Chapter 14 – Fight for the prize
The next two weeks flew by. Apart from Tom starting to teach Harry, Ron and Hermione, all his efforts were being focused on the Quidditch match that would take place on the coming Saturday. It had become common knowledge that, as Hufflesnuff were so bad, if Ravensnore won, they won the cup. If Slytherdin won by less than 100 and the Gryffinchair beat Slytherdin, Gryffinchair would win. If Slytherdin won by more than 100, they would take the cup. This had resulted in Mark increasing the number of practises. It had also meant that no player from either Ravensnore or Slytherdin was safe to walk the corridors alone. Offensive chants and unnerving the other team had become child’s play. Hexes were often seen fired at opposing team members whenever the teachers weren’t around. In fact, so many people were trying to hex Tom that his cube of illusion didn’t work on them all at the same time. He had to be more cautious when travelling through the castle and stick with friends wherever possible.
So far he had avoided any serious harm but the same could not be said for Ryan. He’d had to visit the hospital wing with a curious case of shrinking arms. He’d been stupid enough to try and take on 5 Slytherdins by himself. It was said that he’d tried to carry on fighting, even when his arms were no longer than a ruler but Professor McMogal had stepped in and put a stop to it. Thankfully, the school doctor had worked her magic and he was out of the hospital the day before the match.
That night, the common room was an eerie place. No one really said much with everyone’s minds focused on the next day. Tom, the only member of the team not to suffer from pre match nerves, was reading a book that Professor Snipe had lent him called ‘Elements are the greatest magic’. It was all about how to use the elements to your advantage in a fight. The book had been banned by Hogwash decades ago as a result of its content. Therefore the spine of the book read ‘A history of Hogwash’ to disguise it. Tom found it a very interesting read and planned to try out as much as he could whenever possible.
At 9:30 Mark ordered the team to go to bed, insisting they needed a good night’s sleep in preparation. Tom couldn’t go to sleep that early and so carried on reading in his room. After about 20 minutes there was a feint knock on his door. He got up from his bed and went to open it. In came Amber and Cho. “Looking good,” said Cho jokily.
Tom was only wearing boxers since he’d been in bed. “You guys couldn’t sleep?” he said to them as he let them into his room.
“Too nervous,” they said. Tom nodded and went to put on some cloths.
“We figured you could help,” Cho said.
“You always seem so calm. What’s your secret?” finished Amber.
“I just have confidence in what I’m doing. Confidence that I can do it and confidence that it’s the right thing to do.”
“That’s easier said than done,” said Cho.
Tom added, “Also, in the rare occasion when I get frustrated or angry, I take out my anger by lifting weights. I find it very relaxing in a weird way.”
“That doesn’t really help us,” said Amber, slightly impatiently.
“Tell you what. I have an idea. If you give me 15 minutes, I can help you out.”
“Alright then,” they both said.
Tom was expecting them to leave and then come back but they stayed put so he set to work with them watching. He pulled out his potions kit and set to work creating a strong tonic potion that would calm their nerves. He’d never made it before but had detailed instructions from a book of useful potions that had been a prize from Professor Snipe that he’d actually written.
The girls talked mainly among themselves whilst Tom worked but they asked for his opinion every now and again. Tom was no expert potion maker but due to Snipe’s fantastic instructions, the potion was ready on schedule and it looked a treat. It was perfectly clear and thin, just like water but it smelt of a fresh mountain spring. Tom explained what the potion was and said it should last for 24 hours, hence they would be fine for the match as well. The girls took a swig, thanked Tom and went to bed.
The next morning the team went down to breakfast together and entered the hall to a chorus of cheers and boos. Although mainly cheers as no one apart from the Slytherdins wanted Slytherdin to win. Tom didn’t understand why there was so much negativity surrounding Slytherdin house but he didn’t complain. The more support they had the better.
