Katie Bell (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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hogwash2010-09-04 10:23 pm
bell_katie) wrote in hogwash2010-09-04 10:23 pm
(no subject)
Who: Alicia Spinnet & Katie Bell
What: A reunion and a surprise!
Where: Harpies’ Locker Room, Holyhead
When: Sunday morning, Sept. 5
Rating: PG
Status Complete
For Alicia Spinnet, today was the official start of a new chapter in her life. As per an owl from Mick, her agent, she arrived at the Harpies’ home pitch at 10:30 on a Sunday morning. Apparently, Sunday was chosen to keep her status as secret as possible, since when she arrived at the pitch it was empty besides Harpies’ staff (coaches, trainers, promotional affiliates). The first hour was spent essentially showing off, which Alicia didn’t mind in the slightest. Wearing her old Wollongong Warriors uniform, she zipped around the pitch with great speed and form, showing the coaches some of her signature moves as she had an aerial view of her agent gobbing to the coaches and trainers. “Oi, Mick! Don’t be promising anything I can’t deliver!” She yelled down, spinning the quaffle on her middle finger. Though she knew she was more than qualified to play in a starting position for this league, she attempted modesty.
The drills were challenging but Alicia was more than up for it, and when they called her down she descended, touching down as the coaches clapped for her, looking quite pleased. She recognized Gwenog Jones, who had Captained the Harpies for nearly a decade before retiring and becoming head coach, speaking to her agent.
“You didn’t exaggerate, Mick. She’s exactly what we’re looking for. Since Morris’ system’s been flushed out with skele-gro, no way I feel comfortable bringing her back. She’s had a nice career, but we’re looking to the future. Spinnet’s it, our missing link. On a line with Bell at left and Hughes in center, she’ll give us a power arm and speed on the right we haven’t seen in decades.”
The assistant coach piped in. “And what about--”
“I’ve told our reserve chaser the same as I did when Morris first went down-- it’s a trial period, to give her some experience. She’s good, real good, could be one of the greats, even. But she’s not ready. Spinnet’s got experience-- and experience goes a hell of a long way in my book.” Jones beamed at Alicia and stepped forward. “Welcome to the Harpies, Spinnet. Get ready to get the arse kicking of your life.”
Alicia grinned back and removed her glove before shaking both coaches’ hands. “Pleasure’s all mine, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’d give my arm for a World Cup-- er, you know, if I didn’t need it to play.” She laughed a bit, wiping the sweat off her brow. “You won’t regret trading for me, I can promise that.”
“I better not, Spinnet. I better not. Now hit the shower and meet me in my office.” Jones turned to walk away, and Alicia could hear her mutter to her assistant coach, “Spitfire, that one. Determined as all hell.”
Completely elated, Alicia geared up for the rest of the day. She quickly showered and dressed in the casual clothes she arrived in, made her way to Jones’ office, and spent the next half hour filling out paperwork and signing contracts. Much to her surprise, the promotions department was there for a photo shoot and interview for the big announcement (which would occur the following day).
Alicia was then directed to the Harpies’ locker room and found her locker, which was already assigned with SPINNET #3. “Wicked,” she remarked, running her hands over the bright gold embroidering on her forest green cape. I’ve always looked smashing in green, she thought to herself, quickly changing into her full uniform for the shoot. “Oh, damn!” She grabbed her Firebolt, searching through her locker for broomstick polish. “Bloody Mick could’ve warned me there might be a photo shoot...” she grumbled.
Sundays were always a rest day, and Katie was always glad for them-- a chance to stay home and get ready for the upcoming week, cook and freeze things, clean the flat, kick up with her bare feet on the coffee table to read until the light faded and she had to turn on the lamp. This Sunday, however, she was buzzing with energy. Cleaning and cooking had never sounded less appealing in her life. The day was clear and bright, and she thought that going through a few drills on her own on the Harpies’ pitch might not go amiss. Wear herself out and then come home and laze about... not a bad way to spend a Sunday.
