I got up early the next morning, deciding I would once again visit Harry in the hospital wing. As fast as I could I got dressed, ate a quick breakfast, before making my way there.
However, as I was approaching the wing Madam Pomfrey quickly stepped forward, and shook her head.
"I'm sorry Miss Potter, but you can't come in right now."
"Why not?" I asked worriedly. "Did something happen to Harry?"
"No, nothing to him." She replied, glancing back into the Hospital Wing before turning back to me. "It's just, something has happened."
"What?" I asked.
Madam Pomfrey just shook her head. "It's not my place to say, however if you wish to wait out here, I will be releasing Harry in short order."
"Of course Madam Pomfrey." I replied, she nodded and strode back into the Hospital Wing. I tried to peer inside, but I couldn't see Harry, and one of the beds was surrounded by a curtain.
What was inside?
"All in order," I heard Madam Pomfrey say to someone, whom I assumed to be Harry "When you've finished eating, you may leave."
Sure enough a couple of minutes later Harry came hurrying out of the wing. As soon as he saw me, he motioned with his head to follow.
"Harry, what's' wrong?" I asked as I hurried after him.
"Not here." Harry replied, before finding the nearest empty classroom and motioning me inside. "I have loads to tell you, as well as Ron and Hermione."
"What is it?" I again asked, and Harry sighed.
"First off...their was another attack."
I gasped. "Really? Who was it?" I asked in horror.
"Colin Creevey." Harry replied. "Remember, that first year Gryffindor with the camera who's been following me around all year."
I nodded, thinking back to the beginning of term. How Colin had been so excited to meet Harry. In all honesty outside of that day I hadn't seen much of the boy, his excitement for Harry hadn't transferred itself to me, not to mention I didn't share a house with him.
"Yeah, I do. Is he..."
"No, he's alive. Like Mrs. Norris, he's been petrified."
Both of us were silent for a moment. Given that their hadn't been an attack since Halloween, I had assumed that it was over. That Dumbledore had figured out what had happened, or that Mrs. Norris had simply been attacked in some cruel seventh years idea of a prank.
But, it would seem, that the Chamber of Secrets really was real, and was open.
"That's not all." Harry said, breaking the silence. "Last night, Dobby visited me."
The horror etched on my face quickly turned to confusion. "That house elf?" I asked, and Harry nodded.
"The one and only. Anyways, he told me some interesting things"
"Like what?"
"The fact that it was him who blocked the platform to stop me from getting on the train." Harry answered.
"Really?"
"Yeah, or the fact that he was the one who was sending the bludger after me yesterday."
At Harry's explanation, I felt my blood boil. Dobby was the one who almost got Harry expelled, Dobby was the one who got Harry's arm broken, Dobby was the one who almost made it so we wouldn't be able to leave the Dursley's in the first place.
I scowled.
"Where is Dobby?" I asked angerly, and Harry's eyes widened.
"He popped away." Harry answered, and I let out a growl of frustration.
"Darn it." I roared, slamming the wall with my fist. "Harry, if that little trouble maker approaches you again, you tell me and I'll..."
"Woah, woah Sarah." Harry interjected, placing both hands on my shoulders and looking me straight in the face. "Calm down."
I took a couple deep breaths, before sighing. "Sorry, but that house elf hurt you."
"I actually think he wants to protect me." Harry admitted, and again, I looked at him dumbfounded.
"Protect you? By breaking your arm with a bludger."
"I know it sounds weird, but the way he talks about me, I really do think he means the best."
"Really?" I replied as I crossed my arms. "Please explain."
Harry sighed. "He want's me out of Hogwarts, not because he doesn't like me, but because he want's to protect me."
"Let me guess from...the Chamber?" I asked in a near whisper.
Harry nodded. "Yeah."
"But, you shouldn't be in any danger. You're a half blood.?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't get it either, though he did reveal that the Chamber was opened before, fifty years ago."
I nodded. Remembering what Draco had told me. "Yeah, I know."
"What?" Harry asked in shock, causing me to jump. "How do you know?"
"I...overheard Draco talking about it." I answered, realizing it would be best that Harry didn't know Draco was talking to me, especially about the chamber. "He mentioned it."
"Of course he did." Harry muttered, his eyes calculating. "His dad must have told him..." Harry began, before focusing back on me. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't think it was that important at the time." I defended. "Besides, as their hadn't been another attack before now, I assumed whatever happened to Mrs. Norris was maybe a horrid prank, or something like that."
For a moment Harry thought, then nodded. "I guess that makes sense, still, if you hear anything else from Malfoy about the Chamber, tell me."
"Why?" I asked raising an eyebrow. "You know Draco loves to boast."
