Author's Note: Hello everybody! I'm back! Sorry, it's taken me such a long time to update (fizzing whizzbee), but I did it for special reasons. This chapter has been done for quite awhile, in fact, Chapter 30 is done too, but it's currently being beta read and I don't expect it back for awhile. Nitya has state required standardized testing to go through (good luck Nitya!) and poor Kalie's computer decided to die. It's going to be awhile before I get 30 back. So I held off Chapter 29 until today for one special reason: one year ago today, I posted the first chapter of MoL. It's actually been a year! So, to celebrate, I've gone back and reread this entire story, fixing as many mistakes as I could find, including Sirius' vault number (thank you Scholastic for not putting that in the American version of PoA). So anyway, I'll let you read and I hope you enjoy it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
COLD EQUATION
Life at Hogwarts since Percy's arrival was just a little above bearable. The ambitious Praetor was keeping his eye on everything, obviously trying to impress someone, but no one honestly cared. It was his haughty and controlling nature that was driving everyone crazy, most noticeably Ron.
"He must think that if the killer is caught while he's here he can take all of the credit and receive a promotion," Ron spat at breakfast a few weeks later. "Everyone knows he wants to be the youngest Minister of Magic!"
"Well, you'll get to get away from him today," Hermione said. Today they were going to Hogsmeade with the rest of the students, all of them chattering happily about getting out of the castle and away from the overbearing Praetor.
A dreamy look came over Ron's face. "Off to Honeydukes to pick up chocolate frogs…sugar quills…"
"I'd like to go to Scrivenshaft's myself," Hermione said, sipping her pumpkin juice.
"What? For new quills?" Ron asked. "Don't you already have a hundred of them?"
"For other supplies too, Ron," Hermione said irritably. "Besides, weren't you complaining the other night that you needed a new bottle of ink?"
"Yeah, but Harry gave me one of his," Ron said.
"Meaning you should still buy some more," Hermione shot back.
"I'd rather buy a butterbeer," Ron said simply.
"I'll buy the butterbeer, you buy your inkbottles," Harry said, finishing off a piece of toast.
Ron's ears went red. "You don't have to."
"I want to," Harry murmured.
"There you go," Hermione said. "We're definitely going to Scrivenshaft's."
"Yeah, yeah," Ron groaned. "Just wipe the smirk off your face, would you?"
Hermione scowled. "I do not have a smirk on my face."
"Well, you did."
"I did not!"
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"Children," Harry chided, "if you can't play nice then you can't play at all, meaning no Honeydukes or Scrivenshaft's, clear?"
Hermione sighed. "Sorry. That was pretty childish of us."
Ron, however, was pouting. "You're not really going to take away our trip to Honeydukes, are you?"
At that, Harry laughed. "If you behave."
Another pout had Hermione laughing too. "Oh Ron, you're incorrigible. Now come on, let's go get ready."
They jumped up and headed out of the Great Hall, passing those who had already gotten ready and were coming back. They quickly made their way up to Gryffindor Tower and to their dormitories where they grabbed their cloaks, scarves, gloves, and hats before meeting up in the common room again.
"We're going to Honeydukes, right?" Ron asked pleadingly.
Harry couldn't help it-he doubled over in laughter. "Yes, Ron, we're going to Honeydukes."
He pumped his fist into the air in triumph. "Then let's go!"
Harry and Hermione shared a look and grinned as Ron led them out of the portrait hole and all the way back to the entrance hall. The hall was filled with students getting ready to head to Hogsmeade, all of them chattering happily with their friends. The only one who wasn't talking with anyone else was actually heading their way, causing Ron to groan.
"Not Loony," he hissed in Harry's ear.
Harry rolled his eyes and smiled as Luna Lovegood approached them. "Hello Luna, how are you?"
"Good," she replied absently. "And you?"
"I'm fine."
"What about you, Ronald? Alright?"
"Er-yeah, alright."
She glanced over at Hermione. "And you?"
"I'm fine too," Hermione replied.
"Going to Hogsmeade?" Harry asked.
"Oh, yes," Luna said vaguely. "I'm in need of some supplies."
Harry nodded. "Well, maybe we'll see you in the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer." He suddenly felt a sharp pain shoot through his foot as Ron stepped on it.
"Perhaps," Luna said and looked over at the doorway where Filch was preparing with his roll of parchment. "It's time to go get in line."
