Harry Potter and the Order Of the Phoenix [47]
“But Ron,” said Harry, “you’ve been practicing all summer long.” Ron finally pulled his Quidditch robes over his head, and grabbed his broom.
“Yeah Harry, you’re right,” said Ron. He started heading down the stairs from the room, and to the field. Harry followed him excitedly. This would be his first actual Quidditch game in over a year, and the first time he’d be playing as captain.
Before he knew it, he was down at one end of the field with Ron, Fred, George, Angelina, Alicia, and Katie. Fred and George were pacing back and forth, the girls were each biting their nails. Harry thought it was time for a little inspirational speech, like Oliver Wood used to do.
“Everyone!” said Harry loudly, to get their attention. The rest of the team looked at him and Harry started a speech, making it up as he went along, “All I’ve got to say is… we’ve got the best team in this whole school and… we’re going to win! Really, there‘s nothing else to say, we are the best!”
They all clapped to this pathetic speech, and heard the announcement for the teams to come out. As the walked out, they saw the Hufflepuff team; they were clad in canary-yellow robes, and looking very nervous. Last year, they lost their captain (Cedric Diggory) and without him, they were significantly hurt.
Harry walked to the center of the field to shake hands with their new captain. When he saw who it was, he smiled. It was Justin Finch-Fletchley. He was a boy who was an acquaintance of Harry’s, never really his friend. They shook hands.
“How’d you become captain Justin? I mean, you weren’t even on the team.”
“Well, I tried out for the team this year, and since no one else stepped up to the position as captain, I volunteered, and everyone said okay!” He looked very excited as he mounted his broom, a Cleansweep Eight. It was the Cleansweep company’s latest attempt to make a better broom than the Firebolt. However, it was a vain attempt, as Harry’s Firebolt was far superior.
“Teams! Mount your brooms!” Lee Jordan’s voice boomed over the entire field. He was the announcer for the game. Harry swung his leg over his broom, and he saw Justin and the rest of the Hufflepuff team do the same.
“On my mark! One… two….” Madame Hooch (the Quidditch teacher) let the Bludger and the Snitch out of the box.
“Three! Go!” Madame Hooch threw the Quaffle in the air and Katie immediately dived up for it. It was in her arms within a second. Harry zoomed out of the way to let the Chasers do their work and started circling the field, looking for the Snitch. As most of the game was heading for the Hufflepuff goals, Harry flew over to Ron who was flying from the right-most goal to the left one.
“How are you doing, Ron?” yelled Harry.
“Oh, I’m-” Harry never got to hear his response though. Lee Jordan’s voice rang through the field.
“Gryffindor scores! Ten to zero!” The stadium erupted in cheers from every house except Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Harry did, however, see Tci stand up and clap.
“Gotta go Ron! Good luck!” Harry shot off, looking for the Snitch. He saw Justin doing the same, he must also be the Hufflepuff Seeker. Deciding to take advantage of this, Harry flew over to Fred.
“Hey Fred!” yelled Harry.
“What is it Harry?” asked Fred, he was scanning the field for a Bludger to whack at the Hufflepuffs.
“When I put my hand in the air, hit a Bludger towards me!” Fred, though looking confused, said okay. Harry soared over to the opposite end of the field that Justin was on. Pretending he saw the golden Snitch, he flew toward the ground, and put his hand in the air, giving the signal to Fred. Justin, seeing Harry go into the sudden dive, flew towards the same spot as him, hoping to get the Snitch. Harry just hoped Fred had hit the Bludger over to them.
Justin and Harry flew faster toward each other, everything around Harry was