Author's Note: This story is certainly going in the right direction, as even though I said that no one had to review if they didn't want to, two people did. Doesn't sound like much, but to a loner like me, it is. Okay, on with the story. Oh, and in this story, Harry was made captain of the Quidditch team in his fifth year instead of his sixth. Okay, NOW on with the story.
Until the Very End
Chapter Three: Quidditch
Harry
Harry groaned as Ron walked beside him to the Great Hall the next morning. Madame Pomfrey had been suspicious, but was soon convinced after a clueless Hermione had rushed in, caught on to their story, and backed them up. Harry's broken arm was put in a cast, but it was broken in the strangest way, and so she couldn't magically heal it. Otherwise, Harry was back to normal, except for the sore spots.
Hermione had fussed over him all night after being filled in on what happened. She would not leave him alone till Ginny arrived and after hearing the story, led the still fretting Hermione away.
Now, Harry sat with Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Fred, George, Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, and Neville at the Gryffindor table. The QUidditch players and the few others had been told only that Harry was injured and to keep him safe. This had been Ron and Hermione's doing though, because Harry felt the idea was unnecessary.
"Harry, eat. You need the energy," Hermione commanded. Harry rolled his emerald eyes. "Okay, Mom," he joked, and Ron snorted. The team and their friends ate in comfortable silence.
"Potter," a dark voice said from behind Harry. Harry whirled around, feeling the eyes of the other Gryffindors on the man in front of him. Snape. "I wish you the best of luck today," Snape sneered. Harry returned the expression. "As do I."
After breakfast, Harry led the team onto the pitch, their brooms in hand. Harry clutched his Firebolt in his right hand, smiling at the thought of his two godfathers in the stands. "We'll win today Harry," Ron assured his friend. Harry nodded, and gave Ron a grateful look for all the support.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the Gryffindors walked onto the Quidditch pitch. The team took their places, and Harry flew up in the air to his designated spot. He swallowed, and scanned the opposing team for Malfoy. The blonde Slytherin caught his gaze and smirked. "You're on, Potter," he mouthed. Harry rolled his eyes. "Bring it, Malfoy."
The whistle screeched and the game was on! The Quaffles were released, as were the Bludgers. The Chasers darted away, and the Beaters tensed, waiting. Harry waited in the air, his eyes moving wildly, searching. That was when he saw it. The Snitch.
"10 points to Gryffindor!" Lee Jordan's voice distracted him as Malfoy dove for the small golden ball. Harry shook his head and pushed forward, his broken arm tucked against his chest.
"Another 10 points to Gryffindor! Johnson scores! Man, is that girl a player, I've told her so many times, and she still won't go out with me," Lee Jordan sighed. Lee then noticed that Harry Potter was holding his right arm to his chest in a protective way as he ducked for the Snitch. "Look at Potter! Why's he got his hand tucked away?"
Harry groaned. "Lee," he hissed. Why did he have to announce that to everyone? Just as Harry knew they would, the Slytherin team, and the Beaters especially, focused on his broken arm. Crabbe and Goyle, the Slytherin Beaters, grinned maliciously and as the two heavy Bludgers barreled towards them, they swung their bats, the Bludgers rebounding and hurdling towards Harry.
Harry pulled his body back as the Bludgers missed him by a hair. The Snitch was flitting close to the ground, so Harry dove down, Malfoy's shoulder bumping his. "Have fun, Potter," Malfoy growled, and shoved Harry, throwing him off course. Harry and his broom did a flip, but Harry regained balance and righted himself. "Oh, and Potter catches himself! Oh, another 10 points to GRYFFINDOR!" Lee declared.
Malfoy took advantage of Harry's position and reached for the Golden Snitch, only to lose balance and tumble. Harry watched him fall before zooming forward. The Snitch was darting in a circle above one section of the stands, and Harry put his broken arm out, forgetting its state as that was his Quidditch arm. Just as Harry's fingers began to close around the Golden Ball, a Bludger slammed into Harry's arm. Harry howled.
"HARRY!"
It was Hermione.
Harry began to fall. Down, down, down.
Harry landed on the hard ground and the crowds gasped. "Harry!" "Potter! Potter!" "Harry, oh, Harry!"
The boy glanced up to see the game still in session, but everyone's attention was on him. Harry picked himself up, and with a huge grin, held up the idle Snitch in his aching hand. He cringed, and Lee Jordan took note of this. "It seems that Harry's hand had been broken before the match, and was just injured even more. What a hero!"
Harry glared at Lee. "Really Lee? Must you announce everything?" he growled, gritting his teeth in agony, bent over a little. "Gryffindor wins!" Lee cried, almost sheepishly. The Gryffindors and their fans cheered loudly as the Slytherins sulked away. Hermione, Neville, and Hagrid met them on the field.
"Ye were great, 'Arry. Really, I don' know how ye did that, but it was 'mazing," Hagrid praised. Hermione hugged him tightly. "we need to get you to the hospital wing," she breathed. Ron slung an arm around Harry's shoulders. "Sheesh, Hermione, calm down. Harry still has to praise his favorite team mate still. I'm waiting, Potter," Ron joked. Harry laughed.
"Harry Potter."
THe crowd around the Seeker diminished as Sirius, Remus, and a man who was the uncanny identical look-alike of Harry himself stood there. Harry stared.
"…Dad?"
Author's Note: Next chapter is that meeting that the Order has with James.