"Because it would..." Harry stopped, and I again realized this was about his, Ron, and Hermione secret...something.
"So, whatever you three are up to, involve Draco." I surmised.
"We think he's the heir." Harry said quietly. "And that's all I will say."
"Hmm, well you're are free to those opinions. Like I've said about whatever you three are up to, just...be careful."
Harry nodded. "We will, anyways I best go find Ron and Hermione, tell them everything I told you."
I nodded. "Good luck with...your thing."
Harry smiled. "Thanks." And with that Harry strode off, leaving me wondering what he was up to.
The rest of the day passed relatively quietly. I had told Anthony and Lisa about Colin, and both had been horrified. Anthony was worried about Lisa, and from then on made her promise to always have either me, or him, with her in the corridors.
The next morning, we were all woken to the sound of banging on our doors.
"Second year girls, up!" Penelope said as she opened the door to our dorm. "Professor Flitwick has called a house meeting. Get dressed, and head down to the common room."
We all answered in groans and mumbles. Penelope, confident that we were now awake, then strode further down the hall, and did the same thing to the third years, and so forth.
Once we were all dressed we quickly made our way to the amass of Ravenclaw gathered around the common room entrance. Professor Flitwick stood there nervously. Both me and Lisa found Anthony in the crowd, all of us knowing what this was about.
"Is that everyone Miss Clearwater?" Professor Flitwick asked as Penelope came strolling from the girls dorms.
"Yes sir." She replied.
"Good, what about you Mr. Hilliard?" Flitwick asked the other sixth year prefect.
"All boys are here as well, sir." Robert answered.
"Good." Flitwick replied before turning his attention to the house as a whole. "Now, I'm sure some of you are wondering why I've summoned you at this early hours. Others likely already know." Me, Anthony, and Lisa shared a quick glance before returning out attention to Professor Flitwick.
"Saturday night, after the Gryffindor, Slytherin quidditch match, Colin Creevey was found petrified on the steps leading to the hospital wing..." Sandra Shafiq let out a terrified gasp.
"Sir, are you saying what I think you're saying?" Roger asked, and Flitwick sighed.
"Yes Mr Davies, the Chamber of Secrets is indeed real, and the Heir of Slytherin is in the school right now."
There was a stunned moment of silence among the entire house. Before the screaming started. Sandra burst into tears, terrified that the monster was going after her. Cho, and Marietta clung to each other for support, while Luna stared into space, seemingly not affected by Professor Flitwick's warnings.
"Quiet!" Penelope and Robert roared, causing to panic to dive down. "That's better." Penelope said as Flitwick sighed.
"I assure you, Professor Lockhart is doing all he can to find the Heir, and the monster they control. But until he does, I expect you all to look out for each other. Muggleborns, I would advice you all to walk with year mates that are of Pure or Half blood. Try to walk in groups of no less than three, if you see or hear anything my door is always open. Does everyone understand?"
"Yes Professor." The group replied, and Flitwick seemed satisfied.
"Good. Now I'm not sure how the other Heads of House are handling this internally. But I would imagine word of Mr. Creevey's attack will spread. All I ask is that you think of Mr. Creevey before speaking about his situation. Understood?"
"Yes sir." The group again replied.
Flitwick nodded. "Good, I've made the points I wished and I needn't hold you up any longer. Like I said, look out for each other."
And with that Professor Flitwick turned, and strode out of the common room.
"Poor Colin." Padma said as we all made our way down for breakfast. "Parvati said he was a good kid, a bit annoying, but still..."
"No one deserves that." Anthony interjected. "Still, like Flitwick said, groups of three for everybody until the heir is caught."
And that's what we did. From then on no one went anywhere without two of their friends. Seeing as I already went everywhere with Lisa and Anthony, it wasn't that big of a change for me. But Morag was quickly drove crazy by Padma and Mandy's lack of desire to scour the grounds for magical creatures. In turn, Terry and Michael had stepped up when they could, going with Morag most nights.
That left Luna, whom still seemed unconcerned. Sure she was sad for Colin, but she seemed convinced that whatever was attacking the school could be kept at bay with...
"What type of necklace are you wearing Luna?" Lisa asked one morning, trying to not laugh.
"A necklace of rooster feathers." Luna answered in her usual dreamy tone. "My dad says it's supposed to keep away foul creatures."
"Ah." Lisa replied. "Well, I hope...that works for you."
"Thank you Lisa." Luna replied, before turning back to her copy of the Quibbler. As everyone had the table shared glances, before continuing breakfast.
The next couple weeks passed, as we drew closer to my first Quidditch game. The castle was still tense. First years from every house moved together like packs, Ginny was supposedly heartbroken at the news of Colin's petrifaction, and given the fact the Colin was her partner in Charms, I couldn't blame her.
