November 2nd, 1995. Saturday.
Selena stabbed a scrambled egg on her plate, eating the fluffy yellow food.
"I'm so excited!" Bronwen gushed, holding her copy of Quidditch Through the Ages tightly. "The first Quidditch match of the season! It's so exciting!" She beamed around the group of friends, prompting Selena to smile back warmly. The Ravenclaw - a little out of place amongst the gold-and-scarlet clad Gryffindors (though she had on a festive rosette) - was also in contrast to the season lately.
Everything was cold in November, everything gray, snow falling on the mountains in the distance. The castle had grown cold, everything seeming bone-freezing cold. Above the rowdy Great Hall, the enchanted ceiling was usually a swirling gray. However, today, it was a pure azure with glimmering rays of sunshine.
Hazel nodded quietly, thinking. The Hufflepuff was wearing her own House's scarf. "I don't know if Gryffindor will win this match..."
Selena gasped, smacking her friend playfully on the shoulder. "Take that back!"
Hazel shrugged. "Well, it's true... Slytherin has better players than a few years ago... Things might change. The serpents are probably sick of losing."
Bronwen and Selena exchanged a look, Bronwen shrugging. She went back to reading, her dark eyes scanning the pages. Selena adjusted her Gryffindor hat, sighing. It had been a busy, uproarious time. Where the D.A. was concerned, Hermione Granger had handed out fake Galleons to the members. The shiny coins had numbers engraved on the side which would magically change (thanks to the girl's advanced Protean Charm) to the new meeting date.
Selena felt the coin tucked in her jean's pockets. Whenever a new meeting was set, the coin would become warm, prompting them to check it.
Not only that, but the Quidditch game was the talk of Hogwarts. It was even more competitive than she remembered last year. The Gryffindors had been practicing so often, Selena was surprised they didn't all pass out from exhaustion. Sasha didn't seem to mind, doing her homework on the way to practice. From what she'd heard, things didn't seem different for the Slytherins much either. Selena had talked to Damon the day before. He'd been nothing but excited for the match.
"I know we're friends," he'd said, his eyes glinting with thrill, "but the Gryffindors are going to lose this time."
Selena was hoping he was wrong. She glanced over at the Slytherin table, where they were decked out in their own colors of green-and-silver. Damon was sitting with Ray, the two laughing as they talked. A few more boys she recognized as being on the Slytherin team with Damon were there as well. Not far from them, a gaggle of girls was peeking over at them, giggling. Selena noticed Maryana Callahan among them.
She squinted at the Slytherin table, also noticing silver badges glinting on their clothes.
A roar broke out, making Selena whip her head towards the sound. The three girls turned to find Luna Lovegood wearing a giant hat that looked like a lion head. When she tapped it with her wand, as she spoke to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, the lion hat roared realistically.
Neil smiled, standing near Luna, acting as if she had come up with the cure for Dragon Pox.
"Luna's different..." Bronwen said a smile. "But, I agree: Gryffindor for the win!"
Grinning, Selena nodded. "I think we'll win, too."
Sasha slid into a seat across the table, pretty much the only free space at the table. "I've got to get some food! I overslept!" Grabbing a slice of toast, she ripped off a piece with her teeth, followed by a gulp of orange juice. Reaching over, she started forking a mountain of eggs onto her plate.
"I'm pretty sure an actual lion eats slower and in smaller bites," Elizabeth said, scooting a bit away from the older girl as she managed to squeeze herself onto the bench. Alisson and Renee stood behind her, no space left. Gold-and-scarlet stripes were on their cheeks, looking spirited.
"Oh, Sasha, can I take your picture? I'm trying to get a photo together of the Quidditch season."
Selena turned quickly, staring at the boy behind her. "Colin!" Unfortunately, as she moved, her hand whipped from beside her plate to knock over a bowl of oatmeal, which hit a goblet, and spilled milk onto the floor and across her lap.
Sasha and Alisson burst into laughter, looking at the mess whilst Bronwen picked her feet up as the milk seeped across the stone floor.
"Hi, Selena," Colin Creevey said. "Er, would you like a napkin?"
"Um..." Selena's blue eyes flickered to her soaked jeans and back to Colin who was clearly trying to stifle a laugh. "I'm okay..."
Turning back around, she grabbed her own napkin and dabbed everything up as the flash of a camera and receding footsteps alerted her that Colin had left. Selena sighed, not even bothering to worry about her face turning red. Hazel gave her a sympathetic look, and then returned to her breakfast.
