My Tale {Book One in the Hermione Granger Series}

Chapter Sixteen

Madam Hooch came back from the Hospital Wing soon after. She then dismissed us. As I had more classes for the day, I went to the library to do my homework.

Soon it was dinner, and surprisingly, Harry was still here. He mustn't of gotten expelled, I thought. I then sat down near them, assuming that Harry would be telling Ronald what happened when he left with McGonagall.

"She then asked for Wood - Oliver Wood of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. And then she told Wood that she found a Seeker" Harry said.

"Who?" Ronald asked.

"Me!" Harry replied.

"But first years never get into the team. You must be the first -"

"In a century. McGonagall told me"

"I wanna see Malfoy's face tomorrow"

I looked around the great Hall and relished Malfoy was not here.

"He'll be shocked - after all, its all thanks to him".

Stupid Harry. Thinking that breaking the rules will end in no punishment. And yet, he gets rewarded! How is he ever going to learn?

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

　　Fred and George Weasley now came into the hall, spotted Harry, and hurried over.

　　"Well done," said George in a low voice. "Wood 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. "We haven't won since Charlie left, but this year's team is going to be brilliant. You must be good, Harry, Wood was almost skipping when he told us."

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

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

　　Fred and George had hardly disappeared when someone far less welcome turned up: Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle.

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

　　"You're a lot braver now that you're back on the ground and you've got your little friends with you," said Harry coolly. There was of course nothing at all 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 on anytime 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?"

No, no, no, I thought. What are they doing??? Haven't they got into enough mischief for one day? They are going to lose the points!

　　"Of course he has," said Ron, wheeling around. "I'm his second, who's yours?"

　　Malfoy looked at Crabbe and Goyle, sizing them up.

　　"Crabbe," he said. "Midnight all right? We'll meet you in the trophy room; that's always unlocked."

　　When Malfoy had gone, Ron and Harry looked at each other. "What is a wizard's duel?" said Harry. "And what do you mean, you're my second?"

　　"Well, a second's there to take over if you die," said Ron casually, getting started at last on his cold pie. Catching the look on Harry's face, he added quickly, "But people only die in proper duels, you know, with real wizards. The most you and Malfoy'll be able to do is send sparks at each other. Neither of you knows enough magic to do any real damage. I bet he expected you to refuse, anyway."

　　"And what if I wave my wand and nothing happens?"

　　"Throw it away and punch him on the nose," Ron suggested. "Excuse me."

　　I stood up and stood next to them

　　"Can't a person eat in peace in this place?" said Ron.

　　I ignored him and spoke to Harry.

　　"I couldn't help overhearing what you and Malfoy were saying --"

　　"Bet you could," Ron muttered.

　　"--and you mustn't go wandering around the school at night, think of the points you'll lose Gryffindor if you're caught, and you're bound to be. It's really very selfish of you."

　　"And it's really none of your business," said Harry.

　　"Good-bye," said Ron.

They then walked out of the hall. Never mind, I thought. I'll just follow them tonight.

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