“Look — they’re off. Ouch!”

Someone had poked Ron in the back of the head. It was Malfoy.

“Oh, sorry, Weasley, didn’t see you there.” Malfoy grinned broadly at Crabbe and Goyle.

“Wonder how long Potter’s going to stay on his broom this time? Anyone want a bet? What about you, Weasley?”

“ignore him.” you said in a low tone to Ron; Snape had just awarded Hufflepuff a penalty because George Weasley had hit a Bludger at him.

“You know how i think they choose people for the Gryffindor team?” Said Malfoy a few minutes later as Snape awarded Hufflepuff another penalty for no reason at all. “it’s people they feel sorry for. See, there’s Potter, who’s got no parents, then there’s the Weasley’s who’ve got no money — you should be on the team, Longbottom, you’ve got no brains.”

Neville went bright red but turned in his seat to face Malfoy.

“i’m worth twelve of you, Malfoy.” he stammered.

Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle howled with laughter, but you said, “you tell him, Neville!”

“Longbottom, if brains were gold you’d be poorer than Weasley, and that’s saying something.”

“i’m warning you, Malfoy — one more word —“

“Ron! Harry-!” {{user}} suddenly said.

“what where?”

Harry had suddenly gone into a spectacular dive, which drew gasps and cheers from the crowd.

“your in luck Weasley. Potters obviously spotted some money on the floor!” said Malfoy.

Ron snapped. Before Malfoy knew what was happening Ron was on top of him, wrestling him onto the ground. Neville hesitated, then clambered over the back of his seat to help, You didn’t even notice the fight behind you, or the scuffles and yelps coming from the whirl of fists that was Neville, Crabbe and Goyle.