The Cannons

Aurora Walker awoke late that morning, her usual early-rising routine disrupted. The clock on her bedside table read 9:30 AM. Her mind groggily stirred to life as the late-fall sunlight streamed through the open window, spilling across the wooden floors. A crisp breeze crept into the room, its sharpness a clear reminder of the season’s shift. Aurora shivered as the cold kissed her cheeks, pulling her out of her warm cocoon of blankets.

"Sunday," she realized with a start, her eyes widening as she sat up abruptly. Sunday mornings were reserved for her weekly breakfast with her friends, a ritual she treasured. The thought of being late spurred her into action.

With quick, hurried movements, she darted into the bathroom, the cold tiles beneath her feet waking her further. Her toothbrush buzzed as she brushed her teeth, foam splattering the sink as she worked quickly, her mind racing ahead to the day. Her wand was perched nearby, and with a simple flick, her hairbrush glided through her tangled hair, smoothing it with effortless grace. "Thank Merlin for magic," she muttered under her breath.

Aurora dressed quickly in usual Sunday attire: a long, black, ankle-length dress that hugged her curves and provided much-needed warmth. She paired it with thick wool socks and sturdy black boots. Her dark green sweater, a gift from Pansy, complimented her Slytherin roots, and the soft fabric brought a bit of comfort as she readied herself for the day ahead.

She glanced at the clock, her stomach sinking. The bus to Muggle London would be arriving soon, and she’d have to hurry. The bus was always a necessity on Sundays. Since they had begun frequenting Muggle restaurants a few years back, magical transport was out of the question. Because her friends were all well-known figures in the wizarding world, the constant stares and whispers, whenever they dined at magical establishments, had become unbearable. People often treated them as if they were making evil plans.

The Muggle restaurant they now visited—The Red Ram—was a quaint, family-owned eatery nestled just on the outskirts of London. With its charming brick facade and large bay windows, it was the perfect retreat from the prying eyes of the wizarding world.

On the bus, Aurora's mind wandered. Today wasn't just any Sunday brunch—she had difficult news to share with her friends. She'd been let go from her job at the small medical wizard's office, where she'd worked since earning her healer's license. The financial constraints had been beyond her control, but the loss stung like a failure, a wound she wasn’t ready to discuss. She dreaded her friends’ reactions, especially since they all seemed so settled in their careers.

As the bus meandered through the bustling Muggle streets, Aurora pulled her coat closer, trying to steel herself for the conversation that lay ahead. The Red Ram came into view, its familiar charm easing some of her anxiety. The restaurant, with its bright red door and friendly atmosphere, always made her feel at home, and the sight of her friends seated at their usual round table outside helped her breathe a little easier.

Even in the crisp air of late September, they insisted on sitting outside. She knew these people well, and still, every week, she was surprised to find their outfits always formal for such a low-key breakfast spot. Pansy Parkinson, always the epitome of elegance, stood as Aurora approached. Her long black coat, coupled with the dark magenta turtleneck underneath, gave her a royal ambiance. "Aurora! We were starting to think you’d abandoned us!" Pansy's voice was warm, her tall figure embracing Aurora with genuine affection. The difference in their heights—Pansy’s towering 5’9” against Aurora’s 5’5”—did nothing to diminish the intimacy of the hug.

“You couldn’t possibly leave me with them,” Pansy joked, gesturing toward the three boys who were engrossed in an animated discussion, oblivious to Aurora’s tardiness. “They’ve been droning on about Quidditch all morning. It’s completely mind-numbing.”

Aurora was guided to her seat next to Pansy. She checked her watch and noticed she was only 15 minutes late. Just then, Amelia, their usual waitress, approached with Aurora's normal chai tea. The smell of cinnamon and cardamom wafted up from the cup, calming Aurora's frayed nerves.

“Thank you, Amelia,” Aurora said, trying to focus on the conversation. “How are the kids?”

Amelia responded with a brief update about her children, but Aurora's attention kept drifting back to the boys' conversation.

“-and he just moved out to London just like that to play for the Chudley Cannons?” Blaise asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. “I mean, he has lived in Scotland for years. Is it really that easy to just drop everything and move?”

Draco leaned in, his enthusiasm evident. “Well, if I were Wood, I’d drop everything too. Playing professionally is a dream come true. Yes, I don't care for the bloke, and I never thought I'd say this, but I almost envy him.”

