Chapter 5: The Quidditch game

Three weeks after term had started and the Ravenclaw's were about to play their first Quidditch game of the year against Hufflepuff.

'Alright team, we have been practicing hard. We are the best Quidditch team and now it's time to prove it. Mac, Joey keep the bludgers away from our chasers and keep Hufflepuffs second guessing. Chasers stay in synch and keep possession of the Quaffle. Emily stay out of the game until you see the snitch, we don't want you in danger unless absolutely necessary. Alright team, let's get that win.' Megan said walking to the door.

'Welcome to today's Quidditch match with Ravenclaw against Hufflepuff. I am Lee Jordan and I will be your commentator for today. Here comes Hufflepuff now. Parker, Stevens, Pucket, Jeffson, Johanne, Judas and Digarry. And now comes the Ravenclaw's. Chang, Smith, Mores, Shay, Ayres, Evans and Evans.' He announced as the players raced onto the field flying their brooms.

'Captains shake hands.' Madam Hooch said and Megan shook hands with Parker.

Throwing up the Quaffle the match began.' And they're off. Evans gets the Quaffle first and speeds towards the hoops, Drop passes to Mores and speeds further. Passes to Smith and back to Evans who barrel rolls left and throws towards the left hoop. And Ravenclaw… Score.' Lee Jordan announced

When Emily hears this she did a loop and then continued to look for the snitch. Ten minutes later Jordan announced.' The score is 110 to 20 to Ravenclaw who are still in possession. Evans passes to Smith and slows down? Anyway Smith passes to Mores who barely dodges a bludger. Right in front of the hoops he DROPS THE QUAFFLE. What the hell is that id-' Lee started.

'JORDAN.' McGonagall yelled.

'Sorry Professor. Evans catches the Quaffle and races towards the hoops. Passes to Smith who throws it back, Evans catches and throws it through the middle hoop. Ravenclaw scores again.' At this announcement Emily spotted a flash of gold at the bottom of the field and raced towards it.' Ravenclaw's seeker has seen the snitch and Hufflepuffs is battling to keep up.'

Emily was catching up with the snitch and held her hand out to catch it. Closing her hand she felt a lump inside and pulled from the dive. Holding her hand in the air the stands erupted into cheers. Harry jumped off his broom and gave her a hug before the rest of the team swarmed them. Harry noticed that Lee was still yelling' Ravenclaw win250 to 20.'

The party that night was magnificent. There was food stacked high and hundreds of drinks around the room. Harry and Emily were sitting in the corner holding each other,' Blimey, That was an awesome catch Emily.'

'Thanks Harry. You weren't so bad yourself. I heard you scored nine times.' She replied.

'Yes I did. I guess all that training paid off. Let's go find Twilight. I want to tell mum and dad.' Harry said standing up.

'Ok, I get to write this time though. Deal?' she asked.

With a small chuckle Harry agreed.

As they walked hand in hand to the Owlery they heard peeves the poltergeist nearby. Not realizing that they were on the third floor corridor they tried to pull open a door to hide in. When the door wouldn't open Harry tapped his staff against it and said,' Alohamora.' The lock clicked open and they ran inside closing the door behind them. They waited until the noise died down before they would breath again. They heard some growling behind them and cautiously turned around. They saw a three headed dog baring its teeth at them and growling.

Turning back around Harry pulled open the door while yelling,' Go. Go. Go.' They ran across four floors before they stopped running.' I bet you that's Hagrid's dog.' He said.

'Agreed. Tomorrow he's going to explain why it's there and why it nearly chewed our heads off. Come on let's get back to the common room before someone catches us.' Emily said walking back in the direction of the common room.

The next day their morning passed pretty fast. After they had lunch they went to Hagrid's hut.' Race you there.' Emily said turning into her panther form.

Harry followed suit and chased after her. Harry got there first and changed back and knocked on Hagrid's door. They saw that the curtains were all closed.

They saw the door open a crack and Hagrid peak out.' Come in. you two.' He said opening the door wider.

When they got in the hut the first thing they noticed was that it was blistering hot and there was a roaring fire in the grate.' Hagrid why do you have a fire going. Its summer for Merlin's sake.' Emily said.

'Well ya' see.' Hagrid said twiddling his fingers.

'Hagrid. I am begging you please tell me that is NOT a dragon's egg in your fire.' Harry said worriedly.

