The Quidditch Match

Morning.

The Great Hall at Hogwarts.

"Hermione, is something bothering you?" Jerry asked. She had seemed a little strange these past few days.

"No, I was just thinking about Professor McGonagall's homework from yesterday!"

At the mention of homework, Ron and Neville spoke up. "That reminds us—Jerry, Hermione, hurry up and let us copy your History of Magic homework! That class is so boring we fell asleep!"

Hermione had been about to refuse, but since it was History of Magic, she agreed. Ron and Neville weren't the only ones who dozed off in that class; even Jerry fell asleep sometimes.

Ron and Neville took Hermione's homework, whipped out their pens, and launched into a frantic race to finish their assignments.

Then they glanced at Harry, who hadn't moved, and grew puzzled.

Didn't all three of us fall asleep the moment History of Magic started? How did Harry Potter finish his homework already?

They scratched their heads, wondering if Harry had secretly started working ahead without them.

Neville patted Harry on the back. "Harry, have you finished your History of Magic homework?"

Only then did Harry snap out of his thoughts. He glanced at Ron and Neville, pulled out his pen, and joined their homework scramble.

As he worked, Ron asked, "Harry, how are you feeling about the Quidditch Match? Gryffindor plays Slytherin tomorrow, and that's Saturday!"

Harry stopped writing. "I'm a little nervous. Wood said Quidditch can be dangerous. Players get hurt every year."

"Don't worry, Harry!" Jerry said. "This is Hogwarts. Nothing serious will happen."

Harry thought about it. With so many professors there, including Dumbledore, surely they wouldn't let a student come to harm.

"Thanks for reassuring me, Jerry!"

Seeing Harry had misunderstood, Jerry grinned wickedly. "No, I meant you should trust Madam Pomfrey. At worst, you'll spend a few months in the Hospital Wing!"

Harry: ???

What was that supposed to mean?

Jerry's explanation only worried Harry more. He couldn't even bring himself to copy the homework.

Hermione pinched Jerry's arm. "Jerry, stop scaring Harry!"

After classes ended for the day, Jerry and Hermione had just sat down at the long table for dinner when someone greeted them.

"Hi, Jerry! I'm Hermione's roommate, Parvati Patil."

Jerry turned and saw an Indian student speaking to him.

"Hello, I'm Jerry Green. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Patil."

"Just call me Parvati. I won't interrupt you two. Bye!" She turned and took a seat nearby, glancing over at Jerry and Hermione from time to time.

"Hermione, what's going on with your roommates? That's the third one who's come over to say hello!"

Hermione blushed. She put a chicken leg on Jerry's plate with her fork. "Never mind them, Jerry. Eat your dinner! We still have to go to the library later!"

"All right..."

Since Hermione didn't want to say more, Jerry let it go.

"Hey, Jerry, Hermione! Guess what we found out today?"

Before long, Harry and the other two arrived at the table, all talking over one another about their discovery.

"Snape hurt his leg?"

Harry said excitedly, "On Halloween, we saw Snape hurry toward Fluffy. He must be trying to steal whatever Fluffy is guarding! Maybe he let the troll loose to distract everyone!"

Hermione said, "Harry, Jerry's right here! This is too dangerous. I don't want to drag him into it!"

"And Snape is Jerry's Head of House. Saying that puts Jerry in an awkward position."

Harry stared at Hermione in disbelief. "Are you... sure Jerry is the one in danger?"

Jerry gently patted Hermione's hand. "It's all right. Besides, you've seen what I can do."

"Harry, are you sure Snape wants to steal what Fluffy is guarding? Snape isn't as bad as you think. He'd never do something like that!"

Hermione nodded. "I agree with Jerry. Snape is always giving us trouble, but I still can't believe he'd steal something Dumbledore deliberately hid and put under heavy guard."

Despite Jerry and Hermione's best efforts to explain, Harry and the others still suspected Snape.

Jerry said, "Harry, I think you should first find out what Fluffy is guarding. Here's a hint: ask Hagrid. If a fantastic beast like Fluffy is being kept in the Castle, Hagrid is bound to know!"

Harry and the others brightened. "Jerry, you're brilliant!"

Hermione shook her head. "Harry, you should focus on getting ready for tomorrow's match."

The next morning was clear and cold.

The dining hall smelled enticingly of grilled sausages. Students and professors alike talked eagerly about the coming Quidditch Match, and the mood was lively and cheerful.

Except for Jerry!

"Harry, you need to eat some breakfast. You've got a match soon!"

Harry sounded nervous. "No, Ron, I really don't have an appetite."

"Harry, you need to keep your strength up," Seamus Finnigan said. "The Seeker is usually the player the other team watches most closely."

At Seamus's words, Harry forced down a little toast.

As time passed, eleven o'clock crept up on them.

By then, almost all the students and professors had already gathered in the stands around the Quidditch Pitch.

The Gryffindor and Slytherin students in particular had rushed to get there.

"Neville, have you seen Jerry?"

Hermione had searched the Gryffindor and Slytherin stands several times but hadn't spotted him.

"Jerry?" Neville said. "No. Isn't he with you?"

Hermione shook her head. "Save a seat for Jerry and me. I'll go find him!"

She hurried down from the Gryffindor stands and ran toward the Castle.

As soon as she entered the Great Hall, she saw Jerry sitting alone at the long table, leafing through a book.

"Jerry, why are you still here reading? The Quidditch Match is about to start. Come on!"

Hermione grabbed Jerry's hand and tried to pull him toward the door.

Seeing her breathless from running, Jerry said, "Hermione, sit down and catch your breath first. Besides, you know I'm not interested in Quidditch."

Hermione felt a little disappointed.

She had hoped to persuade Jerry to come watch the Quidditch Match with her.

Just then, a gloomy voice sounded behind them, making them both jump.