“Blaise, think about it this way. Think of all the girls he will get now as a famous quidditch player.” Theodore now grabbed Blaise's shoulders as if that would make his point any better. Theodore added, “Blaise, think of all the attention he’ll get now as a famous Quidditch player. I don’t care about the money or fame, but the girls—now that’s what I envy.” Theodore sighed as Blaise shrugged his hand off his shoulder.

As Theodore spoke, Amelia finished her chat and moved away, leaving Aurora no choice but to dive into the conversation.

“What are you three talking about?” Aurora finally asked, trying to mask her anxiety.

Draco opened his mouth to speak, but Pansy interjected smoothly. “Quidditch, Aurora. Please, don’t encourage them. It’s all they’ve talked about all morning.”

“It’s a little more than just Quidditch, Pans,” Theodore said, rolling his eyes playfully. “Remember that annoying Git from school, Oliver Wood? Always obsessed with Quidditch, always traipsing around on his Gryffindor high horse?

“I remember him. What about him?” Pansy asked, her interest piqued.

“Well, he’s just been traded to the Chudley Cannons,” Draco said, his tone mixing excitement with a hint of disbelief.

“And this is significant because…? people get traded all the time?” Pansy Retorts. She was now glaring at the boys, who had conned her into talking about quidditch.

“Well, Pans, this is the part you might find interesting. There is a bit of drama; he had been living in Scotland with his very long-term girlfriend, Penelope Clearwater.” Adds Blaise.\

“Wait… I remember hearing something about her. Had they just gotten engaged?” Aurora asked, trying to recall.

“Precisely, my dearest friend, they had just gotten engaged, very publically, I might add; they had pictures of it all over the place.” Blaise was now grinning, knowing he had information Pansy wanted to hear.

“So what's the drama?” Pansy said slyly, antsy with anticipation. Pansy had always loved gossip. She didn’t love gossip because she liked to speak poorly of anyone else; she just loved to have information others didn't. Blaise would never admit it, but he, too, was quite the gossip.

“Well, my love, the rumor going around is that he dumped her on the streets when he finally got his 'big break'. Packed all his bags up, moved into an apartment in London, and didn’t bother to look back, " boasted Blaise, nearly grinning ear to ear.

“No!” Aurora and Pansy let out at the same time.

Neither of the girls really knew Clearwater or Wood, but things like that were always crazy to hear. The most Aurora had known about either of them was back in school. Everyone was quite jealous of Clearwater back then. Everyone raved about how Wood was so obsessed with Quidditch, and they couldn't believe he had a girlfriend. Aurora had found herself being a smidge jealous just because Wood was a bit older and he was not too bad on the eyes. She wouldn't have gone out of her way or anything to approach him, but she still was a tad jealous.

Their breakfast arrived almost as if on cue, interrupting the conversation. Amelia had placed their usual orders in advance, making the morning flow effortlessly. The group ate quietly for a few moments, the earlier gossip fading into discussions about Pansy’s new dress and Draco and Blaise’s jobs with the Chudley Cannons. Which is how they had found out about Wood and his breakup. However, Aurora had hardly touched any of her food; the butterflies in her stomach made her not hungry.

Aurora found herself pushing her food around her plate, her nerves making her appetite elusive. Pansy noticed her distraction and looked at Aurora with concern.

“Rory, honey, are you feeling okay? You haven’t touched your food,” Pansy said, her big brown eyes filled with worry.

“I’m fine, Pans. Thanks for asking,” Aurora replied, though her fork merely shuffled the food from side to side. “I’m just a bit nervous. I have some bad news to share

Aurora hesitated, her friends’ expectant faces around the table. Finally, she exhaled and blurted out, “I lost my job on Friday.”

A heavy silence fell over the group. Draco, Blaise, and Theodore exchanged concerned glances while Pansy squeezed Aurora’s hand. “Oh, Rory... I'm so sorry. What happened?” Pansy asked softly.

“They just couldn’t afford to keep me. Business has been slow,” Aurora explained, her voice small.

“That’s not the end of the world, Aurora,” Theodore said, his tone firm. “It’s unfortunate, yes, but it’s not the end. There’s a saying: When one door closes, another one opens.”

