Chapter 27: Writings, Races, and Bludgers
Harry and the others were in a classroom with the professors on the opposite side along with Filch, who was giving Harry the stink eye. While they acted innocent, Filch was sure they did it. He was pretty sure all of the students in Hogwarts were involved.
Those nasty little monsters were always jealous of his precious Mrs. Norris. They were always fouling up his halls with their muddy shoes and such. That, or they hated him because they knew he was a squib. The looks he sometimes got led him to believe a good number of the students knew the truth.
"Who wishes to start?" Professor Dumbledore asked calmly.
The group looked between each other, but mostly to Harry. Harry gave a sigh. "We were coming back from the Deathday Party, when I heard something. The others didn't hear it as they were busy discussing the party," he said.
"What was it you heard?" Professor Dumbledore asked as he gazed at Harry. It was bit infuriating at times he could only use passive Legilimency, even if he understood why that was the case. Not being able to, still made situations like this troubling.
"It was something terrible. It was hard to really describe. I couldn't hear it fully anyways. It was coming from up above us," Harry said.
"That was when I told them to wait. Harry seemed deeply worried and I figured it would be best if I went first. I am a ghost and I was their escort for the night. I floated upstairs to check it out and then shouted in my surprise. The others came up after that and we all saw that horrible scene," Friar Puck said.
"I should have been there. I had thought many a times to patrol more on Halloween," Lockhart said as he nodded to himself seemingly in determination. He then looked sorrowfully as he added for effect, "I saw something similar during my many travels, of course. I could have saved poor Mrs. Norros from her grisly fate."
"Mrs. Norris… She hated it when people teased her about her name," Filch said with a sniffle.
If it was anyone else, Harry might have felt some sympathy, but it was hard to feel that for Filch.
"Did any of you notice anything in particular about the scene?" Dumbledore asked.
Luna almost explained what she had seen with the Wrackspurts, but didn't say anything. No one would listen to that anyways.
"Miss Lovegood?" Dumbledore asked looking right to her.
Luna's eyes seemed to widen as she searched for something people wouldn't mock her for, as an answer. "Just that it seemed to be outside of Myrtle's bathroom. I'm guessing she flooded the toilets again by all of that water on the floor. Peeves chased her away from the party calling her names," Luna added.
"I will attempt to ask her questions later. Thank you for that," Professor Dumbledore said with an encouraging smile to her.
"Perhaps if I mix that spell and that potion… I could bring her back. Mrs. Nurrus hasn't been departed for too long," Professor Lockhart said with a nod.
"Mrs. Norris is just petrified," Professor Snape growled. He really hated the new DADA professor and that wasn't even taking into account the man had the position he wanted.
"Ahhh yeah… That's what I meant. Mrs. Norrimus could have been saved sooner… There is a little risk to my plan though. Perhaps it is best we hear again what Professor Dumbledore's plan is," Lockhart said trying to cover for himself.
"In a moment, Professor Lockhart," Dumbledore said as he looked the group over.
"It's like they said. I didn't notice that about the floor though," Hermione said as she looked to Luna a little impressed. The girl was odd, but she was nice enough and she was a Ravenclaw. It shouldn't be so surprising she picked up on something like that and knew what it most likely met.
"What could do that?" Hannah asked in a small voice.
"Ahhh Perhaps…" Lockhart started but held his tongue when he saw Professor Snape's glare. Harry couldn't really blame him here. Anyone would falter with Professor Snape's glare. "The headmaster has some ideas?" Lockhart finished.
"There are far too many things that would cause petrification," Dumbledore started.
Friar Puck gave the headmaster a look. He was debating on if he should mention what Harry actually heard or not. "Are you sure about that… After all… The writing," Friar Puck said neutrally.
"I am not fully sure about that. It could easily be a Halloween prank and most likely is at this time. The two might not even be connected. Let us not rush to conclusions," Professor Dumbledore said.
The ghost friar didn't show it, but he was very disappointed in that answer from the headmaster. The ghost was now wondering how seriously he would handle this situation. It seemed to Friar Puck the Headmaster's priorities were information control instead of actual solutions.
