Chapter 2

The Seekers Challenge

Orion quickly helped Neville to his feet as everyone else scrambled to stand up. They had arrived on what appeared to be a deserted stretch of misty moor. In front of them were two grumpy-looking wizards, one was holding a large gold watch and the other had a thick roll of parchment and a quill. Both had tried to dress in Muggle attire but failed miserably. Out of the corner of his eye, Orion noticed Hermione and Rose were trying to hold back their laughter.

“Morning, Basil,” Mr. Weasley said as Remus handed the boot over.

“Hello there, Arthur,” the man with the parchment said as he threw the boot into a large box of used Portkeys beside him. “Not on duty, eh? It’s all right for some…We’ve been here all night…You’d better get out of the way, we’ve got a big party coming in from the Black Forest at five fifteen. Hang on, I’ll find your campsite…Weasley…Weasley…” His eyes scrolled down his parchment. “About a quarter of a mile’s walk over there, first field you come to. Site manager’s called Mr. Roberts. Diggory…Diggory…oh! You’re near the stadium…one field over to the right…ask for Mr. Samson.”

“Thanks, Basil,” Mr. Weasley said and motioned for everyone to follow him. “How did you get so close, Amos? Places that close are supposed to be reserved for player’s families.”

“Don’t look at me,” Mr. Diggory said with a shrug as they set off across the deserted moor. “That’s all Remus and Orion. I claim ignorance.”

Orion could feel the stares on his back but didn’t acknowledge them. Thankfully no one asked the obvious question. They just kept on walking. After nearly twenty minutes, a small stone cottage next to a gate came into view. Beyond the house were hundreds and hundreds of tents, rising up the steady slope of a large field toward a dark forest on the horizon. Orion and Neville waved goodbye to Hayden, Hermione, Ron and Rose before continuing on with Remus, Cedric and Mr. Diggory. They still had quite a walk before they were close to their destination.

It was almost an hour before they reached their area just beyond the forest which was heavily decorated in black and red. Most of the tents looked Muggle except for the addition of chimneys, bellpulls or even weather vanes. In the far distance, Orion thought he could make out something that resembled a palace. The sight made Orion wonder how in the world Muggles didn’t know about the magical world. Some people weren’t even trying to blend in.

Mr. Samson ended up being a rather friendly squib that had no problem with the occasional display of magic. If anything, he was grateful to see someone who spoke English fluently that he even showed the ‘Diggory’ group to their spot. It really wasn’t hard to find. It was the only spot of land that was empty with a here with a small sign hammered into the ground that read RESERVED.

Around them, people stared and whispered in a foreign tongue, especially when Remus pulled out the sign. With quick glance, Orion noticed that they were the only ones who could possibly pass for Muggles. Everyone else was either wearing robes or Quidditch shirts. There were posters of Viktor everywhere, almost blinding all of them. Orion couldn’t help noticing how serious Viktor looked in every single poster. It really wasn’t surprising. Viktor really didn’t like having his picture taken.

The whispers stopped as Mr. Diggory quickly emptied his pockets and knelt down. After a quick glace around, he pulled out his wand and enlarged everything. Backpacks and a tent quickly grew to normal size. With another flick of the wand, the tent was set up and everything had been stowed inside.

“All right then,” Mr. Diggory said with a smile. “Let’s get you two to the stadium.”

Orion followed him excitedly as he pulled the chain off from around his neck and handed it to Remus. With a swish and a tap, the charm shifted and grew until it was his Firebolt once again. It wasn’t long before they were in the shadow of the gigantic stadium. Staring at the structure, Orion felt a burst of nervousness. He had known the stadium would be big—but not that big. It must’ve been at least ten times the size of the pitch at Hogwarts.

“A hundred thousand people will fit in there,” Mr. Diggory said happily. “And to think my son will be flying—”

“—Dad,” Cedric interrupted weakly. “Please, don’t start.”

