Closed Beaux-Bye

[Brendan Fulke]

Brendan wasn't going to lie - he was bitterly disappointed that his last chance to play against New Zealand's wizarding school has been taken away from him. It was his final year at Beauxbatons, and the redhead had been pumped for the opportunity to crush Hogwarts just one last time, and prove to himself and everyone else that he was a great player. Quidditch was a career he was looking to pursue once he graduated, which was quite soon, and it was a validation he felt he needed. There was no telling if the Quiberon Quafflepunchers would take him on to their team, or if they'd even have the space, and he had really wanted to have as many achievements in the sport under his belt as he could leading into his life outside of school. From what Fulke could tell, the political changeover in New Zealand had been a factor in the complications surrounding the French school traveling to compete. It was understandable that permission for a match between two schools wasn't high on the list of priorities when bringing a new Minister in, but the timing still sucked, if that really had been the case. The team had trained so hard over the year, and it all felt like it was for nothing. It would be another year before they'd have a chance to participate in an international game again, and Brendan would already be long gone by the time that came. The young man had faith his team would continue to do well without him, especially in Elvira's hands, but it was still sad to know he wouldn't be around to see it.

Being upset about the fact wasn't going to change anything, so Fulke decided to try and keep things as positive as he could. Yes, the team had missed out on their big match, but that didn't change the fact they were a great team, and they'd put a lot of hard work into practicing. Brendan knew they would have won if given the chance, with how well they'd all be doing, and he wanted to reward that, so he managed to schedule time on the pitch. One last opportunity to get together as a team for the year. A few opulent tables were set up on the grass, with drinks and snacks prepared for the occasion. Nothing overly fancy, but the presentation was on point, as it always was in Beauxbatons. Brooms and a chest of Quidditch balls were lain to one side, in case anyone decided they wanted a bit of airtime while they still could, but the small event was specifically for them to get to hang out, and for a couple of them to say their goodbyes. Messages had been sent out to the team members. All that remained now was to wait for them to arrive.

 

[Elvira Rojas]

The news that the Beauxbatons team wouldn’t be playing against Hogwarts New Zealand this year had come like a punch to the gut to Elvira. She wasn’t one to follow politics, so she really had no idea this was even a possible outcome. Of course she understood that international portkeys took time and effort to set up, and that a simple Quidditch game for fun wasn’t a priority for most adults, but she was sad to see all their hard work go to waste like this. Not only that, but Brendan’s last year as captain now felt like it had been for nothing. She wished he could stay another year, just to help prepare the team. Surely he was ready to graduate, though. And he trusted Elvira to take over after him. She just wasn’t sure if that trust was entirely warranted. She didn’t feel ready to have all the responsibility on her own shoulders yet. The girl admired her fellow co-captain for trying to do something positive for the team even when he was probably the most disappointed out of all of them. She arrived a little before the rest of the team did, and a smile spread over her face at the tables and snacks he had prepared. She headed over to Brendan, and without really thinking about it wrapped her arms around him in a big hug. “If we get to play next year, we’re going to kick their butts so hard.” She said quietly before letting go of him. “I’ll miss you.” She added, surprised at the sudden flood of emotions taking over. She forced herself to crack a smile. “Can I steal some of your old pep talks for practices? You’ve seen how bad I am at those.”