Wolf Witch and Forks
Chapter 8: Clubs and Flying
AN: This chapter is from Bella's POV. I had the most fun writing this. As I could actually put something more than just canon retelling which at this point seems boring and predictable. In Twilight canon, Bella did Ballet so I have used that minor detail to expand on. Malfoy also has some character development in this chapter and Padma having a significant dialogue.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Twilight
Bella
5:00 PM, Muggle Dance and Music Studio, Fifth Floor, September 7th 1991
"Good evening everyone, my name is Charity Burbage and this is Mr Arif Sikander, we both teach Muggle Studies, a third-year elective. You all know Madam Irma Pince are Head Librarian. All three of us are in charge of the Muggle Dance Association or MDA for short. Nathan Douglas and Regina Stuart were voted as the club presidents this year and would be acting as Teacher's assistants"
"Madam Pince, if you may". Bella never thought that Hogwarts of all places would have muggle dance as a club activity. She was surrounded by students from all years dressed in leotards just like her. 'What she would give right now to take a photo of Draco Malfoy dressed in a black leotard'.
As soon as Madam Pince came forward, all excited chatter ceased. Madam Pince was a middle-aged woman with a hooked nose, uncannily resembling her potions teacher with severe, sharp features. Her dark hair was pulled back in a tight bun and she was wearing a witch's hat with large raven feathers.
"First years and returning members, welcome once again. MDA has been a part of Hogwarts extracurricular since the Renaissance. Classical Dances are widely popular in the wizarding world. We only take committed students through auditions in the first session of every year and once selected you become a member and later an Alumni after you graduate"
"The MDA focuses on Ballroom dances as well as Ballet. You would be trained in both. I have been a Ballet instructor and Librarian at Hogwarts for the past fifteen years, taking over from my mentor Madam Constance Dearborn." Bella noticed that both Professors Burbage and Sikander winced at hearing the name.
"She was an award-winning Ballerina and a harsh taskmaster! I expect the same level of perfection from my pupils. Once chosen you cannot take part in the rest of the clubs. Only one activity on weekend is allowed. You need to Quit MDA! if you want to pursue any other weekday club or if you are selected for a house Quidditch team. Third years and above if you are taking Animagus training or Ancient Studies please shift to the weekend batch, kindly contact Professor McGonagall or Professor Babbling for the same"
Assemble crowd broke out in whispers nonetheless Madam Pince continued, "We always put up performances before Winter and Summer breaks or sometimes on special school feasts as per the request of the headmaster. With that all said, Let's begin!"
Madam Pince tapped her large cane on the floor and commanded them to stand in straight rows height-wise at the barres. Bella soon experienced the most gruelling and intense dance session of her life.
Pince judged everything not just their dancing skills and flexibility; poor Susan Bones was cut immediately as her posture was not good enough according to Pince's ridiculously high standards. Daphne was let go next because her hair was not tied up in a neat bun. Terry Boot who had come with Bella to try out was rejected due to his lack of knowledge about Ballet terminology.
Soon the first-year crowd thinned from twenty to eight and the number of older students had reduced to one third. Bella was glad that she and her fellow Ravenclaws Sue Li and Selena Runcorn had made it.
She looked around and saw Malfoy, Stephen Cornfoot, Megan Jones, Parvati Patil and Justin Finch-Fletchly were the only other remaining first years. Padma, to Bella's disappointment, did not audition as she said that dance was her sister's thing, not hers.
Paul and Harry had declined in an instant but did encourage her a lot. Madam Pince gave them one last scrutinising stare,
"The easy part is over! Arif will hand over your schedules for the class and Charity will take your measurements for your sanctioned leotards and pointe shoes. Do not treat this as a pass time, this is a class in itself. I have a squib student who is now the recruitment head at the Royal Ballet School London, he comes annually at the end of the year to select any students worthy of the school's prestigious summer programs."
Bella's eyes widened; this was beyond her imagination. A chance to be a part of Royal Ballet would be a once in a lifetime golden opportunity, she was not going to let it pass.
When she was about to exit the studio with the rest of the students, she, Malfoy, a second-year Gryffindor Katie Bell and fourth year Slytherin Terence Higgs were stopped by Professor Burbage. "Four of you please stay back"
Dread seeped in Bella; she was sure she had not made any mistakes. Katie also looked worried as Madam Pince came over.
