Chapter 10: Quidditch tryouts
The next day, Harry woke up early. He was excited for the Quidditch tryouts, albeit slightly nervous. After getting dressed and a light breakfast Madam Pomfrey had forced him to eat, he sneaked out of the infirmary and made his way to the pitch. It wasn't time yet, of course, the others were all in class. But Harry wanted to be in an appropriate place to make strategies. He had to do this captaincy thing right. Both Oliver Wood and Angelina Johnson had made a hell of a job with the team, winning Gryffindor the cup twice in a row. Harry needed to live up to his reputation of youngest seeker of the century (though he had much grown now). For most of the morning, he made plans and strategies. In order to win the cup, they would sure need good players, but good players didn't necessarily mean good team. Cohesion and team spirit were just as important as skills.
Harry went back to the infirmary shortly before lunch, hoping the matron wouldn't have noticed his disappearance. But of course, nothing ever escaped the watchful eye of the stern mediwitch. The second Harry entered his room, an irate Mafam Pomfrey came striding in.
"Mr Potter! Where have you been? I thought I made it clear that you were to be accompanied at all times when not in the infirmary!" She said sternly. "I will not have you getting in a quidditch accident so soon. Your body is dealing with a lot already and you cannot afford to add to that, unless you want to take up residence in the Hospital Wing?"
Harry made a face at the thought.
"I thought not. Professor McGonagall will be here around five. Be ready then." Harry nodded in defeat and the witch left.
At fifteen past five, the Transfiguration Teacher came to pick Harry up.
"I count on you to win that cup, Mr Potter. I know you won't deceive me." The Professor said.
"Um thank you, professor." Harry said a bit unsure.
"Oh don't look so worried, Potter. You are the best suited for the task. You will make a great captain." At Harry's still hesitant expression she to reassured him. "I won't think any less of you if Gryffindor looses the cup, Potter. Besides the fault wouldn't be your own."
"Thank you, Professor." Harry said, relaxing a bit.
The witch leaned forward and said in Harry's ear "I would like to see Professor Snape's face when Gryffindor wins for the third time in a row, though."
Harry laughed. "I'll do my best ma'am."
When they reached the pitch, a crowd was already gathered, impatiently waiting for Harry to arrive. Seeing him approach, they all cheered. Harry gave a small speech but it was hard to concentrate with all the people hopping up and down with impatience.
"Thank you all for coming today. Before we start, just know that because you made the team last year does not guarantee you a spot this year." Katie Bell had warned him not to be biased, keeping old players or letting friends in, which were mistakes that usually led good Quidditch teams to being ruined. "Conversely, even if you tried out last year or the year before that and didn't make it in the team doesn't mean you won't this year either. Now without further ado, I'm going to put you all through a few drills just to assess your strengths. So um ...obviously I'm not going to be flying with you today but I will watch everything from here. Is everything clear?" Harry asked, and when everyone nodded, they got started.
Like Ron had said, many Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, as well as first years - who had clearly never flown before - tried out. Harry had a difficult time trying to shoo them all out of the pitch. For this particular reason, the tryouts lasted hours and involved many mishaps and several tantrums. Professor McGonagall sat in the stands, keeping a close eye on Harry. Hermione too supervised the whole thing, though she only seemed to be here for moral support to both Harry and Ron. She did her best to stay focus but she was obviously bored after the first half hour.
In the end, Ginny and Demelza Robins replaced Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet and joining Katie Bell as Chasers. The Beaters chosen were Jimmy Peakes and Ritchie Coote and Ron managed to get the Keeper spot. However, due to Harry being incapacitated, he had to name a substitute seeker. He eventually decided that Ginny would replace him for the time being and chose Dean as a substitute Chaser.
When he finally got back to his room, Harry was utterly exhausted. He could barely keep his eyes open.
"If you are too tired to go to the Great Hall, I can ask Madam Pomfrey to bring you a tray for dinner." Professor McGonagall kindly offered.
Harry would normally have refused seeing as dinner was the only meal he was allowed to attend, but he couldn't gather enough energy to go so he nodded and thanked his teacher.
He took a shower, ate dinner and brushed his teeth, and in less than twenty minutes he was in bed. He fell asleep the second his head hit the pillow and didn't wake up until eight thirty the next morning, when a gentle hand shook his shoulder.
"Mmmh" Harry groaned.
"Mr Potter, it's time to get up. Professor Mcgonagall will be here in half an hour to start with your morning classes."
Harry opened his eyes to see Madam Pomfrey leaning over him. He sat up and put his glasses on.
