SABAISM | H. POTTER

EIGHT. | GRYFFINDOR VS. SLYTHERIN

The Great Hall buzzed with energy as the Gryffindor Quartet sat anxiously at the breakfast table the next morning. Harry absentmindedly stabbed his pancakes with a fork, while Gemini eagerly devoured a plate of crispy bacon.

"Take a bit of toast, mate," Ron urged, his eyes darting between the food and Harry's sullen expression. Harry just shook his head. "I'm not hungry." Hermione, seated across from him, leaned in with concern. "Come on, Harry. You'll need your strength for later."

Gemini, finishing off the last strip of bacon, cast them both a playful look. "Harry, if you eat something, I promise I'll kiss you on the cheek. Just a little peck. I want to win my first match, after all."

The effect was instantaneous; it was as if a spell had been cast. All heads turned towards Harry as he began shoveling pancake after pancake into his mouth. Gemini raised an eyebrow. "Merlin, Harry. I meant something to fill your stomach, not to make you sick!"

Harry flashed Gemini a sheepish smile, a bit of syrup sliding down his chin. Harry had felt a spark ever since that shared hug a few days ago, and he was now desperate for another excuse to get close to her.

Sighing as if she couldn't help herself, Gemini leaned over and planted a quick kiss on Harry's cheek before returning to her breakfast. Harry froze momentarily, nearly choking, while Ron's eyes widened in astonishment.

At that moment, Snape swept into the hall, his dark robes billowing behind him. His gaze fell upon the Golden Quartet, and he drawled, "Good luck today, Potter. You as well, Black. Though, now that you've proven yourselves against a troll, this little game of Quidditch should be a piece of cake... even if it is against Slytherin." With that, he limped away toward the head table.

"That's Lupin-Black!" Gemini called after him, irritation dancing in her silver eyes. "Honestly, after all this time together, he still doesn't know my name. No wonder he can't find a partner."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged glances, but Harry quickly turned serious. "That explains the limp," he mumbled. They leaned in closer as he continued, "Last night, I think Snape let the troll in as a distraction to get past that three-headed dog. He got himself bitten. That's why he's limping."

Gemini pondered this. "But why would anyone want to get near that dog?"

"Remember that day in Gringotts?" Harry said in a hushed voice. "Hagrid took something out of one of the vaults. He mentioned it was Hogwarts business—very secretive. I think it's what the dog is guarding, and Snape wants it."

Just then, two owls swooped down, screeching as they dropped large, long parcels in front of Harry and Gemini.

"Bit early for mail, isn't it?" Hermione wondered aloud, glancing at the owls.

"I never get mail," Harry admitted, a flicker of sadness in his voice.

Seeing the guilt flash across Gemini's face made her clench her jaw, determined to rectify it. If only she could remember to have her dad send his next shipment of muggle candy to Harry. "Let's open them!" Ron exclaimed, eager to unwrap the mystery parcels.

The four of them tore the wrapping apart, revealing gleaming broomsticks. "They're broomsticks!" Harry exclaimed, joy lighting up his features.

Ron gasped, eyes wide. "Wait, those aren't just any broomsticks! They are Nimbus 2000s!"

"Who would send these?" Harry wondered aloud, glancing up at the head table, where Professor McGonagall sat with a pleased smile. She gave them a quick nod, brief but affirmative.

"I LOVE YOU, MINNIE!" Gemini shouted impulsively, her voice ringing through the hall. Laughter erupted around them, especially from their friends.

Draco Malfoy scowled from across the hall, watching the joyful scene unfold. The rivalry only added to their excitement.