Author's Note: Woohoo! I was able to get this chapter out before school begins tomorrow! I'm so happy about that. Thanks again to all you wonderful people who reviewed…this chapter happens to be one of my favorites, so I hope you enjoy. And, of course, a big thanks to my betas, Jessica and Nitya, for putting up with me.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
THE SOUL REAPER
Quidditch and the Azkaban breakout were the two most talked about subjects for the rest of the day. The Daily Prophet had done an article on the fourth page on all of Voldemort's attacks to date, including details on the Death Eaters who were arrested and what damage had been done, starting with the infiltration of the Department of Mysteries last June. Harry had felt a lump in his throat rise as he read the article.
In Potions, Snape spent the whole time scowling at Harry as the class brewed a particular potion both Harry and Hermione knew rather well-the Polyjuice Potion. Hermione particularly breezed right through the beginning steps as she personally had made the potion back when she and Harry were in their second year so that they could turn themselves into Slytherins to interrogate Malfoy, whom at the time they had believed to be the Heir of Slytherin. Of course, Hermione, in the end, was foiled by her own potion when she added the wrong type of hair and had thus turned herself into a sort of cat-woman.
Malfoy took every chance he got to jeer at Harry. At one particular point, he threw a wad of parchment over onto Harry's desk, which he promptly opened and read, "You're going down Saturday, Potter." Harry turned back to Malfoy and gave him a rather rude gesture, which was luckily not caught by Snape.
"Bastard," he muttered and resumed making his potion.
In Charms, Professor Flitwick taught them how to perform a Confundus Charm, which Harry had been keen to learn since his fourth year, when the charm had been used to hoodwink the Goblet of Fire and let Harry enter the Triwizard Tournament. However, it was a very difficult spell. Harry tried to confuse Ron and make him believe he was a chicken, but he only got Ron to walk like one.
"Tonight for homework," Professor Flitwick squeaked, "practice the Confundus Charm."
In Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall continued to make them transform objects into animals. Again, everyone struggled, except for Hermione, who was finally able to turn all of her school books into many large, exotic birds. Harry managed to add a tail to the spotted table that he was still trying to transfigure into a Dalmatian.
After lunch, they walked out onto the cold grounds and over to the greenhouses for Herbology, where Professor Sprout was. She smiled as the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs entered the greenhouse, shivering.
"Today we're going to work on making a hybrid," she announced. "Now this particular hybrid may just be the key ingredient to a developmental potion. So, first off, everyone get into a group of four."
Neville slid over next to Ron. "Hey," he said, "mind if I join you?"
"Not at all," Hermione said, smiling.
"Once you have your group," Professor Sprout called, "collect up two puffapods and four bubotubers. There are two large pots underneath your tables...nestle your puffapods into the pots. Then, collect the pus from your bubotubers and pour it around the puffapods. Within a few weeks time we'll see what happens. It will be a nice experiment for all of us."
Harry and Ron grabbed the bubotubers while Hermione and Neville grabbed the two puffapods they needed. Once they returned to their station, they took out two very large pots and started moving the dirt around inside of them so that the puffapods would be well placed. Once Neville smoothed out the nook they created, Ron gently placed the puffapod inside the pot, while Harry and Hermione worked on the other. Then they started to work on the bubotubers, pulling on their dragon hide gloves first.
"So," Neville said quietly, "what do you think about the Azkaban breakout?"
"Honestly, I expected it," Hermione said. "What I didn't expect were the vampires to attack. I thought he would have sent the dementors; they're following his orders now."
Neville shuddered. "Vampires…"
"No, he wouldn't send the dementors," Harry murmured, squeezing pus out of a bubotuber.
They stared at him. "Why not?" Ron asked.
Harry blinked before looking up at their confused faces and replying, "Because the dementors can be driven away by a Patronus Charm, which the Aurors should be able to perform. Vampires require a bit of brute force and a good aim."
Hermione frowned, but Ron said, "I bet you got that lot good, didn't you Harry?"
Harry eyed Ron before quietly saying, "I only killed one."
"One more than the rest of us," Neville murmured. The four stood still for several moments, lost in their own thoughts.
It was Hermione who finally said, "Come on, let's get back to work."
*****
Rain started to fall as Harry, Ron, and the rest of the Quidditch team changed into their robes in the locker room for practice.
"Do you think it will rain Saturday?" Alex McGuire asked as he grabbed his Comet Two-Sixty.
"I hope not," Ginny replied.
