Chapter 23 - Quidditch Final
"Harry, what's with you?" Fred asked one night during practice. "You've been off lately. You're not falling ill are you?"
"No, I'm just distracted." Harry replied.
"Well, snap out of it." George said, slapping his back, "Or you'll get hurt."
"And we'll lose." Fred added.
"I'm trying." Harry said, "Maybe we should use our alternate."
"Harry?" the twins said together, shocked.
"You don't mean it." George insisted.
"You must be sick." Fred stated.
"What's got into you?" they asked in unison.
This commotion brought the senior players over, "What's going on?" Alicia asked.
"We were just talking to Harry." George said, "He's been a bit off."
"Yeah, we noticed." Angelina replied, "We know that it's going to be a long game, and the longer you play lately, Harry, the worse you have been getting."
"That's why I suggested using our alternate." Harry replied, exhausted.
"But Harry," Katie said, looking to make sure they're back-up Seeker wasn't in earshot, "Denis is over excited. He'll forget to wait until we have at least sixty points."
"Besides, he's not as good as you." Alicia replied.
"Harry, is there something we can do?" Katie asked, concerned.
"Yeah...no." Harry said, confused, "I-I'm just not up to being Captain. I-"
"Harry, you've done well so far." Angelina replied. "You probably just need sleep. You always get nervous before a match."
"She's right. You've put yourself under a lot of stress." Katie agreed, "You go get some rest. Don't worry, we'll finish practice and be ready for Saturday."
"Good idea Harry, go." Fred said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Yeah, Fred and I will take charge." George continued.
"Right then, let's get back to practice." Harry said, only half feigning fear.
"Stop it you two." Alicia scolded them, hitting Fred in the arm. "We want Harry to relax, not to have a nervous breakdown. Harry go, don't worry about us."
"We'll keep these two jokers in line." Angelina offered
"Alright, I guess I could use some more rest." Harry replied, knowing that the weariness in him wasn't from the lack of sleep. "Um - try Denis on that new move and the Feint."
"Don't worry Harry, we'll take care of it." Fred said.
"Yeah, you just go and rest." George replied, sounding very much like his mother. Harry almost did a double take. Still, Harry looked sceptically over the assembled group.
"We're big girls, don't worry about us. Go!" Alicia said, "We're wasting time debating. Shoo!"
Harry conceded and headed to the castle. He thought about visiting Sirius but his heart dropped at the thought. Before he knew it, he found himself in front of Hagrid's door. Harry paused, he was about to turn and leave when Hagrid opened the door.
"Hello Harry." Hagrid greeted, Fang barked loudly. "Just coming out to check on...er...would you likes some tea?"
"Um...to tell you the truth, Hagrid, I don't know why I'm here." Harry said, "I was headed back up to the castle and ended up here."
"Well, yeh know Harry, Some people believe that your feet take you where ye need ta be." Hagrid said warmly, showing Harry in.
"Sounds like you've been around Professor Luna." Harry smiled.
"Nice lady, she is." Hagrid said, setting the kettle on the fire, "Smart to."
"I don't know why I'd need to be here." Harry said, looking at his feet. Hagrid looked at Harry's glum face and sunken shoulders, "I mean," Harry looked up, "I should be working in the tower, or practising on the pitch, or - or-" Harry had to swallow, he thought he might cry.
"Harry, yeh know yeh can tell me anythin'?" Hagrid said compassionately. "If yeh want my opinion, though, I think yeh should have some fun. Get out and smile."
"But Hagrid," Harry said, "Vol- I mean, You-Know-Who is back, and the final are this Saturday, and my OWLs... I haven't even started studying, and..."
"Harry." Hagrid stopped him, "Yeh've played in Quidditch finals before. Yeh win great, yeh don't so what? Yeh remember playing for fun?" Harry looked up and nodded, "Approach it like that. As for the rest, Harry, it'll be."
"Hagrid...thanks." Harry said, he felt a little better already. "Hagrid, if its okay, I think I'll stay for that tea."