30 Minutes Later
Walking down towards the Quidditch Pitch across the frost-covered grounds was no easy feat. Chilly air swept across the Scottish land, and froze all the students walking. Scarves billowed in the wind and gloves were rubbed together, hats being down closer towards their eyes.
Everything looked bright outdoors, especially the Quidditch stadium with its vibrant colors standing out in the plain landscape. Selena scanned the mountains in the distance, across the Black Lake, their white peaks rising into the sky. It was a good day for a match.
"So," Renee said as they walked. "You don't fancy Colin, but you blush when you see him, and you get clumsy, and you can't speak?"
Selena bit her lip, thinking. "I guess I... Maybe it's possible that I... Okay, fine, maybe I do. What does it matter?"
Renee grinned, poking at Selena's smile. "See? I knew it! Besides, you look cute together. His brown eyes totally match your blue. It's a fact."
Giggling, Selena nodded, watching her breath billow out in a puffy cloud. "I get it." She tried to brush off the conversation, forcing herself to not look for Colin in the herd of witches and wizards.
Once everyone got to the stadium, the wooden seats were creaky and the boards stiff - everything seemed cold. Selena shivered as she gazed around the sun-drenched Quidditch pitch, green grass far below. The goal posts stood high, like sentinels at either end of the field. The stands were filling quickly, a sea of gold and green ebbing. A noise was echoing on the Slytherin side, sounding like a chant Selena couldn't quite make out yet.
"I can't believe it's not snowing yet," Alisson said, teeth chattering. She glanced up, squinting at the cold sun, shining a shimmering yellow in the center of the cloudless sky.
Selena shrugged. "Just you watch, it will soon. Then we can go sledding and-"
Before she could finish, the Slytherin team walked out on the pitch, emerald-and-silver Quidditch robes billowing lightly in the breeze. Draco Malfoy was easily recognizable with his bleach-blond hair, standing by two large boys. Selena absently wondered what Wendy was thinking right now. Her friend was sitting with her dormmates in another section of the Gryffindor stands.
Standing up to lean over the railing a bit, Selena spotted Damon standing with the other two Chasers.
The Slytherins cheered loudly, whistling and waving pennants with their House crest. Their singing grew louder, though Selena didn't bother trying to listen this time.
Not a minute later, the Gryffindor team emerged, the crowd around Selena erupting into noise. She laughed, clapping with Renee as Alisson shouted at the top of her lungs. The roaring crowd nearly drowned out the Slytherins. The scarlet-and-gold clad Gryffindors walked out single-file, meeting the Slytherin team. Madam Hooch - who'd already been on the pitch - observed them as the team Captains shook hands. Angelina Johnson and the Slytherin boy, Montague, both complied before stepping apart.
Madam Hooch took out a shiny object that Selena assumed was her whistle. All the players took their brooms, readying for the match to behind. She could see both Sasha and Danny, Chasers alongside Angelina. Fred and George had their bats, both Beaters, looking focused even from the stands.
Selena tensed, anticipation making the crowd grow louder. She saw Alisson clench her fingers together as she always did before every match.
Madam Hooch blew the whistle shrilly, and then the four balls flew into the air, Quaffle thrown up. The Snitch vanished in a flash so quickly, Selena couldn't see the gold, winged ball anymore. However, the Bludgers whizzed around, making her nervous for her friends on the pitch.
The players took to the sky, Ron Weasley heading towards the Gryffindor hoops as Keeper.
Angelina Johnson got ahold of the Quaffle in a flash of dark hair and scarlet robes.
"And it's Johnson - Johnson with the Quaffle, what a player that girl is, I've been saying it for years but she still won't go out with me-" Lee Jordan said as he began his usual commentary on the game, located in the teacher's box.
"JORDAN!" yelled a stern voice that could only be Professor McGonagall.
"-just a fun fact, Professor, adds a bit of interest - and she's ducked Griffin, she's passed Montague, she's - ouch - been hit from behind by a Bludger from Crabbe... Montague catches the Quaffle, Montague heading back up the pitch and - nice Bludger there from George Weasley, that's a Bludger to the head for Montague, he drops the Quaffle, caught by Danny McCalaster, Danny McCalaster of Gryffindor reverse-passes to Sasha Ramirez and Ramirez's away-"
Lee Jordan continued, echoing through the cold air. Players flashed through the air on their brooms, zipping around the pitch as Selena grinned. Watching the Chasers all fight for the Quaffle was always interesting. Damon flew by the Gryffindor side, his face set with determination as he tailed Sasha, who clutched the Quaffle.
Gryffindor cheered as Danny also followed up behind Sasha as she headed for the Slytherin goal hoops.
