Forever Yours

Chapter 42: The Greatest Game Ever Played, Part 1

Not just about the games, but there were many other aspects that needed to be considered. Tomorrow, the stands surrounding the Quidditch field would not only be filled the students and parents, but with recruiters and Professional team owners as well. Performance was key, and a sloppy game meant no chances of a draft pick at the end of June.

Once sleep was finally able to claim him, Septimus would only have a few hours of rest.

But he wasn't the only one worried about the games to come.

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"Katherine, please cease your pacing and come to bed," Severus sighed from his spot on the bed.

The two had arrived in the village of Belknap Springs, Oregon just before seven. They had left Serenity in the care of Christoph and Elisa for the weekend, before portkeying to the small forest village.

Belknap Springs was no bigger the Amadahy in size; but the town itself was home to wizards and Muggles alike. Well...mainly Muggle tourists who would vacation there to make use of the hot springs found there within the woods. Severus just thanked Merlin that the inn they were staying at was Muggle-free.

"I'm sorry Sev. I'm just anxious about the matches tomorrow," Katherine exhaled, but continued her pacing and wringing her hands together.

"I realize that." Severus replied. "But all this pacing and distress is not good for you or the baby." She stopped instantly at his words; a hand moving up to run through her long blonde tresses, while the moved down to gently cup her five-month bump.

"Katherine, come," Severus said gently, as he held out a hand to her. Wordlessly she took it and allowed him to guide her into bed. "What exactly about the games has you so bothered?"

"The game itself..."

"Come now Katherine," Severus scoffed, as he held her body close to his person. "Do you think I'm dense? It is not just about the game, or you have been pacing like a mad woman before every single match. Now...tell me what it really is."

"In a sense, it really is the games," Katherine whispered, as she burrowed herself into Severus' side, the best she could. "His future career is riding on these matches. There will be recruiters and managers and team owners all over the place these next two weekends, and if his game isn't on key, he'll be overlooked during the draft picks."

"No matter what happens this weekend," Severus murmured, "we will always be there for him in the end. Whether he comes in first or dead last, l believe he will still make it big."

"I hope so Sev," Katherine said softly, as she nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck. "I hope so."

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"ATTENTION ALL PLAYERS AND GUESTS! THE FIRST ROUND ROBIN MATCHES ARE ABOUT TO BEGIN. OUACHITA VERSUS NEW SALEM WILL BE PLAYED ON PITCH ONE. BELKNAP SPRINGS VERSUS ISLA ANGEL DE LA GUARDA WILL BE PLAYED ON PITCH TWO."

The morning had started out a bit on the foggy side at Belknap Springs. It was now ten minutes to eight, and an extremely nervous, and sleep deprived Septimus was sitting in the team tent, mentally preparing himself for the day ahead. Taking a deep sigh, Septimus rose from his seat and cleared his throat.

"Alright everyone listen up!" Septimus shouted over his teammates' conversations. Quieting down, the rest of the team gathered around him, ready for their pregame pep talk.

"We have a long weekend ahead of us," he continued. "And as of right now we are currently sitting in second place, and I hope that after today we don't drop below that.