- Chapter 21 -

February 28, 1996

"It really would be wise for you to wear a helmet Eva, just to be sure," Fred says while winking at me. A big grin plastered on his face. George laughs.      

"Shut up, Weasley. Or I'll knock you off your broom when you're not paying attention." I say while giving him a playful push.

He places his hand over his heart, pretending to be hurt. "Ouch Black, that one hurt," He grins. "But we all know that is not going to happen,"

I look at him, faking my shocked look.

"How dare you, and why would it not?"

"Oh come on Black, we all know who the better quidditch player is here," He places his arm around me while continuing talking. "But don't worry, I will go easy on you of course and you can always pull George off his broom, he won't be that difficult,"

I push him off of me while laughing. George gives his brother a faked hurt expression. "Ouch and here I thought my brother would actually acknowledge my skills." He says while shoving Fred aside who then bumps into me and places his arms around both our shoulders. We continue on our walk towards the quidditch field like this.

It's a cold day outside. The sun is shining although the sunshine has nothing against the cold wind. The wind immediately bites into my exposed skin when we enter the courtyard. I haven't seen Aris this morning. Lola told me he had gone to the quidditch pitch early in the morning in order to get a bit of extra practice in. That boy really does the most, he would probably crucio himself if we lost today. Lola and Pete have already made their way towards the stands, while I stayed behind to get myself ready. I know Pete would rather read a book, which he probably has brought with him, but I'm still grateful for his, and Lola's, support.

When we almost reach the field and the changing rooms in which we will need to meet up before the game, Harry comes running towards us. His broom already in hand and uniform on.

"Fred, George, how come you are always the last ones here? get your ass in the changing room!" He gives Fred and George a warning look. I smile, I like seeing Harry all serious and strict, it's quite funny since it really does not suit his personality.

Fred and George look at each other and then salute Harry at the exact same moment. "Yes sir," They call in unison.

They quickly turn around and give me both a hug while wishing me good luck before taking off towards their changing room.

"Good luck guys, but not too much!" I shout after them.

I smile at Harry and wish also him good luck before making my own way towards the changing room.

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I'm currently soaring through the sky, feeling the wind against my skin. My stomach going wild every time I speed up or go down. I'm completely enchanted by what is called flying. I forget everything around me. My focus lies only on the quaffle and the sky. I have noticed Severus standing in the audience, keeping his eyes trained on me. I have tried ignoring him, so far it went as well as it could go.

I focus my thoughts on the game again and notice that Emma Adams, a chaser on the Slytherin team, has managed to steal the quaffle from a Gryffindor chaser. She is soaring through the sky straight at the big hoops. I notice two chasers from the Gryffindor team advancing on her from my side. I quickly up my speed and soar around the two chasers straight at the hoops, which are now free except for the keeper. Emma quickly notices me and throws the quaffle my way. I catch it and immediately advance on the most far-right hoop. I am almost in front of the keeper, who has decided to block the hoop with his entire body when I quickly dodge him towards the left and throw the quaffle. It strikes right through the middle hoop which makes it 60-50 for Slytherin.

I can hear the crowd on my right going wild. The Slytherins are wildly clapping their hands and yelling all sorts of stuff. I can hear go snakes and go home Gryffindor coming from the Slytherin side. The other houses are all booing, which was expected. Although I know that Slytherin is the least wanted candidate for the quidditch cup, I can't help but feel proud and happy when I score or we win. It doesn't really matter to me on which team I play, as long as I get to play. I am laughing and sweating while looking around, some of my teammates have come to me to give me a high-five or simply complimented me. I look around and my eyes immediately find him, my smile quickly falters. I shake my head in order to relieve myself of the feeling those onyx eyes evoke in me and continue my way on with the game. I quickly make for one of the chasers on the Gryffindor team.

"Gryffindor wins!" Lee Jordan shouts from the stands. Three quarts of the stands burst out in applause and celebrations. Harry has caught the snitch, that stupid Malfoy can't do shit, and Gryffindor has won with 220 against our 110. I managed to score a total of 7 times. I'm quite content with the game and the way we played, if it wasn't for Harry we definitely could've won. But I got to give it to him, the boy has talent.

I give some of my teammates a few compliments, give Malfoy a death-stare, and then descend my broom. The Gryffindor team has already gathered on the field and is celebrating together with some other students. I make for the changing rooms but I soon stop in my tracks when I notice a black figure standing beside one of the big stands, waiting for me. 

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I look at Severus. He is leaning against one of the large pillars holding up the stands. His eyes are fixed on mine, insinuating me to come to him. I stand perplexed, I don't know what to do. It's like my feet have a mind of their own and don't want to move even though I want them to. Why is he waiting for me? What if he just wants to give me detention or something, although that would be weird because I haven't done anything to my knowledge? All sorts of thoughts soar through my mind. After a few minutes, it seems that my feet have neglected their independence and I can walk again. I start to walk towards him but before I can as much as walk 10 steps I get stopped by somebody yelling my name.

"Eva, wait up!"

I turn around and find Fred running towards me, his broom in hand. A big smile is plastered on his face, which quickly changes to a smug one once he reaches me, and his hair is all ruffled. I roll my eyes at him.

"Of course, you would not throw away the opportunity to rub in the fact that you have won, and I have lost," I say. I can't hide my smile though when I look at the boy in front of me. His happiness and enthusiasm are sparkling off him like sunshine. He must be very proud.

He bumps my shoulder with his fist. "Ah come on now, Eva. We all knew this was going to happen" He says while winking at me.

I snort. "Yeah sure, if it wasn't for Harry's goddamn talent we could've easily beat you, and you know it," I state.

He gives me a fake shocked look. "Ouch Black, that hit me right in the feels. You just can't accept the fact that I'm better than you can you?" He laughs. 

"You wish, Weasley," I say while rolling my eyes. My eyes fall briefly on Severus' figure which is still leaning against the pillar, waiting for me. I really should get out of here.

"Ah don't worry Eva, I can teach you if you want," He says, laughing. I join in.

After a few seconds, he stops and pulls me in for a hug. "You know, you really did play great today," He whispers in my ear.

I can feel my cheeks heating up. "Thanks, Weasley, you weren't so bad yourself." He huffs while pulling back. Once Fred's arms have left me I immediately turn my gaze back to Severus. He is looking at me, fury clear in his eyes. He quickly turns around and storms off towards the castle.

Shit, I think. That wasn't my intention. God, it must have looked bad now I think of it, although it's not even like that. I need to tell him that. Just when he finally wants to talk or make up, who knows, I go and screw things up. Again. I curse myself under my breath.

Just as I want to excuse myself and follow him, George and Harry come rushing towards us. Both smiling broadly. I immediately get overtaken by more hugs. I look over Harry's shoulder, who is now hugging me instead of George, and see Severus' figure disappear into the castle.

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I love Fred, if you couldn't already tell lmao. I really think being friends with the twins would be like everything one needs in life. Okay enough about me lol, hope you enjoyed:)

Love, Irs