“Ah, I believe I’ve spotted the representative,” Remus said in an amused tone. “Hello Alek. I’m surprised to see you here.”

Orion followed Remus’ gaze to see a tall man with short dark hair dressed in a three piece suit. His thin framed glasses reflected the sunlight in a way that made it difficult to maintain eye contact. Even though the man was dressed in complete Muggle attire, his choice of attire made him seem more out of place than those who couldn’t coordinate Muggle clothes properly.

“Remus,” Alek said in accented English with a smile as he reached out and shook Remus’ hand. “It’s been too long.” His gaze shifted to Orion. “Orion, look at you! I can’t believe you’re the little boy vho managed to fly through the main manor to chase a Snitch vithout breaking anything.”

“Amos, Cedric, Neville, this is Alek Modev,” Remus said with a smile. “He’s Ivan Krum’s assistant—been with the family for at least fifteen years.”

Alek nodded a hello to Mr. Diggory, Cedric and Neville. “You’re making me sound old, my friend,” he said before ushering Remus forward. “Follow me. Both teams actually just arrived. There vill be a short varmup and then they vill leave the field. Your boys vill be allowed ten minutes to fly around before the crowd is allowed in. There have been some requests for pictures—”

“—maybe after the Challenge,” Remus interrupted gently before resting a hand on Orion’s shoulder. “I have a feeling they’d rather focus on that rather than trying to smile on command.”

Alek nodded. “Understandable. I vill be vith the boys every step of the vay. Mr. Krum vanted to make sure you vere vell taken care of.”

“And we appreciate it,” Remus said sincerely. “Since we still have some time, how about we check out our seats.”

“Of course, Remus,” Alek said eagerly. “Just follow me.”

Alek led them to the nearest entrance where a Ministry witch was waiting. They waited as Alek pulled something that looked like an identification badge out of his suit jacket pocket. The witch looked at the badge for only a moment before stepping aside to let them enter. The stairs into the stadium were carpeted in rich purple which continued upwards inside the stadium. At every landing, there were doors on the left and right that led to the stands. But they continued on. Finally, at the highest point of the stadium, they walked through the door to the right and stepped into a small box that was situated between the golden goal posts.

“The box on the left vill have our Minister and yours,” Alek said as he stepped out of the way. “Sir, Madam, your guests have arrived.”

There were only two of the twenty purple and gilt chairs that were occupied. Both of the figures stood and turned with smiles on their faces. Mr. Krum looked like an older Viktor with short dark hair and a hooked nose. Mrs. Krum was only as tall as Mr. Krum’s shoulder with long dark hair pulled back in an elegant style.

“Remus!” Mr. Krum exclaimed with a smile as he walked around his chair and shook Remus’ hand. “It’s been too long. I vas thinking ve vould never see you again.”

Remus laughed. “I’m afraid recent events have kept us close to home,” he said then glanced back at the rest of the group. “Let me introduce Amos Diggory and his son Cedric.”

Mr. Diggory stepped forward and shook Mr. Krum’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said excitedly. “Remus has told me so much about you.”

Mr. Krum eyed Remus warily. “Is that so?” he said cautiously.

Remus shrugged his shoulders. “I had to explain how Orion and Viktor knew each other. With Viktor’s latest status, everyone’s claiming to be his friend.” Mr. Krum nodded in understanding so Remus moved on. “This is Neville Longbottom and I’m sure you remember Orion.”

Mr. Krum nodded at Neville before smiling widely at Orion. “I see Viktor isn’t the only one vho’s grown,” he said as he shook Orion’s hand. “Ve are very eager to see you fly today.”

Orion returned the smile while trying to push down the nervousness that was growing inside him. Perhaps this wasn’t going to be as fun as he originally thought. How many people were going to compare his flying to Viktor’s? No, don’t think about that. Just have fun. That’s the only way to do this.

