CHAPTER 9: CHASING QUIDDITCH


"Eva! You ready?!"

"Yeah! Hold on a sec!" Eva looked into the mirror. It was finally the big day. Today was the Quidditch tryouts. It was time to put everything she'd been working so hard for to the test. She took a deep breath, finished tying her hair back and quickly put on her gloves, before heading downstairs.

Hermione shooed Eva out of the portrait hole. "Come on! Hurry up! Everyone's already out on the Quidditch field!"

They headed outside where the fresh morning air greeted them. A huge crowd was heading for the Quidditch field.

Eva stood there in shock. "Wow...how come so many people have come to watch? Is it that interesting?"

Hermione smiled. "Of course! It's not often that tryouts are held, and since Chasers are such a popular position, a lot of talented people are going to be there."

Eva frowned. Everyone was going to be watching her. She held her stomach as butterflies fluttered about inside.

Oliver was standing in the middle of the field. His voice was like a loudspeaker. "Spectators, please be seated! Tryouts will begin shortly!"

Not only was almost every single person from the Gryffindor house was there, but students from other houses were there too. "Why do people even bother to wake up so early to watch this?" Eva looked around and saw Cho Chang talking to Harry. Even though she was standing across the field from them she could tell that Harry's face was beet red. She frowned then looked up to see Draco looking down on her. "Great...what is he doing here?" She glanced away when Oliver started to speak again.

"Will all contestants please step onto the field to get your brooms!"

Hermione hugged Eva. "I'm gonna go sit up in the stands now. Good luck!"

Eva smiled weakly. "Thanks...." She was a bundle of nerves as she quickly ran towards the middle of the field, where Oliver was handing out brooms. There was 17 people trying out this morning and 8 will be picked to compete for the position. All the brooms were equal so everyone has a fair chance to show their skills without relying on the brooms. Eva slowly went up to Oliver when she noticed a red-head in front of her. He grabbed a broom then turned around to face Eva.

"Ron!"



"Oh...h..hi Eva..." Ron wouldn't turn and look at her but instead stared nervously at the ground.

Eva was shocked. "You...you never told me that you were trying out too!"

"I...I'm sorry...Harry told me that I shouldn't say anything because you might not try your best if you knew I was trying out also....because that means..."

"That means we're going to compete against each other..." Eva frowned. This was going to get complicated. She didn't want to compete against Ron.

"Please don't back out Eva....I know this seems awkward and I don't want this to become between us but..."

Eva smiled. She knew Ron wanted this position for the longest time. His whole dream was to be on the Quidditch team. "Don't worry Ron, I won't. But I'm not going to go easy on you just because we're friends......and I expect the same from you!"

Ron smiled and shook Eva's hand. "May the best Gryffindor win!"

Eva stepped up to get her broom and noticed Harry standing at the side with a relieved look. She waved and winked at him. Harry looked like a bundle of nerves. Two of his best friends were going to compete.....

"Hey Eva! How was your weekend?" Eva turned and saw Oliver gleaming down at her.

Eva took the broom that Oliver handed to her. "Good morning Wood! It was great! Got to see Hogsmeade and everything! How was yours?"

"Not bad! So you think you're ready today? Not going to disappoint me right?!"

Eva grinned. "Of course not!"

"Brilliant! We're going to start soon so just step right over there!"

"Thanks!" With that, Eva headed towards Ron who was looking at the ground and mumbling to himself.

She put her hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry Ron...you'll do just fine! I know it!"

Ron smiled weakly. "Thanks....you seem to be ok...not nervous?"

Eva laughed. "Me? Not nervous?" She looked at the ground. She had never been so nervous in her entire life....



Oliver blew a whistle and everyone became silent, all eagerly waiting for the tryouts to begin. His voice echoed throughout the field. "Welcome to the Gryffindor Quidditch Tryouts! I am very excited to see so many students here to support the team and am honoured to be welcomed back as the referree for this special event!" The students cheered and roared above his voice. "As the rules of the past tryouts, we will begin with testing all contestants on the most basic element....flying! We have 17 eager Gryffindors today, all competing for the role of Chaser! Only 8 will be chosen to compete in the semi-finals and the last 2 finalists will compete for the title! Let the games begin and may the best Gryffindor win!" The students roared as the contestants climbed onto their brooms and flew up into the sky.

