The Quidditch Dreams
Over the next few weeks, Vi threw herself into learning everything she could about Quidditch—at least, the parts that interested her. Caitlyn, ever patient, tried her best to keep her focused, though it quickly became apparent that Vi was only really paying attention when things involved hitting things with a bat.
They spent afternoons on the pitch whenever it wasn’t booked for team practices, with Caitlyn explaining strategies and drills while Vi attempted to absorb as much as she could without getting too bored.
“So, let me get this straight,” Vi said one day, balancing a borrowed Beater’s bat on her shoulder. “I don’t actually score points, I just smack Bludgers at people and try not to take out my own teammates?”
Caitlyn sighed. “It’s a bit more complicated than that. You have to be strategic about it. You don’t just aim at whoever’s closest—you have to think about who’s the biggest threat, who’s in a position to score, and when to create space for your own team.”
Vi twirled the bat in her hand and smirked. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. But let’s be honest, I’m mostly here to cause chaos.”
Caitlyn gave her a long, unimpressed look. “You are going to be the biggest menace on the field, aren’t you?”
Vi grinned. “Obviously.”
Caitlyn sighed again, but she couldn’t quite hide the small, amused smile tugging at her lips. “Well, as long as you don’t get yourself banned from the sport before you even make the team, I suppose that’s fine.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon practicing, with Caitlyn tossing enchanted targets through the air while Vi attempted to knock them down with the bat. It was clear from the start that she had a natural instinct for it—her reflexes were sharp, and her strength gave her a clear advantage. She still needed to work on precision, but Caitlyn had no doubt that, with a bit of training, Vi would be a force to be reckoned with.
As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, Caitlyn called for a break, and they flopped onto the grass near the stands, breathing heavily.
Vi stretched out her arms, letting the cool evening breeze wash over her. “Alright, Kiramman, I’ll admit it. This was actually kinda fun.”
Caitlyn smirked, lying back with her hands behind her head. “Glad to hear it. Now you just need to actually make the team next year.”
Vi turned her head toward her, eyes glinting with determination. “Oh, I will. Just you watch.”
Caitlyn tilted her head slightly, taking in the rare seriousness in Vi’s expression. She had no doubt that Vi meant it.
She smiled softly. “I know you will.”