Of Deer and Flowers

Chapter Twenty

Seeker's Pride

Dear Jane,

It's the last Quidditch match of the year, and I'm sad to say Ravenclaws not in the running. It's between Gryffindor and Slytherin, but I don't think Gryffindor'll win. Davis's broken his arm, and you won't believe who his replacement is . . .

"Don't worry James you'll do fine!" Isabel reassured him, "and Mason does know what she's doing." James only nodded, but still it seemed as though the weight of the entire match was on his shoulders.

"Yeah, don't worry," Julie Gryff told him, "Ed's been training you so there's no problem." A few minutes later they were out on the field in time to hear the commentary.

"The Slytherin team is on the field. Beaters Eric and Kent followed by Chasers Johnson, Marks, and Avery. Keeper Anderson is new this year and the new team captain is none other than Lawancky.

"The Gryffindor team has a slight change up today. It appears Seeker Edmund Davis is in the hospital wing with a broken arm."

There was a chorus of Boos from the Gryffindor side of the field.

"But his place will be taken by James Potter. Potter's position, which is usually Chaser, will be taken by Reserve Rylie Mason. Isabel Hart and Eric Landers will take their positions beside her. Beaters Gryff and Jones are followed onto the field followed by Keeper Alexander Reed!"

There was a howl of cheering from the stands, and James had to shake his head. What was it with Reed and the female population of Hogwarts anyway? The poor Guy seemed to have girls following him around every where, like a pack of ducklings after their mother.

"It's both Reed and Davis's last year on the team, pity Davis couldn't be here, but let's hope Gryffindor wins!"

"Mathews."

"Oh right I'm supposed to be impartial aren't I. Anyway, Madam Hooch had entered the field and the game is in play!" The whistle blew and James rose in the air circling the pitch.

"Slytherin in possession, Avery takes the Quaffle up the field, passes to Marks . . . back to Avery . . . passed to Johnson who shoots . . . Safe! Reed is definitely in prime form today folks.

"Isabel Hart of the Gryffindor team takes the Quaffle; dodges a Bludger sent her way by Kent. She passes to Mason who passes to Landers. Back to Mason . . .

"GRYFFINDOR SCORES!" The stands erupted in cheers.

This game wasn't as long as the last few he'd played in, or at least it didn't seem that way to James. He was just circling and circling, and then he saw it . . .

"And Keeper Anderson saves the Quaffle! Still twenty to ten Gryffindor in the lead folks . . .WAIT . . . James Potter seems to have spotted the snitch . . . Lawancky is right behind"

James kept his eyes on the little golden ball, which was zigzagging down the field. Unfortunately he could also see the Slytherin Seeker right beside him.

"They're neck and neck around the goal post and . . .Whow, Isabel Hart scores on Slytherin. Thirty to Ten Gryffindor."

Suddenly the Snitch was below him! James did a one-eighty and dove. Lawancky paused for a moment but James didn't notice. Stretching a hand out for the snitch he grinned. Just another inch . . . WHAM.

Suddenly James felt something hit him, and he found himself falling.

"Ooooh, and both Bludgers collide with Potter . . . lucky it's only a few feet to the ground . . . But is he OK?"

James struggled up into a sitting position. His shoulder was in agony but he didn't really want to look at it. Instead he looked down at his hand where something was moving. He grinned and raised his arm so the entire stadium could see.

"POTTER HAS CAUGHT THE SNITCH!" The stadium was in uproar. James found himself surrounded by the Gryffindor team, who were about to lift him on their shoulders when Madam Hooch intervened.

"Hospital wing Potter!" James only grinned.

~*~*~*~*~

Lily grinned and looked over at Christy who looked downright upset. "What's wrong?"

Christy frowned, "Evan won't be too happy."

"Rosier? What's he got to do with it?"

"Oh didn't I tell you! He asked me out last Hogsmeade weekend."

"But . . . But that was two weeks ago!"

"Oh . . . Well I must not have wanted to jinx it."

"Either that or you knew I don't much like him." Christy shrugged. "Oh well can't change what already is, just don't drag me along for company!"

"Don't worry I won't!" Christy laughed.