"You are the Headmaster," Friar Puck said seeming to nod in acceptance.
"What about my cat?!" Filch asked after a big blow of his nose into a dirty handkerchief.
"It will take some time, but as I said. We will be able to save her once the mandrakes are ready. There is a potion that will reverse the effects. And it is without any risks, undue or otherwise," Professor Dumbledore said.
"I will be more than happy to brew it myself, Headmaster! I feel so terribly sorrowful Mrs. Morris has been a victim of something so heinous!" Lockhart said.
Harry figured it was about time the useless DADA Professor said something. They had gone a full five minutes without him trying for everyone's attention. It seemed even the infamous Snape Glare couldn't hold down the Five Time Winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award for long.
"Last I checked… Professor Lockhart. You were the Defense Professor. Not the Potions' Professor. If you are willing to exchange positions… Perhaps something can be arranged. But books alone can't teach Potions," Professor Snape said. It seemed he didn't appreciate his credentials as Potions' Professor being insulted by insinuating, he couldn't do it. He was also the main potion brewer for Hogwarts, as described in his job.
"Ha hah… I am sorry for my excitement, Professor Snape. I believe you are more than capable. I merely wished to provide my expansive assistance, if needed," Professor Lockhart said trying his luck with his smile on Professor Snape.
The Slytherin Head of House was not impressed. In fact, it seemed to have the opposite effect on him.
"I believe we are done here," Professor Dumbledore started. "Friar Puck, if you would be so kind as to continue escorting your young charges," he said.
"I would be more than glad, Professor Dumbledore. I hope this will all soon be past us," the friar said with a ghostly bow.
"As do we all," the headmaster said. "Pomona. We have a few more details to discuss," he added to the Head of Hufflepuff as the others were dismissed.
[-] [-] [-]
The group all stayed together and were mostly quiet as they walked the halls. They made sure to escort Luna to her dorm. "Here will be fine," she said in front of a mostly blank wall. "It isn't much further and you know how they are about these things… I wish… I wish it wasn't such a frightful end tonight… I'm sorry for telling you about the Deathday Party," she said with sadness in her voice.
Harry placed an arm on her in comfort and smiled as he said, "Apart from that business. It was actually a rather enjoyable night. Thanks for telling us about the party."
Luna felt really happy at that and her large eyes widened in surprise.
"I'm with Harry on this. You didn't have any control over what happened to Mrs. Norris, Luna. Don't worry about it," Hermione said as she repeated Harry's gesture.
"I've never been to a ghost party before. If there was food we could eat there, I doubt any other Halloween could top spending one with hundreds of ghosts. And the Headless Hunt!" Hannah said with a smile.
"I really enjoyed it as well. If the night was ruined. It would have been ruined regardless of if we went to the Deathday party or not. So, like Hermione said, don't worry about it. And thank you, Luna," Susan said.
"It was enjoyable spending time with not only my own house students, but a pleasant Ravenclaw as well," Friar Puck said with a friendly smile and nod.
"Thanks…" Luna said more choked up on emotion than she wanted them to realize. She managed to keep her wits about her though and bade them good night. Not even her terrible roommates could ruin the night she felt.
[-] [-] [-]
Friar Puck continued to escort Harry and the girls all the way back to their room. He even entered after them as well. "What is it, Friar Puck?" Harry asked.
"I felt I should tell you this… It is part of the reason why I didn't tell Professor Dumbledore everything," Friar Puck said.
Harry and the others looked serious as they listened.
"This business with the chamber… It happened before… about Fifty years ago. Someone was caught back then, but most know now they weren't responsible. It all did stop so no one looked any deeper or much cared to do so. They wanted to just be done with it. If it gets that way again… Be careful. I didn't mention the voices you heard at first, because you didn't. I thought about adding that later, but Dumbledore's response left me wanting," the friar said.
"Why is that?" Harry asked.
