Harry Potter and the Time of Retirement
Everything related to Harry Potter belongs to JKR
Chapter 33 – Year 2
And so it was that the first couple weeks passed, surprisingly uneventful. All classes had their first lesson and Harry noticed with relief how the magic now being taught, while by no means advanced, was at least more interesting that the absolutely basic spells he had to review the previous year.
'Finally' had been, in fact, Harry's reaction at their first lesson, Transfiguration, which had been about Reparo, a spell which utility grew with practice – the more complex the broken item, the better you had to be at the spell. A spell he was handy with already, of course, but again - a solid review on its fundamentals wouldn't hurt, or bore, him.
With the wraith of Riddle dealt with - sort of - Harry had serious doubts already about coming back to Hogwarts for the 2nd year and It had been mostly the fear of Ginny having to experience what happened to her counterpart in Harry's past future that kept him from recovering his Gringott's key, leave the school and deal with the rest of his life.
'But, what could I actually do?' admitted Harry to himself, once and sadly, when considering what his plans for the future would be. He did not need more education, nor was he interested in going back to work, and still revolted at the mere idea of forming a new family. What was left, then?
Regardless of his what his future might be, school classes and waiting seemed to be normal for him, again. Most were as mundane as he expected them: charms, herbology, transfiguration, they all taught their lessons and requested regular homeworks. History of magic remained as boring as it had always been; astronomy had some nightly charm, but his interest into the stars has always been more superficial than anything else.
And finally, of course, potions… Snape hadn't exactly improved since day one, but Harry's disinterest in quarrelling with his teacher – and his borderline perfection in brewing what were still very simple potions – seemed to have at least granted him a cold distance from the potion master, who now shared his snide comments and low opinion of Harry only when he had no alternative but to address him. Harry wondered if the "revelation" of Snape's connection with his mother had anything to do with this change, and if the professor ever heard of it. The latter's chances were…. debatable. The rumor had clearly spread far and wide: he could still hear references to it every time someone, from all years and all houses, complained about Snape but no one had been so reckless as to address him directly about it, so far. Understandably.
Finally, Defence against the dark Arts – and its new professor. Harry heard a story on how the very first of Lockhart's classes had been overrun by flying beasts – 'Deja vu' was his only thought when told about it – but none of his own lessons with the man, so far, had been anything but public reading of his books or re-enactment of their stories, supposedly "to show them how to act in dangerous situations". Fun in their own way, and annoying in many others.
There was very little magic taught by Lockhart except for the most basic spells, and the loudest to complain were his older students. Among Harry's classmates, even those that in the beginning were clearly fan of the new professor were now a bit more hesitant in defending him and his skills, usually with some version of "he can't teach what he knows, to second years" – only to fall silent when addressed on why he didn't teach at least the standard grade spells to older years.
And yet, the only matter of interest for Harry remained Riddle's diary: if it was inside the school, if he should take some preventive measure over it. Ginny was clearly different compared to before their trip to Diagon Alley, sure, but only in how she seemed to be flourishing at school; she made friends with her classmates, was obviously enjoying the chance to finally cast spells, and had started to address Harry semi-regularly during meals or break hours in the gardens and fields of the school with a casual attitude betrayed in her true intentions by her occasional blush, or by her friends giggling in the background.
In fact the only unusual difference, if it could be called so, was her spending also a lot of time with Percy than Harry could ever remember; the cause probably being the persistent hostility every other Weasley kept showing towards him. In fact Harry clearly noticed how neither the twins nor Ron seemed to speak to Percy anymore which, almost regularly, had been the target of some vicious pranks for quite some days after the start of the new school year. Even more than Draco Malfoy, who had been targeted only twice so far.
'It's wonderful that Ginny is ok, but….' thought Harry, resigned, while relaxing inside Hufflepuff's common room and waiting for his classmates to be ready. Weighting his options Harry admitted to himself how his only other idea, practical one at least, was to heavily ward the entrance to the chamber of secrets; that, or to blow it up and let Hogwart's faculty deal with it.
Both seemed unnecessarily risky so far as no sign of the diary's presence was found, the former for him and the latter for the school, as the idea of aggravating in any way the giant basilisk inside the chamber was quite distressing. If forced into a confrontation he could kill it…. 'maybe', he considered…. but a rampaging basilisk inside the school would certainly mean a lot of dead students. Definitely not something he was willing even to risk, let alone provoke.
So…. classes and waiting, waiting and classes. And classmates. Lockhart. Ginny. Snape. At least, a pleasant distraction was about to start that very evening. It had been building for a while, so much so that it took over even Lockhart as topic of discussion, and he too felt a little excitement about it. While technically allowed since day one, it was only at their second year that students, months of flying classes behind them, had at least some vague hope to be selected as members of their respective house's teams. As reserves, most likely, but the hope was there.