The Slytherdin team left for the Quidditch pitch first. Mark insisted that everyone had a good meal before the match. “You can’t function properly without some good food, he said. So they all ate and when they also left for the Quidditch pitch, the team received many cheers and words of encouragement.
Once in the changing rooms, Mark went through final tactics. The entire team was focused on everything he said and Tom was almost vibrating from the excitement. He couldn’t wait to unleash his new bat. Mark had decided that Tom and he should continuously circle the team from opposite sides of the pitch so that they could intervene at any point. Also, due to the brute force of their opponents, it would be best if Cho could catch the snitch quickly before they could be worn down. Hence he wanted everyone to look out for it and signal to Cho if they saw it.
The team walked out onto the pitch to a sea of blue in the stands. Three quarters of the stands were chanting “Ravensnore! They mean war. With Mark at the helm, this team will soar! Amber’s skill, will break Slytherdin’s will. And Tom’s bat, will break more than that!”
Tom laughed at the chant and made a personal note to find out who had come up with it and buy them a drink. He looked up into the stands and couldn’t make out anyone. But then he looked at the teachers stand and could see Dumby, along with all the usual teachers. “Heads up guys. Dumby’s come to watch,” Tom said to the team.
“I wonder why? He doesn’t normally come,” said Natalie.
“It’s a good sign,” Mark told everyone.
The traditional hand shake/brake was administered and then the balls were released and the match began. Immediately Slytherdin were on the attack, determined to crush the hopes of the Ravensnore team (and crowd). Ryan was put under a lot of pressure and performed two saves in quick succession before finally conceding the first goal. Then they scored again, and again. Tom was getting so frustrated that he hit a bludger wildly in the wrong direction and almost knocked Natalie of her broom.
The Ravensnore chasers were outmatched in sheer size. Natalie and Amber were girls and Boris was a weed, whereas the Slytherdin chasers were three hulking lads. Amber and Natalie signalled to Tom to take action so he flew into the thick of things, keeping a bludger close, by tapping it forwards. Once in close proximity of Flint, one of the Slytherdin chasers, he let loose a cannon of a shot that went straight for Flint’s head. Unfortunately, one of the Slytherdin beaters blocked it at the last second. However, in the confusion, Boris managed to escape with the quaffle and score. Also, Cho had managed to spot the snitch and was hurtling after it, only to be fouled by Maloney, who grabbed her hair. Amber converted the penalty but it was a tiny price for the Slytherdins to pay for the snitch to be lost again.
Over the next 10 minutes, with Tom and Mark working overtime, Ravensnore managed to hold their own and the score rose to 80-70 to Slytherdin. Angry by Ravensnores performance, the Slytherdins started to play dirty. Their beaters double teamed Ryan when the quaffle was at the other end and knocked him off his broom. Luckily, Mark had been close by and caught Ryan before he hit the ground and took him back to his broom. Mark and Tom got their revenge. They managed to trap the Slytherdin beaters, who had both bludgers. In their haste to get free, they sent really weak shots at Tom and Mark. They pounced on the bludgers and sent them ricocheting off each other into the stomachs of the two Slytherdins. They both managed to stay on their brooms but were so winded that they were unable to fly for the next minute.
The Ravensnore team took advantage of their absence and scored twice to take the lead. Then, once the teams were 7 vs 7 again, usual brutal play resumed. Tom was worried that
if Cho didn’t catch the snitch soon, someone would end up in serious pain. He signalled to Mark to watch the rest of the team, then flew over to Cho. “Any sign of it?” he said.
“Not since the first time.”
Tom looked around in search himself. Having never played seeker, he didn’t know any tricks for spotting it. He wondered why no one had seen it in 20 minutes which gave him an idea. He started looking at the floor and sure enough, he spotted it lying in the sand behind the central goal post that Ryan was guarding. Excited he turned round to tell Cho. But she shouted before he had the chance, “Amber!”
