The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 103: Not Just a Game Anymore

"You look ready."

Harry smiled wanly at the talking mirror in his dorm room.  The Mirror was enchanted to offer advice and suggestions to those that want it, and to those that did not.  Most of the time, the Mirror's words went unheeded by the boys.  If anything, Seamus and Ron would do the opposite of the Mirror's suggestions just to be contrary.

Since breaking the mirror in the Room of Requirement, Harry had shied away from most mirrors.  He could not get over how dead he looked that night, how he beat his hand bloody against the mirror, breaking it and seeing all the images of himself in all the pieces.  He developed a bit of a fear, worried that every time he looked into one, he would see the same image of himself: lifeless and empty, incapable of emotion.

Today he stood there, lost in thought.  He had taken some time changing into his Quidditch uniform, frequently stopping to stare into space or fumble at a button or strap.  He did not even realize that he was standing in front of the Mirror until it spoke.

"Thanks," he said.  "I don't quite feel it if I'm being honest."

"A good chunk of being ready is looking ready," the Mirror said.  "A sharp appearance can carry you through.  Your feelings will catch up to you."  The Mirror hummed for a moment.  "You're forgetting something.  Your pouch."

Harry looked at his Medic pouch lying on his bed.  "I wasn't sure if I should wear it when I play.  It might get in the way or get damaged."

"You haven't let it out of your touch for a while now," the Mirror said kindly.  "I imagine you might feel a bit better with it on."

"Aren't you supposed to advise against accessories?" Harry joked feebly.  It was something he heard the Mirror say a lot the last few years.

"Typically yes, but it suits you.  And whoever made that pouch had a fine eye for fashion, black goes with everything after all.  Put it on and jump around, see how it goes."

Harry could not help but smile wryly as he did as bidden.  He strapped the pouch on, made sure the Coin was secure, attached a strong Sticking Charm to the bellflowers.  Then he jumped up and down, spun around, and even ran around the dorm room.  It did not move.

"There you go," the Mirror said.  "How do you feel now?"

"A little more ready," he said honestly as he patted the pouch.

"See?  You'll get there."

-0-

"Over here Rabbit," Angelina called when Harry walked into the great hall.  She smiled with relief seeing him dressed and ready, not quite a smile on his face but he was there.

Harry sat down between her and Katie, hugging both of them

"Ready for the game?" Fred asked as he served Harry with some food.

"I think so.  How's Ron feeling?"

"A bit nervous but he'll be fine once he starts playing," George said with a measure of confidence.

Ron did look a little green but he was munching on some toast, nodding at Harry when he noticed him looking.

Harry looked down at his plate, something nibbling at his mind.

"Not what you wanted?" Fred asked, slightly chagrined.

"No...not that.  Something's a bit off," Harry said slowly.  Just as slowly he reached out and took a slice of bread.  As if in a dream, his hands moved hesitantly but with a destination in mind.  A sincere smile reached his lips as he finished, making sandwiches from the bread folded or rolled upon itself.