Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Bailey and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
A Dog's Purpose Is Strange Magic Chapter 34
The day of Harry's very first Quidditch match arrived right on schedule and let's just say he's a total wreck. The morning dawned very bright and cold reflecting what Harry is going through internally to the brink. Don't get anyone wrong on that. He practiced all the time at every opportunity thanks to Wood. He should be ready to face the opposing team, but each time he thinks about it Harry feels like he's about to be sick.
Added to this is the fact his friends and fellow Gryffindors aren't helping in the slightest. Honestly, all they say just makes him feel even worse. So hollow and not even humoring their attempts to lighten the mood. Perhaps he might even feel a tiny bit more improved should they choose to shut their mouths. He doesn't need the added pressure laying on him so badly.
It's a good thing Harry has Bailey with him or else he'd be even more of a nervous wreck during the game. At breakfast where all this was going on Harry kind of zoned out for a while until Bailey jerked him out of it by nudging her cold wet nose into his ankle.
Fortunate it is that Harry is so unwavering in his resolve when he's so focused on something there's no going back. Harry has committed himself to being the Seeker for Gryffindor so there's no going back.
Harry is about to receive a massive surprise that'll take him right out of this slump.
Not too long into breakfast where students are still pouring in Hedwig came soaring in lugging a thin yet large package. When she was a couple of feet away in the air she dropped the burden she was carrying. Harry caught it at the very last second with nimble fingers staring at it in amazement and awe.
"Bit early for mail, isn't it," fingering the string keeping the parcel secure.
Doubting this is actually for him, Harry said "But I-I never get mail."
"Let's open it," said Ron.
The three of them proceeded to unwrap the parcel inch by inch. Bailey even helped by tearing the paper near her head off with her teeth.
The object inside left them stupefied.
"It's a broomstick," breathed Harry.
"That's not just a broomstick, Harry. It's a Nimbus Two Thousand," proclaimed Ron, excitedly.
"But who did this," said Harry, turning his head towards the head table.
Hedwig was perched in front of Professor McGonagall, stroking the owl's soft and fluffy neck. Professor McGonagall smiled at Harry. He knew then and there that she was behind this, wanting him to have a decent broomstick of his home. Harry reciprocated the gesture beyond grateful for it.
At last the moment of truth has come at 11 o'clock so he left the Great Hall to join the team down at the Quidditch Pitch at the locker rooms.
As the four of them entered the entrance hall Draco Malfoy and his underling cronies intercepted them.
Don't these guys have anything better to do?
Before Harry could make any attempts to hide it Malfoy seized the package from Harry and felt it. He then made a big deal about how first years aren't allowed to have them and that Harry would be in huge trouble. Professor Flitwick then stepped in and shut Malfoy up when he said Harry was allowed to have it because of circumstances with him being on the team now.
The four of them are now able to go down there in peace.
Bailey got very upset when she discovered that she couldn't go down there with him. I mean she went there with him for every single practice since getting on the team so Bailey saw no reason that she couldn't do so now. Bailey has yet to have imprinted into her mind that actual official games are completely different than training sessions with his teammates. Bailey goes everywhere with Harry. This is so not fair. Harry could tell how distressed Bailey was getting over this so he promised her that he'll pick her up right after the game ended. That made her a little bit happier though not by much. In the end, Bailey was relegated to accompanying and spending the entire Quidditch match with Hermione and Ron.
What a drag.
Hermione and Ron both kept very firm grips on Bailey's harness once in the stands so she had no chance of escaping to try and find him. As has been told multiple times Quidditch games can be very dangerous so she might get seriously injured if caught in a certain spot at the wrong time. Harry refuses to take any chances on her wellbeing. She means far too much to him for that shit to go down when this is supposed to be a very exhilarating occasion to share. Harry doesn't even want to contemplate how she's probably going to react when she learns this is going to be the case with every game. This is upsetting her by unimaginable proportions. What wasn't helping was that everyone was practically going crazy over this scheduled and highly anticipated match between Slytherin vs. Gryffindor.
The time has come for the Quidditch match to commence.
Both times came out of their respective entrances on the Quidditch pitch, circling the end right over the center where Madam Hooch stood with the trunk containing all the regulated balls for this sport.
Madam Hooch is the referee for this match.
She flies within the center of the ring of players garnering all their attention.
"Now I want a nice clean game, from all of you," she said, sternly, lingering on the Slytherin's the longest as if she already expects them not to play fair.
Madam Hooch then opens the trunk below with her wand. The pair of Bludgers and Snitch immediately burst forth scattering over the pitch. Madam Hooch then uses her wand to launch the Quaffle in the center of the teams.
This is where the fun begins.
Authors Note:
Hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D