Wizarding World one-shots

Radiant Glasspetal and the First Quidditch Match - Part 1 (Glasswood)

"I earned this spot," Radiant Glasspetal muttered to herself. "I deserve to be here."

The young second year sat outside the locker room, her broom in hand and her red Quidditch robe sprawled out around her body.

"I deserve to be here," she repeated.

No, you don't, Radiant thought.

"I worked har... hard."

You really didn't.

"I'm a good Chaser."

Your older brothers are good Chasers. You're not.

Radiant couldn't hold back the negative thoughts anymore. It was as if a dam had been broken, and nothing was holding back the rushing waves of doubt and fear.

You don't deserve to play Quidditch for Gryffindor.

You're weak.

The only reason you are on the team is because they pity you.

You're small.

Zach and Artie are ashamed of you.

You're pathetic.

You'll never make it Puddlmere United.

Because of you, the team will lose.

You should just leave.

"Radiant?"

It's not like no one will notice you're gone.

"Radiant."

You should just quit.

"Glasspetal, come on."

Quit.

Quit.

QUIT.

"Hey!"

Radiant sharply gasped, blinking her eyes profusely. Apparently she had been crying at some point, based on the wet feeling on her face. She didn't even notice her visitor at first.

Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor team Keeper and Captain, was inches away from her face. His brown eyes pierced into her's with such intensity, it seemed as if he was staring into her very soul.

"Scared Radiant?" The fourth year asked.

Radiant wiped her nose. "A little."

"That's alright. Felt the same way before my first game." He helped her stand up from the bench, rubbing the dirt off her uniform. "Though, your brothers told me not to tell you about it." Oliver delivered that last part with a wink.

He just pities you.

He doesn't actually believe in you.

Why should he? You're just a second year.

Radiant bit her lip to keep from crying again. Oliver, seeming to notice this, reached into his Quidditch robe.

"Where did I put that- oh, here it is." He handed her a white handkerchief. Upon further inspection, Radiant saw a small golden snitch on the corner along with his initials: O. S. W.

He waited for her to wipe her face before speaking again.

"You're probably thinking a lot of real negative thoughts right now."

"How did you-"

"I just know. I thought the same things when I first joined. Hell, I'm still thinking of them." He ran a gloved hand through his brown hair. "Charlie was the best Captain Gryffindor has seen in years. How am I supposed to replace him?"

"Just know that we're your team, and we are there for you." Oliver gave her a crooked smirk. "You're here for a reason Radiant. You can do this. You hear me?"

Radiant nodded and handed him his handkerchief back. Oliver shook his head, closing her hand around it.

"Keep it. For good luck. Not that you'll need it," he loudly whispered.

Oliver stood still, watching her as she put the handkerchief into her pocket. He motioned to the door with his head a second later.

"Ready?" He asked.

"Ready." Radiant confirmed.

Oliver's smirk became a grin and clapped her shoulder. Hard. "Good. Let's get inside."

She nodded again, stepping into the locker room where the rest of the team waited. All boys.

Great.

Radiant sat between her two older brothers, Zachary and Arthur, her grip on her broom never loosening. She was vaguely aware of the bad thoughts trying to get back into her head, but she did her best to shake them off.

Fred and George Weasley sat with the team's seeker on benches opposite from the Glasspetals. She couldn't recall a single time when there wasn't a mischievous glint in the twins' eyes, just like there was one now.

Oliver wasted no time as soon as he came into the locker room. He cleared his throat for silence.

"Okay men."

Radiant wanted to point out that she wasn't a man, but she closed her mouth before any sound came out.

"This is it. The big one. The one we've all been waiting for."

Wood made eye contact with each team member, his gaze intense, as it always was when he talked about Quidditch.

"This is the best team Gryffindor's had in years. We're going to win. I know it."

His gaze lingered on Radiant's for a second, the hint of a smile toying on his serious face. She smiled back.

"It's time. Good luck, all of you."