The Chaser's Heart

Year 5: The Buried Vault

A/N: Disclaimer, in case you haven't already noticed, this story isn't going to follow exactly the plot of the original Hogwarts Mystery story. I know things unfold differently in the real story, but this one is my version! It's going to start looking much different after this chapter. Enjoy!

'Penny!'

I located her quickly, on the fringes of a group of excited Hufflepuffs surrounding the Hufflepuff team and celebrating the victory.

'Nora! We won!' She shouted to be heard over the din.

I was taken aback. I was so used to Penny being so solemn, if not teary since her sister had been sucked into the portrait that her smile was almost unfamiliar to me. She was beaming now. I knew Penny loved Quidditch, and I was relieved that at least her house's win had given her something to be happy about. Even if it came at the cost of our thrift consecutive Quidditch Cup.

Before I could say anything at all to her, she wrapped her arms tightly around me, still bouncing in celebration. It seemed she had completely forgotten about the fact that I had been on the opposing team.

None of that mattered now anyway. My adrenaline was still high from the match, I wasn't sure if that was the cause of my nerves or the fact that I was sure that I was about to see my brother again.

'Penny,' I had to shout.

'We won!' She was still jumping and celebrating. I pulled myself free of her and grabbed her by the shoulders.

'It's time,' I said once she made eye contact and stopped bouncing.

'Time for what?' She laughed.

I raised an eyebrow at her, not wanting to say it out loud in case we were overheard.

'Oh!' She said, her eyes going wide in understanding. 'Now?'

'In about fifteen minutes, Rakepick's office,' I said quietly.

She nodded.

'Right,' she mused.

'Sorry to cut the party short,' I shifted uncomfortably on my feet.

'No! It'll only be better when Beatrice can join in!' She smiled again. 'Just let me change my clothes, who else do we need to tell?'

'Er... Charlie and Bill already know, Ben and Merula are meeting us there...'

'Merula?' She exclaimed. 'She's coming?'

Funny, I was a bit shocked she wasn't commenting on Ben Copper going. His fear of practically everything was legendary at Hogwarts.

'Rakepick's idea,' I grimaced. I didn't like Merula Snyde and didn't trust her farther than I could throw her. But like it or not, even I knew she was a powerful witch. Probably not the most powerful witch at Hogwarts, but still good. And as far as my brother was concerned, I would take all the help I could get.

'Right...' she rolled her eyes. 'Who else?'

'Murphy's just getting changed,' I replied. 'Plus us, that's everyone.'

'McNully?' She repeated, her eyes going wide again. 'Seriously? I know he's your boyfriend, but is that really a good idea?'

'What do you mean?' I countered, crossing my arms in front of my chest defensively. I knew what she was thinking. It was what everyone was thinking. But I was daring her to say it out loud.

'Oh, come on Nora,' she huffed. 'It's going to be dangerous!'

'I know that!' I spat back. 'You think I don't?'