Jinx Not-So-Malfoy

Chapter 13

From that moment one, we forgave each other for everything that we had done to each other and became friends.

As we entered November, the weather turned very cold. The mountains around the school became icy gray and the lake like chilled steel. Every morning the ground was covered in frost. Hagrid could be seen from the upstairs windows defrosting broomsticks on the Quidditch field, bundled up in a long moleskin overcoat, rabbit fur gloves, and enormous beaverskin boots. The Quidditch season had begun. On Saturday, Harry would be playing in his first match after weeks oftraining: Gryffindor versus Slytherin. If Gryffindor won, we would move up into second place in the housechampionship.

I struck up conversation with Oliver Wood, the Quidditch captin, about the wonderful sport. I told him I was playing on trying out for the team in a couple of years. He looked me over and said I'm be a good chaser, but not much of a keeper. I told him I'd take whatever position he's got, so he appointed me back-up chaser for next year. I told him I also played seeker, but he said he didn't want the game to depend on a little first year girl if Harry couldn't play. I stuck my tongue out at him and called him a non-llama.

The day before Harry's first Quidditch match we were out in the freezing courtyard during break, and she had conjured them up a bright blue fire that could be carried around in a jam jar. We were standing with our backs to it, getting warm, when Snape crossed the yard. I noticed at once that Snape was limping. Harry, Ron, and Hermione moved closer together to block the fire from view; they were sure it wouldn't be allowed. I just stood where I was standing, wondering what kind of shampoo Snape used. Unfortunately, something about their guilty faces (I was still thinking about the shampoo) caught Snape's eye. He limped over. He hadn't seen the fire, but he seemed to be looking for a reason to tell us off anyway.

"What's that you've got there, Potter?" It was Quidditch Through the Ages, a library book Hermione had found. Harry showed him.

"Library books are not to be taken outside the school." said Snape. "Give it to me. Five points from Gryffindor."

"He just made that rule up." Harry muttered angrily as Snape limped away. "Wonder what's wrong with his leg?"

"Dunno, but I hope it's really hurting him." said Ron bitterly.

"I bet he went after whatever that giant dog's guarding, and it got him." I said evilly.

"What makes you think that? He's a Hogwarts teacher." Hermione said.

"Even the good can go bad." I said darkly.

"You have evil thoughts for someone so small." Ron said. I slapped him on the arm. Everyone called me small. It was true, I was shorter that everyone else (Execpt maybe Neville) but still.

The Gryffindor common room was very noisy that evening. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and I sat together next to a window. I had moved my chair over so I could sit in my chair, by a window, and with my fraaaaaaands. Hermione was checking Harry and Ron's Charms homework for them. She would never let them copy ("How will you learn?"), but by asking her to read it through, they got the right answers anyway. While getting up, Harry told Ron and Hermione he was going to ask Snape if he could have Quidditch Through the Ages back.

"Better you than me." Hermione and Ron said together.

"I'll go with you." I said. My homework was done, and I was bored.

We made our way down to the staffroom and knocked. There was no answer. Harry knocked again. Nothing. He pushed the door ajar and peered inside-- and a horrible scene met our eyes. Snape and Filch were inside, alone. Snape was holding his robes above his knees. One of his legs was bloody and mangled. Filch was handing Snape bandages.