Ch 7 A Fire in the Great Hall

Previously

Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close. She wept and wept until she finally fell asleep in his arms. He wished Hermione would come back so she could put Nicole back into her bed, but he suddenly realized he didnt wish that at all. He wanted to stay like this, he wanted to hold her in his arms forever. He wanted her to be happy and to never cry again. Oh hell why am I thinking that at a time like this. She doesnt need me to be her boyfriend, she needs someone she can rely on like ...like an older brother.

"What do you mean someone's after her? That's the same thing Charlie said. I mean how do you people know this and she doesn't?" Ron replied angrily.

"Look, Ron, Dumbledore called Nicole into his office the other day and expalined the situation. She freaked out and came to talke to me, and the whole Charlie thing came up so she got even more upset and that's probably why she never got the chance to tell you."

"But I mean, do you think she'stold Harry? They've been spending an awful lot of time together lately and you never know it could be because of him that she's being..."

"Don't even think it Ron. It's got nothing to do with Harry this time. But it could be linked to Malfoy or even have something to do with the fact that she's related to Sirius."

"Bloody hell. Well what do we do? I mean she's like my sister and all I can't just sit here and let someone attack her ya know."

"I know that, and I think we should all talk to Dumbledore about this. She needs to know that we're here for her and she has people who will protect her okay."

"All right. Well I guess we better head on up to bed then. G'night."

"Night."

The sun shone brightly through the frost covered windows. Winter was coming quickly, but not too quickly, for Halloween was only three days away. The castle was bustling with activity and lively as ever. Pumpkins floated throughout the noisy Great Hall as ghosts weaved their way in and out of tables and walls. Although commotion surrounded them, Harry, Ron, and Nicole seemed not to notice as they quickly ate their breakfast and prepared themselves for their quidditch match with Ravenclaw. They headed out to the stadium taking in the conditions noting that they might have a slight problem with the wind today. The rest of the team filed in silently and pulled on their robes. They didn't seem nervous about the win, but the conditions seemed to be getting worse.

"All right folks, I know the conditions are bad, but we've played in worse. It's only wind, but if it starts to rain you know what to do. You know we can beat them. Ther're no match for our team, so go out and play your hardest because this is just another practice for the Slytherin game in two weeks. Let's head out," Harry's speech filled the team with even more confidence and it showed as they stepped out onto the windy pitch.

"Ravenclaw 20 and Gryffindor 70. Quite a beating Ravenclaw is getting today. Even with the conditions Gryffindor is playing especially well. Thomas with the quaffle to Weasley to Marsh back to Weasley to...WAIT! Potter's gone into a dive and Mullan's following him. He's got it. Potter with the Snitch. Gryffindor wins 220 to 20!"

A mass of scarlet robes now surrounded Harry as they pat him on the back furiously and roared with appreciation. As the team made their way back to the changing rooms Harry found himself standing alone next to a very pale Nicole.

"Isn't this great," he exclaimed. "We're that much closer to winning the cup. This is just great. Hey, is something wrong? You look awful." As the words left his mouth she collapsed onto the pitch with a thud. Harry bent down to check her pulse. Good, still breathing. He lifted her into his arms and carried her towards the castle. She's so think. Hasn't she been eating lately? I wonder why all of a sudden she just collapsed. She seemed fine this morning. I've got to get her straight to Madame Pomfrey, she'll know what to do. I don't know what'd I do if it was something serious. I mean I'd protect her with my life if I had to...wait I mean because she's my friend, not because she's beautiful or sweet or...Bloody Hell! Stop it. Run get her to the hospital wing now!

sorry folks...it's been long i know and this is kinda short but i got a random inspiration from one of my nonrelated peoms so i thought i'd pst what i could get before i had to hit the hay...yay for school, but ne who hope ur still reading and like the new chapter..hope the next will be up soon...i've got ideas

LethalDOH