The Bad Gryffindor
Chapter Ten
Quidditch Match: Gryffindor vs Slytherin!
I was released from the Hospital Wing just a couple of days after I woke up, fully healed and ready to go. Besides there was only a week left until the first Quidditch match of the season. It was Gryffindor versus Slytherin. I gave a smirk as I grabbed my Quidditch robes from my trunk. I've missed some practices already so I had to attend this one even though I was just recently released, there was no way in hell I was going to miss anymore practices with the big match coming up. I skipped down the dormitory stairs and out the portrait hole before any questions could be asked about where I was going. I raced down to the first floor of the stair case and took the short cut through the portrait of Damara Dodderidge. I quickly ran through the shortcut and dashed out of the Clock Tower.
I jogged the rest of the way as I approached the Quidditch Pitch then slowly to a walk. I walked onto the pitch and headed for the changing rooms. I greeted the guys as I quickly changed. I pulled my hair up into a high ponytail and looked at the team. "Alright, when do we start?" I asked, a smile gracing my lips.
"Are you sure you should be playing?" asked Jesse from his laying positions on one of the benches.
"Yeah, I mean you were just released this morning." commented Cassius, who was putting on his dragon hide gloves.
"Of Course! Our match is next weekend right?" I asked looking at the notice board for the match. "And due to what happened on Halloween, I haven't been able to practice!"
"Very well, but if you get hurt it isn't our fault." mumbled Jesse as he sat up.
"Alright, alright! Let's just go practice already!" ordered Marcus.
We all nodded and headed out onto the pitch. We all mounted our brooms and began drills and had a small practice match while still attending to our respected posts. I was currently seeker and keeper for my team and Higgs was well, seeker for his team. Marcus was chaser for Higgs and Adrian was chaser for my team, Graham was keeper for Higgs, Jesse was my team beater and Cassius is beater for Higgs. We practiced for a good two hours before we decided that was it for the day. We all changed out of our robes and sat on the benches as Marcus began explaining the strategy we'd be practicing for our next practice which was Saturday, then we'd have Tuesday and Thursday of next week to practice before our match next Saturday. We nodded and left the Pitch.
I waved goodbye to the team after dinner was over and headed up the Grand Staircase to go to the Library. I had just an hour until my extra lessons with Severus so I need a way to kill time, besides I need to catch up on my studies.
The Library was pretty much empty except for a few kids who were studying, one of them being Hermione. I caught sight of her as I entered. She looked at me as I walked by and I gave her a small smile before heading to the back of the Library. I conjured up a low table and a comfortable little pillow to sit on. I gathered my books and had them spread out all over the table. I had two roles of parchment due for DADA, a role of parchment for Potions, and role and a half due for Charms, another role due for Transfiguration, and another for Herbology. I sighed as I started on my DADA homework.
Time quickly passed and I manage to three out of six and a half done and I soon skipped out of the Library and down to the Dungeons for my extra lessons.
The week passed by in the blink of an eye and we just had one more day to go before the match. My homework was all done so I took the chance to wonder outside. It was a nice cold November day and almost everyone was inside studying or just hanging out. The school was buzzing with excitement for tomorrows match some already making bets about who will win, most being on Gryffindor. There were a few students out walking about going to their next class or just wandering, although one group stood out from the rest. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting out in the courtyard in front of the Great Hall. Those three have gotten rather close since the troll on Halloween, like best friends. I gave into the smile that graced my lips until I seen Snape cross the courtyard and over to them with a limp. I narrowed my eyes as he walked away with a book he confiscated from Harry. I shrugged it off thinking it was just something that would heal over night and that it wasn't anything serious. I approached the three first years to find out what he took.
"Hey, you three!" I called.
They looked up at me and said nothing back. "What did Sev take from you, Potter?" I asked stopping in front of them. They looked at each other and told me what happened.
"Oh so you had a copy of Quidditch Through the Ages, huh? That explains it!" I gave the trio a giggle and nodded at them. "Well looks like you'll have to play by the rules on your own, I'm sure Wood went over EVERY single rule in detail. Good luck on the match, Potter! You'll need it." I waved to the group and went on my way to the common room to study.
That evening the Gryffindor common room was very noisy. Everyone was talking about the match tomorrow and some were doing their homework but still talked about tomorrow. I, however, was studying without talking and I was getting rather annoyed with how I couldn't even finish the sentence of a page before someone said something making me lose my train of thought! And on top of that Potter snuck off somewhere but I couldn't even be bothered with it! I slammed my book on the desk in frustration before packing everything up and stomping out of the common room walking up the stairs to the seventh floor and down a few halls toward the Room of Requirements to study properly and perhaps get some me time. It's hard to protect family, ya know? I opened the large doors and went inside I plopped down on the bean bag chair and set all my books on the table and spread them out. I opened Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and began my report on Chizpurfles.
