Harry Potter and the Test
Chapter 6
The stadium was filled to capacity, and then some. People lined the back of the bleachers, standing up, not wanting to miss any of the action even if it meant not having a place to sit. Even those who had seats were cramped, forced to occupy a spot smaller than what they were used to. These peeves aside, excitement ran through the air like electricity.
All of the visitors had come prepared, bundled up to the hilt. Scarves displaying house colors adorned the neck of every attending student. Pennants cheering on either Slytherin or Gryffindor could be seen, gripped tightly by mittened hands. Boots and galoshes stomped on the bleacher's floorboards, the sign of a fans attempt to stay warm.
The chilly morning was characteristic of mid-October days. I could see my breath every time my body exhaled. The frost that had covered the ground earlier in the morning had melted, leaving soft, green grass to cover the field below. The lines had been freshly repainted and the goals were standing tall, keeping watch over the proceedings.
We had been up in the air for only a minute or so. Slytherin was running some last-minute practice, although the plays they were presenting to us wouldn't probably be used. Their purpose was to merely confuse us and throw our defensive game off. Therefore, flying high above the action, and out of their way, I chose to watch the stands rather than the trickery below.
I looked to a Gryffindor bleacher, and saw a field of maroon and gold. The stands were packed and our sections were no different. However, out of the madness, I managed to pick out the faces of Ron and Hermione. Shifting over closer to where they sat, I flew by slowly. The pair spotted me, and waved heartily; quickly, I returned the salute and took off. Sticking close to the sides, I began to circle the inside of the stadium, trying to catch glimpses of faces I knew. I could see Neville below spilling something onto his jacket. Jacob Miller, the new announcer, was manipulating the score-keeping device, most likely clearing the score from the previous game.
Coming into the match, both of our teams were perfect, winning two and losing none. This game, although still early in the season, would definitely affect how the rest of the year would proceed. If we managed to win, the heat would be on Slytherin to play catch-up, and if we lost, we would be the ones feeling the pressure. Not wanting the latter to occur, our team had practice daily for the past six afternoons, running over plays and methods of the sorts. I had missed one, but I needed sleep more than anything, a fact Alicia understood.
The crowd prepared and the teams ready, the chest containing the balls was lugged out to center field. Dropped in the circle, the latch was soon undone. My heart racing, the quaffle was tossed up and the beaters released. Game on.
With paddle held firmly in hand, I looked towards my fellow beater and pointed out the beater closest to him. Melton spotted it and immediately tailed it, making sure it stayed out of our teams' way. Taking the other, I followed it as the ball zoomed across the stadium. As soon as I took off, I heard a raucous cheer erupt from the Gryffindor section just to the right of me.
'Had the snitch been caught already?'
Careful not to lose tract of my bludger, I looked up and saw Harry in his usual spot, hovering over the other players, Malfoy not too far from him. This left my puzzled.
'Could the crowd have been cheering for me?'
Rather than mull over the matter, I pushed the idea to the back of my mind and turned to the task at hand.
I streaked through the cool air; it rushed over the tips of my ears, causing them to sting a bit. Already, perspiration was forming on my brow and adrenaline was pulsing through my veins. Prepared, I smacked the bludger towards one of the Slytherin beaters. Since it was still early in the game, I made sure it missed him by a mile, but he still sneered at me.
"Watch out, Adam; Slytherin isn't a huge fan of you," Harry had told me before the game. Although he was still as friendly as ever around me, I had become much more stand-offish. Since discovering my link to him, I hadn't been able to act the same when he was near. Thankfully, the feeling I once had around him was gone, perhaps the only good to some of my current state of affairs.
Still, even with our relationship strained due to the new connection, one he had yet to know about, I knew it was my duty, both as a brother and a beater, to protect him; that was something I would never forget or ignore.
The crowd erupted again. One of our chasers had managed to slip the quaffle through the center hoop for the first score of the game. With the balls still in motion, there was little time to celebrate. Back in action, the three chasers flew over my head, after their ball.
My bludger had returned, falling within my sights. As soon as I took off after it, much to my chagrin, it sped up, rocketing up into the air. Narrowly missing a Slytherin chaser, I followed it closely. Seeing that it was headed for Harry, I gave it a smack while I could. It careened back towards the earth.