Tom swivelled around to see Amber being hit by both bludgers. Remarkably she managed to stay airborne. But then the Slytherdin seeker saw to that. He wasn’t even looking for the snitch, he was charging towards her and, once she was dazed by the effects of the bludgers, kicked her into a goal post and she fell 50ft and landed in the grass.
Enraged, Tom went flying straight for him. He shouted back at Cho as loud as he could, “The snitch is on the ground below Ryan.” He hoped she heard him but didn’t wait to check. He turned his head back around and fixed his eyes on the Slytherdin seeker. Noticing him coming, one of the Slytherdin beaters sent a bludger at him slightly too high. Tom didn’t even think, he just acted. He jumped off his broom and smacked the bludger with every ounce of power he could muster at the seeker. The bludger moved with such speed that it made impact, having travelled 50m, before Tom landed back on his broom. The sickening crunch of bones was heard all around the stadium as the seeker crumpled in a heap on the ground.
Tom didn’t look at anything else except Amber’s motionless body, face down on the ground. For the next 30 seconds, he became completely deaf. He flew straight for her and dismounted next to her. He rolled her over and checked her heart. She was still breathing but had been knocked out. Relieved that she was ok, he looked around to see what had happened to the match as his hearing returned to him.
The stands were vibrating as hundreds of students jumped up and down, cheering. He then saw the entire team flying towards him. Cho was at the front with the snitch in hand. Tom beamed at them as they arrived and high fived everyone. “She’s alright,” he said weakly, shocked at hearing the sound of his voice.
“Great game lads!” said Ryan.
“It’s not over yet. Look who’s coming,” said Natalie in a stern voice as she pointed over their heads. Professor Dumbridge was hurrying over to them as fast as her short legs would carry her. She looked like she meant business.
Tom had a brainwave. He slipped his hand into his pocket and rotated his cube of illusion. As Dumbridge reached them, they noticed her expression change from anger to worry. She’d looked like she was about to disqualify them but instead, without a word, created a stretcher and levitated Amber on to it. She then did the same to the Slytherdin seeker and headed off towards the castle, to the hospital wing.
Tom was amazed to see the effect that the cube had on her. Most people he’d tried it on just cooperated with him or understood his point of view. Dumbridge had completely changed her mind on her own and acted as Tom hoped she would have. Tom wondered if the strength of her obedience was due to Tom’s increased emotions or her being a particularly weak witch.
“What was that about? I was certain she was going to do us in for something,” said Ryan, bewildered.
“Beats me,” added Mark.
“Who was that seeker?” asked Tom.
“That’s Drogo Maloney, he’s evil,” said Cho bitterly, as she massaged the back of her head where Maloney had pulled.
“What’s his problem?” asked Tom, disgusted.
“No one knows. He just seems to have a vendetta against certain people, and it looks like Amber is on his list.”
“But why? She’s never done anything to him, has she?”
Mark replied this time. “Best not to think too much into it Tom. He’s friendly with Dumbridge and his father is friends with the minister of magic. Don’t go after him.”
Tom replied, heatedly, “He just attacked my girlfriend. I can’t let this go until I know why. I’d do the same for any of you.” Realising that Tom wasn’t going to be convinced otherwise, Mark and the team dropped it and started to celebrate instead.
On the way back to the castle, Tom received many congratulations from fans. So many people were rejoicing about how Maloney had finally gotten what was coming to him that Tom struggled to get into the hall for lunch. All the way through lunch, people came up to him, and the rest of the team, to talk about the match and give more congratulations.
Eventually, Harry came over to them as well. He whispered to Tom, “I’d want some privacy if I were you.”
“I’d love some.”
Harry then said quietly to Tom and Cho, who was sitting next to him, “Fred and George are about to cause a diversion. When they do, get up and leave as quickly as you can. Meet me by the tapestry of the St. Bernard on the first floor corridor.” He left before they had chance to reply so they waited in anticipation.