"Mr Malfoy, Miss Bell, Mr Higgs and Ms Swan, I see potential in all of you. You have the raw talent to excel. We make personalised practice schedules every year for worthy students like all of you. They are going to be Intensive! then the rest but only if you agree."
Bella was sure she was having a dream; she nodded her head vigorously as she was not capable of forming full sentences. Katie and Terence were having a similar reaction however Malfoy was not rendered speechless, "My father does not want me to pursue Muggle dance, I am only here because my mother insisted. So no thank you." She gaped at the arrogant boy.
'He is throwing this away, God!' Bella thought as she saw the boy leave.
Professor Burbage warned "Miss Bell and Mr Higgs both of you cannot try out for the Quidditch teams this year and Miss Swan no weekday clubs. All of you should write to your parents about sending their consent for the same. Royal Ballet is something worth striving for. If we do not find you improving then you can be replaced easily"
After Professor Sikander handed them each a piece of Parchment, "Practice would be twice a day for five days in the week with me, Charity, Ms Stuart and Mr Douglas. You all have Sundays and Hogsmeade weekends off. On Saturday's three-hour afternoon session with Madam Pince. Timings and Teacher in charge are mentioned."
As the three of them made their way out she heard Katie, "Angelina and Alicia are going to be pissed. They wanted me to try out for chaser this year."
Higgs then frowned, "You have not met Marcus Flint then! I have been the Slytherin seeker for the past two years. I just auditioned today coz I wanted to try something different."
Both Katie and Higgs just ignored her as they moved out of the corridor. Bella though noticed Draco Malfoy hiding behind a pillar. Her mind was telling her to just leave but her heart made her approach the boy, "Malfoy what are you doing out here? Are you feeling, alright?"
"None of your concern!" Malfoy spat bitterly but Bella had become stubborn to a fault from years of dealing with Harry and Paul. She tried a different approach. "No need to be so rude! It's a shame, that you don't want to dance, you were pretty good."
That triggered something in Malfoy who unconsciously blurted out, "My father… thinks it's girly. He wants me to play Quidditch next year" "And your mom?"
Malfoy this time gave a long pause before saying in a low tone "She taught me. She wanted to be a Ballerina and a healer but her family was against it."
'So, there is a human being under all that pompous attitude.' Bella thought as she asked, "Are you sure that you are in Slytherin?"
"I am a Slytherin! Are you bloody blind?" "Just checking. Show some cunning and get your mom's permission without your dad knowing. You clearly want to do it."
"Why are you even bothering? Aren't you friends with Potter and Lahote? Shouldn't you hate me?"
Bella just gave a frustrated sigh. "No, I don't. Paul and Harry are my best friends but they don't decide who I talk to. There is still time, Professor Sikander is still in there. You should go and get your schedule. Tell him you changed your mind. If not then you are just going to prove Harry and Paul right, that you're a chicken!"
Malfoy glared at her but got up and went again inside the studio returning a few minutes later with parchment in hand. "Happy! Swan. Never call me a chicken again! Be ready, I am going to outdo you in practice."
With that, he turned his nose up but a genuine challenging smile was on his face. "We will see Malfoy."
7:00 pm Dinner, Great Hall
"Congratulations Bells! I just heard from Parvati that you got in" Padma gave her an elated hug.
Blaise then added, "Bells you are going to do great! Don't forget about poor me when you make it to Royal Ballet. I want the friends and family discount to your recitals." Bella laughed, "There is nothing poor about you Zabini" as she saw Sue and Selena giving her tight smiles.
'What happened to them? They also got in' Bella thought as Terry said next, "All the best Bella, Pince is tough as nails" and to Bella's growing embarrassment Paul shouted towards Harry, "Bella made it to the special group. You owe me one galleon." Harry then threw a galleon at Paul before saying, "Bella CONGRATS"
Both were scolded by Professor McGonagall, "Mr Lahote! Mr Potter! control yourselves and settle down. One point each from Gryffindor and Slytherin."
Padma whispered in Bella's ear, "Li and Runcorn are very jealous that they did not get invited to Madam Pince's special group. So just ignore them."
"Oh, this is going to make things so awkward!" Bella moaned. Padma just gave her a comforting pat, "You got me and Mione, also Trace and Daph. All the rest are just bloody harpies"
"Thanks, Pads, I didn't see Daphne after practice. Madam Pince cut her out just coz her hair was not in a bun!"
