11

Quidditch

As they entered November, the Quidditch season had begun and sent the members of the castle into endless chatter on who would be winning the cup this year. On the upcoming Saturday, Emily would be watching Harry play his first match against her House team. She had heard that the rivalry held between Gryffindor and Slytherin was enhanced on the Quidditch pitch and there was always someone injured during the games. It was for those reasons the majority of the school whether they were fans of the game or not came out to watch the two Houses compete. The idea of someone she knew getting injured was a touch unsettling but she was excited to see her brother play even if it was against her House.

Hardly anyone had seen Harry play because as Fred and George had told her, Wood had decided that Harry should be kept hush-hush as a sort of secret weapon. But this was Hogwarts and as with all secrets it leaked to the entire student body. Emily thought that the broom being delivered to him at a meal might have been a dead giveaway but apparently no one had been the wiser at a first year receiving a broom. Draco on the other hand had recognized the package for what it was immediately and pointed it out to her.

Emily heard many things said about her brother the week leading up to the match. Some people seemed to think he would be brilliant because apparently their father had been a great Quidditch player when he was at school. Other people seemed to think they'd need to put a net beneath him to catch him when he fell. Quite a few people who had remarked on the need for a net had red marks on their arms from where they had been hit with stinging hexes. The students had no idea where they had come from and were at a loss as to who in the crowded hallways had been the person to cast the spell, often playing it off as being a missed target.

Emily had dragged Draco to the trophy room and looked through the Quidditch trophies after hearing her father had played Quidditch. She found a plaque that had named her father the Gryffindor team captain. There had even been a picture by the plaque of the team that year and a younger version of the man she remembered from her dreams had been in it. She didn't know who he was, but the picture let her know the man was real.

Whenever Emily saw Harry he seemed to be a bit overwhelmed. He appeared more relaxed however, when he was strangely enough, seen reading a book that Draco recognized from the cover as Quidditch Through the Ages. That had led to Draco lending his copy to the witch so she could read it herself.

Emily had to admit it was an interesting book. She learned that there were seven hundred ways of committing a Quidditch foul and that all of them had happened during a World Cup match in 1473. She read that Seekers, her brother's position, were normally small and fast gaining the most serious injuries while playing.She was encouraged to read that death rarely occurred during Quidditch. It seemed though that referees had an odd habit of disappearing during games only to be found in the Sahara Desert. How that occurred was anyone's guess as the most recent victim to vanish had been found only just last summer according to Draco.

Emily had also observed that Granger and her brother had seemed closer since Halloween. She hoped they were friends, she felt someone like the bushy haired bookworm would be a good influence on her brother.

The day before the big match Emily and Draco spent their afternoon brewing a healing salve. They had both noticed Professor Snape had been walking with a limp since the incident on Halloween. His leg didn't seem to be healing, the pair knew the man was busy and probably neglected his own care in favor of everything else that needed his attention.

Normally when the first year Slytherins wanted to brew something they asked Professor Snape if they could use his classroom while he graded. The perks of using his classroom meant the professor would often give them pointers that were not in the books they used in class. Emily and Draco doubted though that he would let them use the classroom if they told him what they wanted to brew was for him. Draco had informed Emily that his godfather was a proud man and Emily had no doubt about that. She could not hold that against someone else when she herself had trouble asking others for help. Both Emily and Draco who knew they were not supposed to be brewing without supervision decided to use an empty classroom in the dungeons that Emily knew Fred and George often used when they were working on a potion for their pranks.

"He is not going to appreciate us meddling," Draco said as he stirred the cauldron clockwise ten times.

"He will be thankful when his leg is healed," Emily retorted cutting the sage that needed to be added next.

"You are positive adding the sage will be ok?"

"Of course, it has no negative reactions with any of the ingredients and it is a healing herb. If we just add it for the last ten minutes, it should enhance all the healing properties." Draco nodded and removed the stirring rod so Emily could add the sage. "Now we just need to let it simmer. We should also clean up our mess while we wait."

Draco nodded and the pair set about tidying the area they had been using. It wasn't too bad but they didn't want to leave anything that could be found later by someone.

When the salve was done, the pair had enough for three tubs. They filled the containers and finished cleaning by emptying out their cauldron. They would need to see about getting a sink or using a water spell if they were going to be working outside of the classroom often as the cleaning charm Draco showed Emily didn't really seem to do the best job on the pewter cauldron.

It was decided that Draco would head back to the dorm to put away everything they had used and Emily would find Professor Snape. The young witch decided to look in the most obvious spot first and upon finding the professor's office empty she headed to the staffroom where she saw her brother dart from the room. Harry sprinted up the stairs in the direction of his common room without even noticing his twin, Emily couldn't help but wonder why he was in such a hurry. As she continued up to the door Filch walked out and glared at her before continuing on his way. Emily peered into the already open door and saw Professor Snape sitting by the fire.

