Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Psh I wish I did. So yea, Twilight is to Meyer as Harry Potter is to Rowling.
AN: Hey guys, some people told me that Harry and Hermione SHOULD remain platonic because they're eleven.
Ahem.
I meant that nothing was going to happen between them when they're older. Sorry I wasn't clear, rofl.
AND NOTE ABOUT MALFOY PROBLEM: Draco wouldn't have a problem because he hasn't officially entered the death eater world. If he is looked at as a blood traitor to purebloods, of course he would be attacked but he wouldn't have as much trouble as Lucius and Narcissa. The reason why Lucius and Narcissa would have problems is because they've already initiated their death eater lives and gave their allegiance to Voldemort. I figured, Draco could be like Sirius was in his youth. Sirius was born into a family of pureblooded thinkers but he stayed away from them. Of course everyone despised him, he didn't wasn't the highest on Voldemort's naughty list.
Also, sorry that I put things a bit out of order, what with them discovering Fluffy before saving Hermione…which I believe is in the right order, but I wanted them to get close before finding clues about the pretty, pretty stone.
Chapter 12: Quirrell?
Carlisle sighed as he walked into one of the fireplaces in St. Mungo's. Dumbledore had helped him get a kind of internship at the hospital so that Carlisle could learn about magical illnesses. It had been a long day for him so going home was a happy thought. When he arrived home, he found the living room empty and the house quiet. "Hello?" He called. "Anyone home?"
"Up here, Carlisle!" He heard the soft voice of Esme from their room. He smiled as he dropped his bag in his office before going up to the bedroom.
"Where are the…" His sentence trailed off when he opened the door.
Esme was sitting on the bed with a seductive twinkle in her eyes.
"Children?" He finished. "Not that I care. What's going on?"
She nearly giggled as she got off the bed and walked towards him slowly. He threw his jacket on the chair and met her halfway, wrapping his arms around her waist as hers snaked up his chest.
"Yes the children are out today," She told him.
"Which means…" He said with a grin.
"Which means we have the house to ourselves." With a tilt of her head, they met in a loving kiss.
"It's been much too long," Carlisle whispered against her lips as she nodded in agreement.
She took his hand and led him towards the bed before she lay down before him. He gave her a chuckle and was about to lean over her when-
"Esme! Carlisle!"
He groaned and his forehead pressed against hers. "This has to be a joke," He muttered before pulling her up. He kissed her cheek and hugged her tightly before they went down to the living room together. "Albus?" he questioned.
"Is something wrong with Harry?" Esme asked in worry.
Albus grimaced. "It would be best if you two came to Hogwarts right now."
"What about our kids?"
"They can catch up. We need the both of you now. The Malfoys and Weasleys are being called now."
~*~
Lucius held his hand out and Narcissa walked into the fireplace with him. "Albus Dumbledore's Office," he said clearly. The couches before them disappeared and they walked out to see Arthur, Molly, Carlisle and Esme sitting in the office with concern on their faces. "Well with them here, our children have obviously gotten into trouble again."
"More than that, Lucius," Albus said gravely. "We are just waiting for Minerva to return with-" The door opened and a kind looking couple walked in. "Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I'm happy you were able to make it here."
"Is there something wrong with Hermione, Professor Dumbledore?" Mrs. Granger asked quietly. "She isn't hurt, is she?"
He folded his hands and gave them a sigh. "I'm afraid she has a few minor injuries."
"What happened?" Mr. Granger asked in horror.
"During our Halloween Feast, a troll made its way into the Hogwarts Dungeons. The students were quickly brought back to their respective houses but…" Everyone saw the sense of pride that flooded Albus. "Miss Granger was in the bathroom and her friends knew they couldn't leave her there. The troll managed to find its way to the girl's lavatory just when the three boys were about to get Hermione out."
"My Harry?" Esme asked in disbelief. "Faced a troll?!"
"And Draco?" Narcissa said with feeling of dismay and pride.
"And Ronald?! He can barely go up into the attic because of the ghoul!" Molly exclaimed.
"I assure you, it was them," Albus said. "The troll knocked all of them back and they all got a few bruises and scratches, nothing serious. They are all resting in the Hospital Wing for the night. The troll was expelled to another country, very far from here."
