Note: I do not own Harry Potter! J.K. Rowling is the official author of the
Harry Potter books as you all know.
The following is according to my own thoughts and ideas. Enjoy reading!
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Chapter 4: Gryffindor Versus Slytherin
It was a cold Sunday morning. It was the second day of November and everyone gathered excitedly at the Quidditch Pitch for the first match of the season: Gryffindor vs. Slytherin. A few minutes before the game starts, Ron, the new Gryffindor captain, gave his team some useful advice and strategies that may help Gryffindor win the match.
"Now I don't want the both of you to hit Crabbe and Goyle with a Bludger on purpose." Ron said casually to Seamus and Neville. "I want all of you to play fair. And Harry." Ron stared at Harry looking a bit desperate. "Please do catch the snitch before Malfoy does. You know how important this game is eventhough it's only the first game of the season.."
Finally, the pitch entrance opened. The Gryffindor team flew smoothly in the air and at the same time, the Slytherin team did so too. They formed what seemed like a letter 'S' in the air, with their captain, Draco Malfoy, at the center of it. Madam Hooch was at the grounds checking the Quidditch balls out for jinxes and damages. Meanwhile, an opening ceremony was said to occur before the game officially starts. Mandy Brocklehurst, a Ravenclaw 6th year, was assigned to do the commentary during Quidditch games from now on. She now began the opening ceremony.
"Good Morning everyone! Welcome to the first game of the season, Slytherin versus Gryffindor!" Mandy said as the Gryffindor and Slytherin crowd roared with excitement. "Now before we begin the match, I will first introduce to you the new line-up of players for both teams. Let's start with the Slytherin Team!" The Slytherin crowd roared even louder. "These two boys are often seen with Draco Malfoy. They are big, fiery, and they are now part of the Slytherin team. Please welcome the new Slytherin beaters, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle!"
The Slytherins cheered. Crabbe and Goyle showed off by performing several stunts in front of everybody. Mandy continued. "Now these past few years, the Slytherin team only had boys in their team. But this year is different. I'd like to introduce to you the very first girl to join the Slytherin team, and she will be playing in the position of a keeper, Millicent Bulstrode!" The Slytherins cheered again once more.
"She's on the team? Duh! Look at her weight. She might fall off her broom with just a few moves! She's huge!" Parvati said to Lavender in a matter-of- fact tone.
Mandy continued introducing the new members of the Slytherin team. Third years Graham Pritchard and Malcolm Baddock played as chasers together with 6th year, Morag MacDougal. Finally there is only one person left to introduce; the new captain of the team.
"And last but not the least, the new captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team, their seeker, Draco Malfoy!"
Draco smirked devilishly. He waved at the Slytherin crowd who were cheering for him, like some popular Hollywood star. A couple of Gryffindors were booing but Draco didn't mind them. As the long screams and cheers subsided, Mandy cleared her throat and spoke once again.
"Congratulations to the new members of the Slytherin team and good luck on today's match. Now let us now move on to the Gryffindor Quidditch team!" Mandy said more proudly. The Gryffindor crowd were cheering madly. A huge banner was put up by a couple of Gryffindor 4th years with the sign "GO GRYFFINDOR!" written on it, in shiny, scarlet and gold letters. Mandy continued.
"Well there's only one player of this team who wasn't replaced nor kicked out. It's non other than the oh-so-talented and oh-so-cute Gryffindor seeker, Harry Potter!" The Gryffindors screamed. Harry smiled shyly at the crowd.
"Now I would like to introduce to all of you the new members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. These two boys are good friends of Harry's. They love to joke around, play around, and do almost anything---amusing. Please give a round of applause to the new Gryffindor beaters, Seamus Finnigan and Neville Longbottom!" The Gryffindor crowd roared. Seamus and Neville were flying near the Gryffindor bleachers with their arms stretched sideways, giving the excited Gryffindors a couple of high fives. Lavender noticed that Parvati went pink when Seamus passed by them and elbowed Parvati's ribs lightly as a sign of teasing.
"Next are three great students now palying as the new Gryffindor chasers. Please welcome, 3rd years Natalie McDonald and Dennis Creevy, and the youngest among the Weasley family, a 5th year, Ginny Weasley!" As expected, the Gryffindors cheered once more. Again the last one to be introduced is the new Gryffindor Captain.