It was well into the night before I fell asleep and awoke the next morning feeling as nervous as can be. The smell coming from the Great Hall was absolutely drool worthy. The minute I smelled it I packed up and left the Room of Requirements and headed down to the Great Hall. I was greeted by the cheerful atmosphere of the chattering students and smells of fried sausages, fresh toast, and crispy bacon, it was absolutely divine! I hurried to a seat among the Slytherin Quidditch team and grabbed some toast and strawberry jam with bacon and Earl Grey tea. "Ready for today, boys?" I asked spreading jam on my toast.
They nodded and cheered then piled more food on their plates so they'd have enough strength for today. "So anything we need to do before the match? Quick practice? Or just give it all we've got?" I asked taking a bite of my toast.
Marcus shook his head, "No, we'll give it our all today."
I nodded and finished my breakfast. "Well if we aren't doing anything then I'm heading to the library, I'm almost caught up on class work." I got up and waved to the group heading out of the Great Hall. I took the short cut on the second floor landing, Basil Fronsac. I mumbled the password and wondered down the cramped hallway. I rounded a corner and bumped into someone. "Ah, look who we found in a cramped corridor?" asked a voice teasingly. I looked up seeing the two red headed twins of the family. "Damn it Fred, George!" I hissed. "Move out of the way, I've got to get to the Library!"
"Why's that, sis?" asked George.
"Why do that when you could spend the next few hours with us before the Quidditch match?" asked Fred.
I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms, "Well some of us have important things to do then be seen with you two. Now move it!"
Fred and George laughed before Fred pressed my against the wall drawing his face closer. I could feel his breath on my face and hands resting on my hips. I blushed and looked away.
"Can you honestly say," said Fred.
"You don't want to spend a few hours together." finished George.
Their faces held a smirk and I scoffed. These two I swear to Merlin! "Actually I can honestly say, "I gave them a nervous look holding a smirk of my own in. "That I have no interest in spending a single minute with you!" I tried to push Fred away but in a cramped hallway I could only push him so far.
Fred gave George a look and smiled at him. "Well, George looks like that's that!"
"Guess so, Fred!"
I gave the two a look of confusion but also kept up my guard, it's not like them to just give up that easily. Fred pressed back into me before squatting down. Next thing I know I'm lifted into the air and slung over Fred's shoulder. "Got her, George!"
"Alright let's go!" cheered George.
"W-Wait!" I screamed as Fred ran down the corridor and out the way I came in. "Put me down, Fred!"
Fred ignored me and continued running. George was running behind Fred so I could perfectly see him. He smiled at me and said nothing as I glared at him. I hung my head in defeat as they carried me to wherever they were taking me
I was finally set down on the ground outside the castle. I looked around and seen that they had brought me to the Black Lake. In front of me were boxes with a W crossing another W, the Twins' trade mark for their products. "What is this?" I asked approaching the boxes with caution and tapping the box with the tip of my foot.
"Well why don't you find out?" replied the twins.
I looked at them before kneeling down and taking a look at the box before snapping my head back at the twins. "I swear if this does anything to me I will see to your demise!"
"It's not-"
"Just cast incendio and see what happens!"
I looked at them before taking out my wand. I waved my wand around and casted incendio at the boxes. The boxes rattled about before exploding! I stumbled back as something colorful shot out and aimed to the sky. I followed the light and watched it explode in to sparks. I gasped as more shot out and exploded. "Fireworks..."
George's POV.
I couldn't help but smile as Raven's face lit up when the fireworks started to go off.
"Fireworks..."
She smiled as she watched the rest explode as Fred and I took a seat on both sides of her, Fred on her left and I on her right. The boxes exploded till there was nothing left in the boxes Fred and I pulled together. In truth this was just a test product, so we tested it on Raven. We knew she would love the fireworks. In fact we would sneak down to the muggle village near our house and watch them set off their muggle fireworks. Every time we'd go Raven would smile and watch the fireworks until they ran out or she fell asleep.
"So what do you think?" Fred and I asked turning towards her.
She had a bright smile on her face for once when she looked at us. "It was amazing!"
Fred and I high fived each other as we placed an arm around her. "Glad to hear!" we hummed as we layed down bringing her with us. We turned and draped the other arm over her hugging her and pulling her closer to us. She didn't seem to mind this time, she just layed there with a smile on her face. Note to self: Next time we want to spend time with her light some fireworks!
Raven's POV
We laid like that for I don't know how long and it was until the sun was set high into the sky that we realized we only had half an hour before the match started. And if I didn't want anyone to know that I was on the team, I'd best get a move on. "Well boys I'm afraid," I said breaking the comfortable silence and sat up. "that I've got somewhere to be and you have a team to meet."
The twins groaned and sat up before plopping their heads on my lap. "We don't want to!" They pouted.