Pansy gave Theodore an annoyed glance and rolled her eyes at the wizard's blunt response but nodded in agreement. “We’re sorry to hear that, Aurora. But perhaps this is an opportunity for something better. You might find a job you love even more.”

“Actually,” Blaise interjected, his face lighting up with sudden inspiration, “I think I have a great idea. The Chudley Cannons are looking for a new physical therapist. I could get you an interview.” Blaise grabbed out a bit of parchment and began scribbling immediately.

“Well, hold on now, Aurora didn't even say she would be interested in that job.” Pansy’s face scrunched in mock annoyance. “Don’t let him steal you away from me, Aurora. You’re the only one who doesn’t bore me to tears with Quidditch talk.”

Aurora chuckled, her nerves easing. “It would be interesting to work with Quidditch players, especially since I mostly work with the elderly. And there’s no harm in an interview. If I get the job, I promise the only Quidditch I’ll talk about at breakfast will be the hot players.”

Pansy’s expression softened, a mischievous smile appearing. “Alright, maybe this isn’t such a bad idea. And who knows, maybe I’ll come visit and get a peek myself.”

After this, Aurora's nervousness fled immediately, and she ate with no worries. She wasn't quite sure why she was so nervous to tell her friends at all. She knew that no matter what, they would support her and that they would understand. She just felt like she had let herself down by losing the job and didn't want that to let them down as well.

They lingered longer than usual at the table, enjoying each other’s company. When the bill arrived, Pansy insisted on covering Aurora’s share despite her protests. Aurora knew her friends were well-off, but she felt uneasy accepting such gestures. After some heated arguing, Aurora finally relented and allowed Pansy to pay for her portion of the bill. The gesture, though generous, left her feeling a mix of gratitude and discomfort. Still, she knew her friends had her best interests at heart, and their support meant more to her than she could express.

Upon arriving at her flat, she was greeted by the familiar sight of her tidy living space—a small but cozy refuge that had been her haven through many life changes. On her doormat lay a letter, its envelope embossed with two bold orange cannons. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the emblem of the Chudley Cannons.

With trembling hands, Aurora carefully opened the envelope. The letter inside was written on plain parchment but adorned with ink that shimmered like liquid gold. It was an official invitation to an interview with the Chudley Cannons. The words, though formal, promised new beginnings and hope.

Aurora's face broke into a relieved smile as she read the final line: "We look forward to discussing this exciting opportunity with you."

She sat down in her favorite chair, the soft velvet cushion sinking beneath her. Her mind whirled with possibilities. The Chudley Cannons, of all places! Growing up, she’d never cared much for Quidditch despite it being a near-religion for so many in the wizarding world. Her interests had always been in healing and magical medicine, not chasing after flying balls. But now, the idea of working with professional athletes felt like a chance to expand her skills in a way she hadn’t considered before.

The thought sent a mix of excitement and anxiety through her. She wondered what the job would be like—would she be tending to bruises and sprains from matches or dealing with more complex injuries that only the rigors of professional Quidditch could cause? Whatever it was, it would be vastly different from the elderly patients she’d treated at the small wizard’s office.

Her owl hooted softly from her perch by the window, bringing Aurora back to the present. She crossed the room to her writing desk and pulled out a fresh piece of parchment. Before she lost her nerve, she penned a quick reply to the Chudley Cannons’ management, confirming her interest in the interview.

"Dear Mr. Clarke," she began, her quill moving smoothly over the parchment. Thank you for the invitation. I would be honored to attend the interview for the position of physical therapist for the Chudley Cannons. Please let me know the details of the meeting as soon as possible. Sincerely, Aurora Walker."

She sealed the letter with a flick of her wand, the wax stamp imprinting her initials in an elegant flourish. Opal fluttered to her side, her golden eyes expectant. “All right, girl, take this to the Cannons' office, would you?” Aurora said as she tied the letter to the owl’s leg.

With a graceful leap, Opal soared out of the window, disappearing into the sky. Aurora watched her for a moment. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the excited nerves bubbling in her chest.

The rest of the day passed quietly, but Aurora couldn’t shake the anticipation that hummed beneath her skin. She busied herself with small tasks—rearranging her bookshelf, tidying up her kitchen, even trying to get through a few chapters of a novel she’d been reading. But her thoughts kept drifting back to the interview. The unknowns loomed large, and though she felt hopeful, she couldn’t help but wonder if this opportunity was too good to be true.

