In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 27: Gryffindor vs Slytherin
Harry woke Saturday morning to nibbling on his ear, and a hoot. Gentle claws as Hedwig was perched on his left shoulder as he was curled on his right side, Gia's bosom pressed against his back.
Hoot! Hoot!
More nibbling.
"Okay, okay!" Harry said, "I'll get up!"
Harry stroked a couple of feathers before she returned to her perch. he got up, went over, gave her an owl treat, before he went out the bedroom door.
"She'd make for a good alarm clock," Richard remarked.
They went down the stairs.
"Harry," came the voice.
Harry turned, Kristen was there on the plush chair in police issued sweats, her feet rubbing Snuffles' belly, her eyes on the two teenage boys next to the green front door, Richard's hand on the door knob.
"Good morning," Harry said.
"Thank you for last night," Kristen said, "I didn't believe Andrea would've done that, but you stopped her. I suppose that was nerve wracking."
"No," Harry said, "Experience."
"Still, it takes nerves of steel," Kristen said, "Thank you."
"Is she—?" Richard started to ask.
"In juvenile for the weekend, then up to the barrister," Kristen said, "Might seem harsh, but it's the right thing to do."
"Not always," Harry said, "She's the daughter to the chief of the police, make sure you're not unduly pressuring her, that the standards are indeed the same."
"Just whose side are you on?" Richard asked.
"Experience that life is not fair," Harry said, "Assaulting you was wrong, and she deserves to be punished for it. But, take Ron, he grew up with five older brothers, he's continually overshadowed by them, and that plays a big role in how he behaves. Andy might simply be feeling overshadowed by you, Richard."
"Family of six?" Kristen uttered.
"Eight," Harry said, "He's got a younger sister, a year younger, and a younger brother last spring, so he's even lost the title of youngest brother."
"I'd love to meet their mother, ask how she's coping—" Kristen started.
"Can't, she was murdered in June," Harry said, "We'll be—"
"Of course," Kristen said.
Richard opened the door knob, him and Harry went outside into the dark morning, clouds overhead. They began to run.
"Thank you for last night," Richard said, "Saved me a trip to A&E."
"Funny things tend to happen around me," Harry said.
They kept running as the morning light was starting to illuminate the clouds above.
"Hermione."
Hermione woke to the voice, heard Ron still snoring next to her. She glanced up, Linda Granger was there, with the bedroom door cracked open.
"Honey," Linda Granger said, "We need to talk."
Hermione stood, followed her mother downstairs, to the dining room. Linda sat to one side, Hermione sat on the other.
"You—it seems like you're fighting a demon within you," Linda said, "Do we even consider your display of last night?"
"Like you'd understand! I don't think so," Hermione said.
"Try me," Linda said.
"After he—we—" Hermione said, "Ron has his faults, but he can be made to see reason, and he saw it last night, I saw it in him. We, he gave me this—" she showed the ring "—and it went from there, all the way."
"We saw," Linda said.
Hermione blushed.
"Mum, I won't take the night back," Hermione said.
"You may…I think you could benefit by talking to Father Dowling," Linda said, "Somebody who's not me—"
"He's a stranger to me now," Hermione said, "I meant no disrespect, but I last talked to him when I was ten! I'm different now."
"I'll say," said Ron as he entered. She glanced at him, with his Weasley grin on his face.
"A breakfast bang, why not?" Linda whipped, sarcastically.
"Nice idea," Ron said, stepping closer to Hermione. "Delay the game."
"You're seeing Madam Pomfrey before that thing touches me," Hermione said, "I don't know where it's been, so I need…assurances."
Ron frowned.
"Before the game," Hermione said.
"That's soon!" Ron said.
"Then we best hurry," Hermione said, "I need to change."
"Good luck on the game," Linda said, "I hope you'll reconsider Hermione, Father Dowling's an excellent man."
"No," Hermione said as she stood.
She went up the stairs, to her bedroom, Ron followed.
"You don't need clothes," Ron said, "Go starkers, be a cheerleader."
"No thank you, Ronald," Hermione replied as she started through her blouses.
"Here," Ron said, as he grabbed a simple lavender T–shirt and blue jeans.
"They don't match!" Hermione snapped.
They entered the Hospital Wing a short time later.
"What seems to be the matter?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
"Hermione wanted me to be checked," Ron said.
"He's—lets just say he's strayed a bit," Hermione said, "So, a precaution."
"Always advisable," Madam Pomfrey said, "This way."
They went over to a bed, her wand flicked and the privacy curtain went up around them. A few minutes later, after the check, Ron and Hermione left the privacy curtain.
"Ronald!" came the call.
