Cheer for me!

"Cheer for me!"

Chapter Four-Bringing Down the Bleachers

Over the next few days, we practiced hard. We managed to down pact the routine and now was getting ready to show the Great Hall what we learned.

We didn't hear anything about the Slytherin squad. No news was good news, but we were also anxious to see what they had in store. Amanda combined the Gallew Routine with the one I suggested and pretty soon, we had an amazing routine.

Emily, Mary, Amanda and Lisa were lying on their backs with their legs straight up in the air and were parted slightly. Gillian, Laura, Ginny and I cartwheeled toward them. I was cartwheeling toward Gillian and just before I reached her, I changed to do handsprings.

We all easily went through their legs in sync. Then, we started the Gallew routine.

Harry and Ron were moving with the music.

Ron was really getting into it. Once we finished the routine, we all excitedly crowded around Amanda and they all began talking excitedly at once.

"Wow! That really was incredible! We're sure to get Professor Snape to smile!" cried Ginny.

"Just promise me one thing..." Gillian started to say.

"Sure!"

"Don't flash him. We don't need him sent to the hospital wing with damaged eyes,"

We laughed.

"Trust me. Snape is the last person I'd want to flash. Eww," said Ginny, shivering.

We laughed again.

"Seriously...I betcha he hasn't even seen a porn movie," said Gillian.

"Gillian, do you get some high from giving the entire squad nightmares and possibly severely traumatizing them for life?" I asked, grinning.

Gillian shrugged.

"Just be thankful I didn't suggest a wiener show,"

It took a minute for that to sink in. Once it did, the entire squad burst into hysterical peals of laughter.

"Good God! I don't think anyone wants to see Snape's wiener show!" cried Emily.

Well, Gillian collapsed to her knees and was hugging herself as she laughed. I saw tears streaming down her cheeks. Laura and Lisa were holding onto each other. Amanda had raised a hand to her forehead and I could see her shoulders shaking with each laugh.

Ron looked disgusted, while Harry was laughing also.

"Why on earth would they even joke about something so gross?" asked Ron.

"I dunno. But it is hilarious," said Harry laughing.

"No! I don't think so!" cried Laura giggling uncontrollably.

Once everyone settled down, we managed to get back to business.

"Alright. I suggest two more practices to make sure we have that routine down cold and I think that would be it," said Amanda eagerly.

We began leaving the classroom. Ron hurried to catch up with Amanda. Gillian and I walked side by side, with Harry on my left.

"I think someone fancies your sister," said Harry, grinning at Gillian.

Instead of smiling and grinning, Gillian looked angry and sad.

"What's wrong?" I asked, alarmed as we stopped walking.

"That's how it always is," said Gillian stiffly. "Amanda this, Amanda that, why don't you wear your hair like Amanda? I'm so sick of it."

Harry and I looked at each other uncertainly, then at Gillian.

"Ever since we were young, everyone fawned over Amanda...boys, my parents, strangers and even my own grandmother. I was shunted aside and constantly had Amanda thrown in my face. It was like she was put on a pedestal,

"She had her first boyfriend, first kiss. I still have no boyfriend or not been kissed. I swear I'll be old and gray by the time someone finds me attractive," said Gillian bitterly.

"But you seemed happy about her coming before," said Harry slowly.

"Yeah, about her coming. I mean, she's not cruel and she's got a good heart, but each time I'm around her, it's the same thing. It isn't fair and the only reason I was happy about her coming is because she can help Gryffindor win,

"You should've seen my parents when Amanda won those competitions. They went and bought her a car, and brand new clothes. When I joined the cheerleading squad, they went "Oh...that's nice". Imagine? Not even being happy for their second daughter?"

Again, Harry and I exchanged uncomfortable looks.

I felt so bad for Gillian. I had no idea she had a tough time. Neither did Harry.

Gillian sighed but then there was a spark in her eyes that I hadn't seen in them before.