That evening, as the sky darkened and the streetlights outside flickered on, Aurora’s fireplace flared with green flames. Startled, she turned just in time to see Pansy’s head appear in the flames.

“Aurora!” Pansy’s voice was bright but tinged with concern. “Are you home? I’ve got wine.”

Aurora smiled and waved her wand, opening the Floo connection wider. A moment later, Pansy stepped into the room, carrying two bottles of red wine and a mischievous grin.

“I figured you’d need this after today,” Pansy said, setting the bottles down on the coffee table. She glanced at Aurora, taking in her friend’s somewhat frazzled appearance. “Have you heard back from the Cannons yet?”

Aurora nodded, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of the letter. “I got an interview invitation! I just sent my reply.”

Pansy’s eyes lit up. “Aurora, that’s fantastic! I knew they’d want you. Honestly, who wouldn’t?”

Aurora blushed, feeling grateful for Pansy’s enthusiasm. “I’m nervous, though. I don’t know anything about Quidditch, and I don’t know what to expect.”

“That’s what makes you perfect,” Pansy said as she uncorked the wine and poured them each a generous glass. “You’re not some obsessed fan looking for an excuse to hang around the players. You’re a talented healer, and that’s all they’ll care about.”

They clinked glasses, and Aurora took a long sip, the warmth of the wine spreading through her. Pansy settled onto the couch beside her, kicking off her shoes and pulling her legs up beneath her.

As Pansy lounged on the couch, she radiated her usual effortless elegance. Dressed in a deep emerald velvet robe that swept down to the floor, tied loosely at the waist with a black satin sash, Pansy looked relaxed but still stylish. Beneath it, Aurora caught a glimpse of a black silk camisole, its lace trim peeking out, adding a touch of casual comfort.

Her hair, styled in soft waves, framed her face, while her makeup—subtle but effective—highlighted her features. Dark eyeliner emphasized her eyes, and her lips were painted in a deep plum that suited her perfectly.

“So,” Pansy began, her tone playful, “what are you going to wear to the interview?”

Aurora laughed, the question both lighthearted and oddly daunting. “I have no idea. I guess something professional, but not too formal. What do people even wear to Quidditch team interviews?”

Aurora grinned, relaxing a little more as Pansy launched into a discussion about fashion and how to make the perfect impression. The conversation drifted from there, moving easily between light gossip and deeper talks about their lives and futures. Aurora found herself opening up about her fears—about the loss of her job, about starting over, and about what this new opportunity might mean.

As the night wore on and the wine bottle emptied, Aurora felt a sense of peace settling over her. Whatever came next, she knew she wouldn’t be facing it alone. With friends like Pansy by her side, she could face anything.

By the time Pansy left, Aurora felt lighter. She cleaned up the remnants of their wine night and prepared for bed, her thoughts still lingering on the letter from the Chudley Cannons. The future, uncertain as it was, felt a little less daunting now. As she climbed into bed and pulled the covers up to her chin, Aurora let herself smile.
Change was coming—she could feel it. But for the first time in a long while, she was ready.

*****

The following week seemed to pass both too quickly and agonizingly slow. Aurora found herself on edge, waiting for confirmation about the interview date. She busied herself as best she could, revisiting old notes from her healing studies, researching Quidditch-related injuries, and trying to prepare herself for whatever might come.

On Wednesday afternoon, the awaited letter from the Chudley Cannons finally arrived. Opal, her owl, returned from her daily flight with the letter in tow, dropping it neatly onto Aurora's lap as she sat by the window.

She hesitated for a moment, staring at the familiar orange cannons on the seal. Taking a deep breath, she broke the seal and unfolded the parchment.

Dear Miss Walker,

Thank you for confirming your interest in the physical therapist position for the Chudley Cannons. We would like to schedule your interview for Friday, October 2nd, at 12:00 PM at our training facility just outside London. Please bring any relevant documentation, including your certifications and licenses. We look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,

Mr. Clarke
Team Manager, Chudley Cannons

Aurora let out a long breath; relief mingled with fresh nerves. Friday was only two days away.

She spent the next couple of days meticulously preparing. Pansy offered to quiz her on potential interview questions, and Aurora found herself in a whirlwind of practical preparations, from ensuring all her licenses were in order to researching the Cannons' recent injuries and players.