MY TYPE OF LOVE | marauders era

| chapter nine |

Nothing could beat the feeling Quidditch gave me. Soaring through the air, braided hair whipping around, the weight of my bat in my hands, the feel of successfully hitting someone with a Bludger -- truly, it was as good as getting an O on a hard essay. Even the weather seemed to agree to be beautiful, with clear skies and a gentle wind that grew sharper as I flew higher.

Of course, Quidditch tryouts dampened most of the experience.

I tried to land gracefully but ended up just rolling to a standing position, dropping both my broom and bat as I jumped to my feet and bowed.

"Don't be a showoff, Glinda." Autumn rolled her eyes, and my smile disappeared.

"Less being a showoff and more being unable to land on my feet," I corrected. Autumn opened her mouth to reply, but Olivia cut her off.

"Alright! Listen up Ravenclaw. If you're here for Quidditch tryouts, you're in the right place. Otherwise, get out," Olivia waited a few seconds, then continued. "Every position is open but Seeker, the position I play. Past experience will be taken into account, but no position is guaranteed."

"Except her brother's, of course," Autumn muttered to me, but I said nothing in reply. Olivia's talk with me had left me plenty of ideas of what the team was going to look like -- but I hadn't said anything to Autumn. Starting a fight between two mutuals was the last thing I wanted to do, and telling Autumn my suspicions would start a fight.

"I won't hold age against anyone. I'm looking for potential and eagerness to get better, which training will provide. There will be a minimum of two practices a week, but I'm not limiting players to only that. You are more than welcome to come out and practice with others. Dedication and hard work will win this season for us," Olivia said, surveying the large group of Ravenclaws.

"What are we, Hufflepuffs?" Autumn whispered, and Olivia's eyes flickered over to us. She pressed her lips together but didn't respond to the taunt. I pressed my lips together to keep in my own retort.

Autumn was one of those people who put too much stock into the Hogwarts houses, despite my many reprimands over the years. At this point, I had given up on correcting her. Sometimes, I wondered if she kept the act up just to annoy me.

Olivia started sectioning everyone off into their respective positions, even allowing for a miscellaneous group to be made for the people who didn't know their position. I led the Beater group, which was only six other people to our section of the field. I easily spotted Wyatt Brown - the resemblance to Olivia was astonishing - and placed myself between him and Autumn.

Wyatt noticed me observing him and tentatively waved. I tried not to laugh as I half-waved back. "You nervous?" I asked, and he nodded vigorously.

"Oh yes! I've been practicing all summer, and of course, Liv helped me train for the position, but you and Autumn are so good, I don't know how I could make the team over you," He replied, speaking so fast it seemed like one word. This time, I did laugh, and he flushed.

"Slow down there!" I said, "Don't worry too hard, Wyatt. You're a third year, right?"

He nodded.

"Don't worry about it then. Your sister knows what she's doing when it comes to playing Quidditch, so she's probably taught you well. And even if you don't make the team this year, I'll ask Olivia if she'll make you my sub," I replied, and Wyatt lit up. "That way, a real Beater can help you get better."

"Would you really?" He asked eagerly, and I smiled.

"Of course." I winked. "You've got heart, Wyatt. That counts for a lot."