"Then we better get in it," Hermione said, touching Harry on the shoulder.
Harry nodded. "We'll see you, Luna," he said and followed Ron and Hermione into the line.
Ron shook his head. "Did you have to invite her for a butterbeer?"
Harry frowned. "I was just trying to be nice. She's not as bad as everybody thinks. A little quirky, sure, but not bad."
"No," Hermione agreed. "Quirky, but not bad, although I find her logic to be quite skewed."
Harry grinned. "That's what makes her quirky."
"Quirky is weird, and I don't like weird," Ron muttered as they moved with the line.
"That's because you're not open-minded," Hermione replied.
"And you are?" Ron shot back. "You hated the idea of a Crumpled-Horned Snorkack as much as the rest of us."
"That's because there's no proof it exists," Hermione whispered harshly. "I'm not about to believe in something that no one's ever seen before!"
Ron grinned. "Our open-minded Hermione."
"Weasley…Potter…Granger…" Filch muttered, ticking their names off as they strode through the door.
Hermione scowled at Ron. "Otherwise," she said, "I'm perfectly fine with Luna."
"Sure," Ron muttered.
Hermione let out an exasperated huff and marched ahead, leaving Harry and Ron behind. Harry frowned. "Nice one," he murmured to Ron. "Now she'll be like that for the rest of the day."
"Are you taking her side on this?" Ron asked, indignant.
"You're acting like a git, Ron," Harry said testily. "Does it really matter if Hermione likes Luna or not?"
Ron frowned slightly but said nothing.
"Maybe you should apologize," Harry murmured.
Ron gaped at him. "Apologize! Are you mad? The last thing we need for her is to be on her high horse with her nose in the air because she thinks she's right!"
"It's not up to you to say if what she thinks about someone is right or wrong. Those are her personal feelings, not yours, so lay off," Harry said.
Ron opened his mouth to day something, then shut it and looked at his feet as they walked. After several moments he finally said, "You're right. I don't know what it is about her that makes me act like such an arse, but I do. She just annoys me so much sometimes."
"You're just so easy to get riled up," Harry remarked. "Your temper is as red as your hair. Maybe we should dye it blue or something."
Ron scoffed. "You can't be serious!"
Harry chortled. "Of course not! Honestly, Weasley, you'll believe anything!"
"Uh-huh," Ron said dangerously while slipping out his wand. "Let's see how your hair looks blue, Potter!"
Harry laughed. "You can't turn my hair blue if you can't catch me!" he said and ran. He was catching up to Hermione when he heard the incantation from behind. "Hermione-duck!"
She turned, a furious look on her face, and saw the spell coming at both her and Harry. Eyes widening, she ducked as Harry grabbed hold of her, and tumbled to the snow-covered ground when they lost their footing.
"Harry!" she shrieked. "What-"
Ron cackled above them. "Got you now, Potter!" he said triumphantly.
Harry looked up at Ron with a pleading look in his eyes. "No, Ron, please, don't do it! Don't turn my hair blue!"
Hermione's shocked face contorted into one of amusement. "Blue?" She took Ron's hand when he offered it and helped herself up, before turning and helping Harry. "He wants to turn your hair blue?"
Harry nodded and looked at Ron. "You won't do it, right?"
Hermione fingered an unruly lock of hair on his head. "I think blue would be a lovely shade for you, Harry," she said, giggling.
Ron grinned. "Yep. Sorry mate, but your hair is…" He trailed off as three fourth year girls passed, each of them giggling and glancing at Harry. "What's their problem?"
"I dunno," Harry replied, watching them go. One of them was carrying a magazine in her hand. "Let's get to Hogsmeade though, okay. Some Honeydukes fudge sounds really good right about now."
Ron nodded. "After that we can go to Scrivenshaft's so Hermione can buy everything she needs for her quills."
"Don't forget your inkbottles, Ron," Hermione added as they continued walking.
"How could I forget, Mum?" Ron asked, sending a lopsided grin at Hermione, making her laugh.
They entered Hogsmeade village and went straight to Honeydukes, which was already packed with students. The moment they walked in, Ron took off for the large display of chocolate frogs while Harry and Hermione looked around at the other displays.
"Coconut Clouds," Hermione read off as they passed a rather large display of cotton candy-looking sweets.
"Not a very good idea for wintertime," Harry murmured and then eyed the fudge.