"How do we know another troll won't make its way in?" Mrs. Granger asked in anger. "Our children were hurt! How can we make sure you'll protect them this time?"
"Because," A dark voice said in the shadows. Severus stepped out for them to see him. "Trolls are very unintelligent. It most likely got in with the help of someone from inside."
"Someone is plotting against the school from inside," Carlisle stated to clarify. "So we're going to find this person and…"
"They will be severely punished," Lucius promised.
Albus cleared his throat. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Lucius has a high position in the ministry and on the school board. Once we find who has done this, he will make sure they will get their just desserts."
The two muggles nodded in understanding. "How long will this spell last? The one that allows us to see Hogwarts?" They asked. "We want to stay with Hermione until she wakes up tomorrow morning."
"It should last until you leave the grounds," he told them. "I'm sure all of you would like to see your children. They can lead you to the Hospital Wing, Mr. and Mrs. Granger."
"Thank you, Headmaster," Mr. Granger said in respect. Dumbledore nodded.
"Before you leave," he said as they all got up. "I want you to know that it wasn't the teachers who took down the troll."
"It wasn't?" Arthur asked in confusion. "Who else could have-"
"Your son." They all stared at Albus in shock. "The troll had Harry and Draco in one hand and the club in the other. The teachers had all gotten their in time to see it happen. Ronald used a quick levitating charm, which took the troll's club, and dropped it onto its head, knocking it unconscious. He has one his house thirty points. Be proud of your son."
Molly nodded and squeezed Arthur's hand tightly. "Our Ronald," She whispered.
"I knew he had it in him," Arthur bragged, tears coming to his eyes. Lucius and Carlisle patted the man's back as they guided the Grangers out.
~*~
"It'd be really nice if they stopped staring," Harry whispered, quickening his pace fractionally so people wouldn't notice.
"Well what do you expect?" Hermione teased. "You three saved me from a troll, the first year heroes. Who wouldn't stare?"
"I hate when people stare at me," He said in irritation.
"Oh just relish in the moment, Harry," Ron laughed. "Don't you feel… popular?" Draco nodded, trying to get his friend to relax.
He groaned and looked down at the ground. "Can we please just get to the next class as fast as we can?" They all nodded, knowing that Harry wasn't going to accept the popularity so easily.
As they walked down the corridors, they couldn't help but hear everyone whispering about them. Harry was quickly getting irritated. Most people would love the attention and use it to their advantage. Harry, however, wasn't one to boast and he found it quite annoying when others insisted on bragging about themselves. Why be called a hero when it was a moral obligation that needed to be done in the first place? He nearly growled when he heard people start calling his name to ask questions. He glanced at his friends and they saw his aggravation growing. "Wouldn't it be lovely if everyone would just-"
"This is absolutely maddening!" Everyone heard. Oliver Wood came into view as he rounded a corner with his friends. "I can't believe we still haven't found a seeker! Why did every person out on that field have to be rubbish at Quidditch during tryouts?"
"Calm down, Oliver," one boy said. "We can always use Howard Keatings. He was the best out of all of them really."
"Yea, the best out of a group of blundering fools who wouldn't know the difference between a chaser and a keeper."
Harry stood frozen as he watched the Gryffindor quidditch captain pass him by. With a sigh, he continued walking. "I'd do anything to be on that team," He muttered. Draco patted his back and sped him along so they wouldn't be late for potions.
"Cheer up, Harry," he told him. "Once next year hits, you'll be the star of the team… of course I'll have to root against you… house spirit and what not."
"This is a horrible day for you, isn't it?" Ron asked tactlessly. When Harry groaned, Hermione and Draco glared at the redhead angrily. "What'd I say?"
Oliver and Katie Bell walked out onto the field, carrying the quidditch trunk together, the rest of the team behind them. "Don't worry, Oliver," Katie said with a smile. "I'm sure we'll find someone this time."
"This is horrible, Katie. We're the only house that has had to make another try out. I'll die if we don't get the cup again."
"It's just quidditch," Her eyes widened and she flinched when she realized what she said. With a yelp, she fell to the ground with the trunk when Oliver let go of the handle. "Oliver, wait! I didn't mean-"
"Oh she's in for it now," Fred laughed.
"I won't be shocked if you get kicked off the team!" George joined in.
