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BOOK FIVE: CHAPTER TWO

As Veronica strolled onto the Quidditch pitch with Reggie by her side, she couldn't help but notice how beautiful the weather was that morning. She almost regretted holding tryouts on the first Saturday of the year, but she had to find someone to replace Emily as Keeper, and this would be no easy feat. Emily was the best. And as if filling Emily's position wasn't hard enough, Veronica also had to find someone to play Chaser. Luckily, this was much less complicated. Chasers were far easier to come by.

"Hey, Captain! Reggie! Wait up!"

The pair turned to find Simon Doyle, one of Ravenclaw's two remaining Chasers, running towards them. Veronica tried not to let it show on her face how weird it was to be called Captain. Instead, she smirked. "Hey Simon, you're early for once. What's wrong? Are you sick or something?"

Simon rolled his eyes playfully before nudging her shoulder. "Ha ha. Very funny, Cap. You must have spent some time with Peeves this summer."

Veronica chuckled. "No, but seriously. You're early. I told the team to be here at 9:30 so that Reg and I could have time to set up the pitch. You don't need to be here for another 20 minutes."

"No, no, I know. I actually wanted to get here early so that I could talk to you about something."

Veronica smiled and narrowed her eyes at him. "I should have known. When have you ever shown up less than 20 minutes late?" Turning to Reggie, she chuckled. "I should have known there was something."

Simon pursed his lips. "Are you done?"

"Yup." Veronica's eyes crinkled as she looked at him. "What's up?"

Simon's demeanor immediately shifted. All joking had gone, and he was suddenly much more nervous. Veronica couldn't help but notice him wringing his hands behind his back as he tried but failed to calm his nerves.

"Hey, are you okay, Simon? What's going on with you?"

Reggie's thick Scottish accent seemed to bring Simon out of his panic. "I'm okay... I just... I was wondering... You know, if you don't think it's a good idea, I won't mind. I just... You know what? Forget it, it's nothing."

"Simon! Since when are you scared to talk to me? Just because I'm the team Captain now doesn't mean anything has changed. Just tell me what you wanted to say."

Simon nodded slowly and took a deep breath. "You're right. I don't know what's wrong with me. I was really just wondering if I could try out for the Keeper position." Veronica's eyes widened, but Simon held up his hands. "Don't get me wrong, V. I love playing Chaser. But I've always wanted to be a Keeper... But Emily joined the team before me, and she's held the position ever since, so I never had a chance.

Veronica placed her hands on his shoulders and smiled softly. "Of course you can try out for Keeper, are you kidding me? I would never want to force anyone to stay in a position they were no longer happy with." Simon beamed, but Veronica continued. "Just so you know, you will have to actually try out. I won't just be giving it to you. And if someone else is better for the position, I'll have to offer it to them. It's only fair."

Simon's smile never waivered. "Are you kidding? I would never want to be handed the position; I want to earn it, and I look forward to the challenge!"

"Good. And I know you'll do great, but you'll still have a spot on the team as a Chaser if you don't get the Keeper position."

"Thanks V, I appreciate that."

Veronica smirked. "I'm glad. Now, since you've eaten up a lot of the time we were supposed to be using to set up, get your ass in gear and get to work."