Harry spotted me and showed his appreciation with a smile. Not knowing how to respond, I nodded knowingly and took off after the bludger again.
The game continued smoothly. Although we had managed to score seven more times, Slytherin had matched that mark, leaving us tied with still no sign of the Snitch. Watching over the field vigilantly, Harry remained at his post, waiting for the right moment.
The bludger I was chasing began to follow James, one of our chasers as he followed the quaffle. Coming in on it from the right, I reached back slightly, prepared to wallop the ball off of its course. However, mid-way into my swing, I was hit hard on the left side off my body.
I hadn't even seen him approach. One of the Slytherin beaters had rammed into me, knocking me further from the bludger. Without time to catch up, I shouted to James.
"Watch out! Bludger!"
Without even looking over his shoulder, he banked hard to the right, out of the ball's path. Breathing a sign of relief, I turned to see the Slytherin beater laughing loudly, mocking my folly. Furious, I gripped my broom, and took off after the bludger, mentally prepared for the animosity that was sure to occupy the final few minutes of the match.
Tightening my grip on the paddle, I peeked over my shoulder to see the same beater, riding my tail. Determined to return the favor, I got closer to the bludger. Rather than hitting it on the side, though, I swung downwards and hit it hard on the front, sending it hurtling backwards. Looking back once more, I could see the beater nearly fall off his broom as he hurried to get out bludger's way. My turn to laugh, I did so noticeably, making sure that he heard me. His eyes shot daggers at me, to which I responded to by blowing a kiss.
Too busy mocking, I wasn't able to see 'it'.
Just as I was turning my head back around, I felt something solid smash into my side.
"GOD..DAMN IT!" I shouted. Not able to keep my balance, I started to fall off my broom. Realizing my current situation, and what could result if I fell to the ground, I reached up with my left arm, snatching my broom just in time. However, such heroics sent searing pain throughout my body. I cried out again, this time in unintelligible babble.
The Gryffindor bleacher that I was closest too became hushed. Tears formed in my eyes from the amount of pain I was feeling, and all I could do was dangle there in mid-air, unable to help my teammates.
Searching for any sign of hope, I looked into the stands and saw Hermione. Her gloved hands covered her mouth, still in shock from what had just happened. Even though we were too far away to speak, I could see her watching me intently.
"You can do it, Adam," she mouthed. For all I know, she could have been screaming it, but it mattered little; I knew what she was saying loud and clear.
"You can do it," she repeated.
Understanding her words, I nodded in return.
Building up all the strength I could muster, I grabbed the stick with my other hand, and started the task of remounting my broom. Any movement I made was painful, but, gritting my teeth, I hoisted myself up. Lifting up my right leg, I saddled the broom. Resting on my faithful companion, I could hear cheers erupt again. The score hadn't changed and Harry was still on the prowl. Turning towards the bleachers, I could see a banner unfurled in the Gryffindor bleachers.
"ADAM! BEAT THEM BACK!' it read in bright red letters.
Holding onto one end of it was Hermione. Perhaps six or seven others were taking on the task of keeping it up, and I even saw two more signs with my name on them, mingling with the signs cheering Harry on. Inspired, I swallowed hard and flew off, trying to spot the bludger I had lost track of.
Gently, as I flew, I tried to massage the area struck by the ball. Breathing was becoming an ordeal in itself, and the left side of my rib cage was on fire. Not wanting to thing of how disfigured my chest must be, I pictured the House Cup. If we managed to pull though, and not give up, it would be ours. We had the talent; all we needed was the bravery to survive this sinister team.
However, the more I flew, the more apparent it became that I was in serious need of medical help. Without the ability to breathe normally, I was beginning to feel light-headed.
'Great, that's all I need right now: a collapsed lung.'
The seconds became minutes and the minutes seemed to turn into days. Every movement seemed to slow down and become blurry. Closing my eyes, I shook my head, trying to clear my thinking and hold onto consciousness.
'Come on, Harry. Find the damn thing!'
Then, I saw it. Crossing my path, I saw the Golden Snitch and my heart leapt.