Fred and George had tried to cheer her up, but all they had done was upset Ginny more, much to Percy's rage...
"Did you two jump out behind a statue. One of you covered in fur, the other in boils, and jump out at Ginny?" Percy asked in rage, as he comforted the twin in the library.
Percy's rage caught our attention, as me, Lisa, and Anthony all looked up from our table we were studying at, and watched.
"Come on Perce, where just trying to cheer her up." Fred replied.
"Yeah, we didn't mean any harm by it." George added.
"Let me get this straight." Percy began, pausing to adjust his glasses. "You thought jumping out and scaring our little sister, whos classmate was just petrified by some unknown monster, was a good idea?"
Both Fred and George looked at each other, then back at Percy.
"Well, now the you mention it." Said Fred.
"Probably wasn't our best idea." Added George.
"I am going to make this perfectly clear. If you scare Ginny one more time, I'm writing mum."
"You wouldn't dare. Fred replied.
"We were only trying to help." Interjected George.
"By scaring her!" Percy roared, causing both Fred and George to jump back. "Poor Ginny is already having nightmares about all this, and you two are just making it worse. One more slip up, and I write mum." And with that Percy stormed off.
"Such a buzzkill." Fred muttered
"He is, now let's get back to working on finding that book on disgusting flavors we were looking for."
Both twins smirked. "Sounds like a plan."
And with that the twins started perusing the aisles of books, the conversation over with.
"Well that was interesting." Anthony said as we all turned back to our History of Magic Essay's.
"You can say that again." Lisa replied, turning to me. "You stayed a there house over the summer right?"
"Yeah."
"What was it like?" Lisa asked, and I shrugged.
"Lot's of explosions from the twins room, and lots of picking garden kno..."
"Hello customers!"
We all jumped at the sudden voice, and turned to see someone I barely recognized. A tall, black boy, with a charming smile, wearing a Slytherin uninform.
Anthony rolled his eyes. "Hello Blaise."
"Hello Goldstein, and Madam's Potter, and Turpin." Blaise Zabini replied bowing, and we all looked at each other.
"Hello, Blaise." I replied, knowing him from herbology, and last year when I'd lost that bet with Draco. "What can we do for you?" I asked, trying to be polite. After all I had nothing personal against the boy.
"It's not what you can do for me, but what I can do for you." Blaise replied, giving both me and Lisa a charming smile. Much to both of our annoyances.
"What do you want?" Lisa demanded, and for a split second Blaise's smile faltered, something like disgust crossed his face, before his smile quickly returned.
"To offer you three some...protection." He replied before turning around. "Harper!" Blaise shouted, and all of a sudden a small, brown haired, first year Slytherin came walking over. Carrying a bag of...something.
"What are you doing Blaise?" Anthony asked, and Blaise clasped his hands together as Harper placed the bag on the table.
"I am simply offering the poor, defenseless, students of Hogwarts a way to protect themselves from the Heir of Slytherin, and his, or hers, dreaded monster."
"Protection?" I asked raising an eyebrow. Blaise took that as his cue, and reached into his bag.
"May I present, the Jewel of Power!" Blaise roared, before pulling out a pointed purple crystal.
"Jewel of power?" Anthony asked skeptically, and Blaise nodded.
"This Jewel will protect you from the monster of Slytherin, buy creating a shield around you if you are in danger." Blaise claimed, and the three of us looked at each other skeptically.
"Show us." Lisa said, and Blaise shook his head.
"Unfortunately the jewel doesn't work like that. I'm afraid, only if you were in true danger, would it activate." Blaise explained, as Anthony sighed.
"Really?"
"Yes, but fret not, for the jewel can be yours for only, Ten Galleons." Blaise said, holding the jewel out for all of us to see.
"Ha, no." Lisa replied, and Blaise frowned.
"Fine then, maybe you'll like..." Blaise began, before reaching into his pouch and pulling out. "...the onion of trickery." Blaise said, showing us a foul smelling green onion, causing me to nearly gag.
"Ew, please put that away." I begged, and Blaise shrugged before placing it back into his bag.
"What is that supposed to do?" Lisa asked, and Blaise smirked.
"The stinky smell will confuse the monster, allowing you to get away. All for the cost of five galleons."
"Yeah, no." Lisa replied, as Blaise again frowned.
"Fine, at least let me show you my finest artifact..." Blaise said, before again reaching into his bag. "...May I present. The tail of of distraction!" Blaise finished, pulling out a severed, rotting rotting newt tail. And again I tried not to gag.
