The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 20: Back on the Stick

Oliver flexed his shoulders, filling his chest with cold crisp winter air.  He was still sweating despite the intense chill in the air.  Running laps around the Quidditch pitch will do that to anyone, as well as running up and down the steps to the stands.  It was important to run to keep up stamina however.  Even if Quidditch is played on a broom, you need a good core to remain upright and the stamina still counted, especially when games can last for days.  Strong legs help with staying on the broom and aid in reaction times.  Running was a necessary exercise.

The rest of the team called it an unnecessary evil.  Which would often lead to calling Oliver many unnecessary things.

He took it in stride.  It was the captain's lot to be cursed, and occasionally Cursed at.  He knew the more he pushed them now the better they performed during games.  He could even tell how successful a practice was based on the creativity of the cursing and name calling.  Playful names meant a lighter practice.  Names uttered with dire threats with levels of breathlessness meant a tougher one.

Today there was barely any cursing.  Mostly gasping.  That meant it was an intense practice.

He waited on the grass, watching the team arrive piecemeal.  Angelina was first.  She was breathing heavily but looked game for more.  Sweat ran freely down her face and arms but she wore her self-satisfied smirk that she knew she could run more if needed.

George was next.  He stumbled the last few steps and fell flat on his face.  He was so tired he did not even try to roll face up, simply lying there breathing like bellows.

Fred stumbled up to George and barely remained on his feet.  He bent over at the waist, hands resting on his knees.  He breathed laboriously, coughing and hacking.

Katie's feet dragged the last few steps.  She looked ready to fall over but she managed to stay upright until she reached the others.  Then she gently collapsed onto her rear, folding over like a sail that had lost the wind and the rigging.  Her hair hung limply down, as wrung out as she was.

Harry and Alicia arrived at the same time.  Alicia was leaning heavily on Harry, gamely pushing on but it was obvious she would fall over if Harry was not supporting her.  He looked very tired but his smile was still there, though it was slightly marred by concern for Alicia.  She was dripping sweat and red faced, clutching at a stitch in her side with one hand and the other gripping Harry about his shoulders.  The boy gently set her down on the grass and she collapsed completely, lying face up.

Oliver almost flinched at the look of undiluted rage in her eyes as she glared at him.  He knew if she had any energy left, she would be going after him with intent on harm.  Luckily, he was several feet away and even more luckily, everyone's wands were in the locker room.  Instead, he grinned at her, earning a snarl as his reward.

"Good job team!" he said loudly, clapping his hands enthusiastically.  Angelina did the same and Harry followed with a more tired but sincere clapping.  Katie started to but only clapped once before her hands fell limply.  The twins did not move and Alicia made a rude gesture.

"First practice after the break is the hardest but I'm proud of you all.  We'll get back into shape in no time and we will beat the 'Puffs and be in the best standing for the Cup in years!"

Alicia's mouth moved soundlessly, to Oliver from being far away, but Harry was sitting beside her and he tilted his head towards her.  He waited for a moment while her jaws moved.  Then his cheeks reddened and he held up his hand.  "Captain?" His voice was hesitant.

"Yes Harry?"  Oliver could guess what was coming.

"Alicia wants to...file a complaint."

"Does she now?"