"Wait what time is it?" Harry asked suddenly confused. He remembered going to bed quite early the previous evening but he couldn't remember exactly what time it had been.
"It's 8:30, Mr Potter. So unless you wish for your Head of House to teach you in your pyjamas, I suggest you eat breakfast and then quickly get ready."
"It's 8:30 already?" Harry gasped. He felt really tired and would've loved to go back to sleep for a bit.
The matron chuckled. "Healing is tiring isn't it, Mr Potter? You've just slept for a straight thirteen hours."
Harry's eyes widened and then he groaned. "I'd better hurry then."
At 9am sharp, the Transfiguration Professor arrived. Harry found the lessons to be fascinating and was almost sad when the teacher said they were done for the day. Once again, he had impressed her with his good work and had managed to earn Gryffindor quite a few points. Behind her stern expression, Harry could tell he saw pride shining in his Head of House's eyes and he felt pleased. Sorry, Professor Snape, if I just ruined your peaceful dinner time once again. Harry thought to himself in amusement.
"I will be going now, Mr Potter. I believe Madam Pomfrey will be joining you for lunch?" Harry nodded. "As agreed, Professor Snape will come at 1pm for you afternoon lessons." She paused for a moment. "How have things been going with him?"
"He's been really decent about it ma'am." Harry said honestly. "More than decent actually. It was...nice."
"Was it now?" The witch asked, sounding very pleased but not so surprised.
"Yeah... He's really good at teaching when he's not busy picking on me and the other Gryffindors." Harry said before he could stop himself and then clapped a hand over his mouth as he realised what had just escaped his mouth. "I mean...um..."
To his surprise Minerva chuckled. "That is quite alright Mr, Potter. When it comes to you, Professor Snape does indeed tend to be... well... strict, to say the least."
"Well used to." Harry corrected. "He didn't once say 'abysmal' and 'Potter' in the same sentence, which is a big improvement if you ask me. In fact he complimented my potion, can you believe it?" Harry exclaimed, trying not to sound too happy about it but failing quite miserably.
"I can." She leaned forward and whispered. "You didn't here this from me, Potter, but I believe his exact words were 'He paid close attention, took detailed notes, asked relevant questions and brewed a perfect potion' ...or something along those lines." The witch smirked lightly.
Harry gaped at her. "He... he said that?"
"Is it that much of a surprise? He did give you an O and awarded you house points. If I didn't know better, I would say he was impressed."
"Oh" Harry said simply. Of course, he had known the man had been pleased with his work. But impressed? Could one really impress Severus Snape? And at potions no less?
"Keep up with the good work and don't deceive him, Harry. I can tell he's growing fond of you." She winked at him.
This time Harry's mouth dropped. Snape wasn't the fondness type and to hear that from the second most stern teacher of the school was quite surreal. But then again, the man had visited him almost every day since the accident and had taken him out on the pitch. He had even convinced the matron to let him go to the feast and supervise the quidditch practices. Could Snape really... care? And then Harry realised.
"I think I might be growing fond of him too." He whispered to himself, so softly that the transfiguration teacher almost missed it.
The more he thought about it, the more he knew it. He, Harry, had grown fond of the snarky Potions Master, bat of the dungeons, greasy evil slytherin git - or so he used to call him in his head. He really appreciated the older wizard's company and found himself waiting eagerly to meet with him. There was something strangely...calming?...about him. And his sarcastic - albeit not-a-mean-sort-of-sarcastic - comments really tended to cheer Harry up when he was feeling a bit down.
A small smile graced Harry's lips and he was so lost in his thoughts that he missed the smirk on the witch's face. Oh Severus, you great short-tempered snarky bat, I knew you had it in you somewhere to slither your way in a student's heart despite your sneering facades.
After finishing his lunch, Harry slumped in the couche and closed his eyes for a brief moment. Or so he thought. He woke up to the slight shake of his shoulder, very much like he had the same morning. Only this time it was the unmistakable silky voice of the Potions Master that followed.
"What did Minerva had you do for you to be in such a state, Mr Potter?"
"Wha?" Harry opened his eyes and rubbed at them. Damn. He'd fallen asleep. "Sorry sir, I...didn't mean to fall asleep." He said sheepishly. But the snarky comment about lazy Gryffindors he would have expected to hear had it been two month prior never came.
"That is quite alright. Madam Pomfrey warned us that you would need a lot of rest for your body to heal properly."
"Um... should we start now sir? I don't want to um... make you wait or anything."