Not long after, Fred over exaggeratedly fell off his seat and pulled many trays of food with him, along with his brother. The commotion caused everyone to look over at them, allowing Tom and Cho to leave just as Harry had said. They hurried off to meet Harry.
“What did they do?” Harry asked as they reached him.
“Knocked over a load of dishes and stuff,” said Tom.
“Standard… Tom, I wanted to personally thank you for hitting Maloney, I’ve heard he’s broken most of his ribs.”
“Whoa, seriously?” asked Cho in great surprise.
“Yeah. If it were anyone else, I’d feel sorry for them but Maloney has always tried to get one over me whenever possible so I think he deserved it.”
Tom said, “I’d not heard of this Maloney guy before today. I asked the others what his problem was but they didn’t tell me.”
“His dad’s a death muncher and he’s on his way to becoming one,” replied Harry in a cynical tone.
“That still doesn’t explain why he attacked Amber when she was defenceless.”
“How is she?”
“I don’t know. I’ve not had a chance to go and see her yet,” he said angrily.
“Go to her Tom,” said Cho sympathetically.
“Thanks guys. I’ll see you later.”
He entered the hospital wing to find Amber lying unconscious at the far end of the wing, with Dumby, of all people, watching over her. He hurried over to her, passing Maloney on the way who was groaning and looked dreadful to Tom’s delight. He momentarily ignored Dumby as he reached for his girlfriend. “I thought I’d find you here sooner,” said Dumby.
“I would have been, but I couldn’t get away from everyone,” he replied, a bit more forcefully than intended.
“She’ll be ok, don’t worry. Madam Pumpkin is more than capable of healing her.”
Tom knew she’d be alright but hearing Albus say it reassured him and he calmed down. “Sir, not to be rude but what are you doing here?”
Dumby looked over at Maloney and muttered something before answering. “He won’t be able to hear us now. I wanted to warn you about Professor Dumbridge. That trick you played on her with your cube was inspired but be warned. Her memory of you will not vanish because of it and you’ll be a target of hers now.”
“What for? I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Technically, no. But the combination of strength and anger you displayed frightened her.”
Tom raised his voice again, “What about Maloney? He went outside of the rule book and attacked Amber who was unguarded!”
“It is admirable how much you care for her but please keep a level head. Drogo is under the protection of Professor Dumbridge and so he can get away with almost anything.”
“Can’t you put a stop to it?”
“I can put Drogo in detention, which I have just done but apart from that I will do nothing else.”
Tom struggled to accept Albus’ decision. Albus, n
oticing this and said, “My position as headmaster hangs in the balance and I wish to stay at Hogwash as long as possible to protect all the students.”
Tom realised he was thinking of the bigger picture again. Whilst he understood Dumby’s view point, he still found it harder to accept when it was personal. “That still doesn’t explain why Maloney did it in the first place.”
“I’m afraid I think I am to blame for that.”
“You! How?”
“It has come to the attention of Professor Dumbridge that we are more than just student and teacher. She suspects our true relationship.”
Tom interjected, “I told you this a few weeks ago!”
Dumby remained calm as he said, “You were right. I’m sorry I didn’t take you more seriously back then. I thought Dumbridge was only a small hindrance but she is causing more trouble than I first thought. Can you forgive me?”
Tom felt weird having a teacher ask for forgiveness. “Of course Albus. You made a mistake, it happens to everyone. I appreciate you owning up to it.”
Albus nodded and said, “Thank you. Now, back to Dumbridge. I believe that she ordered Maloney to provoke you so that she would have a reason to detain you and then perhaps expel you, if the opportunity arises.”
“So it had nothing to do with Amber, she was just the bait?”
“Unfortunately yes. I think Drogo realised you were too strong and cunning to attack head on and so he used her against you.” Tom was lost for words. “Like I said, this is my fault. Hence, I am also here because I feel responsible for the condition Amber is in.”
