Chapter 9: Quidditch Final, Homecoming
It was their last day of their first year, Harry, like always woke up early and changed into his shorts and tank top and started his daily workout session on the Quidditch Pitch. After a long jog around the Black Lake, he begin to work on his routine rounds of pushups and sit-ups.
Harry heard a beeping voice and sighed, leisure time was over and it was time to take those boring, easy exams. He grabbed his towel and walked back towards the castle, students who were up already were simply staring at the first year who was wearing nothing more than a tank top and shorts. "What?" Harry sneered and walked pass the silent stares and the giggling that some girls were throwing at him.
"What the hell? I'm only eleven…this is most disturbing." A thought came to Harry as he descended down the stairs that led to the cold dungeons.
"Parselmouth." Harry stated the password and the portrait swung open, he gave acknowledgeable nods to Adrian Pucey and Charles Montague, the two fifth year beaters for the Slytherin Quidditch Team. They nodded back but quickly scrambled for their books when they saw Marcus Flint coming down from the Boy's dormitories. Harry suddenly felt that the next moment would be unpleasant.
"Black, the final is TODAY! I want YOU to be on your BEST form today. We're getting so close to winning the cup and show that stupid Wood and his gang of misfits that they are trash compared to us and I swear to Merlin that I would quadruple your practice hours if you don't catch the DAMN snitch! YOU HEAR ME?" Flint roared at Harry, who for once was afraid for his dear life and simply nodded furiously to the point where he thought his head would fall off from his shoulders.
As soon as Flint left the common room, Harry collapsed on the floor, if he wasn't awake before, he certainly was now.
"Wow, what happened Harry? You're shivering." Draco asked with a smirk on his face.
"Flint's one scary fanatic…" Harry mumbled and went back to his dormitory to get showered and changed, ignoring Draco's laughter.
The exams were excruciating easy for Harry as he finished the last answer for his potion's exam. He saw his godfather glancing at him, which he returned with an are-you-kidding-me expression. After scanning his essay, Harry stood up and quickly walked up to Snape and handed in his exam and gave him a smirk that would put Lucius' to shame.
Draco, Blaise, Daphne, Tracey and surprisingly, Granger handed their exams shortly after Harry handed in his. Harry snorted when he saw Weasley pulling his hair out and his face turning blue, he nudged Draco and pointed at said Weasley and both sniggered, drawing in scowls from the Gryffindors. "
Finally, those exams were the easiest shit I've ever taken." Harry growled.
"Indeed." Blaise said sagely.
"Well, better get going, match starts in half an hour. Flint's going to bitch if I'm late for warm ups. See ya all later." Harry said fearfully, looking at his watch.
After giving a hug to Daphne, he sped off towards the Quidditch pitch, oblivious to her blush.
As Harry neared the pitch, he could already see that many students were already seated in their respective house box. He saw Flint, already in his Slytherin robes and gave a quick nod and sped into the changing room. With his Nimbus 2000, Harry walked quickly to join his Slytherin teammates.
"LISTEN UP ALL OF YOU DUNDERHEADS, THIS IS IT, WIN THIS AND IT'LL BE SIXTH YEAR IN A ROW! BLACK, CATCH THE DAMN SNITCH AS SOON AS YOU KICK OFF. ANDERSON AND LEVOUX…SCORE… MONTAGUE AND PUCEY, BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF THEM, BOLE…BLOCK EVERY SHOT! " Fling roared, the cheers of the crowd were like whispers compared to Flint when he was giving a pep speech.
The whole Slytherin team save Flint, gulped and nodded fearfully, when it came to Quidditch, Flint was one guy you should never mess with.
"LETS GO THEN!" Flint shouted and the team immediately filed behind him and walked on to the pitch.
Harry quickly located his opponent, the Ravenclaw Seeker Cho Chang, just by looking at one's physique; Harry was able to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
"It seems Chang is a person that is more agile and sleek than a person that uses force." Harry thought to himself as he watched a green-faced Roger Davies getting his hand crushed by Flint who looked like he was killing the Ravenclaw captain with his intense stare.
"Wow, Davies looks like he's gonna wet his pants." Emily Anderson scoffed
"That would be an understatement." Adrian Pucey murmured.
Then the whole team shut up immediately when Flint came back over.
"Everyone on their brooms…on the count of 3…2…1GO!" Madam Hooch barked and blew the whistle.
Fourteen brooms kicked off simultaneously and the cheering of the crowd became deafening.