"Professor Dumbledore was here back then as well. He was the Transfiguration Professor and Head of Gryffindor, but he was still a professor here. He knows what those words mean. It is possible this is somehow a prank in poor taste, though surprisingly accurate or coincidental… But the way he answered." The ghost paused for a moment.
"I'm afraid he is more concerned with covering up than actually finding a solution at the moment. He probably sees the presence of Professor Sprout's Mandrakes as reason enough to focus more on the political side of things," the friar said with a frown.
"That doesn't seem right…" Susan said.
"Should we tell your Aunt?" Hannah asked.
Susan shook her head. "Remember what Mr. Weasley said about the barrier?" she asked.
"It was Hogwarts' jurisdiction…" Hermione replied.
"That means the ministry can't come here easily. They would need more than just our word…" Hannah added with a frown as Susan nodded to them both.
"Surely Dumbledore wouldn't leave it alone though…" Hannah said in worry.
Hermione frowned. "I can see it… He thinks he's taking the right approach already. Perhaps he knows even more than everyone else about this and wants to keep it to himself for whatever reason," she said.
"That seems like Dumbledore to me," Harry muttered darkly.
When they others thought over Harry's situation again, they couldn't help but agree with him. What lengths would Dumbledore go to just for covering this up?
"That is why I sadly agree you made the right decision not mentioning hearing the voices. Hogwarts' staff didn't have much of a problem using a scapegoat last time after things went too far… I only hope that won't be the case this time as well," the friar said.
After a moment of silence, the friar turned to them and gave a bow. "I am happy to have been of service tonight. I look forward to seeing you all again," he said as the others bade him farewell in return. They were going to eat and then try to go to sleep for the night.
[-] [-] [-]
It was astonishing how quickly students at Hogwarts could shift gears. The first few days after Halloween all anyone could talk about was the Chamber of Secrets. Hermione even got Professor Binns' of all professors to speak about it. He said it was a legend and eventually got fed up they were discussing something other than Goblin rebellions, which was actual history. It was probably the first time in his afterlife he actually paid attention to his class though.
People came up with all kinds of wild theories about where the chamber was and what this beast of Slytherin's was. Seamus really got into it. He had all kinds of theories with plenty of Seamus Grade evidence backing each one. This meant it was all made up. He was mostly mature about it, for Seamus anyways.
He only once asked Lavender to show him her Chamber of Secrets hidden under her robes. She was deeply offended and the other girls were as well. What surprised Seamus was how Justin looked about ready to hex him.
Despite all of the talk about the Chamber, it was only a few days before it moved on to more important things such as Gryffindor vs. Slytherin. Quidditch was always a big topic of discussion. No one really cared for Filch's cat, so it wasn't surprising people moved on quickly.
The only time Filch's cat mattered now was if you happened to walk too near it with Filch watching. This was any time he wasn't having to take care of something else in the castle. He was even having his meals right next to her. He was sure someone would try and return to the scene while everyone else was eating. Filch only wished he didn't need any damnable sleep.
With the first match coming up, everyone was talking about the Slytherins' new brooms. It was even worse because Fred and George managed to sneak a peek at one of Slytherins' training sessions after a few attempts. Oliver was usually above such methods, but the Nimbus 2001s were an exception. The results of their spying equaled a much more concerned set of twins who couldn't even joke about the brooms.
"It was like they were nothing but silver and green streaks flying through the sky," Fred said in pure awe.
"I could almost swear I felt the air burst around them when they came a little close to our hiding place," George added as his twin nodded in agreement.
The people gathered were equally stunned by what they heard and how serious the twins were when speaking about it all. It really said something if the infamous pranksters weren't joking around.
"Really?" Padma asked. The worries of Slytherin's brooms extended to all houses, even Ravenclaw wasn't an exception.
Harry and Hermione were sitting at a table nearby as they overheard the people speaking. They weren't as concerned due to just enjoying watching Quidditch games. Harry might enjoy playing them, but he really didn't see a reason to get too carried away about a team. He wasn't even on one.