"What's that supposed to do?" Anthony asked, and Blaise smiled.
"This my friends, is one of my greatest creations. The tail is infused with a powerful, monster alluring, smell. If you came into contact with the monster of Slytherin, all you would have to do to escape is throw this, then run in the opposite direction. The monster would chase, and you would be able to escape. All for the low price of Ten Galleons."
All of us shared a look, before shaking our heads. "Sorry Zabini, where not interested." Lisa said, and Blaise shrugged.
"Suit yourself, but remember. When the monster comes after you Turpin, you'll be wishing you had bought these from me. They could have saved your life..."
"Save my life?"
All of us turned to a another new voice. This time stepping out from behind a bookcase was the nervous form of Neville Longbottom.
"Oh, hey Neville." I said, he nodded at me, Lisa, and Anthony, before turning to Blaise.
"Save my life?" Neville repeated, and Blaise's smile returned.
"Indeed Longbottom, these artifacts can save your life, I assure you." Blaise replied, as Anthony once again rolled his eyes.
"Don't listen to him Neville, he's just selling random junk he's found..."
"Nonsense." Blaise interjected, pulling back out the three "artifacts he'd shown us. "Now, this is the Jewel of Power and it..."
"I overheard what they did." Neville said, and Blaise's smile widened.
"Good, good. Now the total price for all three would be thirty galleons, but for a good chap like you...how about...twenty five galleons."
Neville looked over the three items, and to our shock began to pull the required amount out of his robe pockets.
"Neville, you don't even have anything to worry about. You're a pure blood." Lisa said, and Neville looked over the items one final time, before giving Blaise the galleons.
"Thank you for your purchase." Blaise said, handing Neville the items. "If you need any additional protections, come find me. Harper!" Blaise shouted and the first year once again picked up the bag and started out of the library.
"I want my cut."
"You'll get it once we reach the common room..."
And with that the two Slytherin's disappeared out of sight, leaving just us, and Neville.
"Why'd you do that Neville?" Anthony asked. "You have to know Blaise's product's wont work."
"I know, I know, but...even if there's only a one percent chance these can help protect me, It's worth it."
"But Neville, the monster isn't even after you." I stated, and Neville shook his head.
"I'm basically a squib anyway. And the monster did go after Filch first."
"You're not a squib Neville." I said sympathetically, and Neville gave me a weak smile.
"Thanks, but my magical abilities say otherwise...well it was good talking to you three, see you all later."
And with that Neville strode off, leaving the three of us to get back to our essays.
A week passed and soon enough we were only a couple of days away from the Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff Quidditch match, which was on the last Saturday of November. Practice had really ramped up, as had my nerves. Outside of the Quidditch team and Anthony, this would be the first time anyone knew I joined the team, and I was worried. How would Lisa react that I'd been keeping things from her, how would Harry?
Still I was excited, especially to play Hufflepuff, seeing as Smith's accusations that I was the heir had only increased...
"How could you do that to poor Colin?" Smith asked, pointing an accusing finger at me.
"Seeing as I was in the common room, which my entire house can confirm, I didn't." I tiredly replied, and Smith quickly waved my explanation off.
"You probably used some sort of dark spell that made it look like you were there." Smith countered, and I sighed.
"Whatever Smith, think whatever you want."
It would feel wonderful to beat Smith's house, and kick him off his high pedestal.
As for the Heir, they still hadn't been caught. Professor Lockhart assured everyone that he was on the case, but he still hadn't found anyone, while the rest of the staff was weary. The student body still hadn't calmed down, and given the fact that others had copied Blaise's idea, a massive, black market of fake artifacts had spread throughout the school, mostly targeting the first years.
Even though she was Pureblooded, I had seen Sandra carrying around a necklace made of Goblin Ears, a ring pop from the muggle world, and what looked to be a bottle of lickerish.
And she say's Luna is the odd one.
Finally the day of the match arrived. Smith had once again made comments about how we were going to get crushed, while Terry, and Michael were nervous.
"I wonder how'll will do today?" Michael asked at the breakfast table, casting a glance at Cho, and Roger.
"No clue, I mean, we don't even know who the third Chaser is." Terry replied. "Roger's refused to say."
The pair looked at Roger, who was confidently eating breakfast, then shrugged.
"Who do you guys think it is?" Michael asked, turning to me, Lisa and Anthony. Anthony had to fight the urge to tense up, while I did my best to keep from looking suspicious.
"No idea." Lisa replied, and once again I was forced to lie.
"Me either." I lied, hopefully for the final time.
"Same as them." Anthony added, thankfully also being able to keep his composure as well.
"Hmm." Michael replied, stroking his chin. "Well, whoever they are, I hope they're good enough so we can win."