About an hour later, the three walked into the Three Broomsticks with their purchases in hand. Heading out was Pansy Parkinson and her gang of Slytherin girls. She eyed Harry as they passed and said, "I can't believe he beat Ingo Blackpool. He's not even that cute."
"What are they talking about?" Harry muttered as they found a table and sat down.
"No idea, mate," Ron replied.
Hermione glanced around the tavern. "Be right back," she murmured and got up.
Harry sighed. "Come on, let's go get the butterbeers," he said to Ron.
They walked up to the bar and ordered three butterbeers, and by the time they returned, Hermione was sitting back down, reading a magazine, her eyes wide.
"What d'you got there, Hermione?" Ron asked and lifted up one side so he could read the title. "Teen Witch!" He then focused on the picture on the cover. "Blimey!" He smacked it down.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
Hermione closed the magazine quickly and shoved it roughly underneath the table. "Nothing, Harry."
"Nothing my arse-what's up?" he asked Ron.
"You don't want to know, mate," Ron said, sending him a pitying look.
Scowling, he launched himself at Hermione in a mad attempt to get the magazine from her. "Let me see it," he demanded as she tried to fight him off.
"Trust me, Harry, you don't want to," Hermione breathed raggedly, trying to push him back, but Harry managed to get a hold of the magazine and snatched it away from her.
"Now, let's see what…" he trailed off when he saw his own face looking back up at him, smiling nervously. He recognized it to be the same picture that had been used in the interview he gave for Rita Skeeter and The Quibbler nearly a year ago. He opened up the magazine and rifled through it until he saw his name underneath the legend "The 21 Hottest Wizards Under 21." He groaned. Along with his name was a lengthy article and a picture of him sitting on a bench with snow around him during their second Hogsmeade visit. Harry suddenly remembered seeing a flash of light. "Those bastards," he whispered fiercely.
Ron could only shake his head. "And you're number one, mate," he murmured. "Well, that should make you feel good. Witches everywhere think you're hot."
Harry scowled as he read the article. "Oh good God," he groaned, "The mysteriousness that surrounds Harry Potter only adds to his sex appeal." He looked up at Ron and Hermione blankly. "I've got sex appeal?"
"You've apparently got something," Ron said. "So, shall we cast a permanent Disillusionment Charm on you now or later?"
Hermione smacked him. "Ron!"
Harry turned the page to see a rather roguishly good-looking wizard with light brown hair smirking back at him. He read the caption below the picture aloud, "Rising star and Australian singing sensation Ingo Blackpool, age 19, comes in second. His lyrics are currently rocking the WWN's charts."
"Ginny's spoken of him," Hermione said, taking the magazine back and flipping the page before scoffing. "Oh, too busy with work, are you?" she muttered angrily at the picture of Viktor Krum, who had come in third.
Ron sneered. "Has time to take pictures for a girly magazine to get publicity, but not enough to give a rat's arse about you. Some friend."
Hermione closed the magazine with more force than necessary and strode off to go return it. Harry and Ron finished off their butterbeers and when she came back, Ron suggested, "How about we get out of here?"
They were just reaching the door when it swung open and Luna Lovegood walked in. "Hello," she said. "I suppose I just missed you three for butterbeers."
"Yeah," Ron replied. "We were just leaving."
"A shame," Luna said and turned her eyes towards Harry. "I saw your article in Susie Shinderling's copy of Teen Witch. Quite the stunt they're trying to pull, isn't it?"
Harry frowned. "Yeah."
"It's a bunch of nonsense if you ask me," she said airily. "People have eyes and don't need to be told who the most handsome young wizard around is." Her gaze flickered slightly to Ron. "All that magazine is doing is demeaning itself."
Hermione nodded in agreement. "Care to join us, Luna?" she asked. "We were planning on taking a walk."
Luna nodded. "I'd love to."
They walked out along High Street when Luna suddenly asked, "Have you gotten any leads on who killed Sinead and that other girl?"
Harry frowned. "Did you know her?"
"Sinead?" Luna nodded. "I knew her because she didn't find me…crazy. She and her sister liked to talk to me. I enjoyed their company. Siobhan's a wreck."
Harry sighed and then looked around to make sure nobody was near them. Suddenly, he caught sight of a woman with short blonde hair and icy blue eyes walking down the street. "Frost," he muttered.
Ron and Hermione spun around. "Shouldn't she be at the school, investigating? Percy's not giving the Aurors any time off," Ron spat.
"I dunno," Harry replied and turned away.