The man smirked. "Do you know what time it is?"
"Uh?" Harry looked confused.
Snape cast Tempus. It was two and a half. Harry's eyes widened in horror.
"I'm so sorry sir! I...I honestly didn't mean to sleep that long! Hell, I didn't mean to fall asleep at all. It's just...I just... I was tired and..." Harry tipped over his words.
Snape held a hand up to stop the stammering child. "You need not apologise, Mr Potter. Like I said, your tiredness is to be expected and is one of the reasons why we instated these private lessons rather than letting you join your classmates in class."
Harry still looked sheepish.
"Have no worries, Mr Potter, I have more than the ability to wake you up, deep as your slumber may be."
"Sir?" Harry asked in confusion.
"I thought it best not to wake you up and let you rest."
"Oh." Harry said once he realised what the man meant. "So you um... you were here? While I was sleeping I mean."
"I was." The man said, purposefully leaving out that he had actually watched the boy sleep for the whole hour and a half he had been there, even brushing a few stray hair from the boys face.
"I'm sorry, sir." Harry lowered his head
"Whatever for?"
"For wasting your time. I'm sure you don't want to be here and you probably have more important things to do than waiting for me to wake up and teach me."
"Harry" Snape cut him softly and the boy lifted his head. "You are not a waste of time and, although you are right to say that I have important things to do, you should know that teaching you is one of them. As for your sleepiness, no one can hold it against you."
"I know but you didn't ask for any of this and I-"
"That is where you are wrong, Mr Potter."
"Uh?" Harry looked confused.
"I...applied...as a substitute for the wo- for Lupin."
"What?
"You heard me."
"But the Headmaster-"
"Did not force anything upon me." Severus finished.
"He didn't?"
"No, he did not."
"So you asked him to?"
"I did."
"Because you wanted to?"
"Yes."
"Oh."
Snape opened his mouth to say something about his eloquence but Harry beat him to it. He straightened up and hardened his features. Then, with the deepest voice he could master, he said "Eloquent as always, Mr Potter." Harry slumped his shoulder again. "I know, sir, I know. You told me that already."
"That was quite an impression you did there." Snape raised an eyebrow and Harry could've sworn he saw a flicker of amusement in the older wizard's eyes, but it was gone the next second. "But even you must admit that your speech has room for improvement."
"Am I right to assume you're going to remedy that?"
"Indeed you are, Mr Potter."
Harry groaned. "Great. Now you're going to make me talk like they do in those old muggle plays."
"Why, Mr Potter, dost thou not like the Bard of Avon?"
"Oh so you're thou-ing me now? Why are you still calling me Mr Potter then, sir?" Harry asked cheekily.
"Shall I call thee Harry?"
"If you're going to thou me then you have no choice, sir." Harry smirked.
"Harry it is then."
Harry dropped the act. "For real, sir? I mean you really are going to call me Harry?"
"Well, I might want to 'thou you' in the future so I'm afraid you leave me with no choice."
Harry studied the man face. He couldn't fathom if it was all an act or if he was serious.
"Oh quit staring at me like that. It is not as if I have never called you Harry before now, is it?"
A pleased smile spread on Harry's face. "Yeah I guess not."
"You will still be 'Potter' in public, however."
"Yeah yeah, this whole spying thing, I get it." Harry dismissed with a wave of his hand, though a strange feeling of disappointment filled him. "So should we get to it now?"
They settled at the desk and the afternoon lessons began.
"Moly is a powerful plant that can be eaten to counteract enchantments, and are also used as a potion ingredient, such as in the brewing of the Wiggenweld Potion. I trust you are familiar with it?"
"Yes." Harry nodded. "It's a healing potion. It can cure injuries, and reverse the effects of the Sleeping Draught and of the Draught of the Living Death. We brewed it in first year."
"You did. Moly plants are easily recognised by their distinctive black stems and white flowers."
Once they were done with Herbology, they started talking about Fwoopers.
"I know what those are. Hermione told me about them." Harry said. "The Fwooper is a magical African bird with brightly-coloured feathers including orange, pink, lime green and yellow. Those feathers can be used as quills. Oh yeah and they lay patterned eggs."
"Correct. Do you know whether they are dangerous?"
"They're mortal. Listening to the Fwooper's high pitched, twittering song would drive the listener insane, so each bird must be sold with a Silencing Charm placed on it."
"Yes, and the Charm has to be reinforced monthly. A licence is also required to own one of those birds." Snape added.
"I just don't get why people would want to buy one of those..." Harry said, confused.