He never really got into a sports team like so many did. Maybe it was because he knew there were many more important things in life. You live on the streets for a while and you soon realize just what actually matters. Sports teams do not.
The gossipers left and Harry and Hermione soon found themselves joined by Pansy and Draco. "Evening Draco," Harry said in greeting.
"Harry," Draco replied. He gave a nod to Hermione in greeting as Pansy gave a small wave to her.
"We just overheard the twins talking about your brooms," Hermione said in conversation.
"It does seem such talk is making the rounds," Pansy admitted.
Harry gave a chuckle as he asked, "So… Was it your idea or Flint's to let them get away with spying on you?"
The Slytherins were stunned for a moment as both Harry and Hermione laughed. Draco then chuckled as he said, "As much as I wish I could take credit, it was Flint's idea. I guess I shouldn't be surprised you two pieced it together."
"They did talk about how it took them a few tries. We've also talked about the mental aspect of the game and all of that. I guess I should have thought Flint right away. You've talked about how he is good at getting in the opponent's head," Harry said.
"I'm a little surprised the twins didn't suspect much the same, since it took them a couple of tries first. Especially after the brooms flew really close to their hiding place," Hermione said.
"They're too used to not getting caught. They don't think it's possible they would be discovered unless they intended it," Pansy said with a scoff.
It was foolish to let overconfidence get the best of you. Slytherins hated that. They would act like they were confident as bloody hell, but the true members of their house were never that confident deep down. They just knew how to hide what they really felt.
"To their credit," Draco started surprising the others. "They might not have been caught, if Flint hadn't stepped up security during our practices. When he realized they were there, he signaled to us we were being watched. We made the best of it, and tipped our hand a little, but not too much. None of us were going all out at that practice. We were working on our stamina game. We weren't slacking, but we weren't full throttle either."
"I'm honestly more surprised you complimented a couple of Weasleys," Harry said with a shake of his head.
Draco smirked. "Even I'll admit they could make great ne'er-do-wells with their sneaking around," he said.
Harry shook his head. He should have known there would be a back handed side to that compliment. Draco was very good at those when he wanted to be. Weasleys being involved definitely warranted such action in Draco's mind.
"By the way," Harry started.
"Yes?" Draco asked.
"I was thinking for our race we could do it the weekend after the first game. Even with the edge you have, I wouldn't want to split your focus," Harry said.
Draco smiled to that. "I was actually about to suggest the same thing," he said.
"Good to know we agree then," Harry said.
They talked a little bit longer before parting company. One thing Harry noticed between Draco and Pansy during their discussion was how they actually had contact with each other a few times. He was pretty sure they did such things on a regular basis, being betrothed and all. It was different actually seeing them having such contact with each other though.
Harry couldn't help but feel a little jealous about it. He slept with Hermione every night. However, he kept himself from having any contact with her beyond what friends would have.
"Again… They are actually betrothed and it seems Draco is actually interested in keeping with Pansy. We aren't even boyfriend or girlfriend," Harry thought to himself as a way to fight back the jealousy with logic. He wasn't sure how much longer he would be able to do that.
[-] [-] [-]
As the Quidditch match drew closer, people were getting more excited and worried. Many were torn between wanting to see the Nimbus 2001s in action, and troubled by how one-sided it seemed the season would be this year. Some said it would even be the next couple years. Most weren't sure how anyone else would be able to keep up with the new brooms.
"I mean… Gryffindor has a good team, but their seeker is very hit or miss… The twins also have those old brooms," a couple of Ravenclaws were whispering to each other the day before the match. It was on Sunday.
"True, but you see… They're beaters… Speed isn't as important for them," one said.
"But it certainly wouldn't hurt for them to have it," another countered.
Harry gave a yawn as he walked past them. He was thinking maybe he should have taken the potion that morning after all. Their whole house stayed up late the night before since it was the weekend. Most of them were spending time in the common room and some started making fun of Professor Lockhart's classes. That evolved into a competition of sorts. People broke into groups and were coming up with the best impersonation of Lockhart re-enacting the scenes from his books. It was great fun.