Friday came and went, Harry sat quietly at dinner. The team approached him. Fred and George sat on either side of him, pushing both Ron and Hermione away.
"Hey!" Ron fumed, "Push off!"
"Good idea." Fred said. He had sat himself down between Ron and Harry. Fred smiled as he pushed Ron off the bench onto the floor.
"Fred!" Ron hissed.
"Anyway Harry you feeling better?" Fred asked ignoring Ron. "Ready for tomorrow?"
"I told you I'm fine." Harry said, annoyed.
"Have you thought more about tomorrow?" Alicia replied. "Do you still want to use Denis?"
"Are they serious?" Ron demanded. "You weren't really."
"Ron, butt out, this isn't your business." Fred snapped
"No, no, I'm doing it." Harry replied, "Just...I'm feeling better." Harry assured them, "The extra sleep helped. Thanks. Sorry to worry you all."
"You're sure Harry?" Angelina said, excited but concerned.
"Yep. No worries." Harry replied, he almost laughed, "Now I'm quoting Professor Araya.
"Catchy isn't it." George smiled, rising to leave, "We're done."
Harry spent the night with Sirius and Blue. He'd snuck out of the tower with the help of Ron and Hermione. Harry slept there, curled up in the chair
A warm pleasant dream filled him. His parents were laughing and holding him. He could feel someone brush his hair off his face, he looked up and saw Sirius.
Sirius looked younger, with no beard. His dark hair actually pulled back, he smiled down at Harry. Harry couldn't understand what they were saying, but saw them beaming at him.
Lupin woke Harry the next morning. "Harry, wake up. Time for breakfast. Did you sleep alright?"
"I..." Harry yawned, "I had the most wonderful dream." Harry blinked and stretched. "It was of my parents." Lupin stayed quiet. "Sirius was in my dream as well."
"Harry, that does sound like a nice dream." Lupin smiled, "I'll try to make it to the game, but you'd better get something to eat."
"Thanks, sir." Harry said, "Come on Blue." Blue followed Harry out of the room.
Lupin sat down beside Sirius. "Scary how he's so much like his father."
Harry picked at his breakfast, as usual. Ron and Hermione sat beside him. Harry saw Colin pass, "Hello Colin, looking forward to the game?"
"Hi Harry." Colin beamed, "Yeah, very much. Denis is so happy. Do you think I'll be able to take pictures with the team and the cup? Surely you'll win. Think the alts will be allowed to get on to?"
"That sounds great." Harry smiled, "Colin, can you catch me while I'm flying on my Firebolt?" Colin looked so excited. Harry normally ignored him and it was widely known how much he idolized Harry.
"Oh yes, I've been working with this new camera. The pictures will be great." Colin beamed.
"Good. I was hoping you would get some action shot." Harry said. "See, I wanted to try some new moves. I just wanted to see how they looked."
"I'll try my best Harry. You can count on me." Colin smiled from ear to ear. "I'd better go get my things." Colin ran off so fast, he tripped over himself.
"Maybe I'll have something to show...him." Harry said, "Since he can't be there."
"You mean if he-" Ron got cut off by Hermione.
"When he's better. He'll love them." she said.
"I feel a bit bad about misleading Colin." Harry said, "Well, I only did a bit. I really was planning on trying some new plays."
"Harry. Stop." Hermione said, "You couldn't tell him the truth. It'll be fine."
"I'd best get ready." Harry said, "Wish us well. Maybe we'll both go so long that we'll both bump Slytherin."
"That would be sweet." Ron smiled, "But Ginny isn't about to let them Score."
"See you out there." Harry waved.
Harry looked around at the team, ready to go and play. "I guess I'm supposed to give a pep talk." He was hoping someone, anyone, would stop him. "Alright, I'm not good at this. We know what it's going to take to get that cup. We've all put in the work, and none of us want to see Slytherin get their hands back on it. So lets go and make sure that it returns where it belongs." Harry then thought for a second, the team seemed to like that one.