I hope so Michael...I hope so.
Around Ten Forty Five, I noticed Roger get up and start heading down the to pitch, soon followed by Duncan, and Jacob, and I thought back to the last practice we'd had.
"Now remember, for this match, were all heading down separately to keep Sarah's place on the team secret." Roger began, as the team shared glances.
"How does that help keep her a secret?" Jeremy asked.
"Because, if the school saw us all walking down to the pitch with Sarah, what would they think?"
For a moment their was silence, then nodding. "Good point." Jeremy replied.
"So, how's this going to work?" Duncan asked.
"Simple, we go in waves, first me, then Duncan and Jason, so on and so forth until finally Cho."
"What about me?" I asked.
"You shall wait for Cho, as soon as she leaves the great hall, make an excuse and follow her. She'll be waiting for you in the Entrance hall. With a bit of luck she'll get you down here without anyone seeing."
Duncan chuckled. "Roger, aren't you going a little overboard. I mean, even if the Hufflepuff team saw Sarah making her way to the pitch, isn't it a little late for them to plan for her?"
Roger shook his head. "I don't want them, or anyone, to know she's on the team until we take the pitch. We shall given them no time, not even their pregame meeting, to prepare for her. Understood?"
There was nods, and Roger smiled.
"Good. Next time we meet, it will be for the pregame meeting."
"Sarah."
I shook my head as Lisa's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Yes Lisa?"
"Pass the potatoes." She asked, I nodded and did so. Afterwards I cast a quick glance down the table, and saw Cho standing up. It was time...
"I just remembered." I said, standing up myself. "I need to turn in a library book before the game."
"Well hurry up." Lisa warned. "We need to get good seats."
"Why don't you just meet me down their." I suggested. "I'll find you."
"If you say so." Lisa said, turning to her plate. Me and Anthony eyes quickly met, and he nodded.
This was the last time he would be the only one to know.
"See you then." I said, and quickly made my way out of the great hall. I found Cho, who was looking around in every direction.
"We clear?" I asked, in a whisper, she nodded. As stealthily as we could, the two of us made our way down to the pitch. Finally reaching the locker rooms.
We had done it.
"No one saw either of you?" Roger asked, Cho nodded.
"No."
"Good. Let's make our final preparations then."
With that the entire team changed into Quidditch robes, then gathered around Roger and a chalk board, as he started going over formations, and the like. Soon enough we started to hear the sound of footsteps, as the school filled the stands.
"How long?" I asked as Roger finished telling us the game plan, which involved getting so big a lead that even if Cho didn't catch the Snitch, it wouldn't matter.
"Five minutes."
I took a deep breath and began to pace, wondering what Lisa, Harry and the others were thinking right about now.
Anthony twiddled with his thumbs as he, and Lisa made their way down to the Quidditch pitch. It was a cool day, but unlike last time their was no chance of rain in the forecast. A perfect day for Quidditch really.
"Well here we are." Lisa said as the group arrived at their usual spots. "I hope Sarah get's here soon."
"Yeah." Anthony replied, trying to act naturally. "Maybe she couldn't find the book she needed to return."
"Maybe." Lisa replied.
"Hey guys!" Someone shouted, and the pair turned to see Harry, Ron, Hermione approaching.
"Hey." Lisa replied.
"Sorry for budging in like this, but I was just wondering if any of you'd seen Sarah?" Harry asked, and Lisa shook her head.
"Not since breakfast." Lisa replied. "She said something about returning a book before the match."
"Oh." Harry replied. "I was hoping to watch the match with her."
"Well, she should be around soon." Lisa replied. "But from the looks of it, she's going to be late..."
The group turned and saw the two teams making their way onto the pitch. At this point Anthony was staring straight ahead, not saying anything. What could he say.
"Anthony." Lisa said suddenly. "Are you okay?"
"Of course, just, nervous for the match..."
"You're sweating." Hermione pointed out, and Anthony let out a chuckle as he pulled at his collar.
"Oh, you know, these school robes are...constricting."
"But it's cold?" Ron said, and Anthony gripped the railing in front of him.
"It's nothing..."
"...Wait Sarah Potter, that's Sarah Potter! She's on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team." Lee Jordan shouted from the announcing stand and suddenly the crowd started whispering to each others, while every Ravenclaw's eyes widened.
"She's on the Quidditch team!" Lisa shouted. Thinking back to all the times Sarah had come to the common room late, soaked, and with the rest of the Quidditch team.
And yet she hadn't noticed?
"What?" Harry asked, looking out onto the pitch. Sure enough, their she was, in a Ravenclaw Quidditch robes, gripping a Nimbus 2001 in her hand.
