I present to you the longest chapter yet! Thanksgiving break starts on Thursday and I hope to write chapter 9 really soon! Enjoy! And PLEASE review!

Mr. Bilderfudd's warm eyes scanned the group in front of him. "Good evening, students. Sorry, to drag you away from your meals but I thought it was about time we discussed the fine details about the tournament tomorrow."

As he began to explain about the matches, I peered at the group surrounding me. Besides Louis, Scorpius and myself, there were six students in the empty corridor. Not to my surprise, James was there, listening to every world that spilled out from under that man's hairy mustache. Creevey was beside him, eyes wide with excitement. Further down the line, Marie Jacobs stood with her boyfriend, Neil McLaggen. I'm not an expert on relationships, but seeing as how the two are on different teams, this won't end well. Not at all. Just past them, on my right, Quincy Evans fidgeted, earning a glare from Mariela Flint.

"As per usual, the team with the most points wins the match. Now, if you're defeated once, you're out. It is only if and when you make it to the finals that you'll play for best two out of three. Any questions?"

Mariela raised her hand, "Sir, how exactly do you plan on dividing us up?"

"Ah," Mr. Bilderfudd shook his head, his eyebrows shooting up to meet his hairline, "yes, I've forgotten that detail. Well, you'll be sorted into two divisions: England and International." Reaching into his sandy brown jacket, he retrieved a small satin bag. "Inside are eight badges, for you captains." His eyes glanced over to me and Scorpius, "Of course, I hadn't planned on co-captains, but we'll work on you two later. Now, Mr. Potter, why don't you give it go. Come on."

James stepped forward. He raised his chin arrogantly in the air as he let his hand pluck out a single badge. "Kenmare Kestrels. Finnigan will love this."

"Creevey?"

The small boy retrieved his patch, "Wimbourne Wasps. Say, is there anyway we'll be able to trade? I was kind of hoping for the Tutsh—"

"No trading. Jacobs, then McLaggen."

One after another, they each received a team. Marie grabbing the Holyhead Harpies and her boyfriend the Wollongong Warriors. Louis had gone after them, pulling out the Appleby Arrows.

"Next," Mr. Bilderfudd smiled, nodding his head in our direction.

Both Scorpius and I went to take a step forward. He frowned, "What do you think you're doing, Weasley?"

"I believe I'm about to chose our team name, Malfoy. So if you don't mind, I will proceed in doing so." I went to take one more stride closer to the red sack, only to get stopped by Malfoy's extended arm.

"Why don't you let me do the honors?"

"Really, Malfoy? You're going to deny the lady the chance to pull a piece of fabric out of a tiny bag? Seems quite silly if you ask me."

I turned my head, offering Louis a smile. Well, at least he doesn't hate me. I knew I always like him for a reason. Turning back to face Scorpius, I gave him a smirk resulting in a deep sigh and an eye roll from him. I stepped towards the bag happily because who cares if it's a small victory, it's a victory nonetheless. And when you're dealing with Scorpius, victories can be quite hard to come by. Slowly I inched my hand into the satin, letting my tips brush the leftover badges. My fingers curled around one allowing it release from the bag. Etched onto the navy blue patch were two golden bulrushes. A grin spread across my face, pushing my freckles off to the side. "Puddlemere United."

"Ah, yes, Puddlemere United. Well, I'll get back to you later with another badge, Mr. Malfoy."

Returning to the cluster of teammates, the grin never left my face as I clutched the badge in my hand. This had to be a sign. I got my favorite team; everything's going to turn out fine. It has to.

I barely listened, as the next two captains chose the Vratsa Vultures and the Falmouth Falcons respectively. Somehow I knew that the expression on my face was a bit weird and airy. The look of confusion from Scorpius might have been a dead giveaway.

"Right!" Mr. Bilderfudd said joyously as he stowed the now empty pouch into his coat. "Now that that's out of the way, the house elves will be delivering everyone's uniforms tonight before curfew. Tomorrow will be the first match in the England division, starting off with Puddlemere United against the Wimbourne Wasps. I expect to have your teams on the pitch and ready to fly by four o'clock on the dot."