"Professor Snape," she said while knocking lightly on the door frame.

"What?" he snapped. The man's expression was angry until he noticed who was speaking and he appeared to relax. "I apologize Miss Potter, do you need something."

"Um I just wanted to give you this," she placed the bag holding the healing salves on the table by the door. Thinking she should probably leave before he realized what she had brought him she added, "I do have an essay I am working on and should go finish it now but I didn't just want to leave this on your desk. Good day Professor."

"Good day Miss. Potter," he said inclining his head as he made to move to where she had set the bag.

Emily hurried back to the common room to meet up with Draco. When she entered she noticed him sitting by the fire and went over to join him. She sank into the spot next to him on the couch and put her head on his shoulder tucking her feet under herself.

"How did it go?" he asked.

"I put the bag on a table by the door and told him it was for him. I then quickly excused myself to work on an essay before he could reach the bag and find out what was in it."

"Good idea." They were quiet for a moment staring into the fire before Draco added, "You ok?"

"Yeah it was just odd, when I got close to the staffroom my brother came running out of it and dashed to the stairs. Filch followed him out but went a different direction not interested in the slightest about following him. I'm just curious why he was running out of there so fast."

"Who knows, why don't we go get my chess board and play a game or two?" Draco offered.

"You better be ready to lose again!"

"In your dreams!"

The next morning the Great Hall was full of the delicious smell of breakfast and everyone was excited for the match. As Emily passed the Gryffindor table she noticed that Harry seemed to be pushing the food on his plate around while Granger seemed to be trying to convince him to eat.

"Ready to watch some great Quidditch today?" Marcus asked Emily as she and Draco sat across from him.

"Yeah, best match up and most looked forward to game of the season I'm told."

"Should be interesting, your brother is playing as their Seeker."

"Yeah I heard that," she shrugged while reaching for a blueberry muffin.

"Still not talking?" he asked. Emily shook her head and began to eat her muffin. "Well, just think about the great game us Slytherins are going to play today!" He reached over, patting her shoulder and left the hall followed by members of the House team.

By eleven o'clock the whole school seemed to have come to watch the matchup between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Many students had binoculars because even though the seats were high up most of the game was still hard to see without them. Emily was secretly wearing a red spaghetti strap under her green long sleeve t-shirt that she had charmed 'Slytherin' onto in silver. She even added a gold ribbon to her green and silver ones that she tied into a bow around her ponytail. She may want her House team to win but that did not mean she couldn't support Harry and was routing him on inside, not that he currently deserved her support but she wasn't ready to give up on him just yet.

Many of the Slytherins seeing Emily's shirt had asked her to charm theirs for them as well. It seemed as if the young first year had started a new trend in her House.

As Emily and Draco picked out seats in the stands Emily couldn't help but feel a slight bit uneasy. She wasn't sure if it was because she was worried about her brother or something else. But something just felt off to her.

It wasn't long before Emily was watching as Harry followed Fred and George out onto the field. He looked a bit green and she hoped his nerves weren't getting the best of him.

Madam Hooch was refereeing the game and stood in the center of the field waiting as both teams formed semi circles on either side of her. "I want a clean game," she paused looking at both teams before continuing, "from all of you."

Emily saw her brother smile and followed his line of vision to see where Granger and Weasley were holding up a large banner with his name on it. Emily, seeing the players mount their brooms, grabbed Draco's hand nervous for Harry and still feeling anxious that something was not right.

"Deep breaths Em, he will be fine," Draco told her.

Madam Hooch's whistle was heard throughout the stadium. The players kicked off the ground rising into the air, the game had begun.

"Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor immediately takes possession of the Quaffle – she is rather a skilled Chaser and quite beautiful, perhaps she –"

"JORDAN!"

"Sorry, Minnie."

"JORDAN!"

"Sorry…" Emily laughed as she heard Fred and George's best friend Lee Jordan call Professor McGonagall Minnie. Lee called all the Quidditch games and was closely monitored by Professor McGonagall to keep him in line. According to the twins it was a hard job as Lee often went off on a random tangent and wasn't the best at censoring himself.

