Beyond the Bonds of Blood: The Threshold of Hope | Harry Potter

In the Shadow of the Snitch

The days leading up to the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Quidditch match were filled with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety for Bellarose. She had recently learned that Buckbeak's trial had concluded with a sentence of execution, and the news weighed heavily on her heart. Despite her best efforts, she found it hard to focus on anything else.

On the morning of the match, Bellarose wandered the halls of Hogwarts, lost in thought. As she turned a corner, she almost bumped into Pansy, who was heading towards the Quidditch pitch for final preparations.

"Bellarose, watch where you're going," Pansy snapped, though her tone was more irritated than genuinely angry.

"Sorry, Pansy," Bellarose mumbled, her eyes downcast.

Pansy studied her for a moment, her expression softening slightly. "You're still upset about Buckbeak, aren't you?"

Bellarose nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I can't believe they're going to execute him. It's so unfair."

Pansy shifted uncomfortably, clearly out of her element in offering comfort. "Look, I know it's hard, but dwelling on it won't change anything. You've done everything you could. Sometimes, things just don't go our way."

Bellarose looked up, a small, sad smile playing on her lips. "You're not very good at comforting people, Pansy."

Pansy rolled her eyes, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Yeah, well, I'm not here to coddle you. Use the match to take your mind off it. Focus on something you can control."

Bellarose took a deep breath, appreciating the sharp but genuine attempt at comfort. "You're right. Thanks, Pansy."

Pansy nodded curtly. "Good. Now, let me get ready to crush some Gryffindor."

The stands were filled with students, their excitement palpable as the Gryffindor and Slytherin teams took to the pitch. Bellarose found a seat with her friends, her heart racing with anticipation. She scanned the field and spotted Pansy, looking determined and focused as she mounted her broom.

The whistle blew, and the match began. The Slytherin team, known for their aggressive tactics, wasted no time in taking the offensive. Gryffindor, led by Oliver Wood, responded with equal vigor, their determination evident in every move.

Bellarose watched as Pansy darted through the air, her eyes constantly scanning for the Snitch. Her movements were swift and calculated, displaying a level of skill that Bellarose couldn't help but admire. The crowd roared with every play, the atmosphere electric with anticipation.

As the game progressed, the score remained close, the two teams battling fiercely for dominance. Bellarose's heart raced with every near miss and narrow escape. Her eyes were fixed on Pansy, silently cheering her on.

Luna, sitting beside Bellarose, noticed the intense focus and silent support her friend was giving Pansy. She smiled to herself, sensing the unspoken bond that was slowly growing between them.

Finally, in a breathtaking moment, Pansy spotted the Snitch. She dived with incredible speed, her eyes locked on the tiny golden ball. Harry, who saw it at the same time, was right on her tail, equally determined. The two Seekers raced neck and neck, the tension in the stands palpable.

Harry gained on Pansy, the Snitch just inches from his fingertips. Pansy pushed herself harder, feeling the wind whip through her hair as she inched closer to the elusive ball. The crowd held its collective breath, the roar of the fans fading into the background as the focus narrowed to the two Seekers.

With a final, desperate burst of speed, Pansy stretched out her hand. Just as Harry's fingers brushed the Snitch, Pansy's grip closed around it, her heart pounding. She had caught it, by the slimmest of margins. The Slytherin stands erupted in cheers, the sound echoing across the pitch. Bellarose couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for Pansy. The match had been incredibly close, and Pansy had proven her skill and determination.