Chapter Five:

Harry crossed the field. In an hour the stands would be packed. In two he'd be in the air. Tomorrow...
I don't want to think about what happens if I lose. Then again, I'd hate to think of what happens when I win.

He allowed his head to droop, his eyes to slide shut. Either way...

It doesn't look good.

"GO GO GRYFFINDOR! GO GO GRYFFINDOR!" The audience members roared like lions, pumping their fists into the air as the Gryffindor team swept past, ready to start the match. Their cheers faded as the Slytherin team glided through the doorway and up into the air. They took their stances at the field, the members of each team glaring down their oppressors.

Harry and Draco hovered above them all, staring into each other's eyes. They glared each other down, trying to think of something to say but coming up short.

Madam Hooch blew the whistle and the Quaffle was released.

"Johnson's got the ball! I'd hate to break her concentration by asking her on a date-"
"Jordan..."
"Right then, sorry Professor. She makes a pass and- Warrington snatches the ball! Makes a swift play, dodges Spinnet, a pass to Pucey- and... aaah... rotten luck! I mean- score ten points to Slytherin..." Ron had missed the catch and Pucey flew back to high five his partners.

Lee Jordan's commentary rang out, adding points to the close match as time ticked on. Harry's knuckles had grown white as he searched the field for the Snitch. 10-30, Slytherin's lead...

20-10... "What a game! Really close so far. Right then- Bell's got the ball, she dives, dodges Pucey and- OH! Drops the Quaffle. Rotten luck!"

Harry's palms were sweating terribly. He looked around until he spotted him-
Draco was circling the field, brow furrowed. I've never seen him try this hard to find the Snitch before... He ducked around and made a second lap around the field, biting his lip. Right then- I better follow suit or Slytherin might end up winning.

30-20... "Foul! FOUL! That was a foul, Professor! What- it was!"
"Ahem, I'll be taking over the commentary from here on. Unless Jordan thinks he can behave himself." The crowd chuckled as they saw Lee gesticulate wildly in his defense. "Right then. Here's Mr. Jordan, back to comment with a hopefully improved attitude towards the matter!"
"Sorry about that- ok Montague has the ball (wonder how that happened-) Sorry Professor! Um, dives past Angelina, doubles back- a pass to Pucey..."

That's when he saw- out of the corner of his eye- Draco had made a dive. He lunged, flinging himself after Malfoy, hand outstretched. He and Draco were neck in neck a Bludger swung toward them. He pulled quickly away, leaving Draco still on course after the Snitch. He heard a snapping sound-

"OOOH! Nice shot by George Weasely! Malfoy takes a Bludger to the broomstick!" The Gryffindors cheered as Draco spun out of control by the wayward Bludger. Harry could hear him curse under his breath as he examined the minimal damage taken by the Bludger. Their eyes made a brief contact until Harry pulled away, eyes still searching for the Snitch. Please. Please let me find the Snitch..!

"40-20! Slytherin lead. C'mon Gryffindors! What's with the playing today? Oh! Montague has the ball, again- C'mon Gryffindors! Defense! Block that basta-"
"JORDAN!"
"Sorry prof- NO! 50-20! Slytherin lead... I can't believe this!" Harry scanned the field rapidly now, hardly paying attention to the score. I have to end this thing!

An hour later and the Gryffindors were in a sore position; Katie Bell had taken a hit to the back of the head by Montague, Ron had be hit by the Quaffle straight in the face, and Alicia had been hit by a Bludger twice. They were losing both stamina and morale; Harry had to end this or they wouldn't be able to keep up.

"Slytherins are in the lead. C'mon Gryffindors!" That's when Harry saw it- that small fleck of gold. He dodged a Bludger before finally diving towards it.

He neared the ground but didn't pull out. His fingers were so close... a little further-

his hand grasped the golden ball and the Gryffindors cheered.
"WELL DONE! HARRY POTTER HAS CAUGHT THE GOLDEN SNITCH- ENDING THE GAME!" Chants of "Go Go Gryffindor" filled the stadium as the triumphant team landed, cheering and congratulating each other.

Harry however, landed quietly, letting the ball slip from his fingertips.
I lose.