"This ends now," I managed to whisper to myself with some effort. Determined, I scanned the field and spotted the bludger. Bat held high, I chased it down. Just ahead, I could see Malfoy and Harry in hot pursuit of the Snitch. Each trying to out gun the other, they looked to be nothing but streaks, trying to get their hands on a bit of 'gold.'
Using a tactic we practiced two days ago, rather than smashing the bludger, I tapped it, sending it along in the direction I was going. Still following it, I tapped it again, keeping it in check and making it obey my command.
My side still aching as never before, I got closer and closer to the two seekers, nudging along my bludger. The chase continued and my presence was still unknown by the two still in hot pursuit of the Snitch. The air was so thick with cheers and jeers that I seemed to be beating them back, and not the bludger. Knowing that thousands of eyes were focused on the current chase, I broke out in a heavy sweat. Making sure I still held the bat, I gave clutched the handle harder.
I continued to push the bludger along, making sure I didn't hit it too hard; such a mistake would give the object back its freedom and it would escape my reach.
The Snitch began to ascend, increasing in altitude, almost as if it was climbing a mountain. Both seekers seemed to speed up after the shift in direction, and I followed their lead, pushing my flying abilities to the limit.
Almost, almost..
With outstretched arms, Malfoy and Harry reached for the Golden Snitch, their fingertips just inches short of the goal.
I still bided by time, waiting. Nearly even with them, I moved up along side Malfoy. On his face, he wore a strained expression of anger. His teeth clenched together, I could hear him let off a grunt, the Snitch perhaps an inch out of his reach.
Decided that now was the time, I gave the bludger an extra tap. While pulling back my arm, Malfoy caught sight of my movement and turned to look at me.
Time froze. The stadium was empty except for me and Mister Draco. Nothing else mattered; the snitch placed a far second to what lied at stake here: pride. As we flew side by side, we were equals, but now was the moment where the victor would be decided, leaving no spot for the loser to hide in shame.
His eyes said it all. I could see fear taking hold of them and his mind as well.
Defeat was eminent. He knew it all too well.
Without looking away, I gave the bludger a smack and sent it careening in his direction. Malfoy followed the ball, watching it with almost a sense of wonder and amazement. Right on target, the ball crashed into his broom, breaking off a generous portion of the tip. The shattered broom shed millions of splinters, filling the air with miniature clones of itself. No longer in the running, any power he had was gone and Malfoy suddenly lagged behind drastically, soon disappearing behind us, bobbing in our wake.
Flying beside Harry, I watched as he closed he gap between the Snitch and himself. Stretching his right arm out as far as he could, he touched it and that was all it took. His hand ripped the Snitch out of the air, ending the chase and the game as well.
The entire arena sent up squeals of delight and choruses of heckling. Flags bearing the colors of Gryffindor were waved madly in many of the stands; we could almost see the smiles and grins of pleasure which had erupted on their faces.
Still on our brooms, I saw Harry offer me a hand. After studying him for a motive, I accepted it, giving him my right one, careful not to disturb my damaged left side.
Throwing our linked arms up into the air, we were rewarded with even louder cheers from our classmates. Reveling in it, I smiled, forgetting the agony that occupied my torso at the moment.
"Gryffindor wins it, 230 to 80," Jacob shouted into his microphone. Even though the scorer is technically unbiased, I could pick up the hint of glee in his voice and I'm sure everyone else in the stadium did as well.
"Now," Harry said after allowing our arms to lower, "let's get you to the nurse."
Taking our time, we both began our descents.
Three massive pillows propped me up in the hospital bed. To my right and left, were cards and flowers sending me congratulations on the victory and wishing that I get well soon. They covered both bed stands and some had to be placed on the floor to make room for a pitcher of water and clean towels.
The nurses' wing was pleasant enough for a hospital. Windows ran all along the hall, and I could see how blue the sky was through each and every one of them. Though it was fall, the sun still managed to cast its warming rays upon my face. The whole room was lit up, surrounding everything a heavenly glow.
The only downside was that I couldn't move my midsection. A massive wrap kept my torso rigid as a board, preventing me form bending over. Luckily, my arms and legs remained functional, giving me some mobility.
"Adam!"
I saw the Harry, Ron and Hermione come running in. They were soon at my bedside, standing over me as if they were the doctors.
"How're the ribs doin', chap?" Ron asked me, grinning inanely.
