Disclaimer: I do not own any of the people or places that belong to the wonderful world of Harry Potter, as they belong to J.K. Rowling. The OCs (Katherine, Septimus, Serenity, Helena, Christoph, Elisa, Henry, Nick and any name you don't recognize and isn't from the HP universe) are entirely my own.
Chapter 42: "The Greatest Game Ever Played, Part 1"
He had passed his test with flying colors, as the Muggles would say. Septimus was now free to Apparate himself to wherever he pleased, but within certain boundaries while still in school. May was nearing the end, and the close of the Quidditch season was tomorrow in Belknap Springs.
The team would be leaving tonight, so they would have a chance to fly the pitch before the tournament began. If the Spoofhounds lost more than once tomorrow, Septimus' season would be over and so would his school career. It was a frightening thought, especially when that meant that school would be over in just two short weeks.
'Two weeks,' Septimus thought, as he exhaled deeply through his nose. Currently Septimus was in his dorm room, packing a bag for the upcoming weekend. That third weekend in May brought about the round robin tournament between the five North American Schools to see who would be playing in the Semi-finals on Sunday. The Spoofhounds played the Ouachita Sidewinders first; and Septimus had confidence that his team could take the Sidewinders down easily. The Belknap Devil Dogs were tied for dead last with Ouachita, with the Torngat Golden Eagles standing in third. But it would be Isla de la Guarda Pumas that would give New Salem a run for their money. They were 1-3 against the Eagles this season; Grace Juarez had really stepped up her game since last year.
"Hey Sept!" Septimus turned to face his roommate Kyle Fuchs, who already had his pack in hand and was heading for the door.
"You ready to kick some Puma ass?" Kyle asked with a smirk upon his face.
"Always," Septimus smiled, before grabbing his bag and following the keeper out the door.
Belknap Springs' school was much larger than New Salem was, in account to the fact that it was the only school on the western side of the States. It was also a school where the children of great wealth and luxury went. Septimus hated to admit it, but he always felt awkward attending the tournaments held there, knowing that most of the students that went there had money and well-off families. Not that his family wasn't well off, but these students tended to be snobby and rude towards the other schools, especially Ouachita and Isla Angel de la Guarda, whose families tended to be on the poorer side.
But it also made their Quidditch Team horrible. Belknap was known for having one of the worst teams on record, due to the fact that none of the players got along and were always trying to outdo each other on the pitch.
All teams were shown to a special guest section of the castle once they arrived. Each group had their own private common rooms with separate dorms for the boys, girls, and coaches. Any staff, students or families that attended the tournament often stayed at nearby inns, which was where Severus and Katherine would be calling home for the next two days.
Friday evening was uneventful. The Spoofhounds flew the pitch for a good half an hour before dinner was served in the dining hall. They mingled during supper, chatting mostly with Ouachita and Torngat. Then it was off to their respective common rooms for strategy planning for the following morning.
Septimus didn't sleep well that night. Millions of thoughts were running through his mind, while his teammates snored around him.
He was worried.
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.
"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 softy, as she nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck. "I hope so."
"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.
"I am confident that we can beat Ouachita and Belknap Springs," Septimus said as he looked around the room. "But Torngat and the Pumas are going to put up a fight. We've trained hard for this, and I hope that by the end of the day, we'll be moving onto the semifinals tomorrow.
"Now let's get out there and kick some Sidewinder ass," Septimus shouted. "Spoofhounds on three... 1, 2, 3..."
"Spoofhounds!"
"New Salem wins 200-90 over Ouachita!"
"Spoofhounds beat the Devil Dogs, 250-30!"
"New Salem outflies Torngat, 230-100!"
"Juarez has the Snitch! Pumas win 290-130!"
Septimus stormed into the players' tent; ripping off his elbow pads and shin guards as he went. The rest of the team followed in quietly behind him; some of them flinching harshly as their captain roughly threw his gear into his makeshift locker.
"Sept," Mike Palmer said softly, as he stood, staring with the others at the dark-haired seeker. "Take it easy. So, we lost this one, we're still in second and we played the best we could..."
"You're right," Septimus snarled as he turned back towards his teammates. "All of you played well...except for me. I let Juarez outfly me again! I lost that match! My fingertips brushed the damn Snitch and push it right into hers! It's my fault we fucking lost!"
