Chapters 191-200

Who Gets the Snitch?

‘Scourgify!’ Molly shook her head at the jug that had contained perfectly fresh milk just a few minutes ago. It wasn’t at all like Hermione to let her magic get away from her like that. Apparently she truly hated Quidditch as much as she claimed. No matter; a bit of exercise would do her a world of good. She looked much too peaky these days.

Then the new crup-puppy—a Christmas present from Arthur (so she’d have something to look after with the kids out of the house; and because it would make the grand-children want to stay longer)—went into a fit of crazy barking at the door.

‘Piffle! Stop that!’ Then Molly stared at the trim figure of Gwenog Jones—a younger cousin on the Prewett side of the family—and captain of the Holyhead Harpies.

‘Oh, Gwenog, what a lovely surprise! Do come in. I must say, I still think you’ve got the Second Sight where Quidditch is concerned—you’re just in time to watch a family match. Well—some friends and guests are playing, too.’

‘I knew that Angelina wanted to visit George this weekend, so I thought I’d drop by.’

They kissed and embraced, then Molly chuckled at Gwenog’s smug smile.

‘Get yourself out there,’ Molly urged. ‘I’m sure they’ll appreciate a proper referee.—I’m going to cook up a storm for afters, everyone will be famished.’ She beamed. ‘And Victoire will help me, won’t you, dearie?’

The tiny golden-haired witch who was shyly hanging on to Molly’s apron giggled brightly.

‘Just wait another year, little one,’ Gwenog promised, ‘then we’ll have you on a broom of your own!’

Molly shook her head. ‘Now out with you, Gwen, before you completely corrupt the youth!’

oooOooo

Ginny bent low over her broom and zigzagged like a boomerang back and forth between Angelina and Draco. Another shimmy, and the goal posts were within reach.

She grinned and lobbed.

Her dad was just a bit too slow to save. Alina and Ron screamed and cheered wildly.

oooOooo

Why, oh why did I have to end up on Harry’s team, Hermione moaned to herself. With Ginny, George and Severus on the other team, Harry’s victory—and he had to defeat Percy as a Seeker!—would be well earned indeed.

Oh no! The Quaffle came directly at her! And there was no other Chaser nearby! Bloody…She clenched her teeth and increased her velocity. The goal posts seemed to bend down to her with sickening speed. She had to throw now or collide with a post.

Feebly, she tossed the Quaffle at the right hoop.

Then she found herself blinking at the flabbergasted face of Fleur right in front of her.

‘Go, Hermione!’ Harry shouted somewhere above.

‘I scored?!’ She managed to grip her broom just in time so she didn’t topple off in surprise.

oooOooo

On the field behind the Burrow, the game was picking up speed. But rather than snatching up one of the spare brooms, Gwenog Jones found a secluded spot from where she could watch the game without being easily spotted by the players.

Molly hadn’t been far off the mark—the women on her father’s side of the family had a reputation for talents in divination. Gwenog definitely had a knack for being in the right place at the right time for spotting talented Quidditch players. Originally, she’d intended to pop over for a quick visit on Sunday. Now she was glad she hadn’t waited for tomorrow.

Ah…Harry Potter…a pity he’s a man…Angelina…hmm…looks like that stiffness in her arm isn’t completely gone yet…I’ll have to look into that next week…young Malfoy’s quite easy on the eyes with that lean figure…and sweet Nimue’s titties, whoever allowed that poor girl to mount a broom?…well, she DID manage a clean score…And why’s Snape gaping at the witch like that? Can it be—Gwenog stifled a laughter. Oh dear. Arthur’s still splitting up couples for family matches? Then it must be getting serious between George and Angelina…And will you LOOK at that? Another brilliant score by Ginny. That witch is wasted as a reporter!

oooOooo

Draco executed an almost lazy Sloth Grip Roll before remounting and smirking at his former head of house. Severus just shrugged and zoomed off. The Potions Master’s priorities were clear—rather than succeed as a Beater in this match, he’d stay close enough to Hermione to keep her safe no matter what. Draco didn’t mind. Even though they had Harry as a Seeker and with Angelina a professional Chaser on their team—the only thing that kept the others from flattening them right now was that Percy and not Alina played Seeker.

oooOooo

As the velocity and ferocity of the Weasley family match increased, Gwenog Jones congratulated herself on her superb instincts. Not only was it highly entertaining, she was convinced that she’d found herself a brilliant new Chaser for her team in Ginevra Weasley. And that slight, black-haired girl—she’d be damned if that wasn’t a damn fine Seeker in the making.

She clapped a hand in front of her mouth. Merlin! If that hadn’t been Percy Weasley almost catching the snitch. Only a rather clumsy swerve of Hermione Snape had prevented his success. Percy played with grim determination today. And between faultless flying and superb scores by both Angelina and Ginny, it was clear that the match would be decided between Harry and Percy.

And she wasn’t sure at all if it wouldn’t turn into an unprecedented defeat of The-Boy-Who-Lived…

Already the sun was sinking. The reflections of the low rays played tricks even on experienced eyes.

There! She jumped. The snitch again!

And—now! Percy and Potter!

Percy is closer, but I don’t know if—I—could get at the snitch where it’s going now!

Potter! Quicker than Percy, more agile! And just as determined!

Merlin, Merlin, Merlin—what’s he doing NOW?!