'Well ya' see Harry. It is, I think it's a Hungarian Horntail.' Hagrid told the two.

'You live a wooden house Hagrid. Where would you get a dragon's egg to begin with?' Harry asked.

'Well I was in Hogs head las' nigh' fer a drink an' I played cards with a stranger and I won the egg.' He explained.

'Ok thanks for explaining that to us Hagrid but can you now tell us why there's a bloody three headed dog that nearly bit our heads off last night?' Emily asked feverently.

'WHAT?' Hagrid asked perplexed.' How do ya know abou' Fluffy?'

'Like Emily said 'Fluffy' nearly bit our heads off. What is it guarding Hagrid?' Harry asked.

'That is none of yer business. That's between Professor Dumbledore and Nicholas Flamal…..' Hagrid broke off.

'So there's a person name Nicholas Flamal is there Hagrid.' Emily quipped.

'Enough. This has nothing to do with you, so leave it alone.' Hagrid said.' Lemme show you two somethin'

Hagrid walked out of his hut and showed them his pumpkin patch which had pumpkins the size of boulders growing.' They're a beaut aren' they. Been growing them for the Halloween feast.'

'Ok, see ya later Hagrid. We've got class.' Harry said walking towards the castle.'

For the next two weeks Harry and Emily went to the library whenever they had free time. They looked through books like Modern Discoveries; New Magical Studies and Important Findings of the 20th Century.

On the day of Halloween they walked down to the Great Hall expecting wonderful decorations and they were not disappointed. When they entered through the doors they saw Hundreds of live bats flying around the room and four giant Jack o' Lanterns in the corners of the Hall. They were about to go to their table when Hermione ran past them out of the hall crying. Ron walked up to them.

'Ron what did you say to her?' Harry said accusingly.

'Nothing. I was just talking to Neville and then she got up.' Ron explained to them.

The food was if possible even better than the Welcoming Feast. Halfway through the meal the doors were suddenly thrown open and a disgruntled Professor Quirrell ran through. His turban askew he said,' Troll in the dungeons. Just thought you'd like to know.' And with that he fainted

There was an uproar in the Great Hall and it took explosions from Dumbledore's wand to quiet them all down.' Prefects you are to take your houses back to the common rooms. No one is to leave until a teacher comes to tell you otherwise.' With that the teachers moved to speak to Dumbledore while the prefects rushed to move all the students back to the common rooms.

'Harry, what about Hermione she doesn't know about the troll?' she asked.

'We'll find her. I think I know where she is.' Harry said grabbing Emily's hand and slipping into a line of Hufflepuffs going in the direction of the fourth floor bathrooms.

They looked in the first bathroom and saw Hermione sitting in the corner crying. Running towards her Harry said,' Hermione, look we've got to get out of here a troll somehow got into the castle.' Just then they heard another student come in. it was Draco Malfoy. Emily was about to tell Malfoy to sod of when Harry saw a 8 foot troll with a club walking towards the four of them and Harry yelled for them to get behind him. It smelled of rotten food.

Harry stood up and moved between the girls, Draco and the troll. It looked around stupidly before I started moving towards Harry. Hermione and Emily moved away from Harry and slowly crept towards the door but Draco was rooted to the spot with fear. Harry bellowed,' Sunimon Aegis Magnerack.' Suddenly a huge wall flew between Harry and the Troll. The troll dropped his club in surprise while a giant boulder flew from the wall behind the troll and hit squished it's head between the boulder a wall Harry created.

Harry dropped the boulder and the troll slumped to the floor. A few moments later Professor McGonagall ran into the bathroom and surveyed the scene.' What are you four doing here?'

Hermione actually started lying to Professor McGonagall,' Professor when I heard about the troll, I went to look for it. I thought I coul-.' She said but was cut off by Harry.

'No Hermione. There's no need to cover for us. Professor before the Halloween Feast Hermione ran away and was crying from an off –handed comment from Ron. She came here and didn't hear about the troll and we came looking for her. And well you can see what happened.' Harry explained to her.

'It's true. He saved us all.' Draco blurted out

'Well Hermione I think its best you get back to your common room, you too Mr Malfoy. Now you two.' She said rounding on Harry and Emily.' 5 points from Ravenclaw for disobeying instructions and 20 to Ravenclaw for saving a student fellow student. Now off to bed you two.' She said.

Harry and Emily ran back to the common room not believing their luck. They had gotten fifteen points for Ravenclaw.' Harry you were amazing saving us from that troll.' Emily told him whilst hugging him.