It wasn’t long before Alek led Orion and Cedric down to the field. Both were given their shirts with the Hogwarts emblem on the back and Cedric was given his Firebolt. Cedric was silent for the whole thing, a clear sign that his nervousness was winning out. Orion could understand the feeling. To think that the entire stadium would be full…No, don’t think about that!

When the Irish team finished their practice, Orion could only watch with wide eyes as the Irish as they filed out towards the changing rooms on the opposite side. This certainly wasn’t going to be like any game he had seen at Hogwarts. Inhaling deeply, Orion mounted his broom and took off, the Firebolt taking him up in the blink of an eye. All his worries were left on the ground. The air against his face, the freedom...Orion couldn’t help himself.

He flew without a care in the world.

He dived, swerved, flipped, and soared until a felt something rush past him. A grin formed on Orion’s face. If Cedric wanted to race then they’d race. Lowering himself on his broom, Orion took off after Cedric. They flew through one set of goal hoops to the others. The height and weight difference was a slight advantage for Orion but Cedric always seemed to shift course just enough so Orion couldn’t catch him. When he was close enough, Orion could have sworn he noticed a wide grin on Cedric’s face. At least Cedric was enjoying himself.

A whistle blew loudly, ending the game of tag. Looking down, Orion and Cedric saw Alek standing in the middle of the field. Both sharply dived, racing each other to the ground. Cedric pulled out first and Orion pulled out just in time. Hoping off his broom, Orion grinned up at Alek who looked extremely pale.

“The public vill be entering soon,” Alek said with a shaky breath. “I suggest ve retreat to the changing rooms until the Challenge begins.”

As the followed Alek, Orion nudged Cedric in the side. “So what did you think?” he asked excitedly.

Cedric eyed Orion for a moment before answering. “It was bloody brilliant until you tried to kill yourself,” he said evenly.

Orion looked hurt. “I had everything under control,” he protested. “We’ve been flying all summer. I think we both know our limits.”

Cedric sighed as they stepped off the field and into the tunnel that led to the changing rooms. “You know Remus is going to kill you if you pull any dangerous stunts,” he said wearily.

Orion shrugged. “Remus trusts me,” he said confidently. “At least we don’t have to worry about Bludgers.”

“True,” Cedric admitted as they stopped just outside of one of the changing rooms.

Voices could be heard but Alek made no movement to step inside. Judging from the foreign tongue, Orion assumed they were standing outside the changing room of the Bulgarian team. The voices steadily multiplied from the opposite direction. Almost a hundred thousand witches and wizards were currently taking their places in the seats. This was the hard part—waiting. This was when excitement and nerves could ruin everything.

It wasn’t long before the door to the changing room furthest from them opened. A tall, light brown haired, pale green eyed young man stepped out wearing a red shirt and holding a Firebolt in one hand. His eyes quickly fell on Orion and Cedric before a smile broke on his face.

“Now that looks familiar,” Aidan Lynch said in a thick Irish accent as he approached then shook Cedric’s hand followed by Orion’s. “Pre-game nerves. They never go away, mind you. You just get better hiding them.”

“Well at least we’re not alone,” Cedric muttered.

Aidan shrugged his shoulders. “You’re thinking about this the wrong way. I’m looking at the Challenge as a way to get rid of our nerves before the actual game begins.”

The door to the other changing room opened revealing a tall, thin and sallow man with dark hair and eyes, wearing a red shirt like Aidan’s. He had Mr. Krum’s curved nose but Mrs. Krum’s round shoulders. He looked exactly like the posters everyone had outside the stadium. It made Orion wonder what had ever happened to the energetic early teenager who would dare a young Orion to try the craziest of stunts.

A smirk appeared on Viktor’s face as soon as he noticed Orion. “Vell look at you, Orion,” he said with the same accent as his father. “I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Orion snorted. “Look who’s talking Mr. Quidditch Star,” he shot back.

