Otherworldly Interference

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise as she looked up from her book, the sadness in her expression melting away at the sight of Ron and Harry standing before her, beaming with excitement. A smile spread across her face as she realized what was happening.

"Happy Birthday, Hermione!" they repeated.

Overwhelmed with joy, Hermione squealed with delight and leaped up from the couch, rushing towards them with open arms. She enveloped each of them in a tight hug.

"I thought you two had forgotten," she admitted, her voice tinged with emotion. "Thank you so much!"

Ron and Harry exchanged a knowing glance, they had almost forgotten. It was a good thing they had rushed down to Hogsmead. Ron said a silent thank you to Harry, which he acknowledged. 

Harry smiled as Hermione released them from her embrace, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she eagerly accepted the gift he handed her. She carefully peeled back the wrapping paper, revealing two beautifully wrapped boxes inside. With trembling hands, Hermione opened the boxes, her heart pounding with anticipation.

The first dress she uncovered was a stunning black dress, its fabric soft and flowing. Intricate lace adorned the neckline and sleeves, adding an elegant touch to the dress. Hermione's breath caught in her throat as she ran her fingers over the delicate fabric, marveling at the craftsmanship.

The second dress was a delicate shade of light pink, its bodice adorned with intricate floral embroidery that trailed down the skirt in a cascade of blooms. Hermione's eyes widened in awe as she admired the intricate detailing, her heart swelling with gratitude for Harry's thoughtful gesture.

"I can't believe you picked these out, Harry," Hermione exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine awe and appreciation. "They're absolutely perfect!"

Harry smirked, "Wait till you see what Ron got you. Oh remind me later to put a charm on the dress so that they will magically resize to fit you better" 

Hermione's reaction was a mix of astonishment and disbelief. She had never expected Ron to remember her birthday, let alone choose such a thoughtful and meaningful gift. As Ron unveiled the handsome golden brown Wood owl, Hermione was left speechless, her eyes widening in surprise. 

For a moment, she simply stared at the owl in awe, unable to form words to express her gratitude. The realization that Ron had chosen a gift she had always secretly desired, something she had envied Harry for, left her stunned.

Meanwhile, Ron's nerves were on edge as he anxiously awaited Hermione's reaction. Seeing her initial silence, he became flustered, fearing that he had made a mistake in his choice of gift. He hastily began to backtrack, offering to find her something else if the owl wasn't to her liking, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

In the midst of Ron's nervous ramblings, Hermione finally found her voice. With a trembling smile, she reached out to stroke the owl's feathers, her eyes filled with emotion.

"It's... it's perfect, Ron," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Thank you so much." 

Relief flooded over Ron's face as he realized Hermione's genuine delight. He grinned sheepishly, relieved that his gift had been well received, and breathed a sigh of relief.

With a satisfied smile, Harry observed the interaction between Ron and Hermione, pleased that his plan had succeeded. The affection in Hermione's eyes was unmistakable, a clear reflection of her feelings for Ron. However, as per usual, Ron remained oblivious to the unspoken sentiments swirling around him.

Deciding to give them some privacy, Harry rose from his seat and made his way to the exit of the common room, feigning the need to deliver a letter. Once outside, he briskly navigated his way through the corridors, his mind already contemplating his next move.

Before long, Harry found himself in the familiar surroundings of the Hogwarts kitchen. One of the elves came bustling towards Harry, "What do you need?"

"Hi, I am Harry Potter. Can you tell me your name?", Harry asked with a smile.

The elf's eyes widened in surprise as he halted in his tracks, his hands still clutching a tray of freshly baked pastries. His initial shock quickly transformed into a delighted expression as he realized he was in the presence of the famous Harry Potter.

"Master Potter!" the elf exclaimed, his voice tinged with reverence. "I am Tinsel, sir. Tinsel is honored to meet you!"

"I am pleased to meet you as well Tinsel", Harry said with a smile.

Tinsel's eyes widened even further, resembling saucers as Harry reciprocated the greeting with warmth and kindness. His ears perked up, and his entire demeanor radiated an infectious mixture of astonishment and sheer joy. It was as if he couldn't believe his luck to be conversing with the legendary Harry Potter.