Harry made his way to his room. It was the weekend so he was thinking maybe to take a bit of a nap. He was surprised to see Hermione there. He was thinking she would be in the library at this time. Worse yet, she didn't look too happy.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked.
"I noticed you left the drawer to your night stand open. I was going to close it and found this," she said as she held up the bottle of Wakey Wakey.
"Crap," Harry couldn't help but say.
"How long, Harry?" she asked.
Harry sighed. "For a while actually. I only take it twice a week, sometimes a third time if I'm really tired in the mornings. It isn't really anything bad," he said.
"You're not getting enough sleep and using a potion to make up for it. That doesn't sound good," Hermione said.
Harry didn't like this. He was worried she would end their nights because of this. "I didn't say it was good. Just it isn't bad," he said.
"What is it then?" she asked. There wasn't really any way to make out what the potion was. That was by design. Many wizards and witches would add a little of it to their morning drink of choice, but Hermione didn't know that yet.
"It's called…" Harry started and gave a sigh. "It's called Wakey Wakey… Silly name really. Most usually call it—" Harry was cut off.
"The Rise and Shine," Hermione said. She then breathed a sigh of relief. She had feared the worst! It still wasn't good though. "Why?" she asked.
Harry looked a little nervous as he gave a slight frown. He took in a deep breath and let it out. "It's difficult for me with you sleeping in bed next to me. I really like it, but… I have to contain myself, don't I?" he said.
"Contain yourself?" Hermione asked. That was not the answer she really expected. She thought maybe he was having nightmares or something. He talked about how he used to get them and he still did from time to time now. She always feared they were much worse than Harry let on and happened more often.
"Well… yeah… I mean you're you… It isn't easy… I'm sure you've noticed certain things…" Harry said actually blushing as he looked away.
Hermione blushed as well as she looked down a little. "Oh…" she said softly.
"Like I said, I like it. It's just I don't want to accidentally do something. I don't want to upset you and you start yelling at me or shooting hexes at me," Harry said.
"I ought to hex you for keeping this to yourself," Hermione said with a pout as she blushed.
"What?" Harry asked.
"It isn't exactly easy for me," she said.
"You fall asleep so quickly though," Harry said a little confused.
"Not always…" she said while not meeting his eyes. She sometimes she pretended to sleep while accidentally on purpose maneuvering herself to a more comfortable position, usually with Harry as a body pillow.
"I've also wakened up before you a few times…" she said shifting a little. She may or may not have enjoyed herself a time or two when that happened. She was always careful about it though. She did not want to be discovered in such a manner.
Harry blushed, getting the implication. "So… What are we going to do?" he asked.
"Neither of us wants to stop… I don't like the idea of you having to… contain yourself," Hermione started. She then sighed in defeat. She was going there. "For crying out loud… I'm perfectly fine with us… well you know…" she said blushing.
"Really?" Harry asked in shock. He knew she liked like him, but he didn't know she would be ready for such things. He figured with the way she was it would be some kind of hand holding for a year then maybe some kissing. He figured she was the type who would want to take things extra slow.
Hermione sighed. "I'm pretty sure we both know we're going to be a big part of each other's life. We are trying to figure out the whole calling thing, but that much is already clear," she said.
Harry nodded. He had been thinking the same thing for a while now. There was no other reason they would have whatever this calling thing was.
"If I'm going to be a part of your life like that. And you a part of mine. I don't see why we can't… you know… do some things. I don't want to go all the way yet, but I can't stand leaving it how we currently are. I know they're betrothed… but I'm a little jealous of Pansy and Draco," she admitted.
Harry chuckled to that. She looked to him with a frown. "I feel the same way," Harry said with another chuckle.
"That's a bit of a relief," Hermione said.
She looked to him seriously as she said, "I know it is still a way off. I know people would probably carry on about how we are too young for anything and don't know what we're doing. But I don't care anymore. I doubt many have their magic literally calling to someone else like this. I know you will have to marry two, maybe three, or even more girls. I've come to accept that."
