Chapter Eleven

Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff

                Saturday was the first Quidditch game of the season, and it was against Hufflepuff. Harry, as usual was a ball of nerves. So followed his pre-match habit of being too nervous to eat breakfast.

            "Come on Harry, eat a piece of toast," said Hermione as she normally did before a Quidditch match.

            "Well, if not eating will help us win, don't eat all you want!" said Ron jokingly.

            "Oh shut-up Ron," Hermione said to him sternly.

            After breakfast, Harry made his way to the Quidditch Field. He already knew they would loose horribly. Everyone knew Neville had no coordination whatsoever, so how could he manage to stay on his broomstick and guard three hoops all at the same time? All Harry knew was that he had to catch the snitch, and fast.

            After the team had put their robes on, Neville stood up to talk to the team.

            "Well… uh…" Neville said, "This is the first game of the season. So...let's go out there and win, okay?"

            The team ignored Neville's words as they each grabbed their broomsticks and walked out onto the field knowing they were going to loose their second match in four years.

            As the team walked onto the pitch, they were greeted with an overwhelming amount of cheers from the stands.

            "Welcome to the first Quidditch match of the season. "I'm your commentator, Lee Jordan," he said. "We have the last Quidditch cup winners, Gryffindor, led by new captain and Keeper Neville Longbottom, and Hufflepuff with new Seeker and captain Justin Flinch-Fletchly. Of course, Gryffindor is the better team, Potter should be able to get the job done."

            "Now Jordan," said Professor McGonagall.

            "Sorry professor," he apologized. "Now, let's play Quidditch.

            The players mounted their brooms. Madame Hooch went to the center of the pitch.

            "Let's play," she said. And she blew her whistle and they were off.

            Harry was vigorously looking for the snitch. He knew if he didn't catch it, Gryffindor would loose. He also knew that Justin didn't have a chance against him.

            "And Gryffindor has the Quaffle," Lee said, "Spinnet to Bell, Bell to Johnson. Stolen by a Hufflepuff chaser, Hufflepuff scores."

            The game continued like this for some time until the score was 140-0. Then…

            All of a sudden Harry saw the Snitch! It was right above the Gryffindor goal post. Justin was already on his way there, but Harry knew he was faster. Within seconds, Lee Jordan was screaming...

            "GRYFFINDOR WINS! GRYFFINDOR WINS 150-140! THIS IS THE CLOSEST MATCH I'VE EVER SEEN!"

            At that moment, Professor McGonagall stepped onto the field and said into her wand, as to be heard.

            "All students are to report to their respective common rooms immediately," she said.

            As Harry, Ron, and Hermione were heading towards the castle, she pulled them aside.

            "You'd better come with me," she said as the three followed her all the way to Dumbledore's office.

            "Here they are Headmaster," she said, and left.

            "I have some very bad news for you," he said in a tone of voice Harry had never heard him speak before.

            "As you know, Hagrid has not been here this year. This is because he was on a secret mission to ally the giants against Voldemort with Madame Maxime. Well, I am very sory to say, he has been killed."

            The three friends stood in disbelief. There was no part of their minds that could comprehend the fact their most beloved friend was dead.

            "I know this is hard for you, as it is me. Hagrid was one of my dearest friends. Therefore, I have told all of your teachers to excuse you from classes Monday, so you can compose yourselves, if necessary."

            "Sir," Harry interrupted," now that we know what happened to Hagrid, could you tell us where Professor Snape is?"

            "You must not tell a soul," he said, but Professor Snape is on a mission spying as an undercover Death Eater. If the wrong people found out, he would be in grave danger. So it is most important for you not to tell anyone."

            Ron had a look of sheer horror on his face.

"Now if there are no more questions," he concluded," then you may go up to your common room. I am sure there will be a victory party, no doubt."

            And with the reality check that anyone of them, especially Harry, could die at any time, the three companions left, closer friends than ever before.