Welcome to the Jungle

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Part One: Fifteen

Chapter Forty-One: On Top of the World

February draws to a close without further incident, and the student body of William McKinley High turns it's collective attention towards their Spring Break, rapidly approaching. There are still three weeks of the winter term remaining, mid-term exams, class projects due in, and reports to present. There are a few more basketball games to play, a Spring dance to worry about, and it's such that without truly realising it until after the fact, time flies.

"Undefeated," Matt marvels, squashed into the diner seat beside Harry. They're at a team dinner,, and they're all still a little high off their last - and most recent - victory.

Their team has been named State Champions for the Under 16 Men's Division, have, in fact, beaten the current record as an all freshman team, and Harry, like the rest of his teammates, is over the moon.

Hell, he can't imagine what could possibly top this feeling.

"Hell yeah!" Puck enthusiastically concurs, and throws his arms up in victory. A raucous round of cheering follows, handshakes and back slaps and toasts as well, and Harry can't wipe the smile off his face. He doesn't even try.

Amidst the ruckus, Coach Hooch detaches herself from the cluster of parents near the front doors, fiddles with the settings on one of those little hand-held microphone/speaker sets of her's, and draws the teams' attention with a sharp, shrill whistle that silences them instantly.

It ought to be acknowledged, really, that over the season, they'd each acquired a healthy respect (re: fear) for Coach Hooch, and the authority the woman wields with a dignified, terrifying sort of efficiency. She proceeds with the obligatory end of season speech, congratulating them each for a job well done and what have you, but before long, Harry - as Captain - is being ushered forward to give a speech of his own, and he's grateful he'd been forewarned by Montague.

It's not the formal banquet, wherein awards and what have you will be presented, where Graham will be the unfortunate sod expected to present a speech, but somehow, Harry's still a nervous wreck.

"Before I say anything else, I want to thank everyone who helped us to this point. Coach Hooch and Marcus, without your tireless commitment to the basketball team, without your support, encouragement, and belief in us, we - a completely new team, more or less inexperienced in the ways of competitive basketball - wouldn't have achieved what we have, and I'm fairly certain there isn't enough gratitude in the world for you both.

"To our parents, grandparents, guardians, also, thank you; for all the morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups, for the early breakfasts and late dinners, for your consistent, wholehearted support at every game. We couldn't have done it without you.

"To my teammates, Puck, Mike and Matt, Roger, Gabe, and Kevin, I've had so much fun with you guys this season. It's been tough, it's been exhausting, it's been a surprise at every turn, but training and playing alongside you guys has been a tremendous honour, and an extremely rewarding experience."

Harry took a moment to take in his attentive audience, took another moment to settle his jangling nerves, and then continued his speech.

"As captain of this team, I've learned so much - about teamwork, about leadership, about myself - and I will continue to learn in the years to come. From this season though, and from this team in particular, the most important thing I will take with me are the memories we've made. Puck and Kevin's concerts, every bus ride, wherein they displayed their uncanny knowledge of all the lyrics to every pop song known to man, particularly of the 'boy band' variety. Gabriel, and his tendency to quote Yoda before every Game. Subtly referencing rap battles in conversations with Coach Hooch and Marcus, actually attempting to recreate those rap battles, and failing spectacularly. There are so many moments I can mention here, and a whole lot of stories to tell, but I guess we'd all like to get home at some point tonight. In saying that, I'll finish up: Guys, again, it's been so much fun, and I can't wait to do it all again with you next year."

The conclusion of Harry's speech is met with applause and smiles, and Harry returns to his seat with a grateful sigh. There, he is met with laughter, claps on the back and lighthearted teasing for Harry's sentiment, but mostly, the guys seem pleased with everything he'd said, and Harry is relieved by the fact.

"That was a good speech," Mike commends from over the back of Harry's seat. He is seated directly behind Harry, in the next booth over, and Roger entertains himself by blowing straw wrappers at his face.

"It was," Matt agrees.

"Thanks," Harry acknowledges, his face red, "I'm glad it wasn't awful."

Although Harry's high spirits could probably carry him through to the next morning, his parents eventually drag him home to sleep off all of the excitement. Kate's home from another date with Colin, seated at the piano while their grandmother, Dorea, listens to her play, her own eyes closed, a content smile on her face.

