Caitlin’s cutting remarks managed to burst Pete’s bubble before he’d even finished speaking, and he found himself staring at her, wondering if she could possibly be serious.  This was the match they had been preparing for for months on end.  This was the time to ramp up their excitement, to get mind and body thrumming with adrenaline and hunger for glory, and yet here was Caitlin acting like it was no big deal – as though he was an idiot for trying to boost the team spirits.  This may have been only her second Hogwarts match, but Pete couldn’t stand it.  He had half a mind to tell her to take off her kit and watch from the stands while he pulled a reservist, but Caitlin was not the only one in the room and by the time he’d jumped down from the bench, she was dragged off by Nat.  Amber stood there trying hard to get into the killer frame of mind, and Pete pulled her around for their ritual pre-match secret handshake.  

“Remember to listen,” he said to Amber.  He’d said it before but it was worth repeating.  “Think about the sound the Bludgers make when they fly through the air.  Like a whine and a rush of air.  Listen to me and talk to me.”  Pete cinched up his gloves and picked up his bat.  “Your short game is your strength,” he went on.  “So you’ve got this.  Just stay close to the team and be accurate.”

It was time to head out, and Pete kicked the door open, his bat in one hand and his broom in the other.  Waving to the team, he stepped out into the foggy pitch, unable to see anything above.  The chanting and general noises drew his gaze up and around anyway.