Forbidden

42 - Issues On the Pitch

We had returned to school after winter break and I was walking with Harry to the Quidditch pitch for the Hufflepuff versus Gryffindor game.

"So remember how we overheard Malfoy talking to Snape after the party?" Harry asked.

"Mhm."

"Well I've been thinking, and Malfoy has been acting weird lately..."

Weird is an understatement. He's been sneaking around even more and he looks so sick that it breaks my heart.

"...I think he's involved with the Dark Lord," Harry finished.

Well, he's not wrong but it's not like I'll tell him that either. I may not be with Draco but I won't go against him either no matter how screwed up his situation is.

"You've gone quiet," Harry commented.

"Yeah, sorry. I don't think so...he wouldn't do that."

"You're not just saying that because you two dated right?" Harry questioned.

"No, of course not. I just can't imagine Draco doing anything like that," I explained.

"Well people do things we don't expect," Harry murmured. "Can you meet me tonight at least? I need to show you something."

"Sure..."

-

"Lizzie, are you sure you're okay to play? You seem out of it," Zach said as we warmed up for the match.

"Yes, I'm fine."

We mounted our brooms and flew onto the field. I took my place in the middle across from Harry.

"Good luck, Potter."

"You too."

It was a snowy day, and I shivered as Hooch went over the game rules. I glanced up into the stands which were loaded with students dressed in red and yellow - but no Draco. I don't know why I thought he'd be here or why I hoped he would, but I was slightly upset when I didn't see him.

When the snitch was released, we both took off in pursuit of it, bumping shoulders and trying to push each other off the snitch's trail while the snow beat down onto our faces.

After chasing the snitch for a while, we both lost sight of it. I flew above the Hufflepuff student section where several students cheered for me.

A sudden sick feeling came over me. I squeezed my eyes shut and clutched my stomach; I was feeling a bit dizzy from all the stress that's built up over the past few weeks.

"Let's go, Lizzie!" they would all cheer while clapping rhythmically.

Dylan flew over to me, a look of concern on his face. "What's wrong? You look sick."

The student section chanted as Dylan and I talked which only made me feel more sick.

"I'm fine. I just need a minute."

He nodded. "I'll be back in a minute. Just keep an eye out for the snitch.

"Lizzie doesn't look too great..." someone murmured from the student section below.

My vision began to blur and the voices began to fade. The next thing I knew, I was falling through the air and several people were screaming. I hit the ground hard and blacked out.

-

-

-

I flinched as I watched Elizabeth slam into the ground. I wasn't supposed to be at the game, but I wanted to be there for Elizabeth even though she doesn't exactly know I'm here.