The Forgotten Prophecy [Book 2]

VII. Another Letter

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'Cause these words are knives that often leave scars.'
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        As October approaches, Quidditch season begins. I hold my broom close to my chest as we sit in the chilly locker room outside of the Quidditch field. Oliver Wood, the captain and Keeper of the Gryffindor team, looks down at us. "This is our last chance-- my last chance-- to win the Quidditch Cup," he tells us. "I'll be leaving at the end of the year, so I won't get another chance.. Gryffindor hasn't won in seven years. We've had the worst luck with injuries and the tournament being called off last year... But we also have the best ruddy team in the school," he says, grinning proudly at us. There is so much passion in his eyes. We nod agreeing with him. "We got three superb Chasers," Oliver says looking at Angelina, Katie, and I. "We've got two unbeatable Beaters," he says as he turns to Fred and George. "Oh, stop it Oliver, you're embarrassing us," Fred and George say, blushing. "And we've got a Seeker who never failed to win us a match!" Oliver roars as he grins widely at Harry. "And me," he adds, modestly. "We think you're very good as well," George says. "Spanking good, Oliver," Fred adds. Oliver smiles and continues. "The point is we should have had the Quidditch Cup the last two years. Ever since Harry joined the team, I thought we had it secured. But we haven't got it.. This is our last chance to see our name on it..." his voice trails off as he dreams. We all exchange looks. Everyone is feeling determined. "This will be our year, Oliver!" Fred shouts. "We'll do it!" Angelia adds. "Definitely!" Harry agrees. Oliver beams brightly as he leads us onto the field for our training.

The weather gets colder, but it doesn't make us any less determined. "I feel like we can totally win the cup this year!" I say to Fred, George and Harry as we head back to the common room. "That's the spirit," George says. We enter into the common room. All the students are talking excitedly. Hmm, what happened? "What happened?" Harry asks Ron and Hermione who are sitting by the fireplace. Fred, George and I follow him over to them. "First week at Hogsmeade," Ron says pointing to the old bulletin board. "At the end of October," he says. "Excellent. I need to visit Zonko's. I'm nearly out of Stink Pellets," Fred says. He grins over at me. "Can't wait to show you Hogsmeade," he informs me. I smile excitedly. Harry sighs as he sits down in the chair next to Ron. My smile fades as I remember Harry can't come. "Harry, I'm sure you can come next time," Hermione says, sensing his sadness. "Maybe you should ask McGonagall. I'm pretty sure--" "Ron! Harry is supposed to stay in school!" Hermione says, scolding him. "He can't be the only third year left behind.. Harry, ask McGonagall. She might let you," Ron says to Harry. "Yeah, I think I will," Harry says. Hermione shakes her head in disapproval.

"Ellie," a voice calls from behind me. I turn around and see Neville. "Hey Neville," I say smiling. "Would you like to do the Potions homework together? Unless, you're tired then it's ok," Neville says as he examines me in my Quidditch gear. I smile and shake my head. "Not at all. Let me just grab my things," I tell him. He nods as I head up to my dormitory. Finn sits on the table waiting for me. "Sorry, buddy," I say as I put down my broom. I change out of my Quidditch robes and into jeans and a sweater. Finn hops onto my shoulder as I grab my Potions textbook and notebook. I head back downstairs. "GET OFF YOU STUPID ANIMAL!" Ron shouts. I look over at him. Crookshanks is on his bookbag, slashing at it. "Ron don't hurt him!" Hermione cries. Ron tries to swing his bookbag to get the cat off it. The whole common room is watching. Scabbers flies out of his bag and Crookshanks runs after him. "CATCH THAT CAT!" Ron shouts as he runs after them. George lunges for Crookshanks but misses. Scabbers runs under the desk. Crookshanks tries to reach for him but can't fit. Hermione scoops him up as Ron catches Scabbers. "Look at him! He's terrified!" Ron says, holding Scabbers. "You keep that animal anyway from him!" "Crookshanks doesn't understand it's wrong!" Hermione argues back.