"Maybe she's here to look after us," Luna said, and received three scoffs of disbelief.
"I sincerely doubt it," Ron said.
"Ever notice that she has thorough eyes?" Luna asked. "I'm surprised she hasn't noticed something that would lead the Aurors to the killer."
"They're more like ice shards," Ron commented. "She'll freeze you as she looks at you."
Suddenly a voice echoed in Harry's mind…"The eyes…such…blue…eyes."
"Bloody hell!" he gasped.
The other three turned to him. "What is it?" Hermione asked, alarmed.
He glanced at Luna for a moment, but then thought it was safe enough. "Sinead. Right before she died, she mentioned the eyes…'Such…blue…eyes.' It's another strike against Frost-she's got blue eyes!"
Luna looked slightly confused. "Mara Frost? The killer is Mara Frost?"
"She's a Death Eater, not that you're supposed to know that," Ron hissed.
"A Death Eater? Really?" She displayed no interest in this information, not that Harry found that unusual for her.
"We think she made sure she got the assignment and then contacted Voldemort," Harry told her.
"It's an interesting theory," Luna said.
"It's not a theory," Ron shot back. "It's the-" And suddenly the air become extremely cold.
Harry stepped back and looked around, the air becoming chillier yet. He felt all of the happiness begin to seep out of him. "No," he whispered.
"What's happening?" Ron asked, his once annoyed voice now taking on a fearful edge.
Hermione was looking around as well. "They can't be here, can they?"
"Who?"
"Dementors," Harry answered and then, to his horror, he saw nearly three dozen of them turn a corner and enter High Street. People screamed. "Come on!" he shouted, running towards the cloaked demons and taking out his wand.
He was busily summoning his happy thought when someone jumped out from a doorway and tugged on his arm. It was Justin Finch-Fletchley, and he had a look of absolute terror on his face. "What do we do, Harry?"
Harry yanked his arm away. "Think of a happy thought and use the Patronus Charm!"
"But Harry-I've lost Ginny!"
"YOU WHAT?" Ron bellowed from behind. "My sister!"
"Don't worry, we'll find her!" Harry said. "Now help me out!"
Ron turned and looked at the approaching dementors. "Think of a happy thought…think of a happy thought…think of a happy thought…"
Harry searched his brain for a happy memory, and came up with his Quidditch Cup victory in his third year, how happy he was when he was hoisted onto several Gryffindors' shoulders with the silver Quidditch Cup gleaming as he held it high. With a slight smile he shouted, "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" and watched as a silver stag burst from his wand tip and charged at the approaching dementors. They drifted back and floated away from the Patronus, heading elsewhere. "Split up!" Harry ordered. "Justin, go with Ron and Luna. Hermione, with me!"
Ron looked thoroughly frightened. "Right," he said and ran off, Luna and Justin taking off with him.
"We've got to drive them out of town!" Hermione said, trying to keep her voice calm, but Harry noticed the slight tremble at the end.
"Got your happy thought?" Harry asked her, looking around as people ran in all directions, dementors dispersing every which way. Hermione nodded. "Then let's go get them!"
They ran off after the closest three dementors. Then, in unison, both cried, "Expecto Patronum!" and both a stag and an otter shot out, hovered slightly for a moment, and then took off after the dementors.
"Get 'em, Prongs," Harry said in pride.
"Harry! Look!" Hermione cried suddenly.
Harry turned-and gasped. Two dementors were heading into two separate buildings. "Go! We've got to stop them!"
He ran off after the one on the left; Hermione took the building to the right. When he ran in, he saw a person in a Hogwarts cloak cowering before the dementor. "No you don't! Prongs!" The silver stag was right behind Harry and it charged at the dementor, driving it backwards and towards Harry. He got out of the way just in time.
The student-a Hufflepuff girl-stared up wildly at Harry. "Thanks for that," she gasped as he hauled her up.
He nodded and looked around the room, realizing he was in the Gladrags Wizardwear shop. "If another one of those things comes in here, find yourself a happy memory and conjure a Patronus, okay?"
An older wizard nodded. "Blimey, Harry Potter. No wonder you're the Boy Who Lived."
Even in the grave situation, Harry felt some color rise into his cheeks. "Er-thanks, I think." He turned and ran back out into the street and saw Hermione coming out of Scrivenshaft's. "Did you get it?" he called. She nodded. The dementors seemed to be leaving the area, but Harry wanted to make sure they were leaving the village. "Come on!"
