Arnold's Wizarding World

Chapter 8: The Quidditch Game

Sorry about the delay last week, I was really busy with real life stuff. But here we are with another chapter! I'ma be honest, I'm getting a lil discouraged which really affects my updating rate. So pleeeasseee send in feedback because there's nothing more devastating for an authoress to feel like she's writing for no one :\

Okay, enough moping, let's get into it! This chapter was pretty fun to write from what I recall!

I think I'm starting to get the hang of this whole 'magic' thing.

I've already mastered many charms and spells and the Professors have been really impressed with me. I have great scores in all of my classes!

Except Potions with Professor Draco Malfoy.

"You mixed it wrong," Professor Malfoy spat, causing me to sigh in frustration.

"You said it had to look pink!" I exclaimed, motioning towards my cauldron.

"Shame, he's colour blind too. I said pink, not magenta!" he hovered his wand over my cauldron and caused my potion to disintegrate into thin air. "Start over. You're not leaving this classroom until you bloody get it right!"

He stomped away, his robe willowing in his wake.

I sighed, rubbing a hand threw my hair, ignoring Sean's snorts and Gerald's sad look.

"Man, Professor Malfoy has had it in for you all week! Face it Arnold, you're going to have to drop the class."

"I can't let him get to me Gerald. It'd be like letting him win."

"You're a bold kid, Arnold. You ready for the quidditch game?"

"Ready as I'll ever be, I guess," I muttered as I mixed my ingredients.

Professor Malfoy came back and stood next to me, watching my every movement with close scrutiny. I chose to ignore him, which proved to be a difficult feat, considering the fact that he was tapping his foot and and letting out disapproving noises.

"Hey Draco," Sean smirked as Professor Malfoy looked at him and rose an eyebrow.

"Don't call me by my first name, you have not earned that privilege. What do you want?"

"Okay Draco, whatever you say. I just wanted to let you know that I was finished," Sean answered as he pointed at his cauldron.

Professor Malfoy scowled, but finally left my side, and I released a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"You're a bloody insufferable child, has anybody ever told you that?"

"I learn from the best," Sean grinned. "You were once one too you know."

Professor Malfoy's expression darkened, "Just show me your bloody potion before I transfigure you into a frog."

Sean passed him a flask, "You're just mad because Ron and Hermione are coming to the quidditch game."

"The way I discipline you and your smart mouth have nothing to do with The Weasel's and Granger's attendance at the game," Professor Malfoy answered as he analyzed Sean's potion. "Satisfactory, now get the hell out of my classroom."

Sean shrugged and took his potion before leaving the classroom.

I pouted, leaning my head on the palm of my hand as I mixed my own potion. Phoebe was the first one to finish, and Helga finished a little after her. Gerald was finished and already approved for his, but he wanted to wait for me to finish before leaving.

"Just go to lunch Gerald," I stated. "I probably won't be done for awhile, and you need to eat."

"No way man! I'll wait for you."

"But we need someone to save our seats," I informed. "Just go, I'll catch up."

Gerald sighed, "Okay man, I'll save you a spot."

He left and I noticed Professor Malfoy approve Brainy, the only one who was left to finish.

Now it was just me.

The room was silent for a while, and Malfoy stood behind me, watching over my work.

I frowned, it was starting to look magenta again.

He then used his wand to turn down the heat, causing my potion to go from magenta to pink.

I blinked and eyed him, watching him tuck his wand back into his robe before walking to his desk.

"Your temperature matters too," he muttered softly. "Every detail counts when it comes to magic. Your positioning, your expertise, and the little details. Remember that."

I watched him, clearing his desk with a frown on his face. "One mistake in the world of magic and you're finished, you have to think about the consequences of your actions before diving into something."

Something tells me he's no longer talking about Potions.

"Sir, don't mind me asking, but did you really work for Voldemort?"

Malfoy grimaced, and then scowled, "Don't ask questions you already know the answer to."

"Why did you do it?"

"Because I was a 16 year old fool who was loyal to his power hungry father and let his pride come before morale," he mumbled bitterly. "I was also led to believe muggleborns were inferior to wizards born from pureblooded families."