The first event was to test all contestants on their ablilties on a broom. Rings were set up all over the field. "This is a test for speed and stamina! To be able to pass this test you must go through all the rings at the fastest time! The first 8 to finish this obstacle race will continue on! Please line up at the start and on my whistle you may begin!"

Eva flew down and hovered at the start line. She took a deep breath and focused on the ring in front of her. Her hands were shaking as she held tightly to her broom.

Suddenly, a sharp sound was ringing in their ears and they were off. Everyone bursted through the air and headed down the track. Eva was at the end of the line. She stumbled as she tried to concentrate.



"COME ON EVA!" Eva glanced to her left and saw Hermione screaming and waving at her.

Eva smiled then gained her balance and dashed off as the wind whipped her ponytail and her robes flowed behind her.

The crowd roared as 17 blurs rushed past them. Eva quickly gained speed and caught up, slowly passing each Gryffindor one by one...

The rings were all over the place and was difficult to manoeuvre through. Everyone had to sweve left and right and up and down. Some students stumbled as they tried to go through each ring and had lagged behind, but Eva dashed through the rings as if it was second nature to her, thanks to all the practice Oliver had gave her.

Soon, Eva was near the front as the final rings passed by, Ron was gaining speed right beside her. She glanced over and smiled. He looked over and grinned as they both dashed for the front. The last ring was 20 feet below them. They both dived for the ring and swerved out just in time to cross the finish line.

The crowd errupted as they slowed to a stop and landed on the ground by the finish line. Eva looked up at the crowd and smiled. She had made it through the first round. A hand clapped down onto her shoulder.

"That was bloody brilliant Eva! I've never seen anyone so good before!"

Eva turned and saw Ron smiling at her. "What are you talking about?! You were right beside me! If anyone was great it would have to be you!" They both laughed as Oliver and Harry came to congratulate the final 8 contestants.

Harry came over to Eva and Ron. "You guys were brilliant! Wow I never knew you can fly like that Eva! And you said you didn't know how to fly!"

Eva laughed. "I didn't! It's all thanks to Oliver here for helping me!"

Oliver grinned. "Great job! I knew you weren't going to disappoint me Eva! Hope both of you are ready for the next round!"

Eva and Ron grinned. "More than ever!"



The final 8 contestants were warming up for the next round. A couple of them were stretching and some were getting pep talk from their friends.

"Great job you two! You guys were brilliant!" Hermione had ran down from her seat to congratulate them.

Ron suddenly turned red. "Th..Thanks Hermione."

Eva giggled at the sight. "Thanks but it's not over yet! We've only passed the first round! Hope we get the same luck for the next round."

Oliver put a hand on Eva's shoulder. "Don't worry! You'll both do fine!" He patted her head while she laughed and gave him a playful shove. With that, he headed for the middle of the field to start the second round. "I would like to congratulate again the final 8 contestants who will enter the second round! For the second stage, a tournament will be held and will get harder and harder as the stages progresses. You will be paired off and play against each other. First person to get the Quaffle through the hoop 3 times will get to continue on. First game you will play will be an empty field with just you and the hoops. Get past that, and the second game will include Keepers to block and then the final game will also include Bludgers. There will be no Beaters to protect you from them. This will be a challenge to see how quick your thinking is when times are tough! Now that the rules are explained, let the tournament begin!"

The crowd cheered as the first game began between Eva and Michelle. Michelle smiled as she shook Eva's hand. "Good luck!"

Eva smiled. "Same to you!"

With that, both of them flew up into the sky and waited for the Quaffle and for the game to begin. Oliver walked towards the middle carrying the Quaffle in his arm. He looked up at both of them. "Rules are quite simple. Be the first to throw the Quaffle through the hoops at your end for 3 times. Are you ready?"

Eva and Michelle both nodded nervously. Oliver grinned and tossed the Quaffle. Both Eva and Michelle's eyes watched as the Quaffle was being thrown into the air. A whistle was blown and the game began.