Harry frowned to that. It upset him she had to come to accept anything of the likes.
"I've decided…" Hermione started blushing and squirming a little again. "That I can at least try to have you to myself, a little earlier. I'm hoping… Maybe… I can be..." she faltered. She had already decided this long ago, but saying it was something else.
"If you want to be Lady Potter…" Harry started getting her attention.
Her heart was beating so fast.
"I wouldn't mind that… I kind of would prefer the whole boyfriend girlfriend thing first. And not to think too much about the rest yet," he said.
Hermione was beaming and hug tackled him. He was completely caught by surprise. She even went so far as to kiss him on the lips quickly. When she broke the kiss, she blushed furiously. "I want that as well," she said quietly into his ear.
Harry was grinning widely. He had a feeling things would be a lot better now. If he still needed the potion some mornings, he was sure she would as well. He was pretty sure any reason they needed it would be due to having too much fun the night before.
"Do we need to set limits?" Harry asked.
"Considering what I just said… I think anything apart from going all the way now is fine. Unless you want to set limits. I don't want you containing yourself any longer though," Hermione said.
She was happy and surprised at herself. There was no way her parents wouldn't be disappointed in her, if they didn't outright disown her now, but she didn't care. Maybe her friends and their bending or breaking of the rules for adventures was rubbing off on her.
"I really like the sound of this," he said grinning to her. He turned a little serious as he said, "I don't want you containing yourself or anything like that either."
Hermione blushed and smiled. She could live with that. She really liked this turn in their relationship. "Okay," she said warmly.
"I think I'll be enjoying our nights together even more now," Harry said.
Hermione gave a giggle as she added, "We might both need the potion tomorrow morning. I don't know how much sleep we will get tonight."
Harry only grinned in response.
[-] [-] [-]
When the Quidditch game came, it turned out to be just as everyone feared. The Slytherins seemed like streaks in the sky to the audience. Not even Gryffindor's famed Chaser Trio had much of a chance to score points.
The twins, who put up an admirable performance, did some good, but it wasn't enough for a victory. Slytherin easily won their match, and it was a sight of both fear and awe to behold as they raced through the sky.
Harry did find it a little interesting he actually spotted the Golden Snitch a couple of times. He even kept track of it during the match, before either of the seekers. Draco wasn't fooling around either.
He was arrogant and wouldn't mind showing off he was better, but even he knew he needed to play his best in his first match. It didn't matter how good his broom was. This was his first test and Flint wouldn't have taken kindly to him not handling it seriously.
"That was something…" Hermione said with a hint of awe. She wasn't really a fan of many of the Slytherins, nor much of one for Quidditch. She could still tell what she witnessed was impressive.
"That's putting it lightly… I don't think even Our house will stand much of a chance against them. The only way anyone can beat Slytherin this year is with luck and catching the snitch early in the game," Hannah said.
"What do you think Harry?" Susan asked.
"It might take more than that. Draco isn't about to slack off and he does have some good skill with flying. I did see the snitch before the players did, but even then, it would be a feat to catch it. Part of the game is keeping an eye on the opponent's Seeker in case they see it first. Draco could easily catch up to most with his broom," Harry said.
"How do you think your race with him will go?" Hermione asked.
"I think it will be close. I'm fine with that. I am only doing it for fun and I think Draco is as well," Harry said.
He then chuckled and added, "That doesn't mean either of us will take it lightly. My broom and his are pretty close, but his is supposed to be better. I'll admit I have better skills, but I don't know if it will be enough to cancel out his broom's advantage with him as the flyer."
There was a light of excitement in Harry's green eyes. Hermione blushed as she looked at them and leaned in closer to him. It really wasn't fair he had such wonderful eyes. Girls really didn't stand a chance, especially her.
"You're really excited about this aren't you?" Hannah asked with a giggle.
"Yeah. I've flown some on my own, but this will be fun. I love flying and it will be cool putting my skills to the test against Draco," Harry said as he ran a hand through his messy hair while smiling. He didn't notice as the girls blushed while watching him do that.
