𝙴𝚞𝚙𝚑𝗈𝚛𝚒𝚊∙ |𝘚𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝖡. Vs. 𝘚𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝖲. X OC|

1

As the clock struck six on a misty October morning, the Quidditch grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry began to stir with the promise of a new day. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves, and a thin veil of fog lingered around the goalposts like a ghostly shroud. The Gryffindor Quidditch team, clad in their characteristic scarlet robes, gathered for practice, their breath visible in the cold morning air.

Ron Weasley, perched lazily on his broomstick, grumbled sleepily, "What on earth were Ginny and Harry thinking? I didn't even have time for breakfast!"

"It's Hermione's idea," Narcissa Avery replied, her fiery hair catching the morning light. "She read it in a Muggle health magazine. Apparently, practicing on an empty stomach maximizes your performance."

"Sounds like a load of rubbish to me! I'm half-asleep!" Ron retorted, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand.

"Just give it a few minutes; you'll wake up!" Ginny said, her cheeks flushed with enthusiasm as she adjusted her broom.

With the warm-up complete, Harry took charge, guiding the team through their positions. They took to the sky, soaring and weaving like a flock of birds, their laughter carrying through the stillness of the morning. The absence of Beaters today allowed for a rare moment of camaraderie as they practiced their formations—scoring, defending, and racing one another across the field.

Narcissa flew with a grace that left her teammates momentarily breathless. With a determined glint in her eye, she aimed for the hoop, her shot swift and powerful, slicing through the air like a bolt of lightning.

"Nice shot, Cissy! They didn't even see it coming!" Harry exclaimed, clapping his hands in approval.

"Right in their faces!" Narcissa replied with a wink, her competitive spirit ignited.

As the practice wore on, the team focused on honing their skills, compensating for the lost time due to inclement weather. After an arduous two hours, Ginny blew her whistle, signaling an end to their training.

"Stop! Good work, everyone!" she called, her voice ringing out over the grounds.

"Finally! I can catch breakfast!" Ron exclaimed, his voice echoing as he darted toward the castle, broomstick in tow.

The rest of the team followed suit, exchanging high-fives and laughter as they made their way inside. Narcissa caught up with Ginny, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as they walked side by side.

"All good, Cissy?" Ginny asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

Narcissa nodded, though her body was still tinged with fatigue from the exertion. They entered the castle and headed straight for the hot showers, steam billowing around them as they washed away the chill and sweat of their morning practice. Narcissa allowed the warm water to cascade over her, soothing her sore muscles and curling around her long, damp hair.

The weekend offered a reprieve from the rigors of school, and Narcissa dressed in a cropped pastel pink sweater and wide-legged blue jeans, adorned with her favorite star-shaped earrings. With a flick of her wand, she braided her hair neatly, preparing to join her friends for breakfast.

"Let's go!" Ginny called, her voice bright with anticipation, as they made their way down the grand marble staircase to the Great Hall.

Inside, the hall was less crowded than usual, the weekend providing a rare moment of tranquility. The long tables were laden with a variety of breakfast options, the aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly baked pastries wafting through the air. Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall were engaged in a low conversation at the staff table, their expressions serious.