Eva was quick but Michelle shoved her arm away as she grabbed the Quaffle and headed down the field. Eva frowned but quickly followed behind. The crowd cheered as the chase began.

Michelle shot down towards the field with Eva close behind. Suddenly Michelle halted in mid-air as Eva came from below her and knocked the Quaffle out of her arm. Eva caught the Quaffle and quickly turned around and headed down towards the other side. She pulled her arm back and aimed for the hoop.

"A GOAL FOR CHU!"

The crowd cheered. Even though Harry and Oliver couldn't be on sides, they couldn't help but smile for Eva.

Michelle quickly grabbed the Quaffle and headed down towards the other side. Eva once again followed close behind. Michelle quickly threw the Quaffle but was intercepted by Eva as she blocked her throw and rushed to the other side. Her flying skills were amazing and was too fast for Michelle...

"ANOTHER GOAL FOR CHU!"

Hermione leapt to her feet and started to cheer. "Go Eva!"

Michelle quickly grabbed the Quaffle and flew higher up. Eva didn't follow but stayed down right under her, not losing sight of Michelle or the Quaffle. Michelle couldn't see where Eva went and focused on looking ahead towards the hoops. Suddenly, Eva shot up and flew right in front of her, causing Michelle to stumble and lose the ball. Eva quickly caught the ball and darted through the air.

Eva could see the hoops...they were only a few feet away. Michelle had finally caught up and blocked Eva's way. Eva swerved to the left but Michelle followed. Eva swerved to the right but Michelle would still follow. Eva couldn't throw the Quaffle with her in front and Michelle was not going to let her go this easy and score again.

Suddenly, Eva grinned then shot up towards the sky. Knowing Michelle would follow, she suddenly stopped and turned her broom upside down. Eva was dangling upside down with the Quaffle in her arm. Michelle stopped and wondered what Eva was doing.

Harry stood up from the benches. "What is she up to?"



With Eva hanging onto her broom, the blood rushing to her head, she threw with all her might and the Quaffle went flying, right under Michelle...right into the hoop.....

"AND CHU SCORES! CHU WINS! 3-0!"

The crowd cheered as Eva bolted upright and shook her head. "Whew...made it."

Harry laughed. "Eva thinks of the weirdest things!"

Oliver grinned. "Since Michelle would catch the ball if Eva threw above her,she throws under her! She never ceases to amaze me...."

Ron was sitting on the benches behind Harry, cheering. "She's brilliant!" Suddenly, his smile faded. "Which means a bigger challenge for me..."

Harry turned around and lifted Ron out of his seat. "Come on! It's your turn now!"

Ron took a deep breath and headed down towards the middle of the field. Eva ran down towards the benches while high-fiving some of the students who came down to congratulate her. Eva spotted Ron and quickly ran towards him. "Hey Ron! Good luck! I better see you at the last round!"

Ron looked up and smiled at her. "Thanks and I better see you too!"

They shook hands, then Eva headed towards Harry. "Whew....that felt so great! Now I know why everyone loves Quidditch so much! That feeling up in the air....can't wait to get back on the field!"

Harry smiled but then it faded as he looked up to watch Ron's game. Eva looked up as well. Ron's game was about to start. She wanted to say something to Harry but couldn't find the words. She really wanted to be on the Quidditch team but....Ron.....she couldn't bare to watch. "Hey Harry I think I'm gonna grab a quick drink. I'll be right back ok?"

Harry turned around and gave her a confused look. "Oh...al..alright..."

With that Eva headed towards the girl's locker room.



"What am I going to do......" Eva leaned against the lockers and looked at the ground. She wanted to be on the Quidditch team more than anything...but so did Ron. She hated the fact that she might have to compete against a friend. She had one more game left till the final match. "This is so stupid!" She slammed her fist into a locker.

"What's so stupid?"

Eva quickly turned around. It was Hermione. "Her..Hermione? Shouldn't you be watching Ron's game?"

"Shouldn't you be asking the same question to yourself?" Hermione sat on the benches and motioned Eva to come sit down.