"Don't worry, Daph did that on purpose, as she had already gotten in the Art and Photography club."
"Also, I signed us up for Book club and before you panic, it's on the weekends. Tracey, Daphne and Hermione would be there." Padma smirked.
"Fine but ask me next time. What else are you taking?"
"I have chess tryouts next weekend and I was thinking that you and I can go to Duelling club trials"
"I was already going, to support Paul and Harry. Isn't chess club very exclusive like MDA?" Bella asked.
"It is. Almost every pureblood from the old families wants to be a member. It's like an honour thing. If you get in, you represent Hogwarts in the international tournaments during breaks."
"Wow. That sounds so cool." Bella replied.
10th September, Saturday 11:00 AM, Duelling Hall, Dungeons
"A Warm welcome to all of you this fine morning. My name is Filius Flitwick and I am the head of the Charms and Duelling department here at Hogwarts. Professor Severus Snape, our resident Potions master is also the faculty in charge of the day-to-day functioning of the club and manager of the Hogwarts Duelling Squad."
Bella was sitting with Padma on one of the rafters which lined the walls of the hall. As it was the first meet of the year, the hall was jam-packed as both faculty and students were in attendance. Headmaster Dumbledore had also come which was apparently a huge deal. Professor Flitwick and Snape both were dressed in formal Duelling Robes and all the participants were seated on the bench nearest to the four gigantic Duelling platforms.
Padma had become Bella's guide for Duelling, "The platforms are for every age bracket defined by the Duelling Federation. Under thirteen, fifteen, seventeen and adult. A duelling team consists of fourteen members two for each category. It's been almost fifty years since a first-year made the team though."
Bella asked disappointed, "So there is no chance for Harry or Paul?"
Padma just giggled, "No, they still can be reserves or trainees… it's been almost a decade since a first-year got picked for training though. The team roster changes every year"
"Is it like MDA that you can only take Duelling and not participate in anything else?"
"Um… it is a weekend activity so you can still join Quidditch teams but it would be tough…to manage I guess"
With that said their attention was again diverted to Professor Snape who was now standing on the Adult Platform, "Tryouts would begin for the fifth, sixth and seventh years now. As per the guidelines set by International Duelling Federation or IDF, No! Unforgivable Curses or spells which are classified under the ICW Dark Arts Act of 1946 are to be cast during the duel.
An immediate expulsion and arrest for the culprit! Duels are to last for a maximum of five minutes and if no victor is determined then judges will deliberate and decide the winner. Felix Felicis or any other performance-enhancing potions or spells are forbidden.
Adults and under seventeen category duellists are allowed to maim their opponent but the lower brackets are not, disarming or throwing them off the platform will lead to an automatic victory.
Judges for today are me, Professor Flitwick and our honourable Headmaster Albus Dumbledore"
'Snape can really make an interesting thing, sound so dull' Bella thought as the two seventh years stepped on the platform. Bella was mesmerized by the scene of a flashing array of vibrant curses and hexes being cast in such a short span of time and that too non verbally.
"Helen Dawlish victor" As soon as Snape announced the winner the audience burst into polite applause. Bella whispered curiously "Pads why isn't Quirrell here? He is the DADA teacher after all."
"Bells, Quirrell is not on good terms with Snape, according to my gossipy twin. Also, he was a muggle studies teacher before with no Duelling experience"
The duels continued, with Heather McDougal and Artemis Runcorn having a draw after duelling non-stop for five minutes. Even the judges could not decide which girl was better. Soon the crowd thinned as the fifth-year duels concluded.
'Cedric Diggory is so handsome!' both Bella and Padma sighed dreamily looking at the charming third-year Hufflepuff who had won his duel in under a minute. Finally, it was the first years and second years. Paul went up first against Kajol Bhatt a Gryffindor second year.
Bhatt started with the jelly leg jinx and the tickling charm but both were dodged by Paul. She then shouted, "Vermillion Dua" a few red sparks came out of her wand but they were not enough to distract Paul who hit her with a hair loss jinx. The girl dropped her wand instantaneously screaming as her jet-black hair began to fall in clumps.
"Paul Lahote winner" Bella, Ron and Neville clapped enthusiastically for him. "Did Paul just win against a Second year using a prank jinx?" Padma gasped.
