Bella and the Chamber (Book Two)

Chapter Twelve

"I'm the new Slytherin Seeker, Weasley," Malfoy said, smugly. "Everyone's just been admiring the brooms my father bought the team"

Ron gaped, open-mouthed, at the broomsticks in front of him. I groaned. Seriously, Ron?

"Good, aren't they?" Malfoy said smoothly. "But perhaps the Gryffindor team will be able to raise some gold and get new brooms, too. You could raffle off those Cleansweep Fives, I expect a museum would bid for them"

The Slytherin team howled with laughter. I saw red. 

"At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in," Hermione said sharply and I looked at her impressed. Go Hermione! "They got in on pure talent"

The smug look on Malfoy's face flickered and I smirked. 

"No one asked your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood," he spat. 

OH NO HE DIDN'T! There was an instant uproar at his words and Harry looked confused, he probably didn't know what it meant. Flint had to dive in front of Malfoy to stop Fred and George jumping on him, Harry held me back, Alicia shrieked, "How dare you!" and Ron plunged his hand into his robes, pulled out his wand, yelling, "You'll pay for that one, Malfoy!" and pointed it furiously under Flint's arm at Malfoys face.

A loud bang echoed around the stadium and a jet of green light shot out of the wrong end of Ron's wand, hitting him in the stomach and sending him reeling backwards onto the grass. Damn it, Ron!

"Ron! Ron! Are you all right?" I squealed, still in Harry's arms. I could have gotten out easy...but dude, I'm in Harry Potter's arms! Who would want to leave?

Ron opened his mouth the speak, but no words came out. Instead, he gave an almighty belch and several slugs dripped out of his mouth onto his lap. Gross. 

The Slytherin team were paralysed with laughter. Flint was doubled up, handing on to his new broomstick for support. Malfoy was on all fours, banging the ground with his fist. Us Gryffindors were gathered around Ron, who kept belching large, glistening slugs. It seems like no one wanted to touch him.

"We'd better get him to Hagrid's, it's nearest," Harry said to me and Hermione, we both nodded and the three of us pulled Ron up by the arms. 

"What happened, Harry? What happened, Bella? Is he ill? But you can cure him, can't you?" I groaned. Colin had run down from his seat and was now dancing alongside us as we left the pitch. Ron gave a huge heave and more slugs dribbled down his front. 

"Oooh," Colin said, fascinated and raising his camera. "Can you hold him still?"

"Get out of the way, Colin!" I snapped. The three of us supported Ron out of the stadium and across the grounds towards the edge of the forest.

"Nearly there, Ron," Hermione said, as the gamekeeper's cabin came into view. "You'll be all right in a minute...almost there..."

We were within twenty feet of Hagrid's house when the front door opened, but it wasn't Hagrid who emerged. Lockhart, wearing robes of palest mauve today, came striding out. 

"Quick, behind here," Harry hissed, dragging Ron behind a nearby bush with me closely behind. Hermione followed, somewhat reluctantly.

"It's a simple matter if you know what you're doing!" Lockhart said loudly to Hagrid. "If you need help, you know where I am! I'll let you have a copy of my book - I'm surprised you haven't already got one. I'll sign one tonight and send it over. Well, goodbye!" And he strode away towards the castle.

Man, I hate that guy. I voiced my thoughts and Harry agreed with me. Hermione rolled her eyes and Ron vomited another slug with a groan. Poor guy.

We waited until Lockhart was out of sight, then pulled Ron out of the bush and up to Hagrid's front door. We knocked urgently.