"How'd you go?" Kate asks. She doesn't care much for sports, more interested in Dance and Theatre, but she's always been supportive of Harry's interests, just as Harry has always supported her own.

"State Champions," Harry answers, pleased beyond words. Over their heads, they high five with both hands. As they do, Kate cheers and pulls him into a celebratory hug.

"Congratulations!"

"Thanks." He combs a hand through his hair, a sheepish grin on his face, and yawns despite himself. "I think I'm going to call it a night."

Behind him, James claps Harry on the shoulder. His father looks tired and drawn, and not just due to the long day. In fact, he's looked rather drained for some weeks now, but Harry hasn't yet built up the courage to ask him what's wrong. In truth, though, Harry's not sure he wants to find out.

"Sleep well, Harry. You earned it."

Harry makes his way downstairs and proceeds through his usual evening routine, and he's asleep before his head hits the pillow.

-!- -#-

After work the following day, Harry, Kate, Ron, and Hermione sit down to enjoy some lunch before they have to head their separate ways, and it's a good time. Hermione takes the opportunity to quiz him about the Euro Challenge and, in particular, the presentation Harrys headed to Columbus to give over Spring Break. Ron speaks of his own plans, headed to Cincinnati with Fred, George, and Ginny in order to visit their older brother, Percy, and Kate laments the fact that she's got no plans at all.

"Are you nervous?" Hermione asks.

"Pretty nervous," Harry admits, "Everything has been online so far. This is the first one we'll be presenting in person, so…"

"What country did you choose?"

"France," Harry answers, "You'd think it'd be easier, given Puck's from there, and I spend part of every summer in Provence, but no, it's been a pain in the ass. I sort of hope we don't make it to the next round, but at the same time, I'll be gutted if we don't. We worked our asses off to finish it."

"I'm sure it'll be great," Hermione gives him an encouraging smile, "I kind of wish I joined, but I've already got so much on my plate…"

Hermione, between her work and her studies, is a contributing member of the school newspaper, the scholastic decathlon team, and also the yearbook committee. Between all of these extra-curricular activities, she somehow juggles 18 hours at the Steam House each week, an excellent grade point average, and a fairly busy social life. Her time management skills are amazing, essentially, and Harry can't fathom how she (and Mike, for that matter) does it.

Harry shrugs, and reasons, "There's always next year."

"Assuming WMHS decides to continue the program," Hermione counters.

"Fingers crossed. I complain about it but I don't know, I guess I don't regret doing it. I've learned a lot."

"So you'd recommend it?"

"If your up for the challenge, yeah." He pauses, and adds with a self-deprecating roll of his eyes, "No pun intended."

Before long, conversation turns to their plans for that evening. Kate's got a sleepover with a few of her friends, and Harry's attending the spring dance with Katie Bell. It's a date that's entirely platonic, which makes the prospect significantly less terrifying. Despite that fact, however, Harry's not exactly enthused about the thought of attending a school dance. He's even less enthused about the possibility of missing out, though, and thus, he only complains a little bit.

. Unsurprisingly, Ron and Hermione are going with Lavender and Mike, respectively. The way they talk, though, their significant others are looking forward to it a whole lot more than Ron and Hermione themselves.

"I didn't peg Chang for the school dance type," Ron admits, dubious.

Hermione shrugs, nonchalant. "He likes to dance."

"That… does not compute," Ron mumbles, perturbed. The rest of them laugh at the expression on his face, but Mike - and his interest in Dance - is not something they dwell on. Rather, their lunch continues, and as it is wont to do, their conversation moves on to other things.

It's nice, just to hang out and catch up, but eventually, Harry and Kate excuse themselves to make their bus home - the only one for another hour - with their thoughts on their individual plans ahead. It's an uneventful trip, made entertaining as they share headphones and dramatically lip-sync to Linkin Park. Eventually, however, they reach their destination, and Kate takes off to prepare for her night.

Harry, meanwhile, settles in for a couple of hours of video games, and works hard not to dwell on the dance ahead. He's only moderately successful.

Author's Note: Apologies for the long wait, everyone. Life, and all that. Hope 2018 has been treating you well, thus far. Until next time, -t.