"Pig is always reading that Vindictus Veridian book. I think he learnt the jinx from there." Bella reasoned.
Soon other second-year vs second-year duels went on but none were impressive. Hermione, who to Bella's surprise was also participating wiped the floor against second-year Slytherin Sylvia Mallory by successfully casting the bluebell flames charm, practically setting the latter's robes on fire.
"Pads you didn't tell me Hermione was taking part!" "I didn't even know that she was interested in anything else, except Book club or Ghoul studies." Padma was just as shocked as her.
Harry was up next and also by chance it was the final duel for the day, after which results would be announced.
He was facing a third-year Hufflepuff Anthony Ricket, which Bella thought was Snape's doing. The duel was fast-paced with Ricket casting only one spell Expelliarmus again and again to disarm Harry, who just dodged them with ease due to his athletic speed.
Then something incredible happened as Harry imitated Ricket's wand moment exactly and shouted, "expelliarmus" A thick scarlet beam of light came out of his wand, hitting Ricket in the chest, sending him flying off the platform with Harry catching the boy's wand in his hand. The hall became silent in disbelief at witnessing the first year successfully casting a fourth-year defence charm.
But then the headmaster stood up and started clapping, "Well Done! Mr Potter. A remarkable feat indeed." As soon as he said those words, there was shattering applause from the audience including Bella, Padma, Ron and Neville who gave Harry a standing ovation while Theo, Daphne and Tracey were cheering loudly for their fellow Slytherin.
Snape then announced with gritted teeth and a sour expression, "Harry Potter, Winner."
Professor Flitwick concluded the meeting, "We have seen some spectacular Duels today. The Team Roaster would be posted on the Great Hall notice board. As per tradition, Headmaster please announce the youngest members who made the squad"
"Of Course, Filius. This year has been marvellous as I am proud to announce that three first years have been chosen as trainees for Duelling club Under Thirteen age bracket. Miss Hermione Granger, Mr Paul Lahote and Mr Harry Potter! My heartiest congratulations!"
Bella was overwhelmed. All three of her friends had made it. 'Paul is going to be unbearable after this.' She suddenly realised.
11th September, Sunday, 2:00 pm, Great Hall
"I am getting bored. Chess is not a spectator sport, Bells" Paul whined for the tenth time to Bella and Harry's annoyance.
"Paul, stop crying! We are here to support Ron and Padma. They already made it to the third round" Bella hushed Paul. Sunday was decided as the day for chess trials. The games were being held under the watchful eye of Professor McGonagall and Arithmancy Professor Septima Vector.
Padma and Ron were the only people she knew who were in the selection tournament. Chess was a weekday club but not as strict when compared to MDA or Duelling. Wizard Chess was brutal in Bella's opinion as the chess pieces literally killed each other in cold blood at the player's command.
"Pig! Ron and Padma cheered for us during our Duelling trials so you should return the favour" Harry chastised Paul.
"It's obvious, they are going to get selected. Right now, I am more worried about how I am going to face Flitwick on Monday as I have not completed his essay yet."
Bella just rolled her eyes, 'Paul does not bother with anything except Transfiguration.'
"Pig, you had a week to complete it! Even Crabbe has done it!" Harry teased.
"Shrimp, how dare you compare me with Crabbe! I was busy with the Duelling club trial prep FYI"
Bella hissed, "Both of you shut up! Everyone is looking at us. Paul, complete your assignments on time otherwise you would be removed from extra activities. I hope you know that?"
Paul was horrified while Harry chortled. Bella again focussed on the table where Padma was facing her last opponent, third-year Hufflepuff Xander Moore. Padma had lost a significant number of pieces but Moore had lost his queen. Soon Padma announced Checkmate which was verified by Professor Vector. Bella engulfed her in a hug as she came and sat with them.
"You were amazing Pads! you just lost one and that too was against the fourth year." she congratulated. "Thanks, Bells!" Padma then suddenly viciously kicked Paul in the shins. "Aah! What the hell Pads!"
"That was for calling chess boring!" Padma smirked. Bella and Harry had tears in their eyes from laughing at Paul's kicked puppy expression
"Bloody Ravenclaws!" Paul hissed in pain. Their attention was soon diverted towards Ron, who was facing the Fourth year Ravenclaw Byron Miller. "I don't know if Ron is losing or winning?" Paul said observing his roommate's game.
