The next several days passed, and the talk of Mrs. Norris and her attacker started to slow down. Given that nothing else had happened, and with the Gryffindor, Slytherin match quickly approaching most talk was replaced by the typical Quidditch banter. Gryffindor still gloating about last years match, and Slytherins boasting that their new brooms would easily take the day.
The Gryffindor's and Slytherin's weren't the only one's in the Quidditch mood however. Roger and Cho continued to prepare me, and the rest of the team, for our first match against Hufflepuff, which was the last Saturday of the month.
And the anxiety was starting to become apparent.
"No, no, no." Roger said during one of our practices, looking at Jeremy in annoyance . "You're supposed to go down in that formation, while Potter is supposed to fly upwards."
"Sorry Roger..." Jeremy replied, while Roger took a deep breath.
"Okay, try that again."
The three of us flew back to where we had began the maneuver, then took off. I went up, Jeremy flew down, while Roger went straight down the middle. As soon as we reach the middle of the pitch Jeremy threw the Quaffle upwards to Roger, who spun then threw it to me, who threw it past Grant and into the goalpost.
"Good, good." Roger said as we all landed. "That was a great throw Jeremy, you too Sarah." He said as the rest of the team began to gather around.
"Thanks' Roger." Jeremy replied.
"What he said." I added.
"With that vertical formation we should be able to break Fleet's defense." Roger said rubbing his hands together.
"Fleet?" I asked, tilting my head.
"Herbert Fleet." Cho answered, causing me to turn to her. "He's the Hufflepuff Keeper. He's a fifth year, and is experienced."
"How good is he?"
"He's not elite like Wood, but he's no pushover." Roger answered, I nodded.
"That's why we need to keep up the good work." Jeremy stated, as everyone nodded.
"Indeed, that's why we all need to show up to practice on time..." Roger began, giving the beaters, Duncan and Jason, and look, as both had been ten minutes late.
"We'll try." Jason replied, not looking overly concerned.
"Yeah, but we can't promise anything." Duncan added.
Roger just sighed. "Maybe you should try and schedule date night when we're not practicing."
Both Duncan and Jason smirked at each other, then at Roger. "We'll see what happens..."
Roger gave one last sigh. "Everyone's dismissed."
With that the two beaters began to race each other to the boy's locker room, followed by the others, while me and Cho walked to the girls.
"Those two..." Cho sighed. "Always trying to get under Roger's, and by extension my, skin."
"Oh, I've noticed." I replied, and I truly had.
Ever since my first practice, Jason and Duncan had been nothing but kind to me. On the other hand they had been nothing but trouble for poor Roger, showing up late to practice late, hitting the Quaffle back and forth with their Beater's bat, and not paying attention during Roger's speeches.
They caused Roger a lot of headache.
"They've always been like that. "Cho added as we put our brooms in the broom shed. "Don't get me wrong, they play amazing on game day, and work together great as a pair."
"But?" I asked raising an eyebrow as we approached the castle.
Cho sighed. "But they've never taken Quidditch as seriously as Roger, or me for that matter."
I nodded. "Not everyone does."
"I just wish the did sometimes." Cho admitted, and I nodded.
"I just hope their actions don't effect our performance. Especially this first game." I replied.
Cho smirked. "You nervous?"
"A little...after how Harry performed I have a lot to live up to."
Not to mention sticking it to Smith...the thought of him watching his house lose, to me of all people...
"I have a lot of motivation." I finished and Cho nodded
As you should." She replied as the two of us began up the stairs of Hogwarts. "Anyways, are you looking forward to this weekend? I heard the Gryffindor's and Slytherin's are really going at it."
"So have I. Supposedly Flint tried to play a prank on Angelina Johnson." I began grimacing at the thought. "He had charmed the corridor so when she passed a waterfall of flour would fall on her."
"Tried?" Cho raising an eyebrow.
"Before Angelina could walk through the corridor, two Slytherins in my year, Daphne Greengrass and Theodore Nott, walked through. Before Flint could warn them, or reverse the charm, they were doused. The pair had to go to the hospital wing for the evening until they stopped coughing flour up."
Cho grimaced. "Those poor second years, please tell me something happened to Flint."
"Not much. Snape gave him detention for a couple of days, but with the game coming up, he didn't do much."
Cho shook her head as we began up the spiral staircase of Ravenclaw tower. "Flint's always been a git, and now he's trying to douse people in flour." Cho said then turned to me with a curious expression. "How'd you hear about this?"
"I overheard the Weasley twins talking about it."
Cho smirked. "Ah yes, our resident prank masters..."
"That's why they were talking about it actually, saying something about how'd they couldn't let a, and I quote, Slytherin git like Flint upstage them like that."
Cho chuckled. "That sounds like them."
Both of us laughed as we approached the eagle door knocker.
"What can you catch, but not throw?" I asked, and both of us grew silent as we thought.
"Sickness." I answered, and eagle knocker nodded as we entered the common room.
"Well done." Cho replied as the door closed behind us. "Anyways, I best get to my schoolwork, McGonagall assigned us a essay on animagi."
