The first Quidditch Game
As they entered November, the weather turned very cold. The mountains around the school became icy gray and the lake was like chilled steel. Every morning the ground was covered in frost. Hagrid could be seen from the upstairs windows defrosting broomsticks on the Quidditch field, bundled up in a long moleskin overcoat, rabbit fur gloves, and enormous beaverskin boots.
Quidditch season had begun.
And today was the very first game of the Season, Gryffindor against Slytherin.
Why they were always paired together was beyond questionable, but Celestia refused to let Dumbledore get to her.
She had friends in both Slytherin and Gryffindor, which is why Susan, Hannah, and she had decided to wear the House colors together and not play favorites.
Had they done so they would have never heard the end of it from Fred and George.
And so they met at the Ravenclaw stands, the boys eyeing them curiously as they arrived.
,, Is something wrong ?" Hannah asked, tilting her head.
,, No....." Hunter said, looking at them closely. ,, Just the colors of your ribbons kinda got mixed up."
Susan and Hannah rolled their eyes, of course, Hunter wouldn't understand.
,, It's called being fair. We can't just cheer for Slytherin, you know? Fred and George are also playing!" Susan said, the two girls making sure to get their message across to Hunter, Blaise, and Theo looking on in amusement, not sorry in the least.
The boy was lucky Aiden was not present, or else he would have been thrown on the Pitch and left there by the blonde.
,, I see that you've been influenced as well." Regulus said, appearing next to Celestia, the girl turning to him with a small smile and a nod of her head.
,, Yes, though I must say that Red and Gold aren't my colors..." She said, chuckling as she fiddled with her braided hair, which held a Golden Ribbon, a Red one next to it.
Whenever she touched it, it would change into a beautiful Silver and dark Green.
Regulus wouldn't admit it, but he quite liked the sight of her wearing the Slytherin colors.
Noticing himself beginning to stare he coughed into his hand, quickly looking away with a faint dust of pink covering his cheeks, going unnoticed by Celestia. ,, I see....."
,, Susan and Hannah even managed to get Chrome into one." She said, motioning towards the Niffler sitting on her shoulder.
Chrome sat there, his arms crossed in dissatisfaction, a Bowtie in the usual Slytherin colors around his fluffy neck.
The boy rose an eyebrow, amused, which earned him a sharp glare from the Niffler.
,, Now Regulus, don't provoke him." A very familiar voice said, making the two turn around.
,, Grandfather? / Lord Black ?" They both asked, spotting no other than Arcturus Black walking towards them, Xavier Lestrange following close behind.
,, Xavier and I have been searching for you.. Draco kindly informed us that you must be at the Ravenclaw stands." He said and Regulus was able to tell that Draco must have probably been as pale as a ghost when he saw the two males.
,, Grandfather, it's nice to see you." Celestia greeted, Xavier, smiling the tiniest bit as he gently patted her head. ,, It is good to see you as well, Celestia."
The others watched, quite confused about who exactly those two men were....
Celestia and Regulus noticed this and were quick to introduce them, the group responding with respect to the two Lords.
Arcturus and Xavier were very proud of their Charges, for having gained such influential allies over the course of two months.
Suddenly the whole Field erupted in Cheers, making them turn their focus toward the game.
Madam Hooch was refereeing. She stood in the middle of the field waiting for the two teams, her broom in her hand.
"Now, I want a nice fair game, all of you," she said, once they were all gathered around her. She seemed to be speaking particularly to the Slytherin Captain, Marcus Flint, a sixth year. Flint looked as if he had some troll blood in him, his glare not helping with that.....
Celestia quietly winced, knowing it was probably the result of inbreeding in the family.
"Mount your brooms, please."
Madam Hooch gave a loud blast on her silver whistle.
Fifteen brooms rose up, high, high into the air. They were off.
"And the Quaffle is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor -- what an excellent Chaser that girl is, and rather attractive, too--"
"JORDAN!"
"Sorry, Professor."
The Weasley twins' friend, Lee Jordan, was doing the commentary for the match, Aiden standing next to him and observing, closely watched by Professor McGonagall.
"And she's really belting along up there, a neat pass to Alicia Spinnet, a good find of Oliver Wood's, last year only a reserve -- back to Johnson and -- no, the Slytherins have taken the Quaffle, Slytherin Captain Marcus Flint gains the Quaffle and off he goes -- Flint flying like an eagle up there -- he's going to sc -- no, stopped by an excellent move by Gryffindor Keeper Wood and the Gryffindors take the Quaffle -- that's Chaser Katie Bell of Gryffindor there, nice dive around Flint, off up the field and -- OUCH -- that must have hurt, hit in the back of the head by a Bludger -- Quaffle taken by the Slytherins -- that's Adrian Pucey speeding off toward the goal posts, but he's blocked by a second Bludger -- sent his way by Fred or George Weasley, can't tell which -- nice play by the Gryffindor Beater, anyway, and Johnson back in possession of the Quaffle, a clear field ahead and off she goes -- she's really flying -- dodges a speeding Bludger -- the goal posts are ahead -- come on, now, Angelina -- Keeper Bletchley dives -- misses -- GRYFFINDORS SCORE!"