"Fine, fine, ship shape," I responded just as sarcastically.
"That was some of the most amazing Quidditch I have ever seen!" Hermione beamed.
"Seems that everyone else agrees," Harry said, producing a folded document from his robe. Opening it up, he cleared his throat and began to read:
"DUO SNAGS WIN IN HIGH-STAKES GAME"
"You're kidding!" Ron exclaimed, leaning in to get a look at the paper.
"Yup; front page of the Daily Prophet," Harry said, handing the newspaper to me.
"'Since the arrival of the mysterious Hogwarts' student Adam Barrowton, he and the infamous Harry Potter have been an unstoppable duo, proof of which showed in yesterday's game against Slytherin House. This editor believes that if they continue to produce these results, we might be looking at two future member of the professional Quidditch League.'"
"Wow," was all I could say.
"You deserve every bit of praise." Harry admitted. "You went above and beyond the call of a beater and managed to help pull off one massive upset."
"Thanks, Harry. Thanks means a lot coming from the star Seeker himself," I said, causing him to blush slightly.
"We should be going," Ron said, checking his watch. "We all have Potions class. Don't worry, though, Adam; we'll come se you as soon as we're out."
"Don't worry. I'll still be here."
"No kidding," Harry chuckled.
He and Ron turned to leave, taking off in a hurry, but Hermione remained at my side.
"I'm very proud of you," she said softly. Taking hold of my hand, she gave it a comforting squeeze, much like before.
"I only wish I could hug you," she admitted, looking at the wads of bandages what encircled my chest and stomach. At her comment, I looked at them and then her face, only able to shrug at my plight. She laughed, as did I.
"Well, get better. I miss having you around." With that, she cupped my face gently with her hand and leaned in, giving me a kiss.
"I'll try," I whispered in return, giving her another peck on the lips.
"Good; you better," she ordered, standing back up. "I'll come by after class."
"Okay, thanks."
"Bye," she said over her shoulder, as she ran out of the nurses' wing and off to class.
Alone, I looked down at the swaddling which was my midsection, wondering.
"Could I get this thing signed?" I asked myself out loud.
Chapter 6
The stadium was filled to capacity, and then some. People lined the back of the bleachers, standing up, not wanting to miss any of the action even if it meant not having a place to sit. Even those who had seats were cramped, forced to occupy a spot smaller than what they were used to. These peeves aside, excitement ran through the air like electricity.
All of the visitors had come prepared, bundled up to the hilt. Scarves displaying house colors adorned the neck of every attending student. Pennants cheering on either Slytherin or Gryffindor could be seen, gripped tightly by mittened hands. Boots and galoshes stomped on the bleacher's floorboards, the sign of a fans attempt to stay warm.
The chilly morning was characteristic of mid-October days. I could see my breath every time my body exhaled. The frost that had covered the ground earlier in the morning had melted, leaving soft, green grass to cover the field below. The lines had been freshly repainted and the goals were standing tall, keeping watch over the proceedings.
We had been up in the air for only a minute or so. Slytherin was running some last-minute practice, although the plays they were presenting to us wouldn't probably be used. Their purpose was to merely confuse us and throw our defensive game off. Therefore, flying high above the action, and out of their way, I chose to watch the stands rather than the trickery below.
I looked to a Gryffindor bleacher, and saw a field of maroon and gold. The stands were packed and our sections were no different. However, out of the madness, I managed to pick out the faces of Ron and Hermione. Shifting over closer to where they sat, I flew by slowly. The pair spotted me, and waved heartily; quickly, I returned the salute and took off. Sticking close to the sides, I began to circle the inside of the stadium, trying to catch glimpses of faces I knew. I could see Neville below spilling something onto his jacket. Jacob Miller, the new announcer, was manipulating the score-keeping device, most likely clearing the score from the previous game.
Coming into the match, both of our teams were perfect, winning two and losing none. This game, although still early in the season, would definitely affect how the rest of the year would proceed. If we managed to win, the heat would be on Slytherin to play catch-up, and if we lost, we would be the ones feeling the pressure. Not wanting the latter to occur, our team had practice daily for the past six afternoons, running over plays and methods of the sorts. I had missed one, but I needed sleep more than anything, a fact Alicia understood.
