Dawn

3- Gryffindor Glory

June 2, 2011

The Ministry had recently released the information that the files stolen were records of who had been convicted of what crime and when. Particularly, who had been convicted from 1998-2006. Victoire and I came to the conclusion that the thieves must've just wanted their criminal records erased. They never did look good on a job application anyways.

It was the day of the Quidditch Cup final. It would be us against Ravenclaw, a fierce competitor. Of course, I had practiced every day since we won over Slytherin to prepare for this match. But I only did practice for shorter amounts of times, so I didn't injure myself. Some of them didn't require physical activity anyways; they were eye workouts. To be a Seeker, one must have a good eye.

Once I got out of bed, I changed into casual clothing and I went to the Great Hall for breakfast. I made sure to choose healthy options because glory was on the line today. This meal included an apple, a banana, toast, and chocolate milk. Today, I would follow a tight schedule. Is this how my parents felt during the 2002 Quidditch World Cup?

"Take it easy, Lauren," I heard someone next to me say. "It's not the end of the world if we lose. There's always next year."

I looked over to see my cousin. He'd always held some sort of wisdom inside. It was deeper than getting good grades, or memorizing complex words; it was almost like he was older than he truly was. I think the maturity could be from being an orphan, yet being surrounded by his parents' legacy through people who knew them. Like Grandma Andromeda, my parents, remaining members of the now disbanded Order, his mum's friends from school, and former students of his dad.

I nodded. "Yeah," I agreed, although sometimes it was hard to quell my inner competitiveness. It's what happens when you're the daughter of Ellie and Oliver Wood. Competition naturally flows through my veins. I needed to learn to just breathe every now and then.

"Even if we don't win this year, you always improve if you keep practicing, right?" Teddy asked rhetorically. "Next year, you'll be even better."

I nodded and gave a smile. "You're recording the game for Grandma and my parents, right?" I questioned.

He nodded and pulled out a from his bag that he carried around everywhere. "You bet I am."

"Good, good," I smiled. "Just make sure you don't show them the lip sync videos too."

"I won't, I won't," he assured. "Though I think they'd enjoy the I Gotta Feeling one."

"Don't-"

Teddy simply laughed. I knew he wouldn't actually do it; it wasn't in his character.

"Well, I should probably get ready for the game," I told him. "See ya later."

I left for the Quidditch pitch like I did for every other game day. As I walked, I could already feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins. Today was a very important day, and it must be treated as such.

I was ready to win this thing.

After changing into our Quidditch robes, we all sat down and listened to the team captain give his speech. All of us had the same hope and the same energy. We all wanted to win. Not just the game, but the glory. Not just the glory, but the house points. And those house points could help us win the House Cup.

As we entered the field, the urgent sense of competition somehow grew even more. Even from the pitch, I could see my cousin, Teddy, with the disguised video camera. Next to him was Victoire. If Hogwarts had cheerleaders, she'd definitely be one of them. She proudly cheered on the team, bringing a warm smile to my face.