Mr. Arthur Weasley entered the Hospital Wing.
"Hi Dad," Ron said.
"I heard you were here," Mr. Weasley said.
"I wanted assurances after certain…indiscretions," Hermione said.
"Understood," Mr. Weasley said.
"I'd love to stay and chat," Ron said, "But I want to get a bit of flying in before the game. I'm not sure where Harry or Gia are."
"She's with Professor Lupin," Mr. Weasley said.
"I'll catch up with you," Hermione said to Ron.
Hermione and Mr. Weasley left the Hospital Wing.
Ron walked along the corridor, near Professor McGonagall's office.
"Ron!" quipped Harry, coming alongside him.
They heard the roar from outside, from the stands of the Quidditch Pitch; their Firebolts in their hands.
"Potter! Weasley!"
Ron and Harry stumbled and barely missed tripping as they halted. In front of them, Professor Snape stepped out of a corridor, stood in their way, his eyes upon theirs.
"This way!" Professor Snape ordered, pointed toward the stairs going upward.
"Severus…what is…the concern?" asked Professor Dumbledore as he stepped out of Professor McGonagall's office. Professor McGonagall stepped out, stood next to him.
"Headmaster," Professor Snape said, "These two have yet to serve their detention for the Thursday beating of Macmillan and Finch–Fletchley."
"No punishment was served, … because it was unwarranted," Professor Dumbledore said, "I am satisfied … that Mr. Potter nor Mr. Weasley … were involved in that assault."
"Slow morning?" Harry asked of Professor Snape.
"Good luck on the match," Professor Dumbledore said.
Harry and Ron left the castle. A few small clouds were overhead, but it was mostly sunny, and unreasonably warm for November in the Scottish highlands. They came to the Quidditch Pitch. Harry and Ron joined up with the other Gryffindor players in their starting box.
"Wonder what inspiration our Captain will—" Brenner said.
"Likely `beat them or I'll beat you,'" MacDonald said.
"Let the points rack up," Ron whispered to Harry, "Give them a nice defeat."
"Wonder if we need the Seeker or Keeper?" Brenner asked of all.
"Just play," Ron said to the team, his eyes momentarily focused upon Brenner.
…
"Hello," Mr. Weasley said as Hermione came to stand next to him and Colin Creevey, "I've got two kids in this game, and Molly wouldn't let me forget about Harry if she were here."
"It's Gryffindor, like you need another reason," Hermione said.
"Which means it'll be a clean game," Mr. Weasley replied.
"Like Ginny would tolerate that," Colin said.
Hermione glanced at the top box, where Seamus Finnigan brought the magic microphone to his lips. As he spoke, the door beneath dropped, seven players in red Quidditch robes mounted their brooms, sunshine on their faces. Harry and Ron led with their Firebolts; the rest on Cleansweeps.
"For Gryffindor," Finnigan announced, "It's Brenner, MacDonald, Ginny Weasley, Prewett, and Prewett!"
"Announce Everybody!" Professor McGonagall scolded.
"Sorry professor," Finnigan said, seemingly to delay long enough to not have to utter Ron's nor Harry's names, when the other door dropped.
Seven players in green came out with the collective speed of a Shooting Star, though they were on Nimbus 2010's, the crisp robed Slytherins came out slower than a goblin gives out money, they started to fly as Finnigan took a few breaths.
"Introducing, by means of a grand tour of the stadium, the Slytherin Quidditch team. First, we have Draco Lucius Malfoy who is leading as Captain this year. He has put together a team that has promise to dominate over the team of near all new talent for Gryffindor. Next, we have, as beaters, Vincent Crabbe and Greggory Goyle. As chasers, we have Baddock, Bletchley, and Warrington. Last but not least, we have the Keeper for Slytherin, Theodore Nott. As I understand it, both Nott and Malfoy have submitted a proposal for a cheer–leading squad to be formed. And Slytherin is nearly in position."
Chuckles drifted through the stadium as the "nearly–in–position" sloppy formation was several yards below Gryffindor. Harry and Ron glanced at each other, both smiled.
"And here comes our former captain of the Gryffindor team, better than the current one—" Finnigan started.
"Mr. Finnigan!" Professor McGonagall snapped.
"It's the truth!" Finnigan retorted, "Oliver Wood is officiating today's match. Here he comes!"
Oliver Wood came over, carrying a crate and a broom; he put them down into the center. He blew his whistle.
"Play clean and have fun," Oliver Wood said as he unlatched the crate. He lifted the top, released the Snitch, the Bludgers, and mounted an unnamed black broom. Oliver Wood ascended and tossed the Quaffle up into the air.
