I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Extended Family
Chapter 126 - Tenacity
Starts between chapters 111 and 113 of Family.
Angelina released a deep breath, shaking her arms and flexing her fingers. She bounced lightly on the balls of her feet, eyes never quite still. More than a few of the others there gave her considering looks, evaluating her. Some looked impressed, others less so. On the surface she looked like them, dressed in Quidditch gear, appearing calm and ready.
Below the surface, her stomach roiled. It was not due to the breakfast either. She was nervous. She had arrived at the practice field and was unprepared to see all the people there. There were so many, a couple from all the Houses that just graduated from Hogwarts like her. Others were a few years older, some she vaguely recognized when they were years above her in school. There were even older people than them there, and more than a few looked like they were foreigners, people from outside the United Kingdom.
When she graduated, she had not received a letter from any of the Quidditch teams directly. It had crushed her a little until she received an invitation for the Open Camp Tryouts. The invitation said that while she had not been directly approached by any of the teams, her name had been recommended by more than a few of them. Prospective players would attend the camp and work out and practice and play there for a few weeks. At the end of the camp, teams would then make offers after watching them perform.
Angelina definitely jumped for it, supported by her family and friends. She had arrived at the camp with high hopes and enthusiasm, but her hopes lowered and her feelings waned some as she saw the amount of people who were invited.
"Hello everyone," Levi smiled, standing at the front and addressing them. "In case you don't remember me," everyone chuckled at that, "I'm Levi Timms and I have the honor of being a League Scout. I run this camp every year and I'm glad to see you lot here. I'm not going to lie to you. The next few weeks will be tough. You're going to be put through the wringer. And you'll be watched by reps from all the teams the whole time. Not everyone will be given an offer or an invitation at the end of the camp."
Everyone listened to him quietly, gulping at his words.
"But you all were invited to be here. The camp is invitation only so that is already a step up for you. You're here because there is interest in you, that they and I saw potential in you. So work hard, do your best, and we'll see what happens."
Angelina swallowed hard but nodded. She would do her best or die trying.
Whichever came first.
-0-
A few of the candidates fell over, gasping and coughing with one retching. Others bowed over, huffing and puffing as they tried to get their breath back.
"Why the hell are we running so much?" one gasped.
"Seriously, we fly, not run," another grumbled.
Angelina was sweating and she felt tired but she grinned all of a sudden, remembering of a time back in her third year, of a certain practice where an absent-minded captain had doubled their laps without noticing, where her best friend had a pitcher of water dumped over her, her other best friend encouraging said dumping and soaking, her boyfriend and his brother before they were a couple, and of a very small scrawny boy slowly coming out of his shell.
She was still smiling as she jogged on, not noticing how the others looked at her as she ran.
-0-
"Oh my goodness," Layla sighed. She had turned the corner in the home and nearly stumbled over something. That something turned out to be someone, her daughter to be exact. Angelina was lying flat and face-down on the ground, not too far from the Floo, and was unmoving. Missy, their kneazle, was loafed on her back, purring comfortably.
"Come on beastie," Layla chuckled, shooing Missy off. "As for you, don't lie on the ground in the middle like that. Dear Merlin!" Layla had knelt down to try and lift Angelina and she had nearly dropped her when she was surprised by Angelina's weight. "When did you get so heavy?!" Layla smiled ruefully. "You're solid muscle."
She picked up her wand and waved it. Angelina rose into the air and started snoring, unbothered by the magical manipulation. Layla walked to Angelina's bedroom with Angelina following in the air and gently deposited her on the bed. She tucked her in and kissed her forehead. "Proud of you, love," Layla said softly before she left.
-0-
"Bloody hell," the examiner said. He gave Angelina an arched look. "No need to go that hard to try and impress us."
"I'm sorry?" Angelina asked, confused.
"You're not pumping more power into your throws to stand out?" he asked.
"No?" Angelina flushed a little. "That's how I usually throw."
The examiner blinked a few times. "Well, alright then." He watched silently as the shooting drill continued. His gaze made her squirm and she was glad when the drill ended and the prospective Chasers left for a break.
"What's up?" another examiner asked when he wandered over.
"That one," the first examiner murmured, pointing at Angelina's back. "She's one to watch. She throws Quaffles like they're Bludgers and she's accurate too."
"Really? Can she keep it up?"
"I think so. I accused her of trying harder and she said she wasn't. Watched her the whole time and she didn't drop off in power. If anything, she got stronger as the drill continued." He tossed the practice Quaffle.
The other examiner caught it and looked impressed when he tapped it with his wand. "Wow. Consistent force and speed." He pressed on one side. "This spot is softer too."
"Yeah, she's one to watch," the first examiner repeated.
-0-
"How have you gotten stronger?" Alicia asked. "I thought you were an Amazonian brute before but you've somehow surpassed that."