Eva reluctantly agreed and flopped down beside Hermione.

"What's wrong Eva? I saw you dash off when Ron's game was about to start."

Eva looked at the ground. "I...I just wanted to take a break...that's all...."

"You know Eva....Ron was just like this when he knew you were going to compete too."

Eva looked up at Hermione. "Huh?"

"He was scared that he had to compete against a friend. That's why he told me and Harry not to tell you that he was trying out. So you wouldn't lose concentration while practicing."

"R..Really?"

Hermione smiled and nodded. "Even though me and Harry both want you to win.... it's not worth it to break a friendship because of this. If one of you win, the other one will always back you up no matter what. That's what friends are for right?"

Eva smiled. "Thanks Hermione....don't know where I would be without you." She then hugged Hermione. She was so lucky to have a friend like her.

Hermione laughed. "Come on then! No use sulking around in here! Let's go watch Ron play!"

Eva grinned and started to head back down to the Quiddtich field with Hermione. "And hey! Maybe I could pick up a few pointers along the way."



"Hey you two!" Harry was relieved to see them. His eyes shifted towards Hermione but the look on her face told him everything was fine.

Eva smiled. "Hey! Sorry, had to step out for a moment....how's Ron doing?"

Harry grinned. "See for yourself."

Eva looked up in the sky. She spotted a small red head darting through the air with the Quaffle in his arm. He raced towards the end and aimed for the hoops......

"WEASLEY SCORES! AND THE MATCH GOES TO WEASLEY!"

The crowd roared. Eva couldn't help but smile. "Great job Ron."

Eva watched as Hermione ran out to the middle of the field where Ron had landed. Ron was bright red as he scratched the back of his head, embarassed with all the attention he was getting. He fell back as Hermione leapt and gave Ron a big hug.

Eva and Harry laughed as they went to catch up with Hermione. "Congratulations Ron! You were amazing!"

Ron was redder than ever. "Th..Thanks you guys..."

Harry smiled. "Well, you two should take a break and prepare for the next matches!"

Hermione turned to Eva and whispered in her ear. "I believe you guys need to talk a bit....." She winked then headed back to her seat in the stands. "Good luck you two! I'll be cheering you on!"

Eva put her arm around Ron's shoulder. "Come on Ron! Let's get a drink! See you later Harry!"



Eva took a sip from her bottle of water. "So....great job on your match today!"

Ron looked nervously at the ground. "Th..Thanks..."

Eva grinned. "You know....you don't have to be so nervous around me...just because we're competing doesn't mean we're not friends. It's just like chess. Hey, you beat me in every single game and I never got mad at you. I'm not gonna let a little thing like competition get in the way of our friendship."

Ron looked up and grinned. "What do ya mean you didn't get mad? You threw your king on the ground and started to yell at it when you lost!"

Eva looked around the room. "What are you talking about..."

Ron laughed and gave Eva a playful push. Eva pushed Ron back and laughed. "Hey! I said I didn't get mad at you! Doesn't mean I can't get mad at my chess peices!"

Ron laughed but then his expression turned more serious. "But you have to promise me you'll get to the last round...promise me you won't go easy on me."

Eva smiled. "I promise...but only if you promise that to me too!" She lifted her hand up.

Ron grinned and shook her hand. "I promise. May the best Gryffindor win!"



Eva and Harry jumped up from their seats. "YEA!" The crowd roared. Ron had won his second match, which means he's off to the final round.

"Congratulations Ron! Great job on those goals!"

"Thanks Eva! Good luck in your match! Remember our little promise!" Ron winked.

Eva smiled and nodded, then grabbed her broom and headed down towards the middle of the field. Her next match was against Josh. Everyone knew he was a great chaser. Eva started to get butterflies in her stomach again. She started to take deep breaths. "Just relax Eva......you'll do fine....gotta keep your promise..."

Josh was already there, waving to a bunch of girls. Josh was a handsome boy with bright blonde hair and shimmering blue eyes. She can see why he has a fanclub. Eva couldn't help but giggle. "I hope his skills aren't as good as his looks."