"Anderson has the Quaffle, she passes it to LeVoux who evades Davies easily…. Bludgers incoming, LeVoux passes it back to Anderson and feints left, the bludgers missed… Anderson faces the Ravenclaw Keeper, Page…. she throws and its in, 10-0 to Slytherin…Ravenclaw starts the Quaffle, Page passes to Davies, he evades Flint who is left red in the face. He passes to Jeremy Stretton but is hit in the face by a bludger sent by Pucey…damn that's gotta hurt…" Lee Jordan commentated but was slapped on the head by a fuming McGonagall.
"Anyways…Stretton approaches the Slytherin hoops, he throws but denied by Bole the Octopus….damn, he's good I'll give him that." Bole just gave the commentator box an emotionless expression at the comment.
Harry watched in amusement on his broom as he drifted around the pitch, Slytherin were now leading 90-0, Pucey and Montague were effortlessly diverting the Ravenclaw beaters meanwhile Bole saved every shot the Ravenclaw chasers threw at him.
It was clear that from kickoff, Ravenclaw never had the chance, they were simply outclassed in every position. Meanwhile Cho Chang was tailing right behind him…. "BLACK, FIND THAT GODDAMN SNITCH ALREADY!" Flint's roar echoed across the pitch.
Harry nodded and his eyes scanned the wide pitch for the tiniest movement of glittering gold, Harry saw it skittering low, near the surface of the pitch and immediately accelerated his Nimbus 2000 straight down. Chang, thinking that Harry had seen the snitch followed, but then Harry pulled a Wronski Feint and smirked when Chang, who was unfortunate to follow, crashed to the ground.
Everyone watching the match gasped, an eleven year old had performed a professional Quidditch move. Recovering from shock, the Slytherins gave loud claps and cheers at the birth of their new Quidditch Prodigy.
Harry sped forward, the snitch was barely a feet away from him now, scooting himself forward as much as possible, Harry stretched out his arm and with one forward thrust of his arm, closed his hand on the small flying gold ball. "Black catches the snitch. Slytherin wins the Quidditch Cup again, making it six times in a row. Score is 280-0." Lee Jordan said with disappointment in his voice.
All the Slytherins cheered, all the girls screaming crazily at Harry, who just smiled and amidst the crowd, he spotted Daphne who smiled at him. Harry smiled back at her and without thinking, blew her a kiss and sped off to where the rest of his teammates were celebrating leaving her dazed.
"Wow, you're so lucky." Tracey squealed.
Glancing at all the envious looks around her, Daphne pulled on her Ice Princess façade and watched as Pucey and Montague were pulling Harry under in a tight group hug as soon as he landed. Flint was crying with tears of joy flowing down his cheeks, which scared the hell out of everyone present.
Emily Anderson and Christina LeVoux joined Pucey and Montague in group hugging poor Harry who was struggling in their embrace. Bole remained expressionless but anyone could tell he was amused. Finally the Quidditch Cup, with green and silver lining hanging from the handle, was being presented by Dumbledore and Madam Hooch.
Snape looked more frightening than ever as he grinned widely when he accepted the Quidditch Cup, many students who have never seen the Potion's Master grin before were now shuddering, they much prefer him sneering and throwing insults at them.
Harry merely smiled and gave his godfather a thumb up cheekily which was repaid by a bigger grin. Sparks of Silver and Green were shot up in the sky for the victory of Slytherin.
The celebrations continued from the Quidditch Pitch to the common room where a huge party was started. Bole excused himself immediately when they entered the dungeons, saying that he was tired…before congratulating Harry on his Wronski Feint and his catch, what shocked the whole house was that he offered his hand in friendship, Harry took it and later found out that Bole rarely shook hands with anyone, even his own housemates. Harry then excused himself too, much to Flint's dismay who grumbled about his star seeker being influenced by a certain emotionless keeper and not joining the routine Slytherin Parties.
Once back in his room, Harry had a mini party with Draco and Blaise, who managed to worm the location of the kitchens from a fellow seventh year Slytherin and the three clinked their bottles of butterbeer in toast of an adventure filled year.
"Where'd you learn the Wronski Feint?" Draco asked as he took a bite out of his ham and cheese sandwich.
"I dunno, I just thought by accelerating downwards and pulling up suddenly would be a good way to get Chang off of my tail." Harry said and smiled to Draco's surprised expression.
"I'm thinking about joining the team next year." Draco said with a pondering look on his face
Harry narrowed his eyes in deep thought and said, "What position?"
"Chaser most likely, I have no chance in seeker because you're clearly the best seeker Hogwarts has had in a long time. But Flint, Anderson and LeVoux will still be here next year." Draco whined.
"I dunno, but yeah, the team doesn't need much changing currently." Harry thought but looking at Draco's downtrodden expression added, "Who knows? Maybe Flint's gonna get a heart attack from bitching and you could replace him."