Angelina shrugged. "There's weight training at the camp and other exercises." She was visiting Alicia on a rare day off for the both of them and when Alicia wanted to move things about in her tiny flat, Angelina had done so without her wand out of reflex.
"Well good for you then. Next time we go out and get hit on you can hit them back."
Angelina grinned. "Never had a problem doing that before."
Alicia's grin was equally broad. "Not at all." She tossed her a bottle of butterbeer and sat on the couch. "How's the camp going?"
"Oh, it's alright," Angelina said, sitting beside her. "It's a lot of work. Usually half day of exercises and then the other half is drills. Every other day there's mock games and skirmishes. They mix things up a lot. And there's always people watching. Taking notes. Talking to each other."
"Sounds terrible," Alicia grimaced.
"Does feel a bit like you're being put up at a market or something," Angelina sighed.
"You're not unhappy, are you?" Alicia asked gently.
"No, not really." Angelina sighed again. "I mean, I wish I had an invitation to try-out for a team directly before. I know I'm a solid player but not exceptional. I'm glad for the opportunity though."
"You'll get signed on," Alicia said comfortingly.
"Thanks," Angelina said, smiling a little.
"Eventually, I'm sure."
"Thanks," Angelina said, scowling a little.
"I'm sure there's a team that'll want you, even one of the lower ones."
"Thanks…" Angelina growled, scowling a lot.
"Doesn't Chudley always need players-" Alicia shrieked when Angelina pushed her over and sat on her. "Dear Merlin, you weigh a ton! Get off!"
"Shant," Angelina said and sipped her butterbeer, ignoring Alicia's squirming.
-0-
Angelina sat in the corner of the locker room, head bowed and resting on her knees.
It had been a tough day. The examiners had been especially grueling and had thrown them into a series of scrimmages after intense physical training. The candidates had been pushed that day, and the days prior had been taxing as well.
It was well into the second week of the camp and things were even more intense. A good portion of them had been cut or had quit and the remainders had dug in, eager to prove themselves. Some of that had turned into something more personal and direct. There was not any actual sabotage, but some of the candidates teamed up to do their best to make others look bad. Some extra jostling for position, accidental drops or hits, barely veiled insults and barbed words.
During the last scrimmage, two of the other Chaser prospects kept on her like ticks. They tried running her into the ground, sandwiching her between them and peeling away at the last moment to be hit by a Bludger or some other obstacle. They tried to be careful with the cobbling rule, always just shy of outright hitting her. The last time however, when one of them had kicked her broom and she nearly lost control, barely managing to stay upright and landing incredibly hard.
When they swaggered over, sneering at her, she completely lost control and kicked their brooms, driving the brooms into their legs and making them trip and fall over. They continued the fight and she ended it by fighting back and slamming one into the ground and punching the other so hard he fell over senseless.
The examiners had rushed over and upbraided them all and threatened expulsion from the camp. The other two had been checked over by medics and she had been sent to the locker room. Which was where she was now.
"Hey there, Captain Johnson."
She looked up to see Levi settling on the bench beside her. Lost in her misery, she did not hear him enter the room. "Oh hi," she said, rubbing her face. "Sorry, didn't hear you come in."
"No problem," he said easily. "Quite the display out there."
"Yeah." She shrunk down a little more. "I've got a bit of a temper."
"Oh that? I don't care about that," he said, waving a hand. He continued, smiling at her look of surprise. "Fights break out all the time and even a blind person could see they deserved it. You fought back, didn't start it. They've been dogging you for the last week. I was impressed at how you managed to land under your own power and not get hurt really after that nonsense."
He winked at her. "I'm also unofficially impressed at how you put those two arseholes down. Officially, I can't condone it, you understand."
She smiled a little. "I do."
He nodded and rose to his feet. "Keep up the good work, Captain. People are noticing."
She looked at him. "I'm not a captain though."
He smiled gently. "You earned the title before, and you act like one, I've no problem calling you one." He looked at the locker behind her. "You got something glowing back there?"
"Oh? Oh! Uhm yeah, good luck charm," she stammered.
"Really? Nice." With a wave he left.
She turned to her locker and reached for the silver rabbit figurine that sat in her bag. It was shining brightly and thumping gently and she felt it kick in her hand. The warmth from the figurine spread through her and she kissed it gently, feeling better.
-0-
It was Decision Day, the last day of the camp. The League Team Captains and Coaches were there to make offers or negotiate further try-outs with the candidates. Angelina had stood there, watching the others get approached and talked to. None came to her and as time passed, she felt heavier and gloomier. After some time, she began to think about leaving entirely.
"Miss Johnson?"
She stopped and turned. "Yes?"
A woman dressed in a Tutshill Tornado uniform beamed at her. "Sorry I'm so late. Got caught up with something and it took a lot longer than I thought it would."
"Oh, no problem," Angelina stammered. "You're Clara Holmes, you're the Captain of the Tornadoes!"