A wide grin split across Tinsel's face, revealing a row of small, pointed teeth. His hands trembled slightly with excitement, causing a few pastries to wobble precariously on the tray he held. He struggled to contain his overwhelming emotions, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Harry, as if trying to memorize every detail of the moment to cherish forever.

Harry smiled at the elf's enthusiasm. "I need your help with something, Tinsel," he began.

The elf's ears perked up, his attention fully focused on Harry. "Yes, sir? Tinsel is ready to assist!"

"It's my friend's birthday today, and I was hoping you could prepare a birthday cake and some food for a small celebration this evening. Could you do that?" Harry asked.

"Absolutely, Harry Potter sir! Tinsel will have it ready in no time," Tinsel replied with a deep bow.

"Great. Could you bring it to me when I call you?" Harry inquired.

"Yes, sir! Tinsel will deliver it when Harry Potter calls," the elf affirmed with another bow.

"Thank you, Tinsel. I'll call you later," Harry said with a nod before making his way out of the kitchen. Returning to the common room, Harry found Hermione and Ron waiting for him. They immediately asked what had kept him, and Harry quickly fabricated a story about searching for Hedwig.

After a swift breakfast in the Great Hall, Ron and Hermione hastened to secure prime seats in the stands, while Harry dashed back to the Gryffindor common room to prepare for the match.

With a sense of excitement coursing through him, Harry swiftly changed into his Gryffindor team robes and retrieved his trusty Nimbus 2000 from its resting place. With determination in his stride, he made his way to the Gryffindor changing tent. Harry was the first to arrive at the changing tent, eager to prepare for the match ahead. Soon after, Wood, the Gryffindor team captain, joined him, followed closely by the Weasley twins. One by one, the rest of the team members filtered in, until the tent was filled with the buzz of anticipation and excitement for the upcoming game.

As the Gryffindor team gathered in the changing tent, Oliver Wood, their determined and passionate captain, stood tall in front of them, his voice ringing with authority and fervor.

"Alright, team, listen up!" he began, his eyes ablaze with determination. "Today, we face Slytherin, our oldest rivals. But we're not just here to play. We're here to win. We've trained hard for this moment, and now it's time to show Slytherin what Gryffindor is made of!"

Harry, his excitement palpable, listened intently, his heart pounding with anticipation.

"We've got the skill, the talent, and the spirit," Wood continued, his words stirring a fire within each team member. "But most importantly, we've got each other. Gryffindor is a family, and today, we fight together as one!"

The team nodded in agreement, their determination mirrored in their eyes.

"Now, I don't need to tell you how important this match is," Wood went on, his voice rising with passion. "But I will say this: give it everything you've got out there. Leave it all on the field. And remember, when we play as a team, there's nothing we can't achieve!"

With a resounding cheer, the Gryffindor team rallied behind their captain, ready to take on Slytherin and emerge victorious. 

The Gryffindor team, led by their captain Oliver Wood, emerged from the changing tent and made their way towards the Quidditch pitch. Excitement buzzed in the air as they walked, the cheers of their fellow Gryffindors echoing around them. Harry felt a surge of adrenaline as he clutched his Nimbus 2000 tightly, his eyes fixed on the looming stadium ahead. 

As they reached the edge of the pitch, Madam Hooch, the Quidditch referee, stepped forward to greet them. "Captains, shake hands," she called, motioning for Oliver Wood and the Slytherin captain Marcus Flint to join her.

Wood exchanged a nod with his counterpart before approaching Madam Hooch. The two captains shook hands firmly. More like they were trying to break each other's hands. Harry stood nearby, his anticipation building with each passing moment.

Madam Hooch stepped back, her whistle at the ready. "Mount your brooms," she instructed, her voice carrying across the pitch. "On my whistle... 3... 2... 1..."

With a sharp blast of her whistle, the players kicked off to the air, and the Gryffindor team soared into the air, their eyes fixed on the golden snitch glinting in the distance. Harry felt a rush of exhilaration as he ascended higher than anyone else. 

Lee Jordan, was commentating from the box. 

"As the Gryffindor and Slytherin teams take to the skies, the excitement in the stadium is palpable. Gryffindor, led by their formidable captain Oliver Wood, are looking confident as they mount their brooms. And the Slytherin team, led by their captain, looks ready to give Gryffindor a run for their money." 