She Apparated directly outside the Harpies’ locker room, swathed in the dark green of her practice robes, her pale hair piled up on top of her head. As she moved into the locker room, she was twisting a hairpin open with her teeth to secure a loose strand of hair. She heard muttering from the next row over. Bloody hell. She’d been hoping for some time alone to clear her head, truth be told, and the idea of sharing the pitch was not exactly the most appealing thing she’d ever...
"Alicia?!"
“Aha!” She spotted the broomstick polish and snapped open the lid, but before she could squirt any into her palm she heard a familiar voice calling her name. Whirling around, she took a few strides to peek around to the next row of lockers, her face lighting up as if Christmas had come early. “KATE!” Without a second thought, she ran to her and threw her arms around her neck, squeezing. Gods how she missed her old friends, especially Katie! She pulled back a moment later and looked down at her crisp Harpies uniform, still grinning with excitement . “Um-- surprise?”
Katie was a bit paralyzed with shock. It was a moment before she reminded herself to hug Alicia in return, her arms coming up to pat her back awkwardly before she came around and gave her a proper squeeze. “What are you doing here--”
And then she remembered. Ginny’s dark face, her irritated mood on the Thursday of the fair. Knocked back to reserves because someone new had been transferred. Apparently that someone new was Alicia Spinnet.
“You’re playing for the Harpies?”
Alicia rolled her eyes a bit. “No, I’m not. Just thought I’d randomly Apparate here and try on someone else’s uniform, change the name on the back... YES I’m playing for the Harpies! With you! Like old times! I was traded from the Warriors-- of Wollongong, Australia.. it’s where I’ve been the past four years.” Alicia looked down to her wrist pads and flexed her wrists a bit. “Damn, these are too stiff-- gonna need to work these in a hell of a lot.”
“That’s--” And suddenly Katie was overwhelmed with irritation. Good-natured, at least, but it still didn’t stop her from smacking Alicia on the shoulder. “Why didn’t you ring me or send an owl or something? You bloody sneak, how long have you known?!”
When she was smacked, Alicia looked up at Katie and grimaced. “I’m sorry! I wanted to-- but I’ve just found out less than a week ago! I’ve been running around like a blind hippogriff frantically trying to sell my flat, pack it up and move to Holyhead. I’ve only just settled in yesterday, and I was planning on stopping by your flat as soon as my contract was signed-- which happened not twenty minutes ago! I didn’t want to say anything to anyone until it was official, Kate-- I didn’t want to jinx it!”
“Oi, blah blah, can’t even be bothered to owl an old friend...” Katie was grinning at her anyway, and she wrapped her arms around her for another squeeze. She was lucky, she thought, to have two of her best friends on the same... team. Shit. Ginny wouldn’t easily forgive Alicia for taking her spot, and Katie would be in a precarious position. Old friendship versus older friendship. Shit.
“So you’re starting right, yeah?” she said, as she pulled away to go to her own locker.
“Right, yeah. Like old times. Tried out center in Wollongong, but my stats dropped. Talked with Jones this morning-- she’s a right piece of work, isn’t she?” She grinned, quite fond of cutthroat coaches like that. “Reminds me of Wood. Anyway, she told me she’s been looking for a trade since she realized Morris wouldn’t be coming back. Contacted my agent and here I am!” She moved to her locker to grab her Firebolt, quickly working the polish onto its handle. “I know we’ve got a hell of a lot of catching up to do.” More like she has a hell of a lot of explaining to do, and she knew it.
Katie finished pinning up her hair, although it was a useless exercise; even with charms it never stayed properly in place, and it had become something of a trademark, her wild sun-bleached curls. “It’s a bit odd that they were looking for a trade,” she said slowly, as she pulled her own broom from her locker, settling down near Alicia with her twig clippers. There was a loose one that had been causing a bit of lag on a left turn, and it was irritating her. “I mean...”
How to say this delicately? And without looking as if she were taking sides? “We’ve got good reserves and all, really strong players. I wonder that they spent all the time settling in someone new-- not that I’m not pleased you’re here, that’s not it at all, I couldn’t be more excited, mate. Honest.”
