salvation - f.weasley

The date

everybody wants to rule the world - tears for fears

• • •

Grace has never been a particularly patient person. She's always hated waiting—hated that feeling of helpless anticipation, the kind that makes you bite your nails or tap your legs under classroom tables.

But on this chilly April afternoon, everything seems different.

Grace stares down at the envelope, her fingers shaking slightly as they trace the logo of the Holyhead Harpies. The paper feels crisp and thick between her fingers. It's funny, she thinks, how something so small could hold so much power—her hopes, her dreams, her future.

She catches herself holding her breath. Her eyes come across the elegant handwriting that spells out her name. Her heart is pounding, each beat echoing in her ears louder than the last.

Ania is pacing relentlessly, the rhythm of her steps filling the room. She's chewing on her thumbnail, glancing at Grace with growing frustration. This time, it's her who's impatient.

"For Merlin's sake, Grace, open the bloody letter!" Ania's voice is sharp, almost a plea. She stops in her tracks, folding her arms and glares at Grace.

Grace slumps onto her bed. She takes in a shaky breath, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I can't. I swear, I just... I'm terrified of what it might say. What if it's a rejection? I don't know if I can handle that."

Ania sighs, rolling her eyes dramatically, and then makes a sudden move—snatching the letter right out of Grace's hands. Grace gasps and gets up, her hands reaching out.

"No! Ania, don't!" Her voice cracks, revealing her panic. She lunges forward, grabbing the envelope back.

Ania sighs deeply, taking a step back, her expression softening as she sees the genuine fear in Grace's eyes. "Grace, come on... what are you waiting for? The answer's not going to change whether you open it or not, you know?" she says, her tone gentler now.

"I know, Annie. It's just... this letter could change everything, you know? What if this is my only chance?" She glances at the envelope again. "It's terrifying to think that my entire future might be written on this piece of paper."

Ania's expression softens further, and she steps closer to Grace, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her into a side hug. Grace leans into her warmth, the comfort of the familiar embrace steadying her slightly. Ania rests her head on Grace's shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze.

"It doesn't define your future, Grace," Ania whispers, her voice barely soft and warm. "Other teams would be lucky to have you. And honestly, you're meant for great things. I'm pretty sure I know what the answer is. And you do too."

Grace feels a tight knot in her throat, and she swallows hard, blinking down at the letter one more time. It's been two weeks since the tryouts, and she hadn't expected an answer this soon.

The past couple of weeks have been rough. It's her first time spending Easter break at Hogwarts. On one hand, she's relieved not to have to go back home; on the other, all she can think about is the tryout. She's spent most of her free time up in the owlery, waiting for this letter.

She takes a deep breath and looks into Ania's eyes. Ania gives her a small, encouraging nod.

"Okay," Grace whispers, her voice barely holding steady. She inhales again, forcing her hands to stop shaking. The moment seems to stretch, every heartbeat echoing in her chest, each second ticking by like a countdown.