"Just quidditch?" Oliver questioned, ignoring the twins' antics. "Just quidditch?! I'll have you know that-"
"Leave him alone!"
They all looked across the field to see Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, and Harry Cullen trying to help a defenseless Neville against Marcus Flint and his cronies.
"What'd you say, girly?" Marcus asked, daring her to respond.
"He's messing with our brother," George said angrily.
"And our tiny friends," Fred muttered. "I don't think Marcus will be entirely happy to have the Gryffindor beaters on his ugly arse."
Oliver, having hated Flint already, nodded his head. "Come on, guys. Let's help them out." The team began to march across the field, listening to the fight all the while. Oliver's anger sparked and they moved faster as they watched Marcus push Hermione to the ground.
"You don't tell me what to do, you filthy mudblood," He hissed, holding Neville's remembrall high above his head while his wand was pointed at Hermione. Draco whipped his wand out, ready to curse the older Slytherin, but Marcus' friends were quick to defend him. "You'd best put that down, Malfoy, before I tell your father that you're being a bad boy," he taunted. Draco, knowing he couldn't risk his father, slowly lowered it.
Harry's fist was shaking and he was glaring at the boy before him. The borrowed, school broom in his hand could have snapped in half. "You know, we were having a relaxing, fun time today, flying around and enjoying each other's company. Then you and your gang of mongrels came in and ruined our day. I will say this, oh so nicely. Give the remembrall back, Flint," He said as calmly as he could, "and I won't have to curse you from here to your next life for picking on and insulting my friends."
"Oh you want the remembrall back?" Flint mocked. Harry's grip tightened. "Go get it."
"Don't do it, Flint!" Oliver shouted as they got closer. Marcus glanced in his direction with a laugh before saying a quick incantation that sent the remembrall flying. Neville stared in horror as his remembrall got further and further away. Marcus and his friends ran back into the castle, laughing hysterically. "Guys, your wands!" Oliver commanded. He took his wand out hoping he could aim at it perfectly to retrieve it, but everyone knew it wouldn't work. He was squinting trying to find it in the air, when a forceful breeze pushed his arm back. He looked up in surprise to see Harry on his broom, chasing after the remembrall.
"Get it, Harry!" Ron cheered, knowing his friend would get it in time.
Oliver looked around to see most on his team confused while Draco, Ron, Neville, George and Fred looking excited. "Just watch, Oliver," Fred told him, throwing an arm over his shoulders. "He'll come back with it in his hand."
They watched Harry twist in the air, throwing his hand upward. To them, it looked as if he had lost control for a second, but the boy proved them wrong by bringing his hand straight to his chest afterwards. He tugged on the broom's handle and leaned forward to get back to them quickly. "Hey Neville!" He called out. "Catch!"
Neville cupped his hands together and held it out, allowing Harry to drop the remembrall right into his palms. "Thanks, Harry," he said gratefully. The green-eyed boy nodded with a smile.
"Good job, Harry," Fred told him when he landed, the quidditch team surrounding the first year.
"We knew you could do it," George winked.
"Of course."
"When did we doubt you?"
"Never!"
They both let out a grunt when they were pushed apart from each other. Oliver stared at Harry with awe and happiness. "You!" He said speechlessly.
"Huh?" Harry asked in confusion.
"You're our new seeker!"
~*~
"But Professor, you must understand! I need him on my team!"
"Absolutely not, Mr. Wood. He is a first year, making it against the rules!"
"Professor, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen," Oliver said desperately. He straightened, looking right at his Head of House, Harry's parents and Headmaster. "If you could only see the way Harry flies-"
"I've seen it. The Cullens have seen it," Albus interrupted. "Minerva, you have seen it as well. Don't try to lie. I know how much the Quidditch house cup means to you," he teased. The woman blushed and looked away. Oliver grinned when Albus winked at him and held his hand up. "I really don't see the problem in it. Harry is quite a unique boy, although first years aren't allowed on teams, there isn't a reason why he shouldn't be allowed on the team."
"Albus Dumbledore," Minerva said, as if scolding a child. "Quidditch is a ruthless sport. What would happen if he got hurt?"
"In all fairness, all of us are at risk when we get on that field," Oliver cut in. "Professor, please! He's the seeker we've been waiting for."