"Finally, this guy always dreamt of being on the team and luckily he is now. Please welcome the new Gryffindor captain and keeper, Ronald Weasley!" The Gryffindors gave Ron a standing ovation. Parvati smiled maliciously at Lavender who turned away from her, blushing. Ron smiled confidently at the boisterous crowd. Draco stared at him menacingly.
"Now may I ask the members of both teams to please shake hands."
The players of both teams gave each other a hand but still with a look of disgust on their faces. After bitterly shaking hands with Natalie McDonald, Draco now turned to Harry who was staring blankly at him. He walked towards him and offered him a handshake.
"Good luck, Potter." Draco said provokingly as he offered his hand to Harry but Harry did not dare to shake hands with him.
"That's so rude of you, Potter. How could you not accept a sincere handshake?" Draco said trying to sound pitiful as he moved his face closer to Harry.
"I would never ever accept anything from you, Malfoy." Harry said flatly. His eyes were full of rage as he stared right into Draco's eyes without blinking. The both of them stared at each other for a long time, with anger and hatred filling their minds. The Gryffindors and Slytherins started noticing this. After a while, Draco decided to turn away. As he turned his back from Harry, he came face to face with Ron, who looked disgustedly at him. Draco moved closer to him.
"Heh.captain." Draco told Ron disgustedly. "Well..let's see who's the real captain around here after we win this." He added. Ron clutched his fist as he tried his best not to answer back.
"Everyone mount your brooms!" Madam Hooch yelled. The players quickly mounted their brooms as they waited for the signal. "3, 2, 1 ----" Madam Hooch released the quaffle and with a whistle, the game started.
The game was going smoothly. So far, there are no fouls and unfair calls on both teams. Seamus and Neville were not showing any sign of hitting Crabbe and Goyle with a bludger while their backs were turned. The score was now 20-0 with Slytherin in the lead. The whole Slytherin team started taunting the Gryffindor team whenever they scored a goal. Mandy on the other hand continued her commentary.
"McDonald with the quaffle----passes on to Weasley----Weasley to Creevy---- watch out for that bludger!---nice duck by Dennis Creevy---passes back to Weasley---she shoots----blocked by the new Slytherin keeper!------Slytherin now in possession-----MacDougal passes on to Pritchard----Pritchard to Baddock-----Malcolm Baddock shoots----and he scores! The score is now 30- 10. Slytherin in the lead."
The Slytherin crowd went wild. A huge banner with a "Gryffindor Sucks" sign written on it was glowing madly in green and silver letters, along the Slytherin bleachers. The Gryffindors scowled at them.
"Gryffindor sucks? yeah right!" Dean said sarcastically.
Graham Pritchard scored another goal for Slytherin, and now with the score of 40-0. Ron decided to call for time out.
"Time out, Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor team went down to the dusty and sandy grounds for time out. They definitely needed a new strategy. Meanwhile on the Gryffindor bleachers, Hermione, Parvati, Dean and Lavender were still scowling at the mean and rude Slytherins who kept flashing the Gryffindor Sucks banner at them.
"Oh screw you! Ugly git!" Paravti shouted from afar.
"Parvati." Lavender said trying to calm Parvati down.
"What's happening to them? Where is the true Gryffindor spirit? Where is bravery? Determination? And strength? " Dean said feeling hopeless yet starting to sound very noble. The three girls exchanged looks.
"You sound stupid, Dean." Lavender confessed.
"Hi Hermione!"
Someone called for Hermione. Hermione turned her back looking for the person who called for her and surprisingly, it was Cho. She was beaming at Hermione. Hermione gave her a faint smile as Cho walked excitedly towards her.
"Hi Hermione!" Cho said once again.
"Hey, Cho." Hermione said awkwardly.
"I can't believe Gryffindor hasn't scored a single point." Cho said casually as she looked down at the dusty grounds where the Gryffindor team huddled.
"Yeah..." Hermione said awkwardly again. She wasn't always comfortable around Cho. "What are you doing here?" she added.
"Oh...I promised Harry that I'd watch the game"
"Oh."
Once again Hermione's mind was ruled over by insecurity. She couldn't look at Cho straight in the face. The image of Harry and Cho started swimming through her head again. Her heart was beating faster. She started to feel hopeless once again. Her sudden silence was only broken by a very familiar voice----Draco.
"Hey Mud---- Hey Granger!" Draco said. He realized that Lavender was there so he didn't want to let her hear him call Hermione a mudblood. He was floating casually on his broomstick in front of Hermione and her friends.
"Go away, Malfoy!" Parvati yelled.
