Chapter 10: The Rogue Bludger

It had been an intense week overshadowed as it was by the Chamber of Secrets and the whole castle had felt strangely oppressive, however whenever Harry caught sight of one of the DMLE he felt his shoulders relax a little and he could breathe a little easier. He smiled a greeting at Derek as he entered the great hall with Ron and Hermione and proceeded to their usual seats at the Gryffindor table. The Patil twins were both at the Gryffindor table as well, despite being in different houses; it was fairly common for them to eat together, sometimes at the Ravenclaw table sometimes at Gryffindor. Unconsciously listening in to their conversation as he ate Harry felt they may have picked the wrong table today. They had more or less finished their meal and were now discussing the dreaded potions homework; Harry was almost certain they would get better input from their Ravenclaw classmates. As if proving his thoughts right Ron and Hermione were having their customary Friday argument. Friday's argument was always Hermione trying to get them to do some homework after tea while Ron kept calling her crazy as they'd been in classes all week and needed a rest, besides they had the whole weekend. Ordinarily Harry tried to stay out of this particular argument, but it was a Quidditch weekend so slightly unusually for him he actually agreed with Hermione. The match against Slytherin was likely to occupy his mind for the entirety of Saturday no-matter the outcome so it probably was a good idea to get some of the work out of the way.

Trying not to catch Ron's attention he quietly joined Parvati and Padma's conversation, "I've got as far as making a list of each ingredient and it's most commonly known properties." He offered.

"Yeah that's where we started" Parvati nodded in agreement.

"I've also listed any potions I could think of that used them and what they do," Padma added, "just to see if I could see a pattern." She handed across a piece of parchment she'd been working on.

"That's a good idea," Harry perked up with the hope of progress, "was their one?"

Padma looked quite disappointed as she admitted there wasn't. She stared off into space for a moment tapping her quill against her chin before her eyes lit up suddenly with an idea, "I'm going to try and research the method steps next, to see how they impact the ingredients, maybe it will narrow down which effect they'll have."

Harry smiled at the evident delight Padma was taking in the potions puzzle, it seemed like a good idea to him, certainly better than any he had. He turned back to Ron and Hermione and found Hermione now had a large book propped up blocking her view of Ron and Ron had turned as far away as possible and was talking loudly to Seamus about broomsticks.

"I think I'm going to go to the library and try and get the potions essay finished," he said avoiding looking at either of them directly, even so he couldn't help but notice Ron's aghast look and the speed at which Hermione was on her feet and ready to go. He heard Ron grumbling about people not understanding the sanctity of Friday evening but by the time they had reached the doors he too was with them.

It took about an hour. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't fun, and it quite probably wasn't correct, but it was done. Only time and Snape would tell.

Saturday dawned and Harry woke to sunlight streaming through the dormitory window. He was nervous and excited, his insides were squirming about uncomfortably. He desperately wanted to beat Slytherin, especially Malfoy and his father's fancy brooms. He stared up at the ceiling going over all the drills and tactics they'd been working on in preparation for this match. He knew he was better than Malfoy, he knew they were a better team than Slytherin, he just hoped it would show at the right time.

He finally judged it late enough to get up and made his way down to breakfast and before long was joined by the rest of the team. None of them said much, they all sat tense and focused, coiled and ready for battle. Harry nearly jumped out of his skin when Madam Bones greeted him before laughing at the absurdity if it. This it seemed did the trick and as if released from a spell the whole table took a breath and relaxed slightly. It had been very strange to see Fred and George so silent and still for so long.

By eleven o'clock nearly the whole school was in the Quidditch stands and the two teams were lined up on the pitch awaiting Madam Hooch's whistle. Clouds now covered the sky and the air was muggy as if a storm was on its way but for the moment the weather held. Then with one sharp blast they launched themselves into the sky, each of the Gryffindors firmly believing they were a better player than their Slytherin opponent and determined to prove it.

Harry rose higher than everyone and immediately started searching for the snitch however he wasn't at all surprised to find Malfoy suddenly appearing in front of him.

