Chapter 11 - Matches

Serena Snape was having a frustrating week. Despite making progress with her potion-making and receiving positive feedback from Mr. Belby, she was still struggling to find her place at Hogwarts once again. As a female omega who hid her true nature and past life memories, she often felt like an outsider among her peers.

One day, as she was walking through the halls, lost in thought, she was approached by Professor McGonagall. The professor recommended that she join the Duelling Club, citing her potential as a skilled witch. Serena was hesitant, knowing that she had a lot on her plate already, but before she could decline, Lucius Malfoy, who was standing beside her, intercepted the conversation and accepted on her behalf.

After Professor McGonagall left, Serena turned to Lucius, feeling frustrated and annoyed. She didn't see the need to join the Duelling Club, especially when she was already proving herself in other areas. Yet, Lucius saw it as an opportunity for her to prove her worth to her Slytherin classmates who were beginning to take notice of her.

Serena couldn't help but feel a sense of irritation at his suggestion. She knew that a few of her  Alpha classmates from pureblood families didn't like her, due to her being a half-blood and a female Beta who was proving herself to be better than them. Their pride was hurt, and they were beginning to resent her for it.

"I don't see why I need to join," Serena complained to Lucius. "I'm too busy as it is, and I can handle myself if they try anything."

Lucius raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Busy with what, exactly?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Serena hesitated, not wanting to reveal the truth about her mission to retrieve the Horcruxes. "Homework," she said finally, though she knew that Lucius didn't believe her.

"Joining the Duelling Club will be good for you," Lucius insisted. "It'll show those who doubt you that you're a force to be reckoned with. And who knows, you might even enjoy it."

Serena sighed, knowing that Lucius was right. She couldn't afford to let her guard down, especially with the threat of Voldemort and his followers looming over them. With a nod of resignation, she agreed to join the Duelling Club, hoping that it wouldn't be a decision that she would come to regret.

~~~

The first official Quidditch match of the season was finally here. The crisp autumn air was filled with excitement as the students of Hogwarts gathered in the stands of the Quidditch stadium. The match was between Gryffindor and Slytherin, a fierce rivalry that always ensured a competitive and thrilling game.

Serena was initially planning to watch the match from the comfort of the Slytherin stands with her friend Evelyn Sallow. She was, however, unexpectedly kidnapped by none other than James Potter, the Gryffindor team's to-be star Chaser. With his signature glasses and hazel eyes sparkling with mischief, he had shown up to the Slytherin common room with an overly friendly grin, grabbing her hand and promptly dragging her off to the Gryffindor stands.

"Potter, I swear to Merlin, I'll hex you into next week," Serena threatened, her red lips pursed into a thin line. She was petite compared to James, her silky black hair contrasting starkly with his dark brown locks.

Despite her threats, James just laughed, brushing off her icy demeanor with a shrug. He had a talent for ignoring people, she'll give him that. 

Meanwhile, Lily Evans, who had been made an accomplice in James' little plan, was already waiting for them in the stands. She offered Serena a sympathetic smile, her green eyes twinkling with amusement as she handed Serena her red and gold hat. "Sorry, Rena. But the more, the merrier, right?" 

Beside Lily sat Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew, who were trying their best to hide their amusement. James, now having to leave to join Sirius on the pitch as the game was about to start, turned to Serena with a huge grin. He unfurled his Gryffindor scarf from around his neck and handed it to her.

"Now that you're cheering for us, Gryffindor can't lose, Serena!" he declared, before running off to join his teammates.

Serena sat there, draped in Gryffindor colors, looking completely unamused.

She could hear the Slytherin students on the opposite stands who had noticed her predicament laughing and pointing. Some even looked offended. Even though she understood why, she shot them a glare, causing them to quickly avert their eyes. She turned her gaze to the pitch, where James had just taken off on his broom, waving enthusiastically at her.

Serena sighed, resigning herself to her fate. She was stuck in the Gryffindor stands, wearing Gryffindor colors, and was expected to cheer for Gryffindor. "After this," she muttered under her breath, "I'm definitely strangling James Potter."

