Chapter 14: Gryfindor vs. Ravenclaw

It had been almost a week since the trip to Hogsmeade; Harry was anxious to get the reply to his letter. Hermione and Lavender were equally anticipating the mail because their brooms were soon to be delivered. The Quidditch match against Ravenclaw was to be the next day, and the team doubted that Ernie and his friend would lend their brooms again. At breakfast, their worries were vanquished when two owls came flying into the Great Hall, both carrying packages that no doubt contained broomsticks.

"Oh! Lavender, our brooms are here!" Hermione squealed. She and Lavender ripped open the boxes to reveal Nimbus 2001s. "They were cheap, considering that the Firebolt and the Phoenix are way better," she said.

Another owl, holding a letter, swooped down and landed in front Harry. He quickly untied the letter, feed the owl some cereal, and sent her on her way.

Dear Mr. Potter,

Regarding your request; we would be delighted. Conveniently, the next edition will be released right before the winter holidays. We will send you a copy free of charge!

Yours Sincerely,

Diane Fleming

"What's that about, Harry?" Ron asked.

"You'll see," Harry answered.

Harry's Legilimency lessons were progressing at a remarkable rate, much quicker than the Occlumency. On more than one occasion Harry had managed to find memories that Snape would never want Harry to see. Harry had seen Snape's years at Hogwarts, which for the most part, had been like what Harry had seen in the Pensieve. All in all, Harry was thrilled with the progress he was making. Harry was doing well in all of his classes, including Potions. More often than not, Hermione had to help him, but he hadn't failed an assignment yet.

Harry was not pleased, however, about Voldemort; more attacks had been made against muggle families. Every day the Daily Prophet had an article about a killing from Voldemort, Harry could sense that he was getting frustrated. As articles of each attack appeared in the Daily Prophet, Harry grew more concerned for the safety of Hermione and her family. Harry was beginning to wonder when or if Voldemort would ever suspect the stone to be in Hogwarts, but he knew that it would only be a matter of time before Voldemort struck.

Harry planned one more practice before the game. The team arrived at the pitch on time, looking determined to get a good practice in. Harry mounted his broom and was utterly surprised when he slipped right off it onto the ground. The entire team, including him, laughed; it was obvious what had happened.

"I'm sorry, Harry; I couldn't help myself!" Ron laughed, showing the bottle of Slipping Gloss. The gloss wore off the broom the more Harry rubbed it, and soon enough, he could fly it again. Harry had the team practice multiple maneuvers for dodging Bludgers and other players, for scoring points, and somewhat dangerous flying to scare the other team into thinking they were attacking them. Harry went to bed that night nervous for the game the next day.

The team changed in silence before the start of the game. Everyone was nervous; Ravenclaw was known to have a good team this year. Like Gryfindor, Ravenclaw almost had a completely new lineup. Harry didn't know any of the names of the new players, only that they were supposed to be good.

"Okay guys; Ravenclaw is a good team. They play fair and they play well, so don't expect an easy victory," He said. "Let's get going!" The team walked out onto the pitch, ready to play the game. Cho Chang was already there with her team, standing beside Madame Hooch.

"Captains, shake hands," Madame Hooch said once the Gryfindors had arrived. Harry politely shook Cho's hand.

"Good luck," she said. Harry nodded in return. The whistle blew, and the game began.

"Ravenclaw in possession, making their way up the pitch! Gerrans passes to Denaw…Denaw is closing in on the goal posts. Denaw shoots! Amazing save by Weasley! The Quaffle is recovered by Rivers for Ravenclaw; Rivers passes it back over to Denaw. Denaw gives it to Gerrans; this team sure knows how to pass! Gerrans shoots…Gerrans scores! 10-0 to Ravenclaw!" Harry gritted his teeth. "Gryfindor's Brown has the Quaffle…she dodges a Bludger, she throws it to Weasley…Weasley is streaking up to the goal posts! She passes it back to Brown…Brown passes it to Granger who hands it back to Weasley…Weasley shoots…blocked by Ravenclaw Keeper, Collins. Collins gives the Quaffle to Rivers, Rivers is hit by a Bludger sent by Finnegan! Brown recovers the Quaffle and passes to Granger…Granger shoots…SHE SCORES! The game is tied!" Harry circled around the pitch…Cho was some way behind him. He suddenly saw a flash of gold, but it was only a Ravenclaw Beater's watch. Harry let out his breath…he had to find that Snitch.

"Ravenclaw steers the Quaffle up the pitch, Gerrans shoots…saved by Weasley! Weasley sends the Quaffle to Weasley…the other one that is. Weasley gives it to Brown, who gives it to Granger. Granger sends it back to Weasley…back over to Brown…OH! Brown is hit with a Bludger…it doesn't look bad though! Weasley recovers the Quaffle…Weasley shoots and scores! Ravenclaw has the Quaffle…" and the game continued into the night.

This was by far the longest game Harry had ever experienced. The score had been increasing for both sides; it now was 370-340 in favor of Ravenclaw. All the members on both teams looked exhausted and the cheers from the crowd were few and far between. The moon had come out hours ago, making Harry want to go to bed. Harry was beginning to doubt that the Snitch had been released, when suddenly he saw it hovering above him. Harry put a burst of speed into his broom. "Potter has seen the Snitch!" Dean shouted, his voice hoarse. Harry felt his hands clasp around the Snitch, he was thoroughly relieved that the game was over.

The team landed on the ground, it looked as if they had forgotten how to stand. One by one each player sat down on the grass.

"Thanks for getting that Snitch, Harry. I was about to quit the game!" Ron said.

"No problem," Harry said.

The team remained like that for a while, chatting happily, and pointing out shapes in the stars. Madame Hooch was quick to get them back inside the school as soon as she realized that they hadn't yet returned. She scolded them for remaining outside while it was dark and sent them straight to the Common Room. Ron gave a hearty yawn and threw himself into a chair the minute they arrived at Gryfindor Tower. Harry and Hermione went to their couch and rested while Ginny, like Ron, went to the first chair she saw. The Common Room was silent as the team dozed off; some time later Harry woke up, Hermione was still sleeping on his shoulder.

"Hermione," Harry said, gently shaking Hermione's shoulder. Hermione groaned and looked up at him.

"What time is it?" she asked, looking around seeing that Ron and Ginny were still fast asleep.

"Late," Harry said. "Want to head up to bed?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said, getting up and heading for the girls' dormitories.

"I meant my room…" WHAT? Harry quickly looked away. That was incredibly stupid…what was I thinking?

"Sure," Hermione whispered. Harry was temporarily in total shock. He waited as Hermione went to her room to change and when she returned, he reached for her hand, she took it, and together they climbed the stairs to the dormitories. Hermione watched as Harry changed out of his Quidditch robes, he didn't mind whatsoever. Harry slipped under the blankets next to Hermione, he wrapped his arms around her waist and she rested her head on his chest. Harry kissed her on the top of her head and thought to himself that he could never survive without her by his side.