Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Chapter 1: Before the Match
"Hey Harry," said Ron. He was sitting in a chair and was grumpy this morning, because he had detention. Even worse, there was a Quidditch match, and the team had had to use Geoffrey Hooper, the second best Keeper in Gryffindor's fifth year. It was early April, and it was against Slytherin.
"Hi," Harry said, walking in with his broomstick; he sat next to Ron. More than anything he wanted Ron to play, but he knew Snape would never let him out of detention, even if it meant not getting to watch the Slytherins play.
"Reckon I'll be able to see out a window in detention?"
"Probably not, Snape's office is too far away."
Ron groaned. This match would determine who would play in the final match in June. Ravenclaw had beaten Hufflepuff two weeks ago.
"Good morning, boys." Hermione walked up to them cheerily. She knew Ron had detention, but she was still pleased about her one hundred-fifteen percent essay she got back from Professor Flitwick yesterday.
"Sure it is," said Ron.
"Come on, Harry, you'll need your breakfast. I'm surprised you're still in the Common Room; I've never seen you two wait for food." She grabbed Ron's wrist and looked at his watch. "Oh, come on! The match starts in an hour!"
She grabbed them by their upper arms and Ron was gloomily dragged along, but Harry shook her off and walked beside her.
They ate a scrumptious breakfast, talking to some fellow Gryffindors. Ron sat and stared at his plate of eggs, taking a bite every few minutes.
"Oh, just eat, Ron! You don't have to be so upset– it's one match, for Heaven's sake!" Hermione said, loading up his fork and stuffing it in his mouth.
He coughed but did as he was told. He joined in a few conversations before Harry was called by Angelina to come and get in his Quidditch robes.
"See you later, guys," he said. He grabbed his broomstick and followed Angelina. When the team was in their robes they grabbed their broomsticks and walked onto the pitch. Harry wasn't nervous; he never was.