| HIDDEN IN SECRETS |

chapter twenty

A TASTE OF NORMALITY

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It was quiet for a while. There were no more attacks on the Muggle-born students. Though there were no more victims for the first month since everyone had come back, people were still scared. Not only did they fear another attack, but they feared the teachers would still give the final exams.

"How could they give us exams when some monster is attacking students," said Seamus Finnigan during a Transfiguration lesson. "I mean, how much do they expect of us? 'Clear your heads and prepare for your final exams' — how can we clear our heads when the Heir of Slytherin's attacking Muggle-borns."

"I wouldn't mind being petrified if it meant not having to take my exams," Longbottom spoke, looking down in shame.

"I can assure you, Mr Longbottom, that there will still be time for you to take your exams even if you have been petrified," Professor McGonagall assured, displeased after hearing their conversation. "Soon, the Mandrakes will be ready. We'll have the students back in no time."

Gilderoy Lockhart believed he – and only himself – had made the attacks stop. While the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors were lined up, Verena overheard him say, "I don't think there'll be any more trouble, Minerva. I think the Chamber has been locked for good this time. The culprit must have known it was only a matter of time before I caught him. Rather sensible to stop now, before I came down hard on him."

"Does he really believe everything has stopped?" said Terry, shaking his head. "It's obvious, isn't it? It'll strike again when we least expect it."

"You know, what the school needs now is a morale-booster," Professor Lockhart went on. "Wash away the memories of last term! I won't say any more just now, but I think I know just the thing... "

Professor Lockhart had never mentioned his ideas for a morale-booster again. Instead, Verena thought he had held off on his idea since another Quidditch match was to start over the weekend. On Saturday, a match between Ravenclaw and Slytherin would take place, and everyone couldn't wait. Gryffindor was leading, but Ravenclaw was just behind them. Even though Gryffindor wanted to win the Quidditch Cup, they cheered for Ravenclaw when they stepped out onto the pitch. No one wanted Slytherin to be in the lead.

"Nervous, Verena?" asked Cho, smiling sweetly.

"Not in the slightest," she replied, watching the Slytherin team walk onto the field.

"Remember what we've practiced," Roger said. "And Cho, find the Snitch before Malfoy does."

"No pressure, right?" Cho said anxiously.

"Right," he said, smiling. "Let's just have fun out there, but not too much fun. We have to win this game."

The two teams faced each other. The team captains shook hands, and on Madam Hooch's whistle, the fourteen brooms flew into the air.

"Better quit now," said Flint to Verena.

"She's not afraid of you, Flint," Roger said back, glaring at him.

Madam Hooch's whistle could barely be heard as the stands roared with cheers and applause. The Quaffle was thrown into the air. Verena swooped down first, successfully taking the Quaffle.

"And that's Salvador with the Quaffle – and for once, even I'll be cheering for her despite her— "

"Jordan, you are a commentator," Professor McGonagall reminded him.

"Oh! I always knew Miss Salvador would be a great addition to our House!" Professor Flitwick said excitedly.

"Salvador approaching the goalposts – she goes face to face with her brother – the tensions are high – she dodges Flint – soars over Pucey – she's getting closer – Slytherin's Keeper is getting ready to block and – she scores! Verena Salvador of Ravenclaw scores the first point. They lead ten to zero"