"Thirst for power does bring out the worst in people," I muttered.

"Oh really now? Any specific experiences?"

"Well, I've witnessed it. Last year Sean's Uncle Scheck wanted to tear down our neighborhood to turn it into a mall complex. At least, that was his excuse, in reality he just wanted to avenge his family for losing a tomato incident that existed years ago. Long story. My Grandpa can tell it better than I can."

"Sean's Uncle is a malicious man?" Malfoy asked, sounding bewildered. "I did not know this."

"After Gerald, Helga and I saved the neighborhood, Scheck got thrown in prison, but he recently escaped."

Malfoy nodded, and I couldn't tell if he was doing that because he was amused or because the topic bored him. Probably the latter.

"I think I finished my potion," I said as I showed him my sample.

He grabbed it and looked at it, giving it back to me with a sneer.

"You're done."

The quidditch pitch was filled with students who were waiting in anticipation to watch the game between the Gryffindors and the Slytherins. Waves of students wearing their respective house's colors clouded the pitch, making me extremely nervous.

I'm usually a pretty calm guy, and Ginny has reassured me many times that I'm doing a great job, but I can't help but feel a little nervous.

"Hey, isn't that Sean's uncle?" Gerald asked as I swiftly turned my head to the teacher/visitors section, where Mr. Scheck himself was currently speaking to Nick Vermicelli.

A little part inside my head wanted to panic, but then I reminded myself that I was in a fake world.

But wait a minute? If La Sombra was the one who created this fake world, how in the world did he know about Scheck and his family!?

Why in the world didn't I think of any of these things before?
Where did Ginny come from? Or Hagrid? Or Professor Malfoy?

Where did he meet them? Last time I checked, Ginny, Hagrid and Professor Malfoy live thousands of miles from San Lorenzo.

AND SCHECK LIVES NEAR HILLWOOD! And I know for a FACT that La Sombra and Scheck haven't met.

So HOW in the world did he manage to squeeze everyone in here? Besides making a deal with Voldemort.

Maybe that's how Ginny, Hagrid and Hogwarts were incorporated into this world, because of Voldemort. But that still doesn't explain how Scheck ended up here.

Unless there's a secret to all of this…

"Arnold! Heads up! The game's about to start!" Gerald warned as I immediately shooed away my thoughts.

My entire team flew into the pitch, and the Gryffindor crowd burst into cheers. Some students from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were asked to be the scorekeepers to avoid bias. Lila and Eugene were the announcers.

"Look Lila, looks like Gryffindor has just flew into the pitch!"

"Oh yes I'm sure they are going to do a great job, just ever so much."

"Well, now it is time for roll ca—OUCH! Paper cut. I'm okay!"

I snorted, oh Eugene.

"First, we will be introducing Gryffindor's captain! She's in her final year here at Hogwarts and you all know her for her involvement in the wizarding war as well as fighting with the Order of the Phoenix against Voldemort, Ginny Weasley!"

The crowd exploded as Ginny waved. I noticed a guy screaming ecstatically and I turned, noticing a large red headed family standing and cheering Ginny on.

"Look," Gerald whispered. "Those are The Weasleys, and that guy right there standing next to the bushy haired girl is Ron Weasley, Harry Potter's best friend. Hermione Granger is the one with the bushy hair, she's Harry's other best friend."

"Harry Potter didn't come?" I asked.

"I don't think so, Ginny told me he's currently training to be an Auror. Ron's training to be in it too, but they gave him the day off to come see his sister."

I blankly nodded, pretending I knew what that was. It's best if I don't ask.

Gerald saw right through me though. "C'mon man! I get that you're a little dense, but you would think you'd know what an Auror is. Aurors work with the Ministry of Magic to catch dark wizards or anyone affiliated with the dark arts."

I pouted, "I'm not dense!"

Most of the time.

"Next on our roster. He's a cool dude, he's everybody's friend, please welcome our third chaser, Gerald Johanssen!"

Gerald waved and the crowd cheered. I noticed him blush as Phoebe waved at him cheerfully.

"Lastly," Lila announced. "They say he's the new Harry Potter. He's ever so sweet—"

"And he has a football shaped head!" Eugene exclaimed.