When Draco was about to argue, Lavender quickly spoke.
"Draco, please." Lavender said calmly. Draco looked at her. Suddenly he moved his face closer to Lavender's. Dean and Parvati's eyes widened. Lavender felt nervous. Draco stared at her eyes for a very long time. Lavender on the other hand felt like she was melting. Soon enough a sound of a whistle was heard. Draco waved at Lavender and then soared smoothly into the air toward his other teammates.
The match went on. Gryffindor improved a lot this time especially on their defense. The first goal was scored by Ginny for Gryffindor.
"Slytherin's lead is down to thirty points!" Mandy said as she continued her commentary.
Harry kept his eyes open for the snitch and Malfoy. He didn't want to lose this match. Meanwhile, Gryffindor scored another 10 points, which made Slytherin's lead down to 20 points.
"Gryffindor in possession. Creevy passes to Weasley----Weasley heads for the goal----she's almost there----"
BANG
Ginny fell from 20 feet above the air, down to the sandy grounds below the goal posts. Ron panicked a bit. He looked up angrily at the Slytherin beaters but it wasn't Crabbe nor Goyle who was holding the bat. It was Draco. Draco smirked provokingly at Ron. Ron tried his best not to lose his temper in the middle of the game. A couple of teachers carried Ginny out of the stadium with a stretcher.
"Foul!" Madam Hooch shouted. "Malfoy, I suppose you know by now that seekers aren't supposed to be hitting players with a bludger and that it is the beaters' job to do so! Penalty shot for Gryffindor!"
Natalie McDonald volunteered to take the shot. Everyone was holding their breath. If Natalie scores, Slytherin's lead will be down to 10 points. Everyone watched closely, tensed. Natalie concentrated, and as quick as a bullet she threw the quaffle into the goal and----
"She scores! Another 10 points for Gryffindor! The score is now 40-30! What a quick recovery by Gryffindor."
The Gryffindor crowd cheered. The 'GO GRYFFINDOR' sign was still glowing. Cho was jumping and cheering excitedly by the Gryffindor bleachers. Now all they have to watch out for is who will catch the snitch first. Harry still had no sign of the snitch. He soared toward the other end of the stadium, near the Gryffindor bleachers looking for any sign of the golden chestnut- shaped ball. Suddenly someone shouted.
"Harry! Good luck!"
Harry turned his back. His heart beat faster than ever when he saw Cho Chang by the Gryffindor bleachers. He stared dreamily at Cho, like he always does. Hermione, who was standing beside Cho, lost concentration of the game upon seeing this. She looked at Harry who was beaming at Cho. It was obvious that he didn't notice Hermione standing beside Cho at all. 'Not even a smile.' Hermione told herself as she moved her eyes away from Harry, feeling disappointed.
"Harry watch out!" Ron yelled at his best friend as a bludger came swooping towards Harry. Luckily, Harry was able to avoid it.
"Harry, this is no time for daydreaming!" Ron yelled once more.
"Sorry." Harry answered as he straightened up his eyeglasses.
Still, the game went on. Morag MacDougal scored ten points for Slytherin, having the lead back to 20 points. The Slytherin crowd cheered once again and at the same time, taunted the Gryffindor crowd.
Harry flew from one place to another trying to look for the snitch. Draco seems to be following him, thinking that he has seen the snitch already.
"Baddock scores! Another 10 points to Slytherin! 60-30!"
The Slytherin team crowded around Malcolm Baddock and started hugging him.While this was happening, Harry remained where he was. Then suddenly, he felt something tickling his left ear. He knew right away that it was the snitch. He tried to grab it but before he cold even make a move, Draco came flying beside him, knocking him off with an elbow. Draco stretched his right arm quickly, reaching for the snitch, as he flew from bleacher to bleacher. Harry regained consciousness and he quickly flew after Draco like a speeding bullet.
"C'mon, Harry." Cho said worriedly from the Gryffindor bleachers.
Harry was now gaining on Draco. But Draco still tried his best to fly faster than Harry.
Harry and Draco were now flying side by side with the golden snitch flying in front of them. Harry tried to elbow Draco but it wasn't strong enough to let him fall off his broom. Harry held on tight to his broom as he tried to go ahead of Draco but Draco kept on gaining enough speed to stop Harry from going ahead of him.
The chase went on. Harry and Draco kept their arms stretched as they reached for the snitch.
"C'mon! Faster!" Harry said as he tried to gain more speed for the Firebolt. Luckily, he did, and he was now going ahead of Draco.