Viktor scowled before shifting his attention to Cedric and offering his hand. “You must be Cedric Diggory,” he said as Cedric reached out and shook his hand. “Orion has told me much about you.”

Cedric cast Orion a curious glance. “I can assure you that most of it is probably exaggerated,” he insisted.

Orion rolled his eyes in exasperation as he turned to face the mouth of the tunnel. Cedric really needed to learn how to accept a compliment. “So how long do we have to wait?” he asked curiously.

Viktor and Aidan shared a glance before Alek spoke up. “Another half hour, I believe,” he said checking his watch. “Shall I make an inquiry?”

“No, Alek,” Viktor said with a smile. “Ve can vait. Maybe it vould be best if ve discussed a game plan.” Orion and Cedric stared at Viktor incredulously. “Vhat I mean is that even though ve aren’t allowed to do anything dangerous, we still have to do something to keep the crowd entertained.”

Aidan was the first to catch on. “What do you have in mind?” he asked.

Viktor shrugged his shoulders. “Orion, do you still fly—”

“—like someone with a death wish?” Cedric interrupted. “You better believe it. You should have seen some of the tricks he tried to pull this summer.”

Orion couldn’t help feeling offended. “Excuse me!” he protested. “I had everything under control.”

Viktor grinned. “I thought so. Ve may have to vork vith that. The Vonski Feint is not allowed but that doesn’t mean ve can’t do something similar.”

Aidan and Cedric looked extremely apprehensive. “What sort of something?” Aidan asked.

Orion and Viktor shared a knowing look before grinning. “We’ll think of something,” Orion answered. “Just follow our lead.”

Aidan and Cedric shared a worried look which was understandable. Trusting Orion and Viktor on nothing but faith was asking a lot but it wasn’t exactly something they could predict. It all depended on the Snitch just like any other Quidditch game. If the Snitch decided to hide for a while, Orion and Viktor would most likely play a game of ‘top this trick’. Orion could only hope that didn’t happen for too long. He didn’t think he had enough tricks to compete with someone like Viktor.

Orion was still mentally visualizing possibilities when a loud, echoing voice broke into his thoughts.

“Ladies and gentlemen…welcome! Please find your seats! The Seeker’s Challenge will begin momentarily!”

Orion frowned. He knew that voice. “Was that Ludo Bagman?” he asked.

Cedric nodded. “He’s the Head of Magical Games and Sports so he was the obvious choice to be the announcer. I just hope he managed to keep his mouth shut about us. He never was good at keeping secrets.”

Orion had to agree to that. Sirius had always said that Ludo Bagman had taken one too many Bludgers to the head from his Quidditch days as Beater for the Wimbourne Wasps. Orion knew that Bagman wasn’t the best person to have as a head of department. He didn’t pay enough attention to matters that most would—like one of his workers disappearing while on vacation—but his popularity from his Quidditch days seemed to make people look the other way most of the time.

As a group, they walked to the mouth of the tunnel, staying in the shadows so they couldn’t be seen. Orion nudged Cedric only to receive a nudge in return. It wasn’t much but it would be enough. They were in this together and would do what they could. That was the best they could hope for.

Bagman’s loud voice snapped them all to attention. “And now, without further ado, the Seeker’s Challenge!” Cheers filled the stadium. “First off, the home team…please give a warm welcome to sixteen-year-old Cedric Diggory from Hogwarts!”

“Here goes nothing,” Cedric muttered as he mounted his broom and took off into the air before vanishing into the sunlight.

The cheers hadn’t begun to diminish before Bagman was speaking again. “Also for the home team…fourteen-year-old Orion Black from Hogwarts!”

That’s my cue. Orion jumped on his broom and took off, holding the tip as if he were riding a surf board. The crowd was a mass of colors and nothing more. With the air rushing past his ears, it was easy to ignore the noise they were making. As soon as Orion was high enough, he released the tip of his broom, steering with his feet for a quarter of a lap around the stadium before jumping into a one-hand-handstand. He held onto the broom tightly with his left hand while grapping onto his right ankle with his right. Twisting his shoulders quickly, he dropped to a normal sitting position and flew to Cedric’s side.