"And they're off!" Finnigan announced, "It appears that the Slytherins are guarding the low ground while the Gryffindors are Cleansweeping them!"
Eyes easily tracked the slow flights of Slytherin green, compared to the blurs of the Gryffindor scarlet red and gold.
"Go Gryffindor!" came the chants.
"Ginny Weasley has the Quaffle!" Finnigan announced.
Eyes followed her, Quaffle in her hand, as she went straight for the goal. Malcolm Baddock tried to move, but he barely managed to budge on his broom. Theodore Nott got his hands up, but was halfway to the ground as Ginny reached the goal. She threw the Quaffle into the hoop.
"You're supposed to GUARD!" Draco Malfoy screamed.
"After a valiant attempt at defense, SCORE!" Finnigan announced, "Slytherin now in possession. Nott throws it to Baddock."
"They're walking all over the Slytherins," Mr. Weasley remarked.
"I know," Hermione said, realizing that their little ploy earlier that week was effective as Josh Brenner flew between two Slytherins.
"Baddock to Warrington was intercepted by Josh Brenner," Finnigan announced.
Josh Brenner threw the Quaffle to Natalie McDonald, who threw it between the hoops.
"McDonald scores!" Finnigan announced to more cheers in the stand.
"What the fuck is WRONG with you!" Malfoy shouted at Nott, now standing on the ground, with the Quaffle. Nott drop–kicked the Quaffle at Malfoy. Malfoy ducked just before Josh Brenner grabbed it. A Bludger headed toward Vincent Crabbe, who dropped to the ground just in time for it to pass as Josh Brenner flew faster than the Bludger.
"Now the Gryffindors are just having fun!" Mr. Weasley said.
"Hey!" Josh Brenner said as he soared past Bletchley, "Looking for this?" Brenner held up the Quaffle, spun it like a basketball, before he tossed it through the unguarded right goal post.
Laughter and clapping resonated throughout the stadium.
"This just isn't Slytherin's day," Finnigan said, "I'm obligated to suggest they reexamine their diets in the presence of Madam Pomfrey."
Malfoy, despite being Seeker, threw the Quaffle toward Baddock. A streak of red hair, Ginny's long strands flowed with the wind as she sailed between, caught the Quaffle. Malfoy attempted to pursue, but he was no match for her, even the butterflies outflew him. His ears tinged as he drew his wand.
"Reducto!" Malfoy exclaimed.
A blast of magic, and the Quaffle disintegrated.
"Two penalties!" Oliver Wood said after he blew his whistle, "Do that again and you forfeit!"
Ginny's scarlet red Quidditch robes exploded into finely shredded confetti, her knickers shared the same fate, leaving her starkers on her broom. Ginny's face blushed nearly as dark as her hair.
"Time out!" Oliver Wood said, "Captains!"
"Ginny!" Mr. Weasley shouted.
Ginny flew over.
"Take my coat," Mr. Weasley said, as he offered to hand it over.
"I've got better," Colin said, as he pulled his shirt off, dropped his trousers, and stood in his underwear. He handed these over to Ginny, and she put them on.
"Ta," Ginny said to Colin, gave him a kiss.
"That was very gentlemanly of you," Mr. Weasley said as Ginny returned to the field, "Here."
Colin took the coat, put it on, though he left it unbuttoned.
"What is happening?" Colin asked.
"Quidditch, hard Quidditch," Mr. Weasley said, "You know anything Hermione?"
"No," Hermione replied, lying. She knew the Slytherins had taken the bait, their performance betrayed it, but they were now retaliating, as the magic microphone sought out the meeting of the captains with Oliver Wood.
"The only reason I'm not ejecting you now is because Slytherin needs every broom," Oliver Wood said to Malfoy, "Destruction of the balls, stripping your opponent, these are not tolerated on this field, understood?"
"But they're jinxing our brooms!" Malfoy stammered.
"We did no such thing," Ron protested, "Look at Ginny!"
"How do you suggest we handle this?" Oliver Wood asked.
"Let's play," Ron said, "I'm having fun."
Katie Bell brought out a replacement Quaffle as the teams gathered around. Oliver Wood tossed it up.
"And the game continues!" Finnigan announced.
Ginny flew fast, more agile, with the Quaffle, Bletchley tried to follow. She threw the Quaffle in.
"Bletchley just got carded for trying to intercept a penalty shot," Finnigan said, "Two more were awarded to Gryffindor, next up, Josh Brenner."
Josh gripped the broom, took the Quaffle, and flew Josh made for the goal, tossed it in. Oliver Wood brought the Quaffle down to Natalie Wood.
They kept playing for most of the day.