"Potter is reaching for the snitch!" Mandy said excitedly. The Gryffindor crowd was cheering.
Draco tried to follow Harry as fast as he could but before he could go on any further, a bludger came swooping towards him and unfortunately, it hit his broom, making him fall down to the sandy grounds, unconscious.
Harry reached for the snitch as he flew deeper, down to the goal posts. Harry forced the Firebolt to go faster, still reaching for the golden snitch. He's reaching for it------almost-----almost------
BLAG!
Harry fell face flat on the sandy grounds. The crowd fell silent as they watched Harry. Harry gently opened his eyes. He felt something moving inside his clutched fist. He opened it and a tiny golden ball was lying on his tired hand.
"He caught the snitch! Gryffindor wins!"
The Gryffindor crowd cheered madly. Ron, together with his other teammates flew towards Harry. Ron hugged his best friend so tight that Harry almost couldn't breathe. Draco and his teammates left the stadium, scowling. Hermione, Dean, Lavender and Parvati went to the sandy grounds as well to congratulate their friends.
"You guys were great!" Parvati said excitedly to the team.
"Of course we were!" Neville said proudly.
"Well we couldn't have done it without THE CAPTAIN." Seamus teased Ron. Ron blushed.
"We better go now. We're the only ones left here." Neville said as he walked out of the now empty stadium. Dean followed.
"See you in the common room!" Seamus said as he and Parvati went out of the stadium.
"I'll go on ahead..see you guys later." Ron said as he walked towards the entrance. When he finally reached the entrance, Lavender called for him immediately.
"Ron! Wait!"
Ron stopped. He turned his back as he waited for Lavender who was walking not so far behind. Then finally she caught up with Ron. Ron got speechless once again.
"Can.I.. go. with..you?" Lavender asked slowly.
"Oh..sure.." Ron said as his cheeks turned pink. Lavender smiled.
"You were great out there." Lavender said feeling awkward.
"Oh.thanks.." Ron said blushing even more.
Harry and Hermione were the only ones left in the stadium. Hermione didn't know what to say to Harry, especially that she's alone with him. Harry gave a friendly smile to Hermione and tried to break her silence.
"Hermione, why are you so quiet?" Harry asked.
"Oh..nothing.." Hermione answered as her heart began beating faster again.
"If you say so."
There was a long silence. Hermione finally decided to speak.
"Congratulations for winning the match." Hermione said shyly.
"You shouldn't be telling me that. Ron is the captain. He deserves all the compliments."
"But you caught the snitch right? You're the one who let the team win." Hermione said confidently. "And that's what makes me proud of you."
"Thanks.." Harry said. He moved closer to Hermione and gave her a friendly hug. Hermione held her breath. She couldn't believe that this was happening. She closed her eyes as she felt Harry's arms wrap around her. She definitely wanted to make the most out of this moment. This may be a friendly hug to Harry but to Hermione, it meant everything.
Soon, Harry let go of Hermione.
"We better go." Harry told Hermione.
"Y-yeah." Hermione said barely. She still couldn't believe it happened.
Suddenly someone called for Harry from the stadium entrance.
"Harry!"
It was Cho. Harry smiled from ear to ear as she came running towards them. Hermione's sudden joy was turned into sadness. The sudden feeling of being in heaven seemed to be just a dream, Hermione thought, although it really happened. Hermione didn't know what to say or feel right at that moment.
"Congratulations, Harry!" Cho said beaming.
"Thanks." Harry said smiling.
"So, are we..are we going?" Cho said as she glanced awkwardly at Hermione.
"Oh.y-yeah."Harry said. "Um.Hermione, you go on ahead. Cho and I will be going to-----will be going...somewhere." Harry added with difficulty. He didn't want to tell Hermione where exactly they were going.
"S-sure."Hermione answered coldly.
"C'mon, Cho. See you later Hermione!" Harry said as he waved at his best friend. He and Cho walked out of the stadium then out of sight.
Hermione stood there, staring blankly at the stadium entrance. Cold wind was brushing through her face. The supposed to be happiest moment of her life turned out to be just the same. She didn't know whether to still feel happy because Harry gave her a hug or feel sad because once again Harry and Cho are together. She tucked her arms inside her robe and slowly, she walked out of the stadium.
End of Chapter 4
~ Thank God, it's finished! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Now I'll be working on the 5th chapter. Thanks for reading this!