"Come on Sept," Kyle Fuchs hesitated, glancing at Mike and Carlos Gonzalo. "You're the best seeker in the league. So, Juarez stepped up her game. You can outfly anyone..."
"Well apparently, I can't," Septimus seethed, now ripping off his gloves and chucking them into the same locker as the rest of the equipment. As Kyle, Mike and Carlos tried to calm Septimus down, Justin Burke lightly grabbed Gwen Monaco by the arm, and steered her towards the entrance of the tent.
"Go find his mom," Justin whispered to her. "Quickly." With a curt nod and a glance back at her captain, Gwen slipped from their locker room and out into the crowd.
"Hey, we're in the Semifinals tomorrow," Carlos smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "And we're playing Ouachita! If we can beat them like we did today, then we'll definitely be in the finals next week!"
"Yeah," Septimus snorted. "Where we will be playing the Pumas again."
"Maybe, maybe not," Mike replied.
"Do you really think Torngat has a chance against them tomorrow?" shouted Septimus. "They haven't beat them all year! We only beat them that first game because of a Bludger that nearly took Juarez's head off and she had to dive out of the way."
"We don't know that for sure Sept," Kyle shouted back. "They could win. Stranger things have happened!"
"That has as much merit as the players of Belknap finally getting along," Septimus spat, just as Gwen slipped back into the tent with Katherine in tow. "Does anybody really think that Torngat, or anyone for that matter, has a chance against the Pumas!? If you do, then you're just fucking delusional."
"Septimus!" Katherine stopped in her tracks, staring dumbfounded at her eldest. "That's enough. Everyone else, out. Now." Her tone was low and harsh; her eyes never leaving the black-eyed boy in front of her. The rest of the Spoofhounds scattered; for they never heard Mrs. Prince with such a voice. Only once they were alone, did Katherine continue.
"Never, in all my years, did I ever think that you would talk to your teammates like that," Katherine snarled, causing Septimus to flinch. It was rare for her to use that tone with her son, and Septimus had only heard it once or twice in his life.
"Sit." Septimus promptly sat on the empty bench, as Katherine stood before him with her arms crossing her chest. Her ice blue eyes were cold and hard. "Well, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"I'm sorry." Septimus said quietly, hanging his head slightly.
"You're sorry," Katherine snapped. "That's it! Tell me what you are sorry for."
"For disappointing you," Septimus breathed. "For yelling at my teammates. For being upset. For losing the game."
"Oh Sept," his mother sighed; her arms dropping to her sides. "I'm not disappointed in you. Just a bit shocked is all. How could you use that tone with your teammates? You are their captain. You are responsible for supporting them, especially after a loss."
"But I'm the one who lost them the game," Septimus stated, with tears forming in his eyes. "They did everything right. I cost us the match. I'm a horrible captain."
"No," Katherine breathed, causing Septimus to look up her quickly. "You're not. You are sitting here blaming yourself for losing the match and praising your teammates. That makes you a good captain.
"Septimus," she continued, as she moved to sit down beside her son. "What I saw out there today, was a wonderful, fast-paced game. Ms. Juarez has really stepped up her game this year..."
"I know..."
"But..." Katherine continued, cutting Septimus off. "But, you have as well. You are flying in a much more graceful pattern than you did before I left. Your legs and arms are stronger; and I think your focus is better in tune that ever before. You seem to get less distracted than you once did.
"No matter what happens tomorrow, or next week," she said, taking one of his hands in hers. "Your teammates will still be behind you. And so will we."
The Saturday morning fog gave way to a heavy mist on Sunday, as the four final teams made their way down to the pitches. The nervous Torngat Golden Eagles had left the dining hall earlier than the others, to fly the fields before facing off against the Pumas. But even with their extra practice, Torngat would still fall short of the championship game again, losing 270-130.
Septimus was glad that his head had cleared from the day before; knowing that the talk he had with his mother had helped him regain his focus and priorities for the match against Ouachita. After a decent night sleep, and a light breakfast, the teams hit the pitch around noon.