Using a cloth, Alicia began polishing her broomstick, paying close attention to the detail and stroking with the grain of the wood instead of against it, as she’s learned over the years of being a broomstick owner. “Hm? Oh... well I dunno. I haven’t really heard much about that-- I only overheard Jones saying that I’ve got the experience she wants at the right side. Whoever was fill-in-- Jones said something about her having brilliant potential, but she’s not ready or something.” Giving a shrug, she tossed the cloth and polish over at Katie, just in case she wanted to give her broomstick a quick polish too. “I’ve been in reserve-- we all have, yeah? Got to put in the time and all that..” Clearly Alicia didn’t pick up that Katie was conflicted in some way.
Katie winced slightly as she snipped off the twig. It only looked as if she were wincing with the effort, not with the irritation she felt at hearing that apparently Gwenog Jones didn’t think Ginny was ready. Whatever the bloody hell that meant. The twig clattered to the floor and Katie bent to collect it, twisting it between her fingertips for a moment before she reached for the polish. “Actually I was... sort of never in reserve?”
Alicia’s brow raised and she smirked. “Of course you weren’t, Kate. But the rest of us aren’t as good as you!” Alicia remembered watching Katie playing quidditch back at school, before she was allowed to try out for the team. She remembered the jealousy she felt-- Katie was always such a natural on a broomstick, whereas Alicia’s talent came from good, old-fashioned kicking her own arse into shape. She finished polishing her broom and set it against the locker, kicking her boot up onto the bench to lace it up. “So this reserve player I’m replacing-- think I ought to have a word with her? Make sure there’s no hard feelings and all that?”
“No!” Katie lifted her head so quickly that the little bones in her neck popped. She brushed her hair out of her eyes. “I mean-- no, it’s... I mean, it’s better to just let sleeping dogs lie, or... or something, yeah? Less said the better and the like. All part of the same team, may as well let it go. Things like this happen all the time in the game, so... so I’m sure there’s no hard feelings. Less said the better, like... like I said already.”
Alicia always trusted Katie’s judgement, so she gave a shrug and a nod. “Right then, yeah. Bloody excited to get on with my first match as a Harpy.” She laced up her other boot and then a “Sonorus!” came over the locker room. It was Mick.
“SPINNET WHAT THE HELL IS TAKING YOU SO LONG? THE PUBLICISTS HAVE OTHER APPOINTMENTS AND WE’VE ONLY GOT THE PITCH BOOKED FOR PHOTOS FOR TEN MORE MINUTES. GET YOUR HIGH-PAID ARSE UP HERE IN TWO MINUTES OR ELSE...”
“Aw fuck off, Mick! I’m coming!” She grumbled. “I hate these things...” Really, she did. She didn’t particularly love being a celebrity, but she loved Quidditch, and it came with the territory. “Sorry, mate-- I’d love to stay and chat but I’ve got to go do a ruddy interview and all that...” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “Do I look all right? I mean, I don’t think it’s for the cover of Quidditch Monthly, but still...” she smirked, referring to Katie’s stint with the magazine.
“Oi, shuddup, you.” Katie’s color was well on the way to crimson, but she was hiding a smile as she smoothed the polish on the broom. “Get out there so you can eclipse us all and become a national sensation, yeah? And so Jones doesn’t skin you for a rug. You seen her house, mate? Nothing but the skins and heads of dead Quidditch players, all disappointments.”
She put out her hand for Alicia’s, almost a handshake, and then she drew her in for another tight hug. “Whatever happens, I’m glad you’ve come back to England, Lish.”
Alicia was glad to get another hug, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that Katie was keeping something from her-- or at least made uncomfortable by something. Whatever happens? She’d find out soon enough, she supposed. “Oi, let’s plan to go out for a drink or two... or three... after tomorrow night’s victory.” Surely with Alicia and Katie on the wings, hey’d be unstoppable.
“I’ll see you soon!” Warm-ups tomorrow, at the very latest. Alicia swung her broomstick over her shoulder and left the locker room, dreading the rest of her day of interviews and picture taking, but thrilled that it was finally official. She was back in England for good, signed to a stellar team with her best mate. What more could she ask for? As Alicia walked through the stadium, she thought that she’d perhaps ring Ginny for another go this evening. She had a lot to celebrate.