They followed the dementors down High Street, a fresh stag Patronus charging after them. Suddenly, Harry ran right into Ginny, who was accompanied by Justin. "OW-they found you!"
"They? Justin did," Ginny replied, backing away from the sight of the dementors.
Harry looked at Justin. "Where's Ron and Luna?" he snapped.
"I dunno! We got separated. They were heading towards the Shrieking Shack! I found Ginny in Honeydukes," Justin replied.
Harry looked over at the retreated dementors and noticed-to his horror-that they were heading towards the Shrieking Shack. He cursed. "Let's go!"
They ran as fast as they could towards what was known as the most haunted building in all of Britain, and just as they got there, they saw a terrible sight-
Ron and Luna were lying on the ground, unconscious, as the dementors swarmed around them. Then, two dementors floated forward, their scabby hands reaching out to grab Ron and Luna, bringing them closer and closer to their hooded faces.
"RON!" Ginny screamed.
Harry ran forward. "Expecto Patronum!" he yelled, but only whips of silver floated out from his wand. He stared at his wand tip in horror. "No!" He closed his eyes tight and fought for a happy memory. The first one that popped into his mind was how his misery seemed to evaporate as he pressed his lips to Hermione's in the Room of Requirement not a few weeks ago.
"HARRY!" Hermione shrieked.
He opened his eyes and saw that the dementors' mouths were nearly on Ron and Luna's-the Kiss was being administered. Concentrating hard on his own kiss, he screamed, "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" and Prongs shot forward. "Go, go!" he urged as the dementors' mouths touched those of his two friends'. The stag ripped through the dementors and on to the two that were performing the heinous acts on Ron and Luna. He saw the Patronus bow its head low, its antlers poised-when it hit, it knocked the dementors away and both Ron and Luna fell to the ground.
"Sweet mother of Merlin," Justin gasped as Harry, Hermione, and Ginny ran towards Ron and Luna. Prongs continued to charge around, driving the last of dementors away.
Harry dropped to his knees between Ron and Luna and touched their cold, clammy skin. "Bloody hell," he murmured and began to haul the unconscious Ron up. "Help me!"
Justin ran forward and helped Harry with Ron, while Hermione and Ginny grabbed Luna. "We've got to get them back to Hogwarts," Ginny said. "Fast."
With grunts as they worked to carry the bodies of their friends, they took off, desperate to get back to Hogwarts. Harry hoped and prayed as they worked, hoped and prayed that they would not have to be sent to St. Mungo's, because that surely meant that they were dying. Or much worse. Those thoughts haunted him as they passed through the winged boar gates and up to the castle.
*****
"You're lucky, that's what you are," Madam Pomfrey was saying to Ron and Luna a few days later in the hospital wing. "A few moments longer…" She broke off a piece from a huge slab of chocolate and handed it to Ron before doing the same with Luna.
"And which one of you do we have to thank for saving our souls?" Ron asked weakly, but a ghost of a smile appeared on his face.
"Harry," Hermione replied. "He kept his sanity."
"Which still amazes me," Ginny said.
"I almost didn't make it," Harry murmured. "It seemed like an eternity before I could find another happy thought because what I was seeing was so…" he trailed off, the image in his head.
Ron cringed. "Must have been quite the sight to see because I feel like hell."
"And you're going to feel like that for awhile longer. I want both of you to remain in here for observation," Madam Pomfrey told them.
"How much longer?"
She pursed her lips. "When I believe you can leave."
Ron groaned. "But the Quidditch match is on Saturday."
"And you're not playing in it."
"WHAT!" he bellowed, nearly jumping out of his bed.
"Mr. Weasley!" she scolded. "You can't expect to be able to fly around on a broom after such an attack, can you?"
He let out a snarl of frustration and turned to Harry. "Go-now. Replace me. You've got no time to lose!"
Harry sighed. "I'm gone," he murmured and left.
*****
Ron and Luna were released on Friday, but Madam Pomfrey had warned Ron that if he even so much as touched a broomstick, she'd force him to remain in the hospital wing for another week.
"Crazy bat," he muttered on Saturday morning at breakfast. "How was practice yesterday?"
Harry had replaced Ron with John Warren and cut Henry Vance from the team, replacing him with Alex McGuire. "It was okay. I think we'll be fine."
"I hope so," Ron replied. "Something's got to cheer me up."
