𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍; george weasley

042

FOURTY TWO

The air buzzed with anticipation as the final Quidditch match of the season began. The Gryffindor stands were packed, students dressed in red and gold, waving banners and shouting chants. Victoria sat in the commentator's booth next to Lee Jordan, a pair of enchanted binoculars in her hand, her eyes trained on Harry as he zoomed across the pitch on his new Firebolt.

"You think we've got this, Tori?" Lee asked, his voice echoing across the stadium as he kept up a running commentary.

"Of course." She tried to sound confident, but the Slytherin team looked particularly ruthless today. "Harry's been unbeatable on that Firebolt. It's like it was made for him."

Lee grinned. "Well, it was, wasn't it? From his mysterious, totally innocent, non-felonious godfather."

Victoria laughed softly, shaking her head. "If only everyone knew."

As the game progressed, Tori's attention flicked back and forth between the pitch and the stands. George was there, sitting next to Alicia, his arm draped around her shoulder. They were laughing, lost in their own little world, and Victoria quickly looked away, the familiar pang of hurt settling in her chest. She didn't understand why George had pulled away from her—no explanation, no words, just distance.

Fred, who still sat beside her during meals and walked with her between classes, had tried to reassure her. "He's just... figuring stuff out," Fred had said with a shrug. But Victoria couldn't help but feel the loss of their friendship keenly.

Lee's voice boomed through the enchanted microphone, pulling her back to the game.

"Potter's seen the Snitch! He's diving—he's diving fast! But so is Draco Malfoy, trying to cut him off—"

Victoria gripped the edge of the booth, her heart pounding as Harry plunged into a dangerous dive. She had to remind herself that he had survived worse. Much worse.

"Come on, Harry," she whispered under her breath.

The Gryffindor stands erupted in cheers and gasps as Harry and Draco streaked across the pitch, neck and neck. But at the last moment, Malfoy shoved Harry sideways, causing him to lose his balance just enough for the Snitch to slip away.

Victoria's heart sank.

"And that's it! Slytherin wins the match and the Quidditch Cup!" Lee announced, the disappointment heavy in his voice.

The roar from the Slytherin stands was deafening, while the Gryffindors slumped in their seats, looking devastated.

Victoria sighed, lowering the binoculars. "He tried so hard."

"He always does," Lee muttered, patting her shoulder as the players began to land.

She left the booth quickly, weaving her way through the crowd until she reached the Gryffindor team. Harry was standing off to the side, his broom in hand, staring at the ground with a defeated expression. Ron and Hermione were beside him, both trying to cheer him up.

Victoria walked straight up to him, nudging his arm. "Hey."

He looked up, his green eyes clouded with disappointment. "Hey."

"You flew brilliantly, Harry. Malfoy only won because he plays dirty, and everyone knows it."

"Doesn't really matter, does it?" he said with a shrug. "We lost."

Victoria smiled softly, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "Well, I have news that might make you feel better."

Harry raised an eyebrow, curious but still subdued.

"I talked to Dumbledore," she said, her voice light with excitement. "And guess who gets to spend the first week of summer with me?"

His eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, really?"

"Really." She grinned. "Mum finally got back to me. She said yes, and Dumbledore approved. So, pack your things after the feast tonight—you're coming home with me."

For a moment, Harry just stared at her, as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Then a wide, genuine smile broke across his face. "Tori, that's—that's brilliant!"

"Isn't it?" She laughed as he pulled her into a tight hug.

"Thank you," he whispered. "I really didn't want to spend the whole summer with the Dursleys."

"You won't," she said, pulling back slightly to look at him. "We'll have a week of freedom, just you and me. And maybe some of our friends can visit. It'll be fun."

Ron and Hermione joined them, curious about the sudden shift in Harry's mood.

"What's going on?" Ron asked, his broom slung over his shoulder.

"Harry's coming with me for the first week of summer," Victoria announced, still smiling.

Hermione's face lit up. "Oh, that's wonderful!"

Ron grinned. "Lucky git. Wish I could escape the Burrow for a bit."

"Maybe next time," Victoria said, ruffling his hair playfully.

As they walked back toward the castle together, the sting of the Quidditch loss seemed to fade. For Harry, the thought of spending a part of summer with his sister was enough to lift his spirits. And for Victoria, seeing Harry happy again was worth more than any victory on the pitch.