49 48. Predictable
[Quidditch Field]
(3rd POV)
"It's loud," comments Severus taking a seat alongside Narcissa.
"It always was. You just never came to matches." teases Narcissa.
"I would rather concoct a --"
"Concoct a potion. Yeah, I know, I have been hearing that seen the first year. I think the reason you don't like to come to the match is that you hate Quidditch and you are bad at it." said Narcissa with a challenging smile.
"Me, Bad at this stupid game?" said Severus, raising his brows in an equally challenging way.
"You really are bad at it, Sev. I remember someone struggling to mount his broom in his first year. It was quite funny seeing you struggle; you were so pissed that day."
"Hey, It was my first time mounting a broom, it time doesn't count," argued Severus, not willing to be back down.
"When was it?...hmm....Ah... Yes, It was spring of our third year, I saw a Slytherin being dragged by redhaired Gryffindor to Quidditch field to practice."
"That was---" Severus was caught off-guard, he didn't know that Narcissa caught him being taught by Lily.
In their Third Year, the Marauders made fun of Severus for not being good at riding a broom, Pissed at their comment, Lily dragged Severus to the field and taught him till both of them were exhausted.
After an initial struggle during his first year, Severus gave up any interest he had in quidditch.
Lily can be a bit gung-ho; she kept teaching me until I was good enough.
Though he gave up on it, he wasn't that bad, just not that good.
"Don't argue, Sev. It's ok to be bad at something," said Narcissa, feeling triumphant.
"Don't look so triumphant, Cissy. I WAS bad. I am good at it now. Honestly, I don't like the whole concept of this game. It is stupid. And.." Getting near to her ear, moving strands of her, Severus spoke in a low, deep tone " Why would I need a broom when I can take you around the sky in my arms." making Narcissa flushed.
pushing Severus away in embarrassment, "You are becoming Cheesier by day, Mister." said Narcissa, feeling quite content with his advances.
"I wasn't trying to be. Though I don't mind being cheesy for you. And My point still stands it is stupid and I can win it without any issue if I was on that field." Declared Severus boldly.
"Oh really?" questioned Narcissa in amusement.
"Yes, really. I can even tell you who is going to score next." Said Severus, sparky a challenge.
"How about a bet, Mr. Perfectionist?"
"If I like the rewards, I might consider, Princess."
"Oh, you will."
"Might I know what are these rewards?"
Pulling Severus down by the hum of his shirt, Narcissa whispered something into his ears, which left him flushing crimson.
"ka..aka" Clearing his throat, Severus said " I like those...I mean I like the rewards. Let's get started."
Satisfied with her win, Narcissa nods, looking at the field with a newfound interest.
--------
[On the Field]
Regulus, who was feeling depressed, didn't perform well at the start.
Being the seeker and captain, put a toll on him.
He was selected as the captain due to his senior since they wanted to prepare for the Newts.
Despite being younger than other players, he made the team practice a lot and came up with plans to win.
He earned his team's trust through his skills, but now, he felt they felt they put faith in the wrong guy.
For the first fifteen minutes, the Slytherin team performed badly.
Just as he was about to berate himself more, he saw Narcissa enter the stands along with Severus.
'They are here. I knew they would come. Severus always keeps his promises. Cissa would never abandon me.'
His mood instantly cheered up.
'Come on, RAB, you can't lose in front of future brother-in-law and cousin. You have to show them just how awesome you are. Your team depends on you.'
Regulus dives down with a newfound spirit.
----
[By the stands]
{After 30 minutes}
"Slytherin will score 10 points." Said Severus with a smirk, looking into Narcissa's eye.
"How?" Whispered Narcissa, amazed.
For the past thirty minutes, every single one of Severus's predictions was right.
"Magic" replied Severus in a hushed tone, making Narcissa push on his shoulder in mock irritation.
"Come on tell me." Narcissa insists, dying to just know how Severus did it.
"Observation and prediction," said Severus, giving into Narcissa's cute insisting face.
"Observation and Prediction?" She tilts her head in confusion.
"It is quite easy, you know, you have to observe a player's position and their gameplay for a while. After initial observation, all you have to do is observe the ball's movements and who is producing that movement. Each one of these players is predictable and quite easy to study, including but not limited to your cousin. That chaser in Slytherin over there, on the east side of the field, is a bit too aggressive; rather than chasing the Quaffle, she beat the other team player. That Keeper on Gryffindor is impatient and dives in too early and his hand movement is clumsy to defend the hoop. And your cousin, Reg, is a bit impatient and made a few mistakes, which is totally normal since it is his first match as captain. Honestly, not only quidditch, most games are quite easy to predict, you just look carefully. Each game, Each player, and each shot launched towards the hoop follow a pattern, you just have to find out the pattern. You can even----"
"Wait, wait, My heading spinning from hearing you. What pattern, what observe, and how are you able to see the match that clearly from here?" questioned Narcissa, baffled by all the information behind Severus's prediction.
"Well, I have good eyesight. As I was saying ---"
"Stop! I don't want to hear it, I didn't understand a single word you spoke. Let's just enjoy the game and cheer for Reg."
"Ok, whatever you say, but I win the bet. I hope I don't have to wait long for my reward," said Severus with a mischievous grin.
"Fine. I always uphold my promises."
Narcissa placed her head on Severus's shoulder and enjoyed the game.
After a while, she remembered something she wanted to ask Severus.
"Why didn't you ask Regulus to join your group?" questioned Narcissa, peeking at Severus's face from his shoulder.
"Because he is Cursed."