"For once in my life, Harry, I'm sorry to say I won't be cheering for you," Hermione said with a wry grin.
"That's okay," Harry replied. "It might do you some good to wish that I take a Bludger to the head or something."
Hermione laughed. "Knock some sense into you, it may. But Ginny and the rest of the girls have my full support."
"Good luck winning," Ron said. "Harry will catch the Snitch and all of you girls can take your emotions and hormones to the loos."
"It's because of Harry that I figure the boys will win, so I don't feel so bad about not cheering for him," Hermione said as Percy stepped up to them.
"Morning all," he said brightly. "How are you feeling this morning, Ron?"
"Fine," Ron muttered, but a lot of the bitterness in his voice that he usually held for Percy was gone. While in the hospital wing, Percy had visited him twice each day, to check in on him. "I wrote Mum a letter to tell her I was fine."
"That's good," Percy said. "She'll be pleased to hear from you. Have fun at the match today," he finished, striding off.
Harry checked his watch. "I've got to run," he told them. "See you later."
Ron and Hermione nodded. "Good luck, Harry!" Hermione called after him.
He smiled back at them and headed out of the Great Hall and through the entrance hall. When he opened the oak front doors, cold air blasted in and chilled him immediately. It was quite the bitter day. The snow crunched underneath his shoes as he walked toward the locker rooms next to the Quidditch pitch. The wind howled. Harry sighed at the thick pelt of fog that covered the grounds. Visibility was going to be terrible that day.
He walked into the locker room, not surprised to see a few of his teammates there already.
"Morning, Potter," said John Warren as he finished putting on the black Quidditch robes that the boys would be playing in that day.
"Good morning," Harry greeted, nodding his head towards Alex McGuire, Zacharias Smith, and the Ravenclaw Beater, Will Bancroft.
As Harry started pulling on his robes, the door banged open and Montague walked in with Rich, each carrying three brooms. "Got good news," Montague said, kicking the door shut. "My Slytherin teammates have been generous enough to donate their brooms for this match-except Malfoy. He says Potter's broom will do him fine, as we all know."
Smith jumped up, his eyes bright. "Mercury Silvers? We get to play on Mercury Silvers?"
Montague nodded with a smug grin. "That's right, Smithy. Now maybe you can keep up with us."
"And maybe catch the Quaffle when we throw it to you," Rich added with a sneer.
Montague held out a broom. "Here you go, Smithy. Don't break it."
Smith held out his hands for it. "We get to play on Mercury Silvers."
"No we're not," Harry snapped, tugging on his boots.
The other six players spun to stare at Harry. "W-what?" Smith gasped.
"You're not going to use one of their brooms," Harry told him.
"B-b-but why?"
"Yeah, Potter," Montague snapped, "why?"
"Because," Harry said evenly, "it's not fair. Think about who's playing on the girls' side, will you? Think of the experience. Not much. This match is meant to be entertaining, not let's-see-how-bad-we-can-kick-their-arses. Be gentlemen and let the girls have a little dignity, okay?"
Montague blinked. "Boy Potter, you're either a wuss or some girl has gotten you whipped."
Rich snorted in laughter. "That Chang, didn't he go out with her last year?"
"Probably doesn't want to break her heart anymore," Montague teased.
Harry rolled his eyes and turned to the rest of his team. "You're playing on your brooms, and that's final, okay? Now come on, hurry up, because the match will be starting soon."
By the time everyone had their Quidditch robes on, they could hear the thundering of the students making their way into the stadium. Harry had been going over their strategy one last time, but the noise was too great and he stopped, wished everyone good luck, and led the way out of the locker room.
As they stepped out onto the pitch, they could hear Colin Creevey announcing. "And here are the boys-Slytherin Graham Montague, Slytherin Malcolm Rich, Hufflepuff Zacharias Smith, Ravenclaw Will Bancroft, Gryffindor Alex McGuire, Hufflepuff John Warren, and their captain, Gryffindor Harry Potter!"
For once in his life, Harry heard the roar of approval from every male in the stadium, except for probably Malfoy, Harry mused. He was probably sulking.
"And here come the girls-Gryffindor Katie Bell, Hufflepuff Rachel Knowles, Gryffindor Ginny Weasley, Hufflepuff Bonnie French, Ravenclaw Stella Hazelwood, Ravenclaw Zoe Reid, and their captain, Ravenclaw Cho Chang!"