"Animagi?" I asked.
"The ability for someone to turn into a animal." Cho answered.
"Ah, I think I've heard of that before, well I'll leave you to it."
Cho nodded. "Take care of yourself Sarah." And with that the two of us went to our separate year mates, whom still didn't care where we'd come from, and began to work on our respective homework.
"Homework, write a Twelve inch essay on the Vampire, and how to effectively deal with one. Best score earns twenty points, dismissed."
And with that Gilderoy Lockhart sank into his chair behind his desk, another successful defense class taught. In all honesty the student's were doing better than he expected, especially considering the turn style of Professor's at the position. But really, he could care less about any of that, in fact their were only two students who he really paid any attention to. Who he needed to get, and stay, on the good side of.
"Er — Professor Lockhart?"
Speak of the devil.
"Ah, Miss Granger." Lockhart began, looking up to see Ronald Weasley and one of those two students, Harry Potter. "Messrs. Potter and Weasley." Lockhart continued giving both boys a huge grin. "How can I help you?"
"I wanted to — to get this book out of the library. Just for background reading." Granger claimed, holding out a form. "But the thing is, it's in the Restricted Section of the library, so I need a teacher to sign for it — I'm sure it would help me understand what you say in Gadding with Ghouls about slow-acting venoms."
"Really?" Lockhart asked, taking the form and looking closely at it. He noticed the trio of Gryffindor's tighten up, before he turned to them with a curious expression. "Moste Potente Potions? If I recall theirs nothing in that tome about Ghouls slow-acting venom?"
The trio of Gryffindor's all seemed to deflate. "But sir, we really need that book for..." Harry began and Lockhart grinned brightened.
"No worries Harry, whatever you and your friends are after in that book, must be worth it." Lockhart replied, winking at Harry before signing pulling out his peacock quill. "Usually reserved for book signings." He explained, noticing the disgusted look on Weasley's face, but more importantly the annoyed look on Harrys...
He needed to change that, even if the plan had been somewhat altered.
Lockhart finished sighing his name, and handed the note to Granger, whom held it like it was a baby.
"So, Harry," Lockhart began, knowing the boy was a fan of Quidditch. "Tomorrow's the first Quidditch match of the season, I believe? Gryffindor against Slytherin, is it not? I hear you're a useful player. I was a Seeker, too. I was asked to try for the National Squad, but preferred to dedicate my life to the eradication of the Dark Forces. Still, if ever you feel the need for a little private training, don't hesitate to ask. Always happy to pass on my expertise to less able players…"
Unfortunately, the reaction wasn't what Lockhart wanted as Harry simply cleared his throat and began to follow his friends out of the room.
Damn, why did this have to be so hard.
"I already told you, I am not letting you cheat off my paper." Padma scolded Michael and Terry.
"We're not trying to cheat." Michael replied, putting his hands up in a defensive posture.
"Yeah, all were trying to do is...use it as a refence sheet." Terry added, as the two boys looked at her with pleading eyes.
"No." Padma replied sternly. "Seeing as we're in the Library, you both have plenty of other resources available." Both boys began to mumble something about how, unreasonable she was being, then sank into their seats and turned to their essay's.
"One of these day you two are going to be thanking Padma." I said, not even looking up from my Herbology essay, the two didn't respond, as me, Anthony, and Lisa all smiled at each other.
"Yeah, for holding you accountable." Lisa added.
"Whatever, were doing it now okay." Michael replied, avoiding eye contact.
"Anyways." I said as I scanned my essay for blemishes. "Where are Mandy and Morag?" I asked Padma.
"Mandy got detention because her cat got into the greenhouse." Padma replied.
"Her cat got in the greenhouse?" Lisa asked, looking up from her Charms homework. "How?"
Padma sighed. "Because she wanted to play dress up with it, it didn't like that, so it ran and tried to find a place to hide. Professor Sprout found it, half in a skirt, sleeping next to the mandrakes."
Anthony just shook his head. "Wow, how many detentions did she get?"
"Tonight's her last, she's already served two."
"Well that's good, wouldn't want her to miss the Quidditch game." Lisa replied, flipping over her worksheet to the back. "What about Morag?"
"Somewhere out on the grounds most likely, you all know how she feels about animals." Padma explained. "Can't go more than a couple of minutes talking to her before she zones out, thinking about the next hippogriff she's going to pet, or ranting about how they don't let second years into Care of Magical creatures."
I nodded. "Well, at least she doesn't have to much longer to wait, we start electives next year, right." I said, turning to Anthony who nodded.
"We should get to choose what we want next term."
"I figured." I replied as I gave my essay one last look over. Satisfied, I put it in my book bag, then stood.
"You done?" Lisa asked.
"Yeah, and since were in the library what better time to find a new book to read."
Lisa only smirked. "Well, the G section is that way." She finished, motioning to our right.
"Oh, I'm well aware. "I shot back, rolling my eyes. "I'll be back." And with that I began walking through the bookshelves, looking for the G section that I happened to frequent.
"Moste Potente Potions?"