"Now I wouldn't say this about most first years because most are inexperienced at the game," Albus said, "but Madam Hooch worked with Harry during the summers and he's already well-trained for the game, especially since he played with vampires and beat them several times."
Minerva twiddled her fingers. "It… really isn't my decision."
"Esme? Carlisle?"
Esme had a tentative look on her face. "I don't know…" She said slowly. She looked at Carlisle to see what he was thinking. The man sighed and rubbed his chin in thought.
"Please", Oliver begged. "Think of it. Your son will be the youngest seeker in a century!"
"Quidditch is an extremely dangerous sport," he said in all seriousness. "I'm not sure if I want to see my son in the hospital wing."
Oliver closed his eyes as he waited to hear the verdict.
~*~
"Begin," Severus drawled, trailing back to his desk and burying his nose in his work.
Harry took one glance at the man before turning back to his cauldron. "We've done this one already," he whispered to Ron. The boy nodded in agreement. "Might as well finish this quickly." They began their work in silence, hoping they wouldn't be the ones to suffer Severus' criticisms.
"This is boring," Ron complained as he carefully dropped the ingredient in. He looked over to see Draco quickly doing is work with Blaise Zabini on the desk next to them. "If he spills one thing, Severus will kill him."
"Stop squabbling with Mr. Potter, Weasley and get to work!"
Ron flinched and looked back down at what he was chopping. "Greasy git," he whispered. Harry laughed quietly next to him, trying to hide his smile.
"Just one hour and we'll be out of here and a few more classes closer to lunch," Harry reassured him.
"Lunch would be lovely," he said happily.
Hermione who was in front of them turned around while Neville glanced back with a grin. "You both just ate breakfast," she whispered.
"So?"
She rolled her eyes and turned back around. She demonstrated how to chop the leaves to Neville before responding. "You're going to overstuff yourself one day, Ronald Weasley."
"Aw Hermione," Neville smiled. "Leave him alone."
"Well someone has to watch his health!"
"You sound like my mother," Ron said in distaste.
She gasped and looked at him in horror. "I sound like a mother?!"
"Miss Granger!" Severus snapped.
She jumped in her seat and looked up at him. "Sorry, professor," she said with a blush. He glared at her.
"The four of you! Stop fooling around and-" The door was thrown open and Oliver Wood came running in, looking around wildly. "Mr. Wood!"
"Harry!" He shouted when he finally found the boy. The class was staring at him in shock as Oliver ran up to the boy and picked him up with a laugh. "They said yes!" Harry gripped Oliver's shoulders tightly as he looked him straight in the eye. "I'm not lying, Harry! They said yes!"
"They said yes?!"
"Mr. Wood! Mr. Potter! Enough!" Severus shouted in anger. "I have never had a class so blatantly-"
"You're on the team!"
Harry's eyes widened as Oliver continued to bounce him up and down in enjoyment. "I'm on the team?! I'M ON THE TEAM!"
"Mr. Potter, stop screaming at once!"
"I'm on the team! Oh my God, I'm on the team! Ron! I'm the Gryffindor Seeker!"
"YOU TWO WILL DESIST IMMEDIATELY!"
"But who would even try to break into Gringotts?" Draco asked. "That has to be the most moronic decision ever? Oh yes, let me just break into Gringotts where I'll surely get caught."
"But the problem is that they broke into an emptied vault," Hermione stated. "That's the question to ask. What was in the vault that was so desperately needed?"
Ron shrugged. "Who knows? If you're so desperate so as to break into Gringotts, it must have been something really special." They walked up the next flight of stairs, only to find themselves stuck when the stairs began moving. "Oh this is a bloody joke."
Harry looked around, wondering what route to take.
"What do we do now?" Hermione asked. Harry pointed at the door in front of him.
"I'm sure we can get somewhere through here."
Hermione's stared at him, horrified. "I'm sorry, has your intelligence dropped by one-hundred percent? First of all, we aren't allowed on this floor, it's against the rules! Second of all- hey!" she protested as they walked away from her. She looked around to find they were pretty much trapped on the platform. With a groan, she followed them in. "This has to be the stupidest thing we could ever do!" Hermione whispered viciously.
"Calm down, Granger," Draco snapped.
"Calm down?! It's dark, damp and, oh right! We aren't supposed to be here!"