"Come on," Harry said, grabbing his Firebolt and heading to the door. "Let's try to make this quick so we all don't come down with colds. The last thing any of us need is to take some Pepper-Up Potion and have steam blowing out of our ears for hours." As a last thought, he pulled out his wand from his school robes and yanked off his glasses before tapping them with his wand and muttering, "Impervius." Putting his glasses back on, he walked out of the locker room with his team following along behind him, staring up at the gray clouds and sighing to themselves. Harry hoped the fat raindrops would motivate them to perform flawlessly so they could all get inside faster than usual.
The wind howled as they took the field. Beside Harry, Hunter shivered slightly, but mounted his Nimbus Two-Thousand just the same. In fact, Hunter had never once complained about the weather or the Quidditch practices. He endured them, something that Harry admired.
"Let's go!" he yelled, mounting his Firebolt and taking off.
An hour later, Harry ended practice due to the increased winds and for the fact that Ron had yelled to him when he passed by the goalposts, "Harry, I'm bloody numb!"
The team entered Gryffindor Tower, completely soaked and quite tired. Harry and Ron sank down into the chairs in front of the fireplace. "D'you think we're ready for Saturday?" Ron asked.
Harry ran his hand through his hair, water flying as he did so. "Yeah, I think we've got a pretty good shot."
"Those Mercury Silvers will be tough to beat."
"Yeah," Harry agreed, "but I think we can do it."
Hermione walked over to them, two blankets in her hands. "You're both drenched. You lot are crazy, d'you know that?" She handed them both a blanket, which they gratefully accepted.
"It's just a little rain, Hermione," Ron said, wrapping himself up.
"Hopefully it'll pass and we'll have sunshine on Saturday," Harry said.
But Ron laughed. "With our luck, mate, we'll have hail."
*****
The next morning, Harry and Ron got dressed and waited in the common room for Hermione to join them before heading down to the Great Hall for breakfast.
"Today will be our last practice," Ron said as they traveled through the corridors.
Harry nodded, but it was Hermione who said, "You'll do fine, all of you."
Ron shot a glance over at Hermione. "Someone's got some confidence in the team."
"Well, with you and Harry running it, why shouldn't I?" she shot back, a grin playing over her features.
Harry smiled at her, glad to know that she felt confident in his leadership abilities, but truth be told he was feeling more nervous about this match than any other match he had ever played in. The match would not just be a reflection of his Seeker abilities, but also how fit he was to be a captain.
Apparently something about him must have given him away because Hermione linked his hand with hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze. And just as quickly as she did that, she let him go, although a small part of him for some odd reason wished she hadn't.
Just as they were about to walk into the entrance hall, Harry heard a soft voice right behind him. "May I have a word with you, Harry?"
Harry jumped and spun around to see Professor Dumbledore standing right behind him. "Professor Dumbledore," he said in surprise.
"Good morning, Harry," Dumbledore said, smiling. "Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger, I would like to have a word alone with Harry, if you'd please."
"Certainly," Hermione said and grabbed Ron by the sleeve, pulling him into the entrance hall and down the marble staircase.
"See you later, Harry!" Ron called.
Harry waved and turned to Professor Dumbledore. "Follow me, please," he said to Harry and started back up the stairs.
He led him up another flight of stairs and down a corridor to a deserted classroom. When he opened the door, he motioned for Harry to go inside.
"What is it, Professor?" Harry asked when Dumbledore closed the door.
Dumbledore turned to him, a very grave look on his face. "Harry, I must know-did you have a dream the night Azkaban was attacked. Were you inside Voldemort's mind at all that night?"
Harry frowned. "Briefly," he replied honestly. "I was with him when he gave Wormtail the order to proceed, but I didn't know what they were talking about. Then I woke up and just as quickly fell back asleep again. I should have tried to warn you-"
"It would have made very little difference," Dumbledore said. "Harry, you must continue your Occlumency lessons from last year. I would like you to come to my office after your Defense Against the Dark Arts class on Monday and also after your Care of Magical Creatures class on Wednesday. We cannot leave your mind open to Voldemort."
"Yes, sir," he mumbled.
"Now, has any other strange occurrences been happening to you? Anything at all?" he asked.
"Er…" Harry wondered whether or not he should tell him about the time on the train, or in the entrance hall, or out on the Quidditch pitch. Part of him didn't want to, but his curiosity got the better of him. "I've been able to do these things…"
"What sort of things?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes twinkling.
