A Love of Rat

Okay, Marietta is pretty nice, but I'm imagining things. She doesn't care about me. But on the field, she keeps looking at me and giggling. What do you think?

For any response Croutard sniffed the back pocket of his bag. The rat seemed completely indifferent to his problems. But Harry liked talking to him. Sometimes he felt like he understood him. And the rest of the time, it relaxed him and helped him think.

Harry opened his bag, then took out the Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans box that was inside. He absentmindedly threw the beans onto his bed while Scabbers rushed to eat them greedily. Harry was afraid that all this sugar might not be very good for the animal, but he couldn't resist its insistent demands.

I'm sure she's making fun of me. She's just helping her friend Cho Chang spy on our team. It's still weird that Ravenclaw asks that of their Seeker. In any case, it drives Cedric completely crazy. As soon as he sees them around the field, it distracts him so much that he has to cut the session short to escort Cho back to the castle. It's so funny to see him ranting against them.

Then without warning, Scabbers abandoned his treats and jumped onto the nightstand where Harry had carelessly placed his wand after returning completely exhausted from his last Quidditch practice. He took it in his mouth and ran towards the exit of the common room.

And wait! Come back here! That's not a toy. Shouted Harry as he started running after the animal.

But he only accelerated. Despite his fatigue, Harry had to run after him in the corridors of Hogwarts. How did he manage to be so fast despite his age? Then, from running without looking where he was going, he bumped into someone and found himself sprawled on the ground.

Watch where you're going!

Sorry Marietta. I'll help you pick up your things. Stammered Harry in response.

Why did he have to bump into Marietta Edgecombe? She was going to think he was an idiot after that. If he got hold of Scabbers!

Harry! She said, blushing. What are you doing here?

You're not going to believe me, but I was chasing a rat that stole my baguette.

Your baguette? But it's right there.

Indeed, at his feet lay his abandoned wand. And of course, no trace of that manipulative rat.

Marietta's bag had broken during the impact, so Harry helped her carry her things to her common room. Once they arrived at the entrance, Harry found the courage to ask her to come play a game of Gobstones in the park this weekend. She replied, stammering:

Actually, I would prefer to spend it with Cho.

Oh! You and her?

No, but I would like to.

Harry was sad to be rejected, but somehow he was also a little happy to have tried. And relieved to have his answer. He left Marietta after promising her not to say anything.

oOoOoOo

Author's note: Never give candy to a rat, it's very bad for them. Croutard's appetite for sweets should have been a clue for Harry in my fic and for Ron in the canon.