I stopped at the sound of Madam Prince's voice, and to my surprise I saw Harry, Ron, and Hermione huddled around, waiting as Madam Prince inspected what looked to be a Restricted Section form.
"I was wondering if I could keep it," I heard Hermione reply, and curiously I began to approach the trio.
"Oh, come on," Ron said, grabbing the form and handing it to Madam Prince "We'll get you another autograph. Lockhart'll sign anything if it stands still long enough."
Madam Prince held the form into the light, clearly trying to detect if the form had been forged, apparently it had not, and soon enough Madam Prince had stormed into the Restricted section, leaving Harry, Ron, and Hermione standing their awkwardly.
Now was my chance.
"Hey guys." I said, causing the trio to jump, before relaxing when the realized it was me.
"Hey Sarah." Harry replied, leaning against a table, clearly trying to act natural. "How's it going?"
"Good, I was just studying." I replied motioning back to my table. "Just finished my History of Magic essay. What about you three?"
The three all shared a quick look, clearly wondering if they should share what they were up to, and I quickly realized that the trio were once again doing something stupid...
"Were just studying up for potions." Hermione replied.
"Really? Why do you need a restricted section book for that?" I asked raising an eyebrow.
"You know how Snape is." Ron said suddenly. "We figured the only way to get him off our backs is to impress him, and we figured what would impress Snape more than advanced potions."
"Ah." I replied in a tone that I didn't believe him. "What potion were you planning on brewing?"
"The...the um." Harry began, rubbing the back of his neck as I began tapping my floor impatiently. "Whichever is hardest."
"The hardest."
"Yeah." Hermione interjected. "That way Snape will know we aren't just a bunch of dunderheads'." Hermione finished, and I finally sighed.
"Harry, you know you're already on thin ice." I reminded him. "You are as well Ron."
"We know." Harry defended. However before I could respond, Madam Prince returned with a large book that smelled moldy.
"Here you are." Madam Prince replied, looking at the trio suspiciously.
"Thank you Madam Prince." Hermione replied, Prince gave the trio one last look before storming off.
"Well." Hermione began as she put the large book into her book bag. "We best get going."
They all gave me one last look before turning and started to walk away. I sighed, realizing nothing I said was going to stop them.
"Whatever you're doing." I began causing the trio to stop and look back at me nervously. "Just be careful, I don't want you expelled Harry."
Harry gave me an assuring smile, then nodded. "Don't worry, I will be."
"Good, you too Ron." I replied, Ron nodded. With that the trio turned and headed out of the library, leaving me wondering what in the world they were up to now.
The next morning all anyone could talk about was the Quidditch game. After last years thrilling finish, in which Harry caught the snitch by swallowing it, everyone was left asking if Harry could do it again, especially in light of Slytherin's broom advantage.
At breakfast that morning I found Harry, and the rest of the Gryffindor team sat together. All of them looked pale, and none were eating much.
"Good luck brother." I said, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
"Thanks Sarah." He replied, trying to give me a confident smile, but all he could muster was a nervous grin.
"You'll do great." I assured him before making my way back over to the Ravenclaw table.
"How's he doing?" Lisa asked as I sat down.
"Nervous, not that I blame him. Having to got against seven of the best brooms on the market is surely a daunting task." I replied, looking over my shoulder every few minutes in worry. "I'd be nervous as well."
I left out the part that I was nervous, and we still didn't play Slytherin until January.
"Well, he's overcome the odds before." Michael said as he ate a piece of sausage. "I mean, remember last year when he caught the snitch in record time against Hufflepuff."
"And don't forget, Slytherin has a new seeker." Terry remined us, glancing over to the Slytherin table, and to Draco, who like Harry had a nervous look on his face. "Surely Malfoy won't be good enough to beat Harry on his first try."
"So it's equipment versus skill." Anthony interjected. "It will be interesting to see which can come out on top."
I gave Harry one last look. "Indeed it will."
At eleven the entire school began to make their way down to the pitch. The weather was muggy, and in the distance you could make out some dark clouds that promised a storm.
Like last year, a majority of Ravenclaw's and Hufflepuff's wanted Slytherin to lose. Ravenclaw because of both Slytherins long winning streak, and having the Gryffindor's seeker's twin as a house mate, while Hufflepuff just cared about the streak.
On our way down to the pitch we ran into Roger, Cho, and, unbeknownst to everyone but Anthony, the rest of my team mates. All of them had pairs of binoculars.
"We intend to find the weakness of both teams." Roger explained to the rest of the second years.
"Hopefully we play both of them, we will have find a weakness." Cho added, as both Terry, and Michael looked on longingly.
"If only you let us on the team." Michael told Roger as we all made our way up to the stands. "Neither Gryffindor nor Slytherin would stand a chance."
"Both of you showed promise." Roger replied as we reached up seats. "But neither of you are the right size."
"Oh." Terry replied, looking down at the ground in apparent disappointment.
"Give it time." Cho told the pair, patting both on the shoulder. "Once you both are a little bigger, you may be able to make the team as our Beaters."
"Really?" Michael asked excitedly.
