➵ Choice ➵ {DM and HP)

➵ Chapter 9 ➵

The game begins with a whirl of blue and silver jerseys, and suddenly our team is in possession. I watch from my high perch above as Cho soars towards our opponents goals, the quaffle tucked safely in her arms. Before she can score, a perfectly placed bludger comes shooting at her head, causing her to swerve and drop the quaffle. But just as soon as she's dropped it, it's scooped up by Benjamin, who sends it sailing through one of the hoops. He turns, smiling wide as cheers fill the pitch.

The game continues, but I turn my attention to my golden goal. I scan the pitch with my eyes, looking for the telltale glint of the sunlit ball. A glint of light catches my eye and my head snaps in the direction, only to find Harry's glasses flashing back at me. He's sitting with Ron and Hermione in the stands, watching the game closely, his head moving back and forth between the players.

Flash.

My eyes snap to another place in the stands, unsure of what I saw. I narrow my eyes.

Flash.

That's when I see it, fluttering just above some students heads. I urge my broom instantly forward, pushing it faster and faster. The sounds of the game have faded to white noise as I focus my attention on the golden ball.

I feel the other seeker close behind and lean farther forward on my broom, pushing it to greater speeds. My heartbeat thumps in my ears a rapid beat, and adrenaline runs through my body like a racehorse.

The snitch seems to shake to life as we zoom closer, and it streaks upward. I jerk my broom up, following it's lead and I see the other seeker out of the corner of my eye. I push my broom harder and harder, my adrenaline flowing through my fingers and into the carved wood like fuel.

The small yellow bird pulls closer and closer, flapping its wings furiously to try and escape it's airborne hunters. It's no use.

I reach my hand out, my fingertips only centimeters away and it takes all my power to stay steady on my broom. That's when a strong jerk rocks my broomstick, almost sending me plummeting down to the hard ground below. I've lost my lead and I see the other seeker, a tall blonde boy pull ahead, reaching his hands out for the dainty golden bird.

I regain my balance and channel my newfound anger into my ride, spurring it forward. I reach him just as his hand reaches the golden ball and bump into him with my shoulder, trying to send him flying. He stays steady, pushing back and we're locked in a power struggle. I can't hear anything but the pounding in my ears as I push back, fighting for the upper hand.

I grit my teeth as I see him reach out his hand once again, somehow still maintaining a solid shoulder against mine.

"Oh no, you don't," I hiss, grabbing the front of broom and swinging myself around.

This forces my broom straight into his, sending him twirling away in the air like an uncoordinated dancer, as he tries to regain control. But it's too late.

I shoot forward and within seconds, my hand closes around the fluttering bird, trapping it in the cages of my hand.

The pounding in my ears subsides and I hear the loud cheers from the students fill my ears. I take gulps of cold air as I slowly touch down on the damp grass, the snitch still clutched tightly in my hands.

Someone suddenly crushes me in a hug and I freeze. This is new. A hug. Sure I've been given fake ones, everyone has, but this feels like it has a meaning, it's not just for show. I don't know how much I like it. It feels like someone's crushing my body, I feel trapped.

"Damn Foster! You never told me you could play that well!" I recognize Quinn's voice as she thankfully releases me.

I smile, "Well, I don't know, it's not super important."

"Where did you learn to fly like that?" Quinn questions.

"Well....I, um..." I stutter, my eyes falling to the ground.

I don't want to admit my long hours spent alone at Beauxbatons, with nothing else to do but teach myself how to play the one game I would never be allowed play. They were lonely, quiet times, that I don't want to relive at the moment.

"Quinnie," Benjamin walks over, his cheeks flushed with excitement. "You'll start to realize, as I already have, that Miss No Name here, loves her secrets, so I wouldn't try to coax them out of her. That's a dead end."

Quinn glares at him, "First of all, don't call me Quinnie. Second, you forget that I have something you don't."

Benjamin crosses his arms, "Oh?"

Quinn smiles, tapping the side of her head, "Brains."

"Ok, now wait a minut—" Benjamin starts to protest but is interrupted by Roger Davies loud voice.

"The team has quickly discussed and everyone has agreed on our new players."

The pitch is dead quiet, and the air seems to buzz with anticipation.

"Benjamin Carter, welcome to the team," he announces, holding out a quidditch uniform.

I turn excitedly to Benjamin and see him staring at the captain in shock. Quinn give shim a shove forward.

"Well, go on," she laughs. "Serves nothing to stand there like a statue."

The shove seems to spur Benjamin into movement and he walks forward, grabbing the uniform and going to stand with the other players. He's smiling ear to ear and his eyes seem to sparkle with elation.

"And next Eloise Foster, welcome to the team."

What?

Did he say my name?

I look up in surprise and confusion, unsure of what I just heard. A sharp jab in the back from Quinn tells me all I need to know and I walk forward on autopilot, taking the uniform and standing next to Benjamin.

I barely hear who the new reserves are, and I'm brought back to reality when everyone starts to break up and exit the pitch. I start to walk away but Benjamin grabs my arm.

"Did you not hear Davies? We're having a short team meeting."

I nod mechanically and we walk over to the gathered group of teammates.

"Congratulations new members, welcome to the team," Roger says curtly, and I deduce that he's not one for pleasantries. "I only wanted to notify you, that on normal weeks, we practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30. On weeks before a game, practices increase to Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, so be prepared for those weeks to be hectic. If you are going to miss a practice, let me know, and we'll figure out a way to get out of whatever may be stopping you from attending."

This earns a few chuckles from the returning members, and I recognize that there must be a story behind that.

"That's all for now, practices start this Tuesday, see you then."

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Author's Note:

Another long chapter :)

I hate how this chapter turned out, but I really don't have the energy to rewrite it, so enjoy this hot mess of words.

My girl El is a seeker! Harry and Draco are both seekers, so they will be playing against each other. (just saying hehe)

"Quinn, if things don't work out between you and Audrey, I am always looking for a significant other and I would love to give you the opportunity to date me." ➵ Sophie

If you could play one position on your houses quidditch team, which would you play?

I think chaser would be fun, then again, I'm pretty lazy, so I don't even think I'd make it on the team.

Don't forget to vote and comment!

Stay safe, wear a mask, and be kind to others,

➵ Natalie