"-dodges Griffin, avoids a Bludger - close call, Sasha - and the crowd are loving this, just listen to them, what's that they're singing?" Lee Jordan paused, letting the crowd's cheers rise up. Some of the Gryffindor section quieted to hear the Slytherin's song.
Selena paused, her dark hair fluttering across her cheeks as she was able to finally make out the song. And wished she hadn't.
"Weasley cannot save a thing,
He cannot block a single ring,
That's why Slytherins all sing:
Weasley is our King.
Weasley was born in a bin,
He always lets the Quaffle in,
Weasley will make sure we win,
Weasley is our King."
Of course it was the Slytherin section. Selena gritted her teeth. How could they sink that low, even for Slytherins? She started to wonder absent mindedly if Ray and Neil were singing along with the rest of their House. Or if Damon found it amusing...
"-and Sasha passes back to Angelina!" Lee yelled, combatting the Slytherins for volume. "Come on now, Angelina - looks like she's got just the Keeper to beat - SHE SHOOTS - SHE - aaaah..."
Selena relaxed, as she didn't realize that she had been on edge before. Damon got the Quaffle from Angelina and zoomed down towards the Gryffindor goal hoops where Ron was waiting. Both Danny and Sasha tried to stop him, but he mananged to dodge both of them, flying between the two Gryffindors. Selena clenched her teeth as the Slytherins sang louder, the Gryffindors exchanging furious looks.
"Weasley is our King,
Weasley is our King,
He always lets the Quaffle in,
Weasley is our King."
Lee Jordan was back: "-and it's Griffin with the Quaffle, Griffin heading for the goal, he's out of Bludger range with just the Keeper ahead-"
The Slytherins became deafening.
"WEASLEY CANNOT SAVE A THING,
HE CANNOT BLOCK A SINGLE RING!"
"SHUT UP!" Alisson screamed, as if they could hear her.
Selena craned her neck to watch as Damon flew towards Ron.
"-so it's the first test for new Gryffindor Keeper, Weasley, brother of Beaters, Fred and George, and a promising new talent on the team - come on, Ron!"
Ron moved, but it was too late. Selena watched as Damon scored, throwing the Quaffle into the middle goal hoop. The Slytherins cheered. Alisson and Renee both groaned next to Selena. The other Houses began to boo loudly, even the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs disappointed.
"Slytherin score! So that's ten-nil to Slytherin - back luck, Ron..." Lee Jordan said, just before the Slytherin section launched into a refrain of their song.
"WEASLEY WAS BORN IN A BIN,
HE ALWAYS LETS THE QUAFFLE IN!"
"Come on, Ron," Selena whispered, watching as the redheaded boy hovered by the Gryffindor goals. The Slytherins were so loud Selena could barely hear Lee Jordan anymore.
"-and Gryffindor back in possession and it's Danny McCalaster tanking up the pitch-"
"WEASLEY WILL MAKE SURE WE WIN,
WEASLEY IS OUR KING,
WEASLEY IS OUR KING,
WEASLEY IS OUR KING!"
Draco Malfoy passed by the Gryffindor section, sweeping the pitch for the Golden Snitch, no doubt.
"WEASLEY WAS BORN IN A BIN!"
Lee Jordan grew louder: "-and it's Griffin again, who passes to Pucey, Pucey's off past Ramirez, come on now Angelina, you can take him - turns out you can't - but nice Bludger from Fred Weasley, I mean, George Weasley, oh who cares, one of them anyway, and Griffin drops the Quaffle and Danny McCalaster - er - drops it too - so that's Montague with the Quaffle, Slytherin Captain Montague takes the Quaffle, and he's off up the pitch, come on now Gryffindor, block him!"
"WEASLEY CANNOT SAVE A THING!"
Hazel clutched Selena's hands, crushing them like a vice.
"-and Pucey's dodged Sasha again, and he's heading straight for goal, stop it, Ron!"
Ron missed, the dark-haired Slytherin player getting the Quaffle through the right goal hoop. Selena's hopes deflated like a balloon, she and Hazel groaning along with the rest of the disappointed Gryffindors. The Slytherins were elated, cheering loudly again. They continued their song. Selena watched despairingly as Pucey came back around, dodging Danny - who nearly fell off of his broom - scoring another goal for Slytherin.
Tess buried her head in her hands, Elizabeth sighing as if all hope was lost.
Sasha came around, trying to get the Quaffle, only for one of the Slytherin Beaters to lob a Bludger at her. She swerved to avoid it, but in the process, Montague got the Quaffle. Ron missed again, the Slytherins screaming.
