The Only One He Ever Feared

The Only One He Ever Feared

Harry loved Quidditch. It was something that he could do to his mind off of things; problems, homework, Voldemort, things that terrify teenagers. All but one.

Harry urged his Firebolt to go faster. He was in the middle of a Quidditch Final; Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw. The score was 200-190, Ravenclaw.

"I've got to find the Snitch before Cho!" he thought.

'We have to be 90 points up!!' Angelina had told him, 'Don't catch it unless we are 90 up or else we'll lose the cup!!'

He felt a little resentment towards Cho, as she was his ex-girlfriend. Now, he was once again...single and alone...except for his two best friends, Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. He turned sharply to see where Cho was; he had to prevent her from getting the Snitch.

"Gryffindor has taken the lead!" commented Luna Lovegood, the new Quidditch commentator and Ron's admirer. "210-200, Gryffindor!!"

The match had gone on for nearly a day now and they had absolutely no reserves. Harry was exhausted. Ron saved a goal thrown by a chaser Harry didn't recognize for they were moving so fast. Ron had greatly improved over the summer following 5^th year. He had practiced with Ginny and the twins when they took a break off their at the Joke shop.

"230-210, Gryffindor in the lead!!" A loud wave of boos came from the Ravenclaw and Slytherin end of the pitch. An even louder blast of cheers came from the Gryffindor end.

Through the sea of gold and scarlet robes, Harry spotted Hermione cheering and looking tired. He snuck a reassuring grin in her direction and she smiled happily back. Then the next second, her expression had turned to horror, and pointed at something behind Harry.

He tried his best to whip around and avoid whatever Hermione was pointing at. As he turned he saw....

CRACK!!!!!!!!

A tumbling, falling sensation occurred to him, wind rushing through his hair. His chest was killing him...a bludger. It must have been a Bludger...a Beater must have taken the opportunity to hit Harry while his back was turned. His hand was still clutched to his broom. Girls were screaming.

"Harry Potter has been hit by a Bludger while the score stands at 270-220! Gryffindor is still in the lead!"

Harry hit the ground. "I must get up! I have to win the cup!"

He slowly clambered back on to his Firebolt and winced. He rose into the air, slowly but surely. The screams turned to gasps of shock and astonishment.

"And Harry, I don't believe it, has managed to get back into the air and is continuing his hunt for the Snitch!!!!" came Luna's voice.

"We only need 10 more points!! Then I can...Ouch! I can catch the Snitch!! Ouch!"

"Penalty to Gryffindor for an unprovoked attack on their Keeper!!!" Madam Hooch announced.

Harry didn't even see the foul nor did he even wait to see the shot. The Gryffindor crowd erupted in front of him so he knew Katie had made the extra point. He had to find the Snitch!!!! They were 90 points up! As if a miracle appeared out of thin air, Cho went speeding off toward the Gryffindor posts. Harry begged for his Firebolt to go faster. He finally became even with Cho, so even that they were neck and neck. He gingerly outstretched his arm towards the Snitch. They came around the edge of the field. Harry was fighting exhaustion, he knew he was going to pass out any minute now.

As they rounded the pitch, Harry caught glimpse of Hermione watching him anxiously.

For some reason he could not explain, he started to regain his strength and confidence.

He put on an extra spurt of speed and grasped the Snitch in his fingers.

"Yes!!!!! We've won!"

Then, just as fast as confidence and strength came, it left him. Exhaustion over powered him and he passed out.