The crowd prepared and the teams ready, the chest containing the balls was lugged out to center field. Dropped in the circle, the latch was soon undone. My heart racing, the quaffle was tossed up and the beaters released. Game on.
With paddle held firmly in hand, I looked towards my fellow beater and pointed out the beater closest to him. Melton spotted it and immediately tailed it, making sure it stayed out of our teams' way. Taking the other, I followed it as the ball zoomed across the stadium. As soon as I took off, I heard a raucous cheer erupt from the Gryffindor section just to the right of me.
'Had the snitch been caught already?'
Careful not to lose tract of my bludger, I looked up and saw Harry in his usual spot, hovering over the other players, Malfoy not too far from him. This left my puzzled.
'Could the crowd have been cheering for me?'
Rather than mull over the matter, I pushed the idea to the back of my mind and turned to the task at hand.
I streaked through the cool air; it rushed over the tips of my ears, causing them to sting a bit. Already, perspiration was forming on my brow and adrenaline was pulsing through my veins. Prepared, I smacked the bludger towards one of the Slytherin beaters. Since it was still early in the game, I made sure it missed him by a mile, but he still sneered at me.
"Watch out, Adam; Slytherin isn't a huge fan of you," Harry had told me before the game. Although he was still as friendly as ever around me, I had become much more stand-offish. Since discovering my link to him, I hadn't been able to act the same when he was near. Thankfully, the feeling I once had around him was gone, perhaps the only good to some of my current state of affairs.
Still, even with our relationship strained due to the new connection, one he had yet to know about, I knew it was my duty, both as a brother and a beater, to protect him; that was something I would never forget or ignore.
The crowd erupted again. One of our chasers had managed to slip the quaffle through the center hoop for the first score of the game. With the balls still in motion, there was little time to celebrate. Back in action, the three chasers flew over my head, after their ball.
My bludger had returned, falling within my sights. As soon as I took off after it, much to my chagrin, it sped up, rocketing up into the air. Narrowly missing a Slytherin chaser, I followed it closely. Seeing that it was headed for Harry, I gave it a smack while I could. It careened back towards the earth.
Harry spotted me and showed his appreciation with a smile. Not knowing how to respond, I nodded knowingly and took off after the bludger again.
The game continued smoothly. Although we had managed to score seven more times, Slytherin had matched that mark, leaving us tied with still no sign of the Snitch. Watching over the field vigilantly, Harry remained at his post, waiting for the right moment.
The bludger I was chasing began to follow James, one of our chasers as he followed the quaffle. Coming in on it from the right, I reached back slightly, prepared to wallop the ball off of its course. However, mid-way into my swing, I was hit hard on the left side off my body.
I hadn't even seen him approach. One of the Slytherin beaters had rammed into me, knocking me further from the bludger. Without time to catch up, I shouted to James.
"Watch out! Bludger!"
Without even looking over his shoulder, he banked hard to the right, out of the ball's path. Breathing a sign of relief, I turned to see the Slytherin beater laughing loudly, mocking my folly. Furious, I gripped my broom, and took off after the bludger, mentally prepared for the animosity that was sure to occupy the final few minutes of the match.
Tightening my grip on the paddle, I peeked over my shoulder to see the same beater, riding my tail. Determined to return the favor, I got closer to the bludger. Rather than hitting it on the side, though, I swung downwards and hit it hard on the front, sending it hurtling backwards. Looking back once more, I could see the beater nearly fall off his broom as he hurried to get out bludger's way. My turn to laugh, I did so noticeably, making sure that he heard me. His eyes shot daggers at me, to which I responded to by blowing a kiss.
Too busy mocking, I wasn't able to see 'it'.
Just as I was turning my head back around, I felt something solid smash into my side.
"GOD..DAMN IT!" I shouted. Not able to keep my balance, I started to fall off my broom. Realizing my current situation, and what could result if I fell to the ground, I reached up with my left arm, snatching my broom just in time. However, such heroics sent searing pain throughout my body. I cried out again, this time in unintelligible babble.
The Gryffindor bleacher that I was closest too became hushed. Tears formed in my eyes from the amount of pain I was feeling, and all I could do was dangle there in mid-air, unable to help my teammates.
