𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, george weasley

013

THIRTEEN

The morning of the team announcements dawned crisp and bright, with a light mist clinging to the castle grounds. The Gryffindor common room buzzed with anticipation as students speculated about who had made the team. Victoria sat curled up in one of the armchairs near the fire, nervously chewing on a piece of toast while Fred and George paced in front of her like caged animals.

"Honestly, it's like watching a couple of Hippogriffs before a storm," Victoria teased, glancing up from her breakfast.

Fred stopped pacing and crossed his arms. "Excuse us for caring about our future sporting careers."

George flopped into the chair next to her, dramatically resting his head on her shoulder. "If we don't make the team, Victoria, you'll be responsible for nursing us back to emotional health."

Victoria laughed, nudging him playfully. "You'll make it. Both of you. Honestly, the way you two swing a Beater's bat, I'd be more worried for the other teams."

"Good point," Fred said, resuming his pacing.

Angelina and Alicia came bounding down the stairs from the girls' dormitory, both looking fresh and confident.

"Morning, team," Angelina said with a grin.

"Team?" Fred repeated. "You're getting ahead of yourself, Johnson."

"Just being optimistic," Angelina replied breezily, sitting on the armrest of Victoria's chair. "What about you, Tori? Feeling good about our chances?"

"Of course," Victoria said. "I mean, I already know you and Alicia are shoo-ins."

"And the twins?" Alicia asked, smirking.

"Well, they're tolerable," Victoria teased.

"Oi!" Fred protested, pointing at her. "You wait until we're official. We'll make you eat those words."

A little while later, the group made their way down to the Quidditch pitch, where the new team list was posted on the locker room door. The crowd around it was already thick, with students jostling to see the results.

"Excuse me, royal coming through," George said, gently pushing past the crowd with a mock-serious air. Fred followed, adding, "Make way, make way. Princess Victoria needs to see if her humble servants have been granted a place."

Victoria rolled her eyes, but she followed them, tugging Angelina and Alicia along. They finally reached the board, where Harry was already standing, staring at the list with wide eyes.

"Well?" Ron asked eagerly. "Did you make it?"

Harry turned, a slow grin spreading across his face. "I'm still Seeker."

"YES!" Ron shouted, punching the air.

Victoria scanned the list, her eyes quickly finding the names of her friends:

Chasers: Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, Katie Bell
Beaters: Fred Weasley, George Weasley
Keeper: Oliver Wood
Seeker: Harry Potter

"You all made it!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together.

Fred leaned against the wall, grinning. "Told you, Tori. We're tolerable."

George wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pretending to look smug. "You're looking at the next Beater legends of Hogwarts."

Victoria laughed. "No pressure, then."

Angelina gave her a sly smile. "Looks like you're stuck with us for another year, Tori. Ready to sit through all our matches?"

"Always," Victoria said warmly.

That evening, the Gryffindor common room was alive with celebration. The new team members were congratulated with butterbeer and snacks smuggled in from the kitchens, and the twins were already planning their first prank on Slytherin during the opening match.

Victoria found herself seated in the middle of the group, caught in the infectious energy of their excitement. Harry was laughing with Ron, Angelina and Alicia were debating the merits of new flying techniques, and Fred and George were regaling everyone with exaggerated stories of how they wanted their future matches would go.

"...and then George would whack the Bludger so hard, it nearly takes Malfoy's head off," Fred said, leaning forward for dramatic effect.

"It won't ," George corrected, grinning. "It only will only graze his arm. But it will make him squeal like a baby Mandrake."

The group roared with laughter, and even Victoria couldn't help but picture Malfoy's reaction.

"This year's going to be brilliant," Alicia said, raising her butterbeer in a toast. "To Gryffindor dominance!"

"To Gryffindor dominance!" they all echoed, clinking their mugs together.

As the night wore on, Victoria leaned back in her chair, a content smile on her face. Despite the looming mystery of the Chamber of Secrets, moments like this reminded her of why she loved Hogwarts. She was surrounded by friends who felt like family, and for now, that was enough.