'It's the least I could do. Especially since you were also in danger.' He replied breaking the hug so he could look into her eyes. He could get lost in her ocean blue eyes.

'Oh Harry.' She said leaning in and claiming his lips. They stood there kissing for a minute only breaking away for oxygen.

'Night Emily.' Harry said reluctantly breaking away.

'Night Harry.' She replied.

Needles to say both of them slept with grins on their faces.

When Harry and Emily walked through the doors of the Great Hall they were greeted by Ron,' Blimey Harry. You saved Hermione and Emily from a bloody troll?'

'Jeez Ron. Can't I eat my breakfast without getting the Spanish Inquisition?' Harry complained rubbing his forehead.

'Sorry mate. But how'd you do it and why'd you save that Slytherin?' Ron asked again.

'Because it was the right thing to do, now leave him alone Ron.' Emily scolded him leading Harry to the Ravenclaw table. When he got there the entire table gave him applause. He shook hands with a few people.

'I enrolled under a different name so I wouldn't get this attention and yet here I am.' Harry said complaining again.

'Well Harry, when you save three people from a mountain troll people talk.' Emily told him.

'I'm not that hungry Em. Let's go to class.' Harry said as he noticed people were getting up to talk to him. Walking as fast as they could without running they went to their first lesson of the day: Charms.

Professor Flitwick was a short man and had to stand on a pile of books to see over his podium and he had a squeaky voice.' Oh you two are early.' He said.' Well go inside and take your seats. Well done on beating that troll Mr Evans.' He said before walking into the class.

When the rest of the class came into the class he explained what they would be learning today.' Today we will be learning the incendio charm. Can anyone tell me what this particular spell does? Yes Mr Evans.' Flitwick said as Harry raised his hand.

'The incendio spell sets fire to the intended target or object.' Harry explained.

'Very good Mr Evans. 5 points to Ravenclaw. Now everyone try to set the piece of paper in front of you on fire.'

The class got started when Harry got an idea. He set fire to his piece of paper and said,' Sunimon Aegis Magnareck.' He felt the warmth of the flames envelop his body. He manipulated the fire separating it from the paper and kept it floating in the air. He turned it into a halo shape and moved it above the Professor's head.

Flitwick surveyed the class and approached Harry when he saw he was doing nothing.' Excuse me Mr Evans but I set you a task to do. Now why are you not doing it?' he asked slightly miffed.

By now most people were pointing at the fire Halo above Professor Flitwick's head and trying to suppress their laughter.' I have sir. I just didn't want the paper to burn so I have the fire suspended above your head.' Harry explained.

'Preposterous. How coul-.' He started looking up and saw the fire.' Well done Mr Evans. I believe that is the elemental manipulation spell you used last night whilst fighting the troll.'

'Yes sir. No should I put my fire out or have you already grown fond of the Halo?' Harry asked.

'If you would please put it out. Now everyone for homework I would like a four and a half essay on the incendio charm and its properties. Dismissed'

When they got to their potions lesson they saw that Snape was walking with a limp.' Do you think that Fluffy may have done that?' Emily whispered to him.

'I wouldn't put it past him.' He replied.

Their potions class went by quickly enough and the two of them decided to go see Hagrid.

'Hey Hagrid.' Harry said knocking on the door.

The door opened and Harry along with Emily quickly entered the hut. When they looked around they saw that the fire was out and that there was a leathery thing on the table.' Hagrid. Just out of curiosity would that leather thing on the table be the dragon?' Harry asked.

'Ye it hatched bout an hour ago. Ain't he a beauty.' Hagrid said.' I call em' Norbet.'

'Hagrid do you know how big this dragon is going to grow in less than a month?' Emily asked worriedly.

'Hagrid in a fortnight its going to be bigger than your house. You have to let it go.' Harry told him.

'I can' he won' be able to survive. I have te keep em.' Hagrid said pleadingly.

'Fine Hagrid. But we have to let him go after a while. What do you feed a dragon anyway?' Harry asked.

'In this book. It says te feed him every half hour a bucket of brandy and chicken blood.' Hagrid told them.

'Ok Hagrid. We've got to go but we'll come back next week or earlier if we found something for the dragon.' Emily said distastefully.

When they got outside Harry wondered out loud.' I wonder if I can turn into a dragon?'