Josh noticed Eva and started to walk towards her. "So, you're the new student everyone's been talking about. Eva right? Nice to meet you! I'm Josh."

Eva blushed. "Nice to meet you too....."

Josh smiled. "Say, after this match can I treat you to a drink?"

"Ahem!"

Eva turned around and noticed Harry standing behind her. "If you dont' mind Josh, I believe your match is about to start."

"No prob Harry." He winked at Eva then lifted off the ground.

Harry frowned. "I don't trust that guy Eva....watch out for yourself."

Eva laughed. "Oh come on Harry....what is he going to do?" With that, she climbed onto her broom and lifted off from the ground.

Oliver was waiting in the middle. "Ok, same rules apply but there will be keepers on both ends. Accuracy and speed is a must to get past them. Best of luck to both of you." Suddenly, a whistle was blown and the Quaffle was up in the air.



Eva had no time to waste. She wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. She caught the Quaffle and raced towards the hoops. She saw the keeper up ahead, getting ready to block her shot. She swerved to the left and threw the Quaffle but Josh was quick and intercepted her shot. He quickly caught the Quaffle and raced towards his side. Eva frowned and followed him. He was a good chaser. Suddenly, he threw the Quaffle through the hoop. The keeper was too late.

"MASTERSON SCORES!" The group of girls cheered and screamed. "Go Josh! We love you!"

Ron looked at them with disgust. "Bloody hell...What a disgusting display of affection..."

Harry frowned. "Something doesn't seem right.... Eva could've easily blocked that shot."

Eva caught the Quaffle and quickly headed towards her end. Something was holding her back. Was she afraid to win this match? Did she not want to go on and compete against Ron?

Harry and Ron cheered her on. "Come on Eva!"

Eva looked down and spotted Ron in the benches. "The promise...."

Josh rushed beside her and tried to grab the Quaffle out of Eva's arm but Eva quickly dodged his attack and flew faster, swerving left and right, trying to lose Josh. The hoops were in range and she threw the Quaffle.

"AND CHU SCORES!"

Eva was playing with full confidence now. She can't let him win. She had to make the final round.



Eva quickly flew in front of Josh as he threw the Quaffle through the hoop. Quickly getting a hold of the Quaffle, she rushed to her end and swerved to the right just in time to throw the Quaffle through the hoop.

"CHU SCORES! 2-1!"

Josh caught the Quaffle and raced towards his end. Eva darted through the air and dived in front of Josh. Startled, Josh lost his hold on the Quaffle and it dropped from his arm. Suddenly, they both dived towards the ground. They were both neck to neck when Eva reached out and grabbed the Quaffle. Quickly, she pulled up from her dive and raced towards the hoops. Josh was too slow in pullling out and hit the ground. Eva turned around and saw Josh sprawled on the floor.

She flew down towards him when suddenly Oliver yelled to her. "Keep going! It's not over yet!"

Eva nodded and raced towards the hoop before scoring the final goal.

"THE SCORE ENDS WITH 3-1!" CHU WINS!"

The crowd cheered as Eva quickly flew down towards Josh. The group of girls were surrounding him, all sobbing and crying. When they saw Eva arrive, they all glared at her. Eva had no time to bicker with them and knelt down beside Josh. "Josh! You alright?!"

He sat up and rubbed his head. "I..I think so....what happened?"

Eva looked down at the ground when one of the girls spoke up. "Hmph! Eva scored when you were down! That is so unfair! She shouldn't be allowed to do that!"

Eva was embarassed. Maybe she shouldn't have scored when Josh fell.

Oliver rushed to her side. "I'm sorry girls but rules are rules, Eva scored fair and square. Josh's accident was not her fault."

"Out of the way! Out of the way!" Madam Pomfrey came rushing into the crowd and knelt beside Josh. "Nothing serious...just a broken leg. I'll fix it up in a jiffy. Out of the way girls!" She took out her wand and started to float Josh back to school. The girls gave one last deadly glare towards Eva then rushed off, following Madam Pomfrey and Josh.

Eva frowned. "Well, at least he's alright..."

Oliver smiled. "Don't worry too much about it...these things always happen."

