Harry + Charlotte [H.Potter]

𝖛𝖎𝖎𝖎

Chapter 8 | The Cat and The Rat

Charlotte smiled as she won her game against Gryffindor. It was truly hard, as Oliver Woods' strategies were phenomenal. After her first match with Ravenclaw, Madam Hooch checked if her broom was bewitched based on how fast it went. Madam Hooch's eyes looked upon in wonder to find the broom not modified or bewitched.

It goes to show that Charlotte is skilled with a broom. She looked over at Harry and stuck out her tongue and eye at him. He chuckled and did it one back. It was another miracle win by Charlotte, scoring. However, the odds were close by ten points. It was quite an intense match between the Seekers to grab the Golden Snitch.

Fred and George particularly had a hard time hitting a direct at Charlotte. It was like she knew when it was coming or not. They definitely devised a plan to use her in their pranks. A few weeks before her next game with Slytherin, Charlotte walked into the Forbidden Forest with Hermione. She stumbled upon her when she was running with tears in her eyes.

"It isn't right for Ron to accuse you like that. Poor Scabbers, though," Charlotte said as she walked with Hermione. "Besides, I heard from Fred and George that Scabbers is old. Been in the family a year after we were born or something." Hermione sighed, "He wouldn't stop bringing it up. It has really upset me," she sniffed.

"Aw, baby," Charlotte side-hugged her friend as they finally got to the spot. "Here, we are!" She smiled as Hermione looked around. "Wow," her eyes locked on the wolf and dog as Crookshanks jumped out of her arms. "So this has been where he's been going," Hermione pointed out. "Oh, yeah," Charlotte chuckled as she tossed a chunk of meat to Jasper, the wolf.

"This is Jasper—I've recently just named him—and this is Snuffles," Charlotte introduced her to the wolf and dog. "You... are one crazy girl, Charlotte," Hermione smiled as she patted Snuffles. "Where do you think he went?" Charlotte asked as she cuddled with the wolf. "... What if he did eat him?" Hermione looked worried as she looked at her cat.

"There was blood and everything," she added. "I'm sure he's somewhere," Charlotte reassured her as she took care of the bowtruckle from before. During their time there, Charlotte showed Hermione the creatures and animals she befriended, and it, thankfully, distracted Hermione.

"Come on, Snuffles," Charlotte opened her bag to get the dog inside. "You know, you've been trying to be sneaky, but it's kinda obvious," Hermione pointed out. "Really...?" Charlotte looked in dread before ruffling Jasper's fur before walking back to the castle. They finally got to the castle, and Charlotte yelled in surprise as she felt something bite her.

"What's wrong?" Hermione quickly turned to her as Charlotte looked down. "Is... is that...?" Charlotte questioned as she looked at the small animal by her feet. "Scabbers?!" Hermione exclaimed as the rat squeaked. "He looks so skinny," Charlotte cringed as she lifted and inspected him. There's even dry blood near his lips.

"Oh, dear. He needs some help. No offense, Hermione, but he must be really scared of Crookshanks," Charlotte pointed out, and ensured Scabbers wasn't near the cat. "It's a relief that he isn't actually dead," Hermione sighed in relief. "We should show Ron that Scabbers is alive. Dinner is around the corner after all," Charlotte pointed out.

Charlotte brought out her towel to wrap the rat in it safely. Before going to the Great Hall, they washed their hands with soap and water. Charlotte got back to cradling Scabbers in her arms as they entered the Great Hall. "Where are they?" Hermione looked at the Gryffindor table. "There!" Charlotte pointed out to the two boys who sat on the other side of the table.

The two walked over to sit in front of the boys, but Ron glared at Hermione and rolled his eyes. "Honestly, Ron, you shouldn't accuse your friend like that. You know that rat is old already," Charlotte scolded as she sat in front of him while Hermione sat in front of Harry. "What is it?" Harry asked nicely to the two.