Violet Summer: Prisoner of Azkaban

Chapter 37: The Final Quidditch Match

 The day of the highly anticipated Quidditch Match had finally arrived, marking the end of the long-standing rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Toni had been discharged from the hospital wing after the Easter Holidays, and the memories of the incident in Divination had left her feeling embarrassed. However, the support and care she received from her friends and even unexpected visitors had touched her heart.

Hermione, Ron, and Harry had been by her side every night, offering their unwavering friendship during her recovery. Draco, too, came to visit her every morning, although their secret relationship meant she had to maintain a delicate balance between her friends and her boyfriend. It wasn't always easy, especially when Draco's lingering visits sometimes coincided with the presence of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

The Weasley twins, Fred and George, brought their trademark mischief and tried to cheer her up with miniature fireworks, but their plans were foiled by Madam Pomfrey. Neville and Ginny also visited, bringing her treats from Hogsmeade, while Theodore's teasing visits left her both amused and exasperated. Her uncle and Dumbledore inquired about her experience with the crystal orb, but Toni chose to keep that to herself, pretending she couldn't remember what she saw.

Now, with the Quidditch finals underway, Toni felt a surge of excitement. Gryffindor had made it to the finals, and she couldn't have been prouder. She knew it was going to be an intense match, but she was thrilled to see Harry play his final game of the year.

"Come on! We need to go now, or we won't get good seats at the game!" Hermione urged, pushing Toni towards the exit as she hurriedly finished buttoning up her blouse.

Seated closely with Hermione and Ron in the stands, Toni couldn't contain her excitement as the game unfolded before her. However, a tinge of guilt lingered within her. Draco had subtly expressed his desire for her to cheer for him instead of Harry in the final game. Yet, Toni knew that being a Gryffindor, she had to support her house, and she couldn't let her feelings for Draco interfere with her loyalty to her team. Besides, her secret relationship with Draco meant she had to be discreet about her affections.

Toni had devised a compromise to somewhat ease Draco's jealousy of Harry. She had added both Fred and George's names to her banner, showing her support for her friends and Gryffindor, while still trying to alleviate any insecurities Draco might have.

"... duck, Angelina, that's a Bludger! - SHE SCORES! TEN-ZERO TO GRYFFINDOR!" Lee Jordan, the play-by-play commentator for the Quidditch games, announced.

Toni joined Ron and Hermione as they roared with cheers at Gryffindor's first points in the game. The exhilarating excitement built inside her as she leaned over to get a better look at the players soaring victoriously through the skies above the Quidditch pitch. However, her excitement turned to concern as she witnessed Angelina being knocked off her broom by the Slytherin team captain, and the cheers subsided slightly at the sight.

In retaliation, Fred swung his Beater's club across the back of Flint's head, causing a brutal collision that resulted in blood pouring from Flint's nose. Madam Hooch intervened, penalizing both teams for their aggressive behavior. Toni felt a sinking feeling in her stomach, realizing that the bitter rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin extended even onto the Quidditch pitch.

The battle between the players carried on, and Toni was disheartened to see Montague aggressively grabbing Katie Bell from behind, causing her to lose possession of the Quaffle. Madam Hooch scolded Montague for his actions, but Toni couldn't help but feel dismayed by the unsportsmanlike conduct on display.

Desperately seeking Harry on the field to avoid witnessing more unflattering displays of aggression, Toni finally spotted him fleeing from Slytherin Beaters attempting to knock him off his broom. With the power of the Firebolt, Harry easily outmaneuvered them, and Toni's face lit up, watching his skill and agility in action.