"When?" Terry added.
"By your forth or fifth years." Roger said, causing both Michael and Terry to high five.
"Heck yeah!"
"We'll hit those Blungers so hard they won't know what hit em!"
"You're talking about Quidditch equipment like it's sentient." Padma interjected.
"Well, they do move." Michael replied.
"That doesn't mean they're...never mind."
I snickered at Padma's tired expression, while Michael and Terry kept talking about how they were going to be the best Beaters since Merlin himself. For the next several minutes the anticipation kept building. Finally, both teams made their way onto the pitch. Slytherin getting rather loud boos, while most cheered for Harry and the Gryffindor's.
"Well, here we go." Cho said as the two teams gathered around Madam Hooch. Flint and Wood glared at each other before shaking hands, and for a moment the entire stadium went quiet...
"On my whistle," Madan Hooch began. "Three… two… one…"
With a blow of her whistle Madam Hooch, and the roar of the crowd, Harry and the thirteen other Quidditch players took of into the air. I kept my eyes glued on Harry as he flew higher than anyone else, clearly trying to locate the snitch, the only player really near him was Draco, who had flown underneath him and was zooming back and forth.
"Malfoy is clearly trying to get under Harry's skin." Cho said as she watched the pair through her binoculars.
"That sounds like him." Lisa replied, however before I could respond Harry was nearly hit by a bludger, causing me to gasp in worry.
"That was close." I said, relived as George hit the bludger in the Direction of Slytherin Chaser Adrian Pucey.
But the bludger didn't go far, as it quickly boomeranged back towards Harry. Again he was able to dodge and George was able to hit it away, this time towards Draco, but just like last time the bludger changed direction in midair and raced towards Harry's head.
"What in the world." I said, as I watched Harry race across the pitch, the bludger following him all the way.
"Somethings clearly wrong with that bludger." Roger said as he followed Harry with his binoculars. "It's done nothing but chase him the entire match."
My eyes instantly went to the staff. Last year Professor Quirrell had been the one to mess with Harry's broom, and my first thought was another Professor was doing something, but seeing as none were muttering under their breaths, or looking at Harry intently I quickly threw that out has an option.
I turned back to the pitch just as Harry reached the other end. This time Fred was waiting for it. Like George before him he hit the bludger with all his might. Sending it once again flying in another direction, only to once again boomerang back towards Harry, who was once again forced to fly away.
"Someone has clearly tampered with that bludger." Cho said surely as it began to sprinkle.
"But how?" Roger asked stroking his chin thoughtfully. "All Quidditch equipment has been locked in Madam Hooch's office outside of practice since the beginning of term...no one could have touched it."
"Well something's clearly wrong." Anthony interjected, motioning towards the pitch.
"But who..."
For a moment everyone was silent, wondering who could have messed with the bludger. My first thought was Quirrell, but seeing as he hadn't been seen since last school year, it seemed unlikely. One of the Slytherins, but how could they get into Madan Hooch's office.
"Slytherin lead, sixty points to zero.' Lee Jordan's commentary knocked me out of my thoughts as I refocused on the game, and looked to the scoreboard. Sure enough Slytherin had taken a large lead.
Clearly Draco's bribe to the team was paying off.
"The only way Gryffindor wins is if Harry catches the snitch." Michael said in disappointment.
"Yeah, and since he can't get away from that mad bludger." Terry added.
"They don't have a chance." I summarized, as I turned back to Harry, whom was currently flying around the pitch, being protected from both sides by Fred and George.
"Not to mention Fred and George can't help against the other bludger." Roger said.
After another minute or so of play, Wood called time out, and both teams landed. Slytherins in the crowd started to jeer at the Gryffindor team who all huddled together, while the Slytherin team cockily stood in the center of the pitch, pointing fingers and laughing at Gryffindor's misfortune.
"What are the rules for situation like this?" Lisa asked both Cho and Roger.
"Their really aren't any." Roger answered. "I mean, unless someone on Slytherin is proven to have messed with the bludger, their isn't anything Madam Hooch can do."
"They can either continue playing, or forfeit." Cho added.
"That's it?" Lisa asked in annoyance. "I mean, theirs clearly something wrong with that bludger."
"Or it could be randomly attracted to Harry." Roger replied as he turned to Lisa. "The fact is, without proof, their is nothing Hooch can, or will do."
Roger turned back to the game, while Lisa grumbled something about how stupid Quidditch rules could be. On the pitch the Gryffindor had broken their huddle as both teams remounted their brooms. As the team once again took off, the rain began to pick up, and what once was a slight sprinkle turned into a constant flurry of water.
"This just keeps getting better and better." Lisa said in annoyance, as she hid under an umbrella that Anthony had brought,
On the pitch Harry was frantically trying to dodge the bludger, now without the help of Fred and George whom were both focusing on the other bludger. Harry soared high, dove low, spun in mid air, and did whatever it took to dodge the bludger.
It would be comical if it wasn't my brother safety on the line.
"I hope Wood knows what he's doing." Roger said, noting Harry's lack of protection from Fred and George.
