A Twist of Fate

Chapter 5: Let the Games Begin!

Harry gulped down his cereal while mentally conversing with Malfoy the next morning.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" He would ask.

"I'm certain, I can't just make excuses." That's what Harry would always reply with, though the shifting in his head told him Malfoy still wasn't satisfied. He

chose to ignore this today, however, as he had more pressing matters to attend to that day. Finally finishing his breakfast, Harry took in a deep breath. In, and

out.

"Good luck today, mate." Ron gave him a pat on the back, nodding with a smile. He seemed a little shaken, Harry thought.

"I should say the same to you. Don't worry about today, all right?"

"Right." Ron sat beside him, taking a couple pieces of toast for himself, as well as eggs and bacon. "Better keep my strength up then." Harry's lip curled

into a smile.

"That's the Ron I know. I'm going to go get my gear on, see you soon." Harry rose from the table, and walked past the long tables. Several people shot

glances at him, but Harry stared straight ahead. He passed by Hermione, who gave a nod and a smile, like Ron did, though hers was more kind and a little less

shaky. Harry smiled back, and traveled the corridors until he reached the outside doors.

The crowd cheered, jeered, and shouted wildly. For once in his life, Harry felt ready for this match.

"It's not too late." Malfoy spoke quietly.

"We can do this." Harry said firmly. Grasping his broomstick by the handle, he swung a leg over it and prepared himself. Madam Hooch held the Quaffle in

her hands, counting down until the Quidditch match would start. Harry looked back to Ron, who's determined gaze met his. They could do this, he felt it in his

gut. The whistle sounded, and the players pushed off from the ground. At once, Harry scattered his eyes around for the Golden Snitch. It was just a touch bit

cloudy, the sun hidden well, but not too hidden. Perfect weather for a Quidditch match. He took a quick glance at the person with the Quaffle. Katie Bell flew by,

the Quaffle tucked under her armpit. A Hufflepuff Chaser tried to steal it with a quick swipe, but Katie threw it just in the nick of time to Angelina Johnson, who

continued towards the goal hoops. She threw it to Alicia Spinnet who took a shot-

"TEN POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!" Lee Jordan screamed into the microphone, cheers from the entire crowd. (Except Slytherin of course) Harry let out a

whoop, beaming, and went back to scouting for the Snitch. He flew up higher above the other players, as to get a greater view. The scene before him was

beautiful, almost no clouds to obscure his vision, and the picture of the stadium from a birds eye view was locked in his memory forever. Harry almost had to

force himself to keep his eyes peeled away from the match and the scenery. After a few more minutes of searching, another roar from the crowd and a slightly

less enthusiastic comment from Jordan.

"Ten points to Hufflepuff!" Jordan still had his flair, but his true spirit was with his home team, Harry figured.

It had been awhile now since the match started, and Harry was beginning to grow worried and started fretting more about what would happen if they

lost. Gryffindor couldn't afford to lose another match, they needed to win. Harry gulped. He soared to the right, looking for something, anything that could be