Lot's of love, Kathleen (a.k.a. the-key) (Quezon City, Philippines)
The following is according to my own thoughts and ideas. Enjoy reading!
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Chapter 4: Gryffindor Versus Slytherin
It was a cold Sunday morning. It was the second day of November and everyone gathered excitedly at the Quidditch Pitch for the first match of the season: Gryffindor vs. Slytherin. A few minutes before the game starts, Ron, the new Gryffindor captain, gave his team some useful advice and strategies that may help Gryffindor win the match.
"Now I don't want the both of you to hit Crabbe and Goyle with a Bludger on purpose." Ron said casually to Seamus and Neville. "I want all of you to play fair. And Harry." Ron stared at Harry looking a bit desperate. "Please do catch the snitch before Malfoy does. You know how important this game is eventhough it's only the first game of the season.."
Finally, the pitch entrance opened. The Gryffindor team flew smoothly in the air and at the same time, the Slytherin team did so too. They formed what seemed like a letter 'S' in the air, with their captain, Draco Malfoy, at the center of it. Madam Hooch was at the grounds checking the Quidditch balls out for jinxes and damages. Meanwhile, an opening ceremony was said to occur before the game officially starts. Mandy Brocklehurst, a Ravenclaw 6th year, was assigned to do the commentary during Quidditch games from now on. She now began the opening ceremony.
"Good Morning everyone! Welcome to the first game of the season, Slytherin versus Gryffindor!" Mandy said as the Gryffindor and Slytherin crowd roared with excitement. "Now before we begin the match, I will first introduce to you the new line-up of players for both teams. Let's start with the Slytherin Team!" The Slytherin crowd roared even louder. "These two boys are often seen with Draco Malfoy. They are big, fiery, and they are now part of the Slytherin team. Please welcome the new Slytherin beaters, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle!"
The Slytherins cheered. Crabbe and Goyle showed off by performing several stunts in front of everybody. Mandy continued. "Now these past few years, the Slytherin team only had boys in their team. But this year is different. I'd like to introduce to you the very first girl to join the Slytherin team, and she will be playing in the position of a keeper, Millicent Bulstrode!" The Slytherins cheered again once more.
"She's on the team? Duh! Look at her weight. She might fall off her broom with just a few moves! She's huge!" Parvati said to Lavender in a matter-of- fact tone.
Mandy continued introducing the new members of the Slytherin team. Third years Graham Pritchard and Malcolm Baddock played as chasers together with 6th year, Morag MacDougal. Finally there is only one person left to introduce; the new captain of the team.
"And last but not the least, the new captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team, their seeker, Draco Malfoy!"
Draco smirked devilishly. He waved at the Slytherin crowd who were cheering for him, like some popular Hollywood star. A couple of Gryffindors were booing but Draco didn't mind them. As the long screams and cheers subsided, Mandy cleared her throat and spoke once again.
"Congratulations to the new members of the Slytherin team and good luck on today's match. Now let us now move on to the Gryffindor Quidditch team!" Mandy said more proudly. The Gryffindor crowd were cheering madly. A huge banner was put up by a couple of Gryffindor 4th years with the sign "GO GRYFFINDOR!" written on it, in shiny, scarlet and gold letters. Mandy continued.
"Well there's only one player of this team who wasn't replaced nor kicked out. It's non other than the oh-so-talented and oh-so-cute Gryffindor seeker, Harry Potter!" The Gryffindors screamed. Harry smiled shyly at the crowd.
"Now I would like to introduce to all of you the new members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. These two boys are good friends of Harry's. They love to joke around, play around, and do almost anything---amusing. Please give a round of applause to the new Gryffindor beaters, Seamus Finnigan and Neville Longbottom!" The Gryffindor crowd roared. Seamus and Neville were flying near the Gryffindor bleachers with their arms stretched sideways, giving the excited Gryffindors a couple of high fives. Lavender noticed that Parvati went pink when Seamus passed by them and elbowed Parvati's ribs lightly as a sign of teasing.
"Next are three great students now palying as the new Gryffindor chasers. Please welcome, 3rd years Natalie McDonald and Dennis Creevy, and the youngest among the Weasley family, a 5th year, Ginny Weasley!" As expected, the Gryffindors cheered once more. Again the last one to be introduced is the new Gryffindor Captain.
"Finally, this guy always dreamt of being on the team and luckily he is now. Please welcome the new Gryffindor captain and keeper, Ronald Weasley!" The Gryffindors gave Ron a standing ovation. Parvati smiled maliciously at Lavender who turned away from her, blushing. Ron smiled confidently at the boisterous crowd. Draco stared at him menacingly.
