The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 141: Homecoming

One year later

Harry stepped out onto the pitch, looking around with wonder.  He had never stepped into Trafalgar's Pitch before.  It was the biggest magical stadium in all of England, magically sequestered near Trafalgar's Square, and used for major Quidditch games and events.  It was not used during the regular League season, but as soon as that ended, the European League opened as well as the World Cup and it would be in use then.

He looked around with wide eyes.  It was quiet but he could see the stands filled with roaring fans.  The seats sloped up and away from the pitch, with the highest being slightly higher than the top of the goal posts.  The grass of the pitch was immaculate, the ground spongy and soft underfoot.  The stands were made from English oak, warm and comforting.  The display boards were blank at this time.  The ceiling was enchanted like the great hall, showing the sky outside.

It was intimidating to stand here, where Team England played for hundreds of years.  Intimidating, and exciting.

"Harry Potter!"

He turned, looking towards the person that broke the solemn silence.  A burly man stood at one of the locker room doors.  His easy-going grin was easy to see even half the pitch away.  "Get your arse over here and give me a hug!" Oliver shouted.

Harry rushed over, laughing and hugging Oliver, slapping him on the back and receiving several hefty whacks himself.  "Captain!" Harry said joyfully.  He saw the gleaming badge on Oliver's chest.  "Captain again!  That's so cool!"

The Captain of Team England grinned.  "I was surprised my own self but I'm not complaining.  After last year's shit show, they wanted someone with a manageable ego and a desire to win with a team in the Captain's spot.  But enough about me!"  He grabbed Harry by the shoulders and shook him.  "What did I tell you, Sir Harry?!  What did I say?  Rookie of the year!  Set a record for career catches as a rookie Seeker!  I knew you were going to set Quidditch on fire!"

Harry smiled as his head rocked back and forth.  "Well with that kind of confidence, I couldn't disappoint now could I?"  He extricated himself from Oliver's grip and the two playfully exchanged punches before Oliver put him in a headlock, ruffling his hair before letting him go.  "Sorry for beating you by the way."

Oliver waved the apology away.  "Nah, don't be.  I was glad to see Morgans miss it and hey, Portree was the only team that beat us so I'm fine with it."

"You didn't tell your Seeker how you trained me?"

Oliver laughed.  "He wouldn't listen first of all.  Second of all, fuck 'em.  He's an ass and I'm okay with him getting humiliated.  Third of all, I wouldn't share your secrets.  I'm still hoping we end up on the same League team one of these days, but Team England will do for now."

"I'm surprised I got picked honestly."

"I'm not.  Levi and I batted for you and half of the League Seekers agreed.  Said you're going to be one of the best chances we got going into the European games, not to mention World."

"You always overestimate me," Harry said happily.  "Why are we here so early by the way?"

"Oh for two reasons."  He threw an arm over Harry's shoulders.  "The first reason is I asked someone else to come early too, give us a chance to celebrate and whatnot."