The anticipation was electric as we prepared for the final Quidditch match of the season. My nerves were on edge—not solely because this game could determine whether we won or lost the cup, or even because my brother was watching me play for the first time. It was the fact that Oliver and I would be facing each other head-to-head, a situation that made my heart race with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
In the Quidditch Tower, our team gathered for one last pep talk from Cedric. His voice was firm, yet carried an undercurrent of camaraderie. "Okay, everyone, listen up. We've come too far to falter now. We need to win this!" His gaze swept over each of us, pausing for a brief but intense moment.
"Maxine, keep a close watch on Bella. Anthony, you've got Malcolm covered. Heidi, I trust you to handle those bludgers," he said, patting Heidi's back with a grin. "Herbert, you know what to do, buddy. I trust you with my life." His eyes then locked onto me, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach.
"And you..." Cedric's gaze was serious as he took my hands in his and knelt before me. "Please, for the love of all that is good, kick Oliver in the balls if you have to. We need to win this," he implored, his head bowed in mock solemnity. The room erupted in laughter, and I grinned, feeling a surge of determination. "Trust me, I'll make sure to," I replied with a smirk.
We marched towards the starting gate, our brooms clutched tightly in our hands. As we stopped behind the heavy double doors, Cedric's voice rang out, filled with encouragement. "Ready, everyone?" We all nodded in unison. "Let's show these Gryffindors what we're made of!" I smiled, my heart pounding with excitement as the doors creaked open.
We mounted our brooms and soared into the vast expanse of the pitch. The chill of the early evening air invigorated me as I scanned the stands for my brother, Hannah, Justin, and Ernie, who had promised to cheer from the sidelines.
Lee Jordan's voice boomed through the air, adding to the electric atmosphere. "Hello, and welcome to Hogwarts' final Quidditch game of the season! Today's match features Hufflepuff versus Gryffindor! And with the house cup on the line, every move counts!" He continued his enthusiastic commentary from the Tower as we took our positions in a tight circle, waiting for Madame Hooch to signal the start of the game.
Oliver floated nearby, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Scared, baby?" he called out. I laughed, trying to mask my nervousness. "You wish, baby," I shot back, winking at him.
Lee Jordan's voice crackled again through the magical speakers. "Rumor has it, we have a special rivalry today—Hufflepuff's own chaser, Arabella Brown, going head-to-head with Gryffindor's keeper, Oliver Smith!" I glanced over at Oliver, who was now blushing under the spotlight. "Are we famous enough now?" I teased, enjoying the playful banter as Madame Hooch took her position on the pitch.
"Now, I want a nice, clean game... And try not to get too emotional," Madame Hooch said, her gaze lingering on me with a knowing look. "Why does everyone keep saying that?" I muttered to myself, rolling my eyes.
With a swift kick, Madame Hooch sent the bludgers soaring out, followed closely by the golden snitch. She then released the Quaffle, and the game was underway. I grabbed the Quaffle and immediately felt the familiar thrill of the game as I maneuvered past Katie and Angelina. With a determined push, I aimed for the goal and threw the ball.
"Arabella Brown scores! 10 points for Hufflepuff!" Lee Jordan's voice rang out triumphantly. I saw Heidi giving me a thumbs up and caught Anthony's enthusiastic clap from a short distance. I couldn't help but smile, a mix of relief and pride washing over me.
Before diving back into the fray, I called out to Oliver, who was flying nearby. "Now be honest, did you let that slip away on purpose?"
Oliver grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'd never let a Quaffle slip away from me, baby. Not even for you," he replied, winking.