"Now may I ask the members of both teams to please shake hands."
The players of both teams gave each other a hand but still with a look of disgust on their faces. After bitterly shaking hands with Natalie McDonald, Draco now turned to Harry who was staring blankly at him. He walked towards him and offered him a handshake.
"Good luck, Potter." Draco said provokingly as he offered his hand to Harry but Harry did not dare to shake hands with him.
"That's so rude of you, Potter. How could you not accept a sincere handshake?" Draco said trying to sound pitiful as he moved his face closer to Harry.
"I would never ever accept anything from you, Malfoy." Harry said flatly. His eyes were full of rage as he stared right into Draco's eyes without blinking. The both of them stared at each other for a long time, with anger and hatred filling their minds. The Gryffindors and Slytherins started noticing this. After a while, Draco decided to turn away. As he turned his back from Harry, he came face to face with Ron, who looked disgustedly at him. Draco moved closer to him.
"Heh.captain." Draco told Ron disgustedly. "Well..let's see who's the real captain around here after we win this." He added. Ron clutched his fist as he tried his best not to answer back.
"Everyone mount your brooms!" Madam Hooch yelled. The players quickly mounted their brooms as they waited for the signal. "3, 2, 1 ----" Madam Hooch released the quaffle and with a whistle, the game started.
The game was going smoothly. So far, there are no fouls and unfair calls on both teams. Seamus and Neville were not showing any sign of hitting Crabbe and Goyle with a bludger while their backs were turned. The score was now 20-0 with Slytherin in the lead. The whole Slytherin team started taunting the Gryffindor team whenever they scored a goal. Mandy on the other hand continued her commentary.
"McDonald with the quaffle----passes on to Weasley----Weasley to Creevy---- watch out for that bludger!---nice duck by Dennis Creevy---passes back to Weasley---she shoots----blocked by the new Slytherin keeper!------Slytherin now in possession-----MacDougal passes on to Pritchard----Pritchard to Baddock-----Malcolm Baddock shoots----and he scores! The score is now 30- 10. Slytherin in the lead."
The Slytherin crowd went wild. A huge banner with a "Gryffindor Sucks" sign written on it was glowing madly in green and silver letters, along the Slytherin bleachers. The Gryffindors scowled at them.
"Gryffindor sucks? yeah right!" Dean said sarcastically.
Graham Pritchard scored another goal for Slytherin, and now with the score of 40-0. Ron decided to call for time out.
"Time out, Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor team went down to the dusty and sandy grounds for time out. They definitely needed a new strategy. Meanwhile on the Gryffindor bleachers, Hermione, Parvati, Dean and Lavender were still scowling at the mean and rude Slytherins who kept flashing the Gryffindor Sucks banner at them.
"Oh screw you! Ugly git!" Paravti shouted from afar.
"Parvati." Lavender said trying to calm Parvati down.
"What's happening to them? Where is the true Gryffindor spirit? Where is bravery? Determination? And strength? " Dean said feeling hopeless yet starting to sound very noble. The three girls exchanged looks.
"You sound stupid, Dean." Lavender confessed.
"Hi Hermione!"
Someone called for Hermione. Hermione turned her back looking for the person who called for her and surprisingly, it was Cho. She was beaming at Hermione. Hermione gave her a faint smile as Cho walked excitedly towards her.
"Hi Hermione!" Cho said once again.
"Hey, Cho." Hermione said awkwardly.
"I can't believe Gryffindor hasn't scored a single point." Cho said casually as she looked down at the dusty grounds where the Gryffindor team huddled.
"Yeah..." Hermione said awkwardly again. She wasn't always comfortable around Cho. "What are you doing here?" she added.
"Oh...I promised Harry that I'd watch the game"
"Oh."
Once again Hermione's mind was ruled over by insecurity. She couldn't look at Cho straight in the face. The image of Harry and Cho started swimming through her head again. Her heart was beating faster. She started to feel hopeless once again. Her sudden silence was only broken by a very familiar voice----Draco.
"Hey Mud---- Hey Granger!" Draco said. He realized that Lavender was there so he didn't want to let her hear him call Hermione a mudblood. He was floating casually on his broomstick in front of Hermione and her friends.
"Go away, Malfoy!" Parvati yelled.
When Draco was about to argue, Lavender quickly spoke.
