The New Marauders

Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw

The second match of the New Marauders’ fifth year was one of the most anticipated games of the season. Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw. The stands were packed, the energy buzzing through the air, and the weather was perfect for Quidditch. The notes of “Where No One Goes” played over the stadium, echoing off the towers, setting the tone for what would be an intense match. James Potter, now the new Gryffindor captain, led his team into formation with the Gryffindor banner flying high behind them. His Firebolt 3000 gleamed in the bright autumn sunlight.

The Gryffindor team was strong this year. James as Seeker, Edward Barrett, Mia Longbottom, and Rose Weasley as the Chasers, Brandon Jones and Tyler Wood as Beaters, and James' younger brother Albus as Keeper. It was the most solid lineup Gryffindor had seen in years, and James knew they were ready.

James hovered near his teammates, giving them one final look of encouragement. "This is our game, alright? Stick to what we practised, and we’ll crush them." His voice was steady, but inside, his heart raced with the excitement and pressure of being captain.

Edward grinned, holding his broom at the ready. "Let's show Ravenclaw what they’re up against, especially your mate, Daniel."

James shot him a smirk. His rivalry with Daniel Lakewood, Ravenclaw’s Seeker and Mia’s ex-boyfriend, was no secret. It only made the stakes higher.

The whistle blew, and the game began with a fierce surge. Edward and Rose immediately shot forward, their teamwork seamless as they passed the Quaffle between them, dodging Ravenclaw’s Chasers. Mia flew just ahead, her eyes sharp as she watched for any opportunity to make a break.

The music continued to pulse, the drums and beats of “Where No One Goes” swelling with the fast-paced action. The rhythm drove the game, adding a sense of adventure and determination as Gryffindor quickly gained control of the Quaffle.

Edward passed to Mia, who flew low, barely skimming above the field as she dodged Ravenclaw’s Beaters. With a swift pass to Rose, the redhead took the shot—straight through the left hoop. The crowd roared as Gryffindor gained the first ten points of the match.

"Yes, Rose!" James called from above, keeping an eye on the pitch below while scanning for the Snitch.

Meanwhile, Daniel Lakewood, the Ravenclaw Seeker, was on the other side of the pitch, eyes narrowed as he searched for the Snitch. But he kept glancing over at Mia. There was tension between them, even on the field, and it made the rivalry between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw all the more intense.

As the game went on, Edward and Rose worked together flawlessly, their passes quick and precise, with Mia swooping in for the attack whenever the opportunity presented itself. The Gryffindor Chasers were dominating the game, and Edward managed to score three times in quick succession, making the score 40-10 in favor of Gryffindor.

Up above, James spotted the glint of gold near the Gryffindor stands—the Snitch. His pulse quickened, and he leaned forward, gripping his broom as he shot forward. Daniel saw it too, and the two Seekers dove simultaneously, streaking across the pitch in a race for the Snitch.

The crowd held its breath as the two Seekers flew neck-and-neck, the tension thick in the air as the song built to its climactic crescendo.

But James was faster, his Firebolt 3000 responding to every slight movement. With a burst of speed, he pulled ahead, reaching out for the Snitch. He could feel Daniel right on his tail, but he didn’t slow. With one final push, James extended his hand, and his fingers closed around the tiny golden ball.

The stands erupted in cheers as James lifted the Snitch high, a victorious grin spreading across his face. Gryffindor had won, and the roar of the crowd, combined with the triumphant notes of the music, filled the stadium.

James landed lightly on the ground, his teammates rushing over to him. Mia was the first to reach him, her face flushed from the exertion of the game, but there was a gleam of pride in her eyes. "Nice catch, Captain," she said with a grin.

Edward clapped James on the back, laughing. "Knew you’d pull it off, Potter."

James grinned, still catching his breath. "Couldn’t let Daniel take it, could I?"

As the Gryffindor team celebrated their victory, the music still echoing in the background, James looked over at the Ravenclaw stands where Daniel was walking off the pitch, his face dark with frustration. But James didn’t care. They’d won, and this victory felt sweeter than any other.

The New Marauders had dominated the game, and with James at the helm, they were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.