"YES!" Alisson suddenly shrieked as Danny got the Quaffle, streaking down the pitch in a blur of scarlet.
"-and Danny McCalaster of Gryffindor dodges Pucey, ducks Montague, nice swerve, Danny, and he throws to Johnson, Angelina Johnson takes the Quaffle, she's past Griffin, she's heading for goal, come on now Angelina - GRYFFINDOR SCORE!"
Selena screamed with happiness, Hazel jumping and down with Bronwen excitedly, both girls squealing.
"It's forty-ten, forty-ten to Slytherin and Pucey has the Quaffle..." Lee Jordan said.
A roar rang out, Selena realizing it was Luna Lovegood's hat. The Gryffindors cheered loudly, hope beginning to swell in Selena's chest again. She watched as Harry swerved out of the way of a Bludger, searching for the Snitch. Draco was looking around for the Snitch too
Lee Jordan took up his commentary again: "-Pucey throws to Griffin, Griffin to Montague, Montague back to Pucey - Johnson intervenes, Johnson takes the Quaffle, Johnson to McCalaster, this looks good - I mean bad - McCalaster's hit by a Bludger from Goyle of Slytherin and it's Pucey in possession again..."
"WEASLEY WAS BORN IN A BIN,
HE ALWAYS LETS THE QUAFFLE IN,
WEASLEY WILL MAKE SURE WE WIN!"
"Look!" Tess cried, pointing towards the Slytherin goal posts. Down below, Harry and Draco were both flying at top speed towards the ground. "They must see the Snitch!"
"GO HARRY!" Alisson screamed.
The two Seekers raced for the Snitch, switching direction and flying along the border of the pitch, allowing Draco to get in the lead. Selena saw a flash of gold as they chased the Snitch, making her cheer. Harry and Draco were both equal distance from the Snitch as Harry moved, and then reached a hand out, straining for the Snitch.
The Gryffindor section screamed with excitement, cheering on their Seeker.
Draco reached out, and then - in the blink of an eye - Harry had the Snitch. Draco snatched at Harry's hand, making Alisson scream foul. But Harry moved, flying upwards, Snitch wings fluttering from his hand. The Gryffindor Seeker sailed lower towards the ground. The Gryffindor stands surged with cheers and screams, whistling making Selena's ears ring. But she didn't care. Gryffindor had won!
Suddenly, a Bludger slammed into Harry's back, knocking him off of his broom. He fell to the ground, falling on his back.
The Gryffindor stands dissolved into yelling and screams, even the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs shouting angrily at the Slytherin team. The Slytherin section responded with catcalls, laughing. Selena herself booed with Hazel, the Slytherin section seeming not at all sorry.
The Gryffindor Captain quickly landed on the field, Angelina abandoning her broom to rush towards Harry. She helped him up. Meanwhile, Madam Hooch flew up in the air, reprimanding one of the large Slytherin Beaters who must've batted the Bludger at Harry. Down on the field, Draco was on his feet, holding his broom as he looked at Harry and Angelina, talking. The Gryffindor team descended - Ron, alone, was leaving the field by himself.
Down by the Gryffindor players, Sasha and Danny were both by Harry, Sasha's arms wrapped around the boy as he glared at Draco. Angelina grabbed Fred's arm.
"What's going on down there?" Renee asked, leaning over the railing.
Selena shook her head. Whatever the Quidditch players were discussing, it didn't look like it was going anywhere good.
Harry suddenly held onto George, holding him back as the Weasley boy stared at Draco. Likewise, Fred was struggling as all three Chasers held him, trying to keep him from moving closer to the Slytherin. Draco started to step back.
Renee smiled. "Well at least we won!"
Tess grinned back. "Exactly! That'll make the Slytheridiots forget their stupid song."
Selena didn't respond, frowning as she watched the students on the field. No way, she thought. No way this will turn into a fight. Umbridge would-
But then Harry and George were running, hurtling directly towards Malfoy. Selena gasped in horror as Harry punched Draco in the stomach, the Slytherin Seeker keeling over in pain. Sasha and Angelina began audibly screaming from behind them. The Slytherin section began to yell, screaming foul and threatening the Gryffindors. Harry didn't seem to hear, punching Draco again and again.
"What are they thinking?" Bronwen screamed, shaking her head. "Draco must've been baiting them! No wonder after that song!"
Madam Hooch landed on the field, drawing her wand and pointing it at the boys. The faint light of a spell shone before Harry was thrown back.
Selena clutched the wooden railing in her cold, pale fingers, staring at the green field with the rest of the Hogwarts students. Harry stood up, Madam Hooch yelling at him and George. Draco was holding his nose.