“Thank you for your consideration.” Dumby inclined his head. Tom continued, “But I will not allow you to take a bullet for me. If I am to be punished, I’ll face up to it.”
“Most admirable Tom but I need you here and, if possible, under the radar. Your full talents will be needed before long and when that time comes, it is essential that you are in the right place, which is here at Hogwash.”
Tom became intrigued. “What’s coming Albus?”
“War.”
“I know that, but what specifically? You talk as if you know a specific event is going to happen.”
“I know nothing for sure but I have my suspicions.” He saw Tom’s expression of hunger and added “It’s best if you don’t know until the time comes. Otherwise you will be in greater danger.” Tom wasn’t satisfied with his answer but knew there was no point arguing with him.
Dumby took his leave so that Tom was alone with Amber, apart from Maloney. However, Madam Pumpkin had erected some screens around him to block him from view. Tom sat down in the empty seat next to her bed and waited. He wanted to be the first thing she saw when she woke up. Pulling out his phone, he plugged in his earphones and selected shuffle. Then he set about trying to figure out a way to connect his phone to an internet signal.
Whilst he thought of and tested out different ideas, it seemed like his phone was making fun of him. It was supposed to be randomly selecting songs but he heard hits such as ‘Stayin’ Alive’, ‘Livin’ on the edge’, ‘No woman no cry’, ‘Live and let die’ and ‘Living on a prayer’.
For 2 hours he tried and failed, with nothing happening in the hospital more exciting than watching paint dry. He started to get hungry, having not eaten much at lunch. He was just thinking about the roast beef sandwiches he had in his room when his attention averted back to Amber, who had just stirred.
“How are you?” he asked softly as she opened her eyes.
“I feel alright, although I can’t feel my legs.”
“Madam Pumpkin said you’ve broken your femur.”
“Why can’t I feel it then?” she said as she reached down to touch them.
“It’s already been mended and you’re on a lot of pain killers.”
“Oh, that explains it.” She lay there, relaxing. Then jolted all of a sudden. “What happened at the match?” she asked.
“We won. I took care of Maloney after he saw to you and then Cho caught the snitch immediately after.”
Amber cheered, then asked, “What did you do to him?”
“I hit him with a bludger so hard it broke most of his ribs,” he said proudly.
“You’re the best. I wish I could have seen it though.”
He laughed and then said, “I’m so glad you’re alright.”
Amber detected fear in his voice for the first time ever. “You were really worried about me?”
“Of course I was.”
She grabbed his hand. “Thank you for not leaving me. I would have hated waking up alone.”
“You’d have done the same for me.”
They stared into each other’s eyes for a time and then Tom leaned in and they kissed. The touch of her lips on his were even more comforting than usual. As he pulled away, Amber asked, “Where’s the rest of the team? Have they been up to see me?”
Tom didn’t want to tell her the truth but he’d never lied to Amber and he didn’t intend to start now. “They haven’t been up here. Since they heard you were alright, they’ve been partying and enjoying their attention. Don’t blame them for having some fun. If you were in a more serious condition, I’m sure they would have come to see you.” In an attempt to soften the blow, Tom added, “Dumby came to see you though.”
“Really?” she asked in surprise.
“Yeah, he wanted to make sure you were ok.”
She raised an eyebrow. “That’s weird. I’ve never spoken to him before. Why would he all of a sudden take an interest?”
Tom averted the sticky topic by just saying, “He seems to care about us students. He’d probably have done the same for anyone in your situation. He checked on Maloney as well. He also gave him detention.” She seemed satisfied so Tom went about cheering her up. No matter how good you feel when in hospital, you’d still prefer to not be there.
They talked about the match mostly with Tom slipping in jokes wherever he could to make her laugh. He politely avoided mentioning he was hungry but soon, Amber was as well. Presumably, Madam Pumpkin usually took care of a patient’s food but she had mysteriously vanished.
