.
Harry and Hermione slowly got up and bade Ron goodbye again.
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