What: A reunion and a surprise!
Where: Harpies’ Locker Room, Holyhead
When: Sunday morning, Sept. 5
Rating: PG
Status Complete
For Alicia Spinnet, today was the official start of a new chapter in her life. As per an owl from Mick, her agent, she arrived at the Harpies’ home pitch at 10:30 on a Sunday morning. Apparently, Sunday was chosen to keep her status as secret as possible, since when she arrived at the pitch it was empty besides Harpies’ staff (coaches, trainers, promotional affiliates). The first hour was spent essentially showing off, which Alicia didn’t mind in the slightest. Wearing her old Wollongong Warriors uniform, she zipped around the pitch with great speed and form, showing the coaches some of her signature moves as she had an aerial view of her agent gobbing to the coaches and trainers. “Oi, Mick! Don’t be promising anything I can’t deliver!” She yelled down, spinning the quaffle on her middle finger. Though she knew she was more than qualified to play in a starting position for this league, she attempted modesty.
The drills were challenging but Alicia was more than up for it, and when they called her down she descended, touching down as the coaches clapped for her, looking quite pleased. She recognized Gwenog Jones, who had Captained the Harpies for nearly a decade before retiring and becoming head coach, speaking to her agent.
“You didn’t exaggerate, Mick. She’s exactly what we’re looking for. Since Morris’ system’s been flushed out with skele-gro, no way I feel comfortable bringing her back. She’s had a nice career, but we’re looking to the future. Spinnet’s it, our missing link. On a line with Bell at left and Hughes in center, she’ll give us a power arm and speed on the right we haven’t seen in decades.”
The assistant coach piped in. “And what about--”
“I’ve told our reserve chaser the same as I did when Morris first went down-- it’s a trial period, to give her some experience. She’s good, real good, could be one of the greats, even. But she’s not ready. Spinnet’s got experience-- and experience goes a hell of a long way in my book.” Jones beamed at Alicia and stepped forward. “Welcome to the Harpies, Spinnet. Get ready to get the arse kicking of your life.”
Alicia grinned back and removed her glove before shaking both coaches’ hands. “Pleasure’s all mine, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’d give my arm for a World Cup-- er, you know, if I didn’t need it to play.” She laughed a bit, wiping the sweat off her brow. “You won’t regret trading for me, I can promise that.”
“I better not, Spinnet. I better not. Now hit the shower and meet me in my office.” Jones turned to walk away, and Alicia could hear her mutter to her assistant coach, “Spitfire, that one. Determined as all hell.”
Completely elated, Alicia geared up for the rest of the day. She quickly showered and dressed in the casual clothes she arrived in, made her way to Jones’ office, and spent the next half hour filling out paperwork and signing contracts. Much to her surprise, the promotions department was there for a photo shoot and interview for the big announcement (which would occur the following day).
Alicia was then directed to the Harpies’ locker room and found her locker, which was already assigned with SPINNET #3. “Wicked,” she remarked, running her hands over the bright gold embroidering on her forest green cape. I’ve always looked smashing in green, she thought to herself, quickly changing into her full uniform for the shoot. “Oh, damn!” She grabbed her Firebolt, searching through her locker for broomstick polish. “Bloody Mick could’ve warned me there might be a photo shoot...” she grumbled.
Sundays were always a rest day, and Katie was always glad for them-- a chance to stay home and get ready for the upcoming week, cook and freeze things, clean the flat, kick up with her bare feet on the coffee table to read until the light faded and she had to turn on the lamp. This Sunday, however, she was buzzing with energy. Cleaning and cooking had never sounded less appealing in her life. The day was clear and bright, and she thought that going through a few drills on her own on the Harpies’ pitch might not go amiss. Wear herself out and then come home and laze about... not a bad way to spend a Sunday.
She Apparated directly outside the Harpies’ locker room, swathed in the dark green of her practice robes, her pale hair piled up on top of her head. As she moved into the locker room, she was twisting a hairpin open with her teeth to secure a loose strand of hair. She heard muttering from the next row over. Bloody hell. She’d been hoping for some time alone to clear her head, truth be told, and the idea of sharing the pitch was not exactly the most appealing thing she’d ever...