"How didn't we notice?" Terry asked aloud, and Anthony smirked.
"They used the notice me not charm."
"The what?" Harry asked.
"A charm, when used, that makes no one pay attention to what you're doing during a specific task. For example the Ravenclaw team using it so that no one would notice Sarah practicing with them. Not even their house mates when she entered the common room with them in the evening."
"But, why wouldn't she tell us, I wouldn't have said anything?" Harry asked, hurt evident in his voice.
"No idea." Lisa replied, the same hurt in hers.
"Roger and Cho made her keeping it a secret a condition of making the team." Anthony explained, and he felt all eyes fall on him.
"You knew?" Lisa asked, and Anthony nodded, before beginning to explain everything. From when Cho bumped into him last summer and let it slip that Roger wanted Sarah on the team, to how it was all kept hidden...
"On my whistle," Madam Hooch was heard saying from the pitch. "Three… two… one…"
And before anyone could inquire any more the Quidditch match was underway.
"Is everybody ready?" Roger asked as we stood at the entrance to the pitch.
"I am." Duncan replied confidently.
"As am I." Jason added.
"Then let's do this." Roger said, as he pushed opened the doors and led us out onto the pitch.
It was nerve-racking.
The first thing I noticed as we walked onto the pitch was the crowd. It was loud, excited, and much larger than I thought it was. I noticed large strands of blue and bronze where me and my friends usually sat, while yellow and black made up the other side of the pitch's seats.. Lee Jordan was already going through the Hufflepuff lineup, and soon enough everyone would know I was here.
"You scared?" Cho asked me as we approached the Hufflepuff team, who were walking towards us from the other side of the pitch, adorned in there yellow Quidditch robes.
"Yeah." I replied. "I mean, were really here now. And you know how two of Harry's matches have gone so far."
"Don't worry, me and Roger have already discussed it. If your broom starts acting up, or a bludger won't leave you alone, we'll call off the match."
"You don't have to do that." I interjected, but Cho firmly shook her head.
"Yes we do. Me and Roger were the ones who convinced you to join the team, and were not going to put you in any danger if we can avoid it."
"Well, hopefully no crazed Professor's or House elves interfere today." I said, and Cho looked at me in confusion.
"I understand the first reference, Quirrell, but what House elf are referring to?"
"I'll tell you later." I replied, as we met the Hufflepuff team at the center of the pitch.
Most of the Hufflepuff teams were a majority third, fourth, and fifth years. Their Chasers were Malcolm Preece, Heidi Macavoy, and Tamsin Applebee, the latter two being forth years, while the first was a third. Herbert Fleet was the only fifth year on the team, while beaters Maxine O'Flaherty, and Anthony Rickett were both third.
Finally their was the team captain, and Seeker, Gabriel Truman. Truman was tall, blonde haired, and extremely confident, seventh year. When we met at the center of the pitch he gave Wood a smile, and nod.
"Great day for Quidditch, isn't it Roger?" Truman asked.
"Indeed, especially considering our new Chaser..." Roger replied, a deep smirk on his face. Truman tilted his head in confusion, but before he could ask, Lee Jordan answered.
"...Of course the Ravenclaw Chasers are Roger Davies, Jeremy Stretton, and Wait Sarah Potter that's Sarah Potter!" Lee Jordan shouted, pointing at me on the pitch. "She's on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team."
As Jordan's excited commentary continued, and the crowd burst into shocked gasps and murmurs, I stepped out from behind Cho, and towards the Hufflepuff team. whom, outside of Truman, had also started whispering to each other.
"Sarah Potter?" Truman said as soon as he saw me. "I didn't know you joined the Ravenclaw team."
"We kept it a secret, Gabriel." Cho answered, and he nodded.
"A secret weapon as it were. Well, if you're anything like your brother, you should being quite the addition." Truman then gave me a polite nod, before turning back to Roger. "Well, now that the cat is out of the bag, you ready Roger?"
"As always, Truman." Roger replied, the pair shook hands as we all mounted our brooms, took positions, then turned to Madam Hooch.
"Everyone ready?" She asked, we all nodded. "Good, on the count of my whistle. "Three… two… one…"
Madam Hooch whistle sounded as she threw the Quaffle into the air, and the game was on.
Roger quickly grabbed the Quaffle and started making his way towards the Hufflepuff goal, me and Jeremy raced along side him. One of the Hufflepuff beaters hit a Quaffle at him, so he dodged and passed the Quaffle to me. For a split second I was nervous, knowing three, older, and more experienced Hufflepuff flyers we after me. But, after taking a deep breath, I faked to Jeremy, and threw towards the Hufflepuff goal...