~~~

As the match progressed, James Potter showcased his exceptional Quidditch skills, effortlessly maneuvering through the air and scoring goal after goal. He seemed to be in his element, and the Gryffindor team worked together seamlessly. The cheers from the Gryffindor stands were deafening, drowning out any trace of disappointment from the Slytherin supporters.

Serena couldn't help but notice the boos and disgruntled murmurs emanating from the Slytherin stands. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling the weight of divided loyalties. Beside her, Lily was oblivious to Serena's internal conflict, her eyes sparkling with delight as she shook Serena's arm.

"Can you believe it, Serena? We won! This is my first ever match, and Gryffindor took victory!" Lily exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. For a moment, she had forgotten that her best friend belonged to Slytherin, caught up in the euphoria of her own house's triumph.

"Oh joy… it's simply amazing," she deadpanned. Clearly, the wolf beside Lily heard her snarky reply and snorted, trying to cover up his laughter. 

Her eyes glanced towards James, who had just landed on the ground amidst a flurry of congratulatory pats on the back from his teammates. He looked up at Serena, his hazel eyes shining with pride and excitement. With a wide grin, he mouthed, "Look! I told you we'd win because you came!"

Serena rolled her eyes at the display, her sarcasm bubbling up. She couldn't deny the twinge of satisfaction she felt knowing that her presence had somehow influenced the outcome of the match, but she wasn't about to let James know that. She raised an eyebrow in response, a teasing smirk playing on her lips, as if to say, "Sure, Potter, whatever you say."

The Gryffindor celebrations continued, with James at the center of attention. Right behind him was Sirius complaining, "where's my love and attention? Didn't anyone see how wicked I was?!" His teammates teased and bombarded him with enthusiastic praise and high-fives, hyping him up for his stellar performance. 

Serena watched from a distance, a mixture of annoyance and envy tugging at her heart. She couldn't help but acknowledge the undeniable talent and skill that James possessed, even if his obnoxious behavior grated on her nerves.

As the crowd began to disperse and the celebrations died down, James made his way towards Serena. He grinned widely, his messy hair ruffled from the exhilaration of the game. "I told you, Serena! You brought us luck! You need to come and watch us in every game now," he said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. 

In the background, Sirius reacted with a face and motioned himself gagging before biting his tongue when Lily smacked him upside the head.

"Bloody hell!" Sirius yelled as he rubbed his aching head. "Why did you have to hit so hard!?" The group laughed at Black's predicament, shaking their heads in amusement.

Serena sighed and shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. She turned back to James. She couldn't deny that James looked exactly like Harry had been when he played a significant role in Gryffindor's victory, but she wasn't about to let him bask in the glory alone. "Oh, please, Potter. It was all you. Plus I was kidnapped. I didn't come willingly," she replied, her tone laden with sarcasm.

James chuckled, undeterred by Serena's dismissive response. "Well, I'm glad we kidnapped you. It made the win all the more special. Thanks for enduring the Gryffindor madness for a little while," he said, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