"I wouldn't be surprised if it was Harry himself who asked for this." I admitted as Harry began to race around the pitch, going up an down as he did to avoid the bludger.
"Why would he ask Fred and George not to help him?" Anthony asked, and I let out a hallow laugh.
"Because Harry doesn't value his own safety like he should."
We continued to watch the match as Harry began to approach the Gryffindor goals, the bludger once again nearly hitting him, when all of a sudden Cho jumped out of her seat. Her binoculars fixed on Draco.
"There's the snitch she shouted!" She shouted, pointing in Draco's direction. I looked at her curiously, as she handed me a pair. "There next to the Malfoy boys head." She said.
Sure enough, floating right behind Draco's left ear, was the golden snitch. Luckily he hadn't seemed to notice it, as he was to busy saying something to Harry.
"Training for the ballet, Potter? That's what Malfoy is telling Harry." Roger said in an amused tone, we all turned to him and he shrugged. "I read lips."
Sure enough Harry indeed was looking like a ballet dancer, twirling and doing everything in his power to dodge the bludger.
But with Draco distracted at Harry's misfortune, he hadn't noticed the Snitch.
And Harry had.
WHAM
"Oh merlin." Cho said in horror, and for a few seconds I stood still in shock, then realized in that the loud noise was the sound of the bludger hitting Harry in midair.
"Harry!" I screamed in horror, looking through the binoculars that Cho had loaned me. "He's broken his arm." I said, feeling my self go pale in horror. "Oh god."
He was now hanging onto his broom by a thread, and the bludger was still after him.
"Give it up Harry!" I shouted, knowing he couldn't hear me, yet hoping he would somehow do as I said and land.
But he didn't.
Instead Harry began to dive, towards Draco, towards the golden snitch.
As he dove, Draco's face turned from an amused sneer to fear, oblivious to the fact that Harry wasn't after him. Draco quickly raced out of the way, giving Harry a open lane to the Snitch.
Time seemed to slow, as Harry dove off his broom. His good arm reaching for the snitch, I gasped in horror as Harry somehow caught the snitch, but as a result, was now careening towards the ground with no way to stop himself.
I gasped in horror as Harry hit the muddy ground, rolling off his broom in the processes, and holding up the golden snitch, before passing out.
Madam Hooch blew her whistle. "Gryffindor wins!" She shouted, as the crowd began to cheer. and Gryffindor's rushed the pitch. Without a word I did as well, as my house mates gave me sympathetic looks.
Once I was down on the pitch I began making through the crowds of Gryffindor's, most letting me pass. I noticed the Gryffindor team a mix of excitement and worry, while the Slytherin team was a mix of disappointment, and fury.
"How could you not see the snitch when it's right next you your head!" Marcus Flint was yelling at Draco from the other side of the pitch.
Finally I pushed through the crowd of Gryffindor's that had huddled around Harry. He was unconscious, luckily Professor Lockhart had already arrived.
"Stand back!" He was telling the crowd of Gryffindor's, before he turned to me. "Ah, Miss Potter, you can come through." He said, motioning me to Harry's side.
"Harry." I said worriedly as I kneeled down the opposite side of Lockhart. "Wake up." I pleaded.
Harry started to groan, and blinked a couple of times. He noticed me first and gave me a warm smile "Hey Sarah." He said, before noticing Lockhart kneeling the other side of him. "Oh, no, not you,"
I almost scolded Harry, but seeing his arm I stopped. It was broken, and I almost gagged.
"Dear god." I whispered, as Lockhart frowned.
"Doesn't know what he's saying, most likely a concussion." Lockhart said loudly, making sure the crowd of Gryffindor's around us could hear. "But one issue at a time. Not to worry, Harry. I'm about to fix your arm."
"No!" Harry replied. "I'll keep it like this, thanks…"
I again almost scolded Harry, but before I could he tried to lean up, and the pain in his face made me grimace.
"Slow down Harry." I cautioned, while Lockhart took out his wand. In the background their was a loud clicking sound.
"I don't want a photo of this, Colin," Harry loudly told the crowd.
"Lie back, Harry," Lockhart said in a soothing tone. "It's a simple charm I've used countless times —"
"Why can't I just go to the hospital wing?" Harry asked through clinched teeth.
"He should really, Professor," The muddy Oliver Wood interjected as he walked over to us. "Great capture, Harry, really spectacular, your best yet, I'd say —" Wood said the last part whilst looking back at Fred and George who were wrestling the crazed bludger back into it's box. "Especially given the circumstances."
Harry gave Wood a nod, clearly in agreement, then turned back to Lockhart, who was rolling up his sleeves.
"Everyone stand back." Lockhart ordered. Harry rolled his eyes, while I looked to Lockhart in a pleading expression.
"No — don't —" Harry begged weakly.
"I trust you Professor." I interjected. Causing Harry to look at me annoyed, while Lockhart winked.
"Thank you for the your faith, Miss Potter." Lockhart said, and, before Harry could once again interject, pointed his wand at Harry's broken arm and muttered the incantation. "Brackium Emendo."
