Changing from within

Chapter Nine

Changing From Within

Chapter Nine

Game Time

It appears coming back from the future has given us an advantage. Whereas we were all able to cast the Impedimenta Jinx first time, it takes the Slytherins a few tries before they are able to produce the same effects. And even then, Crabbe and Goyle only manage to slow a person for about a second.

But, having all semi-successfully cast the spell, we head back around the castle to the tree where we are all to meet. Getting there, we see Fred, George and Gemma have done more than we expected. The amount of Slytherins and Gryffindor's gathered around in little groups has to be at least three quarters of each house. The Hufflepuff contingents is tiny compared to the greens and reds. With only a handful of Ravenclaw's joining.

My idea on having multiple house teams appears to be flowing away down the lake to play with the giant squid – who I am still to lay eyes on. But, the turnout is still bigger than expected, so I head forward to where Fred, George, Adam, Gregor, Steph, Megan and Hannah are standing.

"Where's Katherine?" I ask as soon as I get in line with the others, facing at least half of the school population.

"Still trying to round up more Ravenclaw's," Gregor answers, "She got most of our year to come, she's working on the second years now."

"Oh, well good luck to her." I reply with a shrug off my shoulders.

"Should we just get started?" Steph adds, "I don't like the way that group of Gryffindor's is eyeing the Slytherin's." I look over to where she indicated where a group of sixth year Gryffindor's are eyeing a smaller group of fifth year Slytherin's.

"Good idea." I decide quickly, before turning to the Weasely twins. "You want to head this off? They are more likely to listen to you two than a bunch of first years."

With a nod off acceptance, the twins step forward and, in perfect synchronisation, lift their wands and send red sparks into the air. The large group quiet down, eyeing the twins apprehensively.

"Right, since you are all here,"

"We can take a guess you know the rules for this game," The twins start, various bystanders shake their heads in the positive.

"So we won't waste time,"

"Going over the mundane."

"Only the Impediment jinx is allowed."

"Two teams left standing fight at the end."

"Five hits and you are out."

"Any cheating, and you are,"

"Disqualified." My head hurts from keeping track of their twin speak.

"We will give you ten minutes to prepare."

"Outside only,"

"No bringing the game inside, as,"

"No magic is allowed in the corridors,"

"If you are out, come back here to sit and wait,"

"Or go inside."

"And,"

"Most importantly,"

"Have fun," The twins finish together. They then flap their hands, sending everyone away. I immediately turn to my best friends.

"Team up?" I ask, to which I receive nods in response. To my complete surprise, Daphne, Pansy, Tracy and Millicent come over to us.

"Can we team with you guys?" Tracy asks, fingering her wand as she watches the rest of the school split up into groups and head out, everyone discussing various strategies. To my pleasure, I notice some teams already have multi house people in them. One team in particular, includes two Slytherins, Three Ravenclaw's, a Gryffindor and a Hufflepuff, they are huddled together at the castle doors, talking readily between one another.