Really, did they really have to add that?

"Please welcome Gryffindor's seeker, ARNOLD SHORTMAN!"

I did not expect the crowd to roar, but they did. I waved shyly.

"ARNOLD! ARNOLD! ARNOLD!"

I felt my cheeks grow pink, and Gerald pat me on the back.

"They love you man! Sink it all in!"

After the crowd died down, Slytherin flew into the pitch, and the Slytherin crowd grew wild.

"Slytherin has three veteran quidditch players. Led by their Captain, Urquhart, and followed by Vaisey and Harper. They have also added new players onto their team—" Eugene announced, going through each name.

Sean received loads of praise, and he basked it all in, doing a flip in the air to show his superiority.

Helga was announced, and she scowled, letting the crowd cheer for her.

It reminded me of the time she became the 'It Girl,' and how much she disliked the attention.

We all placed ourselves in our positions, and the game began.

Ginny grabbed the quaffle first, receiving cheers from everyone in Gryffindor. Big Patty was not having it though. Ginny threw the quaffle towards the goal, only to have it blocked.

Curly grabbed the quaffle, and Nadine flew over him, batting a bludger and causing it to hit his arm.

He lost the quaffle with a cry of pain, allowing Gerald to swoop in and take it.

Gryffindor cheered, and I tightened my broomstick in anticipation. Come on Gerald! You could do it!

I noticed Sean swiftly fly passed me, waving his bat over a bludger which I noticed he was aiming at Gerald.

I gasped, "Gerald!"

Gerald looked over and widened his eyes as the bludger flew towards him. He ducked and threw the quaffle into the third hoop, scoring ten points for Gryffindor.

"Ten points go to Gryffindor!" Eugene exclaimed. "Scored by Gerald Johanssen!"

I felt so proud of Gerald.

"Arnold!" Ginny yelled. "Make sure you're looking out for the snitch!"

Oh shoot.

I looked around, narrowing my eyes and looking around the pitch.

Helga seemed to be doing the same, who was levitating on the other side of the quidditch pitch.

"Ten points go to Slytherin! Scored by Urquhart."

As time passed by, Gryffindor and Slytherin were still neck and neck, and I noticed some of my teammates turn to me insistently.

Well, I couldn't find the snitch! Helga hadn't moved from her spot either!

"HURRY UP PATAKI!" Sean yelled as he hit a bludger and aimed it towards Ginny.

"YEAH, YEAH, YEAH DON'T RUSH ME! Criminy!" she exclaimed back.

I heard a familiar sound buzz near my ear, and I turned around, watching as the snitch flew above me.

I lunged toward it, but missed it. I then noticed Helga flying straight towards me with a scowl on her face.

"Looks like Arnold and Helga have finally found the snitch Lila!" Eugene exclaimed.

"Oh this is ever so exciting!"

The crowd's attention shifted toward us, as Helga and I flew side by side and toward the snitch.

"Move it football head! You're bound to lose anyway!"

"That's what you think Helga!"

She violently shoved me, causing me to lose my balance.

The crowd gasped.

I regained my balance and dived toward Helga, who was chasing the snitch at the bottom of the pitch.

"You're back? Sheesh, you'd think your large head would cause you to lose balance!" she yelled.

I ignored her, and I noticed her shift her eyes toward me.

What I needed was concentration, and I wasn't going to let Helga cause me to lose it.

The snitch flew over our heads. We both reached it but we couldn't get it. I think she must have reached too high because she lost her balance and fell on top of me. Both of us fell off our brooms and landed on the ground, causing the crowd to gasp again. Helga fell on top of me and as I opened my eyes and looked into her blue orbs, she widened her eyes. Her cheeks turned pink.

I smirked, she still liked me liked me! I knew it!

"Oof, that's gotta hurt," Eugene winced. "I hope they're okay."

"You okay?" I asked.

"Of course I'm okay!" she scowled, regaining her composure and standing. I stood with her, a look of concern overtaking my expression.

She moved to stand, but winced and fell back on me.

"You twisted your ankle."

"I'm fine! Besides, this game doesn't involve my ankles!"