A lump formed in my throat. Tomorrow? I glance wearily at Scorpius, who too seems to be quite uneasy about the realization that we'd be starting so early. "Practice tonight?" I mouthed to Malfoy, whilst Mr. Bilderfudd was dismissing the others.

He nodded.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to bring the news to our team as Scorpius jogged down the hallway, hoping to book the pitch before Creevey beat him to it.

The team was hunched together at the Slytherin table. Noticing me walking toward them, Lily perked up. "So? What's going on?"

"Good news or bad news first?"

"Bad," Lucy stated, her eyes watching my every move like a hawk.

"Our first game is tomorrow." The group groaned. "Meaning we have to practice… tonight."

Rennison raised his hand. "Excs-excuse me, b-but I've got essays to write."

"And I've got prefect duties," Nott added.

I ran a hand through my tangle mane, a habit of mine that came up whenever I was a bit stressed. "Look guys, I'm sorry but it's what we need to do in order to win. Chryson you'll have to find someone to cover for you. And Michael, I'm not sure what to say. I'll try and talk to Malfoy about making it a quick practice, but knowing how obstinate that boy can be I'm not sure if it will do any good."

Chryson Nott nodded, "Alright, if I must."

"So, what's the good news, then?" Lily asked, tilting her head to the side.

"We're Puddlemere United!" I beamed, waiting for their shouts of excitement. The room was quiet, and I dropped my arms down to my sides. "Really? Nothing?"

"I hate Puddlemere United," Nott said simply.

Lucy nodded, "Yeah, I could really care less."

Warrington shrugged. "Honestly, I was hoping you'd say something alone the lines of a party. Firewhiskey and all."

"Alright. If we manage to crush Creevey and his little gang of first years I'll let you have a party. But," I interrupted before Zelus could let out his loud whoops of excitement, "it's only for the team. No guests."

"But there'll be firewhiskey?"

"Yes."

"WHOOO-HOOO!" Zelus cheered, leaping onto his feet before rushing towards the door. "Come on you lot! We've got ourselves a game to win tomorrow!"

Lucy shook her head in disbelief. "You've created a monster, Rose."

The wind sent chills down my spine, causing the hairs of my skin to stand pin straight. The weather wasn't too awful, if you didn't mind freezing your bum off. Luckily we only had to deal with a few chilly breezes and not any tree-bending winds. Had that been the case, I'd bet my lifesavings that Lily would be bundled up in front of the fireplace, choosing to ignore the fact that she belonged elsewhere. That girl did not like the chilly weather.

"It's cold out here," said Scorpius, stating the obvious.

I nodded, "Yes, quite like your heart."

"Ouch," Malfoy said, his hand over his heart feigning hurt feelings. "Must you always abuse me?"

"You're right. It's my fault for everything. I truly am a bully."

"You know," Scorpius sighed, "you could try and hide the sarcasm."

I shook my head, "Not nearly as enjoyable."

"You wound me."

"Ah, yes, well, let's leave the wounding to the beaters and do our jobs. Where's the team? I think it's time for a quick pep talk." I craned my neck, hoping to spot them near the locker rooms. Snickers sounded off behind me, so I whipped my head back to face a smug ferret. "What exactly is so funny?"

Scorpius shook his head, "Nothing. I just can't believe you've managed to misplace our entire team already. I, on the other hand, know exactly where they are."

"Pray tell?"

"Weasley, I thought you were smarter than this. Now, do you really believe I'm going to disclose any information without payment?"

I rolled my eyes, "Malfoy, it's really none of my business what sexual favors you ask of your fellow housemates but we're in a hurry and the information you hold is vital to our win."

His smirk grew wider, a feat I had thought was impossible given the fact that it was already so abnormally large. "Well then, Red, I guess you'll have to give in sooner. All you have to do is say 'Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy is the brightest, sexiest Quidditch player to ever exist in the Wizarding World.'"

"Really?" My eyes bugged out and felt the sudden urge to smack the arrogant git upside the head. "You're holding information hostage in order to receive a compliment? And a false one at that! You're incorrigible!"

