23/07/2020

Disclaimer - I do not own Harry Potter

Chapter 27 (James Potter)

Chasing Seekers

Monday 4th September 1972

The boys woke up that early that morning to get ready for their first week of lessons. Sirius' ankle had mainly recovered but was still a little unbalanced when walking. Their first lesson was Defence Against the Dark Arts with Professor Samantha Oswald. She wore a pretty deep turquoise dress with watching shoes. Her hair was platinum blonde and curled into elegant swirls.

"Hello James."

"Hey Sammy, I mean- Professor." he said cheekily.

"Look how you've grown, it's been what, six months since we last met." they talked for a couple of minutes while the class was coming in.

"Sirius you're drooling like a little puppy. Put your eyes back in your head." mocked James as he walked over.

"I am not drooling James." he said, but he checked with his sleeve when he thought nobody was looking. The class settled down and finally started.

"Good morning everyone, I'm Professor Oswald." she said. Most of the boys seemed transfixed on her, where the girls had distasteful expressions.

"Today we're going to learn the basics of duelling." everyone turned to each other in excitement. Sirius was staring at her avidly, like she was some kind if goddess.

"And I'm sure as you are all aware, there is a duelling club for second years and up, which you can practice these spells in. First we're going to learn how to disarm out opponent. Does anyone know which incantation is used- Yes Mr Potter." she smiled.

"Expelliarmus." he said.

"Very Good. This spell removes your opponents wand from their grip, leaving them vulnerable." she went on a little longer about how useful the spell was, she mentioned that it won't always work depending how strong your intent and energy is. Sometimes it can be used as a hex also.

Eventually, they started the practical. James went with Sirius and Peter went with Remus. He was very good at it and managed to get Sirius' wand out of his hand every time. Sirius wasn't too bad, but he kept looking round to see Professor Oswald.

"Sirius she's ten years older than you." he hissed, now starting to get irritated by his lack of concentration.

"What do you mean- so- how- Oh James stop smirking at me." he started to get flustered.

"It's okay, I can see why you'd like Sammy." he mocked.

"I don't!" Sirius hissed. James was in fits of giggles. Just then Professor Oswald came waltzing over, just after she had been helping Peter.

"Alright James, seems like you're doing pretty well here. Let's see you Mr Black." she chimed. Sirius tried to run his fingers through his hair but was too short. He raised his wand and pointed it at him.

"Expelliarmus!" he shouted with great conviction. In a matter of seconds, James had been blasted onto the floor and his wand flew out of his hand. His head had hit the ground hard and started to ache, although he didn't mention it.

"Very good Mr Black, that's quite some skill you have there." she praised. When she had gone, Sirius helped him up.

"Sirius Black is that a blush I see?" he teased.

"No." but he turned his head away. By the end of the lesson, everybody had managed to perform the disarming spell, even Peter. Especially Snape, which he didn't care to admit. He started to get annoyed once they had left as Lily was congratulating Snape on it.

"Oi Snivellus!" he called once they were out of earshot and Lily had left.

"What do you want Potter." spat Snape.

"Your hair," started Sirius. "Do you ever wash it. I wonder if you learnt the disarming spell so quickly so that nobody could come near you with a bottle of shampoo." he mocked, as the other boys laughed. Even Remus was holding back a snigger.

"Get lost Black." and he started to walk away.

"See you Snivellus." James sneered, as he pushed passed Snape, which knocked all his books onto the floor. Once they had got near to Transfiguration, which they were taking with the Ravenclaws, Remus started to have a go at him.

"James that was unnecessary, he did nothing wrong."

"Oh you saw him all over Evans, practically swimming in her praise." James said, obviously thinking this was a reasonable explanation.

"Slimy git." added Sirius.

"You're one to talk." spat Remus. "Goggling at Professor Oswald like that. Honestly Sirius."

"Come on, you can't say she's not attractive." Sirius justified, smirking.

"That's not the point Sirius." he fixed him with a scowl. When Remus wasn't looking, James looked over to Sirius and gave him a he didn't deny it look, just as they sat down in Transfiguration.

Sunday 10th September 1972

James and Sirius walked down to the Quidditch grounds that evening, dressed in scarlet and gold robes with arm and shin-pads. James was so excited but extremely nervous at the same time. Everyone else that was trying out for Seeker were older and much bigger than him. He had half a mind to turn back and just watch Sirius' tryout.