"Coz you know nothing about chess Paul" Neville chided from the bench above them.
Bella was thoroughly enjoying how Paul was being put in his place as Professor McGonagall announced that Ron's match was a draw. Bella asked, "Neville which club did you sign up for?"
"GHS or Gardening and Herbology Society. They just let me and … Tracey…join after a small quiz on plants."
"That's great Neville!" Bella, then she heard Professor McGonagall,
"All the matches have been completed. The List of selected students would be put on the Great Hall Notice Board. Participants, please submit your scoresheets with our Club President Mr Gabriel Winthorpe. Thank you all for attending and making this a memorable first session."
12th September 9:00 AM, Training Grounds, Combined Flying Lesson
"These brooms are trash!" Malfoy cribbed.
Bella and the entire first-year class was gathered on the training grounds for their Flying lesson. Madam Hooch, their flying instructor ignored Malfoy and instructed everyone to summon their brooms to their right hands by saying UP.
Bella noticed that Harry, Blaise, Malfoy, Theo, Paul and Ron had done it on their first try. Padma, Tracey and Daphne had managed it on their second attempt. Now only she, Hermione and Neville, were left in her friend circle.
To her relief, after coaxing the broom three or four times it had budged and was in her hand finally.
Hermione and Neville were still struggling. Hermione had an angry scowl on her face whereas Neville was sweating bullets. Few agonising minutes passed and eventually Hermione and Neville's brooms cooperated.
Then Madam Hooch said, "Everyone! mount your brooms... Mr LONGBOTTOM!" Bella gasped in horror as Neville's broom gave a violent jerk and the poor boy was thrust up in the air barely holding on to the piece of wood.
Madam Hooch brandished her wand but Neville was out of range by then. Then suddenly Neville was accompanied in the air by five other boys. "Messrs Potter, Lahote, Nott, Zabini, Weasley get down this INSTANT!"
"Theo, Blaise get a hold of the damned broom! Ron hover under Neville, be ready to catch him. Paul! move up with me." Bella heard Harry's firm commands like the rest of the stunned class. The boys listened immediately. Soon Blaise and Theo were able to catch up to the rogue broom. Paul and Harry were just below them and both grabbed Neville's arms as he slipped. Then they gently placed him behind Ron, on the formers broom.
Gasps resounded across the grounds as the six boys made their descent downward. Madam Hooch was shocked beyond words if her dropped jaw was any indication.
A bunch of first years had pulled off a daring rescue without getting injured. Bella and the girls were about to scold them for their stupidity when they heard rushed footsteps of Professor McGonagall and Snape.
"Rolanda, My word! Is everyone alright? The entire castle witnessed the reckless behaviour" McGonagall asked with concern but narrowed her eyes at the boys.
"Minerva, Hooch, we should expel them for this!" was Professor Snape's vicious snarl. The boys looked stricken however as luck would have it, Headmaster Dumbledore arrived with Professor Flitwick to save the day alleviating Bella's growing concerns. 'I am going to give them an earful for this later.'
"Severus, no need to be so harsh. We should reward the children for such an amazing display of Broom handling and Inter-house Unity to protect a fellow student. Let see twenty points each for Messrs Potter, Lahote, Nott, Zabini and Weasley. Rolanda, I was thinking that the boys should be allowed to try out for their quidditch teams as a reward"
The boys grinned and high fived each other only to turn solemn when Snape gave them a dark glare. Professor McGonagall was not pleased either as she said,
"Albus, you should not encourage them like this. It's been nearly a century since a first-year was allowed to try out for a team! This would only instigate other students to pull off dangerous stunts like this!"
"Minerva, I think we should discuss this further in my office, Severus, Filius, Rolanda please accompany us as well. Students the class is over for today. Boys all of you report to my office immediately. Miss Davis and Miss Swan, please take Mr Longbottom to the Hospital Wing for a calming draught."
Bella just hoped that her friends would not suffer any severe punishments.
AN: I was tired of reading the various versions of the flying lesson scene. I just redid it entirely by cutting the Remembrall out of the picture for now. It will be mentioned ahead in the story. A massive thanks to Hank1967 and asiajoanna for their great and supportive reviews on every chapter. All the new reader's welcome.