Suddenly an echoed 'meow' sounded. "Mrs. Norris," Ron said in horror. They ran down the dark corridor as fast as they could, watching as the lamps lit and dimmed as they passed. "There's nowhere to go!" Ron whispered, once they reached the end. He saw another door and began tugging on it. "It's locked!"
"Are you a wizard or not?!" Hermione pushed him aside. "Alohamora." The latch popped open and they ran in, closing the door behind them quickly.
"Who's here?!" They heard.
"Filch," Harry mouthed. They all nodded in agreement. It was definitely the grumpy, crabby old man. They stayed quiet as they listened to his footsteps disappear. "That was way too close this time," he murmured.
"H-Harry," Draco stuttered. The blond tapped Ron's shoulder and showed him what he was looking at.
"We have to be a lot more careful," Harry continued. "Hermione was right. We shouldn't have come here."
"H-Harry, mate," Ron squeaked. Hermione glanced at the redhead before noticing what exactly was in the room they had entered.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. We should have listened to-" Hermione's fingers pressed his cheeks together, squishing his lips into a fish-like mouth. "Huh?" he asked as best as he could. She turned his face and his eyes widened at what he saw. "What…"
The large, three-headed dog stood on its legs and began growling at the intruders. Its bark echoed in the room and the four screamed in terror. Hermione lunged at the doorknob and they rushed out, but the dog was quick. It rammed a head into the door. "Push it shut!" Hermione commanded. The boys helped her, and once the door was closed, she dropped the lock and began running back to where the door they came from. "If I get expelled or killed because of you three, I'll never forgive you!"
~*~
"Severus," Harry said, as he threw himself on the couch. Draco and Ron nodded at him, telling him to take lead. Hermione was standing near the door, still quite scared of the potions master. Severus hummed in response, showing Harry that he was listening. "Why is there a large, three-headed dog in Hogwarts?"
The vial in his hand smashed into pieces, but it didn't stop the four.
"Guarding a door!" She cut in. "Don't forget it was guarding a door!"
"Yes, sorry we didn't see it," Ron said sarcastically. "Silly me, I thought looking at its three heads would be much more important."
"What were you four doing there in the first place?" Severus asked in anger. He repaired the vial and set it on the desk. "You know it's against the rules for any student to be-"
"Uncle Sev," Draco said with a roll of his eyes. "We were stuck."
"You could have waited for another flight of stairs to move for you," He said flatly.
Draco tried to find an answer. "Uh… we had a severe lapse in judgment?"
"Obviously! You could've gotten killed! Don't go near Fluffy again or-"
"Fluffy?!" Ron wanted to laugh.
"That beast of a thing has a name?" Hermione asked in disgust.
"And Fluffy of all the names?" Harry grimaced. "What's it hiding?"
"None of your concern!" Severus shouted. "What are you four even doing here? Shouldn't you be getting ready for the quidditch game, Harry?"
"Why are you so excited to see your team lose against me?" Harry smirked, letting go of the subject easily.
"Out, you brat and take your group of dunderheads with you!"
Harry groaned as he got off the couch and adjusted his quidditch uniform. "Come on guys. I might as well have breakfast so I don't suddenly faint during the game. Bye, Severus."
"That's Professor Snape to you, Mr. Potter. Good Luck."
Hermione waved at Severus while Ron and Draco said a quick goodbye. "So we really aren't going to find anything out from Severus," Draco muttered. "I thought for sure that golden boy over here would be able to convince him. Didn't even try to convince him, did you? What a failure," he said with mock sadness. "That means we'll have to throw you out into the garbage and find a replacement Harry."
"Shut up, Draco!" Harry laughed. "We'll find out about this sooner or later."
They walked into the Great Hall, only to be bombarded by Seamus Finnegan. "Harry! You'll never believe it!" Harry frowned, waiting for him to continue. "I didn't open it of course. Neville did."
"They forced me too!" Neville protested. He pulled Harry by his arm to the Quidditch table. "Look at it, Harry!" The boy's eyes widened at what he saw. "The Nimbus 2000! It's brand new as well! There was no note though. Do you know who got it for you?"