"I am!" Clara smiled brightly. "Please tell me you're a fan."
"Only time you're not is when you play against Appleby," Angelina said, blushing. "But that's because that's where my parents met and they love the Arrows for it."
"Well that's a good enough reason," Clara laughed. "I'm glad I caught you." She held out a roll of parchment.
"Is that an invitation to try-out?" Angelina gasped.
"Nope. It's an offer. We want to sign you on," Clara said.
"You're joking," Angelina gasped even louder.
"Not in this but later I have a great one about a leprechaun in America," Clara smiled. "You've impressed us the whole camp and it's for reserve status right now, but we rotate players a lot and I think you'll work out great on our Chaser team. And," she winked, "it's always good knowing you can handle yourself in a fight."
"Thank you!" Angelina took the parchment with shaking hands but her handshake was firm. "I'm so excited! I swear, you won't regret this."
"No, I don't think I will," Clara smiled, flexing her hand after the handshake. "I really wanted to be here at start but once again, sorry. We made it clear we were going to recruit you and I guess no one else wanted to offer. Must have been nerve-wracking, yeah?"
"A bit," Angelina laughed. "But it's worth it!"
-0-
"Hey!" George whooped when Angelina picked him up in a hug. "Oh is this good news time? Please tell me it's good news time!"
"It's great news!" Angelina nearly shouted.
"You got signed on?!" Fred asked eagerly.
"I did! You're looking at a reserve Chaser for the Tornadoes!"
George and Fred whooped loudly and spun Angelina in a circle before George hugged and kissed her soundly.
"Guess we need some Tornado gear and decorations now!" Fred said. "About time too! Got tired of looking at Puddlemere stuff."
"That's my girl!" George shouted, kissing Angelina on the cheeks repeatedly.
-0-
The months flew by. Like Clara had thought, Angelina had slotted into the Chaser team at Tutshill neatly. The other Chasers learned that Angelina always played hard and well, even in practice, and valued her for that. She became a cornerstone for their training and after a few months into the season, slowly rotated her into games. She continued to work hard and while she did not feel as close to them as she did with Alicia and Katie, Angelina liked them a lot and worked very well with them.
Also true to Clara's thoughts, Angelina did indeed hold herself in a fight. After a game in Wimbourne, an opposing Chaser had thrown first their drink and then a punch at Felicia, Angelina's closest friend on the team, and Angelina had waded in without hesitation. The fight did not last much longer and though Angelina had a black eye from it, she was very happy.
-0-
"Hey, Angelina, check it out!" Clara held up a jersey. "First brand-new Tutshill Tornado Angelina Jonhson number seven jersey!"
Angelina took it reverently, smiling through her tears. "It's real!"
"It sure is! Congrats Angie!" Felicia smiled and the rest of the team cheered. It was the first of the official line of jerseys with Angelina's name and number on them. It was one of the sweetest moments of a professional Quidditch player's career, seeing their official jersey made and out for display and sale. The Tornadoes had given her the first box of them as was tradition.
"Time to keep a promise," Angelina said happily.
-0-
George yawned and blinked sleepily before he hurriedly got out of bed. "I'm coming, I'm coming," he said, walking to the window and opening it. "Sorry 'bout that."
Hedwig hooted at him comfortably. She fluttered to the nightstand and loomed over a slowly waking Angelina, staring down at her.
"Gah!" Angelina exclaimed, waking fully when she realized Hedwig was there and looking down at her. "Chicken."
Hedwig hooted and held out her leg and waited for Angelina to untie the letter. She waggled her tail feathers at her when the letter was removed.
"I think Fred's up and making breakfast. Go get some," George grinned. He opened the bedroom door and Hedwig flapped out eagerly. "I wonder what Harry wants."
Angelina was grinning when she opened the letter, showing George. There was a picture with the letter. Photo Harry was happily wearing the new Tornado jersey and cheering for her with Katie cheering too, but giving Angelina a pawky look.
"She looks miffed," George chuckled.
"Hers is coming today," Angelina laughed. "I promised Rabbit the first one."
"Good of him to send you a pic," George said, lying back down beside her.
She reached over to touch her silver rabbit, making it glow. "He's the best," she smiled.
-0-0-0-
odonnellzoo99 - I like oatmeal raisin too. Really peanut butter is the only cookie I don't love.
DOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Yeah, the site was having some trouble those few days. Things are still a little borked for reading hits per day. No, this was when Katie was pregnant with Lucas and Tracey with Kayden.
poka - It's fun going back to random little callback jokes like the race against the patronus. And Hedwig being a menace and fighting with Angelina, Colette, and Dora will never not be fun.
alix33 - Nimbus clouds are brooms I made up for the chapter, training brooms. Hedwig dancing just out of reach will never not be funny. She's petty like that.
Ghostwriter - She will do whatever she wants whenever she wants. As she should.