"Good one, Harry." Fred said, smiling down.
"Better than Wood." George added.
"Thanks." Harry replied meekly.
They mounted and kicked off. Harry flew high above the pitch. There was no sense in him being in the way since the Gryffindor team would need at least 60 points before catching the snitch. The Hufflepuff seeker flew up along side Harry.
"Hey." Harry called, friendly
"Hello." The boy called back. He was in Ginny's year, blond haired and brown eyed. "Looks like we're going to be waiting awhile."
"Yeah." Harry said, "So we're both going for the Slytherin defeat." The other boy nodded. "Want to play cards while we wait?"
"Very funny." the boy smiled, "Just remember, the only time you've been beaten was by us."
Harry smiled. "Very true." he conceded, "Just thought it might kill time. But you're right, we shouldn't get distracted."
Both sides were playing well and fair. It made Ginny work hard as she tried to keep the Hufflepuffs from scoring. The truth of the matter was, both teams were well matched. The Hufflepuffs had something to prove. They wanted to show that their win against the Gryffindor team two years ago had not been a fluke.
The Gryffindor Chasers worked better together than the Hufflepuffs, who really only passed to one player - a tall, dark haired sixth year. He was a good flyer, but after about fifteen minutes into the game, the Gryffindor team realized this and started to block him.
The score sat at 30 - 20 in favour of Gryffindor when Harry saw the snitch for the first time. He didn't budge, neither did the little Hufflepuff, David.
"See it?" Harry asked, as the snitch darted out of sight. Harry turned to look at David.
"Yes." David said, "But it's really about beating Slytherin, right?"
"Right." Harry agreed, "So, no worries."
"No worries." David smiled, "Right."
Gryffindor scored again, and as the score increased, Harry started to look about for the snitch. Hufflepuff got another one past Ginny as she was busy dodging a bludger.
"Over there." David said, pointing to a flash of gold by the pitch. Harry looked down.
"Good spot. Too bad it's still too early." Harry said. "Your team's pretty good this year."
"Thanks." David said, "You know, our win wasn't just an accident last time."
"I know. I never said it was." Harry said, "It was a fair game. You know that doesn't mean we'll be going easier on you this time. No pity wins."
"We wouldn't want to win like that." David sounded offended, "We can do it on our own."
"I know, remember that." Harry said, "We'll both do our best. So long as Slytherin goes down, I'll consider it a win."
"Me too." David said, "Diggory was right about you. You really are a good person, Harry. Look, your friends are waving at you."
Harry looked down and saw Ron and Hermione. Lupin was sitting beside them. Harry smiled and looked back at David.
"You guys have a really good team. It's hard to keep track of your Chasers." David offered.
"Your beaters are really strong. Great defensive work." Harry said as he spotted the snitch by the Hufflepuff's goal post. It was just hovering by the middle ring. "Spot it?"
"No. Where?" David asked. Harry pointed it out. "Good one Harry. Maybe I should have taken you up on the game of cards."
"Well, we still have a fair wait." Harry replied.
Angelina made a great interception and was in possession of the Quaffle. She passed it to Katie who dodged a bludger and two Hufflepuff Chasers to score another ten points for Gryffindor. The score was now 50 - 30.
"Doesn't look like you'll be waiting much longer." David shrugged. "I'm still not going to let you win."
"I wouldn't want it any other way." Harry returned.
The clouds were getting dark. Harry looked around. He saw the tell tale signs of rain on the hillside horizon. "Hey David? How do you feel about playing in the rain?"
"Not my favourite." David looked at the horizon, "But it doesn't look like we're going to have much choice." A groan went up from the crowd. Both seekers looked down.
The Hufflepuff Keeper was hanging through the goal. She looked to be knocked out. They headed down to help, but Alicia and Angelina were there first to give her a hand. They landed with her by Mme. Pomfrey.
"What happened?" Harry asked, "Is she alright?"
