The Philosopher's Stone

Chapter 11 (Quidditch)

Me: Hey-o!

Danny: Wow.

Me: What?

Danny: That was really fast.

Me: Oh hush.

Danny: *holds hands up in defense*

Me: Anyway, I don't own Danny Phantom or Harry Potter. They both belong to their respective owners Butch Hartman and JK Rowling. Now, ONTO THE STORY!

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As they entered November, the weather turned very cold. The mountains around the school became icy gray and the lake 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.

Danny himself had even taken to taking walks around in the cool air during the mornings sometimes.

The Quidditch season had begun. On Saturday, Harry would be playing in his first match after weeks of training: Gryffindor versus Slytherin. If Gryffindor won, they would move up into second place in the House Championship.

Hardly anyone had seen Harry play because Wood had decided that, as their secret weapon, Harry should be kept, well, secret. But the news that he was playing Seeker had leaked out somehow.

It was really lucky that Harry now had Hermione as a friend. Danny didn't know how his brother would have gotten through all his homework without her, what with all the last-minute Quidditch practice Wood was making them do. She had also lent Harry Quidditch Through the Ages, which Harry seemed to be quite interested in.

Hermione had become a bit more relaxed about breaking rules since Harry, Danny, and Ron had saved her from the mountain troll, and she was much nicer for it. The day before Harry's first Quidditch match the four of them were out in the freezing courtyard during break, and she had conjured them up a bright blue fire that could be carried around in a jam jar, though Danny would have been perfectly fine without it if he were being honest. They were standing with their backs to it, getting warm, when Snape crossed the yard. Harry noticed at once that Snape was limping. Harry, Danny, Ron, and Hermione moved closer together to block the fire from view; they were sure it wouldn't be allowed. Unfortunately, something about their guilty faces caught Snape's eye. He limped over. He hadn't seen the fire, but he seemed to be looking for a reason to tell them off anyway.

"What's that you've got there, Potter?"

It was Quidditch Through the Ages. Harry showed him.

"Library books are not to be taken outside the school," said Snape. "Give it to me. Five points from Gryffindor."

Danny stared at the teacher's retreating back in disbelief.

"He's just made that rule up," Harry muttered angrily. "Wonder what's wrong with his leg?"

"Dunno, but I hope it's really hurting him," said Ron bitterly.

Danny nodded in agreement.

The Gryffindor common room was very noisy that evening. Harry, Danny, Ron, and Hermione sat together next to a window. Hermione was checking Harry, Danny, and Ron's Charms homework for them. She would never let them copy ("How will you learn?"), but by asking her to read it through, they got the right answers anyway. She reminded Danny a bit of his old sister Jazz.

Danny was in the process of writing a response to a letter he'd gotten from Tyler when Harry stood up. He told Ron, Danny, and Hermione he was going to ask Snape if he could have it.