"Well, I've been able to perform magic-without a wand-at the exact moment I utter a spell," Harry explained.
"Ah, really? And just what led to these cases?" he asked.
"Er…" Now that was something Harry didn't want to explain. He looked down at his feet and mumbled, "Malfoy."
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy. Perhaps he just caused a reaction in you. Wandless magic, while rare, does happen when one is very angry or hurt…"
"But at the same exact moment I was saying the incantation to a spell?" Harry asked. "I mean, the first time I thought I had his wand in my hand and it turns out I didn't. The second time I just mentioned the spell I would have liked to use on him and poof! It happened. The third time I just wanted everyone to shut up and I said the spell I wanted to use and it happened."
"I see," Dumbledore said, studying Harry closely. Then he murmured, "Come to me immediately if it happens again. I will see you Monday."
Harry nodded. "Yes, sir. Good day, sir."
Harry exited the classroom and ran down to the Great Hall at top speed so he wouldn't miss the rest of breakfast. For some odd reason he had really gotten hungry.
He sat down next to Ron and pulled his plate towards him, which had already been dished up with sausage links and biscuits with gravy. "Who-"
"I did," Hermione said, before taking a drink of her pumpkin juice.
"Thanks," he said gratefully and tucked in.
"So what did Dumbledore want?" Ron asked, shoving a forkful of food into his mouth.
"Just to ask me a question," Harry replied, cutting a sausage link in half with his fork.
"A question?" Ron said with a quizzical look.
"He wanted to know if I had seen anything the night of the breakout," Harry whispered.
"And did you?" Hermione asked, leaning forward.
"A little snippet really," Harry replied. "I had no idea what was going on."
Hermione looked extremely worried. "Harry, you-"
"You get the weirdest dreams," Ron interrupted.
Harry frowned. "You have no idea."
At that moment, hundreds of owls swooped down into the Great Hall, delivering letters and packages. Harry didn't expect anything; he no longer had someone to write to. Hermione, however, received her usual copy of the Daily Prophet and then suddenly, her new owl, Giles, dropped a scroll of parchment right in front of her before flying up to the Owlery.
"What's that you got there, Hermione?" Ron asked, munching on a piece of toast.
Hermione took out her wand and tapped a small seal on the scroll, breaking it, before opening it and beginning to read.
"It's a letter from Viktor," she said, smiling.
Ron scowled. "Vicky?"
Hermione glared at him and began to read. As she made her way down the scroll, her smile began to fade and a sad look entered her eyes.
"Hermione?" Harry asked gently.
She rolled the scroll back up and shut her eyes. When she opened them, they looked as though they were on fire.
"So what does Vicky have to say?" Ron asked, poking his food furiously.
"Nothing important," Hermione muttered, setting the scroll aside with more force than necessary.
Ron glanced at Harry, who was eyeing Hermione, and then lunged for the scroll.
"Ron!" Hermione yelled. She snatched the scroll back and gave him a scathing look.
"What's wrong, Hermione?" Harry asked her. "What does the letter say?"
Hermione's face contorted slightly and she thrust the scroll at him. "I'm going to go get ready for class," she said, jumping up and stalking away.
Ron smirked. "What did he do to piss her off?" he wondered and leaned closer to Harry as he opened the scroll to read.
Dear Hermione,
I am sorry I was not able to send you a letter for your birthday. Work is very stressful and I do not have a lot of time for socializing or sending letters unless it is business related. I am sure you understand. But a very happy belated birthday to you. I wish I could have been there.
I still wonder what would have happened had you been able to visit me during the summer a year ago. Perhaps these letters would not have been needed and you and I would have been together. But the truth is you did not come and we are not together. I know your heart does not belong to me.
Accepting that, I am focusing solely on my work, as I have already said. Doing what I do is very important and rather dangerous. I cannot really discuss it, but I hope your thoughts are with me.
Because I am truly focusing on my work, I am afraid that I will not be answering any more personal letters. I hate to break off such a wonderful relationship, but I must do what I must do. Perhaps one day we will see each other again.
If I ever have time I will write to you to see how you are doing, but I doubt I ever will. Traveling alone takes up so much of my time. I am very sorry.
Do not forget me, Hermione.
Love,
Viktor
"I can see why she's mad," Ron groused. "Selfish bastard, isn't he?"
"Very," Harry agreed and glanced down at his watch. "Come on, we'll be late to class if we don't get moving." He rolled up the scroll and got up.
