Rise of Legends

Chapter 19

The next interview was with Hermione Granger. She walked into the room wearing a simple teal Hurricanes-branded jacket, black pants, and white shoes. As she took her seat, her hands rested calmly on her lap, though the slight tap of her fingers betrayed a hint of anticipation. The door swung open, and Ella Toone entered with a warm smile. Hermione's eyes widened in disbelief, and her usually composed demeanor slipped momentarily.

Ella grinned, clearly enjoying the surprise. "So, Hermione, I hear you might have been a bit taken aback to see me here. Is it true that I'm your favorite player?"

Hermione chuckled, shaking her head in amazement. "Who told you guys that?" She looked at the producers. "This can't be real!" Her laughter was tinged with excitement, revealing her genuine delight.

Ella's grin widened. "Well, I have to say, I'm a big fan of yours too! I've been following your season closely, and you're absolutely amazing."

Hermione's cheeks flushed with appreciation. "Wow, thank you so much. Hearing that from you means a lot. I've always admired your tenacity and leadership on the field. Those are qualities I strive to bring to my own game."

Ella leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "I can definitely see that. You've been an incredible leader for the Hurricanes, managing a team with standout players like Owen Howe, Cassia Rookwood, and Katie Bell. What's it been like balancing those relationships while leading such a dynamic group?"

Hermione settled back in her chair, reflecting on the question. "It's been quite a journey. Each player brings something unique to the team, creating a mix of support, tension, laughter, and sometimes disagreements. But that's what makes our team special. Owen, for example, is like a brother to me. His style is all flair and individual creativity—he's the kind of player who'll dazzle with tricks and take on multiple defenders. I'm more focused on control and structure, ensuring the play flows seamlessly."

Ella's interest deepened. "That must create some interesting dynamics. Any stories that stand out to you?"

Hermione laughed, recalling a memorable incident. "Oh, definitely. There was this one time right after a particularly grueling training session when we decided to grab a bite at our favorite local diner. I was ahead of Owen in line and placed my order. When he finally caught up, he seemed unusually flustered. When it was his turn to order, he started stumbling over his words—much more than his usual charmingly awkward self. When we finally sat down, I asked him what was going on. He sheepishly admitted, 'The cashier was so cute—blonde hair, stunning blue eyes, and glasses that made her look like a supermodel.' I told him he should ask her out, and he seemed hopeful but never quite worked up the nerve. He kept bringing it up for weeks, saying he was 'about to do it' but never quite managed. It's one of those classic Owen moments that make you smile and shake your head."

Ella chuckled, clearly amused. "That's a great story! What about Cassia? You mentioned knowing she was heading to Barcelona. What's it been like dealing with that, especially given how much she means to both you and the team?"

Hermione's expression softened, revealing a hint of melancholy. "Cassia is like a sister to me. We've shared so many highs and lows together. Initially, knowing she was leaving was tough, but we had time to prepare for it. Cassia has this infectious energy that lifts everyone's spirits. Our chemistry on the pitch has always been natural, but as the end of the season approached, we had our share of disagreements."

Ella encouraged her to continue. "Were there any specific disagreements or tough moments about her departure?"

Hermione sighed, nodding. "One time, we were in the dorm's common room, and Cassia was on a rant about needing to work on our finishing. I was making a snack and listening to her go on and on. Finally, I turned around and said, 'Cassia, I get it. We need to work on finishing, but can we just have a break and eat this pizza before we turn into grumpy monsters?' She laughed, and we ended up making a pact to work on finishing while enjoying our pizza. It was a reminder that sometimes, you just need a break from the stress."