During the Quidditch match – likely the most important of Kara's athletic career – Kara was exceptionally focused. Knowing Lena was there watching eased her worries and helped her to remain calm, despite her nerves being electrified by the fear of missing out on a scouting opportunity. She had to win this match. She had to help Gryffindor win the house cup. She had to make Lena proud. And she had to – had to – ensure her future as a professional Seeker.

With her focus being so intense and on point, it was actually far easier to accomplish her task. In fact, Kara's eyes were so sharp and attentive to her mission that she saw the Snitch almost immediately, whizzing by her at full speed and circling far above her teammates. Before she could catch it, though, it dove down below them, so Kara wasted no time in following, doing a near-nosedive for the tiny flying object. It was in her hand in an instant, and as soon as her nimble fingers wrapped around it and held it steady, she felt an incredible wave of relief wash over her. This was it. She'd been in the air only about nine or ten minutes, which was an incredible record, and she'd single-handedly won the game before anyone had even scored.

The crowd – once again, everyone but the those in Slytherin house – erupted into cheers, astounded by Kara's speed. The Seeker was incredibly relieved to have broken the Hogwarts Quidditch record for time catching the Snitch, and it showed with a big grin as she raised her hand up in the air, floating just above the ground on her broom as she basked in her incredible victory. She was back on her game, literally. The last match, where she'd fallen off her broom and been saved by her Slytherin best friend, had shaken her deeply, making her worry about her own abilities. Now, she knew they weren't gone. She still had it. Of course, this was made easier by knowing that Lena was there cheering her on.

She could even hear her screaming, "Yeah, Kara!" And then, "You go, babygirl!"

Hearing that, Kara felt she might fall off her broom again and found herself grateful to having been so close to the ground. Unfortunately for her, this very nearly happened when the Slytherin team's Seeker crashed into her from the side at full force. But Kara managed to stay steady on the broom, despite the abrupt turbulence, and Madam Hooch blew the whistle immediately.

"Twenty-five points from Slytherin for incredibly poor sportsmanship!" she shouted.

The Slytherins all booed, but Kara couldn't stop smiling, completely ignoring the assault as she slowly lowered her broom to the ground and dismounted, turning her head to see Lena waving at her. She almost blushed when Lena blew her a kiss, feeling light headed and dizzy from the heavy wave of affection she was feeling.

For a moment, Kara got lost in Lena's wide, proud smile, until a man approached Kara from the side and said, "Miss Danvers?"

Kara turned around instantly, blushing, to find a man she didn't know standing beside her.

"Yes, sir," she answered, swallowing hard when she noticed his badge, indicating that he was from the British and Irish Quidditch League.

"The way you played that game… You can have your pick of any professional team in the League," he informed her, making her feel she might just fall to the ground in shock.

This was it. This was everything she'd ever wanted, all wrapped up in a bow. Lena by her side, an offer to join a professional Quidditch team. Everything

"You keep that up next year, and you're a shoo-in, Miss Danvers. I hope that you continue to play like you just did and that you accept an offer to join the League upon graduation."

"I… I…. Thank you, sir. Thank you!" Kara exclaimed, her shock fading and spreading her lips into a wide grin.

As soon as he turned away, Lena came rushing towards her, having jumped the fence and run onto the Quidditch pitch to meet her.

"That's my girl!" Lena cried, wrapping her arms around Kara as tightly as she could, having seen the interaction with the Quidditch scout. "I'm so proud of you!"

Kara lifted her up with ease and spun her around a few times before setting her back down on the ground and kissing her hard, making their worlds slow to a stop, leaving the rowdy students around them to faded into the distance.

"Guess you were the one destined for greatness," Lena chuckled, ruffling Kara's already tousled hair.

"Well, we'll see. I have to make sure I keep it up next year."

"That's a given," the brunette laughed, pecking Kara on the cheek. "You're gonna dominate out there next year, just like you always have."

Smiling brightly, Kara took Lena's hand and said, "Let's go have dinner. I'm starving."

~!~!~

Later that night, the two decided to wind down in the library, mostly because Lena was panicked about her N.E.W.T.s. Kara did her best to support her, bringing pumpkin pasties and chocolate frogs to the rescue, which Lena accepted gratefully. The sweets helped distract her from the fact that these exams were literally going to define her career, while at the same time giving her enough energy to focus and study.

This routine continued each evening after dinner for the next several weeks, until finally, it was the night before the exams.

"I can't do it," Lena blurted, dropping her History of Magic book down on the table. "I'm gonna fail."

"Lena," Kara chuckled, reaching across the table to touch her hand. "You've never failed anything in your life."

Lena thought about this. Kara was pretty much correct in this statement. She couldn't remember ever doing poorly on an exam. Still, her nerves got the better of her, so absently, she reached up and began to play with her hair, not knowing what to say.

Noticing this anxious gesture, Kara whispered, "You're gonna do great, babe," and pressed a kiss to Lena's forehead.

"Well… at least I don't have to get shit from my mother anymore. She hasn't spoken to me in months, and neither has Lex. Pretty sure that bridge is burned and crumpled to ashes."

Kara nodded sympathetically and told her, "I'm here, okay? I'm not going anywhere. You don't need them."

Lena nodded, then, after a pause, looked up into Kara's eyes and said, "Kara… I think I know what I want to do with my life."

"Like… a career? Or like… have pets and a farm with me?"

"A career, you goober," Lena laughed, playfully shoving her partner's shoulder until she leaned back in the chair.

"Aww. Well, that's too bad," Kara teased. "I was thinking about giving up Quidditch and staying home with you every day for the rest of my life."

"You're ridiculous," the brunette told her, shaking her head. "You're not giving up Quidditch."

"Nah, you're right. Probably not. But anyway! Tell me! What caught your fancy?"

"Well… I can tell you it's definitely not being a professor or headmistress of this school." When Kara raised an eyebrow, Lena continued, "And I'm going to need at least 5 exceeds expectations on my N.E.W.T.s."

Author's note: Next chapter is the last, and the epilogue! I hope you've all enjoyed reading thus far! Leave a comment and let me know what you think Lena wants to do with her life. ;)

Or hit me up in Tumblr to chat anytime. My handle is echelonwarfare.