Malfoy held his calloused hand up in defense, "Hey! I'm not the one who lost her team in first place."

"Fine," I spat. "Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy is the brightest, sexiest Quidditch player to ever exist in the Wizarding World."

"Now, doesn't it feel good to tell the truth?"

"Believe me, every word of that sentence brought pain to my soul. The last thing it was was pleasant. Now, out with it."

"They're in the Slytherin locker room. Last I saw them Lucy was about to hex Warrington's balls off and Lily was practically in Nott's lap," the prat smiled. "And Rennison was waiting patiently for us in the corner."

I sighed, "Well, good to know we have one faithful player. Excuse me; I've got to talk some sense into the others."

And boy, did I have a lot to say. I hastened towards the changing rooms and thrust open the door. Upon my arrival, Lucy had Warrington shoved against the wall, wand to his throat. "You take that back! Warrington, I am warning you! If you don't bloody apologize to me, you can say goodbye to your manhood!"

On my right, Lily was busy making flirty eyes with the boy beside her. "Honestly, Potter? Your cousin is about to castrate someone!"

"Have you ever heard of wrackspurts? You're head's full of them." Lily told Nott, ignoring me.

"Unbelievable," I grunted, turning away from my cousin as she informed Chryson that kissing helps rid one's head of those tiny creatures. Lucy had now, tightened her grip on the wand, close to disintegrating any chance the boy had of ever having children. "Lucy, drop you're wand."

Her head whipped around quickly with a flash of dark red. "I'll lower my wand once he's said he's sorry."

"Please," I whispered, loud enough for her to hear, "just drop your bloody wand."

Gradually, Lucy let her arm level down to her side as she stepped away little by little.

"Good. Now have a seat and face me. All of you," I hinted, finally gaining the couple's attention. "If I ever catch you lot behaving this way to each other, especially moments before a match, I will make sure that you are running drills until the sun goes down and your muscles are screaming out in agony. This," I gestured frantically around the room, "is unacceptable! I don't care if you hate each other or if you'd rather be off shagging like rabbits, this, the tournament, is your top priority! It's about time you treat it as such!" My chest heaved with anger and my face had now taken on the shade of my curls.

"Well, that was awe-inspiring," Scorpius said sarcastically before strutting toward the center of the room. "Great job pumping them up, Weasley. How bout I give it a go, yeah?" Scorpius took a step forward.

"Today is the day that we show that crowd that we're meant to be in the finals. It's the day that we prove to everyone that we will earn our rightful spots on that team. Not only will we obliterate Creevey and his motley crew but we will show those Gryffindors who's the best. Those other teams, they think they're faster, they think they're stronger, and they think they're going to win. They're wrong. We are going to dominate this competition.

Warrington, you are going to have to stay focused. Don't let those puny little first years get a single quaffle through the hoop. Nott and Rennison, you smack those bludgers as hard as humanly possible. I want them to hurt for weeks afterwards, you got that? Lily, keep your eyes open. Donaldson is quick on his feet and, when it comes down to it, he's their best player, meaning that you have got to give it all you've got. As for the rest of us, we've got to show them no mercy. Have I made myself clear?"

The team nodded.

Nodding my head along with them, I smiled, "He's right guys. Show some enthusiasm!"

"For firewhiskey?" Nott suggested, raising an eyebrow.

"FOR FIREWHISKEY!"

Quickly I tugged my broom upwards, cradling the quaffle in my right arm, in order to avoid the twin chasers threatening to rip it away. Hearing a smack, I jerked my head back to see a bludger zooming towards me. I leaned forward on the broom so my chest was touching the wood and my Thunderbolt took off. Closer to the goals now, I had a clear shot. I threw the quaffle up into the cold air and twisted my broom around, smacking it with the tail end. The red ball whizzed forward. Alex Vaunt's fingertips reached out to grasp it but missed, allowing it to shoot through the center hoop.

"THE SCORE IS NOW 170 TO 20 AND PUDDLEMERE IS IN THE LEAD! CREEVEY GRABS HOLD OF THE QUAFFLE, HE TOSSES IT TO NORTH! MALFOY SNATCHES IT UP AND TOSSES IT TO WEASLEY! OH! INTERCEPTED BY NORTH!"

