Agathokakological

Quidditch, Exams and Dragons

First Year

Chapter Nineteen

SNAPE WAS THE REFEREE AND HARRY WAS BEYOND NERVOUS. The annual Quidditch match, Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff, was drawing nearer. Everybody knew that Harry wasn't even close to being Snape's favorite student. It was safer to say that Harry was his favorite student to torture during Potions.

Ron, Hermione, and Ariadne had the idea from Malfoy to secretly practice the Leg-Locker Curse, but for different reasons. Ariadne had learned to add it to her arsenal of hexes if someone crossed her, where Ron and Hermione were ready to use it on Snape if he showed any sign of wanting to hurt Harry.

While Hermione and Ron kept an eye on Snape, Ariadne had the mission to keep an eye on Draco, should he try something funny. The match started, and everything was fine until Draco and his goons wanted to taunt the Gryffindors, Ariadne followed them.

As they arrived at the Gryffindor stands, Draco must have noticed Ron, Hermione, along with Neville on the stands and set his course towards them. Ariadne slightly panicked if he would attack them or something while they stood with their backs to the Slytherins, so she 'greeted' the Gryffindors.

''Hermione! Ron! Hey!'' Ariadne caught the attention of her friends, while she ignored Draco's glare and faced Ron and grinned. ''Oh, Weasley, look at you taking all the space. Wonder how long Potter's going to stay on his broom this time? Anyone want a bet? What about you, Weasley?''

Ariadne decided it was best not to do anything just yet and observe how things unfold. Ron didn't answer, and Hermione, who had all her fingers crossed in her lap, was squinting fixedly at Harry, who was circling the pitch, looking for the Snitch.

''You know how I think they choose people for the Gryffindor team?'' Malfoy said loudly a few minutes later.

''It's people they feel sorry for. See, there's Potter, who's got no parents, then there's the Weasleys, who've got no money. You should be on the team, Longbottom, you've got no brains.''

''Draco!'' Ariadne hissed at him while Neville went bright red but turned in his seat to face Malfoy. ''I-I'm worth twelve of you, Malfoy.'' Neville stammered.

Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle howled with laughter. Ariadne looked at him, impressed. Ron, still not daring to take his eyes from the game, said. ''You tell him, Neville.''

''Longbottom, if brains were gold, you'd be poorer than Weasley, and that's saying something.'' Ron's nerves were already stretched to breaking point with anxiety about Harry. ''I'm warning you, Malfoy, one more word-''

''Ron! Ari!'' said Hermione suddenly. ''Harry–!''

''Where?!''

Harry had suddenly gone into a spectacular dive, which drew gasps and cheers from the crowd. Hermione stood up, as Harry streaked towards the ground like a bullet.

''You're in luck, Weasley, Potter's obviously spotted some money on the ground!'' Malfoy said Ariadne had enough of his taunting and gripped him to the elbow. ''Draco-''

But before she could say anything, Ron snapped. Before Malfoy knew what was happening, Ron was on top of him, wrestling him to the ground.

''Ron!'' Ariadne got hold of the boy's robe to pull him away from Draco. Neville hesitated, then clambered over the back of his seat to help run and accidentally pushed Ariadne in the process, making her fall under the seat.