“Now, for the world team…from Ireland, Aidan Lynch!” Bagman announced.

Aidan sped out of the tunnel like spell being shot from a wand. The cheering intensified as Aidan zigged and zagged until he took his position opposite of Cedric. Orion took the chance to glance around. Everything seemed to be bathed in a strange golden light that could only come from the stadium itself. Rows upon rows of people stood on their feet cheering underneath a handful of large boxes on one side like the one Remus, Neville, Mr. Diggory and the Krums were sitting in. On the opposite side was a gigantic blackboard. Gold writing kept dashing across it only to disappear a moment later to be replaced by something else.

“And now, our final participant in the Seeker’s Challenge…Vic—tor Krum!”

The cheering reached deafening levels as Viktor sprang out of the tunnel like a sling shot. It was hard to follow him but Orion could only laugh as Viktor leveled out and kicked his feet up so he was in an arched handstand. The first time Viktor had tried that it hadn’t been as successful. It had ended up with Mrs. Krum threatening to burn Viktor’s broom if he ever tried it again. Obviously, Viktor hadn’t listened.

As soon as Viktor joined Aidan, Bagman spoke again. “For the Seeker’s Challenge, the first team to catch the Snitch twice wins. And here, all the way from Egypt, our referee for the Challenge and the World Cup, acclaimed Chairwizard of the International Association of Quidditch, Hassan Mostafa!”

Orion looked down and saw a tiny man, his bald head gleaming in the sunlight, strode out onto the field. He was carrying a small box in one hand and a broomstick in the other. The crowd fell silent as Mostafa mounted his broomstick and kicked off. He rose quickly until he was hovering between the teams. All four players readied themselves. Mostafa seemed to be moving in slow motion until the box was finally opened and the Snitch was free. As soon as he blew his whistle, they were off.

Orion took off after the Snitch with Viktor immediately on his side, Cedric and Aidan following behind. The golden light from the stadium reflected off the Snitch, making it almost easy to follow…until the Snitch took off upwards. Orion pulled up but the sun completely blinded him. Squinting, Orion couldn’t see any sign of the Snitch.

Bagman’s words echoed throughout the stadium as Orion slowed to a stop. “Oh, so close!”

Cedric was quickly at Orion’s side. “I’ll take the other end,” he said then eyed Orion suspiciously. “Don’t do anything thick, all right?”

Orion rolled his eyes and watched Cedric fly away before focusing on finding the Snitch again. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Viktor and Aidan repositioning themselves to be between Orion and Cedric. It was a good strategy. This meant if either Orion or Cedric spotted the Snitch they would be blocked off from their teammate.

Glancing over his shoulder at the goal posts, Orion saw glimmer of gold in the sunlight and took off without a second thought.

“Look at Black!” Bagman cried. “He’s spotted something! And Krum and Lynch are on his tail! Look at them go!”

The Snitch sharply dived and Orion followed the path. He was slowly gaining but Viktor and Aidan were slowing gaining on him. Their added weight gave them an advantage when it came to diving. Leaning forward, Orion tried to push his Firebolt as fast as it could go. Viktor and Aidan were at his elbows. The field was only about fifty feet away. He needed to act fast.

Taking a chance, Orion shifted his angle to look like he was going to make a quick arch for the Snitch. The Snitch darted in the opposite direction, just as Orion hoped it would…directly towards Cedric. Orion, Viktor and Aidan quickly pulled out of the dive just in time to see Cedric flying after the Snitch with his hand outstretched. Viktor and Aidan took off after Cedric but it was too late. Cedric’s fingers closed around the Snitch and held on tightly.

