Secrets Only Trouble Knows - George Weasley

33 - The Rogue Bludger

I'd never had more positive encounters with my fellow students than I did in the wake of my prank against Professor Snape. It was strange, experiencing such a difference — instead of snide remarks for being who I am made behind my back like I was used to, I had people approach me and praise me for what I'd done. Some younger kids even asked me to sign their copy of the photograph of Snape they'd picked up.

It was so intriguing the way public opinion changed on a dime. I wondered how long it would last until things went back to normal and they all remembered who my father was. But for the time being, I enjoyed the break and the feeling that I was even the slightest bit cool.

Contrary to what I'd been expecting, my mother wasn't nearly as angry with me for my mischievous actions as I'd feared. She wasn't thrilled to learn I'd have two consecutive weeks of detention on my academic record, but I think the fact that what I'd done had happened to Snape of all people really softened the blow. She wasn't a fan of the man herself from her school days, so she found it all a bit funny. Had I accidentally pranked any of my other professors, she might have felt differently. I took the little victory.

Talk only diverted to something else when the next Saturday arrived, which brought with it an infamous battle between the Houses: a Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Quidditch match.

My brother, Harry, Kol, and the Weasley twins were nervous. Excited, too, yes, but certainly very nervous. Slytherin had always been our biggest rival but they wanted the win extra hard today, especially after all the tension this term with Draco Malfoy and Graham Montague.

Around eleven o'clock, what felt like the entire school made its way down the hill to the pitch in one giant horde. I walked with Hermione and Ron and gave plenty of pep talk to our friends that would be playing today. They certainly needed the encouragement — if not because of the team they were playing, then because there was a big storm rolling in. It was dreary and cold outside and, just when we had approached the door to the locker room to say goodbye, thunder boomed in the air.

"Think it's safe to say it'll be a nasty one on the field today," Jasper frowned, glancing up at the sky. "As if we needed more to stress about."

"A little rain's nothing to be afraid of," Fred tried to offer reassurance.

"You'll all do well, I know it," I told them. "Just look out for one another, okay? Especially if it does start to pour. Your greatest strength is each other."

The boys smiled appreciatively. They came over one by one to offer a grateful hug, then departed to enter the locker room.

"So inspirational," George teased me, the last of the group to bid farewell. "You ought to write a book."

"I do journal. Does that count?" I joked back, earning a laugh from him.

"In all seriousness," he said, "thanks for the words of encouragement."

I shrugged.

"I could tell you all needed it. Especially Harry... I know he's anxious about going against Draco for the first time. Keep an eye on him for me?" I asked hopefully. "You know, when possible..."

"Of course," he replied with a kind smile.

"Thanks, George."

"Ready, Nov?" Ron called out from behind, breaking us up. He and Hermione had already started retreating in the direction of the stands. "We need to find our seats."