Despite the mist turning to a steady rain, the Spoofhounds flew stronger than the day before. Not only did they outscore the Sidewinders in goals, but with Septimus catching the snitch, New Salem easily beat Ouachita 270-20.
While the students and staff celebrated the victory upon their return home to New Salem, Septimus and his teammates retreated to their dorms for a much quieter celebration. For they knew that in one week, they had a much greater game to play.
'Monday, May 22nd, 2000
Dear Ginny and Hermione,
Sorry I didn't get a chance to write last week, but we were preparing for our Round Robin tournament and semifinals at Belknap Springs. Needless to say, we came in second at the tournament and won our match on Sunday to guarantee us a spot in the Championship game this coming Saturday.
We'll be playing the Isla Angel de la Guarda Pumas, who are currently sitting in first place in the league. They're a tough team this year, and their seeker has stepped up quite a bit. I must admit, I'm rather nervous about the game. Since I've decided to throw my name into the draft, I know there will be a lot of recruiters and team owners there watching. I just hope I fly well enough and won't get overlooked.
I'm sorry that this letter is short, but between practices and exams coming up, I don't have enough time in a day for anything more. I'll write next Monday and let you know how we ended up.
All the best,
Septimus'
Saturday, May 27th, 2000
"GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME TO BELKNAP SPRINGS! TODAY'S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BETWEEN THE ISLA ANGEL DE LA GUARDA PUMAS AND THE NEW SALEM SPOOFHOUNDS WILL BEGIN IN 30 MINUTES!"
The day was bright and sunny, with temperatures expected in the high 60s. A perfect day for flying.
The Spoofhounds had returned to Belknap Springs the night before; and after a strong practice and a good night's sleep, the team's positivity was in high gear. Septimus gave the team one last pep talk, before they headed to the pitch. But once outside the tent, a pair of arms latched onto his person and held him back. Septimus turned to face a smiling strawberry blonde.
"I wanted to see you before the match to wish you luck," Helena giggled, as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Septimus smiled down at her and reciprocated her actions the best he could with a broom in his hand.
"Hey Sept! You comin'?" Kyle shouted to him.
"I'll be right there," Septimus grinned, without turning around. His black eyes remained on his girl until he slowly dipped his head to place a long kiss on her rosy lips. He could feel Helena smile, as she kissed him back.
"So," he said, after lifting his lips from hers. "Is that my good luck kiss?"
"No," Helena grinned broadly, "this is." Her hands left his waist; one rounded his shoulder and the other wove itself into his black tresses. Slowly, she pulled him in for another long, more searing kiss. His arms wrapped tighter around her tiny waist, pressing her against his lean frame. The action enticed a gasp from the girl, allowing Septimus' tongue to brush against hers.
"Septimus!"
The shout caused Septimus' lips to still and his eyes to fly open. The voice had been light, with a British accent. But it did not belong to his mother.
"Sept?" Helena whispered. "What's wrong?"
He didn't answer, instead his eyes slowly rose to take in the sight coming towards them. A sight that made his mouth go dry.
Two young women were walking quickly toward them. The first was faired skinned, with brown bushy hair, and the second one was petite in stature, with light colored, freckled skin and flaming red hair.
'No.'
Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley.
A/N: If you are still following my works, then you would know that I had not updated my story since 2016. A lot has happened to my family and I during these last 5 1/2 years. Deaths, job issues, health (both my husband's and my own)... just to name a few. I felt as though I had lost my muse. I think it was my husband's near death health experience that changed my perspective on life, and made me realize that I need to slow down, and continue to pursue the passions I enjoy. We changed ourselves, physically and mentally. Exercising more... hiking, tennis, pickleball, bowling, golf. Reading more... or rereading ;) because you just can't escape from the HP universe. And once this pandemic is over... traveling more. I feel fortunate enough to see my parents daily, as we all work together at our family business. My love for family knows no bounds, and it's what encourages my passion for genealogy. But it's all of you who encouraged me to keep writing. I may have been stuck in a rut for the last few years, but the comments I continue to receive have pushed me forward. Two chapters are now written beyond this one, and will be posted bi-weekly (fingers crossed). We will see where life takes me. So thank you once again for your continued support. Stay safe, stay healthy and happy reading :) - FonzFan
