meant to be (1)

14

"You're joking."

It was dinner time and Harry and I had just finished telling Ron what had happened when we had left the grounds with Professor McGonagall. Ron had a piece of steak-and-kidney pie halfway to his mouth, but he'd forgotten all about it.

"Seeker and Chaser?" he said, being amazed. "But first-years never- you must be the youngest players in about-"

"-a century" Harry said, shovelling pie in his mouth. He looked pretty pleased with what's happend today.

"Wood told us" I continued while reaching for the pudding in front of me. Ron was so amazed he just sat and gaped at us.

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

Fred and George now came into the Hall, spotted us and hurried over.

"Well done" said George in a low voice. "Wood told us. We're on the team too - Beaters"

"I tell you, we're going to win that Quidditch Cup for sure this year" said Fred. "We haven't won since Charlie left, but this year's team is going to be brilliant. You must be good, Wood was almost skipping when he told us."

"Anyway we've got to go, Mason and Lee reckon they've found a new secret passageway out the school"

"Bet it's that one behind the statue of Gregory the Smarmy we found in our first week. See you"

Fred and George had hardly disappeared when someone far less welcome turned up: Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle.

"Having a last meal? When are you getting the train back to the muggles?" Malfoy asked.

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

"I'd take you any time on my own" answered Malfoy "Tonight if you want. Wizard's duel. Wands only - no contact. What's the matter? Never heard of a wizards duel before, I suppose."

"Of course he has" I said angrily.

"I'm his second, who's your's?" Ron said

Malfoy looked at Crabbe and Goyle, sizing them up.

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

I watched them leave and saw how confused Harry looked. I had a feeling that Harry, like Malfoy had said, had no idea what a wizards duel is and was about to ask us what it was.

"What is a wizard's duel?" asked Harry. "And what do you mean, you're my second?"

"Well a second's there to take over if you die" Ron said casually, but that didn't seem to cheer Harry up. He looked rather horrified.

"People only die in proper duels, you know, with real wizards. The most you and Malfoy will be able to do is send sparks at each other. Neither of you knows enough magic to do any real damage. I bet he expected you to refuse anyway" Ron said quickly as he noticed his face expression as well.

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

"Throw it away and punch him in the nose" I suggested mockingly.

"Excuse me" someone said. We looked up and there was Hermione.

"Can't a person eat in peace in this place?" Ron asked. Now I noticed why Hermione thought that Ron didn't like her. Hermione simply ignored him and started talking to Harry and I.

"I couldn't help but overhearing what you and Malfoy were saying-"

"Bet you could" Ron muttered just loud enough that only the four of us could hear it. Hermione chose to ignore him once 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 very selfish of you"

I looked at her in shock. She just called me selfish after I comforted her and have been a good friend to her. I wanted to speak up and say something, but Harry did before I could.

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

"Julie, please you have to understand what I'm-"

"I understand everything you want to explain pretty well, but I'm not just going to sit around and do nothing when someone insults me or anyone else" I said.

"You can't-" she started

"Goodbye." said Ron coldly and we got up and left the hall.

I was furious at Hermione.