Book 1 - James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing

kicked it solidly with his right. The thump of it leaving his foot was surprisingly satisfying. The ball sailed
through a smooth arc and through the reaching arms of Professor Curry, who was acting as goalie. There was
a thump and swish as the ball struck the net.
“Very nice, Mr. Potter,” Curry called, breathing hard. Her hair had come askew and hung in loose
curls around her thin face. She pushed up her sleeves and bent to retrieve the ball. “Very nice, indeed.”
James smiled despite himself as he trotted to the back of the line.
“Teacher’s pet,” Zane muttered as James passed.
“Nice foot, Potter,” Ted called as the class finally headed back to the castle. “We need to work that
into the Wocket routine somehow. Sabrina, think of something we can do with that. High-kicking aliens
from the planet Goalatron or something. Got it?”
“Aye, aye,” Sabrina called, saluting as she entered the castle gate. “By the way, Captain, you’ve got
grass stains on your bum. Nice work.”
After lunch, James and Zane joined Ralph in the library for a study period. As they unpacked their
books and spread them around a corner table, Ralph seemed even more melancholy than usual.
“What’s going on, Ralph?” Zane said, trying to keep his voice low so as not to attract the attention of
Professor Slughorn, who was monitoring the library that period. “Your Slytherin buddies tell you your
underwear aren’t magical enough or something?”
Ralph looked around cautiously. “I got in trouble this morning with Professor Slughorn.”
“Seems to be going around,” James said. “I spent my morning in McGonagall’s office getting
detention.”
“McGonagall?” Ralph and Zane both exclaimed. “You first, then, James. McGonagall outranks
Slughorn,” Ralph said.
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