Suddenly, Harry's arm cracked. For a moment I thought Harry was right, that Lockhart shouldn't have tried to heal him, but those fears was gone in an instant, as Harry's arm snapped back into position, and returned to normal.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, while the gathered crowd looked to the Defense Professor in awe.
"Well I'll be." Wood admitted looking at Lockhart. "I didn't think you could fix bones that easily.
"Oh, it's not easy, I assure you. For you see only the best of the best are able to mend bones like that. As I, Gilderoy Lockhart, am a trained and professional healer, I can. But a word of caution." Lockhart said, standing and turning to the crowd as his robe blew in the breeze. "If you try this without the proper training in the magical arts, it can backfire horribly. Such as when a poor fellow I knew from Panama tried this same spell, and all the bones in his leg disappeared."
The crowd gasped in horror, while Harry tried to suppress a groan.
"That is why you should only let the experts, such as I Gilderoy Lockhart, preform such tasks. Now where was I." Lockhart finished as he turned back to Harry, who was starting to stand. "Bone better Harry?" He asked with a grin.
"Yes." Harry admitted, feeling up and down his arm for any cracks.
"Good, now let's get you to the hospital wing." Lockhart said patting Harry on the shoulder.
"Why?" Harry asked. "I mean, you've already healed me."
"I know Harry, but with a fall like that you can never be to careful." Lockhart cautioned, before motioning for both Harry and me to follow.
Harry groaned, while I followed eagerly. On the path up to the castle, Ron and Hermione joined us. Hermione more or less accepted Lockhart reasoning for going to the hospital wing, while Ron, like Harry, was annoyed.
"Madam Pomfrey!" Professor Lockhart called as the four of us followed him into the hospital wing.
"Professor Lockhart." The nurse replied, giving Harry a suspicious glance. "What's Mr. Potter done to himself now?"
"Nothing I'm fine now." Harry replied, causing Madam Pomfrey to look at him unbelieving.
"Harry fell at the Quidditch game and broke his arm." Lockhart stated. Instantly the nurse was on him, looking over both arms.
"Neither of his arms seem broken, Professor." Pomfrey replied, turning to the defense Professor with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course not, I was able to mend his broken bone down on the pitch." Lockhart replied, which caused Pomfrey to raise an eyebrow.
"Really?" She asked in a impressed tone, as she gave both Harry's arms one last check. "Quite impressive Gilderoy."
"Thank you madam." Lockhart replied with a low bow. "Still, I thought it best to bring Harry to you straight away. Just in case."
"Quite wise of you Gilderoy." The nurse replied as she sit Harry down on a bed, much to Harry's Chagrin.
"I am actually still quite concerned for Mr. Potter." Professor Lockhart continued as Madam Pomfrey began to check Harry with a stethoscope. "I fear he may have suffered a concussion..."
"I'm fine!" Harry blurted out.
"Quiet Mr. Potter." Madam Pomfrey scolded him before turning back to Lockhart. "A concussion?" She asked.
"Yes, you see, he landed quite hard when he caught the snitch today. He was knocked unconscious, and when he awoke he began to stammer and..."
"I wasn't stammering!" Harry once again interjected. "I just didn't want him to heal my arm."
Lockhart momentarily frowned, while Madam Pomfrey looked at Harry in confusion. "Why didn't you want Professor Lockhart to heal you, Mr. Potter?"
"Because..." Harry began, looking around the room. Hermione gave him a disapproving look, Ron nodded in agreement, while I pinched the bridge of my nose.
Clearly Harry was just being jealous.
After another several seconds of silence, Lockhart spoke. "See Madam Pomfrey, clear inability to think clearly. I suggest Mr. Potter stay the night in the hospital wing."
"I don't need to stay the night!" Harry yelled while Madam Pomfrey once again shushed him.
"Mr. Potter. Professor Lockhart has been on the best additions this staff has seen in several years. Given his years of experience, and the fact he was able to heal you, I would think his advice is sound." Madam Pomfrey replied, before turning to Lockhart. "You really think he should stay overnight?"
"Indeed madam. That way you'll be able to keep and eye on him." Lockhart began as he turned to Harry. "Mr. Potter I assure you if you indeed have a concussion, it would best if you were watched over night by Madam Pomfrey, and her expert care." He finished the last part with a wink to Madam Pomfrey.
"Well, if you're sure Professor." Madam Pomfrey said as she walked over and got out a night gown. "Put this on Mr. Potter."
"But..."
"No buts, if professor Lockhart deems it necessary, then you shall be staying the night."
Harry let out one last groan as Professor Lockhart bowed. "I hope you feel better in the morning Mr. Potter." The defense Professor said. He gave me, Ron, and Hermione one last wink, then turned and left the hospital wing.
"Well Mr. Potter best get changed. Mr. Weasley please help him. "Madam Pomfrey ordered.
"I don't need help." Harry angerly replied.
"You can never be to safe. If you do have a concussion, you could lose balance and fall." Madam Pomfrey replied, Ron gave Harry a shrug as Madam Pomfrey closed the curtain around Harry's bed. After a minute Harry emerged and plopped angerly down onto the bed.