“Unbelievable!” Bagman shouted. “The home team catches the Snitch first with amazing team work!”

Orion was quickly at Cedric’s side as Cedric handed the Snitch over to the referee. Once Cedric’s hand was free, Orion gave Cedric a high-five followed by Cedric ruffling Orion’s hair. Orion pushed Cedric’s hand away, laughing as they took their positions opposite Viktor and Aidan—both were suddenly looking very serious.

All four players readied themselves once again. Mostafa cast one glance at each team before releasing the Snitch. The second it took for Mostafa to blow his whistle seemed to last an eternity only for time to speed up again as Orion and Viktor took off after the Snitch, flying shoulder to shoulder. The Snitch was already by the goal posts, darting left then right before shooting upwards and vanishing into the sunlight.

Orion was too close to the goal posts to avoid them so he did the only thing he could think of. He released the hold on his broom as he shot through the middle hoop and grabbed the top of the ring. With as much strength as he could muster, Orion held on as his lower body swung upwards. Throwing his upper body forward, Orion released the ring and quickly grasped his broom only to shoot upwards into the sun after Viktor.

It was impossible to see anything so it wasn’t long for both Orion and Viktor to give up their pursuit and wait for the Snitch to appear again. Orion started to slowly fly around the stadium, searching for any sign of the Snitch. He was about to make his second lap with he noticed Viktor dive towards the field. Orion didn’t hesitate and dove after him. His eyes scanned the entire field for any sign of the Snitch but he couldn’t find anything. Suspicion flooded in. The Wonski Feint wasn’t allowed but that wouldn’t stop Viktor from pulling something strangely similar to it.

That moment a flash of gold few past Orion, causing him to pull out of the dive abruptly and follow it. He lowered himself against his broom only to notice that the sun was quickly blocked from above him. Looking up, Orion saw two figures flying above him. That was his only warning he had before they both dived for the Snitch just as the Snitch shot up—right into Aidan’s face. Aiden’s head flew back as Viktor dashed past Orion to quickly grab the Snitch.

“Krum catches the Snitch for the world team!” Bagman shouted over the loud cheers. “I bet no one saw that coming! It’s all tied up! The next team to catch the Snitch wins the Challenge!”

Aidan was rubbing his sore nose as they all rose to Mostafa’s height. Once Viktor handed the Snitch over, they took their positions once final time and prepared themselves. This would be it. Orion had to admit that he hadn’t expected to have a fighting chance but since they did, why not try to win the Challenge?

“Be prepared for anything,” Orion said to Cedric over the noise of the crowd. “I have an idea but it’s risky.”

Cedric cringed. “Do I want to know?” he asked.

Orion turned his head so Viktor and Aidan couldn’t see what he was saying. “A change-up,” he said plainly. “I’ll fly against Aidan and you’ll fly against Viktor. Just imagine that you’re flying against me.”

Cedric stared at Orion incredulously. “There’s no way I’ll be able to keep up!” he protested. “I don’t know his cues like I know yours!”

“Trust me,” Orion insisted before returning attention to Mostafa who slowly shifted his gaze from one team to the other before releasing the Snitch. All four Seekers readied themselves and with a blow from the whistle, they were off for the third time.

Viktor had the best take-off this time leaving Orion to try to catch up. That wasn’t good. With Viktor’s size, it was difficult to see anything past him. That just wouldn’t do—not for the final catch of the Challenge. Lowering himself until he was practically lying on the broom, Orion tightened his grip before rolling over so he was flying upside down. It was difficult to maintain balance and push the Firebolt to its limit at the same time but it was the only thing Orion could think of at the moment.

It wasn’t until Orion had reached Viktor’s chest that Viktor actually realized what was happening. Orion couldn’t help ginning as Viktor jumped in surprise, giving Orion the opportunity to gain some ground just as the Snitch darted to his right, into the stands. Both Orion and Viktor quickly broke off to avoid a collision. Rolling back over so he was upright, Orion frantically searched for the Snitch but it was lost in the crowd.