"All right there scarhead," he jeered before shooting off ahead showing off his broom and looping back around to Harry's shoulder.

"Careful there Malfoy, you sure you know how to handle that broom? I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself," Harry cautioned with mock sincerity already formulating a plan to dissuade him from his current tactics. However before he had a chance to do much beyond turning his broom a speeding black Bludger rushed by his face missing him by millimeters. Moments later George pelted past him on its tale and with a resounding thwack launched it at Marcus Flint who currently held the Quaffle.

Harry was about to go back to shaking off Malfoy when he noticed the Bludger change direction midflight and head straight back for him. He did a quick barrel role and flew in the opposite direction as George doggedly chased it down again and launched it at Adrian Pucey who was attempting to tackle Angelina. Again the Bludger changed route to head instead for Harry who was trying to keep both it and Malfoy in site while looking for the snitch. He didn't know what was going on, this was definitely not normal Bludger behaviour.

"IT'S BEEN TAMPERED WITH!" he heard George yell as again he zoomed past trying to protect him. Harry looked around for help, he flew past Madam Hooch to try to draw her attention but she was too focused on the Chasers attempting score. He ducked and rolled dodging the murderous missile as Malfoy hung in the air laughing at Harry's predicament. At least he wasn't looking for the snitch Harry thought, then he had an idea and put on a burst of speed away from Malfoy with the Bludger in hot pursuit. Malfoy took the bait and quickly gave chase until Harry screeched to a stop and rolled beneath the Slytherin who in his attempt to copy Harry was hit full force by the rogue Bludger as it too tried to follow Harry's path.

There was a whoosh of air followed by a wheezing groaning sound as the breath was knocked out of Malfoy. He clung weakly to his broom as he dribbled to the ground and lay in a moaning heap on the floor.

With Malfoy prostrate in the ground Madam Hooch now noticed the unusual Bludger behaviour and called a halt to the match while it was dealt with. In confusion and concern the Quidditch players made their way to the ground. Flint instantly picked a fight with Fred for injuring his seeker, Fred indignantly declared he had nothing to do with it and it wasn't his fault Malfoy didn't know how to play, the rest of the teams faced off and it would no doubt have devolved into an all-out brawl if several teachers hadn't been making their way onto the pitch at that very moment. The remaining teachers worked on getting the student back up to the castle and away from the chaos on the pitch.

Madam Hooch oblivious to all that was happening on the ground was battling the willful Bludger, whatever or whoever had tampered with the Bludger had ensured it wouldn't stop in its pursuit of Harry, all of the usual commands for the Bludger were ineffective. Harry was relieved help was coming so while the Bludger continued to chase Harry, George continued to chase him and the Bludger, Fred joined him in support and Madam Hooch chased them all attempting to get a clear shot at the Bludger to immobilise it.

With several of the teachers now gathered on the pitch, Snape checked on Malfoy and sent him to Madam Pomfrey and the others principally tried to catch the rogue Bludger. Noticing the extra support Harry began to fly around them all as slowly as he dared until finally Professor Flitwick managed to hit the Bludger with a charm and it dropped to the floor completely inert. Harry landed his broom trembling from the adrenalin rush with Fred and George by his side. They patted him on the back for his excellent evasive maneuvers as he thanked them a little awkwardly for not leaving him.

"What!" exclaimed George, "And miss out of all the fun!" he guffawed.

"You think we'd just hang back and watch you get beaten by a Bludger," Fred laughed at the ridiculousness of the idea. "Not that you needed us though," he added ruffling his hair.

"The untouchable Harry Potter!" George cheered putting an arm around his shoulder.

"Mr Potter."

The three boys stopped suddenly as Professor McGonagall addressed them.

"Are you O.K.? It looked like you kept out of its way but I'd like to be sure that I don't need to send you to see Madam Pomfrey." She looked at Harry intently clearly trying to spot any subterfuge.

"No really, I'm fine. It missed me every time." He replied honestly.

