Harry Potter and the Darker Path

Chapter 6: The Slytherin Seeker

November’s chill had fully settled over Hogwarts, and with it came the palpable tension between the houses. The upcoming Quidditch match between Slytherin and Ravenclaw was the talk of the school, but for Harry, it was more than just a game—it was a test of his place in Slytherin. Winning would cement his status among his housemates, especially after his successful debut as Seeker during the first match against Gryffindor. This time, the stakes felt higher.  

The Slytherin common room was filled with excited murmurs. Marcus Flint, the captain of the team, had been drilling them harder than ever, determined to maintain Slytherin's reputation. Harry had been practicing every day, honing his skills, but he couldn’t shake the nagging sense that someone—or something—was watching him. 

He caught Draco smirking from the other side of the common room. “Ready to thrash Ravenclaw tomorrow, Potter?” Draco called, though the usual arrogance in his voice was tempered by something else anticipation. 

Harry nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t help but think of Snape. The Potions master had been acting strangely ever since the troll incident on Halloween. Harry had noticed the way Snape's eyes flicked toward him during class, his face set in that same, inscrutable expression. 

“You think Snape’s… hiding something?” Harry asked Draco one evening as they walked back from practice. 

“Snape?” Draco raised an eyebrow. “He’s our Head of House, Potter. He looks out for Slytherins. If he’s hiding something, it’s probably for the good of Slytherin.” 

Harry wasn’t so sure, but he didn’t press the issue. He had enough on his mind with the upcoming match. Still, the thought of Snape lurking in the background unsettled him. 

 The Morning of the Match 

The day of the Quidditch match dawned cold and gray. Harry awoke early, his heart pounding in anticipation. He dressed in his Slytherin Quidditch robes and headed to breakfast with Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle, but he could barely eat. The whole school seemed to be buzzing with excitement, the tension between the houses electric. Even the usually reserved Ravenclaws looked determined. 

As they entered the Great Hall, Harry spotted Ron and Hermione at the Gryffindor table, talking quietly. Ron shot Harry a glare as he passed by, but Hermione gave him a curious look, as if she was still trying to figure him out. Harry ignored them, his mind focused on the game. 

When they arrived at the Quidditch pitch, the stands were packed. Green and silver banners waved from the Slytherin section, while Ravenclaw's blue and bronze colors fluttered on the opposite side. The air was thick with anticipation, and Harry felt his heart race as he mounted his Nimbus 2000. 

Flint gave the team a final pep talk, his eyes gleaming with determination. "We take no prisoners today. Ravenclaw's Seeker is decent, but Potter, you're faster. Catch that Snitch before he even has a chance to blink." 

Harry nodded, adrenaline coursing through him. This was his chance to prove himself again, not just to Slytherin but to the entire school. 

 The Game 

Madam Hooch’s whistle pierced the air, and with a roar from the crowd, the players shot into the sky. Harry soared higher, his eyes immediately scanning for the Snitch. Below him, the Chasers fought fiercely for control of the Quaffle, and the Bludgers whizzed dangerously close as the Beaters aimed to knock the other team off course.