“Oh! They were so close!” Bagman shouted. “Black is clearly pulling out every trick in his hat!”

Orion scanned the crowd for any sign of the Snitch as he slowly flew over to Cedric. Sharing a quick look, it was easy to see that they were probably thinking the same thing. Viktor and Aidan were quick learners. They were figuring out how to best their opponents. Switching up was their only chance.

When Viktor dived again, it was Cedric who followed him while Orion remained, still searching for the Snitch.

“It looks like the home team has changed up their strategy!” Bagman said in amazement.

Orion shook his head and continued searching for the Snitch. He had yet to see it and knew that this was Viktor’s strategy. He was going to be the distraction while either searching for the Snitch or leaving Aidan to do it. Personally, Orion had a feeling it was the former. Viktor would never trust anyone to do what he felt to be his job.

A flash of gold shooting past the scoreboard quickly pulled Orion out of his thoughts. He took off after it and knew that Aidan was on his tail. As Orion passed the goal posts, he noticed that Viktor and Cedric had joined them. Aidan was quickly gaining ground on the right and Viktor on the left while Cedric was doing everything in his power trying to distract Viktor. Orion knew it was going to get ugly soon. Out of the corners of his eyes, Orion noticed Aidan and Viktor swerve out before coming back in leaving him to do the only thing he could think of.

He dropped out of the line of impact and tried to urge his broom to go faster as Aidan and Viktor struggled to maintain their balance. Cedric was at Orion’s shoulder with a grin on his face which Orion returned. The Snitch was so close—just out of reach. Orion leaned forward and tried to reach out for it only to have it continuously evade his grasp. He needed to think of something fast before Viktor and Aidan—

Every thought was forced out of Orion’s head when something hard with the force of a Hippogriff slammed into his back, sending him flying forward off his broom. He frantically reached for his broom but it was already flying in the opposite direction. It was like everything was suddenly happening in slow motion. Before he could register what was happening, Orion felt a hand grab his wrist and hold on tight. He looked up in surprise and saw Cedric struggling to hold on to him while trying to keep his balance.

“Hold on, Orion!” Cedric shouted.

“Here! Give me your other hand, Orion!” Viktor called out.

The silence was deafening as Orion quickly reached up and grabbed Viktor’s extended hand. Mostafa blew his whistle and Orion looked up to see Aidan with the Snitch in his hand and an uncomfortable look on his face. Orion knew why. Cedric and Viktor had ignored the Snitch to help but Aidan had remained focused on the prize.

“Lynch has the Snitch!” Bagman shouted. “World team wins!”

Cheers broke the silence as Orion was flown to his broom. It was a little humiliating but at least he hadn’t fallen to the ground. Sirius and Remus would never forgive him for that. As soon as he was seated safely on his Firebolt, the four Seekers shook hands, waved to the crowd and then retreated to the tunnel where the rest of both teams were already waiting.

“I’m sorry, Orion,” Aidan pleaded as soon as he dismounted his broom. “I honestly thought you were right behind me.”

Orion grinned and shrugged his shoulders. “It’s really no big deal,” he insisted. “The opportunity presented itself. That’s just the way it is for a Seeker.”

Aidan’s shoulders relaxed as he smiled in relief. Alek made his presence known just then and started ushering Orion and Cedric out of the tunnel. Orion only had time to wish good luck to both teams before he found himself running around the edge of the field to make it to the opposite side that led to the boxes. Thinking about it, Orion knew that he hadn’t expected the result to be any different but still…they had been so close.

In all honesty, flying against Viktor and Aidan had been a lot of fun. Next time, they’d just have to arrange something that wasn’t watched by a hundred thousand people…and had no restrictions.

A/N: Well. chapter 4 is finished so I'm keeping my word. Let's all hope that Chapter 5 comes quickly. :-)