Woes of a Weasley

6: Trouble On The Quidditch Field

"Here we are Hogwarts, the first Quidditch match of the year! Gryffindor-" Fireworks went off (probably sold by Fred and George) and students in red and gold jumped up and down. "And Slytherin!" More cheers echoed through the stadium, and my team and I walked to the center of the field, meeting the Gryffindors.

I made eye contact with the twins. George gave me a thumbs up, and Fred flashed a wink, saluting me with his bat.

I'm glad at least those two treat me normal(ish). My gaze shifts over to Harry Potter, who was glaring at Draco. His jet black hair was tousled, as it's been whenever I've seen him, and I can see bright green eyes standing out behind his glasses.

I really want to know what all the conflict is with the two of them... seems that they're always at each other's throats.

Flint shook hands with Oliver Wood, but it was tense and everyone could probably tell how much they despised each other.

The object of Quidditch is to score more points than the other team. Each goal (in the three silver hoops-with the Quaffle) is worth ten points, and catching the Snitch (Draco's job) is worth one-hundred fifty points. The game ends when the Snitch is caught.

"At my whistle you may take off and start the game." Hooch barked, lifting the whistle to her mouth. Everyone mounted their broomsticks, and when the high-pitched screech of the whistle sounded both teams rocket into the air.

I notice Malfoy and Potter both rising higher than everyone, making it easier to see and catch the golden snitch.

"Weasley!" Adrian, the other Beater, barked at me. "Watch it!" He hits a Bludger with his bat and it successfully made a Gryffindor lose the Quaffle.

Startled, I look to my left and the second Bludger is flying in my direction. I hit it with force and I feel a vibration through my body. It shoots towards Oliver, but George darts in front of him and hits the Bludger at one of my team members. She was the only other girl on the Slytherin team her name is Lindus. I'd say we're acquaintances.

I cover her and send the Bludger elsewhere. I was actually a solid Beater if I do say so myself.

This continued for awhile, and I would look at my team shoving some Gryffindors and forcing them to change direction. They were brilliant- just their tactics- they were planned so well.

The score was 160 to 10. We were losing despite our efforts. Oliver was just such a great keeper for the Gryffindors.

If Draco caught the Snitch, then we would tie.

Gryffindor scores another ten points. Dammit.

I suddenly see Harry dive downwards, and Malfoy zip after him, close on his tail. Harry reaches his arm out to grasp a nearly invisible snitch.

"Ainsley!" I heard someone scream from the stadium. I turn. It sounded like... Ginny?

I heard the familiar whoosh of the Bludger, but by the time I realized what was happening it was too late.

THWACK

The heavy Bludger collided with my shoulder. Pain surged through my body and I felt numb. I yelled in pain as the force knocked me off my broom.

I grab at the air, trying to reach my broom that was falling a few feet away. My body turns, and I'm facing the ground. Im so high up. The green field is rushing up to me, I'm surely going to die. I hear screams and I shut my eyes tightly, mentally trying to prepare myself for the impact.

Someone's hand grabs the back of my uniform, which delays my fall, but their broom can't support the weight of both of us.

Slowly we started to fall, but whoever it was didn't let go. A bit of speed picked up and we crashed hard to the ground and I tumbled a few feet.