I sat nervously in Headmaster's office waiting for the answer from the Quidditch Council sent from the ministry that would ultimately determine my fate and that of Hogwarts. This was it. Either I had set a good example and the Council would allow for girls to try out for house teams next year or I had failed and would evidently be kicked off the Gryffindor team. My hands were shaky and sweaty, never before and I felt such pressure ridding on me. Professor Dumbledore attempted to give me a reassuring smile but it did nothing to help calm my nerves.
My entire team was waiting just outside the office to hear the verdict and I could not imagine letting them down. This past season every one of us had become so close in our own ways, a sort of family away from home. They were all rooting for my success and supporting me. This made me smile to myself because at the beginning of all this most of the boys mocked me and didn't have much faith in me. Now, I was one of the team; we had come such a long way.
There was a loud pop and a bit of smoke as three members of the Quidditch Council flooed into the office. Instantly, I felt my body tense and hands begin to shake again.
"Well, Miss Evans after much deliberation we have come to an agreement regarding the female population and Quidditch," one of the members said, "It is evident that you are a skilled player and are able to compete against the males in this sport. However, we are a bit concerned about how the dynamic will change if females are allowed to play. By becoming a co-ed sport the brutality of Quidditch might be lessened as well as the tradition of all male teams that has been established here at Hogwarts. Consequently, traditions do change and I would like to announce that beginning next year Hogwarts will be the first Wizarding school to allow females to participate in Quidditch."
I DID IT! I had never felt so relieved and proud in my life.
"Of course there will be many rules that will need to be instated and details that will need to be gone over for next year. Unfortunately, next year will only be a trial year for this idea but if proven successful it will become a permanent adjustment. Lily Evans, if you hadn't forced yourself into our office and demanded to play we would not be here announcing this promising improvemtn. Congratulations Lily." He concluded beaming at me.
Me smile nearly split my face in half and all I could do was repeat, "Thank you Thank you Thank you" While excitedly running around the room pumping everyone's hands up in down in gratitude. '
Professor Dumbledore gave me a knowing grin and said, "Now I know there's some people waiting just outside who might want to hear this news from you."
Giving him a thankful nod, I quickly hurried out of the office and down the twisted stairs to where my awaiting team was huddled.
"WE DID IT!" I screamed as I flung myself towards them. A chorus of cheers and shouts erupted from the group as they enveloped me into one big group hug.
After a bunch of hair ruffling and back pats, I found myself searching the group for my now boyfriend James. I met his eyes from a distance as he made his way through the crowd towards me.
When he got to me he reached out and pulled my close saying, "Lily I am so proud of you." I couldn't help but smile as he cupped my face and pulled me into a sweet and passionate kiss. The team catcalled and laughed at our situation but I no longer cared.
As James and I broke apart, I looked around to all the wonderful people surrounding me and celebrating. My eyes fell on James again as I watched him hug Mason with the happiest twinkle in his eye.
That's when I thought to myself: I really did get everything I wanted.