Chapter 8 - His eyes smiled

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Erin's mood switch was so drastic that it shocked everyone around her. Beatrice had gone to Madame Hooch, demanding for the captain's match to be replayed, but Madame Hooch told her she had already made her decision, which only put Erin deeper into her upcoming depression. Cedric had won his match against both Michael and Tamsin, so he had secured the title. Erin didn't go to class on Tuesday, nor on Wednesday. Luckily, no one asked questions as she technically wasn't allowed to leave the Hospital Wing yet.

She had ignored Wood completely over the past few days, but he didn't really try to talk to her either. She missed him and she knew he never meant to get her splinched, but it just hurt too much. He had no reason to hang out with her anyway, as she didn't need any "captain lessons" anymore.

She did drag herself to quidditch practice on Wednesday, as Madame Hooch would announce their new captain. Even though she found it difficult to find the motivation to play, she knew she'd regret it if she didn't.

Beatrice felt hopeless too, as she wasn't able to cheer her friend up this time. It was a similar situation like last year and Erin had never really been the exact same. The girl had gone through so much these past years, with her dad, Oliver and now losing the captain title. Beatrice hated to see her like this, but she often lacked empathy, which was ironic since she was a Hufflepuff, and didn't quite know how to help her out.

There was a very uneasy atmosphere in the Hufflepuff quidditch team. There was an air of guilt, as everyone noticed how quiet Erin was. They knew how badly she wanted it and they felt bad for her. Not bad enough to do something about it, though.

Madame Hooch walked onto the pitch and the tension rose significantly.

"So," she said, clearing her throat, "I have decided who your new team captain is going to be."

Erin noticed Cedric crossing his finger, a smile lingering around his lips. At least he'd be a good captain. He was dedicated to the team too and even though Erin really liked Tamsin and Michael, Cedric definitely deserved it he most out of the three of them. 

Beatrice took Erin's hand, noticing the sad look on her face. And all because a stupid apparition accident.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for your new leader, Erin Evans."

Erin looked up confused, totally shocked by hearing her name. What? 

No one clapped, until Beatrice did.

"WOOHOO! Go Erin! You go girl!" she said, pulling the girl into a hug. The other team members started clapping, some a bit more reluctantly that others. Erin tried to figure out why Madame Hooch had made her captain, but she only smiled at her warmingly.

"None of you who wanted to become captain proposed to postpone the match when Erin was in the hospital. Not only is that very unlike Hufflepuff, it is a selfish quality that I don't want to see in a team captain. You should always put your team first and by not sticking up for Erin, you all proved to me that you weren't fit for the role. So for now, you're dismissed. Celebrate your new captain and be sure to practice extra hard on Friday. Good luck Erin." Cedric stormed off the pitch, clearly annoyed. Michael and Tamsin had gotten over it quickly, as neither of them had expected to become captain anyway.

"Congratulations, Erin. You'll do great", Tamsin said and hugged her. All others followed quickly and although Erin was still very much confused, reality slowly started to sink it. She had been elected captain. She was captain of the Hufflepuff quidditch team. She did it, but how?

"Madame Hooch? Madame Hooch!" Erin ran after the flying teacher, just needing a little clarity.

"Yes, Erin?" she asked.

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