The roar of the crowd was deafening, and Hadrian couldn't stop grinning.
The Quidditch stadium loomed high around them, banners flapping in the wind and colored scarves snapping like miniature flags as students packed the stands. Today was Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw — the first match of the season.
Hadrian sat with Dora on his right and Iris on his left, a blanket beneath them keeping the brisk November chill at bay. The scent of cinnamon-roasted nuts and fresh grass mixed in the air, stirred by the rush of broomsticks overhead.
"Look at them go!" Dora shouted, eyes gleaming as she tracked the Chasers darting between Bludgers.
Iris laughed as one of the Ravenclaw Beaters nearly collided with a goalpost. "That one's got a death wish!"
Hadrian leaned back, breathing in the excitement of it all — the chill, the cheers, the sky full of motion.
Then his mind wandered.
This is where Harry played Seeker, wasn't it?
So many battles… so many secrets started on this pitch.
But in this world, there was no Boy-Who-Lived. No Horcruxes. No destined duels.
Only a boy named Hadrian James Potter… and the family he had chosen to build.
"Hey," he asked during a brief lull in the action, "do you two ever think about playing?"
Dora didn't look away from the game. "Me? Maybe. I like flying fast. And dodging Bludgers sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday."
"You just want to barrel-roll into people," Iris teased.
"I do not," Dora said primly — then added with a smirk, "...unless they deserve it."
Hadrian chuckled and turned to Iris. "What about you?"
Iris shrugged, swinging her legs off the bench as she looked up at the brooms weaving high above. "I like flying," she said softly. "But not like that. I don't care about goals or chasing things. Just… soaring. Like the wind's singing just for me."
Hadrian smiled. "That's very you."
"I'll cheer for you two, though," she added quickly. "And make you banners."
Dora grinned. "With glitter?"
"With charm-enhanced glitter that doesn't fall off and get stuck in your hair for two weeks."
"Oh," Dora said, mock disappointment in her voice. "Where's the fun in that?"
The game shifted into a dramatic turn — a Seeker spotted the Snitch and dove hard, followed by an explosion of cheers.
Hadrian sat back again, letting their voices fade into the rhythm of the crowd.