She turned her head, but I could tell she was in pain.

"Wait, hold on, let's get you to the infirmary."

"And have YOU win the game, yeah, right."

"I won't play anymore. Not until you're back on your feet."

She blinked, but then she scowled, "Yeah, right. I've heard that one before."

She moved away from me, only to almost collapse. I swiftly grabbed her.

"Don't worry Helga," I said with a wink. "You're in good hands."

She blushed.

"ARNOLD! LOOK OUT!"

I turned and noticed a bludger fly toward me. I watched as Sean violently set his bat down, a seething and furious scowl set on his face.

I gasped and pushed Helga to the side, suddenly feeling the air leave my lungs as the bludger threw me against the wall.

Ginny quickly called 'time out' and my entire team flew toward me.

"ARNOLD!" Gerald cried. "Are you okay man?"

"Everybody step aside!" Headmistress McGonagall exclaimed as she, Professor Malfoy, Simmons, and Madam Pomfrey ran up to me.

I had trouble breathing, I squeaked and tried to breathe, to talk, but nothing worked.

"Help him!" Gerald exclaimed. "Don't leave me man! I can't live without you!"

"He's going to be fine," Madam Pomfrey said as she uttered a few healing charms.

"Can you breathe Arnold?" Simmons asked.

I breathed in and out, suddenly feeling a little better. My chest felt bruised though.

McGonagall turned, "Mr. von Scheck! What is the meaning of this?"

"It was an accident!" he cried, holding his hands up in defense.

I looked over at Professor Malfoy, who incredulously looked over at Sean, he clearly didn't believe it, but chose to say nothing.

"Wait, hold on," Ginny muttered. "Arnold, lift your hand."

I lifted my hand and everyone gasped as they noticed the snitch resting under my palm.

"ARNOLD GOT THE SNITCH!" Gerald exclaimed.

"What!?" Sean exclaimed. "That doesn't count! We were on time out!"

"That is incorrect Mr. von Scheck," McGonagall stated. "Miss. Weasley called time out AFTER Mr. Shortman was hit and was resting on the ground."

"So, Gryffindor won?" Gerald asked.

"Correct."

Eugene and Lila, who were listening from above, nodded and returned to their microphones.

"Good news everyone! Arnold Shortman is okay!" Eugene answered. "And in a strange twist of events, the snitch was resting right under his palm!"

"Which means that Gryffindor wins!" Lila exclaimed.

The crowd burst into cheers. I felt happy, and I looked for Helga, who seemed to be no where in sight.

I wonder where she could be.

Sean growled and glared at me, and seemed like he was going to say something, but stopped when he noticed Malfoy giving him a 'don't embarrass me more than you've already have' look. "Why don't you return to the dormitories?"

Sean glared at him, but obliged, and left the scene.

My teammates patted me on the back and I noticed Ginny speaking passionately with Ron and Hermione, who had joined us a little after I had gotten hit. She motioned her head towards me, and Ron and Hermione shifted their eyes towards me with a smile.

"They're coming!" Gerald exclaimed. "Act cool."

I rubbed my chest and stood, eyeing the snitch with a smile.

"That was quite a game mate, are you okay?" Ron asked.

"My chest feels a little bruised, but it's better than having broken ribs," I answered sheepishly.

"Ginny has spoken to us a lot about you," Hermione informed. "She really likes you."

"Woah 'Mione, look, he really does have Harry's eyes!" Ron exclaimed in amazement as he pointed at me, only for Hermione to punch him in the shoulder.

"Don't be rude, Ron! Pointing is rude!"

"I'm just saying!"

"Ignore him," Hermione advised. "Ron and I were wondering if you and your friend would like to come with us to the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade."

I nodded, "We'd love to!"

Ron and Hermione smiled and turned towards Malfoy, who cordially acknowledged them with a nod.

"Hello Draco," Hermione greeted, motioning for Ron to do the same.

Ron simply crossed his arms, and nodded.

I thought this exchange was interesting. Gerald told me that Ron, Hermione, and Harry were rivals with Professor Malfoy, but they were acting like they hardly knew each other. I made a mental note to ask Gerald about it later.

