Chapter 22

It was as if everything happened in slow motion. Sirius had just narrowly missed a swat from one of the Hufflepuff Chaser's broom, and he was flying down the pitch to see if Brittany needed any assistance in shooting. However, when he saw her, he gasped horridly as he immediately realised what was going to happen before his very eyes. His heart literally stopped beating as he stopped abruptly in mid-air, hovering on his broom, his jaw wide open, and his mind not functioning properly.

Rick and Mick, the pair of Hufflepuff Beaters, infamous for their brutality in Quidditch, were pulling their Beater bats back, and aiming the two Bludgers at Brittany, one from each side. They were smiling with malice as they shared victorious glances. Brittany, whose concentration was completely taken up by focusing on the three goal hoops, didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

If those two Bludgers hit her at the same time, she'd be unlikely to make a full recovery. It seemed the whole school watched in awe, tense silence and shock horror as Rick and Mick brought their bats back and struck the two Bludgers. The Commentator had also lost his speech, and like the rest of the crowd, was waiting anxiously to see what was going to occur. Finally, sense washed through Sirius and a burst of realization hit him. He was just sitting on his broom while Brittany Davies was about to get herself killed, or at least, badly injured!

Nothing else seemed to matter in the entire world as Sirius gripped a tight hold of the end of his broom and sped at lightning speed down to where Brittany was. It seemed that now, she sensed that something was very wrong. Sirius saw her icy blue eyes widen twice their size as she spun around to face Rick and Mick. Sirius felt the roaring wind buzz in his ears, and the speeds at which he was flying at made it seem like knife were cutting him, but he had to reach her in time…

Brittany was paralyzed on the spot, unable to take in what was happening. Two extremely fast blotches of black were flying at her at a tremendously increasing speed, but it was as if she'd lost control of her whole body and nothing would move. Then, out of nowhere, another figure was whooshing towards her. The blurs were approaching, and they were about to hit, the impact would surely kill her…

Then, out of nowhere, a figure past Brittany and she felt herself unsteady on her broom. Unknowingly, she was pushed down, and it was just in time as well, as the Bludgers whipped above her head half a second later. She released the breath she didn't know she'd been holding and gazed up at her life saver.

Her breath caught in her throat and she felt her air passage ways tighten. For some peculiar reason, she realized that she'd known all along whom the person was. Sirius Black's eyes bore into hers, and a sparkling jolt was exchanged between the two. It was something that was longing to escape between them and the effect was instant. Brittany felt as if there was just the two of them on the earth as she gazed at him. Perhaps, she thought, this was what fate was.

Game play had resumed to normal, and the audience, after witnessing such a terrible near death ordeal, were still shocked. The Commentator seemed to have recovered the best, and was now babbling on like his usual self. James found his tight grip release his broom, and wiped his brow. He'd really thought that something would happen to Brittany when Rick and Mick had raised their clubs.

He was proud of his best friend for not caring of his own safety to risk his life for Brittany, and decided that he must've loved her. James certainly would've immediately pushed forward if Lily was in such a situation and push the consequences to the back of his mind. Shaking his head slightly and breathing easier, he continued to scan the field for any sign of gold sparkle.

Amos Diggory was also circling the field slowly near the Hufflepuff goal rings, but James was certain that he was being watched closely. The match had reached breaking point intensity, and the rivalry between the two Houses was as strong as ever.

"Gosh, wasn't that an exciting performance? I was certainly touched by that heart-breaking ordeal with Black risking his own neck to save Davies from the two Bludgers. I have to say, it's love…I always knew they were perfect---" Professor McGonagall had tried to tug the megaphone away from him, and after a struggle and quite a few apologies from the commentator did he get it back.

He cleared his throat importantly before continuing. "So, here we're already ten minutes into the match and not one goal has been scored! The Chasers of both teams I'd have to say are pretty evenly matched. Of course, now that Black is injured pretty badly, Gryffindor's prospects aren't looking too bright…"

James clenched his hands into fists and swore loudly, his words being carried off into the distance. The weather was steadily getting worse, and dark clouds had gathered above the field and rumbling ominously. Indeed, Sirius was now bleeding freely as the Bludger he'd saved Brittany from had cut him deeply on the side of his arm. How Gryffindor was going to pull off a win was going to take a miracle.

And that meant James had to find the Snitch soon. But there was no even a glimmer anywhere, and the gloomy conditions didn't help matters. It seemed Amos' frustration level was also rising and when they passed each other, James returned his unfriendly sneer with a grunt. Those ominous clouds were threatening to spill rain any second.

"Wrai of Hufflepuff once again in possession, and his way is clear as he tears down the field. The weather conditions are disgusting…it's getting more and more difficult for anyone to see what's going on. He dodges a Bludger, Gryffindor Chaser Yaman misses as she tried to intercept, he closes in on the Gryffindor goal hoops…and NO! He scores and Hufflepuff leads Gryffindor ten to zero."