Shadows threatened to engulf them, the Gryffindors had relaxed, flew a tad slower, were less rushed, as they brought the score up to three hundred forty to zero. As Ginny worked her way along the line toward the goal, McDonald guarding, the Gryffindor boys did a victory lap around the stadium, cheers greeted their ears.
"Harry," Ron said.
With Ron in agreement, Harry decided it was time to end this, they were rubbing salt in the wounds of Slytherin. Harry saw the glint of gold escape its favorite hiding spot of the game, went fast in front of Malfoy. Malfoy's eyes lit up as Harry pushed his handle forward. Harry dove, legs straddling the broom. Cheers came to their ears as two more goals are scored. The Snitch apparated upward, Malfoy rose like a lead brick, while Harry gained ground. Harry's hand closed around the Snitch.
"Gryffindor wins by five hundred ten points to zero!" Finnigan announced.
Harry made for Ron, Hermione, and Gia; they headed for the castle beneath the dimming sky. Professor McGonagall and Oliver Wood caught up, accompanied them.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall said, "I had never seen such a performance, do you have any insights?"
"They screwed themselves over," Ron stated.
"A new Nimbus should fly," Oliver Wood said, "Mr. Malfoy is now demanding an investigation—"
"If he wishes to strip his broom, that's his affair," Harry said, "They really did it to themselves."
"Everything is clean," Ron said, "We never touched their brooms."
They paused at the front doors to the castle.
"Very well," Professor McGonagall said as she went inside.
Oliver Wood, though, studied Ron's and Harry's faces with their broad smiles.
"What the bloody hell did you do?" Oliver Wood asked.
"Very well," Harry pulled both Oliver Wood and Ron away from the others, a short distance away from the doors. "We gave them the spell."
"Why would they knowingly jinx themselves?" Oliver Wood asked.
"They thought they stole it from us, but we wanted them to have it," Harry said, "We neglected to mention the side effects to the magic condom." Harry's eyes studied the grin creeping across the face. "It's a spell, great in a pinch for pleasure, but your magic evaporates for a day or two. Judging by their performance, I think they've broken some school rules recently."
"Good one!" Oliver Wood doubled over, laughing, "Definitely not in the Quidditch guidebooks."
"We had rookies," Ron said, "It was our best option, but we'll have to train up for the next time, doubt it'll work twice."
Oliver Wood was still laughing as he entered the castle. Harry mounted his Firebolt.
"The game is over," Professor McGonagall said as she came back outside, her eyes on Gia getting onto Harry's backside.
"Fastest way to the dormitory," Harry said.
"Irresponsible," Professor McGonagall replied.
"Only way," Hermione said, "They…sorry, been meaning to ask earlier, but they've been keeping the password from us, deliberately changing it without asking us."
"They don't see us, and we don't see them," Harry quipped.
"You are members of the Gryffindor House, you are entitled to the password," Professor McGonagall said, "I will be instructing Mr. Thomas to not to attempt to lock you out, again. If the password is changed without your knowledge, inform me immediately. The current password is `Expulsion'."
"Window's quicker," Harry said.
"Humor me and use the portrait Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said.
Harry sighed. With their brooms in their hands, Harry and Ron entered the castle. Hermione and Gia followed.
"Great game," Ron said.
"Yeah, it was," Harry replied.
They reached the portrait hole.
"Expulsion," Harry said. The picture swung open.
Inside the common room was a bunch of noise, commotion, as the others celebrated. Harry held Gia's hand, made fast for the stairs; Ron and Hermione followed. Up the stairs, they entered the sixth year boys' dormitory.
"Harry, Ron!" came Ginny's voice up the stairs, "You up there?"
"Bye," Harry said as he activated his Portkey, "Don't celebrate too hard."
Gia held on, they disappeared.
"Where's Harry?" Ginny asked, as she entered the room.
"Unavailable," Ron stated.
"There's a party, downstairs, for the team," Ginny said.
"And Finnigan waiting to stab us in the back," Ron said.
"After his friends were nearly murdered right in front of him, by you!" Ginny snapped.
"We were not at Hogwarts," Ron said, "Fred or George can vouch for us."
"They're not exactly credible," Ginny said, "Still, I'll hex anybody who hexes you—come down, brother!"
"If they're in a good mood, maybe we ought to," Hermione said, setting Ron's Portkey back down onto his desk, next to an old fake wand, "Actually, it's a great idea."
Ron walked for the door; Hermione followed.
"So, what did happen?" Ginny asked, "Nobody expected Muggles on brooms."
"Calling me nobody?" Ron said, as they entered the Gryffindor Common Room, where the Gryffindors were celebrating their victory.
Date: Thu Jan 4 09:53:35 2024