"I'm gonna blow Amanda out of the water with a routine I read in a magazine last year. It's going to be extremely awesome!"

"Just don't do anything rash, okay?" I asked, slowly.

"Naw, don't worry. I won't," said Gillian as she eagerly bounced after the rest of the squad, leaving Harry and I alone in the corridor.

"Wow. I had no idea how bad Gillian had it. Imagine, being constantly compared to her sister? That's horrible!" said Harry turning his eyes onto mine.

I nodded.

"Absolutely. Well, good night,"

"Night," said Harry as he winked at me and we headed back to the Gryffindor common room and split up to go to our separate dorm rooms.

The next morning at breakfast, as Gillian, Ginny, Harry, Ron and I were eating breakfast, Draco Malfoy decided to grace us with his presence.

"Aw man...here comes the witch-with-no-brains," muttered Gillian.

"Witch? Malfoy's a wizard," said Ron shocked and amused.

"He's a girl in my book,"

We snorted.

"Well, well...if it isn't Potty, Weasel and the Mudbloods. Accompanied by the weird squad," said Malfoy grinning.

"Shove off, Malfoy," growled Harry.

"If it isn't Malfina," said Emily mockingly.

Again we snorted into our breakfast.

Malfoy's eyes moved onto her.

"I'd be careful what I say," said Malfoy threateningly.

Gillian stood up and turned toward Malfoy.

"You really enjoy pushing others around, don't you?"

Malfoy didn't respond.

"You've got a big head and think that just because you're 'pureblooded' you can get away with tormenting people who, by your standards, are 'below' you. Just commoners or peasants. Let me tell you something, Malfoy, the only person who should be considered a commoner is you. You're cruel, inconsiderate, rude, obnoxious, self-conceited, and just plain evil. Your head is the only thing big on that body. The rest of you are as small as a walnut. Or wait...not even a telescope could be able to find it," said Gillian stiffly.

We snorted and dared not to look at Malfoy.

But I glanced up.

Malfoy's eyes were filled with anger and his face was red.

"Shut up. How dare you talk to me like that!" spat Malfoy.

Then, to everyone's horror, he grabbed Gillian and pushed her backward.

She cracked the back of her head on the neighboring Hufflepuff table. Harry, Ron, Emily and Ginny, who had been watching the entire thing, a few seats away, stood up with their wands raised.

"You'll pay for that, Malfoy," growled Harry angrily.

His emerald green eyes were filled with rage and anger.

Harry was about to raised his wand and curse Malfoy when Amanda stepped in-between Harry and Malfoy. Her eyes narrowed into slits.

"Leave my sister alone,"

Ron rushed over to Gillian and helped her up, accompanied by Emily and Ginny.

Gillian stood up and glared at, not Malfoy, but Amanda.

"She started it," said Malfoy coolly.

"Regardless. She has a point. You are cruel and obnoxious," said Amanda. "But she forgot one word...dick."

Well, the rest of the Gryffindors burst into laughter, as well as the Hufflepuff's and Ravenclaws.

Malfoy's face reddened as he, Crabbe and Goyle turned and headed back over to the Slytherin table.

Amanda turned to Gillian, who had tears in her eyes.

Harry, Ron, Emily, Ginny and I put our wands away back into our robes.

"You alright, Gillian?" asked Amanda worried.

"Just leave me alone," Gillian whispered, as she trembled with anger.

"Gillian?" asked Amanda tentatively.

She went to touch her, but Gillian jerked her arm out of Amanda's grip.

"I could've handled that prat. You always interfere! It never fails! You think you're better than me!" shouted Gillian.

Now, the entire Hall was silent and listening intently.

"No! Gillian..." began Amanda but Gillian cut her off.

"Mum and Dad always compared me to you! Do you understand how that made me feel? I was always shunted aside! They could've cared less if I dropped dead the next day from some kind of rare disease! They were always for you!" screamed Gillian.