I took a second, bringing my broom to a stop, in order to catch my breath. "Lily better find that snitch and quick," I thought, "my hands are two minutes away from becoming popsicles." Scouring the field, I noticed Lily near the opposite end. Her orange hair was shooting out behind her as her and Donaldson were racing towards the snitch.

"Rose!"

I jerked my head to notice Nott on my right. His skin, once a nice beige, had turned purple and his lips a pale blue.
"Get back in the game before we all freeze our arses off!"

I smiled to myself. Well, at least Scorpius and I managed to get through to them. Even if it does mean I'm the one being corrected. "Whatever, Nott. Just keep the bludgers away from Lily and start hitting Donaldson."

"OH! EVANS SCORES A POINT FOR THE WIMBOURNE WASPS! COME ON! WOULD SOMEONE CATCH THAT BLOODY SNITCH ALREADY?"

"We're trying!" Nott huffed.

"Try harder!" I advised before tearing down the pitch.

Creevey tossed the quaffle into the air with O'Neill right behind him to snatch it up. Lucy came alongside, bumping O'Neill and allowing the ball to slip through her fingers. Swooping down, I caught the quaffle and swiveled my broom around, ready to take off towards their keeper.

Suddenly their beaters flanked both my sides. I tried to wiggle out but I was stuck between the two meaty Gryffindors.

"Weasley!"

I looked down. "What, Malfoy?"

"Stop!"

"What?" I yelled, unable to fully understand the words coming out of the ferret's mouth as bludgers were smacked and the audience was roaring.

"Stop your broom!"

"What!" My mouth hung agape, "Are you mad?"

"Trust me!"

I sighed. Quickly I yanked on my broom, commanding it to come to a halt. The boys beside me propelled forward as I was froze midair.

"Told you!" Scorpius smirked, joining me.

"Don't be a smartarse," I smiled tossing him the quaffle.

Malfoy shook his head before sending the ball to Lucy.

"OH! AND WEASLEY HITS THE QUAFFLE PAST VAUNT! 10 POINTS FOR PUDDLEMERE UNITED! LOOKS LIKE DONALDSON SEES THE SNITCH! POTTER'S ON HIS TAIL!"

"Shit," I murmured to myself. Sure, Lily was fair flyer but next to Donaldson I didn't know if she could hold up. "Lucy! Malfoy! Lemon Drops!"

My cousin smirked. Lemon Drops was definitely her favorite play in the book. Quickly she and Scorpius zoomed towards Creevey in center field. Malfoy glided out in front of him, mimicking his moments as to not allow him to pass. Lucy took the opportunity to shove the ball out of his hands and into her own.

I hovered near the goal posts waiting for Lucy to dodge the tiny first years trying to snatch the quaffle back.

"DONALDSON'S CLOSING IN! AND WEASLEY'S HEADED TOWARDS THE GOAL!"

"Come on! Come one!" I chanted anxiously. We just needed one more goal.

"Rose!"

Lucy sent the quaffle soaring in my direction and I caught it before ducking under the keeper and throwing it into the left hoop.

"10 POINTS FOR PUDDLEMERE UNITED! OH! DONALDSON IS REACHING OUT! HE'S GOT IT! DONALDSON HAD CAUGHT THE SNITCH!"

I sighed in relief.

"AND THAT'S THE GAME! PUDDLEMERE UNITED WINS 190 TO 180! NICE TRY WASPS! YOU ALMOST HAD 'EM THERE!"

Some of the players swooped down onto the field. The Wimbourne Wasps were currently surrounding their seeker in order to reprimand him for ending the game too early.

I joined my team in a few victory laps around the pitch. The audience clapped halfheartedly and a shiver of disappointment flooded through my body.

"Screw them, Weasley. They don't understand."

I nodded, biting my chapped lips. "Yeah. I just never thought I'd be an enemy to my school."

Scorpius turned to me, his face serious and void of emotion "Join the club."

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Next chapter- Firewhiskey, celebrating, and mudbloods.