Rescued

Quidditch Practice: Harry

"Well done, mate," Fred and George chorused.

"Thanks," I said, feeling myself turn red. Fred and George led me to the quidditch locker rooms, talking animatedly about Quidditch and brooms and such. I wasn't listening. My mind was spinning. What if the rest of the team didn't like me? What if I wasn't as good as they expected me to be? What if I got kicked off the team in one go?

"Quit playing the 'what if' game with yourself," a tall, dark haired girl said. She bent down to my height and put a finger under my chin. "I think you'll do just fine!"

"This is Angelina Johnson," Fred (or George) said, gesturing toward her. "That's Wood, you know him-" Wood waved--"that's Katie Bell, and that over there is Alicia Spinnet. Angelina, Alicia, and Katie are all Chasers, George and I are Beaters, Wood is Keeper, and you're Seeker." He took a deep breath.

"Welcome to the team, Potter," Alicia said, clapping me on the back.

"Let's see what broom you've got," Katie exclaimed, leaning over. I lifted up the broom Sirius and Remus had send promptly this morning.

"A Nimbus two thousand!" Wood exclaimed, whistling. I looked up to see awed faces all around me.

"We've only got Thunderbolts," Fred and George breathed.

"The Slytherins have no chance," Angelina snickered.

"Enough talking!" Wood shook his head. "Let's get 'er out there!" We left the locker rooms and Wood released the balls. The Bludgers began to be batted back and forth by the Weasley twins, and the Quaffle was being chased by the three Chasers. "Ready?" Wood smiled, and I nodded, determined, as he released the tiny golden Snitch.

The rest of practice passed too fast. I sighed as I leaned my broom against the wall, mopping my forehead with my robes.

"That was exhilarating," Wood said. His eyes were glazed over, staring at the Nimbus. "We actually have a chance. We have a chance at the cup..."

"Come on, Wood, gotta get inside before curfew," George said, smirking at the expression on the Captain's face. "Better hide your broom, Harry, or you might find it being Wood's teddy bear," he sniggered. I smiled and picked it up.

I took a quick shower and sank onto my bed. I could hear Seamus and Dean gently snoring, and I heard Ron roll over.

"How was it?" He whispered.

"It was great," I replied, and couldn't stop the smile from forming on my face.

I don't think I've slept so deeply in a long time.