"Don't get used to it, Potter."

~~~

The first week of November brought the commencement of the dueling club activities at Hogwarts. The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was abuzz with excitement as students from various houses gathered, eager to display their magical prowess.

Serena, though seemingly disinterested, found herself amidst the crowd, her knowledge of dueling already well-established.

Professor Dickens, a seasoned wizard with a stern demeanor, stood at the front of the classroom, commanding the attention of the students. He demonstrated the proper stance, rules, and basic spells for dueling, emphasizing the importance of quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Serena's mind wandered as she half-heartedly listened, her intelligence and experience already surpassing the introductory level being taught.

As Professor Dickens concluded his explanations, he called for a volunteer to step forward and choose an opponent for a demonstration match. Several hands shot up in the air, eager to participate, but in the end, his gaze fell upon Alecto Carrow, a cunning fourth-year Slytherin student who exuded an air of superiority. Alecto's smirking face turned towards Serena, and she called out her name with a mix of confidence and arrogance.

Serena's eyes narrowed as she felt the challenge being thrown her way. Serena scoffed at the girl's ego. What's so prideful about calling out and challenging a student two years younger than you? How foolish of her. Underestimating an opponent and not thinking of the consequences. Her reputation, standing, and influence in the Slytherin house will plummet downhill if she loses to me. Does she think I'm a pushover? How wonderful. 

Alecto was a female Alpha, known for her ambition and connection to the dark arts. She represented everything Serena despised. She remembered her and her brother, torturing first year students.

Suppressing her inner disgust, Serena stepped forward with a calculated poise, masking her true emotions beneath a facade of indifference.

The students parted, creating a path for Serena to approach the dueling table. She met Alecto's gaze, her own expression laced with determination. Serena knew that defeating Alecto would not only prove her own skill but also send a message to the Slytherin house, challenging their assumptions about her.

As the two witches faced each other, wands at the ready, Serena's mind raced with strategies and spells. Professor Dickens raised his wand, ready to officiate the match.

The tension in the room was palpable as the spectators leaned in, anticipating an enthralling duel between two witches.

Serena and Alecto commenced, spells were hurled with precision and speed. Alecto, fueled by frustration and a growing sense of inadequacy, cast a barrage of spells and hexes towards Serena. However, to her increasing astonishment, none of them found their mark. Serena moved with an agility and grace that belied her small frame, her reflexes honed by her past life as Severus.

The Slytherin spectators watched in disbelief as Serena effortlessly evaded every spell, her movements calculated and precise. Alecto's anger grew, her face contorted with frustration. She desperately searched for a spell that could penetrate Serena's defenses, her mind racing to find a weakness. But each attempt only seemed to further solidify Serena's superiority.

In a fit of rage, Alecto unleashed a hex that would boil and burn the body and aimed it directly at Serena. Gasps filled the room as the students realized the severity of the situation. Before Professor Dickens could intervene, Serena's instincts kicked in.

With a flick of her wand, Serena erected a shield charm, a translucent barrier of protective magic forming in front of her. The hex collided with the shield, dissipating harmlessly. The room fell silent, the astonished onlookers frozen in awe.

Seizing the opportunity, Serena seized control of the duel. A surge of confidence radiated from her as she swiftly countered with a powerful stupefy, her aim true. The spell struck Alecto squarely, sending her flying backward, crashing onto the dueling table with a resounding thud.

The students and even the Marauders, were left speechless. Their mouths hung open in shock as they witnessed Serena's prowess. It was a display of skill and power far beyond what her status as a female Beta would suggest.

Amazement and admiration rippled through the room, mingled with a newfound respect for Serena Snape. Whispers of disbelief and awe buzzed amongst the students.

Professor Dickens, recovering from his initial surprise, approached the table, his expression a mix of astonishment and pride.

"Remarkable, Miss Snape," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

"Protègo is an advanced spell. Your skill and ability are truly remarkable, especially at such a young age."

Serena, though inwardly satisfied by her victory, maintained her composed facade. She nodded respectfully in response to the professor's praise, her mind already analyzing the duel and planning for future encounters. She had proven herself today, not just as a skilled duelist but as a force to be reckoned with, defying expectations and shattering stereotypes.

The dueling club watched Serena in a new light, their perception of her forever altered. She had proven herself to her classmates, especially those Slytherin that had the audacity to look down on her, and she knew that she had gained their respect. She smirked, she can just imagine the look on their faces when they finally discover that she was an Omega. 

… Merlin.

It seems like Lucius has been influencing her. For her to become this sadistic about their reactions. Or was she already like this before, as Severus? 

Oh well. She did what she came to do.