The beginning of the school year had played out differently than the ones before where quidditch was concerned. The lack of beaters meant the regular motions of practice had to be altered to fit the new style of the game—and he'd happened to be Gryffindor's captain the year it all took place. Previous years had been spent dreaming of what it would be like to lead the team and develop new play strategies, but the lack of bludgers made it all very... boring. At least there was an advantage of being a chaser in the years where chasers mattered that much more.

He'd asked everyone to meet that day after classes had concluded, but he'd specifically asked Sloane to meet him fifteen minutes earlier. It had only been two days since they'd confessed to fancying each other, but those two days had gone by so slow. He'd never realized how difficult it was to find alone time until he was all too conscious of the matrons, professors, and other students nearby every time he interacted with her. The best way to spend time with her was obviously to use what privileges he had. He doubted she'd mind.

He was standing against the wall outside the Gryffindor locker room, arms crossed against his chest, when she arrived. His face lit up and he stepped off the wall, his arms dropping to his side.

"You're late," he teased. As if he should be surprised. He looked around with feigned innocence, as if Maddy or Hestia would pop out of the shadows at any minute. "And it seems everyone else is, too," he added with a conspiratorial glance in her direction.

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