"Johnson nearly escapes a Bludger and passes the Quaffle off to Alicia Spinnet who is in her first year as a starting Chaser— she tosses it back to Johnson – but no, Slytherin Captain Marcus Flint intercepts the pass – Flint easily maneuvers his way to the hoops – and he – nope, he is stopped by the Gryffindor Captain Oliver Wood – Alicia Spinnet takes the Quaffle again tosses it to Gryffindor Chaser Katie Bell and— OOOH — that can't have been pleasant, she is hit in the head with a Bludger – Chaser Adrain Pucey of Slytherin takes the Quaffle —he is doing well, he dodges a Bludger – Oh but he can't dodge the second — that was sent by one of the Gryffindor Beaters either Fred or George Weasley, I couldn't tell you which –"

It amused Emily that she seemed to be the only one who could tell the twins apart. If she had been sitting close to Lee she would have informed him the second bludger had been hit by George.

— Bell takes the Quaffle and dodges Pucey, she tosses the Quaffle to Spinnet — there is nothing in her way now — Bludger is speeding towards her, and it misses — she is approaching the hoops — she tosses to Johnson as Pucey has caught up to her — Johnson makes her throw and Slytherin Keeper Bletchley moves to block — and he misses — TEN POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindors broke out in cheers while the Slytherins booed. Emily who had yet to take her binoculars off Harry looked over at Draco who was booing.

"They scored?" Emily asked.

"Yes," Draco replied pushing the binoculars down so he could properly see his friend's face. "Would you watch the game? Your brother is fine, you are missing all the action."

"Something doesn't feel right Dray! I have no idea what it is but something is not ok."

"Em you are just anxious because it is your brother playing and I understand that but you are missing the game." Emily nodded to Draco but kept diverting her gaze over to Harry every minute or so.

"Slytherin takes possession of the Quaffle," Lee Jordan announced, "Chaser Pucey dodges both Bludgers aimed at him and heads for the hoops — hold up Slytherin Seeker Terence Higgs is starting to dive – has he seen the Snitch?"

"Harry Potter Gryffindor's newest addition and Seeker has seen it as well – he dives – they are neck and neck – Potter and Higgs both have their hands raised – Potter overtakes Higgs – and – Oh OUCH – Marcus Flint has purposefully knocked into the Gryffindor Seeker sending him spiraling off course –" The Gryffindor fans screamed in anger calling for a foul while the Slytherins cheered.

"What is he trying to do?" Emily screamed outraged at the prefect's behavior.

"Emily calm down it was a hard foul, they tend to happen in Quidditch, especially games against Gryffindor and Slytherin. He is still on his broom, you are over reacting."

"He could have killed him!"

"That's how the game is played. Plus, we are at school, no one is going to let him fall and die."

Emily shook her head frustrated but she knew Draco was right, she needed to calm down, this was all part of the game. "I'm sorry you're right I am just so on edge and seeing him almost knocked off his broom is not helping."

"So — after that blatant and revolting foul by the cheater Flint —"

"Jordan!" warned Professor McGonagall.

"After that obvious and hard hit purposefully meant to hurt…"

"JORDAN – this is your final warning…"

"Okay, okay no need to get so upset Minnie."

"JOR-"

"And Flint almost causes Gryffindor to be short a Seeker for the season which is perfectly normal and happens all the time –"

"Detention"

"Worth it – and Madam Hooch awards a penalty shot to Gryffindor – Spinnet lines up to make the goal – she easily scores – play continues with Gryffindor in possession of the Quaffle."

As Emily settled in she was starting to enjoy the game until she decided to check in on her brother and noticed Harry's broom begin to seemingly start to try and buck him off.

She looked around and no one else seemed to be taking notice of her brother. Lee was still commentating and all the players had yet to notice as he was pulled higher hanging onto his broom trying not to fall.

Emily nudged Draco hard, "I told you something was going to go wrong look at Harry!"

He sighed but humored his friend and looked to where Harry was on the field, "It looks like he has no control over his broom! How can that be possible?"

Finally, people started noticing Harry's predicament and began pointing up at him. Emily watched as the broom rolled over trying to throw him off. Squeezing Draco's arm in a death grip, Emily watched as Harry's broom gave a wild jerk as it rolled over for the third time knocking Harry off his broom. It seemed he had a good grip until a strong jerk forced the young seeker's left hand to lose its grip leaving him dangling by one hand and holding desperately to the handle.

"I told you I had a bad feeling, what can interfere with the magic of a broom?"

"I think only a Dark curse could be doing that to his broom. The person would really have to mean to harm you to make it work." Emily looked over at the one person whose loyalty she had been starting to question. His eyes were locked onto Harry. He wasn't blinking. Looking around she realized she couldn't take a clear shot from where she was without someone else accidentally getting hit.