"You'll be alright mate." encouraged James, Sirius was looking just as nervous, or perhaps even more so. He was happy to see Remus and Peter in the stands for support. Remus even had his camera. Sirius had spotted Marlene and went to go and talk to her. James didn't really like Marlene all that much. She was way too confident and talked too much so James didn't join them.

When it was James' turn to play seeker, he managed to catch the snitch within two minutes, which he was pretty proud of. He had a few more goes and successfully managed to catch the snitch quite quickly every time.

"Nice one Potter!" called George Budgens, the Captain. Sirius was giving him a thumbs up from the ground. He watched Sirius in his tryout who was was absolutely brilliant! The bludger had no chance against him. Budgens congratulated him and told him his technique was impeccable. Marlene McKinnon tried out for chaser, and she wasn't too bad for a second year, but she wasn't as skillful as some of the older students. They waited around half an hour until the team had finally been decided.

"So, " called Budgens in a strong raspy voice. "You've all done very well and I hope you're proud of yourselves. Sadly I can only pick a few of you and I wont be changing my mind. So. Keeper is David Johnson, with reserve being Julia Almonds. Beaters will be myself and Sirius Black with Ashby Meakes as reserve." James looked round and grinned at Sirius who was beaming at his success. "Seeker is Grace Budgens with James Potter as reserve." James was pretty sure he wouldn't get it, but was happy with getting reserve, and Grace was quite talented. Sirius gave him a commiserating look. Some of the other students that had been trying out for seeker groaned.

"Only because she's your sister!" called one of the boys in seventh year. There was a mutter of agreement but George ignored them.

"Chasers are Tamara Richards, Aimee Turpin and James Potter." James was confused. So was Sirius. He was still exhilarated by his success. Me, on the quidditch team! He thought to himself. He was amazed. Marlene looked a little disgruntled although she got first place reserve.

"Potter a word!" called George. "I know you didn't go for chaser Potter, but you've got a better build for chaser I'd say. Seeker's are meant to be quite small, and at the moment you are but I'm thinking about the future. Need to get a good six years out of you ay." he clapped him on the back "See you for training Potter, five O'clock sharp on Thursday." and he walked off carrying a couple of beaters bats.

"We're in!" exclaimed Sirius as people started to disperse. They gave each other a high five and confidently made there way to the stands to meet Remus and Peter.

"Well done!" Remus congratulated. "James I swear you went for Seeker?"

"Well I did, but he said I'm not small enough." he said, then Remus giggled.

"Bet you wish you were my height now don't you." he mocked.

"Oh I'm not that desperate." James replied sarcastically. They laughed. Remus held up his camera.

"Celebratory picture?" he said smiling.

"Of course." said Sirius. James heard the click of the camera and then it came out.

"Not bad." James said looking at the photo. It was a rare picture where he and Sirius weren't messing around. It was definitely one to keep. They went down to the Great Hall for dinner, where Professor Mcgonagall made her way to them with a smile on her face. An actual smile.

"Well done boys" she said beaming at James and Sirius "I think we may be winning the Quidditch Cup this year don't you." she clapped him on the back and walked off muttering something to herself.

"Wow I've never seen her so happy." laughed James.

"Anyone would think we've already won."

James was extremely happy about getting on the team. Second year aswell, but he did feel a little annoyed about being chaser. He knew the Chaser's were where the action really was, but he wanted to be the one to catch the snitch, to win the game. To be the hero. When he got back to his dorm he wrote to his parents.

Dear Ma and Pa

You'll never believe it. I'm on the Quidditch team! I tried out for Seeker, and sadly I didn't get it. The captain said I won't be small enough for it when I get older, and said he has to get a good six years out of me. So that's a guarantee! So I'm playing chaser! I've not practised chaser very much so it will be a challenge.

Sirius also got onto the team, he's beater. He's excellent!

I think our first game is in November, and I wondered if you could come and watch?

Love you lots

James x

P.S Ma, could you send some Banana Bread, the house elves don't make it like yours.

"Hey Remus can I borrow your owl? The owlery is so far away."

"Sure."

He tied the letter round Iona's leg and sent her on her way.

"What lessons we got tomorrow?" Peter asked the room. James picked up his timetable.

"Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms, Herbology and Astronomy. Not too bad."

"Oh we've got Oswald for Defence." said Sirius dreamily. "Can't wait to get a lesson from her."

"Sirius Black you filthy skunk." admonished Remus but they were all laughing.