Charmed ; lashton

Second year : final game

It was Friday the day just before the first weekend in May, Luke found himself in the Gryffindor common room as Calum and Ashton debated who had the better chance of winning tomorrow. "I mean we know Slytherin is on form so why are you even routing for Hufflepuff" Calum moaned, as he moved around a picture for the fifthteenth time. "Because if Slytherin win its means Gryffindor need to win by at least twenty five in the match against Ravenclaw and that's the bare minimum because they have been on fire this year" Ashton elaborated. "Do they think so because I swear McGonagall will give out free points to us at some point just to let Slytherin not win. Like it's a head thing" Calum announced. Both boys shot Calum a look. "Slytherin will win, then it's up to Gryffindor to claw a victory" Luke added.

"Luke there you are" Dan burst into the Gryffindor common room, a look of relief evident. "Dan, what's up?" Luke asked, bewildered as to why the other Gryffindor would be looking for him. "There's an issue in Slytherin, Alex wouldn't say what but I'm assuming it's important if they would come here" Dan explains. "A slytherin issue" Luke began, "seems strange". Slytherins were well known for keeping secrets and not spilling them, especially to those in the Gryffindor house. "Are you sure that Alex isn't trying to pull a prank on you?" Calum asked, wanting to make sure his friend wasn't in danger of being hurt. "No way, he looked desperate, not mischievous" Dan answered. "Guess I better go. I'll see you guys tomorrow" Luke replies, collecting his stuff before heading out the doorway. He gave the fat lady a cheerful wave, and he was sure that for half a minute she offered a half smile. To a Slytherin. That was cheer worthy, Luke thought with a smile.

It didn't take him long to head back to the Slytherin dungeons, a familiar feeling of the dark cool walls providing a good bit of information. Even from here, he was certain he could hear raised voices and swearing. Common but not with such commotion normally.

"There has to be another solution" Sara, a fourth year, complained. "Hemmings you're here" Andrew retorted at the same time. A moments silence followed from the huge gathering of Slytherins, all who turned to face him. "Hi" Luke stammered out. "There isn't another option, this is what will work best for the team" Brandon insisted to the group that had gathered around. "Wait what's going on" Luke asked no one in particular as more voices started shouting. "Kevin took a hex after taunting a bunch of Hufflepuffs. He can't play tomorrow" Peyton, a fifth year, told him. "Merlin's sake" Luke rolled his eyes, realising that left the team down a chaser. "Quite literally, which is why Luke will play as the seeker tomorrow and Andrew can play as a chaser, he's good in both positions and Luke is the only other person here who is a formidable force against the snitch" Brandon dictated, "not to mention has already played on the team. We're already a unit". Luke's eyes widen. To play in the final Slytherin game was pressure. The pressure of ensuring a win would be great. "Are you sure" Luke gasped in disbelief. "Never been more certain of anything. Case closed, I'll see you all bright and early for tomorrow's pre game breakfast" Brandon concludes. "Shjjt" Luke swore.

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Luke felt undeniably nervous as Calum grilled him at the slytherin breakfast table. Calum seemed immune to the glares that where being sent his way from the other slytherin as he continued his speech of disbelief not really notice how pale his friend looked as he spun around a slice of toast on his plate. "Hood what are you doing at the slytherin table" Ashton called out interrupting the tangent. "Wait haven't you heard" Calum turned his head. "Heard about what. I thought you were missing breakfast, went to find you. Turns out that your just at the wrong table" Ashton exclaimed, before noting Luke's pale complexion, "everything okay" he asked squeezing between the two boys as about four slytherin kicked off. "Luke playing the final game today". "Huh" "He's playing as seeker in the quidditch game" Calum repeated slowly. "Cool I can cheer for you". Luke didn't know why but he was then glad for Ashtons company over Calum's who had already declared that Luke was good as dead cos Hufflepuff had already hexed one team member, why not do another. "Merlins sake what did you say to him he looks terrified" Alex questioned, taking a seat opposite glaring at the two Gryffindors. "I'm not" Luke piped up. "You look like you might puke" Alex states. "You do look like your lacking colour" Ashton adds, "hey why don't we take a stroll, take your mind off it". Luke nods his head, glad for a chance to get away from the breakfast table. Standing up he follows Ashton outside, ignoring Calum's protest at being left alone.

"It's going to be a nice day" Ashton comments. "Yeah" Luke replies, taking a moment to stare at the sun. There was a faint fog which was clearing and he felt cosy in the robe. They trailed down heading towards Hagrids shack, the path quiet with most of the students being at breakfast. "Want to talk about it. Been there" Ashton offers, taking Luke's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. Luke found it all coming out, "what if I'm terrible, a complete disaster, like I fall off my broom or completely miss the snitch when it's right under my nose".

"I think your nose is a little small for the snitch to hover under" Ashton jokes. Cracking a small mouth movement from the younger boy. "Seriously this could happen but the chances of it are so low. I thought the same during my first match but as each minute ticked by and I didn't do something that was embarrassing the better I felt. Nerves are good. They make you play better" he added for good measure.

"So theoretically I could suck".

"Look, if you suck you suck nothing that can change that but Luke you've worked so hard and if anyone deserves this it's you. You aren't going to suck, you're going to be brilliant and leave people talking about you for the rest of term. Now go get in your uniform, get on the broom and smash it" Ashton finished, grin on his face notice Luke looking far better than when they had started.

"Thankyou"

"Your welcome. I'll be in the stand cheering you on"

Luke didn't know why but in that moment he was so overcome by happiness that he wrapped Ashton into a hug, repeating the word thank you over and over.

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Luke sat upon his broom, the silver and green playing robes made him feel far more invincible than he felt, his stomach felt less uncomfortable now, sending a constant reminder that he was hungry, but instead he forced himself to focus, looking for the shiny gold snitch which was around somewhere. The Hufflepuffs had left him well alone, murmuring and whispering that there stood a good chance. Jack had come over dressed in his own quidditch uniform told him that he was proud, which had Luke beaming much to his own embarrassment, and mention to play his best out there.

His eyes scanned the field below, watching for any stray bludgers and attempting to keep up with the teams points. Waiting for the snitch to make its appearance allowed him a bird eye view of his teammates who were thrashing Hufflepuff. He looked towards the Gryffindor seats, searching for the familiar faces of his friends who hopefully were waving a flag for him despite any friction it may caused. His eyes flitted back, noting a glimmer that had come from that direction. As discrete as possible, he flew in that direction, eyes focused on what could be the snitch whilst also being aware of the Hufflepuff seeker that was keeping an eye on him.

It wasn't the snitch he noted with disappointment. Just the sunlight catching the gold thread that was hung on the banner. He flew back up, the rushing of air catching his ears. His eyes caught sight of the flying object he was after, having it hoover just in front of his broom. Gasp escaping his lips. He flew forward hand out stretch as he chased the snitch, excitement clinging to every muscle as the snitch was so easily in reach.

He twisted as he avoid another player, the Hufflepuff seeker hot on his heels, but he was determined. His fingers brushed the snitches wings, with one last push he closed his fingers around the metal, clasping it in his palm.

"Luke Hemmings has caught the snitch. Slytherin wins".

A/n - last update for a while sorry - 2020 wasn't finished in dealing me more shiit