The Noctis Codex | DRARRY

TWENTY-EIGHT

As the signal sounded, the players launched into the air, their broomsticks slicing through the crisp autumn air. The game had officially begun, and immediately, the field came alive with color and movement. Each team moved as a unit, spreading out across the skies to search for floating orbs scattered throughout the stadium, each one worth different points depending on its color. The goal was simple: catch as many as possible, with one golden orb giving the highest points.

Harry took an early lead, shooting forward with practiced ease, weaving around teammates and opponents alike. A blue orb glimmered ahead, just above a group of Ravenclaws who were locked in a fierce chase. A quick dive and turn later, Harry snatched it from under their noses, feeling the thrill of competition surge through him.

On the opposite side, Draco moved with the same determination, his face a mask of concentration. He caught the dark-haired's eye, giving him a smirk before darting down to claim a green orb. In their minds, they exchanged quick, sarcastic comments.

"Better catch up, Potter. You're falling behind."

"Thanks for the concern, Malfoy. Enjoy second place while it lasts."

Despite the light-hearted teasing, the rivalry between them pushed each player to go faster, to work harder. Gryffindor and Slytherin raced neck-and-neck, constantly blocking each other's paths and using every spell and tactic within the rules to outmaneuver the other. Each team was only allowed three spells per match, so they had to choose wisely.

Harry quickly cast a Levitation Charm to move an orb closer to his path, grabbing it just before a Hufflepuff could reach it. Ron cast a Repelling Charm to deflect an incoming Slytherin, allowing a teammate to scoop up another orb as she passed by. The Gryffindors were working as one, communicating without words, and their lead started to build.

But Slytherin wasn't far behind. Draco caught Harry's eye once more, casting a Disillusionment Charm on himself to turn nearly invisible, which gave him the advantage of surprise. Suddenly, a gold orb flashed on the field, hanging just within reach, and Harry felt his competitive spirit flare.

He sped toward it, with the blond suddenly visible again, matching his pace. The two were side by side, their brooms close enough that Harry could feel the rush of air from Draco's every move.
However, just as his fingers brushed the golden orb, the pain hit him.

It started as a prickling sensation, then surged through his body with an intensity that took his breath away. Harry's mark was spreading, burning beneath his robes and sending sharp jolts up his spine, making his vision blur. Right next to him, he saw Draco wince, clutching his arm in pain. But neither of them stopped.
Grimacing, Harry pushed forward, his mind solely on winning this final point for Gryffindor.

The pain grew sharper, making every movement feel like a struggle, but with a final burst of speed, he stretched out his hand and closed his fingers around the orb. The crowd erupted into cheers as he looked down to see the Gryffindor score climbing above the others. Gryffindor had won.

The moment he landed, his legs nearly gave way, but he kept his balance long enough for Ron and Hermione to rush over to support him. Draco was on the ground nearby, similarly hunched, his face twisted in pain. His mark had crept up his neck, visible beneath the collar of his robe, as dark lines traced across his skin.

Immediately the teachers hurried over, worry etched on their faces. Professor McGonagall wrapped a scarf around Harry's neck, pulling it up to hide the mark that was now visible, while Snape did the same for the blond, his face a mixture of concern and frustration. They each kept a steady grip on the boys, helping them back from the crowd's view.

Although the cheers continued, Harry couldn't concentrate on that right now. The thrill of his victory dulled with every passing second of this living torture.