"Draco, please." Lavender said calmly. Draco looked at her. Suddenly he moved his face closer to Lavender's. Dean and Parvati's eyes widened. Lavender felt nervous. Draco stared at her eyes for a very long time. Lavender on the other hand felt like she was melting. Soon enough a sound of a whistle was heard. Draco waved at Lavender and then soared smoothly into the air toward his other teammates.
The match went on. Gryffindor improved a lot this time especially on their defense. The first goal was scored by Ginny for Gryffindor.
"Slytherin's lead is down to thirty points!" Mandy said as she continued her commentary.
Harry kept his eyes open for the snitch and Malfoy. He didn't want to lose this match. Meanwhile, Gryffindor scored another 10 points, which made Slytherin's lead down to 20 points.
"Gryffindor in possession. Creevy passes to Weasley----Weasley heads for the goal----she's almost there----"
BANG
Ginny fell from 20 feet above the air, down to the sandy grounds below the goal posts. Ron panicked a bit. He looked up angrily at the Slytherin beaters but it wasn't Crabbe nor Goyle who was holding the bat. It was Draco. Draco smirked provokingly at Ron. Ron tried his best not to lose his temper in the middle of the game. A couple of teachers carried Ginny out of the stadium with a stretcher.
"Foul!" Madam Hooch shouted. "Malfoy, I suppose you know by now that seekers aren't supposed to be hitting players with a bludger and that it is the beaters' job to do so! Penalty shot for Gryffindor!"
Natalie McDonald volunteered to take the shot. Everyone was holding their breath. If Natalie scores, Slytherin's lead will be down to 10 points. Everyone watched closely, tensed. Natalie concentrated, and as quick as a bullet she threw the quaffle into the goal and----
"She scores! Another 10 points for Gryffindor! The score is now 40-30! What a quick recovery by Gryffindor."
The Gryffindor crowd cheered. The 'GO GRYFFINDOR' sign was still glowing. Cho was jumping and cheering excitedly by the Gryffindor bleachers. Now all they have to watch out for is who will catch the snitch first. Harry still had no sign of the snitch. He soared toward the other end of the stadium, near the Gryffindor bleachers looking for any sign of the golden chestnut- shaped ball. Suddenly someone shouted.
"Harry! Good luck!"
Harry turned his back. His heart beat faster than ever when he saw Cho Chang by the Gryffindor bleachers. He stared dreamily at Cho, like he always does. Hermione, who was standing beside Cho, lost concentration of the game upon seeing this. She looked at Harry who was beaming at Cho. It was obvious that he didn't notice Hermione standing beside Cho at all. 'Not even a smile.' Hermione told herself as she moved her eyes away from Harry, feeling disappointed.
"Harry watch out!" Ron yelled at his best friend as a bludger came swooping towards Harry. Luckily, Harry was able to avoid it.
"Harry, this is no time for daydreaming!" Ron yelled once more.
"Sorry." Harry answered as he straightened up his eyeglasses.
Still, the game went on. Morag MacDougal scored ten points for Slytherin, having the lead back to 20 points. The Slytherin crowd cheered once again and at the same time, taunted the Gryffindor crowd.
Harry flew from one place to another trying to look for the snitch. Draco seems to be following him, thinking that he has seen the snitch already.
"Baddock scores! Another 10 points to Slytherin! 60-30!"
The Slytherin team crowded around Malcolm Baddock and started hugging him.While this was happening, Harry remained where he was. Then suddenly, he felt something tickling his left ear. He knew right away that it was the snitch. He tried to grab it but before he cold even make a move, Draco came flying beside him, knocking him off with an elbow. Draco stretched his right arm quickly, reaching for the snitch, as he flew from bleacher to bleacher. Harry regained consciousness and he quickly flew after Draco like a speeding bullet.
"C'mon, Harry." Cho said worriedly from the Gryffindor bleachers.
Harry was now gaining on Draco. But Draco still tried his best to fly faster than Harry.
Harry and Draco were now flying side by side with the golden snitch flying in front of them. Harry tried to elbow Draco but it wasn't strong enough to let him fall off his broom. Harry held on tight to his broom as he tried to go ahead of Draco but Draco kept on gaining enough speed to stop Harry from going ahead of him.
The chase went on. Harry and Draco kept their arms stretched as they reached for the snitch.
"C'mon! Faster!" Harry said as he tried to gain more speed for the Firebolt. Luckily, he did, and he was now going ahead of Draco.
