Chapter - 68 : A Game of Highs and Lows

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"Harry!" I screamed in horror as the broom continued to buck wildly, like it was trying to throw him off. He wouldn't survive a fall from that height. If Harry let go, he was dead. I looked desperately towards the teacher's box – surely one of them could do something!

Most of them just seemed to be watching with bated breath. Most, not all. I saw Snape was wildly mouthing words, eyes locked on Harry's broom. I could only pray that whatever he was doing would be enough.

I looked back at Harry. The broom stopped jerking as suddenly as it had started. He was able to swing up onto the broom and get his grip back, firmly seated once again. I let out a relieved breath.

"Thank Merlin."

Harry was speeding toward the ground when the crowd saw him clap his hand to his mouth as though he was about to be sick - he hit the field on all fours - coughed - and something gold fell into his hand.

"I've got the Snitch!" he shouted, waving it above his head, and the game ended in complete confusion.

I watched as Marcus Flint soared down, ranting as he went, "He didn't catch it, he almost swallowed it!"

"Well that was depressing," Tracey sighed, dropping back into her seat.

"I don't like your brother," Malfoy announced.

"Tell me something I don't know, albino," I replied carelessly, straining to see over the crowd as Harry walked away from the field. "I'm going to go check on him," I said, heading for the stairs.

"Potter, he's fine!" Daphne protested.

"Probably," I agreed. "But I'm a good sister."

I headed down the stairs, casting one last dark glance at Flint, who was still ranting at Hooch that the catch wasn't fair. It seemed I had someone else to put on my revenge list.

I got a few odd looks as I headed for the Gryffindor changing room. I knocked on the door and called out, "I'm looking for my brother, is he in there?"

The door opened and I stepped back hastily to avoid getting hit. Fred's beaming face stuck out from the crack, George's above him. George had apparently taken a shower, because his hair was dripping wet.

"Come to congratulate us?" Fred asked cheekily.

"Yay team," I deadpanned. "Now come on, is Harry in there?"

"No, sorry. Ron and Hermione grabbed him and dragged him off to Hagrid's," George explained. He gave his head a shake, spraying me with droplets of water.

"Thanks," I said, wiping water off my face in distaste.

"Hey, we should thank you!" Fred grinned cheekily. "Looks like your good luck kisses work! We've gotta get you to do that before all of our games!"

I stared at them blankly. "I'm not kissing your team every time you play."

"Aww, please?" George pouted.

"Just a little one?" Fred wheedled.

I put on a wide-eyed, innocent look. "But sirs, you're my teachers! Having relations like that with your student would be most inappropriate."

"Drat, foiled!" George grumbled, snapping his fingers. "Ah well."

"Go find your brother," Fred ordered. "Make sure Flint didn't knock him loopy."

"I will. Oh, and congratulations."

"Thanks. See you later, Potter."

I left the changing rooms and joined the flood of students making their way from the pitch. I split off halfway to the castle and turned towards the Forbidden Forest, where Hagrid's hut sat. I could see smoke drifting from the chimney, so I assumed he'd already put the kettle on.

I raised a hand to knock on the door. Immediately the barking started and I could hear Fang's claws scrabbling on the floor as he raced to the door.

"Who's there?" Hagrid called.

"It's me, Lorena!" I replied. Almost immediately Fang's barks changed to eager whimpers. I smiled slightly. I had gotten that dog addicted to my ear scratches apparently. It was a duty I would continue happily.

"Ah, Lorena!" Hagrid opened the door and greeted me with a beam, holding Fang back with one leg. "C'min, the others're already here!"

"I know, I asked Fred and George where you'd all gone," I said as I stepped inside. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting at Hagrid's table with steaming mugs of tea in front of them. Harry was still in his Quidditch robes, Hagrid went about preparing a mug for me as I sat down next to Harry. Fang placed his head pleadingly in my lap. I laughed and started scratching his ears and ruffling him under the chin.

"Hello Fang, happy to see me?" I cooed at him.

"Turns inter a puppy whenever yeh come," Hagrid grunted, giving his dog a betrayed look. I leaned down and wrapped my arms around Fang's thick neck as Hagrid sat a mug in front of me.

"All part of my evil plan to steal your dog," I promised him, and Hagrid snorted. I let go of Fang to take a drink of tea before turning to Harry. "Congratulations Harry," I said, patting him on the shoulder fondly. "Aside from getting hit, losing control of your broom, and nearly swallowing the Snitch, that was some really good flying."

Harry scoffed. "Thanks, Lorena. That's so sweet."

"I know," I nodded, and took another drink of tea. "What did happen to your broom, anyway? Do you think Flint jinxed it when he hit you?" I asked curiously.

"It was Snape," Ron said furiously. "Hermione and I saw him, staring at your broom and muttering. He was cursing it; wouldn't take his eyes off of you."

"Rubbish," Hagrid insisted. "Why would Snape do summat like that?"

"He's a professor!" I agreed. "You must have seen it wrong. Why would he try to injure a student?" I reasoned, shaking my head.

"Aside from the fact that he hates me?" Harry challenged.

I rolled my eyes. "I doubt he hates you enough to try and hurt you, Harry."

"Snape tried to get past that three-headed dog on Halloween," Harry burst out suddenly. I gaped at him. Hagrid dropped his teapot.

"How d'yeh know about Fluffy?" he demanded incredulously.

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