"What happened with them?" Elizabeth asked incredulously, staring in surprise down at the pitch.
"Do you think Draco is bruised?" Alisson asked in what sounded like hope.
Harry and George turned, stalking off the field, fists clenched as Madame Hooch leaned down towards Draco. Even from here, Selena could see the ruby stripe running down his mouth and chin. He must've gotten a bloody nose. The crowd continued to scream at one another, the Slytherins pointing and yelling insults at the Gryffindors.
"Do you think Draco is going to cry?" Alisson asked, sounding even more excited than before.
"Well, we'd better go," Elizabeth said as she slowly turned from the Quidditch pitch. Selena glanced at her friend, who looked slightly ashen. Elizabeth wasn't a big fan of conflict, she knew. "I have a Divination paper to finish."
Alisson wrinkled her nose. "I thought you said that wasn't due for a week, Liz."
Elizabeth nodded like it was obvious. "Yes, exactly. Only a week to find books from the library with enough sources for my paper."
Selena gave a giggle, despite the recent happenings and the still angry Slytherins, making Elizabeth push her glasses up her nose. The girl tucked a pale blonde lock of hair behind her ear. Selena smiled at her friend. "You're such a Ravenclaw. Liz, it's just a short foot on scrying."
Elizabeth smiled. "Ravenclaw, huh? Well, c'mon, let's go back to Gryffindor, then."
She turned on her heels, leaving no time for reply, and walked quickly. Alisson cast a longing look back at the pitch before she rushed to keep up, chatting with Elizabeth when she caught up with her. Selena followed Renee down the rickety steps from the Gryffindor stands with other students who had decided to leave. Tess muttered something to herself.
"What are you whispering about?" Selena finally asked her as they started to walk up the frosty hill to the large castle.
Tess shook her head, eyebrows knitted together in deep thought. Her small mouth was pinched to the side. "Nothing, it's just - if they did get into a fight, won't they be punished? I know it's McGonagall, but... what if they're suspended?"
Selena thought about it for a second. "Maybe. But if that's the case, they'll just be suspended. The Hufflepuff-Gryffindor game will pass and then they'll be on the team again."
Tess' brown eyes focused on the grass beneath them. She pursed her lips, thinking again.
2 Hours Later
Gryffindor Tower
Renee laughed as Sierra chased after a white feather suspended by Alisson, who was using the Wingardium Leviosa Levitating Charm.
Selena scribbled in her diary while Shorty - who had wondered to her side of the dorm from Renee's - bounced around excitedly on the bed sheets, careful not to stray too close to Crescent.
"Has anyone seen my scallop shell?" Tess asked curiously, organizing her little wooden box of shells.
Elizabeth quickly pointed below Tess' bed before returning to writing her paper, quill moving fast. "You dropped it under your bed."
"Ah!" Tess bent down to find the cream shell and return it to its home. "Thanks."
Without warning, Wendy burst into the room, her face red. Alisson almost dropped her wand, causing the feather to float to the floor. Sierra clapped her tiny paws on it.
"They're off the team!" Wendy practically shouted.
"What?" Selena asked, her hand frozen mid-word.
"Harry and George! Even Fred! Off the team! They're banned from Quidditch for life! Umbridge said! She has some new rule that says she can!" Wendy fumed.
For a moment, no one spoke before Alisson shook her head.
"I hate Umbridge."
That took a while!
I had this chapter before the story was deleted and I finally decided to finish it.
It hope it was nice!
Next chapter will probably before more interesting I PROMISE!
I really liked the part in this chapter when they were in the dorms because we rarely see the girls interacting just as normal DORMMATES.
MAYBE IT'S JUST ME!
So yeah, that's that. PLEASE REVEIW I LITERALLY HAD 20 times the amount of reviews that I have now SO I REALLY APPRECIATE A REVEIW!
And please go back and review your favorite chapter please, you have no idea how happy that would make me.
Thanks for reading PLEASE REVEIW!
Bye-bye!
~Meghan
12/23/17: And FINALLY the dates for the story are back to canon! Yay! Happy almost-New-Year btw! ;D
1/11/18: I edited this chapter to include a lot more of the Quidditch game and commentary. Quotes are taken directly from the book, particularly Lee Jordan's commentary and the Slytherin song. I did play with the Quidditch teams a bit and made some changes. I replaced Cassius Warrington, a Chaser on the Slytherin team, with Damon Griffin. On the Gryffindor team, I replaced Alicia Spinnet with Sasha Ramirez, and Katie Bell with Danny McCalaster, both of whom are also Chasers as well. I adjusted Lee's commentary accordingly.