'Oh no. Don't even try Harry. What if Hagrid sees you, or somebody else sees you?'

'It'll be ok Emily. I won't fly away if that's what your worried about.' Harry said before taking several paces away from her.' And there's nobody around to see me.'

Harry closed his eyes and began to concentrate. He had his brow furrowed for a few minutes before he relaxed and in the blink of an eye a dragon was standing in Harry's place.

'Wow. Harry you're a Hungarian Horntail. Now change back before anyone sees you.' Emily said.

After a few moments the dragon changed back to normal.' Aw come on. I didn't even get breath a little fire.' Harry complained playfully.

'Maybe next time Harry. Let's get back to the common room, we've got homework to do.' Emily said pulling Harry back to the castle.

Harry walked over to Ron just before dinner.' Hey Ron. Your brother Charlie, he works with wild dragons right?' He asked.

'Yeah mate. He works with 'em in Romania. Why?' Ron replied.

'No reason.' He said walking off.

During dinner Harry told Emily what he found out about Ron's brother, so after dinner both of them rushed to the Owlery to find Twilight to send Charlie a letter.

Hey Charlie

This is Harry, Ron's friend from school. Anyway our groundskeeper Hagrid somehow got his hands on a Hungarian Horntail egg. It's already hatched and half of the huts size. We were hoping that we could send it to you and you could release it into the wild.

Harry

The two of them waited anxiously for his reply which came four days later.

Hello Harry

I've heard quite about you from my mum and Ron. I'm sure that I could put the dragon back into the wild but the problem is getting it back here. I have friends coming to visit me but if the dragon is as big as you say it is then their brooms won't be able to carry it. If you can find another way to get it into Scotland I'd be happy to accept it.

Charlie

(Charlie is doing a job in Scotland for a while)

'I'm going to talk to Dumbledore to see if I can do anything about this.' Harry said walking out of the common room and towards Dumbledore's office.

Standing in front of the gargoyle that guarded the entrance to his office Harry said,' I want to speak with Professor Dumbledore please.'

That goblin came to life and gave a quick snort before falling lifeless again. Harry waited a few moments before the gargoyle moved out of the way to reveal a spiral staircase. Walking up Harry came to a door and knocked before he heard from the other side of the door,' Enter.'

Opening the door Harry saw Dumbledore sitting at his desk. There were several strange objects on it and portraits of previous headmasters hung from the walls.' You wanted to see me Harry.' Dumbledore said.

'Yes sir.' Harry said before sitting down.' You see Hagrid somehow got his hands on a dragon egg and he's raising it in his hut.'

'Ah so there is another dragon at Hogwarts other than yourself.' He said.

'How do you know sir?' Harry asked in disbelief.

'That is a headmasters secret Harry. Now I believe there is more you wanted to say about Hagrid's dragon.'

'Yes sir. I sent a letter to Ron's brother who is working with wild dragons in Scotland. He said he could take the dragon but he had no way of getting it to there. I was wondering if I could lead it to him.' Harry said uncertainly.

'Well Harry. That is an interesting request. I give you permission but you will have to wait two weeks. I'm afraid I can't let you miss your schoolwork, so you will need to do this during the Christmas break.' Dumbledore explained to Harry.

'But sir the dragon will be twice the size of Hagrid's hut by then. Where will we hide it?' Harry said exasperated.

'The dragon will be kept in the Forbidden Forest Harry. You do not need to worry about that and I belive you have classes.' Dumbledore said.

'Yes sir and thank you.' Harry said before walking out the door.

When he returned to the common room he told Emily what Dumbledore had agreed to and they wrote a quick letter to Charlie.

Charlie

We found a way to get the dragon to Scotland. It'll be there round December 21st.

Harry

Harry and Emily went back to searching for Nicholas Flamal for a week when Emily told him,' Do you think we're going to find him.' She said picking up a chocolate frog and giving it to Harry.'

Harry thought for a moment before opening the chocolate frog. He groaned inwardly, he already had Dumbledore. Turning the card around he read:

,' Professor Albus Elfric Dumbledore is famous for the defeat of Grindelwald and discovering 11 uses for dragons blood. He also helps his partner Nicholas Flamal who is the only creator of the philosopher's stone.'

Right then Harry lost it,' BLIMEY. MERLIN'S BEARD, THE ANSWER WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR BLOODY NOSES!' He yelled throwing the card on the table.

