A/N: So I decided to make this a multi chapter story. I'm thinking of it being like a series of important moments in their relationship from beginning to end. I'd love to know what you think ( does it sound like a good idea?) :)
The Snitch.
Scorpius Malfoy of Slytherin and the Potter children of Gryffindor had an unspoken agreement, 'Don't bother me and I won't bother you.' and for six years not one word, sneer, or jinx breeched said agreement. Well off the Quidditch pitch at least, but that was to be expected considering they did play for rival houses. It was much like the way their parents behaved they avoided each other when possible and in the event that it wasn't there was a mutual albeit cool respect for one another. They stayed out of each other's way and everyone liked it like that. It caused less problems that way, no one saw the need to keep the old feud going, the war ended years before they were born it was time to let old grudges die.
Not that it meant they had to like each other.
The story of Lily Potter and Scorpius Malfoy began here, on the pitch during the biggest match of the year; Gryffindor vs. Slytherin for the Quidditch cup.
" And Gryffindor takes the lead! 90 to 80. Nice shot there Ms. Wood. Still no sign of the snitch." Announced the seventh year Huffelpuff named Quinn Turner.
The match was a fierce one, they were going into the fourth hour, each team giving their all to keep the other from winning. The whole season had been a close one, no one was sure who would win. At any moment one team could pull a trick out of the bag and have the whole shebang.
It was a comfortably cool, sunny, spring day, no clouds or wind, the perfect game day wether. Both teams were quickly being warn out and yet there still was no sign of the snitch, the game didn't look like it would be ending any time soon ( much to the displeasure to some of the players who were looking forward to a good nap) when suddenly it was spotted.
"Lily Potter has seen the snitch folks! There she goes," Quinn called out as the red headed fifth year zoomed past him. "And there goes Scorpius Malfoy, hot on her tail! Looks like it's going to be a race to the finnish. Potter has the lead but Malfoy is catching up fast. Nice save there by Slytherin keeper Jamie Boyd!"
Lily spotted the snitch hovering low to the ground at the edge of the pitch near the base of the Ravenclaw stands. Spotting Slytherin's seeker on the other side, she knew now was her chance. Taking off from where she had been hovering by the Gryffindor goals, she began weaving her way to the the little winged ball of glittering gold.
She was less then an arm's length away when the ball took off across the field high into the sky. Malfoy was right behind her as she followed the path of the ball. Leaning forward on her broom till her nose was nearly touching the smooth polished wood she suddenly shut straight up high above the players, circling back around Malfoy did the same.
Above all other action it was easy to spot the ball, there were no obstacles to block them. The only problem was catching up to it, the snitch led the pair of a goose chase staying just out of reach. For over half an hour the red and green clad flyers battled beneath them as they circled this way and that cutting each other off, dodging the occasional bludger hit from below. Nearing the fifth hour of the match the sun hung low in the sky blinding players and fans alike, giving the Gryffindor team an advantage.
"The score is tied folks! It's been a long grueling match here today, a great fight on both sides. The way things are going this may be the first final played between these two houses in over a hundred years where not one foul was called! Our seekers are doing a fine job today but the snitch just doesn't want to be caught it looks like! Merlin's Beard! Take a look at that, the Snitch had flown even higher, in this sun I can hardly tell who is who"
One hundred meters above the stands Lily Potter and Scorpius Malfoy were neck and neck, flying at blinding speeds, leaning as far as the could with their arm out stretched. Lily being lighter had a slight advantage, she just the tinniest bit ahead of him. Lily leaned nearly her entire body off the silvery black Lightning-bolt, her hand was just about to close around the flying orb when a poorly aimed bludger hit by a sun blinded beater hit collided with the tail end broom . The broom was sent spinning throwing her off, hurtling to the ground. There was a collective shriek from the stands and players. Even if they were able to slow her fall the injuries she should sustain would be detrimental if not fatal. Even slowed the force of impact from a near two hundred meter fall was bone shattering.
In a split second decision the Slytherin took off in a shape nose dive straight down willing his broom to speed faster then she hurtled towards impact. Pulling up hard he threw out his arms and caught the falling girl around the waist. A loud sigh of relief followed by thundering cheers came from the crowd as he pulled her onto his boom. " Merlin's left nut! What a daring rescue by sixth year Slytherin Seeker, Scorpius Malfoy. Talk about good sportsman ship, a Slytherin giving up a sure win to save a Gryffindor. Not to mention he is a Malfoy and she is a Potter. As we all know there has been longstanding bad blood between the Potter-Weasley's and the Malfoy's. Their father's were each other's biggest rival during their time as seeker's and students here." Exclaimed Quinn sounding as if he were so excited he might burst.
"It's alright Potter, I've got you."
The Slytherin circled the pitch once to make sure she was secure and adjust to the addition of weight to his broom before heading up after that lucrative ball. Seated behind him Lily wrapped her arms tightly around his abdomen forcing him self to ignore the fact she may have been trying to crush his ribs (she did just have a nearly fatal experience) he pressed on in his search. Spotting it hovering near by he turned in that direction. Despite her fall Lily was undeterred in her goal, unwrapping her arms she reached out for the ball ("Talk about a close fight!") but it was Scorpius's long pale fingers that closed tightly around the snitch.