At this both Draco and Blaise, who was reading the encyclopedia of the magical world Harry gave him roared with laughter at the thought. After a couple games of exploding snap and wizard's chess, the trio packed their trunks and after taking one last look at their room, exited the Slytherin dormitory.
On his way out of the common room, Harry was greeted by farewells by many older housemates, the most noticeable was Flint who roared at Harry to stay in shape and train everyday or there'll be hell to pay.
The three met up with Tracey and Daphne and the five made their way to the carriages where many students were already amassing. The carriages then carried the students to Hogsmeade Station, where the Hogwarts Express was located.
After arriving at Hogsmeade Station, the five Slytherins quickly went aboard the Hogwart's Express and climbed into a compartment near the back of the train. Harry was staring out of the window while Daphne laid her head on his shoulder, and her arms entwined around his.
Draco was conversing with Tracey while Blaise had his nose in a book as always.
Suddenly the compartment door opened, revealing one ignoramus redhead and his two lackys.
"Black, think you're king of this school already don't you. You're a fake" Weasley sneered
"Sod off Weasel, I heard your sister's coming next year, you might want to sell off you're miserable heap you call a house to pay for her tuition." Draco sneered back
Weasley's ears became deep red as he shouted, "Shut up, Malfoy, you take it back…"
But Draco didn't stop there, "I'm hearing that your muggle loving father is going on extra raids…I do hope he is getting paid overtime."
Weasley just gave a yell and lunged himself at Draco but found himself dangling by his ankles, as if an invisible string tied bonded itself around his ankles.
The whole compartment roared with laughter, the other students, hearing the commotion also joined in as they saw a red faced Weasel dangling upside down, his two lackeys immediately ran off.
"Have a pleasant ride." Harry mocked before flicking his wand and the door slammed shut.
"Nice one, Harry." Draco grinned, giving his cousin a high five.
"Apparently, he's so inbred, he forgot he was a wizard and decided to fight us muggle style." Harry mused, at this everyone in the compartment laughed.
It was after while before Tracey asked, "So, what are your plans for the summer Harry?"
"Go back to the manor for a few days and spend some time with mum, then probably go visit Draco, since he can't get enough of me." At this Draco just narrowed his eyes and snorted. "And maybe I'll go visit France or Spain." Harry added with a faraway voice.
"I'm going back to Italy…" Blaise said simply.
"Leave it to Blaise with the lamest responses." Tracey muttered under her breath, Blaise just gave her a death glare.
"Daphne and I are going to Paris…I can't wait." She squealed.
Daphne just shook her head at her best friend's antics but couldn't help but smile as well. The rest of the trip went by quickly, with a couple games of exploding snap, bubble gum blowing contests and the dreaded Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Bean game. Draco was the most unfortunate, ending up with eating a vomit, earwax and boogey flavor bean.
The train slowed down as it entered King's Cross Station. After checking the compartment one last time, the five Slytherins walked out of the train, ignoring Weasley, who was still dangling upside down in the corridor of the train.
The cool summer breeze blowing against their faces; Harry immediately spotted the long dark hair of Bella next to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy out of the sea of parents and sprinted towards her, Draco also rushed towards his parent's opening arms.
Bella smiled widely as she felt her son slam into her and hugged her fervidly.
"How did exams go?" Bella asked as Harry pulled back from her,
"What'd you think?" Harry said while rolling his eyes.
Bella just gave him a grin and her heart melted when Harry buried his face in her robes.
"So Harry, We'll be expecting you around for the manor then." Narcissa said kindly.
"Sure, I would love that Aunt Cissy." Harry replied, and after shaking hands with Lucius Malfoy and a hug from Narcissa
Harry watched his cousin wave at him one last time before going through the magical barrier.
Then Harry saw Blaise walk over with a tall dark skinned woman whom he could only guess as Lady Zabini.
"Lady Black, it's a pleasure to meet you again." Blaise said with a customary pure-blood bow.
"The feeling is mutual, Mr. Zabini." Bella said. "Stephanie, it has been awhile hasn't it."
The dark skinned lady smiled and replied in a haughty manner, "Indeed Bella it has, this is your son I presume? He looks so much like his father, so handsome…"
Harry smiled his charming smile and said politely, "It's an honor meeting you Lady Zabini…"
"What a gentlemen you are…I bet you have many admirers already." Lady Zabini said, she was about to say something else but was cut off
"Mum! Quit trying to flirt with my friend." Blaise said while shivering.
"Sorry Blaisey…" his mother cooed.
"UURGH…I told you to never call me that." Blaise whined and turned to Harry, "Well, I'm going to bolt, but here's my floo address over there if you want to visit. We can tour around Rome and Florence if you like."
Harry accepted the piece of parchment from Blaise and watched as he marched and disappeared pass the barrier.
