[CHAPTER 34]

───🦋･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.🦋───

───🦋･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.🦋───

TITLE   : FIRE ON THE PITCH

THE AIR BUZZED WITH excitement as the Gryffindor and Slytherin teams took their positions on the Quidditch pitch. The stands were packed, students waving banners and scarves, the roaring cheers of the houses echoing through the stadium.

Ellie adjusted her grip on her broomstick, her heart pounding in her chest as she hovered above the field. She had played in matches before, but something about this one felt different. Maybe it was the intensity of the rivalry. Maybe it was the way Mattheo kept glancing at her before the match started, as if silently telling her to be careful.

She rolled her shoulders, trying to shake off the nerves.

This was just another game.

The whistle blew, and the match began.

The Quaffle was thrown into play, and Ellie surged forward, her eyes locked on the red ball. Pansy snatched it first, dodging a Slytherin Chaser before passing it to Ellie.

Ellie caught it smoothly, weaving through the air, her body moving instinctively. She ducked under a Bludger, twisted her broom sharply, and sent the Quaffle flying toward Daphne.

"Nice one, Ellie!" Pansy called as Daphne sped forward, aiming for the goalposts.

The gryffindor Keeper barely managed to deflect the shot, sending the Quaffle back into the chaos of the game. Ellie turned her broom, ready to grab it, when suddenly—

WHAM!

Something slammed into her side, sending her spiraling.

A gryffindor Chaser had flown into her at full speed, his shoulder crashing against hers, nearly knocking her off her broom. She barely managed to hold on, her breath leaving her in a sharp gasp as she steadied herself.

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!"

Mattheo's voice rang across the pitch, filled with pure fury.

Ellie blinked, still gripping her broom tightly. She had heard Mattheo yell before—he was their captain, after all—but never like this.

She turned just in time to see Mattheo zooming toward the gryffindor player, his expression thunderous.

"You think that was fair, huh?" Mattheo barked, pointing an accusing finger at the Chaser, who only smirked.

"Didn't see her there, Riddle," the gryffindor replied lazily, his tone mocking.

Mattheo scoffed. "Oh, bollocks—"

"Riddle, GET BACK TO YOUR POSITION!" the referee shouted, trying to regain control.

Mattheo's jaw clenched. His eyes were still locked on the Gryffindor, his entire body tense with rage.

Ellie swallowed. She had been playing Quidditch for years, and she had taken her fair share of hits, but Mattheo's reaction—his anger—sent something strange twisting in her stomach.

Was he... mad because of her?

Before she could process it, Mattheo turned his gaze to her.

"Ellie, you alright?" His voice was lower now, concerned.

She nodded, shaking off the lingering dizziness. "I'm fine."

Mattheo didn't look convinced, his eyes scanning her for any signs of real injury. Then, finally, he gave a sharp nod.

"Alright," he muttered. "But if that prick tries anything again, I swear—"

She bit back a smile. "Relax, Riddle. Focus on keeping the goals out."

Mattheo huffed, clearly still irritated, but he turned back toward the Slytherin goalposts, though not without shooting one last glare at the gryffindor player.

The game continued, but Ellie couldn't shake the way her heart had flipped when Mattheo yelled for her.

───🦋･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.🦋───