The girls stepped out onto the pitch in their white robes, each of them looking around the stadium as the every female in the stadium cheered for them.
"Captains, shake hands," Madam Hooch ordered when both teams made it to the middle of the field. Harry leaned over and shook Cho's hand gently, causing her to smile. "Mount your brooms," Madam Hooch said and Harry swung his leg over the side of his Firebolt, ready to go. "On my whistle then-three, two, one!" She blew her whistle and fourteen brooms rose high into the air.
"And there's off!" Colin said enthusiastically. "The match begins with Montague nabbing the Quaffle away from Bell-he is fast! He zooms around Weasley…Bancroft smacks a Bludger towards her to help-nicely battled back by French, who is not normally a Beater, but special times call for special measures. Montague passes to Rich-they're so close to the goal…passed back to Montague-SCORE!"
Harry whipped around from his search of the Golden Snitch to see the black-clad figures of Montague and Rich celebrating through the fog. He saw Reid, the Keeper, immediately pass the Quaffle to Knowles. Montague and Rich were too busy celebrating to notice it. "Idiots," Harry muttered and flew down into the haze. He saw Zacharias Smith. "Smith!" he yelled. "Go!"
Smith turned and saw the white figure of Knowles just as she passed the Quaffle to Ginny. "Aw, damn!" he spat and flew off after them.
Harry flew as fast as he could to Montague and Rich, who were searching for the Quaffle. "Pay attention!" Harry spat. "It's heading towards the other side of the pitch!"
They grunted in response and streaked off after Ginny, who was flying as fast as she could to Warren and the goalposts.
"Weasley passes to Bell, who ducks under Smith, passes back to Weasley-nice save by Warren! Possession returns to the boys as Rich catches the pass from Warren and rolls around Bell."
Harry shook his head and returned to looking for the Snitch. The fog was giving him some problems, but he preferred it to the heavy blankets of snow they could have been having. As he zoomed around the pitch, searching, he listened as Colin enthusiastically told the crowd what was happening in the match.
"Rich passes to Montague and the superior speed of the Slytherin brooms are surely being exhibited here and Montague simply dodges a Bludger sent by Hazelwood. Quick pass to Rich-SCORE! Malcolm Rich scores to make the game twenty to nothing, boys."
Once again Harry saw Reid, the Keeper, pass the Quaffle off quickly to Ginny. Montague and Rich tore off after her.
"Weasley passes to Knowles-A Bludger! Ooh, she barely missed that one! Sharp pass to Bell, who dives under Montague to get it. She tries to fly to the goals, but Montague's too quick for her-STOLEN! Montague steals the ball from Bell and rushes off. My, the girls are certainly having problems when it comes to defense."
Montague pounded the Quaffle past Reid a moment later. Moments after that, Rich scored, followed up by another goal by Montague.
"Bell has the Quaffle now. She passes it to Weasley, who is being chased down by Rich…Rich is about to steal-whoa! Hazelwood sends up a nice Bludger and nearly knocks Rich off his broom! Weasley makes an easy pass to Knowles…she's only got the Keeper left to finally get the girls on the board…NO! Warren saves it!"
There was a shrill groan from every female in the crowd.
"Warren passes it to Smith, who has had very little action in this match thus far. He dodges Bell-dodges Knowles. French sends a Bludger-McGuire smacks it back! Weasley is trying to chase Smith down, but Rich blocks her. Smith looks to be going right-feints and throws left-SCORE! The boys continue to build their lead fifty to nothing!"
Another fifteen minutes passed. Montague scored twice and Rich also got a goal to bring the score up to eighty to zero. It was positively one of the most boring matches Harry had ever played in. Ninety, one-hundred, one-hundred ten…Harry started to wonder if there was a point to even continue searching for the Snitch.
Even Colin started to sound like he was getting bored. "And Montague rams it home to continue the boys' onslaught of the girls. The score is now one-twenty, nil."
Reid passed it off quickly to Knowles. Harry suddenly took notice to a peculiar pattern Ginny, Katie, and Knowles had taken in concerns to their Beaters.
