Sport
Murphy jotted down some notes, made some predictions, and adjusted the roster to the starters in this friendly. He heard the wood squeak near him and looked up to see Iris making her way towards him and his heart leapt in his chest.
“Iris! You made it!”
“I wouldn't miss your grand return to the Commentary box, Murphy.” She assured him, sitting down directly next to him, almost sitting against his side. He almost wanted to scoot and close the gap, but he was afraid that would just be tooobvious.
“Well you got me here.” He told her.
“You did the work, Murphy. I just helped show you the way.”
“Well, you're in for a good one today, even though it's just a friendly I'm going to shock this stadium like a Swedish short snout. My commentary will be the loudest, clearest, quickest, and most captivating this school has ever seen!” He assured her and he watched her eyes twinkle.
“It's really great to see you back in true form, Murphy.” Iris laid her hand over his forearm and while it was a simple gesture it made Murphy feel a extra flutter of affection. “This commentary box is where you belong. You had trouble seeing it for a while, but you're back. How does it feel?”
“It feels-” Murphy began but he cut himself off as a familiar yellow blonde in blue gear flew past, and shot him a glare. Iris almost felt him deflate under her hand. “Well, I was feeling quite good til a second ago.”
“Murphy, don't let Rath get into your head.”
“Too late...”
“There's your mistake Murphy.” Iris said sternly, making him look over at her. She had only had a stern voice with him a few occasions and that caused him to give her his full attention.
“Where? Am I already missing things before the match begins?”
“No Murphy. Your mistake is that was never about proving anything to Rath.” Iris told him, and it was like he could see the gears in her head working and the light around her glow.
“It wasn't?” He asked, trying not to be distracted by her radiating light.
“No. This was about proving to yourself that you're a brilliant commentator worthy of any Quidditch match.”
“I suppose I wasn't looking at it that way, but I'm still concerned the training exercises may not have been enough.”
“You're right Murphy, they weren't enough.” He gave her a look like what are you getting at woman.
“They weren't?” He asked, clarifying what she was saying.
“No, not on their own. You can train your voice with as many clever tricks as you'd like, but those can't replace heart,” she lightly tapped the middle of his chest, “and instinct.” She placed her finger then on his forehead where his blonde hair peeked to a point.
“But then why did we go through all those exercises?”
“Because now there's no forgotten Quidditch fact, loud stadium, tongue twister or chaotic frenzie that will get in the way of all that heart and instinct you have.” She smiled in almost a devilish way.
“This is why I shouldn't have stopped calling you Coach.” He gave her a wink, feeling his confidence blossom.
“Forget about me. This is about you and your love of the game!”
Not likely, he thought, wanting nothing more then to show his gratitude for her in that moment, in a more affectionate way.
“Now lets show them what you're made of McNully.” That simple sentence was enough for him to know he was going to have the best commentary of his career thus far. The truth was that he had lost his confidence in himself. Knowing that someone like Iris, who seemed to turn everything to gold that she touched, believed in him so wonderfully and recklessly, gave him everything he needed.
“Thank you, Iris.” He told her, brandishing enough courage to lean over and peck the girl on the cheek. The satisfying pink blush that crept over her cheeks and her nose was enough to keep him fueled for the friendly.
---------------------------------------------------
“There it is! A sudden seize of the Snitch from out of nowhere! This truly was a quidditch match for the ages! If I weren't the great Murphy McNully, I might just be speechless!” He laughed, knowing that he had only been speechless once. Rath flew in close, and Murphy was surprised to feel... Peace. He had peace within himself and that was enough, whatever Rath had to say-
Was that a effing smile? He thought to himself before she nodded at him and flew off. It was her way of expressing she was impressed, and he would take it.
“You were brilliant Murphy!” Iris congratulated him.
“Thanks Coach, I really was, wasn't I?” He asked, knowing her answer, “go ahead... Stroke my ego.” He laughed.
“The way you were commentating on the match made that friendly as exciting as the Quidditch World Cup!” She said dramatically.
“All thank to your great coaching.”
“Thanks Murphy, but you did this. Not me.” She assured him but he held up his hand.
“I know where to give credit where credit is due. I couldn't have gotten over my issues with Rath if you didn't help me.” He told her deciding to test the water, he reached over and just placed his hand over hers. “In fact, you were so good, I think you should coach again. Is that something you'd want to do, Iris?”
“I think I'd like to go out on a high note.” She smiled, but he could tell it was something he may want to revisit in the future.
“I didn't scare you off with all of my enthusiasm?”
“No, not at all. This was a great experience and I'd be lucky to have another like it. Plus now that I'm helping lead the Gryffindor team, I can use all the practice I can get.”
“Well, I owe it all to you, Iris. This wouldn't have been possible without your guidance and friendship and I'm 100% sure about that.”
They sat together until well after the sun went down, chatting about Quidditch, and Iris never moved his hand from hers.