"She will be, but not for the rest of this game." Mme Pomfrey announced.
Mme Hooch surveyed the group, "Do you have an alternate?" The Hufflepuffs looked at each other. "Otherwise, you forfeit."
"No!" Harry said, "If they don't, we'll re-schedule. I - I don't want it that way." They looked at Harry in surprise.
"We have an alternate." the Hufflepuff Chaser said, "We just need a few minutes."
"Five minutes." Mme Hooch yelled.
The Gryffindor team gathered together while they waited. Harry moved into the huddle.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
"One of their beaters tried to hit me with the bludger as I went to score." Alicia said, "I ducked and it hit her instead. Knocked her clear off her broom stick. She knocked her head on the ring."
"It was just an accident." Angelina said. "She'll be fine. Besides, the match will continue. So Slytherin's going down."
"Ahhh...who's their alternate Keeper?" Fred asked, "I've never seen one."
"The Hufflepuffs returned. Ernie Macmillian came out of the locker room with the team. They approached the Gryffindor team. "We're ready."
"Ernie?" Harry smiled and waved, "Good luck."
The game resumed. Harry and David resumed their circling about the pitch. Alicia had been so stunned that she hadn't scored on the goal so the score remained 50 - 30.
"How is she?" Harry asked David.
"She's unconscious, but Mme Pomfrey's confident that she'll be alright." David said, "Thanks for sticking up for us like that."
"Can I ask why you were so hesitant to put Ernie in?" Harry asked.
"I - I'm not supposed to tell you." David replied.
"That's alright." Harry shrugged, "I was just curious." Alicia scored again, then. "I guess that's my cue to start looking."
"Well, I'd wish you luck, but if it's all the same, I don't want you to catch it." David said nicely.
"Would you actually catch it just to stop me? Even if Slytherin would win in the cup?" Harry asked, scanning in earnest now.
"Maybe. But I'd really just try to stop you." David replied. He too was actively scanning for the snitch.
Harry saw the snitch and headed down the pitch toward the Gryffindor goal. The snitch was hovering about five feet above the ground in line with the centre post.
David rushed after Harry but was no match for the speed of the Firebolt. David motioned to his beaters. The snitch circled the post and headed skywards. Harry cursed and raced after it. A bludger came hurtling at Harry. He managed to dodge it, but lost sight of the snitch in the process.
He headed back above the field to where David circled above the action. "Now, you didn't do that for me, did you?" David called.
"Nah, but I missed the company." Harry replied lightly. "Why didn't you chase me?"
"There was no way I was going to catch up to you." David said. Hufflepuff had two more failed shots on goal. "Ginny's really good."
Harry noticed the wind was picking up and the sky was darkening. "We may be playing into the night if this keeps up."
"Right." David agreed, it took another ten minutes and a lot more wind. Hufflepuff scored again. "Alright! Good one Darla."
Harry saw the snitch at the same time David did. They headed after it. David used Harry's wake to reduce the friction so he could keep up. They closed in on the snitch, losing it only on occasion, then one of them would spot it again.
The chase took them away from the game. The rain started and the wind increased. Neither David nor Harry had any idea of what was going on in the rest of the match. The wind and rain drowned out the sounds of the stadium.
Harry and David chased the snitch all over. Harry charged with a burst of speed. Harry thought he heard something. Then David was grabbing him. Harry turned to him furiously.
"What the...?" Harry demanded.
"Harry, look!" David pointed to the goal post that Harry had almost collided into. "Sorry about the snitch, but..."
"Thanks." Harry smiled. "That was really nice David. I suppose we'd best go up and take a look for that snitch again."
"This doesn't mean I want you to go easy on me." David said, "It was just the right thing to do."
They circled the field again, looking for any sign of the snitch. The rain was heavier and the light was fading. Harry was chilled to the bone, hungry, and soaked. Then, losing track of David, Harry caught sight of the snitch and headed for it.
