The fourth eldest child of the Weasley family has had it hard. For one, she wasn't even a proper Weasley. She lacked her family's trademark red hair, and being the eldest girl, she got brand new robes each year. When Harry Potter finally returns to...
As November got underway, it started to get colder and colder. Ice started to form on almost every surface available outside the castle, and even the Black Lake turned to ice. Hagrid, the poor man, he was defrosting brooms on the Quidditch Pitch in a large moleskin coat. As the season changed, Quidditch Season began. The first match was between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Our team captain, Oliver Wood, hadn't let anyone see Harry play, as he was gonna be our secret weapon. However, that news leaked, and everyone was bombarding Harry with either praises or insults. Having Hermione join our little group was a blessing for Ron and Harry. She helped them with homework, especially Harry who was getting overwhelmed with Quidditch practice. Since joining our group, Hermione's desire to follow all the rules had diminished and she was more relaxed regarding them. The day before the first match of the season, we were out in the courtyard around a blue fire that Hermione had conjured and put in a mason jar. The four of us stood with our backs to the flame as Snape crossed the courtyard. He was limping, which was weird. We shifted so that the flame was blocked from view. However, something caught Snape's eye and he started to stride towards us. "What's there you've got there, Potter?" Snape demanded. Harry showed him the book he was holding, Quidditch Through the Ages. Snape scowled. "Library books are not to be taken outside of the school. Give it to me, five points from Gryffindor." Harry reluctantly handed the book over. Snape snatched it out of his hand and limped away.
"That's not even a school rule." I told my friends. "He's just out for us 'cause the match is soon."
"Wonder what's wrong with his leg." Harry commented.
"Dunno, but I hope it's really hurting him." Ron added.
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That night, the common room was noisy as usual. Harry, Ron, Hermione and I took up a spot near a window to finish our homework. Hermione was looking over the boy's Charms homework. Harry was antsy, and finally, he stood, declaring that he was going to try and get Quidditch Through the Ages back. "Rather you than me." Ron and Hermione chorused. Harry left the common room. About ten minutes later, Harry raced back into the common room and sat down again.
"Did you get it?" Ron asked. I then caught the look on Harry's face.
"Hey." I said softly, putting my quill back into the inkpot. "Are you ok?" Harry dropped his voice to whisper and explained to us what he saw and heard. Snape and Filch were in there together, the caretaker bandaging Snape's leg. Snape was talking about the Cerberus on the third floor.
"You know what this means?" Harry breathed. "He tries to get past the three-headed dog on Halloween! That's where he was going when we saw him, he's after whatever it's guarding! And I'd bet my broomstick he let that troll in, to create a diversion."
"No, he wouldn't." Hermione protested. "I know he's not very nice, but he wouldn't try and steal something Dumbledore was keeping safe."
"Honestly Hermione, you think all teachers are saints or something." Ron snapped at her. "I'm with Harry. I wouldn't put anything past Snape. But what's he after? What's that dog guarding?"