"It was nice meeting you again Bella, maybe we could have a girl's night out, just you, Ophelia, Narcissa and I." Lady Zabini said with a faraway look in her eyes.
"That sounds nice." Bella replied with a grin and the two former classmates hugged and Lady Zabini bade Harry farewell and quickly stalked after her son.
Harry felt someone tapping on his shoulder, he turned back and saw Tracey and Daphne. Tracey hugged him first and said her farewells, Harry, noticing her parent's absence asked her about his observation, Tracey just shrugged and said that she was sleeping over at Daphne's for a while then she backed away a bit to give Daphne some 'Harry time'. Harry just chuckled silently at his energetic friend.
"Harry, I want you to meet my parents." Daphne said and grabbed a startled Harry and pulled him to where her parents were waiting.
"It's a pleasure to see you again Mrs. Greengrass." Harry said with a slight bow.
"Now, now, Harry, what did I say about dropping formalities" Ophelia Greengrass said, a wide grin on her face.
Harry only smiled respectfully, "Very well, Ophelia. And how do you do Mr. Greengrass?"
Henry Greengrass was a tall man with chocolate brown hair and ocean blue eyes. "It's a pleasure meeting you Harry, please call me Henry, you must be the boy Daphne likes to sleep talk about." He said with glee in his eyes while shaking the messy haired wizard's hand.
"DAAADDDD!" Daphne was as red as a tomato now, Harry just smiled his charming smile but then he noticed a giggling sound
Daphne groaned, pinched the bridge of her nose and said, "Harry, meet my worst nightmare, my sister Astoria."
A small girl then stuck her head out from behind her mother, she looked exactly like Daphne with golden blonde hair and an hourglass figure, the only difference was that Astoria had violet eyes whereas Daphne's were blue.
"Hello Astoria. It's a pleasure meeting you." Harry said suavely and gently kissed her hand politely.
Astoria blushed bright red, her father noticed and with a smirk nudged his eldest daughter who was obviously not happy and teased, "Well, Daphne, it seems that you have competition."
Daphne just scowled but she gasped when she felt a pair of lips brushing against her cheek and a hand cupping her chin.
The owner of those lips and hand then said in a voice so low that only she could hear. "Don't scowl, it does reflect well on your beauty, my angel."
Daphne blushed dark red and her knees went weak when she felt a pair of strong arms wrapping tightly around her waist. "Have a good summer, Daph."
With that Harry pulled away, walking back to Bella who was grinning widely, leaving Daphne on cloud nine and said his farewells to Daphne's parents and Astoria, who was now grinning evilly at her sister.
As soon as Harry was out of earshot, Astoria started prancing and shouting excitedly, "Daphne has a boyfriend, Daphne has a boyfriend."
"Shut up Stori…" Daphne could only retort weakly as little Astoria ignored her and continued to tease her.
This resulted in Little Astoria running towards the barrier with an extremely pissed off growling Daphne on her tails.
Henry Greengrass just looked at his wife and said, "Wow, she really has it bad."
"I know right?" Ophelia said with a grin.
"I never thought I'd have to play the protective father so quickly..." Henry groaned, earning a nudge in the ribs by his wife.
"Henry, be nice. Harry's so sweet to Daphne...I can see it now, little children with messy black hair and green eyes running around while I spoil them rotten." Ophelia said in a dreamy voice.
Henry Greengrass smacked his face with a palm, "Let's go before Daphne loses it with Astoria."
A familiar sense of nausea returned as Harry felt his body being squeezed out of an imaginary tube. The sun was setting as Harry and Bella apparated into the backyard of Black Manor, Bella, noticing her son's discomfort from apparating patted his back soothingly while leading him back to manor.
"I really hate apparating." Harry murmured, Bella just let out a melodious laughter.
"Kreacher! I'm home!" Harry shouted as he walked into the main hall.
With a pop, Kreacher appeared out of thin air and bowed lowly, "Young master and mistress has returned, Kreacher happy young master has finally returned home. Dinner is ready, young master must go wash up."
Harry smiled widely, took off his shoes and socks, and bolted straight to the bathroom upstairs. After a satisfying dinner, Harry and Bella spent time just talking in the manor's ridiculous large living room. Soon Bella saw his son's eye lids drooping down and chuckled at his effort to stay awake, with a wave of her wand, she levitated Harry from his seat and guided him back into his room.
After tucking in Harry comfortably under the sheets, Bella kissed his forehead gently before shutting off the lights and swept out.
She smiled when she heard him slurred out a goodnight. "I'm so happy you're back home." She thought to herself.
To those who are wondering when Sirius will appear, rest assure, he will be introduced soon enough. He's still in Azkaban remember?