"For their beauty, I would imagine. Although I do not think Hagrid needs nice coloured feathers to buy a magical creature."
"No I don't think he does." Harry laughed.
About thirty minutes later, they were done with Fwoopers as well, so it was time for potions.
"We are now going to talk about veritaserum." Snape said. "What do you know about this potion?"
"Veritaserum is a powerful truth serum. Three drops of the potion are enough to force the drinker to answer any questions put to them truthfully." Harry started. "Veritaserum is clear, colourless, and odourless and is almost indistinguishable from water. It must mature for a full lunar phase and it's quite difficult to brew."
"Yes, it is a quite complex potion. Students are expected to be able to produce once they finished their N.E.W.T.-level Potions." Snape explained. "Do you know the limitations of such a potion?"
"I guess it can be more or less reliable depending on what the drinker's beliefs. So while the answers are sincere they are not necessarily true. The drinker's sanity and perception of reality are factors during interrogations that must be taken into account."
"Indeed. Do you know any other limitation?"
"Um... I don't know. Is it possible to neutralise its effects?" Harry asked.
"It is, yes. Just like every other kind of magic, Veritaserum is not infallible. Despite being the most powerful truth serum in existence, it can still be resisted through different methods, including the taking of its antidote and Occlumency." Snape explained. "Since some wizards and witches can resist its effects while others cannot, Veritaserum is unfair and unreliable to use at a trial and would be difficult to use as definite proof of guilt or innocence. Therefore, use of this potion is strictly controlled by the British Ministry of Magic."
"Wait...Occlumency?" Harry asked in confusion. "But is an Occlumens and last year you said that three drops would be enough for him to spill out his innermost secrets!"
Snape winced. "Yes well this might have been a slight exaggeration."
"You were trying to scare me!"
"Oh I wouldn't say scare... intimidate more like."
Harry scoffed. "Yeah right, that's why you threatened to drug me with some!"
"Threaten is a big word."
"You said your hand might just 'slip' in my pumpkin juice!"
"Of course I said that." Snape smirked. "After all Veritaserum works best upon the unsuspecting, as well as the vulnerable and those insufficiently skilled to protect themselves against it..."
"Hey!" Harry protested. "Since when is this about my abysmal - as you put it - Occlumency performances?"
"Well you were terrible at it."
"That's not the point!"
"Indeed not." Snape smirked at Harry's indignation. They stared at each other for a second. Snape's eyes were glittering with amusement while Harry scowled at him. Then suddenly they burst out laughing. Well, Harry did, snape merely chuckled.
Once he had calmed down a bit, Harry thought of something.
"So even if Sirius had had a trial, he would still have been found guilty?" He asked quietly.
"Yes, he most likely would have. Even if he had been given the opportunity to testify to his innocence under Veritaserum, the Wizengamot would probably have condemned him,claiming that he was using trickery to be immune to it."
Harry lowered his sad eyes. Then, out of nowhere he said "It's like those muggles things that read your emotions."
"What?" Snape asked, surprised by the seemingly sudden change of subject.
"You know those things that measure and record physical indicators like blood pressure, pulse, respiration, that sort of things. Well they can tell if you're lying because then the values change. That's what most people call lying-detectors. I don't remember the real name though."
"Polygraphs."
"What?"
"Those devices are called polygraphs."
"Oh." Harry said, surprised that the man knew of muggle technology.
"Yes, I do believe you can say that polygraphs have similar limitations to Veritaserum. Both of them lack reliability which is why they are prohibited in courts of law." Harry nodded. "So unless you have other questions, I believe we are done with today's lessons."
"No questions, sir." Harry smiled sadly.
"Why the sad face, Harry?"
"Well, it's just...Remus will be back on Monday so um... I guess I'll just miss...um... spendingtimewithyousir" He said the last part very quickly.
"What was that?"
"I said I'll miss spending time with you, sir." Harry repeated in a whisper, careful to avoid eye contact. He felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Just because I will not be tutoring you anymore does not mean that you will never see me." Snape said softly.
"You'll...you'll visit?" Harry asked hopefully, meeting the man's eyes.
"If you want me to, then I will."
"I'd like that." Harry smiled in satisfaction, before his mood turned grim again. "I'm so sick of having to stay here."
"I know, Harry, but you will be dismissed soon. You are almost well enough to go back to your dorm."
"But why do I have to wait? I'm perfectly fine! Besides, I'm more than capable of handling myself."
"Madam Pomfrey wants to reduce the risk of complications as well as potential accidents. Ir would be a shame to ruin all of her hard work this close to recovery. It is best if you stay where we can keep an eye on you."