"Sarah Potter makes the goal, Ten-Nothing Ravenclaw!"
"Great shot Potter!" Duncan shouted, hitting the bludger towards Cedric who was looking for the snitch above.
"Yeah, let's keep it going"! Jason added.
And we did.
After that first shot all my nerves had gone away. Not only did it prove that I could play this game, but also nothing odd had happened. My broom was steady and the bludger's only came after me at a normal rate.
As the match continued, the game was back and forth. Sure, I was scoring well, having scored forty points, along with Roger making fifty, and Jason getting another twenty. But the Hufflepuff's Chaser's were no joke,
Preece was leading their side with sixty, followed by Applebee with thirty, and Macavoy with ten, making to total score one hundred and ten Ravenclaw, to Hufflepuff's one hundred.
It was going to come down to Cho vs Truman.
"Sarah! Jeremy!" Roger roared as we regained the Quaffle. "Move into vertical formation! Time do grow our lead!"
Both me and Jeremy nodded, as Roger flew level with the goal rings, Jeremy below, and I above. This tactic seemed to confuse the Hufflepuff Chasers, and Keeper, as the three of us kept passing Quaffle back and forth, before finally Roger put the Quaffle threw the goal.
"Ten more points for Ravenclaw, who extend their lead One Hundred and fifty, to one hundred and twenty and...wait is that, it is, Cho Chang and Gabriel Truman have found the snitch!"
Lee Jordan's proclamation made us all pause, as we looked up. Sure enough their was a speck of gold, closely followed by both Cho and Truman, whom were neck and neck.
"Come on Cho." I whispered, before turning my attention back to the rest of the game, as we defended against Hufflepuff.
The next several minutes were agonizing as we couldn't increase our lead beyond thirty, far less than the one hundred and fifty point buffer that was needed to withstand the other team catching the snitch. Most eyes were glued to Cho, and Truman, who were now racing around the pitch. It was anyone's game...
"Chang and Truman are neck and neck, both are reaching out for the Golden snitch!" We all paused, and turned to watch along with the crowd as both Gabriel and Cho dove for the snitch. "Someone's caught it, but who..."
"I've got it!" Cho said, holding her hand up happily, while Truman looked to his own hand's in disappointment.
"Cho Chang has caught the Snitch! That makes the final score Three Hundred and Twenty, to One Hundred and fifty. Ravenclaw wins!"
Just like that it was over, Roger and Jeremy were high fiving, the Hufflepuff's were all landing with disappointed faces, and the pitch was being rushed by excited Ravenclaw's. After a moment in taking in the scene, I landed near the edge of the pitch, a satisfied grin on my face.
I got a few pats on the back as I made my way off the pitch, mostly from some older Ravenclaw's. I changed, and put my broom away, knowing that before I could celebrate, I needed to explain, to Harry, Lisa, and everyone else...
"There you are." I heard as I made my way out of the pitch. I turned to see Harry, Ron, Hermione, Lisa, and Anthony all standing their. Both Harry, and Lisa looked a mix of hurt, angry, and proud.
"Hey guys." I began, and Lisa stormed up to me.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She demanded.
"Tell us?" Harry added. "I mean, I told you when I made the team..."
I sighed. "I wanted to, I really did. But a precondition of me joining in the first place was I not tell anyone."
Lisa scoffed. "Really?"
"Really." I assured her. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry." Then I turned the group as a whole. "To all of you."
Lisa face finally softened, while Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I guess you're not the only one keeping secrets. I would be a hypocrite to be mad." Harry admitted. I let out a sigh of relief and turned to Lisa.
"Fine." She finally relented. "Just...promise me one thing."
"What?" I asked.
"Please, beat Slytherin when you play them. I really want to see Malfoy knocked down another couple of pegs."
"I'll try." I replied, as all of us began walking into the castle, Harry coming up to walk beside me.
"You were great." He said, and I smiled.
"Thanks, though I would wager we both have dad to think for our skill."
"He was a Chaser." Harry reminded me, and I smiled.
"He was."
"So, I guess were both rivals now." Harry said, and I nodded.
"Not until June."
"True, still, it will be fun to go against each other, even if were not directly competing."
"It will." I replied as we reached a fork in the corridors.
"Well, we best let you guys celebrate. Trust me, it's fun to be a winner."
"Oh, I know." I replied, Harry gave me one final nod, as he, Ron, and Hermione walked one way, and me, Anthony, and Lisa went another.
"So, you're not mad?" I asked Lisa, as we started up the spiral staircase to the Ravenclaw common room.
"I was for a little bit. But seeing as Roger and Cho made you keep it a secret, and the now obvious signs with the Notice me Not broken, it's more so funny. I mean, you came back late with the team multiple times a week, and no one cared. It was genius."