Searching for any sign of hope, I looked into the stands and saw Hermione. Her gloved hands covered her mouth, still in shock from what had just happened. Even though we were too far away to speak, I could see her watching me intently.
"You can do it, Adam," she mouthed. For all I know, she could have been screaming it, but it mattered little; I knew what she was saying loud and clear.
"You can do it," she repeated.
Understanding her words, I nodded in return.
Building up all the strength I could muster, I grabbed the stick with my other hand, and started the task of remounting my broom. Any movement I made was painful, but, gritting my teeth, I hoisted myself up. Lifting up my right leg, I saddled the broom. Resting on my faithful companion, I could hear cheers erupt again. The score hadn't changed and Harry was still on the prowl. Turning towards the bleachers, I could see a banner unfurled in the Gryffindor bleachers.
"ADAM! BEAT THEM BACK!' it read in bright red letters.
Holding onto one end of it was Hermione. Perhaps six or seven others were taking on the task of keeping it up, and I even saw two more signs with my name on them, mingling with the signs cheering Harry on. Inspired, I swallowed hard and flew off, trying to spot the bludger I had lost track of.
Gently, as I flew, I tried to massage the area struck by the ball. Breathing was becoming an ordeal in itself, and the left side of my rib cage was on fire. Not wanting to thing of how disfigured my chest must be, I pictured the House Cup. If we managed to pull though, and not give up, it would be ours. We had the talent; all we needed was the bravery to survive this sinister team.
However, the more I flew, the more apparent it became that I was in serious need of medical help. Without the ability to breathe normally, I was beginning to feel light-headed.
'Great, that's all I need right now: a collapsed lung.'
The seconds became minutes and the minutes seemed to turn into days. Every movement seemed to slow down and become blurry. Closing my eyes, I shook my head, trying to clear my thinking and hold onto consciousness.
'Come on, Harry. Find the damn thing!'
Then, I saw it. Crossing my path, I saw the Golden Snitch and my heart leapt.
"This ends now," I managed to whisper to myself with some effort. Determined, I scanned the field and spotted the bludger. Bat held high, I chased it down. Just ahead, I could see Malfoy and Harry in hot pursuit of the Snitch. Each trying to out gun the other, they looked to be nothing but streaks, trying to get their hands on a bit of 'gold.'
Using a tactic we practiced two days ago, rather than smashing the bludger, I tapped it, sending it along in the direction I was going. Still following it, I tapped it again, keeping it in check and making it obey my command.
My side still aching as never before, I got closer and closer to the two seekers, nudging along my bludger. The chase continued and my presence was still unknown by the two still in hot pursuit of the Snitch. The air was so thick with cheers and jeers that I seemed to be beating them back, and not the bludger. Knowing that thousands of eyes were focused on the current chase, I broke out in a heavy sweat. Making sure I still held the bat, I gave clutched the handle harder.
I continued to push the bludger along, making sure I didn't hit it too hard; such a mistake would give the object back its freedom and it would escape my reach.
The Snitch began to ascend, increasing in altitude, almost as if it was climbing a mountain. Both seekers seemed to speed up after the shift in direction, and I followed their lead, pushing my flying abilities to the limit.
Almost, almost..
With outstretched arms, Malfoy and Harry reached for the Golden Snitch, their fingertips just inches short of the goal.
I still bided by time, waiting. Nearly even with them, I moved up along side Malfoy. On his face, he wore a strained expression of anger. His teeth clenched together, I could hear him let off a grunt, the Snitch perhaps an inch out of his reach.
Decided that now was the time, I gave the bludger an extra tap. While pulling back my arm, Malfoy caught sight of my movement and turned to look at me.
Time froze. The stadium was empty except for me and Mister Draco. Nothing else mattered; the snitch placed a far second to what lied at stake here: pride. As we flew side by side, we were equals, but now was the moment where the victor would be decided, leaving no spot for the loser to hide in shame.
His eyes said it all. I could see fear taking hold of them and his mind as well.
Defeat was eminent. He knew it all too well.
