The Unlikely Quartet

Chapter 7: Born To Win

Saturday morning arrived filled with excitement, Georgia had been released from the hospital the day before but she was still healing. The Great Hall was filled with happy chatter as everyone excitedly spoke of going to the Quidditch pitch to watch the first match of the year.

Ruby bounced nervously in her seat, clad in her brand new red and gold Quidditch jumper, it was her first ever official game having only just made the team at the start of the year. She'd tried out in her second year along with Fred and George but hadn't been successful, Angelina Johnson had beaten her to the spot of chaser. Leaving her and Alicia to join the reserves. But this year two more spots for chaser had opened up, and both girls had been excited even though their captain Oliver Wood had insisted that being a reserve didn't automatically give you a place on the team and they'd both been forced to try out again along with all the other hopeful students who were eager to join. Ruby had been chosen this time along with a second year Katie Bell, much to their excitement. Placing Alicia back on reserves, Ruby felt a little bad for her fellow third year dorm mate but rules were rules, the dark haired girl had unfortunately been caught on an off day and Katie and her had managed to score more goals than Alicia.

"Come on, eat something" George encouraged, pushing her untouched plate of food closer towards her.

"I can't," she mumbled, feeling a mixture of anxious and excited. The butterflies fluttering in her stomach making it difficult for her to even attempt to force any breakfast down, unlike him or Fred who had eagerly wolfed their breakfast down. The latter currently shoving more eggs into his already full mouth.

"Just a bit of toast, please?" He begged.

"You should listen to him, you know. You're gonna need your strength for the match" Georgia nodded, watching her friend who looked pale and shaken, an unnerving sight on the usually confident witch. Ruby gulped and wiped her sweaty hands on her Quidditch jumper, just as she was about to put the slice of toast into her mouth Oliver appeared at their sides.

"Let's go, pre match briefing in the changing rooms" he demanded and both Tilly and Georgia looked up at him and blinked, not used to seeing this side of the calm Keeper.

"At least let her eat something first" George almost pleaded with the Quidditch captain who continued to stand there with his arms folded "Time waits for no man, Weasley. Come on, all of you"

Wiping his face on a napkin Fred stood to join his team mates, waiting on George and Ruby to follow him. Letting out a sigh Ruby put her toast back down and pushed her plate away, partly thankful for the excuse not to eat. She knew Wood wouldn't take no as an answer. The Scottish fifth year was stubborn and would stand over her, scowling, all day if he had too.

"Ruby Jo Wilkins!" Mid way out of her seat she stopped at the sudden use of her full name. Staring at George's mini outburst that had caused the three girls to jump. "Sit" he demanded and she did as she was told. "Stay where you are and eat" he pointed at her toast.

He then turned his attention to Oliver, not at all fazed by their team captains glares, he was used to him being driven but there was still a couple of hours until the actual game started. "We shall join you once she's eaten" he stated matter of factly, making sure the elder boy knew he was serious.

"Wood calls the shots, not you" Angelia rolled her eyes behind the captain's shoulder. "If she hasn't ate her breakfast then that's her fault"

"Don't be so insensitive" Georgia glared at her "Need I remind everyone how you felt before your first game?" She asked and Tilly hid her laugh behind her hand, all too familiar with the story of how Angelina had been so nervous she'd thrown up.

"Give them fifteen extra minutes to join us?" Fred asked, watching his twin with a puzzled look, wondering why he cared so much.

Oliver rolled his eyes "You have fifteen minutes and then I expect both of you to join us in the changing room, we have a very detailed pre match briefing" He nodded and then turning on his heel he stalked out of the Great Hall, to a round of cheers from the rest of the Gryffindor students, Katie, Angelina, Harry & Fred following behind him. Fred hung back a little to try and catch his twins eye to see what in Merlin's name had come over him!