Gryffindor's cheers filled the cold air, with howls and moans from the Slytherins.
Susan, Hannah, and Celestia clapped politely, smiling as Hunter groaned.
,, Come on... I've got two Galleons on this."
"Slytherin in possession," Lee Jordan was saying, "Chaser Pucey ducks two Bludgers, two Weasleys, and Chaser Bell, and speeds toward the -- wait a moment -- was that the Snitch?"
A murmur ran through the crowd as Adrian Pucey dropped the Quaffle, too busy looking over his shoulder at the flash of gold that had passed his left ear.
Harry flew after it, the Slytherin Seeker quick on his heels-
WHAM! A roar of rage echoed from the Gryffindors below -- Marcus Flint had blocked Harry on purpose, and Harry's broom spun off course, Harry holding on for dear life.
"Foul!" screamed the Gryffindors.
Madam Hooch spoke angrily to Flint and then ordered a free shot at the goalposts for Gryffindor. But in all the confusion, of course, the Golden Snitch had disappeared from sight again.
,, Ouch....."
,, That's gotta hurt......"
After checking on Harry, Madam Hooch allowed the game to continue.
Though Lee Jordan was finding it difficult not to take sides.
"So -- after that obvious and disgusting bit of cheating--"
"Jordan!" growled Professor McGonagall.
"I mean, after that open and revolting foul..."
"Jordan, I'm warning you--"
Unable to take it anymore Aiden grabbed the Microphone. "All right, enough with the chit-chat and wedding planning. A Foul to Flint from Slytherin. Penalty to Gryffindor, taken by Spinner, who puts it away, with no trouble, and we continue to play, Gryffindor still in possession."
With that, he turned to Jordan and handed him back the Microphone, though everyone heard his next words. ,, Do your Job instead of flirting with the Professor, Jordan. I've got enough of a Headache as it is."
Everyone laughed, finding Aiden's remark too funny.
Celestia chuckled as well, Regulus fondly rolling his eyes with an amused smile hidden behind his Scarf.
Jordan and McGonagall watched him, blinking....
They hadn't expected that.
Snapping out of it they quickly returned to the Game, everyone now noticing how Harry's broom seemed to lurch forward.
,, Did you see that as well ?" Hunter asked, a frown on his face.
,, His broom just lurched forward, didn't it ?" Blaise asked, furrowing his brows.
,, It did..." Theo said, Regulus watching closely.
And then-
He couldn't direct it at all. It was zigzagging through the air, and every now and then making violent swishing movements that almost unseated him.
Lee was still commentating, Aiden's eyes widening as he noticed the Gryffindor Seeker spinning out of control.
,, What in Rowena's name...."
"Slytherin in possession -- Flint with the Quaffle -- passes Spinnet -- passes Bell -- hit hard in the face by a Bludger, hope it broke his nose -- only joking, Professor -- Slytherins score -- A no..."
The Slytherins were cheering. No one else seemed to have noticed that Harry's broom was behaving strangely. It was carrying him slowly higher, away from the game, jerking and twitching as it went.
,, What is he doing ?" Xavier asked, unable to think of a reason as to why the boy was doing this.
Suddenly, people were pointing up at Harry all over the stands. His broom had started to roll over and over, with him only just managing to hold on. Then the whole crowd gasped. Harry's broom had given a wild jerk and Harry swung off it. He was now dangling from it, holding on with only one hand.
,, Regulus, look at the broom." Arcturus ordered, his eyes on Harry.
,, Yes, Grandfather." The boy answered, concentrating on the Nimbus.....
Most of the school being here, and the broom constantly moving didn't help his gift........
He felt his eyes strain slightly, his head feeling like someone smashed a brick against it...
But he finally got a good look at it. ,, It's jinxed." He said, hissing slightly as he tore his gaze away...
There were too many Magical Beings in the area..........
He was probably going to faint..
Arcturus nodded, beginning to utter the countercurse.
Celestia noticed Regulus' dire situation and brought a hand to his pale cheek, very slowly...
,, Reggie, is every-!" She blinked, her body going as stiff as a board.
Regulus had wrapped his arms loosely around her, his head burying itself into her unoccupied shoulder.
She stood there, eyes wide and blood running cold....
,, Regulus....?" She asked, glancing at the mop of curly black hair.
He only furrowed his brows, trying to lessen the pain...... ,, My Apologies...... but I think I'm going to faint............. Salazar this Headache is killing me.........."
Trying to understand his muttering she relaxed slightly, shakily bringing a hand to his head and letting her finger run through his hair...