Without looking away, I gave the bludger a smack and sent it careening in his direction. Malfoy followed the ball, watching it with almost a sense of wonder and amazement. Right on target, the ball crashed into his broom, breaking off a generous portion of the tip. The shattered broom shed millions of splinters, filling the air with miniature clones of itself. No longer in the running, any power he had was gone and Malfoy suddenly lagged behind drastically, soon disappearing behind us, bobbing in our wake.
Flying beside Harry, I watched as he closed he gap between the Snitch and himself. Stretching his right arm out as far as he could, he touched it and that was all it took. His hand ripped the Snitch out of the air, ending the chase and the game as well.
The entire arena sent up squeals of delight and choruses of heckling. Flags bearing the colors of Gryffindor were waved madly in many of the stands; we could almost see the smiles and grins of pleasure which had erupted on their faces.
Still on our brooms, I saw Harry offer me a hand. After studying him for a motive, I accepted it, giving him my right one, careful not to disturb my damaged left side.
Throwing our linked arms up into the air, we were rewarded with even louder cheers from our classmates. Reveling in it, I smiled, forgetting the agony that occupied my torso at the moment.
"Gryffindor wins it, 230 to 80," Jacob shouted into his microphone. Even though the scorer is technically unbiased, I could pick up the hint of glee in his voice and I'm sure everyone else in the stadium did as well.
"Now," Harry said after allowing our arms to lower, "let's get you to the nurse."
Taking our time, we both began our descents.
Three massive pillows propped me up in the hospital bed. To my right and left, were cards and flowers sending me congratulations on the victory and wishing that I get well soon. They covered both bed stands and some had to be placed on the floor to make room for a pitcher of water and clean towels.
The nurses' wing was pleasant enough for a hospital. Windows ran all along the hall, and I could see how blue the sky was through each and every one of them. Though it was fall, the sun still managed to cast its warming rays upon my face. The whole room was lit up, surrounding everything a heavenly glow.
The only downside was that I couldn't move my midsection. A massive wrap kept my torso rigid as a board, preventing me form bending over. Luckily, my arms and legs remained functional, giving me some mobility.
"Adam!"
I saw the Harry, Ron and Hermione come running in. They were soon at my bedside, standing over me as if they were the doctors.
"How're the ribs doin', chap?" Ron asked me, grinning inanely.
"Fine, fine, ship shape," I responded just as sarcastically.
"That was some of the most amazing Quidditch I have ever seen!" Hermione beamed.
"Seems that everyone else agrees," Harry said, producing a folded document from his robe. Opening it up, he cleared his throat and began to read:
"DUO SNAGS WIN IN HIGH-STAKES GAME"
"You're kidding!" Ron exclaimed, leaning in to get a look at the paper.
"Yup; front page of the Daily Prophet," Harry said, handing the newspaper to me.
"'Since the arrival of the mysterious Hogwarts' student Adam Barrowton, he and the infamous Harry Potter have been an unstoppable duo, proof of which showed in yesterday's game against Slytherin House. This editor believes that if they continue to produce these results, we might be looking at two future member of the professional Quidditch League.'"
"Wow," was all I could say.
"You deserve every bit of praise." Harry admitted. "You went above and beyond the call of a beater and managed to help pull off one massive upset."
"Thanks, Harry. Thanks means a lot coming from the star Seeker himself," I said, causing him to blush slightly.
"We should be going," Ron said, checking his watch. "We all have Potions class. Don't worry, though, Adam; we'll come se you as soon as we're out."
"Don't worry. I'll still be here."
"No kidding," Harry chuckled.
He and Ron turned to leave, taking off in a hurry, but Hermione remained at my side.
"I'm very proud of you," she said softly. Taking hold of my hand, she gave it a comforting squeeze, much like before.
"I only wish I could hug you," she admitted, looking at the wads of bandages what encircled my chest and stomach. At her comment, I looked at them and then her face, only able to shrug at my plight. She laughed, as did I.
"Well, get better. I miss having you around." With that, she cupped my face gently with her hand and leaned in, giving me a kiss.
"I'll try," I whispered in return, giving her another peck on the lips.
"Good; you better," she ordered, standing back up. "I'll come by after class."
"Okay, thanks."
"Bye," she said over her shoulder, as she ran out of the nurses' wing and off to class.
Alone, I looked down at the swaddling which was my midsection, wondering.
"Could I get this thing signed?" I asked myself out loud.
