Through the Pages of Time: Joey’s Hogwarts Tale

The heavy rain showed no signs of stopping, despite Ryan's obvious displeasure. By the time the stands were filled with spectators, the rain had turned into a torrential downpour.

Wood was a nervous wreck, mixing up everyone's names. He even called Charlie "Wood" twice, clearly forgetting who the real captain was.

"Joey, when you swing, aim for that Slytherin's face! He always aims Bludgers at me!" Wood said, addressing Fred instead of Joey.

"Oh, sure thing, Brother Wood!" Fred replied in a high-pitched voice, imitating Joey.

Joey kicked Fred's leg and grinned. "I'm not calling anyone 'brother'!"

The team burst into laughter, easing some of the tension. Wood's smile was still strained as he kept glancing at the stands and gripping his broom tightly.

Charlie patted his shoulder. "Don't stress. Win or lose, it's just a game."

Wood swallowed hard. "Captain, don't leave the school, okay? I can't do this alone."

"You're not alone," Charlie said, gesturing to the team. "They might not look reliable, but they're the best you've got."

Wood sighed. "What if we lose?"

"Next year, you'll have even better players," Charlie said as the whistle blew. "Captain Wood, it's time to fight."

Wood took a deep breath, turned to the team, and shouted, "Let's go crush those snakes!"

The team roared and charged onto the pitch, their spirits unbroken by the relentless rain.

---

The rain was so heavy that Joey could barely see the stands, but the cheers from the crowd sent a surge of adrenaline through her. This was what she lived for—flying, competing, winning!

Lee Jordan, finally free from the crowd, had secured the commentator's seat. As the Gryffindor team emerged, he enthusiastically announced each player's name, his voice echoing across the pitch. His tone was noticeably more excited than when he'd introduced Slytherin.

"Look! It's George Weasley! How do I know? Because the other one's always trailing behind a girl! And here comes Joey Forest! What a star! And, of course, Fred Weasley is right behind her. Oh, what a stubborn little thing!"

Lee's playful commentary drew laughter from the crowd, even as Professor McGonagall reminded him to focus on the game.

Joey felt a rush of pride as she flew around the pitch. She finally understood why Gryffindor players always flew past the Slytherin stands with such determination. The Slytherins had unfurled green umbrellas spelling out "LOSER" and hissed as the Gryffindors passed.

Thankfully, the twins hadn't brought their Slytherin-themed marshmallows this time. Joey thought.

As Madam Hooch blew the whistle, Charlie caught the Quaffle and passed it to Joey. But before she could secure it, a Slytherin player knocked her off course. Joey barely managed to stay on her broom.

"Think you belong here, hillbilly?" sneered Dalton Shafiq, Slytherin's Seeker, as he snatched the Quaffle.

Joey glared at him. "Better than a coward who only bullies juniors!" She accelerated, flying over him and stealing the Quaffle back. With a sharp turn, she sped toward Slytherin's hoops and scored.

"Beautiful move, Joey! Shafiq, don't underestimate our Gryffindor girls!" Lee's voice rang out, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Shafiq's face darkened as he chased after Joey, but a Bludger shot toward him, forcing him to brake. Fred hovered nearby, smirking as he tapped his bat against his palm.

"Hey, why are you always chasing a girl? She's not the Snitch," Fred called out.

Shafiq glared at him. "Nosy people tend to die miserable deaths. Last year's incident didn't teach you that, Weasley?"

Fred feigned fear. "Oh, I'm shaking! By the way, I'm Fred Weasley. Don't get me mixed up with my brother when you come looking for a fight."

Shafiq sneered. "I'll remember that."

---

Joey, unaware of the exchange, continued to attack Slytherin's hoops with Charlie. Despite being hit by Bludgers multiple times, she pushed through the pain, determined to keep going.

The rain made it nearly impossible for the Seekers to spot the Snitch. The score was 120-230 in Gryffindor's favor, but the game dragged on as both Seekers struggled.

"Angelina, find the Snitch or I'll die of exhaustion!" George shouted.

Joey, clutching the Quaffle, noticed Shafiq suddenly accelerate toward the rightmost hoop. Realizing he must have seen the Snitch, she yelled, "Angelina, follow me!" and took off after him.

Shafiq glared at Joey as she caught up. "You're not a Seeker! Get out of my way!"

Joey threw the Quaffle toward the hoop and positioned herself in front of Shafiq, blocking his path. She was determined to be his obstacle.

Shafiq hesitated for a moment, then pulled up sharply, flying past Joey toward the Snitch. Joey, realizing she was about to fall, braced herself for impact.

In the stands, Ryan saw the black dot falling from the sky and immediately knew it was Joey. He pushed through the crowd, desperate to reach her.

Fred, however, was faster. He dove toward Joey, catching her mid-air. "Got you!" he said with a grin.

But the impact was too much for his old broom. They tumbled through the air, landing in the muddy ground with Fred cushioning Joey's fall.

Fred winced but forced a smile. "Am I a hero now?"

Joey, tears mixing with the rain, punched his shoulder lightly. "You idiot! You could've been hurt! I was supposed to be the hero today!"

Fred laughed weakly. "Couldn't let you have all the glory."

At that moment, Lee's voice crackled over the speakers. "Slytherin's Seeker caught the Snitch! They win 270-230!"

Joey barely registered the announcement. She carefully climbed off Fred, her heart aching as she saw him wince in pain. "Help! He's hurt!" she shouted to the figures running toward them in the rain.