chosen - harry potter

Chapter 6 - Midnight Wanderings

"You're joking."

Harry had told Ron and Cassia everything that Professor McGonagall and Oliver Wood, the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, had told him.

"Seeker?" Ron continued. "But first years never - you must be the youngest House player in   about—"

"— a century," Harry said. "Wood told me."

Ron was amazed; he just gaped at Harry. 

"Nice, Harry," Cassia said, her expression full of surprise. "That's incredible. We thought you were going to be expelled."

"I did too. I start training next week. Only don't tell anyone, Wood wants to keep it a secret," Harry said.

"Having a last meal, Potter?" Draco Malfoy, with Crabbe and Goyle, had approached their table. "When are you getting the train back to the Muggles?"

"You're a lot braver now that you're back on the ground and you've got your little friends with you," Harry said.

"Right, 'little' friends," Cassia snorted. Crabbe made a sound that resembled a growl.

"I'd take you on anytime on my own," Malfoy said. "Tonight, if you want. Wizards duel. Wands only, no contact. What's the matter? Never heard of a wizard's duel before, I suppose?"

"Of course he has," Ron said. "I'm his second, who's yours?"

"Crabbe," Draco said. "Midnight all right? We'll meet you in the trophy room; that's always unlocked."

The group of Slytherins sauntered away, and Cassia grimaced.

"Er, what is a wizard's duel? And what does that mean, you're my second?" Harry asked.

"Well, a second's there to take over if you die," Ron said, rather casually.

Harry looked mortified, so Cassia added on, "People only really die, though, in proper duels. You and Malfoy don't actually know enough magic to really hurt each other."

Ron nodded along like he meant to say that as well.

"And what if I wave my wand and nothing happens?" Harry asked.

"Poke him in the eye with it," Cassia suggested.

"Excuse me."

The trio looked up to see Hermione. Cassia's face lit up.

"Hi, Hermione."

"Can't a person eat in peace-" Ron started, but Cassia kicked him under the table.

"Hello Cassia," she said smiling. She looked at Harry, "I couldn't help overhearing what you and Malfoy were saying-"

"Bet you could," Ron muttered. Cassia flashed him a dangerous look, before listening to what Hermione was saying again.

"-and you mustn't go wandering around the school at night, think of the points you'll lose Gryffindor if you're caught, and you're bound to be. It's really selfish of you."

"And it's really none of your business," Harry said.

"Good-bye," Ron added on.

Hermione's face scrunched, and she spun on her heel to walk away quickly.

"Merlin," Cassia said, exasperated. She got up and followed Hermione to where she was sitting.

She felt awful for not spending more time with her and for how Harry and Ron treated her. There wasn't much she could do about it, though, she had tried talking to the two boys and they paid no mind to it.