"Alicia?!"
“Aha!” She spotted the broomstick polish and snapped open the lid, but before she could squirt any into her palm she heard a familiar voice calling her name. Whirling around, she took a few strides to peek around to the next row of lockers, her face lighting up as if Christmas had come early. “KATE!” Without a second thought, she ran to her and threw her arms around her neck, squeezing. Gods how she missed her old friends, especially Katie! She pulled back a moment later and looked down at her crisp Harpies uniform, still grinning with excitement . “Um-- surprise?”
Katie was a bit paralyzed with shock. It was a moment before she reminded herself to hug Alicia in return, her arms coming up to pat her back awkwardly before she came around and gave her a proper squeeze. “What are you doing here--”
And then she remembered. Ginny’s dark face, her irritated mood on the Thursday of the fair. Knocked back to reserves because someone new had been transferred. Apparently that someone new was Alicia Spinnet.
“You’re playing for the Harpies?”
Alicia rolled her eyes a bit. “No, I’m not. Just thought I’d randomly Apparate here and try on someone else’s uniform, change the name on the back... YES I’m playing for the Harpies! With you! Like old times! I was traded from the Warriors-- of Wollongong, Australia.. it’s where I’ve been the past four years.” Alicia looked down to her wrist pads and flexed her wrists a bit. “Damn, these are too stiff-- gonna need to work these in a hell of a lot.”
“That’s--” And suddenly Katie was overwhelmed with irritation. Good-natured, at least, but it still didn’t stop her from smacking Alicia on the shoulder. “Why didn’t you ring me or send an owl or something? You bloody sneak, how long have you known?!”
When she was smacked, Alicia looked up at Katie and grimaced. “I’m sorry! I wanted to-- but I’ve just found out less than a week ago! I’ve been running around like a blind hippogriff frantically trying to sell my flat, pack it up and move to Holyhead. I’ve only just settled in yesterday, and I was planning on stopping by your flat as soon as my contract was signed-- which happened not twenty minutes ago! I didn’t want to say anything to anyone until it was official, Kate-- I didn’t want to jinx it!”
“Oi, blah blah, can’t even be bothered to owl an old friend...” Katie was grinning at her anyway, and she wrapped her arms around her for another squeeze. She was lucky, she thought, to have two of her best friends on the same... team. Shit. Ginny wouldn’t easily forgive Alicia for taking her spot, and Katie would be in a precarious position. Old friendship versus older friendship. Shit.
“So you’re starting right, yeah?” she said, as she pulled away to go to her own locker.
“Right, yeah. Like old times. Tried out center in Wollongong, but my stats dropped. Talked with Jones this morning-- she’s a right piece of work, isn’t she?” She grinned, quite fond of cutthroat coaches like that. “Reminds me of Wood. Anyway, she told me she’s been looking for a trade since she realized Morris wouldn’t be coming back. Contacted my agent and here I am!” She moved to her locker to grab her Firebolt, quickly working the polish onto its handle. “I know we’ve got a hell of a lot of catching up to do.” More like she has a hell of a lot of explaining to do, and she knew it.
Katie finished pinning up her hair, although it was a useless exercise; even with charms it never stayed properly in place, and it had become something of a trademark, her wild sun-bleached curls. “It’s a bit odd that they were looking for a trade,” she said slowly, as she pulled her own broom from her locker, settling down near Alicia with her twig clippers. There was a loose one that had been causing a bit of lag on a left turn, and it was irritating her. “I mean...”
How to say this delicately? And without looking as if she were taking sides? “We’ve got good reserves and all, really strong players. I wonder that they spent all the time settling in someone new-- not that I’m not pleased you’re here, that’s not it at all, I couldn’t be more excited, mate. Honest.”