"It looks like Malfoy has caught the Snitch everyone Slytherin had won the game!"
As they reached everyone below Scorpius held up the still fluttering ball and took his victory lap. Despite losing Lily couldn't help smile. It was only fair after all she thought. He had saved her, he could have left it up to someone else maybe catching her while he easily grabbed victory but he risked the win for her.
Scorpius landed his broom smoothly a short distance from the red clad team to let Lily off. Before their feet touched the group Albus Potter was running full speed to them. Carefully she dismounted only to be pulled into her brother's strong arms. Although he did not show it through often physical display, Albus cared deeply for his younger sister, so much so that in that moment as he watched her free fall he wished with all he had that he could take Lily's place. Before either sibling could say anything, the Slytherin zoomed off to his own team, eager to celebrate victory.
As the Slytherin's celebrated their achievement in earning the title of champion for the year, by hoisting their seeker into the air and onto their shoulders. The whole of Slytherin house rushed onto the field to rally around the team. Everyone was glad the game was over.
As the worn out players on both teams made way towards the locker rooms, Lily was hurried off by Professor Longbottom ( a family friend) to the infirmary to check that she did not sustain any sort of injuries from the bludger or from when Mr. Malfoy caught her.
On his way back to the castle Albus spotted Scorpius walking up ahead with several of his team mates "Malfoy." He shouted, when the blond made no indication that he had heard him Albus tried again louder. "Hey Malfoy!" This time he was heard. The group of Slytherin's stopped and turned around to see just who was calling their star. When Scorpius saw who it was he motioned for his friends to continue on ahead, letting them know he would catch up latter.
Potter jogged to where Malfoy was waiting with a questioning look on his face. "Hey" Albus said slowing his pace to walk with him "Back there I didn't get a chance to say thank you." Running his hand through his hair he swallowed before continuing. Not sure exactly what to say, he sort of rambled "I don't know what I'd have…. you know if you didn't. She would have…" he finally trailed off awkwardly .
The other boy nodded in understatement. " Right. I hope she is okay…"
The two stood there for a moment in awkward silence looking at each other but not knowing what to say.
Finally Albus spoke. "Well, I'm going to go check on her."
As he started to walk away Scorpius stopped him "Potter," Sticking his hand out he said "Good game today."
Looking at the outstretched hand for a second Albus Potter did the same, shaking hands with the "enemy". "You too. And congratulations."
Upon being throughly inspected and declared fine Lily headed up to the tower all she wanted was to change out of her robes and shower, if she hurried she would be able to do both before dinner stated. The atmosphere in the common room was subdued, the disappointment at loosing the house cup was settling in, especially for the seventh years who wouldn't have another chance for it. When Lily climbed into the portrait hole several people looked up thinking of something to say but she ignored them, hurrying to get clean. The faster she cleaned up the sooner she could go and eat.
Dinner was underway as the rambunctious Slytherin Quidditch team bust into the great hall, greeted by loud cheers from their green clad table as well as some less enthusiastic clapping from the table's whose houses did not play that day.
Once everyone was settled down and the volume in the Great Hall had returned to it's typical low roar , Headmistress McGonagall rose from her seat at the center of the head table to address her students.
"Good evening. First off I would like to begin by commending both teams today for one of the best matches I have seen here at Hogwarts in all my years, I am quite pleased with how fair everyone conducted themselves out on the pitch," The elderly, but still quite powerful witch couldn't help but glance quickly at the Slytherin table (after all they have been known to regularly play dirty)
" We had quite the scare out there today, but thankfully, and I am sure you are all glad to hear, Ms. Potter is completely fine." simultaneously nearly every head in the room turned towards the Gryffindor's as if to check for themselves.
Regaining everyone's attention she carried on, "and on that note I personally would like to award, for Mr. Scorpius Malfoy's quick thinking, and excellent sportsmanship in the saving of Ms. Lily Potter, fifty-five points to Slytherin."
Once again the green and silver house erupted into cheers, standing up and chanting their seeker's name. On the other side of the Great hall at the table set for those of red and gold, one by one the members of the Gryffindor team, followed by the rest of the house, all led by Lily Potter her self, stood up and clapped for him. After all they were rather thankful she didn't hit the ground. The only thing worse than loosing to Slytherin would have been loosing to Slytherin and loosing their seeker all in one game.
Indeed it was a strange site to see, Gryffindors cheering for a Slytherin more specifically a Malfoy (one that was caught on film thanks to Annie Creevey.) Years latter, as sentimental as it sounded, those present would swear that they had never felt more house unity then they had then. A few students even swore the usually stern headmistress was smiling wider then the Cheshire Cat.
As the applause died and people began retaking their seats the Seekers caught each other's eye. For a moment everything seemed to go silent around them, deaf to all the noise. Sooner then either would have liked, Scorpius's smile worked like a switch, Tuning them back into reality.
That night both would have trouble sleeping despite the physical exhaustion, the thought of strong arms holding them tightly plagued both their minds well into early morning.
