meant to be (1)

35

By the look on Hermione and Ron's faces the next afternoon, I knew they were wondering wether they'd see Harry alive again after they wished us good luck.

I was worrying so much, I hardly heard a word of Woods pep talk. Afterwards, Harry and I were pulled back by Wood.

"Don't want to pressure you, Potter, but if we need an early capture of the Snitch it's now. Finish the game before Snape can favour Hufflepuff too much. And, Clarke, you have to score as much as possible while Potter is looking for the Snitch."

"The whole school's out there!" said Fred, peering out of the door. "Even - blimey - Dumbledore's come to watch!"

"Dumbledore?" Harry and I wondered at the same time, dashing to the door to make sure. Fred was right. There was no mistaking that silver beard.

I was relieved. There was simply no way that Snape would dare to try and hurt Harry if Dumbledore was watching.

"Fistbump?" Harry asked, offering his fist like he did last match.

"Fistbump." I answered, accepting.

We marched on to the pitch and Snape was looking extremely angry.

Harry and I gave each other one last smile before flying off in different directions.

I didn't even have time to get my hands on the Quaffle when Snape gave Hufflepuff a penalty, because George had hit a Bludger at him.

I looked at Harry who was circling the pitch like a hawk. Suddenly Harry had gone into a spectacular dive. I gasped not being able to focus on what I was supposed to do.

Next second Harry had pulled out of the dive, his arm raised in a triumph, the Snitch clasped in his hand.

The stands erupted; it had to be a record, no one could ever remember the Snitch being caught so quickly.

Harry jumped off his broom and I landed next to him. Harry pulled me in a tight hug.

"Harry! You did it, you did it!" I cheered when he let me go.

The Gryffindors came spilling on to the pitch.

"Merlin, Ron, what happend to you!" I said as I looked at him. There was blood coming out of his nose.

"I wrestled Malfoy in the stands, but doesn't matter." he said. "WE WON!!"

I cheered along with everyone else when I saw Dumbledore talking to Harry, who had a confused smile on his face. Meanwhile, Snape spit bitterly on the ground.

                                        🤍

Harry and I left the changing room alone some time later, to take our broomsticks back to the broomshed.

The evening air had neved smelled so sweet. We walked over the damp grass and I relived the last hour in my head. It was a happy blur...

Harry trying not to fall of the shoulders of Gryffindor students and Hermione and Ron running to us, even though Ron had a heavy nosebleed.

"I'm so happy we won!" I said as we were walking.

"Me too. But you know what's better?" Harry said. "You hugging me after the match, Jules"

"You were the one to hug me!" I argued.

"And you were the one not to let go." he mocked me.

"Whatever." I said. "Did you see the look on Snape's face when you caught the Snitch? It was amazing!"

"Yeah, I showed him" Harry answered.

Suddenly a hooded figure came swiftly down the front steps of the castle. Clearly not wanting to be seen, it walked as fast as possible towards the Forbidden Forest. Our victory faded from my mind as I watched. I recognised the figure's prowling walk. Snape, sneaking into the Forest while everyone else was at dinner - what was going on?

"Follow me" Harry said