The Stone

Chapter Eleven

"Wait...you're joking?"

It was dinner time. Bella and Harry had just finished telling Ron what happened when they left the grounds with Professor McGonagall. Ron had a piece of steak-and-kidney pie halfway to his mouth but he'd forgotten all about it. Bella reached over and moved his hand down towards the table so it wasn't just hanging in the air. 

"Seeker? Keeper?" he said. "But first-years never - you both must be the youngest house players in about-"

"-a century," Said Bella shoving some potatoes in her mouth. She chewed quicky before swallowing, "Wood told us"

Ron was so amazed, so impressed, he just sat and gaped at them both. 

"We start training next week," said Harry nodding. "Only don't tell anyone. Wood wants to keep it a secret"

"And for good measure...if those Slytherin's found out..." Bella trailed off shaking her head thinking of Malfoy's reaction. She'd rather wait to see that when her first game of Quidditch starts.

Fred and George now came into the hall, they spotted Bella and hurried over knocking into a few people but they didn't care.

"Well done," said George in a low voice. "Wood just told us. We're on the team too - Beaters"

"I tell you, we're going to win that Quidditch Cup for sure this year," Said Fred grinning. "We haven't won since Charlie left, but this year's team is going to be brilliant. You both must be good, Wood was almost skipping when he told us"

Bella chuckled. "I would have paid to see that"

"Anyway, we've got to go, Lee Jordan reckons he's found a new secret passageway out of school"

"Bet it's that one behind the statue of Gregory the Smarmy that was found in our first week. See you"

The twins had hardly disappeared when someone far less welcome turned up: Malfoy flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, this time, Bella didn't hold back the snarl that left her lips and her mashed potatoes may or may not have found themselves in Crabbe's robes pocket...

"Having a last meal, Swan, Potter? When are you getting the train back to the Muggles?"

"You're a lot braver now you're back on the ground and you've got your little friends with you," Snarled Bella. There was, of course, nothing little about Crabbe and Goyle, but as the High Table was full of teachers, neither of them could do more than crack their knuckles and scowl. 

"I'd take you both any time on my own," said Malfoy. "Tonight, if you want. Wizard's duel. Wands only - no contact. What's the matter? Never heard of a wizard's duel before, I suppose?"

"Of course they have" Said Ron, wheeling round. "I'm his second, who's yours?"

Malfoy looked at Crabbe and Goyle, sizing them up.

"Crabbe," he said before looking at Bella with a smirk on his face. "Who's yours?"

"Erm..." She wanted to say Hermione, but she knew Hermione would never agree to it. "No one, I'm strong enough to take you on my own...you proved you're nothing but a scared little boy when I faced you in flying lessons...you'll be eating your words Malfoy, you watch"

Malfoy scowled and Bella thought she could see steam come out of his ears. "Whatever Swan, we'll see. Midnight alright? We'll meet you in the trophy room, that's always unlocked"

When Malfoy had gone, Bella, Harry, and Ron all looked at each other. 

"What is a wizard's duel?" asked Harry. "And what do you mean you're my second?"