Violet Summer: Prisoner of Azkaban

Chapter 25: Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw

Toni and Harry found themselves seated awkwardly on the couches in the Gryffindor common room, joined by Fred, George, and Ginny. Ron and Hermione were engaged in a heated argument before them, and things escalated when Ron's rat, Scabbers, went missing, with only Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, nearby.

Although it seemed likely that Crookshanks had devoured Scabbers, Toni was careful not to express this thought, leaving Harry to reluctantly inform Hermione of the probability. The evidence found at the scene was unmistakable, indicating Crookshanks' involvement. Hermione didn't take the comment well and stormed out of the common room, her anger unleashed on Harry.

Meanwhile, Ron was more upset about losing his pet rat than dwelling on the actual deed. He frowned and settled down beside Harry, seeking comfort from his friend.

"Come on, Ron, you always said Scabbers was boring," remarked Fred, adding, "He hasn't been looking well for a while now. Maybe Crookshanks did him a favor. One quick swallow."

Ginny scolded Fred for his insensitive comment, but Toni couldn't help but grin, trying to hide her laughter. Fred and George noticed and exchanged mischievous grins of their own.

In an attempt to lift Ron's spirits, Harry invited Toni and Ron to watch his Quidditch practice and witness the Firebolt in action. He had finally retrieved it from McGonagall, fully cleaned and free of enchantments. The prospect of seeing Harry flying on the Firebolt brought a wide smile to Ron's face.

Toni joined Ron on the sidelines, accompanied by Madam Hooch, who was tasked with overseeing and looking after Harry due to the recent Dementor incident. While watching the Ravenclaw Seeker, Cho Chang, Toni found herself curious about the fourth-year student, noting her good looks and unique charm. Harry seemed a bit flustered around Cho, which Toni couldn't help but laugh about to herself, enjoying the sight of Harry stumbling over his words.

At long last, the Quidditch practice began, and Toni and Ron were left in awe as Harry soared through the sky on the Firebolt broom, accompanied by Oliver Wood, Fred, George, and the rest of the Gryffindor team. The Ravenclaw team had vacated the Quidditch pitch to let Gryffindor have their practice session. After a few rounds of intense training, practice finally came to an end.

Harry bid farewell to his teammates and then headed over to meet Ron and Toni. His smile was unmistakably broad, and Toni couldn't help but notice the rosy blush on his cheeks. Unable to contain her amusement, she burst into giggles right in front of them. Both Harry and Ron looked at her quizzically.

"What's so funny?" Ron inquired, and Toni quickly composed herself.

"Oh, nothing! It's nothing to worry about," she replied, her smile lingering as she glanced at Harry. As he noticed her reaction, Harry instinctively tried to rub his face, thinking something was on it, prompting Toni to laugh even more.

"What's amusing you?" Harry asked, puzzled, as both he and Ron exchanged puzzled looks.

"Cho Chang is quite something, don't you think, Harry?" Toni teased, raising an eyebrow playfully. Harry's face turned as red as a Weasley's hair. "Oh, don't pretend! I saw you looking at her. She's rather cute, isn't she? That beautiful smile of hers."

"Don't let that distract you during the game tomorrow, Harry. Cho is a darn good Seeker for the team. Don't let her get the upper hand!" Ron chimed in, sounding slightly panicked. Harry brushed off their teasing and handed the Firebolt to Ron to give it a try.

"Get on with it," Harry said, a hint of irritation in his voice as he tried to dismiss Toni's playful comment.

After Ron had a few rounds on the Quidditch pitch with the Firebolt, the trio made their way back towards the school. They praised the broom's remarkable features and how effortlessly it glided through the sky. But their conversation came to an abrupt halt when Harry suddenly froze in his tracks. Ron and Toni halted ahead, turning back to look at him with curiosity. Without hesitation, Harry drew his wand and cast Lumos!