The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 132: Glimpses

Harry watched the sunrise.

He sat on the couch, having had a restless night.  He slept fitfully and eventually conceded defeat, rising earlier than normal.  He puttered about the kitchen, unable to concentrate on studying, and sat to nibble on toast and drink some tea, waiting for the day to start.

His chest felt heavy.  Today he would be walking onto the pitch for the first of his last three games.  It would be his first game without anyone from the original team.

His first family.

He knew this day was coming.  It was ludicrous to not see it coming.  To think anything else would be naïve at best, deliberately ignorant at worst.  He still had to do his best.  The scouts would be out today and he desperately wanted to make the League.  Not only that, he had to be a good captain to the team now, to lead them properly, to play his best for them.  He had to showcase Ginny's efforts since she would be going for the League too, and to any of the others that one day might try for it.

Focusing on that made him feel a little better.  Not better really, but it let him focus on something besides the emptiness in his chest.

He blinked, noticing a small dot approaching the window.  It became snow white and Hedwig flew in.  She landed in front of him proudly, hooting at him and nipping his fingers.  "What's this?" he asked her, undoing the ties on her legs.  "A bit early for post, isn't it?"

Hedwig hooted smugly, stealing the rest of his toast and fluttering to sit on his head.

"You're going to get crumbs all over my head," he complained half-heartedly.  He looked at the envelopes in interest, wondering who sent him letters this early in the morning.  He opened the first one and smiled, seeing Oliver's messy scrawl.  You got this Sir Harry!  You're the Captain.  Lead them to Victory!

Go Rabbit!  Finish the year strong!  Establish the dynasty!

Ignore Oliver and Angelina!  Quidditch is silly but you're the best baby bird!

You got this Harry!  Channel your inner Weasley!  Phrasing?  Shut up Gred.  You shut up Forge.

Harry smiled at the small pile of notes.  He should have realized that they would remember him on this day.  He should have had more faith in his team, his family.  On a whim he walked into his room and looked at his candle.  Good luck today my Captain!  Love you!

Harry looked up at Hedwig.  "I'm pretty lucky, aren't I?"

She hooted lovingly in reply, yanking on his hair playfully.

Feeling much better, Harry changed into his Quidditch robes, tucking the notes into an inner pocket.  He then wrote on the candle, "I love you, thank you!"  He smiled broader when he saw his silver bunny light up and thumping, his sibling stone glowing.  He touched them both back, eager to return the positive energy and thoughts.  Finally, he dug a few wrapped items from his trunk and walked back into the sitting room.

This time, Hermione was awake as well.  She smiled brightly at Harry.  "Good morning, how are you feeling?"

He smiled softly.  "I'm feeling okay.  Feel good about the team.  Personally, I'm a bit sad if I'm honest."

"Sad it's your last year?" she asked gently.

"A little but more that I'm going onto the field without anyone from the old team."  His voice fell.  "My team."

Her smile became sad.  "I'm sorry, that must make you feel lonely."

"A little."  He shook his shoulders as if to shake the doldrums away.  "But I have you and the others and the team now.  So I'm not completely alone."  He sighed happily when Hermione hugged him tightly.  "Speaking of, I have something for you."  He handed her a wrapped item.