"Potter is reaching for the snitch!" Mandy said excitedly. The Gryffindor crowd was cheering.
Draco tried to follow Harry as fast as he could but before he could go on any further, a bludger came swooping towards him and unfortunately, it hit his broom, making him fall down to the sandy grounds, unconscious.
Harry reached for the snitch as he flew deeper, down to the goal posts. Harry forced the Firebolt to go faster, still reaching for the golden snitch. He's reaching for it------almost-----almost------
BLAG!
Harry fell face flat on the sandy grounds. The crowd fell silent as they watched Harry. Harry gently opened his eyes. He felt something moving inside his clutched fist. He opened it and a tiny golden ball was lying on his tired hand.
"He caught the snitch! Gryffindor wins!"
The Gryffindor crowd cheered madly. Ron, together with his other teammates flew towards Harry. Ron hugged his best friend so tight that Harry almost couldn't breathe. Draco and his teammates left the stadium, scowling. Hermione, Dean, Lavender and Parvati went to the sandy grounds as well to congratulate their friends.
"You guys were great!" Parvati said excitedly to the team.
"Of course we were!" Neville said proudly.
"Well we couldn't have done it without THE CAPTAIN." Seamus teased Ron. Ron blushed.
"We better go now. We're the only ones left here." Neville said as he walked out of the now empty stadium. Dean followed.
"See you in the common room!" Seamus said as he and Parvati went out of the stadium.
"I'll go on ahead..see you guys later." Ron said as he walked towards the entrance. When he finally reached the entrance, Lavender called for him immediately.
"Ron! Wait!"
Ron stopped. He turned his back as he waited for Lavender who was walking not so far behind. Then finally she caught up with Ron. Ron got speechless once again.
"Can.I.. go. with..you?" Lavender asked slowly.
"Oh..sure.." Ron said as his cheeks turned pink. Lavender smiled.
"You were great out there." Lavender said feeling awkward.
"Oh.thanks.." Ron said blushing even more.
Harry and Hermione were the only ones left in the stadium. Hermione didn't know what to say to Harry, especially that she's alone with him. Harry gave a friendly smile to Hermione and tried to break her silence.
"Hermione, why are you so quiet?" Harry asked.
"Oh..nothing.." Hermione answered as her heart began beating faster again.
"If you say so."
There was a long silence. Hermione finally decided to speak.
"Congratulations for winning the match." Hermione said shyly.
"You shouldn't be telling me that. Ron is the captain. He deserves all the compliments."
"But you caught the snitch right? You're the one who let the team win." Hermione said confidently. "And that's what makes me proud of you."
"Thanks.." Harry said. He moved closer to Hermione and gave her a friendly hug. Hermione held her breath. She couldn't believe that this was happening. She closed her eyes as she felt Harry's arms wrap around her. She definitely wanted to make the most out of this moment. This may be a friendly hug to Harry but to Hermione, it meant everything.
Soon, Harry let go of Hermione.
"We better go." Harry told Hermione.
"Y-yeah." Hermione said barely. She still couldn't believe it happened.
Suddenly someone called for Harry from the stadium entrance.
"Harry!"
It was Cho. Harry smiled from ear to ear as she came running towards them. Hermione's sudden joy was turned into sadness. The sudden feeling of being in heaven seemed to be just a dream, Hermione thought, although it really happened. Hermione didn't know what to say or feel right at that moment.
"Congratulations, Harry!" Cho said beaming.
"Thanks." Harry said smiling.
"So, are we..are we going?" Cho said as she glanced awkwardly at Hermione.
"Oh.y-yeah."Harry said. "Um.Hermione, you go on ahead. Cho and I will be going to-----will be going...somewhere." Harry added with difficulty. He didn't want to tell Hermione where exactly they were going.
"S-sure."Hermione answered coldly.
"C'mon, Cho. See you later Hermione!" Harry said as he waved at his best friend. He and Cho walked out of the stadium then out of sight.
Hermione stood there, staring blankly at the stadium entrance. Cold wind was brushing through her face. The supposed to be happiest moment of her life turned out to be just the same. She didn't know whether to still feel happy because Harry gave her a hug or feel sad because once again Harry and Cho are together. She tucked her arms inside her robe and slowly, she walked out of the stadium.
End of Chapter 4
~ Thank God, it's finished! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Now I'll be working on the 5th chapter. Thanks for reading this!
Lot's of love, Kathleen (a.k.a. the-key) (Quezon City, Philippines)