'what's wrong Harry?' Emily asked him looking concerned.

'Go get Ron and Hermione. We need to tell them about this.' He said giving her the card.

They both got up and went looking for Ron and Hermione and eventually found them in the library.' Blimey Ron. You're actually doing your work.' Harry said in a joking manner.

'Not now Harry. Hermione, have you by any chance read a book about the Philosophers Stone?' Emily asked her.

'I have actually.' She said before running behind a shelf and returning a few moments later with a big book in her arms.' I took this out a few weeks ago for some light reading. Here it is, the Philosophers Stone is a powerful magic object. It's liquid when drunk makes the drinker immortal and turns any metal into gold.'

'Guys we need to tell you something.' He said sitting down. He told them about their encounter with Fluffy and Snape walking with a limp.

'So we think that Snape is a follower of Voldemort and is trying to bring him back.' He said and saw Ron and Hermione flinch when he said the name.

'But Harry Snape is a teacher he's supposed to protect the Stone not try to steal it.' Hermione countered.

'Hermione, he tied to steal the Stone and that's why he's walking with a limp that only Fluffy could give him. Anyway are you two going home for the winter break?' Harry asked.

'Yeah, I really want to see my parents and show them what I've learned.' Hermione told them.

'I'm staying. Me and my brothers prefer to stay here. The castle so empty you can get away with anything, oh and watch out for Fred and George. I heard they've got a big prank planned.' Ron warned them.

The next week went exceptionally fast for Harry and the others.' Well it's time for me to go to Scotland.' He said giving Emily a hug.

'Why do you have to go Harry? Can't someone take the dragon?' she said choking

'It'll be ok Emily. I'll be back soon enough. Besides I'm the only dragon animagus here and the dragon trusts me. You won't even know I'm gone.' He said giving her a peck on the lips.

'Alright Harry, please be safe.' She said

'Always.' He said before breaking the hug and walking towards the Forbidden Forest.

It didn't take Harry too long to find the enclosure since he'd been there throughout the week. Turning into his panther form he got there a lot quicker.

'Hey Hagrid, Professor Dumbledore. Is she ready to go?' he asked looking at the dragon which was now bigger than Hagrid's hut.

'Yes Harry. Now be careful when flying. Stay above the clouds so muggles won't spot you.' Dumbledore said giving him advice.

'I'm gonna miss em'.' Hagrid managed to say before bursting into tears.

'I'll see you in a few days.' Harry said walking towards the dragon and changing. Harry flapped his wings and hovered in the air coaxing the baby dragon to follow.

The dragon caught on and flew into the air with Harry. He flew towards the edge of the Forbidden Forest and passed through the wards. He turned around to see if it was following him and sure enough it was only a few yards behind him. Harry flew forwards up into the clouds following Dumbledore's advice. Harry felt free flying now, he let a pillar of flame shoot from his mouth and the baby dragon followed suit. They flew for a couple of hours before Harry started feeling hungry. Dipping slightly below the clouds he saw a couple of stray cows wandering in a meadow. Checking to see if there were any muggles, he dived at the cows with the other dragon right behind him.

Harry couldn't remember how many cow's they had eaten before they made it to Charlie's dragon camp. When they saw the camp they flew down towards. A flurry of movement told Harry that they were surprised by the arrival of two dangerous dragons. Harry and the dragon landed in a circle of people. The baby dragon shifted around uncomfortably seeing so many said you people, Harry was glad it didn't start attacking them.

Harry saw Charlie run past the circle and Harry turned to normal.' Hey Charlie.' Harry said as if taking a flying dragon from England to Scotland was an everyday occurrence.

'Wow Harry. When you said you had a plan for bringing the dragon here, I didn't think you were a dragon animagus.' Charlie said astounded.

'Yeah well you know.' Harry said modestly.' So is this it. Now that you have the dragon I can go right?' Harry asked uncertainly.

'Well yes you can, unless you'd want to stay for lunch.' Charlie told him.

'No thanks, I've already had twelve cows for breakfast.' Harry said with a slight blush.

'You- you- you ate twelve cows. How many did you eat getting here?' Charlie asked dumbstruck.

'Well you know about a hundred, and the dragon about seventy.' Harry said

'Well, as long as you didn't eat any muggles.' He said jokingly.' So you can go back if you want.'

'Tempting but no, I didn't eat any muggles.' Harry said before running towards the way they came, transformed and started flying back to Hogwarts.