Mischief not so Managed

5: Quidditch

Lia:

Term flew by as September floated into October and then November. Umbridge became insufferable as the weather grew colder and had begun to enforce new school rules that she was pulling out of Merlin knows where. Some stupid position she had called "High Inquisitor", what a load of rubbish. Quidditch season had started and the first match of the year was Gryffindor v. Slytherin. It was a dry morning, but starting to become cold as we drew near to Halloween. The Great Hall was radiating excited energy at breakfast that Saturday morning with students sporting their house colours and casual clothes, deciding whether or not to stick around for the match or head to Hogsmead for the day. I had slipped into a pair of dark jeans and boots and my Gryffindor jumper. The whole Gryffindor team sat at the end of the table close to the door as I entered. Ginny sat in close to Harry as they poured over reams of parchment. Angelia explaining some emergency changes. George and Fred leaned over them with Cormac seated across from them. "you coming to see the show?" George asked.

"wouldn't miss it for the world" I smiled "I've been waiting to see Ginny kick Malfoy's backside all summer". I winked to my friend. Angelina stuck her head up, clearly nervous. "Hey Ange, give em hell out there" My friend smiled and Alicia squeezed her shoulder. It was Angelina's first day out as captain, she hadn't slept a wink all night. Ron looked over his shoulder to the Slytherin table.

"They aren't going to know what's about to hit them" he said confidently. The entire Slytherin house were sporting badges engraved with pictures of Ron and chanting; "Weasley is our King", they made me feel sick for them. I bid my good lucks to the rest of the team and carried on. Cormac stumbled out from behind the bench and called after me.

"Lia! Hey, Lia"

"what Cormac" I turned quickly. He was only six months younger than me but had at least six inches on me. He stupid sandy blonde was gelled perfectly and his broad chest covered in Quidditch pads.

"are you coming to the party after the match?" he asked confidently crossing his arms.

"why does it matter to you?" I glared "you're only a reserve anyway, you probably won't even play", now, that took him off guard.

"well, I" he stumbled and muttered.

"Cormac" I was done fighting with him, "I broke up with you because I didn't want to be with you"

"I don't see why" he said smugly, looking around at all the other girls seated either side of us and winking. "just give me another chance"

"men" I muttered "good luck today, maybe a bludger will go off course and hit the bench, that way you might see some action". I walked away before he could say anything else and dropped into a seat half way down the table and dug into some scrambled eggs. A piece of paper materialised beside me seconds later with a pen next to it.

So, are you coming to that party or no? GW

I looked down the table to see George waiting expectantly with one cocked eye brow.

If you win, I'll consider it

I scribbled back and the paper disappeared. George and I had become close over the last six weeks. I helped him with potions homework and he distracted me from doing any work at all. I had started to get on with Fred too, which had at first seemed like an impossible task. The piece of paper returned with a small crack. I don't know what kind of magic those two had in these Weasley products of theirs but they were extremely handy.

Since we're basically undefeatable, I'll take that as a "I'll see you there" 😊

The small smiley face at the end warmed my heart. I took the piece of paper and folded it up putting into my jean pocket as I watched the team stand up and salute to the rest of the Gryffindor table to tremendous applause. George tipped a salute in my direction which I returned with a nod. Merlin, I hoped they would win, the teasing he would give me if I showed up and they had lost.

George:

We were in the tunnel ready to go. I was swinging my bat at my side. Fred bobbed on his toes to my left. Harry and Ginny were still talking emergency tactics up ahead of us as Lee Jordan's voice filled the stadium for the second. "Ladies and Gentlemen, our second team need no introduction. The reigning Quidditch Cup Champions. Gryffindor" the crowd erupted as the doors opened and we flew out two by two. "a few changes to the team this year" Lee's voice rattled around the crowds. "Angelina Johnston taking the roll of captain, remaining in her chaser position alongside Katie Bell and Alicia Spinet. Our returning beaters the notorious, undefeated and world renowned, Fred and George Weasley" the crowd went mad as Gryffindor flags appeared all over the stadium. I looked among the throng of red of and gold there she was, waving and screaming like mad. I thought of the note. She had kept it. Get it together George. "Returning as the undefeated seeker, Mr. Harry Potter! And making his Quidditch debut in the goals, Ronald Weasley" chants erupted from the Slytherin crowd, they mocked and teased relentlessly. I looked to Fred. Slytherin were going down. "On the bench the final of the Weasley contingant, Ginivera, untried Cormac Mclaggen, Andrew Kirk and Jack Sloper. Now over to Madame Hooch for the rules Madame Hooch strolled onto the pitch and laid the box out on the floor. I swung my bat, once, twice, three times anti clockwise as I watch the box rattle. Adrenaline thrummed through my veins. I was ready.

"a nice clean game" she warned, as she had for six years. the box rattled once more. She undid the clasps and off we go.