Up and Down

Arrogance and Humility

Special thanks to my dear friend Xanti for helping this chapter actually make sense.

It would all have been much simpler if they were in the same House.

You've ambition enough, I dare say. The serpent's mantle would suit you well... but would you be happy to slither in the shadow instead of soaring in the light?

The lazy drawl of the Sorting Hat in her ear still sometimes haunts her dreams.

Make a choice, it said. Make a choice, for it cannot choose for her. Not for her. Make a choice, it said, though you know naught of this choice you are making or its consequences.

Feathers or scales, wisdom or wiles.

It would all have been much simpler-

The Bludger crashes into her and she barely clings onto her broom.

"Watch it, Zabini!" Sebastian's angry shout pierces the frigid air as Anna rights herself, still reeling from the impact.

"Shut it Sallow, she's on the opposing team! What the fuck am I supposed to do?!"

"Not try to commit a bloody murder!"

Anna dives under the Beater as Amanda passes her the Quaffle and zips past Imelda who has clearly had enough of this joint exercise. The Slytherin captain tries to block her but she has to duck a roaring Bludger sent from the Ravenclaw side as Anna speeds up, flush with the broom handle.

"Bloody hell, Sallow, watch the rings!!"

"Shit-"

Anna twirls past Sebastian to throw the bright red ball into the rightmost ring.

"Merlin's hairy balls, Sallow!" Imelda body-slams into Sebastian, their brooms colliding with a loud crash, "your Birdie is a first-rate Chaser, she doesn't need your sorry arse protecting her! Bludger hits happen! Watch the bloody rings or I'll find someone else to keep them!"

The tiny captain shakes Sebastian - who is about twice her size by this point - by the collar with every other word.

"I know, I know, Reyes, calm your fucking tits!"

"Only if you can stop thinking with your fucking dick!"

Anna exchanges a look with Amanda as they wait for the Slytherins to retrieve the fallen Quaffle, as per the rules, though the remaining two Chasers seem to be more interested in watching Imelda and Sebastian squabble.

"I wonder if that's every practice of theirs," Tony hovers beside them, arms crossed, waiting patiently for the friendly game to possibly resume.

Friendly as in between the teams, not... whatever this is.

Sienna and Severn, who were practising catching the snitch by charming cricket balls to zip at each other, fly over to watch the fight as well.

"Should we stop this?" The former asks nervously. Severn shrugs.

"They usually aren't this hostile."

"I... think we should wrap it up," Anna pinches the bridge of her nose in frustration.

"One of you should not play the bloody game," Zabini joins them in spectating the altercation, his bat resting on his shoulder, "don't think he'll be able to keep it together when you're in the field."

"Then Sallow should sit it out," Sienna arches at the Slytherin Beater, who shrugs.

"Those two lovebirds have caused everyone enough trouble by fucking around. They both should be benched if you ask me."