Emily's eyes quickly went back to check on Harry. His broom was vibrating so hard, it was almost impossible for him to hang on much longer. Everyone in the stadium were on their feet, watching, terrified that Harry might slip. Fred and George tried to fly up to Harry to pull him onto one of their brooms, but every time they got near him Harry's broom would move higher up in the air. The twins gave up trying to reach him and flew beneath him in a circle hoping to catch him if he fell. Emily was just about to get up and get a closer shot when she watched Granger scrambling by him so fast she knocked him into the first row breaking his eye contact. She seemed to be rushing toward Professor Snape.

The momentary lapse of concentration was enough, Harry's broom stopped moving and the first year was able to climb back on his broomstick immediately taking off into a dive. Emily who had just released Draco's arm grabbed his hand.

"Must you cut off my circulation, the feeling was just coming back," Draco asked the anxious girl.

"Shut up!"

Emily watched as Harry rolled off his broom and onto his knees coughing. She was certain he was going to be sick after what he had just survived, that is until he started waving something over his head. Somehow Harry was holding a tiny golden ball. Harry had caught the Snitch the game was finally over!

"Come on Em, let's head back to the common room," Draco said leading Emily out of the stands.

"I think I'm going to visit Hagrid for a bit, do you want to come?"

"I think I would rather head inside and get warm, I'll meet you in the common room later."

Hagrid approached his hut just before Emily and was happy to make her a cup of tea. The two were just sitting down when they were joined by Harry, Granger and Weasley.

Weasley seemed to be pretending Emily wasn't there and began telling the game to Harry from his point of view. "And we saw Snape cursing your broomstick! Hermione noticed it first but he was whispering something and watching you the whole time."

"Oh please," Emily said rolling her eyes at the boy. "Have you never heard of a counter curse?" But no one seemed to hear her except Hagrid who nodded his head in agreement.

"Rubbish," Hagrid exclaimed making the young Gryffindors shake their heads as if the giant was delusional. "Professor Snape would never do something like that. He's a Hogwarts teacher!"

"Well we know that he's up to something," Harry told Hagrid very matter of factly. "On Halloween he got bitten by that crazy three-headed dog in the third floor corridor. Whatever it's guarding, he's trying to steal it!"

Emily was about to interject when Hagrid dropped the teapot and asked them how they knew about Fluffy.

"Fluffy?"

"Yeah, I bought 'im last year in the pub. Been raisin' 'im ever since. Dumbledore asked to borrow him to guard the –"

"Guard the…" Harry prompted.

"No. Now stop, yeh know I can't say nothin' about it," Hagrid answered gruffly looking away from the assembled first years.

"Snape wants to steal it we have to stop him!"

Emily scoffed loudly earning a glare from Weasley. "I bet you are helping him snake."

"I'm not helping anyone, but I could help you…" Emily started to draw her wand but Hagrid was quick to push her arm back down.

"Now that's enough yeh hear! You three don' have ter do anythin' about it! Em is right, Professor Snape would never do somethin' like that."

"But he just tried to kill Harry!" cried Granger, the girl genuinely looked worried about her friend.

Emily who was trying to remain calm lost it, "Professor Snape did not just try to kill Harry, he was trying to save him! Eye contact works both ways, you need it when saying the curse and performing the counter-curse!"

"Of course you defend him! You're a slimy snake just like that greasy bat!" Weasley cried. "I think she's helping him."

Harry shook his head, he didn't think highly of his sister's House but accusing her of trying to help kill him was going too far.

"Just because I am a Slytherin doesn't make me an evil snake you idiot! Harry is my brother and I do not believe Professor Snape attempted to kill him! On Halloween night someone let the troll into the castle, but Professor Snape was at dinner the whole time he couldn't have done it! He went to head someone off, not steal something! He was protecting it like he was protecting Harry today! Do you ever think it through or are Gryffindors so brash they ignore reason?" Emily was just wasting her breath though, the three Gryffindors seemed to be ignoring everything she said.

Granger just continued on a tangent about how she had read all about jinxes and that it had to be Professor Snape because he didn't break eye contact. Emily rolled her eyes did no one hear a word she said at all? Maybe Granger wasn't as good for her brother as she originally hoped. "Did you not just hear me say the same goes for the counter-curse!"

Shaking her head Emily settled back into her chair and took a sip of her tea, it was pointless to say another word.

Hagrid, for his part had began to yell. The giant was defending Professor Snape and telling the three Gryffindors that Emily was right. The Slytherin in mention no longer caring about the other in the room was considering heading back up to the castle when she realized what Hagrid was saying.

"That is none of yer business! What Fluffly is guarding is between Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel. If either wanted yer help they'd ask, but I suspect they have plenty! Yeh three need to let this go and stop trying to blame Professor Snape!"

"Who's Nicolas Flamel?" Harry said excitedly, clinging onto the name Hagrid had let slip.

With that statement Emily groaned and hit her head on the table while Hagrid looked furious with himself.