"Oh alright. Why not let Wood down and he'll lecture you more then Percy does."
Fred and George sighed before getting up. "Fine, but you won't be able to get away next time." They smiled and helped me up.
"We'll see, boys. We'll see."
I dusted myself off and turned to walk towards the Quidditch Pitch. "Oh, and good luck today." I waved over my shoulder and continued on.
By eleven o'clock the whole school was out in the stand from what I could hear in the changing room. "Geez, everyone seems to be here." I mumbled as I slipped on the green robe that was part of the uniform.
"Just wait till you get out there." chuckled Jesse. "Think they'll stop the match?"
"Probably." replied Cassius. "Or at least Mcgonagall will."
The team let out a laugh as Flint called for our attention. I tied my hair up as he went through the plan one more time and gave us a pep talk. I leaned over and whispered to Jesse, "At least he ain't worse than Wood. I'd almost feel sorry for them with all the damn speeches, rules, and game plans they have to go through."
"I'll say." he whispered back.
"Now let's go show 'em what we're made of!" yelled Flint.
The team cheered and pumped their fists in the air then grabbing their brooms and walking out onto the field.
The minute we stepped on the field a series of boo's irrupted from the crowd. I smirked as I turned to Jesse. He nodded and I nodded back. Just like we were mentally thinking the crowd went quiet and I mean DEAD quiet. "Geez, who died?" I yelled out laughing with Jesse. We looked to the stand and seen McGonagall was red with anger. "Well that's five galleons to you, Adrian." I said nodding my head to the angry Transfiguration teacher. "She went red first."
Adrian cheered silently by pumping his fist. "Knew it!"
Madam Hooch, who was refereeing like usual, stood in the middle of the pitch, waiting for the two teams with her broom in hand. We came face to face with the shocked Gryffindor team and I was up front so they could get a full view of a Gryffindor playing for the opposite team. Madam Hooch locked eyes with me, "Miss Weasley, what do you think you're doing?" she asked and I could feel the pressure of everyone wanting to know.
"I'm playing Quidditch, Professor. My house would never let me on their team so I choose the team that would." I replied smirking at the Gryffindor team. "Besides I look fabulous in green." I laughed and nudged Jesse with me elbow as he laughed too.
"There is no rules against it so far either Professor." replied Jesse.
Madam Hooch probably ran through the rules in her mind before nodding. "Alright then, I want a nice fair game, all of you." she said.
We all mounted our brooms and waited for Madam Hooch to blow her whistle.
She looked back at our team before bringing the silver whistle to her mouth.
3...
I was looked at my brothers on the team they looked way more shocked then I've ever seen.
2...
Harry was surprised as well but shrugged it off. Potter seems to understand what's going on.
1...
I hummed as the teams looked determined, even Fred and George.
The whistle blared loudly and I kicked off from the ground as did the other fifteen players. I immediately flew to my post and was ready. The Quaffle was released into the air and the game begun. Starting off with Lee's commentary.
"And the Quaffle is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor – What an excellent Chaser that girl is, and rather attractive too –"
I rolled my eyes at his commentary. Always gotta make weird comments during the game.
"JORDAN!" yelled Professor McGonagall.
"Sorry, Professor."
Lee continued his commentary, "And she's really belting along up there, a neat pass to Alicia Spinnet, a good find of Oliver Wood's, last year only a reserve – back to Johnson and –, no Slytherin have taken the Quaffle, Slytherin Captain Marcus Flint gains the Quaffle and off he goes – Flint flying like an eagle up there –"
I watched the game from my post by the goal hoops, watching the Gryffindor Chaser's closely.
" – he's going to sc – " continued Lee, "no, stopped by an excellent move by the Gryffindor Keeper Wood and Gryffindor take the Quaffle – that's Chaser Katie Bell of Gryffindor there, nice dive around Flint, off up the field and –
I watched as Katie got hit in the back of the head by a Bludger.
"OUCH – " cringed Lee. " that must have hurt, hit in the back of the head by a Bludger – Quaffle taken by Slytherin – that's Adrian Pucey speeding off towards the goalposts, but he's blocked by a second Bludger –"
I felt anger flare up as I seen one of the twins were the one that hit the Bludger toward Adrian. What a cheap trick! Although it wasn't against the rules either.
" – sent his way by Fred or George Weasley, can't tell which – nice play by the Gryffindor Beater, anyway, and Johnson back in possession of the Quaffle, a clear field ahead and off she goes – she's really flying – dodges a speeding Bludger – the goalposts ahead – come on, now Angelina – Keeper Weasley dives – Weasley blocks the shot!"
