Inferno | Draco Malfoy

075 | Mutual Understanding

"Welcome to Hogwart's first Quidditch match of the season!" I yell into the megaphone. "Slytherins versus Gryffindor! I'm Adriana Harlow and I will be your commentator for this match."

The raucous cheer reverberates amidst the crowd; sound ripples travel to every corner of the stadium, carrying the passion of the students. As the two teams emerge from their changing rooms, the audience starts to chant their words of encouragement.

Despite the excitement, a tinge of disappointment lingers within me as I realise that not only is Malfoy not playing, but he also isn't anywhere in the crowd. This must mean he's in the Room of Requirement, if he isn't then he's an idiot. This is the one time where everyone is distracted, he could stay up there for as long as he likes without anyone realising. Nonetheless, Harper, our reserved Seeker will be taking Malfoy's place. Although I am uncertain whether he is any good, I ought not to complain, for our Captain this year, Blaise Zabini, believes Harper is competent enough to catch a Snitch.

Aside from Harper as our Seeker, our team has undergone other changes. Blaise, Vaisey and Urquhart are Chasers, Theo and Goyle are (still beaters), and Galloway is the Keeper.

Amongst the sea of bright red, shimmering gold, emerald green and shiny silver, my eyes catch sight of a handful of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws who want to support their friends. A few of the more noticeable Ravenclaws are Luna Lovegood and Lisa Turpin (who stands with Tracey in the Slytherin crowd).

Standing in the centre of the pitch is Madam Hooch, with an air of readiness as she prepares to release the balls from their crate, while the two team captains shake hands. I instantly spot Daphne in the crowd, who tightly clasps her hands together as though she's about to burst from anticipation at any minute. Naturally, like any other Slytherin captain, Blaise has inherited the art of bone-crushing captain handshakes as Potter's face contorts from Blaise's firm grip.

At the sound of Hooch's whistle, the players all kick off the frosty ground and fly up into the air. It feels surreal to think that just a year ago when I was in the crowd myself, I was supporting and cheering for McLaggen like a credulous moron. If only I could go back in time and just throw a barrage of Bludgers at him— But, let's not dwell on that.

"And the players are off! Might I say that the formations both teams are playing in are fantastic!" I cheer along with the pitch and McGonagall gives me an approving smile for my excellent commentary. "Zabini's not one to mess around, he's got the Quaffle— Hit Robins along the way! Passes it to Urquhart and— YES! COME ON SLYTHERIN—" I clear my throat, reminding myself to not be biased, though it's hard not to be because I'm in Slytherins favour (like Theo had suggested). "Ten points to Slytherin."

Half an hour later, the game continues with an escalating sense of suspense. It seems as though Quidditch skills run through the Weasleys' veins, for in the previous years, it was Fred and George who would hold their teams as Beaters, and now, since Ronald Weasley is the Keeper and Ginny Weasley is the Chaser, I cannot deny it, their team is remarkable. This fact is further stated by the points, with Gryffindor currently leading a staggering sixty points against twenty.

"Vaisey in possession of the Quaffle— To Zabini— Oh and Thomas intercepts!"

From the moment I saw Dean Thomas substituting, I recalled the whispers echoing throughout the school corridors regarding the tragic mishap of Katie Bell. With her current state being so bad to the point that she has to stay at St Mungo's Hospital for now, she (obviously) won't be able to join the Gryffindor team anytime soon. The details surrounding her situation remain a mystery for me and many others, leaving rumours swirling left and right.

"Let's take a look at our Seekers. Potter is on the hunt for the Snitch, very eagerly as well. Harper seems to have been tagged by a Bludger sent by either Peakes or Coote— Nott is on his way to bat that Bludger away."