"All Roger's idea." I replied as we approached the eagle door knocker.
"Well, it all worked out in the end, though I'm sure Michael, and Terry are going to want a full explanation as well."
"Oh, I'm sure." I finished, as we all turned to the common room entrance.
"What type of tree can you carry in your hand?" The knocker asked.
"A palm tree." Anthony answered, and the door opened to reveal the party had already started.
"Sarah!" I heard as soon as we entered the common room, and sure enough Michael, and Terry were walking towards me, both looking cross.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Michael asked.
"Yeah, we would have kept it secret." Terry added.
I sighed. "Well, Roger and Cho wanted me kept secret, so I could be a surprise for Hufflepuff."
"Oh." Terry replied.
"That...make's sense." Michael added.
"I hope you guys aren't mad?"
"No worries." Terry began. "We figured their was a good reason."
"And that is, I mean, you were killing you up there. A natural."
"Just like your brother."
"Thanks guys." I replied, the two nodded, then headed off, as the party began in earnest, the Quidditch team being the center of attention.
Cho was quickly swarmed, the hero of the day. Roger was asked question after question about me, and the number of formations we used. Duncan, and Jason were given butterbeer to their hearts content. While I was approached by people I barley recognized, even some seventh years, who all congregated me.
Soon enough food was being served, how I had no idea, and the party was going well into the night. Most everyone was having a good time. Even Sandra had gotten off her high horse, and had congratulated me.
Then I saw Luna.
While no one was bullying her anymore, the poor girl was still very much an outcast. She did sit with us second years at lunch, yet outside of meals no one really talked with her. And now, during the peak of house unity in a after Quidditch victory party, the girl was sitting by herself, in the corner of the common room, as always reading the Quibbler.
Though she seemed unfazed, it still broke my heart.
Determinedly I started my way through the crowd, everyone once in a while person would pat my shoulder, or yell congratulations. Finally I emerged on the other side, pulled up a chair, and sat down next to Luna.
"Good evening Luna." I said, causing the girl to look up.
"Good evening Sarah." She replied in her usual dream like voice. "Great flying today."
"Thanks." I replied, looking down at the Quibbler. "What are you reading about?"
"The department of Mysteries is working on taming Aquavirius Maggots." Luna replied holding up the Quibbler for me to see, sure enough what looked like floating brains with an eyeball was pictured.
"Really." I replied, trying to take what the girl was saying seriously. "How interesting..."
"It is, what the Ministry is doing with such creatures is barbaric. Hopefully my dad's investigative journalism can shine a truth on this dark undertaking."
"I...sure hope so." I replied, and Luna looked me straight in the eyes.
"You're clearly confused with what I'm saying. Don't worry, I know it can be hard to believe, but trust me, it's true."
I simply nodded, not knowing how to respond.
"Anyways enough about me, like I said you were a wonderful flyer. No sign of losers lurgy in you at all."
"Thanks..."
"Not to mention your family natural skill at the sport. Your dad would have been proud of you today, especially since he was a Chaser as well."
I couldn't help and smile. "Thank you Luna, that really mean a lot."
"Don't mention it, now I best get some sleep. You know what they say, the later to bed, the more chance Nargles rest in your brain."
And with that Luna stood, and walked through the crowd towards the common room. Leaving me confused, but grateful towards the girl.
"Sarah!" Lisa screamed, knocking me out of my thoughts as she and Anthony fought their way through the crowd. "There you are, we've been looking all over for you."
"Sorry, I was just talking to Luna." I replied, the two shared a look, then nodded.
"Oh, well sorry for bothering you, we just wanted to tell you we're going to bed." Anthony explained, and I nodded, realizing how tired I was.
"That make's three of us." I replied, standing as we made our way towards the common room. We bid Anthony good night, before making our way towards the second year dorms.
"Well, today was certainly interesting." Lisa said as we entered our dorm, being the first two to do so.
"I have to be honest, I'm glad it's over. I mean, flying was fun, but keeping it a secret really took a toll."
Lisa nodded. "Well, I'm not going to pretend I wasn't upset at first, but, seeing as you were amazing, and helped us win, it was worth it."
I smiled. "I'm glad you're not mad."
Both of us changed into pajamas, then got into bed. "You know the best part about all this?" Lisa asked, and I looked at her curiously.
"What?"
"Smith's reaction tomorrow." Lisa replied with a smirk, and I laughed.
"Oh, his reaction I'm looking forward to." I said, just imaging the boy's rage.
"It's going to be wonderful."
I nodded. "It will be." I said before yawning. "It will be."