Disclaimer - The world of Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling and various publishers. I make no claim to ownership.
A/N: Thanks to my beta Vettesr, and those kind enough to review.
Chapter 6: Quiddich
Wood still hadn't decided which position Harry or Hermione would play at Quiddich. They both would make excellent Seekers, and the other positions were filled. Finally after an exhausting workout, Wood picked Harry as Seeker, with Hermione as reserve Seeker and back up Chaser. Hermione would work out with the team and substitute, if anyone couldn't play.
The first game of the season was two weeks away, and Harry and Hermione were getting nervous. Ron and Neville tried hard to settle the pair down, with little success.
It was just their luck that they played Slytherin first.
"I've heard that they play dirty, Harry, so keep your eyes open and don't let them intimidate you," Ron warned. "Hermione can watch your back and warn you," He suggested.
Malfoy was taking bets on how long Harry would last on his broom, before he fell. "My father bet ten minutes, but I disagreed. I bet five, and figured in both arms broken as well."
"Ignore him Harry," Ron said. "He's just jealous."
***
The day of the match, both Harry and Hermione were bundles of nerves. Harry hardly touched breakfast and Hermione just had toast. Both preteens headed down to the Quiddich pitch early. Hermione would sit this match out unless something happened to one of the other players. Still, she couldn't settle down, since she shared Harry's emotions.
Harry, for his part, felt a great lump in his chest, afraid he'd make a fool of himself. Wood tried to calm him down with little success. Hermione had finally gained control of her emotions and helped Harry settle down.
You'll be fine Harry, once you're in the air.
As soon as Harry took to the air, he relaxed completely. This was what he loved, and with Hermione in his head, they enjoyed the freedom that flying always brought.
When the two teams lined up, Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the game was on. The Twin's friend Lee Jordan was doing the play by play commentary.
Harry soared high above the pitch searching for the Snitch.
The Chasers, led by Angelina, had scored twice before the Slytherins even had possession of the Quaffle.
The Slytherin Seeker was marking Harry closely, and Harry tried a few barrel rolls to shake him. Catching a glimpse of the Snitch, Harry raced down the pitch, but a Bludger headed his way and he had to dodge. Fred batted the Bludger at the Slytherin Seeker, but Harry's concentration was lost and the Snitch disappeared.
Meanwhile the score stood at eighty to forty for Gryffindor. The Slytherins were starting to play dirty. Captain Marcus Flint viciously slammed into Katy Bell, causing the Gryffindor Chaser to almost fall off her broom.
Madam Hooch awarded a free shot and Katy successfully beat the Slytherin Keeper.
Suddenly Harry's broom jerked and he almost fell off. The broom seemed to have a mind of its own and started shaking violently. Barely hanging on, Harry looked at Hermione for help.
Hermione scanned the stands and spotted Snape muttering and looking at Harry. Snape is jinxing your broom, Harry. I'll distract him.
Heading for the stands where Snape was sitting, Hermione snuck behind the Professor and conjured a fire to set Snape's robes alight. She then snuck back to her place while Snape knocked over several people in his frantic effort to extinguish the blaze.
Harry's broom settled down and he continued to search.
Meanwhile Slytherin, taking advantage of the distraction, managed to score twice.
Harry, with a prompt from Hermione, finally located the Snitch again and dove after it. Skimming the grass, he reached out for the Snitch, tripped when his broom caught on the turf, but falling, caught the Snitch in his mouth.
The crowd went wild. Gryffindor had won with a score of two hundred and forty to sixty.
Hermione ran down to the pitch to hug Harry. Fighting her way through the crowd, she grabbed him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Whoops and catcalls could be heard from the crowd. Harry and Hermione blushed and ran for the dressing rooms.
After a shower and change of clothes, they headed back to the Gryffindor common room to party.
"Great catch, Harry!" Ron exclaimed. Neville enthusiastically shook Harry's hand.
Fred and George had managed to get some food from the kitchens, and the party continued into the evening.
***
Next day the foursome went to meet Hagrid at his cottage.
"Great game Harry," Hagrid said. "What happened with your broom?"
Hermione answered. "Snape was jinxing Harry's broom."
"Nonsense, Professor Snape is a teacher, why would he jinx Harry's broom." Hagrid replied.
"I saw Snape muttering and locked eyes on Harry's broom. I know a jinx when I see one, and Snape was maintaining eye contact," said Hermione.
"Snape was also bitten by that three-headed dog," said Harry.
"Who told you about Fluffy?" exclaimed Hagrid.
"Fluffy! That dog has a name?" exclaimed Ron.
" `Course he has a name, I own him. I put him there to guard…" started Hagrid. "Should'na said that.
"What's he guarding Hagrid?" enquired Harry.
"Ne'er you mind, that's top secret. You guys mind your own business." Hagrid would say no more.
****
-->