"I think it would be more accurate to say you dodged it every time," she raised an eyebrow at him. "It was excellent flying Mr Potter. And you too Messrs Weasley," she added turning to Fred and George, "you did an excellent job out there." She smiled at the troublesome twosome who grinned back delighted by her praise.

She allowed them on their way then and Harry made his way slowly past the rest of the teachers curious about what exactly had happened to the Bludger. Taking a quick look around to see if anyone was keeping a close eye in him he slowed to a stop and crouched down to 'tie his shoe lace'. Fred and George catching on quickly also stopped walking and began inspecting their bats and brooms for damage after the unusual match.

"We should have Madam Bones investigate," Professor Flitwick was telling Madam Hooch, "As you know it's no simple or innocent magic that can interfere with the charms on a Bludger,"

"Oh definitely" she agreed quite concerned that her precious Quidditch supplies had been tampered with so horribly.

"But it needs securing in the meantime, there's no telling how long my charm will last."

"Oh I know just the thing" Lockhart appeared brandishing his wand. He had been parading around the gathering talking to anyone who would listen about a very handy little jinx he knew that would have stopped the Bludger no problem if only he'd been at the match in time. He had in fact raced across the grounds as soon as he'd heard there was a commotion.

"I think it would be best to simply add some protections to the case." Madam Hooch tried to lower Lockhart's wand, she did not like anyone interfering with her kit.

"Oh I'm sure we can do better than that," he smiled condescendingly at the hawk like witch swerving around her.

"There should be no further spells done to the Bludger until Madam Bones has inspected it" Professor Flitwick was quite insistent.

"Not at all, better safe than sorry," Lockhart swept his cape aside rudely sweeping Flitwick aside at the same time and pointed his wand at the now slightly twitching Bludger.

Harry wasn't sure what Lockhart said or what spell he thought he was doing but the next thing he knew he was on the ground with a ringing sound in his ears and a bright light in his vision. He tried to see around the bright spot and could just about make out Fred and George in a heap beside him and the other teachers in a similar predicament. In confusion he crawled slowly over to Fred and George. They had untangled themselves by now and were gesticulating wildly at each other from the floor. Harry assumed they were also shouting, he thought he could just about hear the tone of it over the ringing sound. They didn't seem to be having the same difficulty with their vision as Harry had been and instantly recognised him. Fred attempted to get up and head towards him but wobbled sideways landing back on top of George. The twins again wriggled themselves free of each other and apparently accepting they didn't have the balance for walking crawled across to Harry. Harry watched them, turning his head back and forth trying to get them to the side of his vision where he could see them clearly. He thought they were trying to ask if he was OK so he shouted back at them that he was fine but he didn't think they could hear. Instead they started patting him down checking for any obvious injuries. Fred's face appeared inches from his own mouthing words exaggeratedly but Harry couldn't make out what he said. Again he shouted back waving his arms in emphasis. They sat waving and shouting at each other getting more and more ridiculous and emphatic until all three were laughing hysterically at the mimes they performed for each other.

It wasn't long before they were all taken to the medical ward. Madam Pomfrey was quick to assess the students. The Bludger it would seem had exploded with a lot of noise and light but no obvious force and Madam Pomfrey was confident there would be no lasting damage. They were all put on bed rest and quiet until their hearing had recovered, teachers and students alike.

Harry was happy to find the bright spot obscuring his vision faded over the next hour and he could see as well as ever after not too long. His hearing however was taking longer. It was a very strange sensation. It sounded as though everything was underwater, or perhaps as though he were underwater. He looked around the room and noticed there weren't as many casualties as he'd expected. He figured some of the teachers were probably allowed to rest in their own rooms which Harry felt very unfair. Fred and George were in the beds opposite him and would hop out and perform some charade or impersonation whenever Madam Pomfrey was looking a different direction. He smiled and laughed at them knowing they were doing it as much for his entertainment as their own.

Despite Fred and George's antics the day dragged on. Madam Pomfrey was unrelenting in her strict no visitors rule so he didn't even have Ron and Hermione to alleviate the boredom. Some of the other teachers had been allowed back into the school by evening. Harry supposed they had been further away from the blast and it gave him a little comfort that by that rational it would be Lockhart who would be kept on the ward the longest. He did feel bad about Flitwick and Madam Hooch though.