"I wanted to get it for you," a voice said behind them. Harry looked up and smiled at his godfather. Sirius grinned at him and ruffled his hair. "But your proud head of house got to it before I did," he whispered. Harry's eyes widened as he looked up at the teacher's table. Minerva was sitting there with a smirk on her face. She waved at him as Hedwig was settled on her other arm. Harry grinned and waved back in thankfulness. "You'll do great out there, Bambi," Sirius said proudly. He gave Harry a tight squeeze on his shoulder before walking away.
"Bambi?"
Harry glanced at Neville with a nod. "They call me Bambi because my real dad's nickname used to be Prongs. Sirius told me that when my father and his friends were younger, they became unregistered animagi. The only reason that they allowed Sirius to register as an animagus was because they used it as part of their apology for sending him to Azkaban. My father was a stag. Bambi is a muggle cartoon about a baby deer. Sirius told me that when I'm old enough, he's going to help me become an animagus and he'll make a new nickname for me."
"That is so sweet," Hermione said with a smile.
Harry smiled back at her. "It's one of the ways that my family makes sure I still feel connected with my real parents." Harry played around with his new broom.
"Well," Draco said, trying to break the tension. "Think you're ready to beat Flint at his own game?"
"Oh I'd say I'm just about," he said, excitement building inside of him.
~*~
Harry didn't know how nervous he was going to be until he was standing at the team opening. He was just gaining control of himself when Fred and George came up and made it worse. "Don't worry, Harry," Fred said. "George and I will make sure you don't get hit with a bludger… but if you do, then you still shouldn't worry. The last person who got hit with a bludger was only in a coma for a month."
His jaw dropped and he whimpered as the twins snickered and left him to fall apart. "Don't be nervous, Harry!" Oliver said with a grin. "Put a smile on that face! We're going to beat Slytherin today!"
"Oliver, I think I'm going to puke," He muttered.
He laughed and patted his back. "Hey, I was nervous with my first game too!"
"Did it turn out okay?"
He frowned and scratched his head. "I ah… don't remember actually. A bludger hit my head and I fell of my broom. I ended up in the hospital wing for a week."
"I'll kill the twins if they let one slip," He growled.
The entrance opened for them and Harry was nearly blown away by all the cheers. He listened to the roll calls the announcer made. Finally, Oliver and he were the last ones left. "You'll do great out there, Harry," Oliver promised.
"CAPTAIN OLIVER WOOD!" The Gryffindors cheered as Oliver jumped onto his broom and flew around the pitch before finding his position. Harry gulped and rubbed his scar as he waited. "AND NOW GRYFFINDOR! WELCOME YOUR NEW SEEKER! THE YOUNGEST IN A CENTURY! HARRY CULLEN!"
Harry nodded and got onto his broom. He zoomed out and held his hand up in the air as he flew above the stands. The Gryffindors cheered as loudly as they did for Oliver. Harry grinned when he found his family sitting in the visitor's stand, cheering his name as loud as they could. He waved at them and gave one last look at the Gryffindor stand before settling in the air, waiting for the game to start. He looked across to find the Slytherin seeker sneering at him. Harry smirked before looking down to see Flint and Oliver glaring daggers at each other. He laughed and waved at the referee. "Hooch!" Everyone called, welcoming her back.
She grinned up at them. "Now I'm only here for the games because you know I can't miss out on my favorite part of the year!" They all yelled and cheered. "I want a good clean game!" She prepared to throw the quaffle into the air, and with a blow of her whistle, the game began. The chasers had their eyes on the ball as they all fought for it.
Harry began to look around, hoping he could quickly find the snitch. He tilted his broom handle and began flying around the pitch. When he spotted Emmett and Edward pointing at their ears he suddenly remembered all the training he had been through with his family. He closed his eyes and listened to the sound around him.
The whooshing of brooms and the calls of the crowd.
His eyes shot open and he moved his head before a bludger knocked him right of his broom. He gave a sigh of relief before his eyes widened again and he gripped his broom as tightly as he could. 'What's going on?' he questioned angrily. Nearly everyone on the pitch stopped to watch the boy. His broom began thrashing wildly, as if trying to throw Harry off. "Ugh!" He shouted as tried to stay on.
~*~
Hermione and Ron were watching from their seats in the Gryffindor stand. "What's going on?!" Ron asked in horror. Hermione looked around in suspicion. She saw Draco waving at her, and when he had caught her attention, he pointed towards the faculty stand. She looked over and squinted, trying to catch what he was looking at. Every professor was looking around in panic except for Severus.
