The Curse of Time (Harry Potter Fanfic)

Today was the Quidditch match between Slytherin and Gryffindor. I wasn't particularly excited about it—in fact, you could say I wasn't interested at all. But Marie insisted I attend, knowing I could analyze the game and come up with a strategy for her team's future match against Slytherin.

The Nimbus 2001 brooms are exceptional, and having an entire team equipped with them was intimidating. Without a solid strategy, there's a high chance Ravenclaw will lose, especially with Malfoy likely to catch the Snitch and score 150 points for his team.

When I arrived at the Great Hall, there was a palpable tension between the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables. As I reached my house table, I noticed Luna wearing a hat with a lion's head on it.

"Well, there's no mistaking which team you're supporting. Hahaha!"

Marie voiced the comment I had in my head, but I didn't really laugh at her. She's always true to herself.

Her real charm lies in what others call her oddity. She doesn't care about public opinion and lives as she pleases, and that's what's truly admirable about her. On top of that, she knows a lot about little-known creatures and often helps me learn more about them.

After a good breakfast, we headed to the stadium. Marie insisted on forming a group with me, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Hagrid, Luna, Ginny, and even Colin, because he's nice enough, though he can get a little too excited when he talks. I would have invited the twins, but they're playing in the game. They must always let me borrow their map, though.

A week ago, they showed me the Marauder's Map—a highly detailed map of Hogwarts that even shows where people are in the castle. I was amazed that four people managed to create something like that, especially since there's no deception in the map.

I wanted to borrow the map for a short hour as compensation for cutting my time with Marie short. I had noticed that the Room of Requirement wasn't marked on it, and I wanted to see what would happen if someone tried to go inside. Would they walk straight into the wall? Or would the room reveal itself when they entered? So many questions, and I'm eager to get answers as soon as possible.

The players entered the field, and the Slytherins proudly flaunted their new acquisition.

We would finally see if they relied more on their brooms than on a solid strategy.

The two captains shook hands—or rather, attempted to crush each other's hands—before the match began.

One Quidditch game later:

What happened to that Bludger? Why was it targeting Harry so relentlessly?

It was fortunate that, despite the relentless attacks by the rogue Bludger, Harry managed to catch the Golden Snitch. Honestly, it was mostly because Malfoy wasn't paying attention—even when it was hovering right next to his ear.

Marie and I immediately cast a charm on the rogue Bludger to stop it from moving, as it kept attacking Harry even after the match had ended.

While the teachers placed the Bludger back in its box to study later and investigate its strange behavior, Lockhart approached Harry with an air of grandeur, announcing that he was going to fix Harry's broken arm.

"Colin, I'll give you 10 Galleons if you take a picture of Lockhart's attempt at healing."

I was certain he would mess up the spell, so I figured I might as well have some proof to use against him later.

Colin hesitated for a moment, knowing Harry wouldn't be thrilled about it. But I reminded him that a good photographer often faces people's anger for doing their job. I also promised to defend him when the time came to use the photo.

As expected, Lockhart didn't disappoint me. He managed to make all the bones in Harry's arm disappear.