Eva smiled back before seeing Harry, Ron and Hermione running towards them. "Congratulations Eva! I knew you were going on to the final round!"

Ron grinned. "Nice job you did on Josh!"

Hermione frowned and nudged him on the side. "What he means is, he's glad you made it!"

Eva looked at Ron and their smiles disappeared. There was no turning back now...this was it.... the final round was about to begin.

"We are finally down to our last match of today's tryouts! Our final participants are Ron Weasley and Eva Chu!" The crowd cheered while Oliver was about to start the final match. "As you all know, the person to score 3 goals first will be joining our Quidditch team and representing the Gryffindor house! This last match will require many skills that you have learned, in order to get past the Keepers and the nasty Bludgers! Remember, no Beaters will be on the field so be sure keep an eye out! Let the game begin!"

Eva climbed onto the broom and lifted off the ground, hovering in front of Ron. "Good luck!"

Ron smiled. "You too!" With that, they both looked at the ground, waiting for Oliver to throw the Quaffle. Eva's hands were shaking as she tried to hold onto her broom.

Oliver looked up and put the whistle to his lips. "May the best Gryffindor win!"

A sharp blow of the whistle and the Quaffle was in the air. Ron took the chance and grabbed the Quaffle, heading towards the hoop. Eva quickly followed. There was no doubt, Ron was a brilliant Chaser. He was fast and Eva had a hard time catching up.

Ron swerved this way and that, trying to dodge Eva as she flew up beside him, reaching for the Quaffle. With one last attempt, Eva knocked the Quaffle out of Ron's arms. He stumbled trying to regain his balance, when Eva caught the Quaffle and headed down towards her end. She could hear Ron gaining speed behind her and had no choice. She had to score. It was now or never.



She wrapped her left hand around the Quaffle and aimed for the middle hoop. The keeper kept a close watch on her, getting ready to block her shot. But something happened. Eva couldn't throw the Quaffle. That one moment gave Ron the oppurtunity to steal the Quaffle away. He raced towards his end and before Eva knew it, the Quaffle was thrown into the hoop.

"WEASLEY SCORES!"

As the crowd cheered, Ron quickly went up to Eva with an angry look on his face. "Never ever question your move! Even within a moment's notice, anything can happen! You promised me! You have to play your best!"

Eva was so embarassed. Ron was right. A thought had flashed through her head and she couldn't bare to throw the Quaffle. She couldn't make that mistake again.

Eva quickly headed for the Quaffle and held it in her arm before darting through the air. She could hear Ron behind her but suddenly heard a faint whizzing sound. A Bludger was approaching her. Eva waited for the Bludger to come closer, then quickly dived towards the ground, barely missing the attack. Ron, suprised by the oncoming Bludger, stumbled as he dodged the attack.

Eva quickly took the chance and aimed for the hoop.The Keeper dived to block the attack but the Quaffle had made it through.

"CHU GETS A GOAL! THE SCORE IS TIED! 1-1!"



Eva was getting fustrated. All this pressure on her was tiring and the game seemed to take forever to finish. The crowd seemed more quiet as the last round was beginning. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, silently waiting and speechless as they watched. In the game of Quidditch, anything can happen in just one second. In just a moment, the new Chaser will be declared.

Everything seemed to disappear as Eva and Ron flew through the air. The only thing Eva could see was Ron and the hoops, as she held the Quaffle tightly in her arms. All she could hear was the beating of her heart as she raced towards the hoop for one final throw.

Ron was not giving up easily. He stayed right beside Eva as he reached for the Quaffle. Eva swiftly flew up into the air, but realized the hoops were too far to reach so she dove towards the ground, trying hard to get Ron off her back. It was no use, Ron was still tailing behind her, determined to keep her away from the hoops.

Suddenly, Ron dove in front of her. Eva swerved to the right, trying to escape, but Ron would just block her way. She rose up into the air but so did Ron. Eva and Ron were stuck in the middle of the field. Eva couldn't pass Ron, and Ron couldn't get the Quaffle.

Suddenly, Ron glanced over Eva's shoulder and his eyes grew wide. "Look out!"