Tom then remembered what Bonky had told him the last time he went down to the kitchens. ‘If ever you require my assistance. Speak my name clearly and I shall come.’ Tom hadn’t done it yet but he could do with the elf’s help now. “Bonky?” he said tentatively.
Amber jumped as he spoke without warning. To his delight, the elf appeared in front of them a second later. “How can I help Tom?”
Tom pointed to Amber as he replied “This is Amber. She can’t leave the hospital wing and Madam Pumpkin has disappeared. Could you bring us some dinner?”
Bonky sounded delighted. “Of course. Give me a minute.” He vanished.
“So that’s your house elf friend,” said Amber in admiration.
“Yeah, he’s a great guy. He’s so helpful, I just wish I could help him in some way to repay him.”
“Sounds like you,” she said, giggling.
Surprised, Tom asked, “What do you mean by that?”
“Just that you always try and pay your debts even if they don’t really exist.” Tom stared at her so she explained. “For example, you wouldn’t go out with me until you’d straightened things out with Isabelle, even though you kept trying to and she kept avoiding you. Most people would have given up after the first attempt.”
“Well, it all worked out for the best. We’re good friends now,” he said defensively.
“I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. I’m just saying you don’t need to seek out a way to repay Bonky. He’s just helping you because he wants to.”
“A man’s got to have a code. Part of mine is an eye for an eye. If someone helps me, I help them back. If someone hurts me, I hurt them back. Also, it pays to have friends in all different places, although that’s more just common sense.” Before either of them could say any more, Bonky arrived with the food.
Addressing Amber, Bonky said, “I couldn’t bring you a proper dinn
er as you don’t have the space for multiple dishes. So I thought I’d bring you a treat. It’s something that isn’t served at Hogwash but it’s my speciality and one of Tom’s favourites.” He pulled out a few long, round items wrapped in foil.
“Meatball subs! Bonky you legend,” Tom said ecstatically. “Honestly Amber, these are the greatest sandwiches in the world!”
Amber was surprised to see Tom so animated about a sandwich. She said, “Thank you Bonky,” and accepted the sandwiches from him.
“Any time. Any friend of Tom’s is a friend of mine.”
“Girlfriend,” she corrected him.
“Is that so?” Without waiting for a reply, Bonky added, “I must leave now but enjoy and get well soon.” The elf vanished.
The two of them dived into the meatball subs, with Amber agreeing with Tom that they were amazing. Tom went to offer one to Maloney as a truce, he figured Drogo had suffered enough. But he was asleep. After a time of silence, where they ate and Tom pondered what Dumby had said about Dumbridge being on to him, he looked back at Amber to find her asleep. He brushed her hair out of her face, kissed her on the forehead and went back to Ravensnore tower.
He entered the common room to find the whole house still partying. “Here he is!” shouted Ryan. Hands appeared and pulled Tom into the centre of the room. “The man of the hour is here. Only 7 hours late,” announced Ryan, to the room. “Cho’s told us that you spotted the snitch. And after what you did to Maloney, we think you should be knighted.”
There were roars of agreement. Most people seemed a bit drunk. Tom tried to be the voice of reason. “Guys, you exaggerate. Cho was the one who caught the snitch, not me. And I need a team to win a match, I can’t do it on my own.”
Someone in the crowd shouted, “Now!”
The next thing he knew, he was soaked and shivering. Someone had tipped a large bucket of ice cold water over his head and had drenched him.
The common room burst into laughter and Mark shouted above the noise, ‘Just a tradition Ravensnores have when we win the cup. The rest of the team were soaked hours ago.’ Tom knew it was in the name of fun so joined in with the laughter before performing a quick spell to dry his cloths and warm himself up. After that, he joined in with the celebrations for the next hour or two. Mark and Ryan had managed to get hold of a load of alcohol and had repeatedly spiked certain people’s drinks. In traditional drunken style, bad singing, overconfidence and stupidity were observed throughout.