"Let us go then!" Ron exclaimed.

"But wait! Helga hurt her ankle!"

"Do not worry Mr. Shortman," McGonagall stated. "Madam Pomfrey has already taken her to the infirmary. You go enjoy yourself."

I sighed, but nodded, I just hoped Helga was okay.

"You sure you don't want to try my butterbeer?" Ron asked, receiving another punch from Hermione.

"No Ron! They are underage!"

"I think I'll stick to my pumpkin juice," I chuckled. "But thanks for offering."

"So tell us about yourself Arnold," Hermione encouraged with a smile.

"Well, I live in a boarding house with my grandparents, three boarders named Mr. Hyunh, Oskar, and Ernie, and my pet Abner."

"Ginny tells us you lost your parents," Ron addressed softly.

I grimaced, "Well. It's a long story. My parents were explorers, so they were accustomed to traveling, that's how they fell in love. But one day, when I was only a few months old, they had to leave to cure an ancient civilization from something called the sleeping sickness, and they never came back. I recently traveled to the place they disappeared in and I found them, apparently they were struck by the sleeping sickness too. They were with me all summer… but… they've recently disappeared again."

Hermione nodded, "So your parents are muggles?"

"Yes."

"So are mine," she smiled.

"Do you have any clue as to where they could be?" Ron asked.

I looked over at Gerald, who was watching me with curiosity.

"I-I actually think they're at the castle."

Ron almost spit his drink, and Hermione widened her eyes.

"Is this about hearing their voices?" Gerald asked. "You were probably hearing things Arnold."

"No! I know it was them! Their voices always stop when I'm standing in front of the Room of Requirement, but Professor Malfoy hasn't allowed me to go inside."

"Malfoy," Ron grumbled. "It's always Malfoy!"

"No, wait Ron, let's not jump to conclusions yet. Besides, Draco has become a better person. Haven't you read in the Daily Prophet that he and his father are no longer on good terms because Draco no longer believes muggles are inferior to purebloods?"

"Rubbish. He's only saying that for publicity."

"Well, I for one have forgiven him, and I think Harry has too."

"It's going to take more than some measly good publicity to win me over!" Ron spat.

Hermione sighed, "Anyway, I'm sure there's a reason why Draco doesn't see it fit for you to enter that room."

"OR he could be the one hiding Arnold's parents."

"RON!"

"I'm not taking it back 'Mione."
"Well, Professor Malfoy is always treating Arnold terribly, and it is a bit suspicious that he isn't letting him check if his parents are inside that room," Gerald analyzed.

Ron gave Hermione an 'I told you so' look, which she dismissed.

"Draco has always been cruel, that's his personality. I just find it strange that he won't let you at least take a peek inside. There's probably something in there."

"The Corazon!" I exclaimed, causing Ron to almost drop his butterbeer. "Professor Malfoy is probably hiding the Corazon in there! He doesn't want me to go back home! I have to go into that room!"

I ran out of the shop, ignoring Ron, Hermione, and Gerald's calls.

I opened the door, bumping right into someone.

"Watch where you're goi— ARNOLD!?"

I opened my eyes, and came face to face with Helga.

Except, she wasn't Helga.

She was wearing her regular pink bow and her regular pink dress.

Next to her stood Gerald, wearing his regular '33' sweatshirt, opening and closing his mouth like a fish. "Arnold, is that really you man?"

"Arnold! Where are you going?" the other Gerald asked as his robes swung behind him. He froze as he stared at his counterpart.

Helga looked between both Geralds, her eyes widening like saucers, "Criminy! And I thought having one Tall Hair Boy was enough."

Draco: You didn't update last week

Chloe: Yeah, the lack of attention is bumming me out, thank goodness I have a lot of these chapters pre-written

Arnold: Are you okay?

Chloe: Pfft, real life me is fine, I got a good grade on my midterm and I'm almost done with an original piece that I'm writing. But this story man… it really bites

Draco: *evil smile* Abandon it then

Chloe: Nope. You can't get rid of me that easily.

Draco: BLOODY HELL!

Arnold: I'm going to cover my ears again