[-] [-] [-]
"Seems we've really drawn a crowd," Draco said with an amused drawl as he looked at the students waiting for the race to start. There were a number of people there from all of the houses.
"I'm surprised there aren't more Quidditch players here," Harry said.
"For one, the Beaters are all busy," Draco said.
"Why is that?" Harry asked.
"There is a reason why everyone including Slytherin, under our breath, will admit the twins are the best beaters at Hogwarts. There's an annual competition called the Beater Beatdown, similar to what the pros have," Draco said.
"That sounds cool! I didn't know there were more competitions in Quidditch than just the games. Are there other competitions?" Harry asked.
"There are, but I think we should get this race started," Draco said as he floated up to their starting line.
"About that… I didn't think the path for our race would be so… involved," Harry said with an amused smile.
"A simple drag race isn't enough to suffice, or truly answer if the differences between our brooms are that significant," Draco said. He left out the rest of his reason for this change.
Draco noticed last year at the Quidditch matches, where he sat next to Harry, the Hufflepuff was able to see and follow the snitch. He also knew how skilled Harry was from their Flying Lessons. Draco was starting the last phase of his plan, that he kept to himself and didn't even tell Pansy.
He figured Harry was the only one who could provide any challenge for him. Since the Hufflepuff refused to try out for his house team. Draco took it upon himself to find a way to challenge himself and push himself further in at least Quidditch like conditions.
Once this race was over and it was as close as he felt it would be, he would mention to Harry they should do it again. He would make each race more and more interesting and essentially serve as extra Seeker practice for him. Draco was very sure if he constantly challenged Harry this way, he himself would only improve, no matter the outcome of each race. That would make him an even stronger opponent and not just because of his broom.
Draco still wanted to win, but with Harry if they were close, he could accept that and was sure few would complain or doubt his skills as a result. They would probably be even more impressed, the others in their year already knew how skilled Harry was at flying. They knew keeping up to him, even with a better broom, would require talent and skill.
Flint wasn't so keen on letting Draco race like this. Begrudgingly, he let Draco have his way because of the brooms this time. After this race, Draco was sure Flint would see the benefits as well. Flint was in the crowd watching, even if he was disguised thanks to glamor charms. Pansy had signaled to Draco he was there. She was pretty skilled at sensing such things, even when compared to older students.
Padma Patil flew over to them on a borrowed school broom. Harry and Draco wanted someone to be their starter. They agreed someone from Ravenclaw was the best bet. A Hufflepuff or Slytherin might be seen as partial in this race. Gryffindor was out as well, because of how much they got into it with Slytherin on a regular basis, especially after the game. Padma would also serve as finish line judge if needed, since they were doing two laps around the course Draco set up.
"Ready…" she started.
Draco and Harry each leaned down on their brooms. They were making themselves as streamlined as possible.
"Steady…" she continued.
Both boys took in a steeling breath and focused.
"Gooooo!" Padma yelled as she sent sparks into the air from her wand.
Draco and Harry shot off with blinding speed. One was a green and sliver streak. The other a black and yellow one. Each boy was wearing robes to represent their house. They were keeping pace on the straightway with each seemingly taking turns at gaining a lead! The boys tried their best to bring out even more speed from their brooms.
Draco started to eek out just a nose length's lead right as they came to the first corner. Draco had to slow down just a hair to make it. Harry didn't even have to do that and so he took the lead on the first turn.
They then came to a section with climbs and drops marked by levitating flags Draco had an older student in runes setup for them. The climbs ranged and varied in height and steepness. Draco was surprised here that neither of them could gain a lead, even when they came to the steepest one which ended out just above the ground.
Harry was grinning widely the whole time. He was loving this! He enjoyed flying, but it had never been this thrilling before, even when he really let loose on his own. Once this was over, he would have to thank Draco for setting up such a fun course.
The two flying streaks were now on a zig zagging portion of the course. This required a lot of handling and maneuverability. The two again held pace pretty much with Draco gaining a slight lead towards the end. He wasn't letting up at all and was pushing himself to the max.
