SABAISM | H. POTTER

SIX. | PLAYING QUIDDITCH TO PLAYING SNAPE

Quidditch was the one thing that could turn Gemini into a morning person; just as reading would keep her awake into the early hours. Harry and she were scheduled to meet Oliver Wood at midday for their first practice, and while she was aware of the fundamentals of the game, she eagerly anticipated any tips Oliver might impart. The older student's enthusiasm for Quidditch was a favorite topic of murmurs around the school.

Harry kept stealing glances at Gemini, clearly nervous. "What's on your mind, Potter?" Gemini queried, quirking an eyebrow at him. "Nothing. You just look... even more beautiful without makeup," he stuttered, his cheeks reddening under scrutiny. She opened her mouth to quip back, but before she could respond, Oliver Wood appeared, hauling a heavy trunk that he dropped down between them with an impressive thud.

"Alright, listen up!" Oliver clapped his hands together. "Quidditch is straightforward enough to grasp. Each team has seven players: three chasers, two beaters, a keeper, and a seeker. This red ball here is the Quaffle." He tossed it to Gemini, who caught it deftly. Harry watched as she threw it back to Oliver, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "What are those?" Harry queried, pointing at two chained, roiling balls.

Gemini grimaced at the sight of the Bludgers, their furious energy palpable.

Oliver handed each of them a Beater's bat, surprisingly light yet sturdy. "You're going to need these," he warned. As he freed the agitated balls, they immediately shot off into the air, growling like wild beasts. "Heads up! They'll be coming back!"

Together, they swung their bats at the Bludgers as they zoomed toward them. After a flurry of activity, they managed to wrangle the balls back into the trunk, panting heavily. Oliver grinned, clearly impressed. "Not bad, Potter. You'd make a decent Beater. And you, Lupin-Black, could probably give Fred and George a run for their money. It's clear you've got some Black blood in you!"

It was the first time anyone had connected her to the Black family without mentioning her mother. The compliment made her heart swell with pride.

"Uh-oh," Oliver murmured suddenly, spotting the Bludgers returning. They quickly grabbed their bats again, grappling with the resuming chaos. Once they were once again confined, Oliver turned back to Harry with a glint in his eye. "Now, there's one more ball you need to focus on: the Golden Snitch." He placed the small, shimmering ball in Harry's palm.

"I like this one," Harry said, feeling the cool surface.

"Like it now? Just wait. It's notoriously fast and almost impossible to see," Wood replied. Gemini giggled at Oliver's bluntness, nudging Harry playfully. "Hope your eyesight is up to par, Potter."

"What am I supposed to do with it?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.

"You catch it—before the other seeker does. If you catch this, the game is over, and we win," Oliver explained, just as the Snitch fluttered to life, its wings extending as it soared away into the clear blue sky. Harry squinted, searching for the elusive ball.

"Today's practice will help us gauge what you both can do. I trust McGonagall's judgment, and I believe in the Quidditch blood running through your veins," Oliver said, determination lighting his eyes. "Gemini, you'll be racing around the pitch trying to score with the Quaffle. Harry, your mission is to catch that Snitch as often as possible."

Once they mounted their brooms, Gemini flashed Oliver a grin. "Hey, if 'Lupin-Black' is too long, just put 'LB' on the jersey."

Wood nodded approvingly. "That works."

As they took off, adrenaline surged through Gemini as she zipped through the sky, honing in on skill and precision. With each maneuver, confidence bloomed in her chest. Harry, too, was grasping the nuances of his role, and their synergy felt electric. When they finally dismounted, both were sweating, their excitement palpable.

"You two are naturals!" Oliver exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious. "We've got a real chance this year!" He high-fived both of them before trotting off, mumbling about gathering the team.

"You were fantastic, Gemini!" Harry shouted, his voice laced with adrenaline. "You nailed it!"

"Thanks! You were incredible too!" she beamed back, and the warmth of their camaraderie filled the air.

As they walked towards the castle, Harry glanced over at her, sheepishly remembering her upcoming detention with Snape. "So, uh... your detention is tonight, right? I could walk you there if you want," he offered, scratching the back of his head nervously.

"Sure, that would be nice," she replied, feeling a flutter in her chest at his thoughtful proposal.

When they reached the ominous door to the dungeons, Harry felt a pang of regret. "Well, this is it. Thanks for walking me," Gemini said, flashing him a bright smile. "Want a hug goodbye?" Her arms opened wide, sparkling mischief in her eyes.

Although they were both sweaty from practice, Harry couldn't help himself. He quickly pulled her into a warm embrace, and a startled squeak escaped her lips, instantly replaced by a comfortable sigh as she melted into it. The scent of her coconut shampoo enveloped him, providing a sense of home. They stood there, engulfed in the moment, completely oblivious to the door swinging open behind them.

"Excuse me, Black. That's five points for indecency. Get in here now," Snape growled, his voice slicing through the warm atmosphere like a knife. Harry's cheeks burned crimson, but Gemini merely rolled her eyes, unfazed.

"Aw, Snivellus," she lamented dramatically. "At this point, we're practically best friends. It's Lupin-Black, by the way."

As the door shut behind her, Harry couldn't help but laugh, knowing that their day was just beginning, and Quidditch would be the least of their worries.