"I told you I didn't need any help." Harry muttered. Madam Pomfrey ignored Harry grumblings and walked off, leaving the four of us alone.
"I can't believe you have to stay the night." Ron said when he was sure Madam Pomfrey was out of ear shot.
"I know, all because of that stupid Lockhart."
"He fixed your arm Harry." I said in a disappointed tone. "I know you don't like the man, but you can at least be a little grateful."
"I still don't get how either of you like him." Harry replied sighing as he looked at both me and Hermione. "He's a full of himself git."
"He's a hero Harry." Hermione scolded, while I nodded along. "And, like Sarah said, he just fixed your arm."
Harry looked to Ron for support. "Oh, I agree with you mate." Ron began. "But I don't see much point in arguing about him. I think all our opinions our set in stone."
Harry sighed." You're probably right."
There was a moment of awkward silence, until finally Ron broke the tension.
"We won, though," Ron said as he began to grin. "That was some catch you made. Malfoy's face… he looked ready to kill…"
"I want to know how he fixed that bludger," Hermione said darkly, and I looked at her in shock.
"Draco, fix the bludger?" I said in disbelief. "There's no way."
"Come on Sarah, you saw the look on his face today. No doubt Malfoy had something to do with that bludger."
"He wouldn't do that..."
"Yes he would. Especially since he's the one who probably..." Ron suddenly paused as the trio of Gryffindor's went very quiet. I looked between all three of them, waiting for someone to finish Ron's thought, before I finally realized.
"You think he's the Heir of Slytherin?" I asked and again there was another moment of silence.
"Sarah, you heard him the night of Mrs. Norris was attacked." Hermione said in a low voice.
"Yeah, and I quote. You'll be next mud..." Ron began, not finishing the slur.
"At least admit he's a possibility." Harry finished and again the trio turned quiet, but before I could really ponder their words. The doors to the hospital wing burst open, as Oliver, the Weasley twins, and the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team burst into the room, all muddy and soaking wet.
"Unbelievable flying, Harry," George began, as I stepped back to let Harry's teammates through. "I've just seen Marcus Flint yelling at Malfoy. Something about having the Snitch on top of his head and not noticing. Malfoy didn't seem too happy."
"It was quite the sight indeed." Fred added with a grin, before noticing Harry in a hospital wing set of pajamas. "Are you staying the night?"
"Yeah." Harry replied with a roll of his eyes. "Supposedly I might have a concussion. At least, that's what Lockhart said."
The Gryffindor team all joined in Harry's annoyance, until shrugging it off.
"Well no matter." Wood said as he and the rest of the team pulled cakes, sweets, and bottles of pumpkin juice out of their robe pockets. "We can just party in here instea..."
"What is going on here!" Madam Pomfrey roared as she rushed over to the party that was just beginning. "This boy needs rest, he's just hit the ground while going top speed on a racing broom! Out! OUT!"
The Gryffindor team, along with me, Ron, and Hermione began to leave, while Harry looked at her with pleading eyes.
"Come on Madam Pomfrey, I feel fine, really I do."
Madam Pomfrey stared down my pleading brother, as the Gryffindor team looked back, hopeful Harry's pleas wouldn't fall on deaf ears.
Madam Pomfrey finally sighed. "Fine, Miss Potter, on account of being family, may stay a while longer. But the rest of you, out." She ordered.
The Gryffindor team, along with Ron, and Hermione, all groaned in disapproval before exiting the hospital wing. For his part, Harry, also looked quite deflated as I took a seat next to him.
"I can't be that bad, can I?" I asked, Harry instantly shook his head.
"No, No." He replied, waving his hands defensibly. "It's not that, it's just...well. We put in a lot of work to win that game..." Harry finished, as he laid his head onto the pillow. "I just wanted to celebrate with my team mates."
I nodded. "I understand Harry." I replied, thinking back to all the session I had know had with Roger, Cho, and the other. How it would suck if we won, yet I couldn't celebrate with them. "Besides, I'm not exactly overflowing with pumpkin juice, am I?"
Both of us laughed for a moment, before Harry sighed. "It's just, I don't feel ill. I would understand if my arm was still broken, but it's not. I feel perfectly fine."
I nodded, torn between Harry's personal happiness, and his physical health. "I'm sure Professor Lockhart just wanted to make sure you were alright."
Harry laughed bitterly. "Yeah, I'm sure he cares about me so much."
Both of us were silent for a moment, knowing our respective opinions of Professor Lockhart, I decided that it was no use discussing. "You do know that was a pretty stupid move right?" I eventually asked, causing Harry to frown.
"What move?"
"Diving at Draco like that, falling off your broom. Not to mention a the broken arm you got from having Fred and George not cover you."
Harry rolled his eyes. "We won, that's what matters." Harry replied firmly. "Besides, Fred and George couldn't have stopped that bludger, they were better used protecting someone else."
"Not to me, brother." I replied, patting his hair down. "Nothing is more important than your safety."