"Knowles soars past Smith…Bancroft sends a Bludger. Knowles passes to Weasley-Hazelwood smacks a returning Bludger towards Montague, letting Weasley slip by. Rich is heading towards her…OUCH! A Bludger sent by French hits his arm and sends him off-course! Ginny passes to Katie Bell…McGuire tries to send a Bludger, but French is there, sending it back! Bell is on her own…Warren's waiting. Bell gets ready to-wait a minute! She loops over Weasley and Knowles-throws to Knowles, who passes to Weasley who…SCORES! THE GIRLS SCORE! That makes the score one-twenty to ten, but do the girls still have hope in concerns to this dominating boys' team?"
Harry smiled, admiring the tactic. He was wondering which of the girls had thought it up when he noticed Cho had started to tail him. His smile widened. If she wanted to fly with him, she'd have to keep up.
Harry took off like a rocket, soaring down, faster and faster, Cho trying to keep up. He was getting closer and closer to the ground, drawing Cho with him. Then suddenly, about two meters above the ground, he pulled up out of this dive and watched as Cho barreled past him, also trying to pull out of it. He rose up in the air and then hung there, waiting for Cho to join him as Colin yelled, "What a feint by Potter!"
"That was low, Harry," Cho said when she finally made it back up to him.
He smiled ruefully at her. "That's why you don't follow me." Then, he saw it, fluttering around by the other side of the pitch-the Golden Snitch. His smile grew wider. "Bye!" he said and took off, chasing after the little gold ball.
Suddenly, he heard Cho whistle shrilly from behind him. Then, with a WHOOSH of air, a Bludger plowed right past him, causing him to ease up slightly to make sure he avoided it. Then, the second Bludger slammed into his gut-he never saw it coming. He came to a full stop as he wheezed, clutching onto his broom tight as he felt himself begin to slip off. He righted himself just as Cho shot passed him, chasing after the Snitch. He groaned in pain and took off again, his stomach flip-flopping. He flattened himself on the broomstick, increasing speed. Cho had gotten so far ahead of him-it would take a good minute to catch up to her. Vaguely he heard Colin yell, "SCORE!" again, but he had no idea which side scored. He was pulling up alongside Cho as she held her arm out, trying to grab the Snitch. Then he was neck to neck, taking his right hand off of the broom and reaching out. He leaned forward to snatch it-and felt his hand brush over the back of Cho's.
They both came to a full stop-Harry in shock, Cho screaming in triumph. Harry had not caught the Snitch; Cho had, and now the match was over as the crowd roared. "Amazing!" Colin was screaming. "Absolutely amazing! Unbelievable! Chang beats Potter! The girls win! The girls win one-hundred and sixty to one-hundred and thirty!"
Harry floated down as the girls flew over to celebrate with Cho. He landed on the pitch just as every single female at Hogwarts flooded it. He looked up and saw the smiles on the faces of Ginny, Katie, and Cho. With a slight chuckle and a shake of his head, he turned and headed off of the field with the rest of the boys.
In the locker room, everybody but Montague and Rich came up to Harry and shook his hand. "It was brilliant, Potter," Will Bancroft said to him. "Just sorry we lost in the end."
Harry quickly changed and walked out of the locker room. Cho was there, still in her Quidditch robes, beaming. "Hi, Harry," she said.
"Hello," he replied and held out his hand. "Great game."
Her smile grew wider and she took his hand and shook it. "Yeah. Sorry about the Bludgers. How are you feeling?"
"Like I'm lucky I wasn't hit any higher or I might have had some cracked ribs," Harry said, but grinned. "It was a good idea."
"Yeah, I thought so. I was afraid you were going to fall off of your broom."
He laughed. "No, I'm alright. The only thing that got damaged is my ego."
"Well, everyone deserves to have that bruised at some point, don't they," she said with a wry smile.
Just then, Ron and Hermione walked over and joined them. Ron was looking rather sulky, but Hermione was smiling. "Hello," she said. "Congratulations, Cho."
"Thanks," Cho replied, but her tone had changed slightly. "Anyway, I had best get changed. Good-bye."
"Bye," Harry said. When she was out of eyesight, he rubbed his stomach. "I'm going to have one nasty bruise come tomorrow."
Hermione walked over and put her arm around him. "Come on. Let's go get you some ice."
He laughed as they started back towards the castle. "Okay."
"We're going to have to watch out for that move when we play Ravenclaw," Ron said finally.
Again, Harry laughed. "No kidding."
A/N: Yeah, okay, I'm sorry about the whole 21 Hottest Wizards Under 21 thing, but I just had to spoof Teen People's 25 Under 25. It just makes me laugh every time I look at it. (They need to put Dan, Emma, and Rupert on it!)