Madam Hooch releases the Quaffle and the game starts. Harry stayed above everyone, just looking at the game below. Lee continued his commentary.

"Madam Hooch releases the Quaffle, and the game is underway! Slytherin's Chaser, Flint, swiftly takes possession and speeds towards the Gryffindor hoops. But wait, it's Gryffindor's Katie Bell intercepting with a brilliant dive, stealing the Quaffle away from Slytherin's grasp!"

"Meanwhile, Harry Potter, Gryffindor's Seeker, is soaring above the chaos, his eyes scanning the sky for any sign of the elusive golden snitch. He's flying like a pro, folks, showing no signs of the nerves that often plague first players. Could this be the match where Harry Potter makes his mark on the Quidditch world?"

Harry glides above everyone looking for a glint of gold. He could let out his magical sense and sense the snitch that way but it would take out the fun of the game, not to mention it would be cheating. So he just glides over everyone squinting around to see the snitch while also looking at the game.

The Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin was off to a roaring start, with both teams displaying their skills in the air. Gryffindor's Chasers passed the Quaffle with lightning speed, while Slytherin's Beaters aimed ferocious Bludgers at their opponents. The crowd erupted into cheers and jeers as the game unfolded.

"Flint has the Quaffle, he's making a break for the goal post, but Bell's closing in on him! What a tackle by Bell!"

"I must say, that was a blatant foul by Flint. He practically pushed Bell off her broom!" Lee Jordan interjected, his voice filled with indignation.

"Mr. Jordan, please stick to the commentary," Professor McGonagall's stern voice cut in.

As the match continued, Slytherin's aggressive tactics became more apparent. Their Beaters were relentless in their pursuit, aiming Bludgers not only at the Gryffindor Chasers but also at Harry. But Harry, undeterred, dodged and weaved through the Bludgers with remarkable agility.

High above the chaos, Harry's keen eyes scanned the sky for any sign of the golden snitch. He could feel the wind rushing past him as he soared higher and higher, his heart pounding with excitement. The entire stadium seemed to fade away as he focused solely on his quest.

"The game is heating up, folks! Gryffindor's Seeker, Harry Potter, is showing some remarkable flying skills. And here comes Slytherin's Seeker, Terence Higgs, hot on his trail! The Slytherin Seeker has given up on looking for the snitch and is marking Harry instead."

But Harry paid no heed to Terence's presence. His eyes were fixed on the sky ahead, searching for the telltale glint of the snitch. And then, just as he was about to give up hope, he spotted it – a tiny speck of gold, darting and weaving through the air.

"The Snitch! Potter's seen the Snitch!" Lee Jordan's voice echoed through the stadium, drowned out by the deafening roar of the crowd. Harry's heart leaped with excitement as he angled his broom towards the elusive golden ball, determined to catch it and win the game for Gryffindor.

Gasps filled the air as Harry's broom lurched unexpectedly, throwing him off balance. The crowd watched in shock as Harry struggled to regain control, his fingers tightening around the broom handle to prevent himself from plummeting to the ground.

"Good heavens, what's happening up there? Potter seems to be having trouble with his broom!" Lee Jordan's voice crackled over the magical speakers, his usual exuberance replaced by concern.

But before Lee could speculate further, Professor McGonagall's authoritative voice cut in, "Mr. Jordan, we need to maintain focus on the match. Let's see how Gryffindor's Chasers respond to this turn of events."

Despite the distraction, Gryffindor's Chasers continued to press forward, passing the Quaffle with precision and determination. Meanwhile, Harry fought to steady his broom, his eyes looked towards where he had seen the snitch but it had disappeared again.

As Harry's broom continued to lurch, threatening to throw him off completely, he realized that Quirrell was indeed attempting to curse it. With swift determination, Harry infused his magic into the broom, breaking off Quirrell's curse while ensuring the curse rebounded on the Dark Arts professor with a satisfying backlash. The effect was immediate – Quirrell clutched his head in agony, clearly suffering from the consequences of his failed attempt.

Pleased by his success, Harry quickly regained control of his broom and hoisted himself back onto it, his eyes scanning the sky for the telltale glint of the golden snitch. Despite Terence's persistent marking, Harry remained undeterred, weaving in and out of the bludgers that were aimed at him from the Slytherin team.

