Lions, Magic, and Snakes

Chapter 4:

"Merlin, that was worthless! At least I'm only two chapters behind now though." I roll my eyes and sigh dramatically as I follow the trio down the hall. Ron and Harry chuckle along with me, but Hermione looks angry.

"You're right, that class is worthless and in our O.W.L. year too! How are we ever supposed to pass them with lessons like that?!" She says heatedly. I watch her curiously wondering what she might be plotting. "What we need is a real teacher..." I wait for her to expand, but she drifts off into her own thoughts. I shrug and turn to look back down the hall.

"So have I missed Quidditch try outs?" I ask changing the subject.

"If you get put in Ravenclaw you'll have missed them, but none of the other houses have done them yet." Harry says looking at me thoughtfully.

"Those are the super booky type, right?" I ask tilting my head. Ron snorts and Harry nods laughing. "Ya, I like books and stuff, but I don't think that's for me." I laugh brightly and they both have goofy grins on their faces. "We have some time before dinner, do ya'll want to go for a ride?"

"Hell ya!" They both yell and next thing I know we're racing through the corridors leaving a bewildered Hermione in the dust. I follow them down to the pitch my heart racing excitedly. Harry and I both have Firebolts, and Ron has a Cleansweep.

"I had to work my fingers to the bone for my mother, to get enough to buy this baby!" I say running my hand lovingly over the handle. "I polish it after every ride, it's my pride and joy!" I smile at it before mounting up. Harry and Ron give me almost dreamy looks that I completely miss. "Last one in the air has to eat frog brains!" I laugh wildly as I kick off.

I watch Harry and Ron racing after me laughing as well. We zoom around diving at each other and showing off like jackasses. My hair is a wild wreck when I pause in the middle of the pitch breathing heavily with sheer joy. Harry and Ron join me grinning ear to ear.

"You aren't half bad Moon!" Harry says playfully.

I roll my eyes, "You aren't either Potter!" He laughs and I turn to Ron, "Ron which of us is better?!"

He looks between the two of us and holds his hands up, "Oh no, I'm not going to get in the middle of that!" Harry and I laugh again.

"Fine fine, how about a race Harry? Ron can be the judge at the end." I give Ron a playful look, "If you can promise to be an impartial judge?" Harry looks at Ron then back at me.

"Of course he will be! He doesn't like me that much!" I snort and Ron laughs but nods.

"I can do that! You two start by those goal posts and we'll finish at the other side. I'll shoot up some green sparks to signal you." He says before zooming off towards the other end of the pitch. Harry and I head the opposite way.

"No hard feelings when I win, right?" I smirk playfully flipping my hair over my shoulder. He gives me a playful look his emerald eyes sparkling.

"I'm glad you have that much confidence, I hope I don't break it." He gives me a wicked look and I can't help but laugh so hard tears run down my face.

"Oh, you play dirty! Making me cry so I can't see the signal!" I chuckle finally getting myself under control and wiping my eyes clear. He gives me a shitty grin and I grin back teasingly. "Now down to business!" I say excitedly turning my broom to face Ron. Harry zooms over to the far side of the three goal posts on our side of the pitch, that way we have plenty of room between us. I hunker down over my broom watching Ron my heart hammering. As he lifts his arm, I tighten my grip bracing myself.

I count my breaths as I wait quietly for the signal. 'One... Two... Three... Four!' Green sparks shoot from the end of Ron's wand, extended high over his head. I urge my broom forward, and I rocket off. I flatten myself to the broom's handle as we streak down through the air. I know from experience that two people racing full speed on Firebolts look like blurs, and I imagine how cool I must look right now.