The Serpent's Daughter

Chapter 8:Loyalty Tested

The Quidditch pitch was abuzz with excitement as students filled the stands, wearing their house colors proudly. Gryffindor and Slytherin banners whipped in the wind, and the air was charged with the thrill of competition. Lilyanala Riddle stood among the Gryffindors, her heart pounding in anticipation. Today was the match that would determine the fate of the Quidditch Cup, and she was determined to support her house—despite what it meant for her relationship with Draco.

“Are you ready for this?” Ron shouted over the din, his face painted in vibrant Gryffindor colors.

“More than ready!” Lily replied, bouncing on her heels. The rivalry between the houses had never been more intense, and she felt the excitement radiating through her.

As the teams took their positions, she spotted Draco on the Slytherin team, his expression a mix of determination and irritation. He looked dashing in his green and silver robes, but as their eyes met, Lily could see the flash of anger in his gaze. She had made it clear where her loyalties lay today, and it was hard to ignore the tension that hung between them.

The whistle blew, and the match commenced with a frenzy of movement. Bludgers flew through the air, Beaters swung their bats, and the Seekers darted across the pitch like comets chasing their tails. Lily cheered loudly for the Gryffindor team, her voice echoing against the stone walls of the stadium.

“Go, Gryffindor! You can do it!” she yelled, pumping her fist in the air. She glanced over at Draco, whose face was a mask of fury. It felt as if their relationship hung in the balance, swaying with every goal scored.

“Lily!” he shouted, his voice barely audible over the crowd. “What are you doing?!”

She met his gaze defiantly, a mix of exhilaration and guilt churning in her stomach. “I’m supporting my team, Draco! You should be doing the same!”

Draco’s eyes narrowed, a storm brewing within him. “You can’t just switch sides like that! You were supposed to be mine!” His voice dripped with frustration, drawing the attention of nearby students.

“Draco, I’m not switching sides! I just want to enjoy the game,” she protested, her heart racing. But as the Slytherins scored a goal, Draco’s expression darkened further.

“Then you should think about who you’re rooting for,” he snapped, turning his back on her.

Lily’s stomach twisted. She hadn’t meant to hurt him, but the thrill of the match was too intoxicating to ignore. The cheers from her housemates only fueled her determination to support Gryffindor.

As the match continued, the atmosphere intensified. The Gryffindor team played with fierce determination, and every time they scored, Lily felt a surge of triumph. But each time Slytherin retaliated, she could feel Draco’s anger radiating off him like heat from a fire.

“Keep your eyes on the Snitch, Harry!” she shouted, her voice mingling with the roars of the crowd. She had never felt so alive, and yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was slipping away.

As the game reached its climax, the Seekers, Harry and Draco, were locked in an intense chase. With a burst of speed, Harry shot forward, determination etched on his face. The crowd erupted into cheers as Harry caught the Snitch, securing the victory for Gryffindor.

Lily’s heart soared, but as the team celebrated, she glanced over at Draco, who stood frozen, fury simmering just beneath the surface. The Slytherin team flew off the pitch, their spirits crushed, but Draco remained behind, his gaze fixed on her, disappointment etched across his features.

Lily felt a pang of guilt as she approached him, the exhilaration of victory quickly fading. “Draco, I—”

“Save it, Lily,” he interrupted, his voice cold. “You chose them. You chose Gryffindor over me.”

“Draco, it’s just a game!” she pleaded, reaching out for him, but he stepped back, the hurt in his eyes cutting her deeply.

“Maybe you should think about where your loyalties lie,” he shot back, turning to leave. The tension between them was palpable, and for a moment, the world around her blurred as she watched him walk away, the distance between them growing with every step.

As the Gryffindor team celebrated their victory, Lily felt a bittersweet ache in her heart. She had fought for her house, but at what cost? The joy of the win was overshadowed by the knowledge that she had pushed Draco further away.

Later that evening, she sat alone in the common room, the glow of the fire illuminating her face as she replayed the day’s events in her mind. The laughter of her friends filled the air, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of loss. Despite everything, she still cared for Draco, but now, it seemed their paths were diverging.

Lily sighed, wishing she could bridge the gap between her loyalties and her heart. The night stretched on, and as the flames flickered, she couldn’t help but wonder if she had made a mistake by supporting Gryffindor so fiercely. In that moment, she realized that navigating friendships and loyalties in a world divided by houses would be more challenging than she had ever imagined.