He gave a small hum in approval, enjoying the feeling of her cold fingers running across his scalp.
Chrome watched from the sidelines, slightly worried about the black-haired human...
The Niffler would never admit it, but he's grown a soft spot for the boy.
,, The amount of Magic around us is too much for his body to handle at the moment." Tom told her, making her calm down. ,, He'll be fine in a bit, just let him rest."
Nodding the tiniest bit she adjusted herself so Regulus could rest better and they weren't in a totally uncomfortable position for her to be in...
Xavier silently observed, eyes taking in her every moment........
This was not normal behavior for a child...
He promised himself to look further into that Muggle-Orphanege later on, wanting to know what exactly happened for Celestia to be like that.
,, Oh you've got to be kidding me." Hunter suddenly said, bringing the attention to him.
,, Look at the Observation booth." He told them, the group quickly following his gaze, only to groan at the sight that played itself out in front of them.
Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley hid behind the Professors, seemingly undetected, when suddenly Hermione started muttering a Spell.
And then Professor Snape's Robes began to catch fire.
,, She....."
,, Oh Merlin...."
Snape noticed this, and in his haste to stop the fire, knocked into Professor Quirrell, the both of them tumbling down, which made their group wince in sympathy, Xavier shaking his head in disappointment while Arcturus finished the countercurse.
This meant that 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.
"He didn't catch it, he nearly swallowed it," Flint was still howling twenty minutes later, but it made no difference -- Harry hadn't broken any rules according to Dumbledore and Lee Jordan was still happily shouting the results -- Gryffindor had won by one hundred and seventy points to sixty.
Aiden looked exhausted and after another unheard warning snatched the Microphone from Jordan, turning it off before scolding the boy and threatening him with hexes and curses.
----------------
When Regulus woke up several hours later, he groggily tried to make sense of his surroundings........
The last bit he could remember was the fact that Gryffindor had won the match, thanks to Dumbledore allowing Harry's unusual way of catching the Snitch to pass.....
But why was he suddenly in a comfortable bed?
... With Blue bed-sheets...?......
Snapping his eyes open he was greeted by the sight of a Star-filled ceiling, the Planets slowly rotating..
He sat up, noticing that he was dressed in his usual Nightwear, black Pyjamas which were made out of Silk.
He looked around, now able to tell that he was not in his Dorm-room, but in Celestia's Chambers.
Turning a dark crimson he turned around, but to his surprise, he didn't find Celestia there...
Regulus let a hand go through his hair and closed his eyes, taking slow breaths in as he tried calming down.
When he opened his eyes again, he was met by Chrome sitting on the end of the bed and looking at him curiously.
,, *Sigh* Hello, Chrome....." He greeted, silently watching the Niffler's next move.
They hadn't been the greatest of friends after all.
Chrome quietly shuffled forward, sitting down on Regulus' lap, at which the boy let out another sigh and began petting him with one hand, while he leaned his chin against the other.
Chrome leaned into the touch, enjoying it.
............
,, You know....." Regulus began, continuing to watch. ,, For such a troublemaker you're actually not that bad.."
Chrome gave a noise of approval, making him smile the tiniest bit.
,, Say, where is Celestia ?" He asked, curious to know where she might be if not in bed.
Chrome suddenly sat up straight, before jumping out of bed and landing on the ground, where he waited for Regulus, facing the boy.
Regulus rose an eyebrow, but got out of the comfortable bed, following the Niffler until they landed by the window seat near the door.....
There laid Celestia, her white hair sprawled out around her as her chest rose and fell at a steady rhythm......
She was wearing a white Nightgown, the blanket barely managing to cover her small form..
And the Moonlight shining down on her face made her look like an innocent angel.
Regulus blinked, utterly confused.
Why was she sleeping by the window seat..?
And why in the world didn't she just wake him up so he could go to his own room, or even sleep on one of the Sofas or armchairs?
She moved the tiniest bit, giving him a perfect view of the Scars littering her left arm...
He frowned at the sight, leaning down to take a closer look......
,, Those weren't self-inflicted.... Were they ?" He asked, Chrome giving him a sad noise as an answer to his questions......
His Grey eyes wandered towards her face, the Moonlight making her Pale features appear even paler.
, Who would harm someone like her...?.' He asked himself, before standing back up.
It wasn't the right time for this........
She would come to them when she found herself ready....
And until then he could wait.
So he carefully lifted her into his arms, easily able to carry her toward her bed.
He laid her down and covered her with the blanket, though when he tried to leave she grabbed his arm, burying her head into it with a small smile on her lips.......
, Great....' He thought, deadpanning. , She won't let go...'
Sighing in defeat, and being still tired himself he laid down next to her and covered himself with another blanket, able to tell that Chrome had also made himself very much comfortable on the bed.
He looked at the ceiling, watching the Stars as he slowly drifted off to sleep..