The crowd roared as Y/N expertly maneuvered her broomstick, a determined glint in her eye. The match had been intense, but with her quick reflexes and unmatched strength, she'd managed to send multiple Bludgers flying at just the right moments, throwing the opposing team into disarray. As the final whistle blew and her team was declared the winner, Y/N let out a victorious yell, raising her bat high in triumph.The sound of her name being cheered filled the air, but one voice stood out. She glanced toward the stands, where James Potter was standing, waving enthusiastically and grinning ear to ear. He'd made it to the match, just as he promised, and the pride on his face was unmistakable.Y/N touched down gracefully, her boots hitting the grass as she dismounted her broom. She barely had time to catch her breath before James was sprinting toward her, weaving through the crowd of reporters and fans."Y/N! You were brilliant out there!" he exclaimed, his face alight with excitement.Before she could respond, he swept her into a bear hug, lifting her off the ground despite her protests. "James, put me down!" she laughed, though she didn't really mind. His enthusiasm was infectious."I mean it! That Bludger you sent toward their Seeker? Absolute perfection. I've never seen anything like it!"Y/N chuckled as he finally set her down. "Thanks, James. It means a lot that you were here to see it."Their moment was interrupted by a group of opposing players standing nearby, their voices carrying over the noise of the crowd."Did you see her out there? All brute strength and no strategy," one of them muttered."Yeah, it's like she doesn't even think about where the Bludgers are going—just swings and hopes for the best," another chimed in, smirking.James's happy expression vanished in an instant. His jaw tightened, and his hands balled into fists at his sides. He turned to glare at the players, his voice low and sharp. "What did you just say?""James," Y/N warned, placing a hand on his arm. "Don't."But he shrugged her off, taking a step toward the group. "Oi! You lot want to say that to her face?" he demanded, his tone challenging.The players exchanged glances, clearly caught off guard, but James wasn't finished. "She outplayed all of you out there. Maybe instead of running your mouths, you should focus on practicing so you don't lose again."Y/N sighed, running a hand through her hair. "James, seriously, it's not worth it," she said, trying to pull him back."They have no right to talk about you like that," he shot back, his voice rising.Realizing he wasn't going to back down, Y/N rolled her eyes and made a decision. Before James could say another word, she bent down and hooked an arm around his waist, lifting him off the ground as easily as if he were a sack of potatoes."Y/N!" he yelped, flailing slightly as she slung him over her shoulder. "Put me down!""Nope," she replied firmly, striding off the pitch with him in tow. The sight of James Potter being carried away by his significantly smaller girlfriend drew laughter and cheers from her teammates and the fans still lingering in the stands."Y/N, come on!" he protested, his face red with embarrassment."Not until you calm down," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.Once they were back in the locker room area, she finally set him down, crossing her arms and fixing him with a stern look. James rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her gaze."What was that about?" she asked, her voice even but firm."I just—" He sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "I couldn't stand hearing them talk about you like that. You're amazing, Y/N. You don't deserve that kind of disrespect."Her expression softened, and she stepped closer, resting a hand on his cheek. "James, I appreciate that you care. Really, I do. But I've been playing professionally for a while now. Trash talk is part of the game. If I let every sore loser get under my skin, I'd never be able to focus.""I know," he admitted, his shoulders slumping. "But it just made me so angry. You work so hard, and you're so good at what you do. They don't get to talk about you like that."Y/N smiled gently, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "You're sweet. A bit hot-headed, but sweet."James chuckled, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I just want people to see how incredible you are. Not that you need me to defend you," he added sheepishly."Exactly," she said, poking his chest lightly. "I'm perfectly capable of handling myself, James. I'm strong enough to carry you off a Quidditch pitch, remember?"He laughed, the tension melting away. "Fair point. That was a bit humiliating, by the way.""Good," she teased, smirking. "Maybe next time you'll think twice before charging in like that."He pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers. "I'll try to be better. But no promises if someone insults you again."Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Just remember, James—I don't need a knight in shining armor. I need someone who'll cheer me on from the stands and maybe help me celebrate after a win.""I can do that," he said, his grin returning."Good," she said, lacing her fingers with his. "Now, how about we go celebrate? I could use a drink, and I'm sure you've got a hundred more compliments lined up for me."James laughed, tugging her toward the exit. "You're not wrong. But you deserve every single one of them."As they left the stadium hand in hand, Y/N couldn't help but feel grateful for him. He might be overprotective at times, but his heart was always in the right place. And despite the occasional embarrassment, she wouldn't trade him for anything.