The Hall was so silent that you could've heard a pin drop.

At that, without waiting for another word, Gillian did an about-face, and fled from the Great Hall.

Harry, Ron and I glanced at each other before I hurried after Gillian.

I found her in the corridor. She was slumped on the floor, with her legs drawn up to her chest and her arms wrapped around them. Her face was buried into her thighs. I went over to her and sat beside her, my back pressing against the cool corridor wall.

"Gillian...are you alright?" I asked, softly, leaning against her.

"No. I feel so stupid!"

"It's not your fault and it's not Amanda's fault," I said, kindly.

"I know! I just wish my parents cared about me," Gillian sobbed.

I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close, hugging her.

I looked up. Ron was approaching as well as Harry and Amanda.

Ron crouched down in front of Gillian.

"Is she okay?" Ron asked worried.

"She'll be fine," I said, giving Gillian another hug. "She just needs to talk to her sister to clear some things up."

Ron put his hand on Gillian's arm before he shyly lowered it.

He likes Gillian.

I thought as a smile formed on my face.

Gillian then turned around and grabbed his arm and gently squeezed it.

She likes him! Oh this is great!

She raised her eyes to Ron though tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Listen. You talk with Amanda. We'll leave you to it," I said, as I released Gillian and stood up.

Ron, Harry and I left and headed down the corridor. Ron stated that he needed to go the library, a total first for him to suggest it. Normally, I'm the one who initiates it. Harry and I waited in the Gryffindor common room until it was time to go to class.

"Poor Gillian," said Harry turning to me.

"Yeah. I can imagine how she must feel. But imagine...your own parents comparing you to your own sister? That's so horrible," I said shaking my head.

Harry stood in front of me. Our faces were inches apart.

The next thing I knew, Harry moved his face closer and tilted his head slightly. His face moved closer until our lips met. He kissed me softly and gently. I returned the kisses just as soft and gentle. After a few moments, we pulled back, both of us breathing rapidly.

"I love you Hermione. I always have," said Harry grinning as he pressed his forehead against mine.

"I love you too, Harry," I grinned back.

Ron came back shortly, followed by Amanda and Gillian, who seemed a great deal happier. We all headed to our classes.

Wednesday came. The entire school was talking excitedly. It was going to be performed on the Quidditch field. The raised stands had vanished and bleachers were set up behind a scarlet and gold banner, which stretched along the entire right side. The left side had the Slytherin colors, silver and green, which stretched along the left side. The entire Slytherin house was sitting behind their banner and the Gryffindors were sitting on the right side, talking excitedly. I nervously ran a hand down my uniform. My hair was pulled into a bun. We were standing under a tent beside the Gryffindor bleachers. All seven of us were going over the routine.

"Okay...Gillian...you know the words right?" Amanda asked.

Gillian nodded.

"Great. Now, we're going to start off with the Gallew routine, then go into Hermione's. Relax girls!"

Laura, Ginny, Emily, Lisa and Mary nodded eagerly. Ron came into the tent to shyly wish Gillian good luck. Then Harry gave me an encouraging kiss and wink. They left.

Professor Dumbledore's voice could be heard.

"The Slytherin squad will go first. Then Gryffindor. Good luck girls!"

We all peered out of the tent to watch the Slytherin's routine. They were doing a routine to Mickey by Bewitched.

I glanced at Lisa, who's jaw dropped.

The entire squad got into a circle and tossed Pansy up in the air. Pansy twirled as she came down. The squad caught her and they began cartwheeling in sync.

I couldn't watch anymore and I gathered neither could the rest of the squad.

Once the routine was over, we could hear boos from Gryffindor and cheers from Slytherin. We all took deep breaths and stepped out. Gryffindor's cheers were deafening and Slytherin was booing.

Gillian pointed her wand at her throat and muttered "Sonorio!" to make her voice heard.

