HPHM Ship Week '24 Day One - Quidditch
The Day before the Match
Special thanks to @autisticarachnid and @eternalchaoschocolaterain.
This is the first of my fic for @hphm-ship-week! I have been writing a trilogy of short fics about my main MC x Canon ship over the summer for this event. It is my MC Cato paired with Penny Haywood, which I like to call Reesewood. I've been long-awaiting for it to come and now it's here. These were so fun to brainstorm and I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed creating them!<3
The fic begins after clicking the "keep reading" cut below.
The next day would be the Quidditch match against Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Cato Reese, one of the Ravenclaw team’s chasers, had been trying his best to focus on transfiguration homework. He was in the courtyard studying with Rowan to complete the assignments. They had just finished for the day when Rowan saw his best friend looking concerned.
“What are you thinking about, Cato? You can say, I won’t assume anything.”
“I’m having a hard time getting my mind off the match tomorrow, Rowan.”
He leaned in closer to Cato “I get uneasy whenever something big comes up too. It’s never stopped us from passing exams or being on time with homework, even the vaults.”
“Well, I’ve been trying to figure out why it’s hard to keep those thoughts to the side. I think it's because every challenge is different, so are the steps.”
Putting up his hand up to his cheek, Rowan commented in a thoughtful tone. “Hmmm, I see where you’re coming from on that. I doubt it is necessarily a problem, though.”
Cato quickly paused and elaborated “I’ve been trying to remind myself of that. It’s hard because there are so many things going on.”
Something clicked in Rowan. “Ravenclaw honors and values big achievements in learning, being intelligent and knowledgeable.”
“Yes, Rowan. It’s the pressure to do well when you’re dealing with the cursed vaults and people who doubt, or depend on you. I’m trying to enjoy my time here, I’m only fighting them out of a sense of duty.”
Cato’s friend nodded. “I wouldn’t worry about letting anyone down. You’ve got us, your friends. I’m confident you’ll best Slytherin in the game.”
“Thank you! I best put the vaults aside for now. They’re missions that take time to complete.”
Penny was walking by. She saw her friends and approached them
“Hi Cato and Rowan! How’s it going?”
Cato spoke first. “Hi Penny. I was a bit worried how well I’d do in the upcoming Quidditch match against Slytherin.”
“He’s been stressed somewhat about everyone expecting highly of him.” added Rowan.
“Ahh, I know how hard it is being popular.” Cato and Rowan encouraged her to join them. The Hufflepuff smiled and sat down with her two Ravenclaw friends.
She then elaborated “Many of our classmates look up to me because of my beauty and my skills at potions. I really do appreciate it, but they must remember it all comes naturally.”
“That’s a great point!” Rowan exclaimed then frowned. “Sadly people these days tend to take those things for granted.”
In a somewhat exhausted tone, Cato reflected “I only wanted to build my skills in magic and make friends at Hogwarts. Never have I imagined in the first place that I’d have such obligations. Schoolwork is one thing, but all it together with quidditch and the vaults is too much.”
Penny and Rowan rested their hands on Cato's shoulders. He looked at both of them on his sides and felt brighter.
“I wouldn't dwell too much on trying to impress or prove to everybody. I try to pay attention to my own work first.” she said.
Rowan added “We can only do the best we can. All we want from you is to be happy, do well in class and stay in touch with you. We're always by your side regardless of what comes, Cato.”
“Thank you, Penny and Rowan, it does mean a lot.” their friend answered with a warm smile and nod.”
Rowan then got up from the bench. “I need to return this book real fast before the library closes. I'll be back.” Cato and Penny nodded in response as their friend went to drop off the book.
With them having a short moment to themselves, Penny then spoke.
“So, Cato, are you still feeling nervous about this at all?” she asked him.
“Still some, I guess. Worrying about getting knocked off my broom by a bludger keeps me going in the game but it's more a hard thought to shake off more than anything, Penny.”
She smiled. “You can always keep me in your thoughts.”
“Ah, Penny, how so?” he asked in a giggly voice.
“Even if you get knocked off your broom by a bludger, I'll be there with you in the hospital wing.”
She then kissed him on the cheek. It made Cato blush a bit and laugh. “How could I never count on you, Penny? You've always done your best to look out for me ever since the day I first faced Merula in a duel, got in trouble just for standing up for Ben and helped me up, get my things when I fell trying to face Rowan about to be late for Charms. That's some real above and beyond stuff.”
“I've always appreciated that about you, Cato. The prophet and those other students, they treated you harshly for what? Stuff your brother did when you were just at home? I could never see any of that being true in the first place. You've always been there to help people who need it, even when you know it goes against the rules.”
“I still did what was right?”
“Yes!” assured Penny. “It doesn't make anything you did less right, Cato. I wouldn't worry about it. Rest up when the time comes for tomorrow, I have faith you'll make an amazing effort for the team!”n