For a moment neither of us said anything, we just stared at each other, before Harry smiled. "Thanks' sis, I'll try and keep that in mind."
"No problem, though I wish I knew what happened to that bludger." I said, stroking my chin.
"Malfoy must have done something to it." Harry muttered darkly, as I raised an eyebrow and frowned.
"What is it with you and Malfoy, I mean, I know you don't like him. But to accuse him of tampering with that bludger, not to mention being the Heir of Slytherin, isn't that a bit much?"
"Come on Sarah, he's the worst person in the school...well maybe excluding Snape."
"Professor Snape Harry."
"Whatever, as for Malfoy, I mean just think about it. The heir is most likely a pure blood from a old family, who has been in Slytherin for generations. Malfoy is a prime suspect."
Harry finished, his face full of confidence, while I slowly nodded. "Maybe..." I began uncertainly. "Still, I'm not going to believe anything like that without concrete proof."
"That's why were working on..." Harry began before suddenly stopping. The look on his face similar to when a child got caught raiding the cookie jar.
"Working on?" I asked, and Harry waved me off.
"Nothing , nothing." Harry replied, suddenly finding the sheets he was under interesting.
"Hm." I said, as Harry actively avoided eye contact. "Does this have to do with that restricted section book? Or earlier, when Ron suddenly stopped talking?"
I noticed Harry's eyed widen, before he took a deep breath. "It's nothing you should concern yourself with." He tried to assure me, and I sighed.
"Whatever Harry." I began. "Just remember, you and Ron are already on this ice. If you do something that gets you expelled." I warned, and Harry nodded.
"Don't worry, I won't."
"Good." I finished, before noticing the setting sun, and standing up. "Well, I best get to dinner"
Harry nodded. "Yeah, and I best get some sleep, proof to Madam Pomfrey and Lockhart that I'm not concussed."
I patted him on the shoulder. "You'll survive one night." I assured him, giving him a final smile before beginning to walk towards the exit.
"Sarah." Harry called, causing me to turn around right before I reached the exit.
"Yes brother?"
"You know when earlier, when you said my safety your top priority?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"You should look at all this secrecy, is me trying to protect you."
I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Well, lets say I do something stupid with Ron and Hermione and get expelled. If you didn't know about it, then they wouldn't be able to get you in trouble."
My eyes widened in understanding. "Oh."
"Yeah that's why I don't tell you everything I should. To protect you if I do something stupid."
For a moment I was silent, taking in his words. For a moment I wanted to scold him, tell him that I would do whatever I could to help him. But then I realized. From not telling him about Smith, to keeping him out of my weird obsession with Grindelwald.
I did the same thing.
"I understand Harry, more than you know, but if you ever needed anything. Even just wanted to talk, I'm there for you." I promised, causing Harry to nod.
"The same applies to to you."
Both of us were silent, until I gave him one final nod. "I'll see you tomorrow, hopefully they let you out."
Harry gave me one final nod. "See you."
With that I departed the hospital wing, and started making my way to the Great Hall for dinner. The whole way I thought about our conversation. Indeed, it was true that both of us kept things from each other, both of us thinking it was best the other didn't know.
But was it really?
I was so deep in my head, that I didn't even notice when I arrived in the Great Hall. It was only Lisa tapping me on the shoulder that I realized my entire year was looking at me.
"Huh?" I said. Blinking several times before looking around into a sea of worried faces.
"I asked how Harry was doing?" Lisa asked.
"He's fine, Lockhart wanted him to stay the night just in case." I answered, not really wanting to get into detail.
"Well that's a relief." Anthony replied as he cut a pork chop in half. "What about you, you were really out of it for a moment their?"
"I'm fine." I assured him, and the group as a whole. "Just, thinking...Anyways, anything happen while I was away?"
"Other than Malfoy being ostracized for not seeing the snitch." Lisa began motioning to the Slytherin table. "Not much."
I took a quick glance at Draco, whom was sitting only with Crabbe and Goyle. I felt a twinge of sympathy, before turning back to the group. "Well, he did miss it floating right by his head."
"It was indeed hilarious." Lisa said, a wide grin on her face. "Anyways, with that game out of the way, were up next."
"Yeah." Michael interjected.
"I wonder how we'll do?" Terry asked.
I shared a subtle glance with Cho, whom was further down the table, and noticed Anthony stiffen, before shrugging. "No idea, but hopefully this is our year."
"Here, here." Both Michael and Terry chorused, as discussion turned to our game against Hufflepuff, which was only two weeks away.
"I wonder what our lineup will be?" Michael asked excitedly.
"Yeah, Roger has been very quiet about it all year, what do you guys think?" Terry added, as I had to hold back a smirk...
"Who know, hopefully whomever Roger chose, is capable."
"I know, we haven't won the cup since sixty nine, almost twenty five years."
"Yeah, my mom was here when we last one. Let me tell you the party in the common room was..."
And with than Michael and Terry took over. Both going on and on about how this was our year, how they couldn't wait to join the team, and wondering who made the team. And who the new Chaser could be.
The whole time, having no idea that it was me.