I managed to grab the Quaffle right before it entered the hoop I glared out to the awaiting Chaser's for both team. Cheers erupted from the Slytherin stands and howls and moans from the Gryffindors. I looked to Adrian and Graham who nodded and Adrian flew to the back of the waiting Chasers and Graham to the front, with Marcus waiting in the middle of the group by the posts. I nodded back and stood on top of my broom jumping in to the air and throwing the Quaffle out to Adrian who immediately snatched and sped down to the goal posts at the opposite end of the pitch. I land back down on my broom and sat there looking at the shocked Gryffindor players. "What are you all gawking at? Get a move on!" I yelled.
The game continued with the wonderful commentary of Lee and McGonagall scolding him for rude commentary toward the Slytherin team. The Snitch was yet to be seen to end the game. I could see the glint of gold on the other side.
"Slytherin back in possession," Lee commented, "Chaser Pucey ducks two Bludgers, two Weasleys and Chaser Bell and speeds towards the – wait a moment – was that the Snitch?"
A murmur ran through the crowd as Adrian dropped the Quaffle, too busy looking over his shoulder at the flash of gold that passed his left ear. I took notice that Harry was diving down, he must have seen it. And it wasn't unnoticed by our Seeker, Terence Higgs. Neck and neck they had hurtled towards the Snitch – all the Chasers seemed to have forgotten what they were supposed to be doing as they hung in mid-air to watch.
WHAM!
A roar of rage echoed from the Gryffindors below, Marcus had blocked Harry on purpose and Harry's broom span of course, Harry holding on for dear life.
"Foul!" screamed the Gryffindors.
Even I wanted to scream at Flint, by his actions the Gryffindor team would get a free shot at the goalposts. But in all the confusion , of course, the Golden Snitch had disappeared from sight again.
"Slytherin in possession – Flint with the Quaffle – passes Spinnet – passes Bell – hit hard in the by a Bludger, hope it broke his nose – only joking, Professor!"
The game was not yet over and the Snitch wasn't seen either.
"Slytherin score – oh no..."
The Slytherin crowd were cheering and so were the team Jesse flew up next to me and gave me a high five, although I was more concerned about Potter. He was going all over the place. "What the hell?"
His broom started to roll over and over, with him only just managing to hold on. His broom had given a wild jerk and Harry swung off it, causing the crowd to gasp. He was now dangling from it, holding on with only one hand. I looked down at Madam Hooch who was looking at me with a look in her eye that asked me to help. I sighed and nodded then looked to Jesse. "Jess stay here and try to keep everyone away from the goal would ya?" I ordered cracking my knuckles.
"What ya gonna rescue him? Seriously?"
"Got too, besides if I do this I might not have to do months worth of detention."
I gave him a wink and he smirked. "Alright, but hurry up. Flint will surely give you a lecture that could give Wood a run for his money."
I nodded and sped off leaving my post, why Madam H couldn't help was beyond me. I flew around dodging the players and went towards Harry I extended my right arm out and went directly at him.
"Harry!" I yelled giving him a heads up.
Harry looked in my direction and blinked before nodding, realizing it was me. I flew at him and grabbed him and reached up grabbing the broom as I flew by as well.
"Alright there, Potter?" I yelled over the screams coming from one of the stands.
"Y-Yeah!" he replied.
I looked over and seen that Snape and Quirrell were in the stands where the screams came from, they looked like they fell. I narrowed my eyes at the stand I came to a stop in mid-air. I handed Harry his broom. "Alright, Potter, you should be able to handle it from here." He took his broom and got in position, I dropped him and he sped off. I heard the claps of everyone and I went back my position by the posts. Jesse patted my shoulder and went back to the game.
The game continued and I blocked shots from the Gryffindor Chasers and glared at the players.
"I've got the Snitch!"
I looked down and seen Potter waving the Snitch above his head on the ground. With the Snitch caught the game ended. I sighed and flew to the ground and Madam Hooch came over to me. Both teams stopped and looked at me. "Miss Weasley, you've once again saved a student." praised Madam H.
I bowed and said, "Not a problem, Professor. If I want to win a Quidditch match I will make sure it is not by default of someone jinxing his broom." I turned and walked past the Slytherin team. "Let's go! I'm sure you've got a lecture in store for me, Flint, so let's hurry up!"
Inside the changing room was absolute silence as I changed back into my robes. Flint said nothing until I was done changing. I sat on the bench with the rest of the team.
"Well have at it, Flint." I said leaning against Jesse.
"What's there to say? Like you said we want to win by fair game, not by someone else." said Flint.
I looked at Flint as if he grew three heads. "W-What? So no lecture?"
"Nope. Besides, you'd do the same for us right? But I will however say that it wasn't fair how Potter got the game by swallowing it." he sneered.
I was in pure shock. No way! I cheered in my head and smiled. "And to think Slytherins didn't have a heart." I laughed getting up. "Well how about we go celebrate me being on the team with fire whiskey, hm? Surely after that McGonagall will let me stay!"
They cheered and we all left the pitch and went back up to the Castle to down our loss in fire whiskey.