Eva turned around. She had forgotten about the Bludgers.



A sharp pain grew in her side as one of the Bludgers collided into her. She stumbled and fell off her broom as the Quaffle was dropped from her arms. Quickly, with an outstretched arm, she grabbed her broom, just in time to hang on. Eva desperately tried to climb back onto her broom as she dangled in the sky.

The crowd all got up from their seats, shouting and screaming. Harry's eyes grew wide as he saw Eva dangling onto her broom with one hand. "Eva!" He was about to run towards her when Oliver stopped him. He shook his head. "This is part of the game. Don't worry, she'll be fine." Harry was getting mad. "Are you crazy?! Look how high up from the ground she is! She'll get seriously hurt!" He looked up into the sky and watched as Eva desperately held onto her broom.

Ron flew down towards her. "Eva! Let me help you!" He reached out to grab a hold of Eva's arm.

"NO!" Eva pulled away. "This is part of the game! It was my fault that I was careless enough not to look out for the Bludger! Keep going! The game is not over yet!"

Ron frowned. "But Eva...."

Eva struggled as she pulled herself up. "GO!"

Ron had no choice. He flew towards the Quaffle, that was slowly falling to the ground, like it was sinking in water. He caught it in mid-air and flew towards the hoop.

Eva finally managed to get back onto her broom and dashed off towards Ron.

But she was too late.

The hungry hoop had waited long enough for the final Quaffle, and it had finally recieved it.

"WEASLEY SCORES! THIS WAS A CLOSE ONE FOLKS BUT THE FINAL MATCH GOES TO RON WEASLEY! THE NEW GRYFFINDOR CHASER!"

Eva stopped in mid-air as she realized what this all meant. She had lost.



Ron and Eva slowly lowered themselves down while everyone ran towards them. Eva didn't know what to feel. She felt mad at herself for working so hard and not winning, but at the same time she felt excited for Ron. She looked over at him, who was surrounded by Hermione and a crowd of students. She couldn't help but smile. Ron was finally getting the spotlight he deserves. The best Gryffindor did win.

"Eva!"

Eva turned around in time to see Harry and Oliver running towards her. "Hey you guys!"

Harry smiled. "That was an amazing game you played there! You were brilliant!"

Eva blushed. "Thanks...." She then saw Oliver staring at her and looked down at the ground. "Sorry for letting you down Wood...." She looked back up at him, expecting a disappointed look on his face, but Oliver just grinned.

"What are you talking about?! You were bloody brilliant up there! Even though you didn't win I'm still so proud of you!" With that, Oliver picked up Eva and gave her a big hug.

"Ow! Ow!" Eva forgot about the pain from the bludger attack earlier.

Oliver slowly let Eva down. "Are...Are you alright?"

Harry quickly went up beside her. "That was a nasty blow you had!" He laid his hand on her side and gently pressed it. "Does this hurt?"

Eva quickly backed away. "No...no...not really....don't worry I'm fine, probably just some bruised ribs...I'll be fine..." Eva started to blush.

Suddenly, Madam Pomfrey came rushing past the crowd and came to inspect Eva. "Oh dear, oh dear! How are you? Let me take a look...." She gently pressed her side.

"Ow! Ow!" Eva could feel a sharp sting going up and down her side.

"Not to worry dear just a couple of bruised ribs, you'll be fine by tomorrow. Just need to stay overnight in the hospital wing for you to heal. Come along now."

"Hey Eva!" Ron and Hermione had finally got out of the pack of students and started to run towards Eva. "Hey are you alright? I was so worried!"

Eva smiled. "Don't worry about anything, I'm fine!" She then turned towards Ron. "But anyways, congratulations Ron! That was a crazy match we had! Much more exciting than our chess matches but unfortunately you still manage to beat me!"

Ron didn't smile and looked down. "I was just lucky...."

Eva laughed. "Luck? More like talent to me! So you beat me again... it was tons of fun though! Thanks for everything...."

With that, she hugged Ron and left with Madam Pomfrey off the field. "I'll see you guys later!"



