The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 108: About Damn Time

"Cheers!"

The three Chasers clinked their bottles together.  Angelina and Alicia looked weary but happy, the look of people finally finished with a grueling experience.  Katie looked simply happy, eager to celebrate with her two closest friends.

"Ugh, start reviewing now Katie, seriously," Alicia said.  "I thought O.W.L.s suck but N.E.W.T.s?  They really suck."

"How do you think you did?" Katie asked.

"I think I did fine.  I really only need as high of a score on my Potions one and I'm pretty sure I did at least Exceeds Expectations.  Herbology would be good to have a high mark in and I think I managed it.  I know I didn't fail my others."  Alicia gulped the contents of her bottle and waved for another from a grinning Rosmerta.

"I think I did decent too," Angelina said.  "Care could have gone a little better but I swear they gave me the most ornery crup out of the lot.  I really want my best to be Charms and I think I managed it.  Rabbit was talking about masteries and it made me curious."

"You?  Curious about further education?"  Alicia smiled to take the sting out of the surprise.

"Right?  Never thought I would," Angelina laughed.  "But masteries sound really useful to have and I like Charms so who knows?  Could always use a back-up just in case."

"That's fine but I'm sure you'll get signed onto a team," Katie said.  "The scouts from the last couple games looked really interested and we have the Championship coming up.  If we keep playing like we are, you'll get an invite for sure."

"I hope so," the tall girl said fervently.

Katie looked around the Three Broomsticks.  "Where's the rest of the team?  I thought we were hanging out today."

"Oh we are, they're coming later for dinner," Angelina said.

"That's still a while away," Katie blinked.  "Why are we here so early then?"

"Because Angelina and I wanted to have a talk with you," Alicia said pleasantly.

Katie's eyes narrowed.  "A talk, eh?  Why do I suddenly feel defensive?"

"A suspicious mind is a terrible thing," Alicia chided.  "Don't you trust us?"

"I trust you both to be sneaky and meddle when you want to."

"Ah good, then we can cut to the meat of it."  Alicia leaned over the table and looked directly at Katie.  "You've had more than a year now."

"A year?"

"Don't play dumb, you know what I'm talking about.  And if you insist on being coy, remember a certain conversation in February last year?"

Katie glowered at her.  "You're coy.  And yes, I do."

"And?"

"And what?"

"Help me out here," Alicia said to Angelina.

"You're doing a bang-up job of it though."

Katie huffed.  "Really?  This is really happening right now?"

"Yup," Angelina said easily.  "Look, just know that everything Alicia and I are saying is from a genuine place of care for you and Rabbit.  We meant what we said then and just want to help you out a bit."

"I don't need help," Katie said.  She irritably finished her bottle of butterbeer.  "Things...happened and they might have changed things."

"You don't blame him for Crouch, do you?" Alicia asked frankly.