"But why here though? Ron and Hermione can 'keep an eye on me' in Gryffindor Tower. It's not like I do anything without them anyway..."
"As brilliant as miss Granger might be, she is not a fully trained wizard and can therefore not prevent accidents from happening."
"But neither can Madam Pomfrey. Not all of them I mean." Harry pointed out. "It's like you said with potions earlier, nothing's infallible."
Snape sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Harry-"
"No it's fine I get it." Harry said in a tone that clearly said he didn't agree but didn't want to talk about it anymore either.
Snape sighed again and got up. "I will talk to Madam Pomfrey and see what I can do." He squeezed Harry's shoulder and left.
Harry was in a bad mood for the remainder of the afternoon. At dinner, he barely answered Hermione and Ron's questions. He didn't eat his food, instead playing with it with his fork. At the Head table, two sets of eyes were watching the interaction.
"Mr Potter is in an awfully bad mood today. Did something happen during the lesson, Severus?" The Head of Gryffindor House asked.
"Are you asking if something happened or if someone, namely me, did something to cause the boy to be this depressed?" Snape snapped.
"Come on, don't take it like that, Severus. I know you wouldn't hurt him on purpose. But it's no secret the two of you share a history and you and I both know how sharp your tongue can be." Minerva said carefully.
"I am not the reason for your Golden Boy's curent state of mind so if you could quit making these absurd accusations, I would be much obliged." Snape said harshly.
"What is it then?"
"Why should I know, of all people? After all, you are the boy's head of house so if there was anything wrong with him you should be the one to know. So you tell me Minerva? What is wrong with him?"
The Transfiguration teacher seemed a bit disrupted by this. He was right. She was supposed to look out for her lions.
"I will visit him and see if anything is wrong. This evening." She said resignedly .
Snape sighed and said in a softer tone. "There's is nothing you can do about it."
"Why?" She asked sharply. "Like you said, I'm the boy's head of house. If I can't help him then I don't know who can."
"Can you make him heal faster?"
"What?" She asked in confusion. "No, of course not how could I?"
"Then I'm afraid you can't help him."
"What is this about, Severus? What are you not telling me? Is the boy in pain?" She asked worryingly "Because if he is, Poppy could-"
Snape cut her. "He is in no physical pain."
"Emotional then?"
"Yes."
"Just say it already Severus Snape!"
"He wants to leave the infirmary. He wants to go back to class with everyone else." Snape finally said.
"Oh. Didn't Poppy said he could leave by the end of next week?"
"She did. But Harry's not the patient type now is he?"
"I guess not." Minerva chuckled. "So what are you waiting for?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Why aren't you taking him to your quarters?"
"Surely you are be joking."
"I am not. You can say what you want, Severus, but you can't fool me."
"I told you before, Minerva, I do not like my students, least of all a Potter.
"You called him Harry."
"I did n-"Severus was about to deny when he realised it was actually true. "He asked be to."
"Right. Listen, Severus, you don't have to keep pretending having an iced heart. I know you like the boy and besides he told me he liked you too."
"I said I do not-" Snape started, but stopped as her last words sank in. "Wait, what did you say?"
"About you liking him or him admitting he was growing fond of you?" She asked innocently. "Oh, I do believe he said that, yes. I don't think he was aware of saying it out loud, but he most certainly did."
"I..." This was one of the few times when Snape was at a loss of words. He closed his eyes and shook his head as though clearing his thoughts. When he opened his eyes again, his expressionless mask was back in place. "I am not suited to care for a teenage boy. Besides, he is to stay in the infirmary where Poppy can keep en eye on him. He would not be safe in my quarters. He could injure himself."
"Actually, I think this is a great idea." Poppy said from behind them. "You are more than sufficiently skilled for the task, your quarters are safe and calm. Plus Mr Potter would be able to go to most of his classes, providing that he doesn't overexert himself."
"Absolutely not." Snape snapped. "I will not have Potter's spawn strutting around in my peaceful quarters and that is non-negotiable. Now if you are done with your absurdities, I have important things to get to."
The two witches sighed as Severus strode out the Hall. Merlin the man was stubborn! Why did he keep on shutting people out? It was wildly believed among the students and staff that you couldn't tame the 'bat of the dungeons'. But there was a handful of people who thought differently, namely Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Poppy. And according to them, the key to that was Harry.
~
A/N: Most of the 'magical info' comes from the website https/harrypotter./wiki/Main_Page.