Not Again//Harry Potter [2]

8

Autumn didn't know if it was because of the birds screaming outside of her window or Hermione hovering over her, shaking her wildly; but either way, she was awake.

"Wake up," Hermione said. "We're going to watch Harry's quidditch practice." 

Autumn slowly dragged herself out of bed. Staying up late in the Common Room had made her sleep less than she was used too. 

Once Autumn was dressed and ready to leave, Hermione shut a book and called out to her, "Autumn?"

"Yes, Hermione?" Autumn slipped her boots on. They felt tight around her toes -- she'd have to buy new ones soon.

"Remember your journal and how the pages were black?"

"Yes. . ."

"I found the counterspell."

The boot Autumn held fell to the ground with a loud thump. "No way. Can we do it soon?"

"It takes awhile, and finding it took a while too. I checked quite a few books, and the last book on the shelf had the counterspell."

"Exactly how long does it take?"

"It only takes one day and some time."

"Let's do it," Autumn said as they left the dormitory, but not before hugging Hermione and showering her in 'thank-yous'.

>>>

Autumn, Ron, and Hermione walked down the the quidditch field, holding their breakfast from the Great Hall. They all saw Harry walk out from the locker rooms.

"Aren't you finished yet?" Ron yelled.

"Haven't even started," said Harry. "Wood's been teaching us new moves." 

Harry sent to three an apologetic look as he ran back onto the field, ready to actually practice.

When Harry ran towards the field, Autumn's stomach began to turn. She wondered why she felt queasy, but it was explained to her as she heard the familiar voice in the back of her head.

"The ring cannot be found without trying, Clara. Maybe you will find something else while you look for the ring. . ."

Autumn felt a wave of relief as she realized no daydream was going to overthrow her sight. She set her focus back to the field, but groaned as a familiar shade of green robes walked onto the field.

"What is Slytherin doing here?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know, but I'm going to find out," Autumn said as she ran onto the field, Ron and Hermione following her.

Once they were on the ground, Ron was the first to speak. "What's happening?" Ron asked Harry. "Why aren't you playing? And what's he doing here?" Ron's finger was directly pointed at Malfoy, who was wearing bright green robes like the Slytherin Quidditch team.

"I'm the new Slytherin Seeker, Weasley," said Malfoy, smugly. "Everyone's just been admiring the brooms my father's bought our team."

Ron gaped, openmouthed, at the seven superb broomsticks in front of him. In bright silver, the stick said 'Nimbus 2001'.

"Good, aren't they?" said Malfoy smoothly. "But perhaps the Gryffindor team will be able to raise some gold and get new brooms, too. You could raffle off those Cleansweep Fives; I expect a museum would bid for them."

The Slytherin team howled with laughter.

"At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in," said Hermione sharply. "They got in on pure talent."