"If I ever see him again I swear I'll-" Ron made a punching gesture. Quite honestly, Harry couldn't blame him.
*****
When Harry woke up the next morning, he felt like someone had set one hundred butterflies loose in his stomach. As he got dressed, he noticed Ron had a rather pale look to his face.
When they entered the common room, they noticed Hermione and Ginny sitting on one of the sofas, talking in low whispers. Harry noticed that Ginny was tapping her foot nonstop. Nerves, Harry realized.
Hermione looked up and smiled brightly when Harry and Ron entered the room. "Good morning," she said. "Have you taken a look outside? There are just a few clouds but mostly sun. You should have some excellent playing conditions today. How are you feeling?" she added, looking at both of them.
"Peachy," Ron grumbled.
The dormitory door opened again and Hunter stepped out with Dylan.
"Aw, it's going to be great!" Dylan was saying to Hunter. "Ally, Laura, and I will be there watching. We can't wait to see you play."
"'Morning Hunter," Harry said, after seeing Hunter pale significantly. "Good morning Dylan."
"'Morning Harry," they both said.
Hermione looked as though she were trying to bite back a laugh. "Are you ready for today's match, Hunter?" she asked.
He looked up at her and Harry saw one thing in his gray eyes: fear. But he nodded just the same.
"We had better get downstairs and get some breakfast," Harry murmured.
They traveled silently down to the Great Hall, where the Gryffindors who were already there clapped and cheered them. The Slytherins hissed as they passed their table.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the rest of their entourage sat down near Katie, Alex, and Andrew, who had already started on their meals. Katie looked rather calm, but Alex and Andrew were eating rather slowly, glancing around at everyone and everything.
"Well, eat up everyone," Harry said as he grabbed a piece of toast and started to butter it. "We'll need our strength for today."
"Harry! Hey Harry!" yelled a familiar voice, causing Harry to groan.
Colin Creevey ran up to Harry with a huge smile plastered on his face. "Guess what, Harry, guess what!"
"What?" Harry asked.
"McGonagall just asked me if I'd like to be the commentator for today's match. Can you believe it? I'm going to announce today's match!" Colin gushed.
"Er-congratulations, Colin," Harry mumbled.
Hermione smiled at him. "I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job."
Colin beamed. "Well, I've got to go! I've got to get ready!" At that, he sprinted back out of the Great Hall.
"Hyper kid," Ron muttered and shoved a piece of toast into his mouth.
Suddenly there was a loud roar and all of them jumped and turned around to see Luna Lovegood enter the Great Hall with her large lion hat perched atop her head.
"Oh bloody hell," Ron groaned, "not that thing again!"
Then, to Ron's obvious horror, she walked directly over to the Gryffindor table. "Hello," she said, gazing at the Gryffindor team as they ogled the large hat on her head.
"Hi Luna," Ginny said, smiling gently. "Supporting us, are you?"
"Oh, yes," Luna replied vaguely. "I just wanted to wish everyone good luck. Good luck, Ronald."
Ron blushed and shrunk down lower into his seat as Luna walked away, heading towards the Ravenclaw table. Ginny snickered.
"It would figure only a loon would ever fancy you, Weasley," said a drawling voice behind them.
Each member of the Gryffindor team turned around and faced Malfoy, who was standing in front of Crabbe, Goyle, and two boys Harry didn't recognize. Probably the two new Chasers, he figured.
Hermione stood up and faced him. "Go away, Malfoy, and save your insults for later."
He sneered. "Don't worry, Mudblood, I've have plenty of insults before, during, and after the match."
"Wonderful," Hermione said sarcastically. "But I wouldn't start now. After all, you're hopelessly outnumbered currently."
His sneer turned into a scowl. "We'll see who outnumbers who in the match," he snapped and turned on his heal.
Hermione rolled her eyes and sat down. "Be careful today, okay?" she said to the team. "Slytherin's out for blood today. Remember, for the past five years, Slytherin has lost every match against Gryffindor. Hopefully today you'll make it number six."
Harry grinned, although his butterflies remained. "Don't worry, we'll do our best."
"Yeah," Ron agreed. "Besides, we've got Harry if all else fails."
"Gee, thanks, Ron," Harry mumbled.
"Nice way to put the pressure on, Ron," Ginny muttered.
"Hey, he's never failed us before, unless you count that one time with the dementors," Ron added as an afterthought.
Ginny shook her head. "Ron, now would be a good time to shut up, okay?"
At that, Ron went silent.
