Flying Paused

3. Braking Charm

The air whooshed by Draco’s ears as he sped around the pitch, reveling in the freedom hat flying granted him. He loved the sensation of racing with the wind, of feeling the broom beneath him, carrying him away to wherever he decided, leaving everything he hated, all his worries, far behind.

He glanced down in between the other Slytherin Quidditch players, and noticed the Gryffindor team approaching. Oh, they really wouldn’t like the fact that his team managed to steal the pitch for practice that morning….

He could see Marcus Flint discussing the matter with Oliver. It was their last year, and animosity between them was worse than ever.

He noticed the two Weasley Beaters glancing up at him, and frowned. To say that Draco was scared of them would be a grand overstatement, but he certainly remained cautious when they were around.

“What the-” he almost fell off his broom as it suddenly braked, for no apparent reason. His hands slipped, but he managed to right himself, and looked below him. The twins were roaring with laughter, and Draco realized what they’d just done.

“Typical. The Braking Charm,” he muttered angrily.