Sleep didn't come easy that night. It wasn't just the incessant ringing in his ears, or the snoring of George behind the curtain opposite that he could now hear. He still didn't know why the Bludger had come after him. Had someone made it do it? Why him? Why was it always him? He huffed moodily and rolled on to his back wrapping his head in the pillow though he knew the ringing would not be kept out. Staring up at the too familiar ceiling of the medical ward he noticed a large pair of big round eyes staring back.

He sat straight up in surprise. "Dobby!" Why was Dobby there, what mischief had the little elf been up to.

Dobby appeared suddenly on his bed tears streaming down his face. "Oh Harry Potter sir! You is at Hogwarts. You should not be here sir. It is not safe." He clung to his pillowcase wringing it in anxious consternation. "Why did you not stay safe at home when you couldn't get on the train." He wailed loudly.

Harry looked around nervously concerned others would hear and come and investigate now that their ears were recovering. But listen as hard as he could he heard nothing, not even George's snoring anymore. He glanced at Dobby suspiciously. He'd begun to suspect that house elves were a lot more capable than their shriveled goofy appearance would have them believe.

"Wait a minute!" Harry exclaimed suddenly joining the dots together. "It was you! You sealed the platform."

Dobby lowered his guiltily, avoiding Harry's eyes. "It was for your good sir. Harry Potter must not be at Hogwarts." He wailed louder than ever and Harry instinctively tried to shush him.

"It's OK Dobby, no harm done" he tried reassure the crazy elf.

This only made Dobby howl louder before he grabbed the book off the bedside table and started hitting himself repeatedly in the face. "Bad Dobby. Bad Dobby." he cried repeatedly.

Panicked Harry tried to wrestle the book out of the elf's hands. "Dobby please stop" he urged in desperation. "It's OK really it is." He kept talking to Dobby quietly and soothingly with no idea what might help and what would set him off again and desperately curious to know what he knew.

"Why don't you tell me why it's not safe, then maybe I'll agree and go home," Harry suggested trying to get some information out of the wretched looking creature.

"Dobby cannot say," he snivelled into his grimy pillowcase. "It is a command sir." Dobby sat miserably on Harry's legs.

Harry could see how much the house elf wanted to help. "What if I guess," and he saw Dobby's eyes light up. Harry thought for a moment "Was it the Bludger? Did you know the Bludger would try and kill me?" Harry asked the timing too coincidental to not consider it.

Evidently this was the wrong thing to suggest as Dobby lunged for the book again to resume hitting himself.

"Oh! Bad Dobby, bad Dobby" he wailed as he tried to get the book out of Harry's grasp.

"Not the Bludger then," Harry tried desperately to prevent the elf from hurting himself.

"Dobby's Bludger was not to kill Harry Potter, no never kill him!" dobby cried as they fought over the book. "Only hurt him, send him home. Harry Potter would be safe."

In surprise Harry released the book and the little elf and book fell backwards off the end of the bed. "Your Bludger?!"

"It was for Harry Potter's own good."

A moment later Harry jumped out of bed and locked his arms around the struggling little elf. "Tell me" said Harry angry now, "How is blowing me up, and several others I might add, for my own good!"

"Oh Harry Potter!" he cried, "Dobby would never blow up Harry Potter. No never sir. Dobby is thinking his Bludger will break his arm or his leg or his head. No!" he wailed, "Dobby is never blowing up Harry Potter."

"Oh well that's reassuring" Harry muttered remembering the state of Malfoy after he was hit by the rogue Bludger.

"So not the Bludger." thought Harry out loud, unconsciously still holding the elf arms to his side.

"The Chamber of Secrets!" Harry all but shouted. The deep look of recognition and anguish on Dobby's face said it all but before Harry could ask anything further a sudden commotion beyond his curtains startled them both and Dobby simply vanished as if he was never there.