Michelle Branch's You set me free began playing from the boombox. Gillian began singing as we started the routine. She was terrific.

We cartwheeled and then did the flying splits. Each of us coming down into a regular split in sync like a domino. There was a break in the music when we stomped loudly and clapped our hands to do the vocal cheer:

""Hey! Hey! Lions roar, Lions soar!

We stomped twice and clapped three times.

"We may cause a riot and we like it!"

We twirled in a circle, then stomped again and clapped.

"Hey! Hey! Lions roar, Lions soar!"

Then, we dipped our hips and slapped our hands on each of our sides on the hip.

"Right into the magic in your heart!"

At that, we took out our wands, held our arms above our heads and twirled three times in circle, all the while our wands letting out gentle blue sparks that fell around us and traced a heart as we twirled.

The music returned to the song. Emily, Laura, Lisa and Ginny were lying on their backs with their legs straight in the air. We decided to modify this part a bit. Mary, Gillian, Amanda and I cartwheeled toward them then, switching to handsprings just as we were about to reach them and that's when they parted their legs so we cleanly went through them. The Gryffindors cheers and catcalls were nearly deafening.

Then as we continued the routine, Gillian went over to where the teachers were sitting and aimed right for Snape. A few of the Gryffindor boys whistled as Gillian sexily sauntering over to him, moving her hips. She sat on the edge of the banner railing and ran a finger over the front of his robes. The boys were really getting worked up as we still did our routine, not missing a beat. I caught Harry's eye in the middle of the dance steps. He grinned and winked. I glanced over at Snape. For the first time since we attended Hogwarts, Snape actually had a smile on his face. That pumped the Gryffindors even more. Gillian was still singing and she just sounded amazing. Professional. She came back over to us and winked as she sang the line "....'Cause I wanted to fly so you gave me your wings..." That was the signal to start the pyramid. Mary, Amanda, Laura, and Ginny made up the base. Then it was Lisa and Emily, and finally, me. I climbed to the top. We decided that instead of doing a somersault off of the pyramid, I was to raise my leg up and hold it for a few seconds. I did. We all were grinning. I could tell. The cheers and catcalls that rang out from the Gryffindor side were truly remarkable. I carefully got down and soon the pyramid was broken apart. Gillian had finished singing. We all stood around each other excitedly jumping up and down. Gillian couldn't resist giving the Slytherins a smug look. Pansy and her squad left the grounds looking forlorn and beaten. The entire Gryffindor house came over and hugged us, slapped us on the backs and just congratulated us.

Ron and Harry came over. Harry hugged me and then gave me a kiss. I kissed him back.

We turned to Ron and Gillian. Mary, Lisa, Laura, Ginny and Amanda were still excitedly talking about the routine. We all began heading back toward the castle. Ron shyly shook Gillian's hand.

"You sang really great," said Ron lowering his eyes.

Gillian grinned.

"Thanks. Come on. Let's go have dinner! I'm starved!"

She grabbed his arm and pulled him.

We laughed and continued to the castle.

At dinner, we were all still talking about the routine. Amanda had been called away by Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore.

"I wonder what's up?" mused Ron.

"Dunno. I hope she's not in trouble," Gillian said worried.

"I doubt it," said Ron automatically, hoping to calm Gillian down.

Harry draped his arm across my shoulders.

"Didn't you girls say something about a competition?"

"Yeah. There's one in London in a few weeks. It's the Preliminaries but it's called a Regional. Then, if we win there, we go to the Nationals, which is held in Ireland this year," said Gillian.

"Many magical cheerleading squads will be competing. There's a magic school named Nalex Magic Academy in the United States that is very good...plus one from France called E'Lourdes Academy which won several Regional competitions. We've got competition," I said.

"You'll win," said Ron firmly.

Just then, Amanda entered the Hall and hurried up the aisle between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement.

"Well?" I prodded.

"Professor Dumbledore just entered us in the Regional Preliminaries!"