*****
Around eleven o'clock, the Gryffindor team changed in the locker room. Each of them looked rather nervous and Harry didn't blame them. His butterflies had at least quadrupled.
He gave a shaky smile to his team as they finished changing. "I guess the only thing I can say is that the odds are against us. They've got better, faster brooms, but I think we've got a really good chance. We've got one thing they haven't got and that's talent. So-er-just try your best and we should get the outcome we're looking for."
He pulled open the door and stepped out to the cheering crowd. One by one they stepped onto the field, Colin announcing their names as they entered.
"And here comes the Gryffindor team-Bell, Farrell, Weasley, Weasley, Kirke, McGuire, and the captain and Seeker, Harry Potter!"
Three-fourths of the crowd cheered wildly as the team made their way to the middle of the pitch where Madam Hooch and the Slytherin team were already standing. Malfoy showed off his Mercury Silver.
"Scared, Potter?"
"Not in the slightest," Harry replied as Madam Hooch stepped forward.
"Captains, shake hands," she said and Montague took Harry's hand, trying to crush it with all his might. Harry only gave him a grin.
Fourteen players mounted their brooms and waited for Madam Hooch's whistle. "Keep it clean," she ordered and suddenly blew her whistle.
Harry and thirteen other players kicked off hard from the ground and soared up high. Harry felt the cold air rush past him and watched as the Quaffle was released, beginning the match. He only hoped he could find the Snitch quickly; he didn't want to let what was his team's only chance at winning to fly away.
He started to circle the pitch, eyeing everything closely. He thought he saw something gold in the stands, but it turned out to be a chain that Joaquin Crow was wearing. He watched Harry closely and waved. Harry gave a slight wave back and continued on, searching and listening to Colin's commentary all the way.
"Slytherin Chaser Malcolm Rich has the Quaffle and passes it to-no, it's been intercepted by Gryffindor Chaser Hunter Farrell!"
Harry grinned as the crowd cheered, but then cringed when he saw a Bludger barely miss Hunter.
"Ooh, and Slytherin Beater Goyle nearly kills Farrell with a Bludger," Colin announced, "but he holds on and passes it to Chaser Ginny Weasley. Weasley heads for the goals…NO! Stolen by a much faster Montague, who is the captain of the Slytherin team. Montague passes to Julius Blitz, who is another new addition to the Slytherin team along with Rich. Blitz to Rich-Rich to Blitz-they're approaching the goalposts-"
"Come on, Ron!" Harry whispered.
"SCORE!" Colin roared and Harry groaned along with three-fourths of the crowd. "Blitz gets it past Keeper Ron Weasley for a goal. Ten points to Slytherin. So possession returns to Gryffindor…"
Harry flew around, circling the pitch, searching. As he flew past the Gryffindor goals he shouted, "That's okay, Ron. You'll get them next time!"
"Bell has the Quaffle and she's taking it up the pitch-passes to Weasley, who dodges a Bludger sent by Crabbe. Weasley passes to Farrell, who's flying high and-OUCH! He got slammed by Montague! The Quaffle is picked up by Rich who passes it immediately to Blitz. Blitz with the Quaffle-passes to Montague, who dives underneath Weasley and-SCORE! That's twenty to nothing, Slytherin!"
Malfoy flew past Harry, smirking. Suddenly, a familiar chorus erupted from the Slytherin side of the stadium.
WEASLEY CANNOT SAVE A THING,
HE CANNOT BLOCK A SINGLE RING,
THAT'S WHY ALL SLYTHERINS SING:
WEASLEY IS OUR KING!
From his position on the field, Harry could see Ron turn a bright red. He threw the Quaffle to Katie with probably more force than necessary and glanced at the Slytherin crowd, glowering.
"Calm down, Ron!" Harry shouted as he passed and he saw Ron close his eyes and breathe deeply.
"Bell to Farrell-Farrell passes to Weasley-BLUDGER! Ah, Beater McGuire got to it in time. Anyway, Weasley with the Quaffle-nice dive under Rich! She passes it to Farrell who…SCORES! Hunter Farrell scores! Ten points to Gryffindor!"
The crowd cheered and Harry heard Luna's lion hat roar. He shook his head and continued on.
"So possession is back to Slytherin now. Blitz passes it to Rich. Rich soars right past Beaters McGuire and Kirke. He might score…NO! WEASLEY SAVES IT!"
The crowd cheered once more. Ron sighed and tossed the ball to Ginny.
