The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 10: First Among Firsts

"It's game day!"

Oliver Wood was the embodiment of enthusiasm.  Already dressed in his Quidditch robes, the Captain of the team had a smile from ear to ear.  He bounced with unquenchable energy and everyone around him seemed to be drawn into his positivity.

All save a few people.

Alicia glared at him.  "Yes yes we know, calm down or you'll need a nap before the game starts."

"Aww don't be like that Alicia," Oliver said.  He grabbed her cheeks with both hands and playfully tugged.  "Give me that big Spinnet smile!  Come on!"

"One of these days she's going to bite your fingers off," Katie said as she munched on some toast.  "I'm surprised she hasn't yet honestly."

Alicia slapped at Oliver's arms and chest, pushing him away.  "That's because he needs them to catch the Quaffle, despite all ten of them being thumbs," she said with a sharp smile, one that showed off all her teeth.

"Not even you two can bring my mood down today," Oliver said.  "Perfect weather today.  We play the first game of the season.  We have one of the best teams in the school.  The only thing that would make this better than perfect is if others would share my joy."

"Oh there's one coming, I can hear her," Alicia said as she reopened her copy of the Daily Prophet.

Angelina came bounding into the Great Hall.  "Game day!" she yelled.

"Yes!  Right here!"  Oliver held his hands up and Angelina slapped them hard.  "Finally!  An enthusiastic team mate."

"You two have more than enough for all of us," Katie said with a smile.  "But don't worry, we're excited too."

Alicia did not look up from her paper but she held a pointer finger up and made a very tiny circle with it.  "Yay Quidditch," she said blandly.

Oliver made a sound of mock suffering.  "What are you even doing on the team?"

"Because a weedy third year begged me to try out with him and despite my best efforts, I'm still on it."

"I don't believe for a minute that Oliver has ever been 'weedy'," Angelina teased.

"He still begs though.  Begs us to practice, begs us to take things seriously, begs for good conditions," Katie said and the three girls dissolved into giggles.

"Beset on all sides," Oliver complained.  "Where the lads at?  I need some help here."

"The Twins are already at the pitch planning the after party," Alicia said.  "Harry's down the table with the other firsties."

"How's he looking?" Angelina asked.

"A bit nervous but alright I think," Katie said.  "Just like any of us before our first game."

The four players looked down the table.  Harry was sitting next to Ron and across from Hermione.  He did look nervous but it was a surprisingly normal expression.  He too was wearing his Quidditch robes, sticking out from his friends.

"Has he eaten yet?" Angelina asked.

Alicia and Katie shook their heads.

Oliver reached past Alicia and grabbed a slice of bread from the serving platter.  He then put a spoonful of scrambled eggs on it and filched half a sausage from Alicia's plate.  He ignored her shout of indignation and folded the bread over making a rough sandwich.

"Potter!" he exclaimed, walking over.  He tossed the folded sandwich at the Seeker.

Despite being startled Harry caught it before it opened fully and spilled its contents.