The groans and muttering from the Gryffindor stands equaled the cheering and applause made by the Hufflepuffs. Lily gnawed her lip in frustration and exchanged looks with Eva who was sitting next to her. She hated seeing all the disappointed face on her fellow Gryffindor faces. They'd come all with high hopes to the stands, were they to leave with their hopes shattered?

The spirits of the Gryffindors were slowly deteriorating, and some were even shaking their heads. Yet when Lily saw James Potter's determined expression, she couldn't lose faith in the Gryffindor team. When she saw Brittany, Sirius and the rest of the team being battered in the wind, but battle on, she felt a strong sense of pride in them. She never used to be passionate about Quidditch, in fact, she was never interested in much at all. Perhaps, it was time to change.

She clenched her jaw, and determination surged through her body and sparks flew out of her emerald eyes. She silently urged the team to keep pushing on; they'd all trained so hard…they couldn't lose their hopes now. Unexpectedly, Lily felt a drop of rain on her nose, followed by another caught by her eyelash. She grimaced as a drizzle started, this game was going to brutal…and wet.

"And now we are blessed with a downpour" The commentator said sarcastically as the stands murmured and groaned. "The game's progressing into the inevitable 'dirty' stage. With Hufflepuff still in the lead by ten points, the players' frustrations are reaching boiling levels. Potter and Diggory are still scanning the field with little hope…looks like the moods of this game are matching the weather."

The Quaffle was passed around aimlessly from Chaser to Chaser of both sides. Although Hufflepuff had scored the first goal, it didn't seem to affect the Gryffindor Chasers too badly. As the players were very evenly matched, the game was proving very difficult to play. Brittany, now thoroughly confused about her feelings towards Sirius, had decided to avoid him, which made it very hard to score as team work was crucial.

Although she'd been in possession of the Quaffle a few times, she'd tried flying alone to score, and it proved too difficult. She had a few perfect opportunities to pass to Sirius who was gazing expectantly at her, but against her will, she did not. She didn't know why she was having this inner battle. When she saw him clutching his wound where the Bludger had smashed into him, she felt a sensation that she couldn't describe.

She had thought that she always hated him…but maybe, just maybe, it had always been love. If only this crisis didn't happen now! Brittany knew that this was the crucial game, the only chance for Gryffindor to grab the cup, but it was proving difficult to convince herself to work with the man she hated…but now suddenly realised she loved.

The referee's whistle blew to signal that one of the team's had called time. Both teams huddled together on their brooms in mid-air, and when James, and the rest of the team glared at Brittany accusingly, she looked away, abashed. Sirius, on the other hand, looked disappointed and averted his eyes.

"Brittany Davies! I thought you called a truce! We really can't afford to have you and Sirius holding a grudge now! If you two co-operate, we'll be unbeatable!" James Potter roared over the wind. He took his glasses and wiped off the raindrops and fog that had collected on them. His anger was seething and the rest of the team recoiled, giving him some space. Brittany turned a deep shade of magenta and bit her lip, finding no suitable comment.

The rest of the team also stared at her, and seeing all their defeated faces made Brittany think more deeply about what she was doing. If she continued to refuse to accept Sirius, the whole of Gryffindor would never ever let her be at peace again. Sirius' gaze was still stared determinedly anywhere else but her, and Brittany felt her heart squeeze painfully.

"Brittany, I know that it's difficult for you, but you and Sirius can sort out your problems after the game. Right now, we need you, Gryffindor needs you. He saved your life Brittany, and I'm sure he wasn't expecting you to distance yourself as a result. Please do this for the team" James gestured at the seven members of the team. "And all of Gryffindor"

The team scattered back onto the field, as Hufflepuff gave a roar of triumph. James' words sank down in Brittany, and her mind miraculously cleared. He was right, she couldn't be this selfish. Unexpectedly, she gave a gasp when Sirius appeared next to her, his expression serious, but hopeful.

"I'm sorry Davies…for everything. James is right; we can't let our problems affect the whole of Gryffindor. I…understand where our relationship stands at the moment" He gulped, and with difficulty, met her eyes "After the game, I promise I won't bother you anymore. Please, let's just work together once more. Promise?"

"I p-promise" she whispered, just barely over the wind. With a shaky grin, Sirius flew off, and the whistle sounded, signaling that the match had resumed. Unconsciously, Brittany realized that tears had formed in her eyes, and she hastily wiped her eyes. The Gryffindors were relying on her…and she couldn't let them down.

"And we're back! The game's heating up after that well-needed time that Potter called. Yaman of Gryffindor in possession of the Quaffle, promptly passes to Davies. Davies streaks down the field, an indignant expression present on her face. Two Hufflepuff Chasers advance on her, and she swiftly makes a successful pass to Black! Black approaches the goal rings, feigns to his right…AND SCORES!" The Commentator bellowed. "IT'S TIED TEN-TEN!"

