The Young Padfoot *Book One*

Gryffindor's First Win

Two months had passed since we had arrived at Hogwarts. It was the start of November now and the weather was getting colder and colder with every passing day. Without fail, every morning you would see Hagrid defrosting the broomsticks on the Quidditch pitch in his moleskin overcoat, rabbit-fur gloves, and enormous beaver-skin boots. He was doing this every day for one reason, and one reason only; Quidditch season had begun!

This Saturday would be Harry's first match; Gryffindor Vs Slytherin. If we won this match, we would move up to second place in the House Championship.

For the last few weeks, we didn't see a lot of Harry as Wood had him training most evenings. Hardly anyone had actually seen Harry flying as Wood had decided to use my phrasing and keep Harry as his 'secret weapon.' He had also planned to keep it secret that Harry was even playing at all but somehow the news had leaked out. At least twice a day, people would go up to Harry and either tell him that he would do great, or they would say that they'd be running under him with a mattress.

Because of all the training, Harry had started to fall behind with his classwork and homework; a fact that both Hermione and I had picked up on. So being the amazing friends that we were, whenever we actually saw Harry, we would help him with his homework so it was done quick and he could rest. Hermione had also lent Harry one of her books called Quidditch through the Ages.

It was great for Harry as he was actually picking up some useful things from it but not so much for us as he kept on blurting out random Quidditch facts. Today's fun fact was that there were seven hundred fouls that could be committed in Quidditch.

It was now the day before Harry's first match and the four of us were stood outside in the freezing courtyard during break. Hermione had managed to conjure a bright blue fire which could be carried around in a jam jar. It was quite cute actually. We had our backs to it to try and warm up when a certain greasy-haired teacher crossed the yard. Immediately, I noticed that Snape was limping. Knowing that the fire was probably not allowed, we repositioned ourselves so that it wasn't in his view. Unfortunately, we must have looked guilty as Snape came limping over.

"What's that you've got there, Potter?" Snape asked, looking down at Harry's hands which were clasped around the book.

Harry held up the Quidditch book and showed Snape.

"Library books are not to be taken outside the school. Give it to me. Five points from Gryffindor," Snape said, snatching the book and limping away.

"He's just made that rule up," I muttered angrily.

"Wonder what's wrong with his leg?" Harry asked.

"Dunno. But I hope it's hurting him," Ron said bitterly, making me 'hmm' in agreement.

"I mean, it explains the blood," Harry commented.

"Blood?" Hermione asked, as Ron and I shared a confused glance.

"Listen, last night, I'm guessing Snape let the troll in as a diversion so he could try and get past that three headed dog. But, he got himself bitten, that's why he's limping," Harry elaborated.

"But why would any sane person go near that thing?" I asked.

"The day I was at Gringotts, Hagrid took something out of one of the vaults. He said it was Hogwarts' business, very secret," Harry explained.

"So, you're saying..." Hermione trailed off.

"That's what the dog's guarding. That's what Snape wants."

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The next morning, we were all sat in the great hall eating breakfast. Well, all of us apart from Harry who was twirling his food on a fork.