Eva had no time to talk to the crowd of students surrounding her, since Madam Pomfrey was quickly shooing her along. Suddenly, she was stopped as she accidently stumbled into someone.

"Whoops sorry I....." Eva looked up and frowned. It was Draco Malfoy himself.

"Can't get out of people's way Eva?"

Eva rolled her eyes. Great. When things just couldn't get worse. "What do you want Malfoy? So I didn't win. Go ahead, make fun of me all you want." Eva was waiting impatiently to hear a mouthful of insults from him but he just gave her a weird look.

"Well excuse me! Some people have places to go you know!" With that, he pushed past Eva and headed towards the other Slytherin students.

Eva was surprised Draco didn't say anything about her loss. Eva just shrugged it off and grinned. He was probably scared of her.

"Come along now Eva!"

With that, Eva was back to shoving her way through the crowd with Madam Pomfrey.

That night, after practically choking on the medicine Madam Pomfrey gave her, Eva laid in the hospital wing, staring up at the ceiling. It had been a long day but she just couldn't sleep. She was still a little disappointed, but figured a week of hard practice and dedication couldn't possibly beat years of experience. Besides, Ron deserves to be on the team. Eva sighed. Well, there's always next year.

Suddenly, she heard the door creak. She bolted up. "Madam Pomfrey? Is that you?" She looked around the room but no one was there. Quickly, she wrapped herself in her blanket. It was getting dark and she was in the hospital wing all by herself. "W..Who...Who's there?"



She quickly glanced around the room. Maybe it was just Peeves playing around with her. She whispered loudly into the empty air. "Stop it Peeves! You're not supposed to be here!" If there was one thing she hated, it was ghosts. Sure, some of them are friendly but it still sends a shiver down her spine. "Must remind myself to stop watching so many horror movies. I'm getting paranoid over nothing!"

Suddenly, a hand from behind her grasped onto her shoulder. Eva yelped and jumped from her bed. She fell but was caught and a hand was held over her mouth, preventing a sudden scream. Eva's eyes widen, as the hand slowly released her. "Ron? Hermione?" She looked behind to see who she fell into. "Harry? What are you all doing here? How did you get in here?" Her eyes glanced down at Harry's arm where a shimmering, silver cloak was held. "An invisibility cloak?" Of course, she should've known.

Harry smiled. "Sorry to startle you Eva. We had to sneak in here without getting noticed."

Eva sighed, and went back to her bed. "Well at least it's you guys, I thought you were Peeves for a moment. He gives me the creeps."

Ron put a finger to his mouth. "Shhh! If he hears that, you'll never hear the end of it! He'll be on to you for the rest of your days in Hogwarts!"

Eva shuddered. That wouldn't be pleasant. "So what are you guys doing here? Aren't you afraid you'll get caught?" What a stupid question, of course the answer is no, considering everything that happened to them the past few years.

Ron grinned. "What? Can't friends visit the sick?"

Hermione smiled. "We had a party in the commonroom earlier and it was a shame you couldn't attend, so we bought you a slice of cake, in case you were hungry." Hermione slipped her a small box. "It's really good. You should try it."

Eva smiled as she opened the box. Inside was a delicious piece of chocolate cake. "You guys are the best! I forgot I was starving!" Quickly she swiped her finger across the icing. "Yummy!" Eva started to laugh. "Thanks you guys."

Harry smiled. "Glad you like it. So how are you feeling? Any better?"

Eva set the cake on the nightstand. "Yep, never felt better! I should be back in action by tomorrow morning."

Hermione smiled. "That's great! You won't have to miss any classes then!"

Ron frowned. "How can you always manage to think of school all the time?"

Suddenly, they were interrupted when they heard someone in the hall.

Eva frowned. "That must be Madam Pomfrey checking up on me. You guys better go."

Harry frowned. "Already? Well I guess we should go....goodnight Eva." With that, the three of them draped themselves under the cloak until they disappeared and walked off towards the door and back to the Gryffindor tower.

Eva smiled. "Goodnight." Quickly, she fell back onto her bed and closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep as Madam Pomfrey came in, until she finally dozed off, not realizing her journey was just beginning.....

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