"Move! Move!" Montague screamed at Crabbe and Goyle.
Harry swung around.
"Weasley with the Quaffle-Oi! Look out!" Colin yelled. Ginny turned just in time to get smacked right in the side of the face by a Bludger.
"Alex!" Harry yelled as McGuire flew underneath him. "Get that Bludger!"
Alex gave him a small salute and tore off after it.
"Slytherin has possession again. Montague dives under a Bludger sent by Beater McGuire, dodges oncoming Chaser Farrell-OH NO! WEASLEY!"
Harry turned and saw it-Ginny, apparently rather disoriented, had fallen from her broom. He landed flat on the handle and belted off, hoping against hope that he would reach her in time.
Flying directly underneath her falling form, he reached up and-UMMPH! She fell safely into his arms.
"You okay?" he asked her.
"Yeah," she said, shaking her head. "Just got a little lightheaded-I'm fine now. Thanks, Harry."
"It was nothing," he said and, holding out his hand, he caught her falling broom. "Here."
She swung her leg over and mounted her broom in midair, flying off just as Montague threw the Quaffle in for another ten points.
"Damn," Harry muttered and flew off again.
"So now it's thirty to ten, Slytherin and did you all see that amazing catch by Harry Potter, rescuing Ginny Weasley? Wow…"
"Nice one, Harry!" Katie yelled as she flew past him, flying next to Hunter, who had the Quaffle.
"Farrell with the Quaffle-passes it to Bell-STOLEN! Montague steals the Quaffle and heads back to the Gryffindor end…"
"Come on, Ron," Harry murmured.
But no, Montague scored, making the score forty to ten. Harry sighed and continued his search.
"Farrell with the Quaffle-dodges a Bludger-passes to Bell, who dives underneath Blitz-only the Slytherin Keeper Bletchley now, who is in his final year here at Hogwarts. Bell twists-SCORE! GRYFFINDOR SCORES!"
The crowd cheered. Harry himself smiled, but it was immediately wiped away when Rich threw the Quaffle into Ron's left hoop, causing the Slytherins to roar with approval.
"So it's fifty to twenty now, Slytherin and there is no sign of the Snitch currently," Colin announced. "Bell with the Quaffle-here comes Blitz to steal-she dives! She edges closer to the goals…I think she's going to shoot-NO! SHE PASSES TO WEASLEY WHO…SCORES! FIFTY TO THIRTY!"
Suddenly, Harry saw it: the Golden Snitch. It was fluttering towards the right Slytherin goalpost. Harry dived for it-and so did Malfoy. At its current position, it favored Malfoy, but it suddenly sped off down the field-Harry and Malfoy adjusted to chase it. The Snitch rose higher and higher into the air as it went and Harry heard the crowd scream, although he didn't know why. He was so focused on the Snitch that he did not notice the sky turn an ugly black above him.
"Come on," he growled, putting on an extra burst of speed. He reached out with his right hand and reached, Malfoy doing the same…
But it was Harry's hand that closed itself around the Snitch.
"YES!" he shouted and held his hand up high in triumph, but there were no cheers, there wasn't even a whistle to signal the end of the match.
Harry swung around, wondering what was going on, when he finally noticed the black sky and the purple swirl within it.
Malfoy turned around and stared at it too. "Merlin," he whispered in awe as he watched it. "A Soul Reaper."
"A what?" Harry asked as suddenly, a bright ball of light shot out from the purple swirl, causing the crowd to scream.
He looked down and around. Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Kingsley were staring up at it, talking furiously. Crow was standing near the entrance to the stadium, also staring up at it. Just then, Frost ran up the stairs and entered the stadium, watching the bright light closely.
The bright light was coming closer and closer. Everyone had stopped playing to watch it.
"Damn, it's coming this way!" Malfoy yelled and flew off, heading towards the ground.
Harry realized Malfoy was right and flew away, watching the light over his shoulder. But as he did he noticed something; it seemed to be changing its course to follow him.
"Bloody hell!" he muttered and flew faster, swerving, but the light followed him and-if possible-seemed to be catching him. The Quidditch players scattered as he flew past them.
But he couldn't outrun it. The light got closer and closer to him until he could see it was touching the hem of his Quidditch robes, and before he could turn away from it, it passed right through him.
He screamed in agony. It felt as though something had been ripped right out of him and he felt rather dizzy. As he watched the light leave, he saw that it was brighter than ever. Then another wave of dizziness hit him, followed up by blackness, and he knew no more.