He was just closing in on the snitch when he saw David heading up from the side. His Chasers might have enough by now to beat Slytherin, Harry thought, but I can't let him do it. I won't hold back.
Harry charged ahead. His fingers touched the snitch, but the rain made it too slick to hold on to. That didn't deter him. Feeling David right behind him, Harry made another grab as soon as the snitch was close enough again. Diving right off his broomstick, Harry grasped the snitch firmly with both hands, and fell the rest of the five feet down onto the soppy, muddy ground. He heard a whistle blow. How Mme Hooch had seen him catch the snitch in this weather, Harry had no idea. Harry heard a cheer go up over the storm.
Harry looked for his Firebolt on the way over to the change area. The rest of the team came over to him to celebrate.
"Harry!" David called, Ernie and the rest of Hufflepuff following after him, came over to the Gryffindor team. "Thought you might want this back." he handed Harry the Firebolt. Nice catch Potter." The star Chaser said.
"Thanks. Good game." Harry replied brightly. "What do say we get out of this weather and eat?"
Both teams cheered at that, shook hands, and headed off to clean up.
"Harry, I think you have a new fan." George teased, as they got changed.
"George," Harry said, shyly, "We just got along. Besides, he's a good person. So what was the final score anyway?"
250 - 90. It was close until you caught the snitch." Alicia said, "It was getting really hard to see. I hate playing in the rain."
"M-—me t-t-to." Ginny stuttered. She was shaking violently. Harry noticed that a nasty bruise was colouring her cheek. "I-I'mm s-st-star-vving...and-d just-t a l-little c-cold."
"Ginny, what happened to your cheek?" Harry asked, shocked. He admitted that warm, dry clothes did sound nice.
"S-stopped a sh-shot, with-th —my cheek." Ginny winced, "F-food f-first." she told her brothers.
The team all headed up to the castle, minus Harry who was having trouble finding his socks and shoes.
Ron, Hermione, and Lupin stood in the door to the change room, "Can we come in?" Ron called.
"Yeah, sure." Harry replied. "Just looking fro my socks and shoes."
"Glad that game didn't go much longer." Hermione told him, "I thought we were going to miss dinner. Or catch pneumonia."
"Good game Harry. Some nice flying." Lupin said, "Is everyone heading to dinner?"
"Yeah. Where the heck are my socks and shoes?" Harry said, frustrated.
"Oh, these?" Ron and Hermione handed them to Harry, "Sorry, we just wanted you to stay behind."
"Why?" Harry asked, shoving the socks on.
"So I could say what a great match it was." Sirius rasped from beside Harry, removing the invisibility cloak. "Remus tried to make me go in when the rain started."
"But he's too stubborn." Lupin said kindly.
"You're better! How?" Harry brightened, hugging him.
"Don't know." Lupin said. "He woke up about twenty minutes into your game, and when I told him that you were out on the pitch..."
"...I had to come." Sirius rasped affectionately to Harry. "You should get to dinner."
"But Sirius..." Harry started.
"You can't just up and disappear." Lupin smiled, "You can come and see us later. I think Sirius still needs some rest."
"What do you know, you ain't no medic." Sirius' voice didn't carry its usual strength.
"Well, in that case, you could move back into the cave." Dumbledore said from the doorway.
"Then I'm still sick." Sirius agreed.
"Which means you need your rest." Dumbledore concluded. "Harry, you can visit him tomorrow. I think your house is waiting for you."
"Alright Professor Dumbledore." Harry said, the smile wouldn't leave his face, "It's good to see you up, Sirius. I'm glad you're feeling better."
Harry, Ron and Hermione left for the hall. Hermione had conjured an umbrella so they could stay dry. Gryffindor gave Harry a hero's welcome.
The team was presented the cup at dinner. Then Colin snapped about a thousand pictures of the team, including the subs, both with and without the cup: the Chasers, the Beaters, the Keeper, the Seeker, and all kinds of combinations in the common room. The celebration went until the sun rose in the sky.