The Quidditch Match Gone Wrong
Harry didn't go looking for the mirror again, mostly because Percy looked like he was about to lock him and Ron in the tower when Ron mentioned that he wanted to see the thing. Harry's sudden nightmares only compounded Percy's worry. Hermione, when she returned, shared his worry for different reasons (mainly Harry getting caught). Percy had helped him figure out his nightmares, told him what was known about the night his parents were taken from him.
No one had heard anything about Snape's reasons for wanting the Stone, and Harry himself was unable to once classes started. After Snape's attack on Harry the lions had become protective, Harry wasn't allowed anywhere near Snape without his classmates going on edge. And while it was a bit overbearing Harry couldn't help but feel comforted, he had never had this many people care about him like this. (Or ever.)
Quidditch practice had resumed, and Oliver was pushing them all to their limits. He was becoming frantic, and the rest of the team was complaining at the strain. Harry didn't actually mind, he always slept better after a day of hard training. It was after a particularly wet and muddy practice that Oliver informed them of some worrying news.
“What do you mean, Snape's refereeing?” George hissed out, almost falling off his broom, “When has he ever refereed? He's not going to be fair, and he's already threatened Harry during a game.”
The rest of the team landed to complain too.
“It's not my fault,” said Wood, “we just need to play a clean game, and keep Harry out of Snape's direct line of sight.”
Harry made his way to the common room quickly, where Ron was once again beating Hermione in chess, this time muggle instead of wizard. Harry flopped down onto the couch next to Ron, his face stuffed into the cushion, legs crossed on the floor.
“You okay mate? You usually try not to break our concentration.” Ron asked.
Harry grumbled, “Snape's refereeing.”
“What!” Ron and Hermione exclaimed in tandem.
“Ask Oliver,” Harry sighed as he pulled himself all the way onto the couch, “I can't even back out because we don't have a reserve seeker.”
Just then the rest of the Quidditch team came through the portrait hole, Fred was also carrying Neville.
“Does anyone remember the counterculture for the Leg-Locker,” he called out. “Our little Niffler here needs it,” George supplied, “and we need to prepare a revenge prank.”
The twins scurried off as the team dispersed.
A nearby 7th (also a niffler Harry remembered) popped up to help, the 1st years also flocked to the semi-frozen boy.
“What happened?” Hermione asked as she led the now unfrozen and trembling boy to a collection of unclaimed beanbags.
“Malfoy,” Neville said as the eight students each sank into a chair, “I met him outside the library. He said he'd been looking for someone to practice on.”
“Is he the one the twins are pranking?” Parvati asked
Neville nodded and Lavender snorted, “He deserves it, the jerk.”
Neville looked a bit guilty, “I don't want more trouble.”
“You got to stand up to him somehow, Neville!” Ron said and Seamus nodded.
“Ron's right,” Dean added, “he's used to walking all over people, but that's no reason to lie down in front of him and make it easier.”
“There's no need to tell me I'm not brave enough to be in Gryffindor,” Neville choked out, “Malfoy's already done that, and he doesn't even know the truth.”
Dean looked panicked at Neville’s understanding of his words and Neville himself looked close to tears. Harry pulled out the last Chocolate Frog he got from Hermione and handed it to Neville.
“You're worth twelve of Malfoy,” he said softly, “and it doesn't matter if Gryffindor wasn't the Hat's first choice for you. You're here and you belong here, no matter what anyone else says.”
Neville's lip twitched into a small smile, offered Harry the collection card and excused himself. With the emotional crisis averted the rest of the 1st years returned to what they were doing before. Harry looked at the card Neville had handed him, it was Dumbledore again. He flipped it over and chuckled to himself ‘his partner, Nicholas Flamel.’
As the match crept closer Gryffindor's protectiveness over Harry did as well. On game day quite a few of the lions brought their wands, just in case something went wrong. In the locker room Oliver was doing his best to hype Harry up and hammer home the importance of a quick Snitch catch.
“The whole school's out there!” Fred said. “Even Dumbledore's come to watch!” George exclaimed.
Harry almost laughed in relief, Snape wouldn't try something with the Headmaster here. That didn't stop him from being a right git though.
…….
Percy had to give it to Snape, a Quidditch game was a good place to attack someone. The chaos in the stands made it very easy to get away with anything. Like a Slytherin and Gryffindor fighting in the stands. Percy couldn't be mad at Ron though, he was stretched emotionally thin by worry for Harry, and the young Malfoy heir was particularly good at offending people. Hermione didn't even notice.
Percy was sure that Harry caught the Snitch at a record speed, Ollie would be insufferable for days. The Gryffindors spilled onto the field, Percy pausing to pull Neville and Ron out of their scuffle. He watched them move to join the rest of their house in celebration when his eyes caught on Dumbledore and Harry. The Headmaster had his hand on Harry's shoulder, he seemed to be speaking to Harry. The old wizard looked every part a caring grandfather, something about it bothered Percy.
Harry reached the Cellar much later than everyone else and was instantly greeted by the team. The twins lifted him onto their shoulders while Oliver sang his praises and Harry turned progressively redder. The team let off a bit, dragging Harry to a saved table. Percy, Hermione, and Ron joined them as George shoved some snacks in front of Harry.
“Harry, where have you been?” Hermione squeaked
“You won! We won!” Ron shouted, “And I gave Malfoy a black eye, Neville tried to take on Crabbe and Goyle by himself! He's with Madam Pomfrey right now.”
“I was spying on Snape and I found him threatening Quirrell about getting to the Stone.”
There were alarmed looks shared throughout the table at that.
“So the Stone is safe as long as Quirrell stands up to Snape?” Fred asked.
“We need to get it out now.” Percy said, grim determination spreading across his face.