The Slytherin duo fell behind their teammates as they strode out the locker room. As soon as they set foot out the door the sounds assaulted their ears, the cheering of the Slytherin fans, the booing of the Gryffindor fans, the live commentary performed by some Lion. All of it was merged into one continuous buzz, of course words were distinguishable every now and then mainly the one from the box office.
The boys kept their heads down, they weren't far onto the pitch yet and thankfully no one had recognised them. But of course that could all change at a moment's notice. They had to time it right, if they wanted the perfect surprise they needed the perfect timing.
The ground was hard beneath their feet, the first of the winter cold having set in ready for Halloween. Peeking through his fringe Harry did a quick assessment of the crowd, Quidditch must be a big thing in the wizarding world as the whole school looked enthralled with the sight before them. Many students had binoculars and were peering through them anxiously.
Getting to the centre of the pitch they were met with madam hooch. At the other end of the pitch the Gryffindor team raced on looking triumphant. Harry smirked, the game hadn't started yet. The commentary rang out again.
"Alright then, it's looking to be a pretty interesting game. For Gryffindor we have Oliver Wood as captain and keeper, the Weasley twins as our familiar beaters, for chasers we have Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell and Alicia Spinet. Our new addition to seeker, Jack Sloper!" a great cheer rose from one side of the pitch, obviously the guy was new. Harry hid a smirk, the guy looked like a wreck. He was obviously nervous.
"and for the Slytherin team…" the voice, Lee Jordan if Draco was to be trusted, continued with less enthusiasm "As captain Marcus Flint," there was a hiss from the red players "chasers we have Vaisley, Warrington and Pucey. In the seeker position we have Harper and as our beaters we have Lucian Bole and Peregrine. And now, on to the-"a loud bang stopped the commentary in its tracks, the cause the Slytherin captain shooting up a silver flare with his wand. Madam Hooch stepped forward to resolve the problem amongst cries of outrage from the Gryffindor players.
From their vantage point on the ground Harry and Draco could just make out the conversation. "What's the problem Flint?" Madam Hooch. "We have a change in players, our beaters have been replaced" the statement was made with a nasty smile towards the Gryffindor's. There was father discussion followed by a hastily cast sonorous charm.
"The Slytherin beaters have been replaced. Mr Malfoy and Mr Potter will fill their positions today." As madam Hooch cancelled the charm she turned back to her players. "Now I want a nice clean game from all of you" The Slytherins weren't stupid, they knew she was talking to them. But if there's no rule against it it's legal.
Amidst the confused yells from the crowd the teams took off, kicking hard at the frozen ground beneath their feet. The snitch was released and the teams sat waiting for the whistle. Slytherin were calm and collected while their opponents were giddy and cocky. The sharp blast was sounded and both teams shot off.
"And the Quaffed is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson, Gryffindor, what an excellent catch that girl is and quite attractive too-" "JORDAN!" "Sorry professor. And she's really belting along up there, a neat pass to Alicia Spinett, last year only a reserve. A good find of Oliver woods. No Slytherin has the Quaffle, nearing the goalposts and he… stopped by an excellent move from Oliver Wood.
Five minutes in and the game was coming on excellently, the Gryffindors were in the lead but the snitch hadn't been sighted yet so it was still all to play for. Harry and Draco had been guarding their teammates, blocking all attacks from the bludgers. From an outsider it would look like the first years had no strategy, no plan, but they were wrong. They just had to wait for the right opportunity.
And here it came. Draco noticed it first, a bludger sent by one of the twins, straight for Flint's head. He hadn't noticed yet of course, too busy mocking the others. For a Slytherin he wasn't the most observant but apparently his spellwork and bullying persona made up for that quite easily.
The boys got into position nearby, ready to hit the ball away if flint didn't move. It was the brunet though that noticed the Gryffindor seeker flying overhead. If they could pull this off then it would be victory for sure. Harry caught Draco's eye. It was all or nothing. Harry arrived at Flint's side at the last possible moment, making it look rushed and hurried. If the commentator was anything to go by he had pulled it off with marvellous authenticity. He hit the ball away with what little strength he could muster, those years of malnourishment hadn't done wonders for him, sending it straight at Draco.
"And what's this?" the commentators voice rang out. "Potter sends a bludger at his own teammate, but can Malfoy dodge or is he out of the game for good?" Harry could see the stands directly in front of him. He was staring at the lion den. More importantly, a redhead was staring back. He had the audacity to smirk at him? He looked back at Draco just in time to see ball and bat come together. With a sickening crack the ball changed direction, knocking the Gryfindork seeker off his broom and to the grounds below.
It was a nasty fall and a totally legal move. Much to the Slytherins amusement. With the seeker taken care of the game ended with four hundred and twenty points to Slytherin, a pathetic hundred and five to Gryffindor. The stands erupted into cheers, even Snape looked happy. Professor McGonagall, Draco mused, looked positively heart-broken. A shame. Soaking in the praise Draco led Harry back to the changing rooms before he could mess anything up.
It was after the celebrations, later that night, that Draco finally got round to asking Harry his question.
"Hey Harry?" the blonde called over to the brunet. "Yeah?" Harry said taking a seat on his bed to remove his shoes. "Would you like to come to the manor for the Christmas holidays? If you want to stay here that's fine. And I know it's a bit early with Halloween just around the corner but what do you say?" Harry looked up from his laces, to stare Draco in the eyes. "If you're sure that's ok?" "Of course" came the blondes reply. "Then of course I'll come. But you'll have to teach me more about the wizarding world." "Only if you get some new clothes, those muggle rags really don't suit you. I'm not allowing you to wear them anymore." Draco raised a perfect blond eyebrow. "I'll just wear yours then." Came the smug response as the smaller slipped into his bed. As he turned out the light he nearly missed Draco's reply.
"If you must."
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