The roars of laughter and applause from the Gryffindor stands drowned out everything, and even though it was raining cats and dogs, there was warmth that spread throughout. Perhaps, Gryffindor could pull out victorious after all! Sirius could be seen doing an honour lap of the pitch, as his arm punched the air several times.

"So it's tied…what an extraordinary game were playing! Hufflepuff in possession, misses a Bludger, and-great interception by Sirius Black of Gryffindor! It's Black-Yaman-Black-Davies! We're on fire here, guys! AND YAMAN SCORES!" Within another few minutes, Gryffindor scored three more times, bringing the score of the game to forty-ten.

Unfortunately, there was still no sign of the Golden Snitch, and James and Amos were growing more and more desperate as they searched in vain. Although Gryffindor were in the lead, without the Snitch, everything would be lost. Rick and Mick were using every opportunity to foul, leaving no mercy. Luckily, nobody had been injured badly yet, other than Sirius' wound, which was still bleeding freely.

"Gryffindor has made an astounding comeback, and Black now in possession of the Quaffle, dodges a Bludger aimed by Mick, and then another by Rick and passes---HOLD ON HERE…LOOK AT POTTER GO!" Hundreds of pairs of eyes followed the miniature streak of maroon as it tore down the center of the pitch, obviously following a golden glint which shone against the darkness.

Closely following was Amos Diggory on a fiery pursuit, but it seemed impossible for him to catch up. There were gasps of awe and surprise at the speed which James was flying at. If he even lost a little control, he would come crashing down to the ground, almost certainly, to his death. Without warning, his broom suddenly came to a halt.

"What's happening here?" The Commentator's perplexed voice boomed over the stands. Muttering and utter confusion was also exchanged within the students in the Houses. "It seems" The commentator leaned in closer to the match, while pressing a pair of Omnioculars to his eyes. "That Diggory has fallen off his broom in his haste, and Potter actually gave up catching the Snitch to save his worthless little life!"

Lily, in the stands, felt warm tears form in her eyes. Maybe she'd really mistaken James Potter…if he could give up the snitch for Amos Diggory's safety, then he wasn't the heartless, selfish git she'd thought he was. She wished for the Commentator to hurry up and tell them what was actually happening between them. If she guessed right, Amos would give James a hard time. She kept wringing her hands nervously. She wasn't even aware of the umbrella Eva had transfigured over their heads.

"OH MY GOD! Diggory you Son of a---" The stand of people seemed to also realize what had happened. Amos Diggory had faked falling off so that James could stop his pursuit of the Snitch. Now, he had remounted and streaked upwards, obviously having seen the Snitch. James stabled his broom in the air, where Amos had pushed him, and also pushed upwards, close on Amos' tail, his jaw clenched tight, and determination surging through every part of his body.

Although Amos had a lead, he wasn't a talented flier as James was, and soon, James had closed the distance between them. They were neck to neck now, and the Snitch was fluttering just above them. They both reached out, a sizzling rivalry and hate was between them. Suddenly a Bludger shot out from nowhere, and out of impulse, Amos swerved to avoid being hit. James on the other hand, ducked his head, but his arm was hit severely, and a searing pain shot through him.

Nothing mattered anymore, and as James' bleeding hand closed around the small golden ball, the stadium exploded in cheers. He flew slowly back down, a mixture of relief and excitement surging through him. He raised the Snitch weakly in his uninjured arm, and flew around the stands while everybody acknowledged him.

"Once again, Potter has caught the Snitch and proven himself! What a most exhilarating match with twists and turns! They've overcome so many obstacles and difficulties…I'm proud" The Commentator sniffed. "to proclaim that GRYFFINDOR WIN THE QUIDDITCH CUP!" The magic microphone couldn't even match the massive eruption from the crowd, as students laughed, cried and were in uproar.

James was soon met with kisses and thumps on his back. All the team members embraced in a tight armed hug and put their heads together. The girls were sobbing, their tears flowing into their already sodden Quidditch robes while the guys were trying hard not to cry from joy, but failing. James' arm felt like it was going to explode, and he was held so tight he felt as if he was going to die of suffocation. The Gryffindor team howled and yelled in a mixture of rain, tears and sweat. Although it was cold, dark and damp, the Gryffindors felt that it was the best day in the world!

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A/N: Yay! Okay, sorry for not updating, but again, I've been staying up really late doing STUPID SCHOOL STUFF! Hope this chapter was to your satisfaction! I think I described the match in a bit too much detail, but I still hoped you liked it. I think the Hogsmeade trip will come in next chapter!

Thanx to every1 who reviewed, and please keep up the support! I really enjoy reading reviews from my readers, and I want to know how you all feel about my work!

THANX HEAPS TO EVERYONE!

Purebliss90