For Round Two of the Choice Pairings Competition which was Charlie/Katie featuring the lines "little fish in a big pond" and "break a leg".
There were some thoughts that entered the mind of every eleven year old when they stepped into Hogwarts for the first year of school. Blessed with a magical or muggle heritage, there was always an awe inspiring sweeping feeling that would erupt in their stomach as their eyes grazed over the ancient castle. Then they would have to confront the difficult classes and feel like a little fish in a big pond in the crowded hallways with the much bigger students.
As eleven year olds there were certain other feelings that flicked into most minds.
Hiding her mousey brown head of hair under her black cloak, Katie Bell's eyes pocked out from under the slit in the material as they followed the fourteen scarlet and green robed figures that hurled through the air. She could not lift her gaze no matter what happened. Even when there were squealing girls behind her, thunder slamming loudly behind her or water starting to fall from the sky, her focus did not alter.
Quidditch had her undivided attention.
Especially one player.
The little of her cheeks that was visible through her makeshift tarp was flushed pink. Others might have attributed the colour to the frigid air, but they would be wrong. One boy caused those reactions. The lone Gryffindor Seeker who flew gracefully through the air like a swan through water as his eyes swept the field like a hawk.
From his skills on a broom, to his fiery hair, blue eyes, large smile and friendly disposition, she thought he was practically flawless.
She smiled in a way that befitted her age as she watched the object of her obsession with all the sweetness and naivety of an eleven year old with a first crush.
Perfect Charlie Weasley.
)o(
Seven years on and Katie was not the same girl. She was taller, bustier and more emotionally scarred than any girl at the age of eighteen should be. Regardless she stood tall and proud among the gathering of those who were willing to fight for what was right and were willing to try to do that while on a broom.
Despite her determination, she shuddered as she gazed down at the screams echoing from below and the brutal flashes of light produced from deadly curses. It was a welcome relief to turn to the people around her; including Charlie Weasley.
Eleven year old Katie would have flushed and foundered, but older, wiser and unburdened by a childlike crush she merely smiled politely at the red haired man.
"Good luck," she said politely. Her voice was soft and barely heard over the wind and the fighting below.
He was more confident as he flung his leg over his broom.
At least there was one thing that was a constant in this situation and could be a strange comfort.
"You too," he replied his freckled face trying to smile. "Break a leg out there."
She could not make a joke out of his comment. She could not even remember what it was like to be young and naive. She only nodded and turned from her childhood crush to the fighting below.
It was time.