The White Rose

Chapter3: Chasing the Chaser

"Do you think when he said he would poison us, he means it?" Harry asked Diana, afraid of what her answer would be.

"Of course! He'll just have an antidote already made in case anyone messes up. So you wouldn't die, but you will feel pain. We have to know how to save ourselves in case we are really poisoned," Diana answered.

"So Diana, what did you get on the Transfiguration test today?" Harry asked.

Diana laughed, "I got a C. I turned that dog into a pillow, instant of a cat. What did you get?"

"I managed to get a C+," Harry shook his head.

"You sure you don't want to tryout, Diana? We need a good chaser," Ron asked, changing the subject

"Like I said to Harry, I don't play quidditch anymore," Diana said, a bit annoyed.

"Why not, if you were so good at it?" Ron asked.

"I just don't. And I haven't played chaser in almost 5 years. In addition, I was never that great in the first place. Like I said, I'll help you find a chaser, and train that person. But I'm not going to play. Really, this is Captain's work . . . Harry! Hint, hint, hint . . . Captain!"

"Well, I have never done this. Fred and George picked the two chasers we have now, and the keeper, and I picked the beaters. But I don't know what to look for in a chaser," Harry said, his voice getting very shaky.

"Well, it's not that hard. If they're good, you'll know it, " Diana laughed at Harry.

The three were walking out to the quidditch pitch to hold tryouts for the new Gryffindor chaser. When they reached the field, they saw about 25 students with brooms waiting to begin. Most of whom, were in 1st year.

"Okay, just because I was seeker my 1st year, doesn't mean that any one of you will be a chaser," Harry said to all of the 1st years.

"Do you guys even know how to fly?" Diana asked. All of the 1st years looked at each other, then looked at Diana. "Ah, bye-bye," she said, waving them away.

Ron hit his forehead with his hand. After the first years left, there were about 10 people left. Diana then made them line up and examined every one of them.

"You," she said, pointing to a tall, skinny kid with glasses. "You're in Slytherin. Why are you at a Gryffindor tryout?"

"Well, I can't be on the Slytherin team. So, I figured Gryffindor was good enough," the kid said.

Diana's eyes got really wide. Ron came over, and looked at Diana. Diana stepped back. "Ah . . . Bye-bye," Ron said with a smile.

And then there were nine. Suddenly Ginny, one of the chasers, walked out.

"I have come to give my two cents," she declared.

After having tried-out eight students, Lavender was the only one left. She was good, but could use some work. "Well, Lavender, you made the team," Harry said, relieved he'd found someone.

"Am I getting paid? I refuse to play if I'm not getting paid. And do I have to wear one of those ugly uniforms? Scarlet is not my color," Lavender said quickly.

Diana looked at the rest of them. "This is a school sport! No, you're not getting paid, and yes you have to wear the uniform!" she yelled, extremely frustrated.

"Bye, Lavender!" Ron yelled. Lavender stomped out off the field.

"Well, what now?" Diana asked. Everyone was now staring at her. "No! No! And . . . no! I don't play quidditch anymore!"

"What, too scared to tryout, Diana? That's okay--we know you can't do it anymore anyway," Ron said, winking at Harry and Ginny.

"Did you say I couldn't play anymore?" Diana got very angry.

"You heard me. You can't play!" Ron said, smiling at her.

"Fine! I'll take some shots on you. I'll show you how good I am!"

"Fine, bring it on!" Ron winked at Harry.

Diana and Ron got on their brooms, and Diana started to take shots on Ron.

Harry was amazed at what he was watching. Ron could only catch two out all the shots she took.

When Diana got down Harry stood in amazement.

"Welcome to the team!" Ginny said happily.

"No! I didn't try out!" Diana screeched.

"So, Diana . . . what's it like to be a chaser?" Ron asked, getting off his broom.

"You tricked me!" she shrieked.

"Hee, hee, hee!" Ron smiled at her.

"What am I going to say to my Uncle?" Diana stared at the ground.

"I refuse to let you play quidditch with Gryffindor without a helmet," Ron said, in a low voice.

Diana started to laugh. "That's so stupid it's funny!" She continued to laugh.

"Hey Diana, did you know that they are having a Halloween dance this year? Would you like to go with me?" Ron's face got red

"Sure I'd love to go with you," Diana smiled.

Harry's heart sank in his chest.

     ***

Ron and Diana sat in the corner of the Gryffindor common room. They had been playing chess most of the night. Diana seemed very determined to beat him, but just couldn't seem to.

"Checkmate!" Ron yelled.

"Why can't I beat you?!" Diana said, putting her face into her hands.

Ron looked over to the other end of the room and saw Harry staring at Diana.

"Hey, Harry! Come over here," Ron called over to Harry. Harry got up and walked over.

"Hey, why don't you two play?" Ron suggested.

"Sure, why not?" Diana said.

Harry and Diana began to play. Ron sat and watched them as they played. He watched the way they both looked at each other, the way they smiled, and the way they flirted.

"Checkmate!" Harry yelled. "Wow, this is the first time I have ever won."

"Well, that's it I suck," Diana said, once again putting her face in her hands. Harry smiled at her. He felt very good about himself.

"Diana, can I talk to you? Alone?" Ron asked.

"Sure."

They went off to the other end of the room. Harry sat watching at the chess board. Diana came back, and sat back down. She looked very upset.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked, looking into her bright blue eyes.

"He doesn't want to go to the dance with me. Did I do something wrong?" Diana asked Harry.

"I'll go talk to him," Harry got up and walked over to Ron. "Why don't you want to go to the dance with her?"

" It's obvious you both like each other. You ask her," Ron sighed, looking up at Harry.

"She doesn't like me, she likes you," Harry moaned.

"Yes she does. Just ask her," Ron looked over at Diana.

" I... I can't."

"Just go ask."

"No, you just broke up with her."

"We weren't going out. Besides, we agreed to be friends," Ron looked away.

"I don't get it, don't you like her?" Harry looked back at Diana.

"Yeah! But you two like each other. It's obvious. Just ask her!"

"I can't! What do I say?"

"Just ask. Now, go ask her!" Ron looked back over at Diana

"Fine!" Harry hesitated. "...Are you sure you don't want to go with her?"

"I'm sure. Plus, after I asked her I thought about it. I came to the conclusion, why would I want to date Snape's niece?" He said disgust.

Harry stared for a moment and said, "Well, I still thinks she's cool either way." He then got a boost in confidence. "I'm going to ask her."

"Good luck!" Ron winked at Harry.

"Thanks Ron!" Harry said smiling

Harry walked over, and sat back down. "Um . . . Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, never better," Diana smiled looking away.

"Diana . . . I was wondering. Since you and Ron are not going to the dance . . . will you . . . uh . . . um . . . " Diana gave him a weak smile. "Will you go with me?" he said very quickly.

Diana smiled, "Will I go with you?"

"Yeah," he said, looking in the other direction.

"I'd love to," she said.

"I know you won't . . . Did you say yes?"

"Yes!" Her smile got bigger. Harry's face went to a deep shade of red, which caused Diana to go red too.