The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 67: Champions

Oliver stood in the middle of the Quidditch pitch.  It was still early, the sun barely risen over the horizon.  The sky was turning brilliant blue, not a single cloud in the sky.  The grass was still wet from the dew, birdsong filled the air.  At this moment, the pitch was at utter peace.

He, admittedly, was not.

His heart thumped erratically.  He had to try and keep himself from shaking.  His breathing was shallow.  His mind raced and his body trembled.

Today was the Championship game of the Inter-House Quidditch League, Gryffindor versus Slytherin.  This was a day he dreamt about for years.  This was the day that he had worked so hard for, for years, to get to.  Ever since Charlie Weasley left Hogwarts, the Gryffindors had never won the cup.  Three years ago, they had a chance, but the Ravenclaws were too strong that day.

Today was the last day he would ever play Quidditch as a student.  The last game of his scholastic career.

If that was not pressure enough, today the Quidditch League scouts would be here in full force.  Throughout the year, scouts from the League could visit on game days to watch and see the upcoming players.  They all came on the last game of the year, to see if there were any graduating students they wanted to invite to try-outs, or to make notes on rising stars.

Oliver wanted desperately to play in the League.  He had known he wanted to play professional Quidditch the first time he sat on a broom and played a game, all those years before.  He let the want be his motivation.  Always trying, always practicing, always driving.

He had gained the reputation of being a Quidditch fanatic.  Everyone knew that Oliver lived and breathed Quidditch.  They said that he did not care about anything else.  That he only cared about winning, about being the best.

Once upon a time, they would have been right.

He really was that person.  The one that would sacrifice anything for the win.  However, in recent years, he found out that there were a few things that were just as important as Quidditch, debatably more so.

He heard one of those things approach him from behind.

"You know I hate being up this early."

He smiled and felt his breathing even out slowly.  His heartbeat was still fast, but for a different reason.  "That's why I didn't try to wake you up," he replied.

Alicia snorted as she stood beside him, looking about the pitch.  "You could have stayed in your bed and not wandered out here at this horrid hour."

"Couldn't sleep or lie still," he said.  "Too many thoughts.  Too jittery."

"Figured as much."  She looked up at him.  "It's just another game Oliver."

"I know.  Just another game.  After this, if I get signed onto a team, there will be another game.  And another.  But...this is my last game here at Hogwarts as part of a school team.  I just want it to be a good one."

Alicia nodded.  "Understandable.  We've practiced for this game these last few weeks.  Sacrificed valuable studying time for it.  Hopefully it'll be worth it."

"I'm sure it will.  Win or lose, it will."

She looked at him in surprise.  "You really mean that, don't you?"

He was surprised too.  "Yeah, I really do.  I'm proud to be here.  Proud of the team.  Don't get me wrong, I want to win.  I want that Cup so bad.  But if we lose, and it's a good game, then I won't complain.  I've learned that there are things that are a little more important."