Using a cloth, Alicia began polishing her broomstick, paying close attention to the detail and stroking with the grain of the wood instead of against it, as she’s learned over the years of being a broomstick owner. “Hm? Oh... well I dunno. I haven’t really heard much about that-- I only overheard Jones saying that I’ve got the experience she wants at the right side. Whoever was fill-in-- Jones said something about her having brilliant potential, but she’s not ready or something.” Giving a shrug, she tossed the cloth and polish over at Katie, just in case she wanted to give her broomstick a quick polish too. “I’ve been in reserve-- we all have, yeah? Got to put in the time and all that..” Clearly Alicia didn’t pick up that Katie was conflicted in some way.
Katie winced slightly as she snipped off the twig. It only looked as if she were wincing with the effort, not with the irritation she felt at hearing that apparently Gwenog Jones didn’t think Ginny was ready. Whatever the bloody hell that meant. The twig clattered to the floor and Katie bent to collect it, twisting it between her fingertips for a moment before she reached for the polish. “Actually I was... sort of never in reserve?”
Alicia’s brow raised and she smirked. “Of course you weren’t, Kate. But the rest of us aren’t as good as you!” Alicia remembered watching Katie playing quidditch back at school, before she was allowed to try out for the team. She remembered the jealousy she felt-- Katie was always such a natural on a broomstick, whereas Alicia’s talent came from good, old-fashioned kicking her own arse into shape. She finished polishing her broom and set it against the locker, kicking her boot up onto the bench to lace it up. “So this reserve player I’m replacing-- think I ought to have a word with her? Make sure there’s no hard feelings and all that?”
“No!” Katie lifted her head so quickly that the little bones in her neck popped. She brushed her hair out of her eyes. “I mean-- no, it’s... I mean, it’s better to just let sleeping dogs lie, or... or something, yeah? Less said the better and the like. All part of the same team, may as well let it go. Things like this happen all the time in the game, so... so I’m sure there’s no hard feelings. Less said the better, like... like I said already.”
Alicia always trusted Katie’s judgement, so she gave a shrug and a nod. “Right then, yeah. Bloody excited to get on with my first match as a Harpy.” She laced up her other boot and then a “Sonorus!” came over the locker room. It was Mick.
“SPINNET WHAT THE HELL IS TAKING YOU SO LONG? THE PUBLICISTS HAVE OTHER APPOINTMENTS AND WE’VE ONLY GOT THE PITCH BOOKED FOR PHOTOS FOR TEN MORE MINUTES. GET YOUR HIGH-PAID ARSE UP HERE IN TWO MINUTES OR ELSE...”
“Aw fuck off, Mick! I’m coming!” She grumbled. “I hate these things...” Really, she did. She didn’t particularly love being a celebrity, but she loved Quidditch, and it came with the territory. “Sorry, mate-- I’d love to stay and chat but I’ve got to go do a ruddy interview and all that...” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “Do I look all right? I mean, I don’t think it’s for the cover of Quidditch Monthly, but still...” she smirked, referring to Katie’s stint with the magazine.
“Oi, shuddup, you.” Katie’s color was well on the way to crimson, but she was hiding a smile as she smoothed the polish on the broom. “Get out there so you can eclipse us all and become a national sensation, yeah? And so Jones doesn’t skin you for a rug. You seen her house, mate? Nothing but the skins and heads of dead Quidditch players, all disappointments.”
She put out her hand for Alicia’s, almost a handshake, and then she drew her in for another tight hug. “Whatever happens, I’m glad you’ve come back to England, Lish.”
Alicia was glad to get another hug, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that Katie was keeping something from her-- or at least made uncomfortable by something. Whatever happens? She’d find out soon enough, she supposed. “Oi, let’s plan to go out for a drink or two... or three... after tomorrow night’s victory.” Surely with Alicia and Katie on the wings, hey’d be unstoppable.
“I’ll see you soon!” Warm-ups tomorrow, at the very latest. Alicia swung her broomstick over her shoulder and left the locker room, dreading the rest of her day of interviews and picture taking, but thrilled that it was finally official. She was back in England for good, signed to a stellar team with her best mate. What more could she ask for? As Alicia walked through the stadium, she thought that she’d perhaps ring Ginny for another go this evening. She had a lot to celebrate.