Next, they had a series of loops they would take and ended in a corkscrew. Harry and Draco climbed at about the same speed, but it was Harry who started to take the lead this time as he was able to descend faster than Draco. The Corkscrew came up and Harry had to slow down just a hair on the climb, but Draco couldn't really catch up here. Harry made up for the slightly slower climb with a faster descent.
The last part of the course was a series of wide lazy turns mixed with straight dashes. This section would be what probably determined the winner on their next and final lap. Draco managed to close the distance barely and was slowly gaining on the dashes. That slightly better top speed was coming into play there. Their skills were matched well enough Draco could push it as an advantage, even if it was only slight.
The crowd gasped out loud as the two zoomed across the line and started their second lap. However, soon the race took an unexpected turn for both Harry and Draco.
"Watch out! Runaway Bludgers!" someone randomly shouted.
Suddenly, twelve Bludgers came shooting towards both Harry and Draco. They were even in formation. Harry and Draco soon had to abandon their race as they had to dodge the foul temperamental Bludgers.
The two started ducking and weaving. They couldn't risk slowing down either. Harry even had to roll his broom upside down for a little bit. The two of them weren't able to avoid getting hit, but they were able to minimize the damage.
The Hogwarts' Beaters came out in full force when they saw how the Bludgers were acting. They hoped their shout would be enough, but something was up with these Bludgers. Soon all eight house beaters were joining forces to keep the pissed off Bludgers at bay from Harry and Draco while someone hopefully figured out a plan. The two boys were too close to only focus on one of them.
Eventually, it was Hermione who came up with a solution. She sent a blasting hex at a Bludger that just missed Harry's head. A couple of the beaters soon pulled out their wands and dropped back just enough to blast at the others. Hogwarts would just have to pay for new Bludgers. With all of these witnesses, no one feared getting in trouble or singled out for blowing them up. The remaining Beaters tried their best to protect Harry and Draco while sending one or two away at a time to be blasted.
When the last one exploded, Harry and Draco were both barely able to stay on their brooms. They stayed up just long enough to hear Fred breathlessly say, "Don't know what happened... We were all busy getting ready for the Beater Beatdown... When suddenly they all went mental!"
"We need to get them to Madam Pomfrey," one of the Hufflepuff beaters said as the others caught their breath and nodded.
Harry and Draco toppled over just then. Luckily, they were barely above the ground and Hannah and Tracey managed to cast cushioning charms where they fell.
"We'll take them," Pansy said as she and Tracey helped Draco while Hermione and Susan did the same for Harry. Hannah was going to stay to help explain things and pass on the news to them later.
"We'll be explaining things here it seems," George said. All of the Beaters present and most of the gathered crowd saw Professor McGonagall making her way over to them with Madam Hooch behind her.
[-] [-] [-]
"Goodness! What happened?" Madam Pomfrey asked as the group entered the Hospital Wing.
"Bludgers went crazy! Started attacking them," Susan said breathlessly.
"Get them on these beds," she directed the girls.
Once Harry and Draco were laying on a bed each, she started running diagnostic spells. She tisked and shook her head. "The things that happen at this school!" she complained.
"Will they be okay?" Hermione asked in worry.
Madam Pomfrey let out a breath. "Don't worry, I'll be able to heal them up. They won't be leaving until tomorrow before lunch at the earliest though," she said.
All four girls let out a collective sigh of relief.
"You four best be going now! They will both need plenty of rest. I suspect they won't even be awake until late tonight at the earliest," Madam Pomfrey said as she shooed them out of the wing.
The girls weren't happy with this, but felt too relieved to say anything or put up a fight. Madam Pomfrey quickly got to work once the crowd left.
[-] [-] [-]
Early that night both Harry and Draco let out groans as they woke up and winced at the tenderness of their injuries.
"Guess we'll call it a draw this time," Harry said.
He and Draco chuckled to that before wincing again in turn. Laughing hurt too much. They both had a feeling it would be a long night.