Chapter Twenty Three
Golden Ball In Flight
Harry was so excited it was the first Quidditch match of the season for Gryffindor. His team was also excited but he thought they might just kill him if he made them do one more practice. Harry had been after them ever since Christmas break was over. It was finally time to give the Slytherins especially Draco what they deserved. The crowd was a sea of Gryffindor colors with only the area right behind the Slytherin goal post in green. Harry heard Madam Hooch's speak the words "Mount Your Brooms" Harry mounted his broom along side Ron his keeper, Jimmy and Ritchie his beaters, and Katie, Ginny and Demelza his Chasers. He was captain and Seeker. Madam Hooch put her whistle to her lips and gave it a blast, they were off. They rose fast into the air coming level with the Slytherins. Madam Hooch released the Bludgers and Golden Snitch tossing the Quaffle into the air afterwards, the game had begun.
"Gryffindor in possession Katie is heading for goal."
Harry past Katie going the opposite direction, gazing around for the snitch. Draco was close behind him, playing shadow.
"Gryffindor Scores" yelled Jordan. Katie had just succeeded in scoring the first goal of the match. Gryffindor went wild cheering. WHAM! Jimmy shot a Bludger through the air connecting with Malfoy. Malfoy spun out for a moment giving Harry some time to speed away from him.
"Gryffindor in possession, no, Slytherin in possession, Gryffindor back in possession and its Ginny with the Quaffle, she's streaking up the field. Did you see that?"
A Slytherin Beater, had swerved in front of Ginny and hit her with his bat. Ginny cart wheeled in the air, managing to stay on her broom, but dropped the Quaffle.
Madam Hooch's whistle rang out. A minute later, Ginny had put a penalty shot past the Slytherin Keeper. The score was twenty for Gryffindor, Zero for the Slytherins.
"Gryffindor in possession no, make that Slytherin in possession. Oh no stop him Ron!"
Ron dived nearly falling off his broom but it was too late Slytherin had scored.
"Twenty to ten, Gryffindor." Jordan reported with a sight annoyance in his voice.
The Snitch had disappeared. Malfoy was still keeping close to Harry as he soared over the match. Harry could almost feel hundreds of eyes following him as he soared around the field, high above the rest of the game Then he saw it. The Snitch was sparkling twenty feet above him. Harry put on a huge burst of speed; the wind was roaring in his ears; he stretched out his hand. The Snitch changed directions, Harry urged his broom downward, but Malfoy was right behind him, Malfoy was gaining on Harry. Flattening himself to the broom handle. Harry threw himself forward, taking both hands off his broom. Reaching out his fingers and closing it around the prize. He pulled out of his dive, his hand in the air, and the stadium exploded. The tiny golden ball was held tight in his fist, beating its wings hopelessly against his fingers. Malfoy was right behind him cursing furiously.
"GRYFFINDOR WINS!" shouted Jordan. A chorus of GO GO GRYFFINDOR rang over the crowd. The teams returned to earth, surrounded by their supporters. The Slytherins just slithered off. Gryffindor had won and they partied through the night. When everyone had left and the Gryffindors had gone to bed, Harry and Ron slipped off to the room of requirement for their own private party.