As Harry resumed his search for the golden snitch, his eyes scanned the pitch with determination. The wind whipped past his face as he soared higher, searching every nook and cranny for any sign of the fluttering wings.

Meanwhile, the game raged on below. Angelina Johnson, with her signature precision, swooped in and scored another goal for Gryffindor, widening their lead. The Gryffindor supporters erupted into cheers, their voices echoing throughout the stadium.

"Another fantastic goal by Angelina Johnson! She's really on fire today. Gryffindor is leading with 80-30" Lee Jordan's excited voice boomed over the crowd, his commentary punctuated by the enthusiastic roars of the spectators.

Flint seized an opportunity and took a powerful shot at the Gryffindor hoops. Wood, however, was quick to react, diving to make a spectacular save that drew gasps of admiration from the audience. The crowd went nutters again at the save, roaring.

"Wood with an incredible save! That was a close call for Gryffindor, but their Keeper remains unbeatable," Lee Jordan exclaimed, his commentary interrupted briefly by McGonagall's stern reminders to stay focused on the match. 

For the second time Harry saw the snitch. As Harry streaked towards the glimmering snitch, his heart pounded with exhilaration. Terence, determined to not let Harry catch the snitch, pursued him relentlessly. With lightning speed, Harry turned sharply, luring the Slytherin seeker into a reckless chase. The wind whipped past them as they soared higher and higher, locked in a tense pursuit.

As Harry hurtled towards the snitch, the crowd's anticipation reached a fever pitch.

"Potter's spotted the snitch! He's flying straight for it, pursued by the Slytherin seeker," exclaimed Lee Jordan, his voice crackling with excitement.

"Look at that speed! Potter's like lightning, but Terence is right on his tail!" Jordan's voice rang out, filled with fervent energy.

The spectators held their breath as Harry and Terence engaged in a heart-stopping chase.

"He's gaining on him! Potter's got a clear shot at the snitch!" cried Jordan, his commentary a blur of fervent enthusiasm. "Oh no the snitch is hurling down towards the ground"

"Potter's going down—this is unprecedented! What's he playing at?" Jordan's commentary was a mix of astonishment and excitement.

The crowd held its breath as Harry plummeted towards the ground, the snitch dancing close.

"Look at Potter! He's not diving, he's—oh, Merlin's beard, he's falling! Is he alright? Someone do something!" Lee exclaimed, his words frantic with worry.

As Harry appeared to plummet towards the ground, a collective gasp swept through the stadium. Hermione's and Ron's cries of alarm rang out above the din, their voices laced with fear and urgency.

"Oh no, Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, her hands clasped tightly over her mouth.

"He's falling! Somebody do something!" Ron shouted, his eyes wide with panic.

Down on the field, the Gryffindor team sprang into action, their hearts pounding with dread as they raced towards Harry's descending form.

"Potter's in trouble! Gryffindor, to the rescue!" Lee Jordan's frantic commentary echoed through the stadium, capturing the intensity of the moment.

But unbeknownst to his friends and teammates, Harry remained calm and collected, his daring plan unfolding with precision. As he neared the ground, he executed a flawless maneuver, catching the snitch in his outstretched hand.

Amidst the chaos and confusion, Hermione and Ron watched in awe as Harry emerged unscathed, the snitch glittering triumphantly in his grasp.

"He did it! Harry caught the snitch!" Hermione exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Unbelievable!" Ron added, his voice tinged with admiration.

"Bloody hell, what a catch! He's got it! Potter's got the Snitch! It seems everything was his plan to lure the other seeker! Merlin's beard this guy is crazy!" Lee shouted on the megaphone.

"Mr. Jordan, language!" she admonished, her tone sharp.

But even McGonagall's reprimand couldn't dampen the astonishment that rippled through the stadium. The crowd erupted into cheers, and even members of Gryffindor's own team stood in stunned silence, their eyes fixed on Harry in awe and admiration.

Lee Jordan's voice boomed over the stadium, his jubilation evident as he declared the final outcome.

"Ladies and gentlemen Gryffindor has emerged victorious, with a final score of 240 - 50!"

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, cheering for their triumphant Gryffindor team. Harry was surrounded by his teammates, who cheered and clapped him on the back, celebrating their hard-fought victory. The Gryffindor supporters in the stands roared with delight, their pride in their team evident in every shout and cheer.