"Is Professor Snape trying to cast a curse on him?" She asked in disbelief.
Ron looked over and glared. "No! If anything he's trying to counteract whatever is going on!"
"But to do a spell you must have eye contact! He's the only one looking at Harry! He hasn't blinked once!"
Ron growled and began to scout the teacher's faces. "Look, Hermione! Look!" He pointed at the teacher just a few seats behind Severus. "Quirrell! He's muttering something too!"
"And the eye contact," Hermione murmured. "You really don't think so, do you? He's so…"
"Defenseless?" Ron finished.
"Come on, we have to help Harry!" Hermione shouted. She pulled Ron's hand and they ran down, making their way towards the faculty stand. After running down a long walkway and climbing flights of stairs they finally got up to the stand. She glanced out to see that Harry had been thrown off his broom and was hanging on by his hands. "Oh gods!" She nearly shouted.
"Mione, this way!" She followed him to see that he found an entrance that led to the bottom of the benches. She glanced at him before taking her wand out and finding Quirrell's seat. With a quiet incantation, Quirrell's robes were set on fire. The man jumped up and tried to put it out and Harry's broom calmed. They looked out to see that Severus was glaring deeply at their defense teacher. Hermione's jaw fell as they looked at each other.
"Quirrell?" She questioned.
"No way," Ron whispered.
~*~
Harry's hand slipped as he tried to get back onto his broom. He let out a yelp as he hung on by on arm. He saw Esme standing in her seat, screaming in horror, as Rose held onto Emmett tightly. Alice was gripping Jasper's arm and Edward, who had gotten out of his seat to the front of the stand, was making gestures with his body, trying to help his little brother. Harry nodded, and with much force, he threw his arm up and gripped his broom. He gave a few deep breaths before using all of his energy to pull on the broom while pushing his body up. With a swing of his legs he was on his broom again. He took a quick look at the board. Slytherin was leading by just a few points.
The Gryffindors cheered and Esme fell back into Carlisle's arms. Harry nodded at Edward before looking around for the Slytherin seeker. He cursed when he saw that the boy had taken advantage of Harry's moment of disability and had found the snitch. He leaned far down on his broom and caught up to the boy. The seeker glared at him and knocked his side, pushing Harry of track. A mixture of calls came from the crowd. Harry ignored everything around him and got back into position, his eyes on the snitch. He glanced over and decided to give him a taste of his own medicine. The two seekers pushed and bumped into each other, trying to knock each other away. They both inched closer to the snitch, reaching their arms out to try and catch it. However, as they were getting closer to the snitch, they were also getting closer to the ground.
The Slytherin seeker glanced at Harry and found the boy wasn't pulling up. He glared and continued on but when he got much too close to the ground for his liking, he pulled up and soared away. Harry, at the last minute, pulled upward, just grazing the grass with his feet. The whole stadium cheered in amazement and wonder. In rash decision making, he stood on his broom and controlled it with his feet. "Why did I do this?" He asked himself when he nearly stumbled off. He saw the snitch before him and reached out. He leaned forward slightly and felt it graze his fingers. In a panic to catch it, he pushed his feet forward and tumbled off his broom. Laughter was heard from many, but the Gryffindors weren't amused.
They stared at their fallen seeker in horror, wondering if he was going to get up. Harry's broom was on the ground just a few feet away from him. He looked around dizzily and pushed his glasses back onto his face. With as much strength as he had, he got back onto his feet and held onto his stomach.
"Cullen is… Cullen is going to spew!" He heard the announcer's voice say. Indeed, he was making motions as though he were going to throw up. He opened his mouth and held his hands out. A wet snitch landed into his palms. He stared at it before laughing hysterically. He ran towards Hooch and held the snitch up for everyone to see. "CULLEN HAS THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WINS!" Hooch held Harry's hand in the air with a proud smile on her face. The Gryffindor team landed on the ground and ran towards Harry.
Oliver threw his broom on the ground and picked Harry up, swinging him around. "You did it! You did it!" He laughed. Fred and George took Harry and hoisted him onto their shoulders.
"Cullen! Cullen!" They started, and the crowd joined in with them soon enough.