"it's time to gooooo!" said cheerfully Justin, with all the other boys from 2nd year following him outside of their bedroom. Maybe it was the loyalty trait of Hufflepuffs but all of them had decided to try it out for the team, even those that normally were not Quidditch enthusiast like Wayne. Except Harry, with no surprise for his class mates; "Killjoy", had commented simply Wayne when Harry confirmed he wouldn't partecipate, while the others just rolled their eyes at Harry and went on to talk about the selections – and Sally-Anne too, the only one of the girls that decided not to try either. 'By the way', thought Harry….
"Shouldn't we wait for the girls? They aren't ready" he said to the group, who was already heading for the door.
"…no?" said immediately Justin, an happy smile on his face.
"It would be polite" added Ernie, stopping in his tracks. Wayne said nothing, but seemed to agree.
"Learn some etiquette, Justin" said Zacharias, with a snobbish sneer.
Defeated, Justin turned towards Harry "We should wait, anyway? It's not like you are coming" he said.
"But i am coming. To watch" countered Harry.
"And to laugh at us" added Wayne. This earned Harry a couple of weird stares from the others.
"No. To watch. What's the problem now? I like Quidditch, you know that. I just don't want to join the team" said Harry. Zacharias, Wayne and Ernie sat down around him, Justin still on his feet.
"Ok, Harry, relax. Beside, I am glad you don't participate. Less competition" said Ernie, smiling a little.
"Can't deny that" said Zacharias. "Not that I am interested in being a Keeper anyway, but you would have a chance to get the reserve spot for that. You ain't half bad at it."
"Thanks, I guess" said Harry, mentally rolling his eyes. Fairly or not, he was leagues better than even the current Hufflepuff's team players and he was ready to bet his classmates had some suspicion over his abilities, with all their quidditch games played the previous year.
"Just don't change your mind once we are there, though. They have been preparing for days" said Wayne, with Ernie nodding seriously beside him. Harry gave them an inquisitive look, than decided that whatever they were truly thinking didn't really matter. He wasn't planning on stealing their spot or anything.
"I am going there to cheer for you, guys. You are welcome, by the way" he concluded, drily.
"Wasted efforts, Harry. You should support winners" said meanwhile Megan, that had sneaked up to them. Turning, the boys could see all the girls coming out of their own bedroom.
"Us, of course" added Susan, smiling and sitting down herself next to Harry.
"Dream on, future cheerleader" said Justin, earning puzzled looks from most of them, and an amused reaction from Harry. Looking around he noticed how no one had got the reference, anyway.
"You and your muggle things" commented Zach, puzzled, standing up. "We should go".
"Sally, what is a cheerleader anyway?" asked Hannah.
"I saw them on tv. They are really pretty, and dance and cheer for their favourite teams" she said, surprisingly downcast.
"That doesn't seem so bad. Like Veelas for the french team, right?" commented Megan, standing up herself. Sally, unsure, didn't answer.
"We are going to be late!" complained Justin, moving towards the door. At groups or couples, the whole year got out of the common room and started walking towards the Quidditch stadium. Harry, almost dead last, found Sally next to him.
"Why aren't you trying for the team, anyway? Even if just for fun" he asked her, while walking.
"I could ask you the same" she said with a little smile – that disappeared soon. "I… have other things to take care of, anyway."
"Really? Like what?" asked Harry.
"Stuff. Problems. Don't worry about it" said Sally, shaking her head. At this, Harry's suspicions rose immediately. Was there any chance the diary ended up in her hands? 'I am becoming paranoid' he thought, calming down. Still, it didn't hurt to check.
"They do seem to be serious. I can listen, if you want to talk about it" he said, an understanding and fake smile on his face. Sally-Anne just shook her head, though, and they kept walking in silence.
Still, she seemed to be slowing down, so much that Harry had to stop occasionally to let her catch up – and, when they finally reached the door to the outside fields, he could see some of the other Hufflepuffs in the distance turning around and waving at them to speed up.
"Harry…. Yes, maybe we should talk. Do you have a minute?" she finally said, stopping in her steps.
At this, Harry froze for a second. It was all too easy, but that also meant he felt unprepared for a possible confrontation. Looking around, he saw other students busy with their own businesses, only a couple giving them some distracted glances. 'Bystanders everywhere' was the only thing he could notice.
"Let's not stop here. Come" said Harry, gesturing for her to step onward. They walked away from both the castle and the Quidditch stadium, now visible in the distance. His face still kept showing a smile but his eyes were focused, and his right hand was already inside his pocket ready to take his wand out.
Sally-Anne was at his side, and in looks she really seemed nothing more than a girl on the verge of crying. Harry wasn't thinking anything specific, and remained focused only on her movements, ready for any sudden one. Once they were distant enough from other people to have privacy, but not so far that they couldn't be seen by other people in the distance, Harry – without ever showing her his back - sat down on a rock and invited her to do the same with a gesture.
"Here seems private enough" he said to the persistently silent girl, his smile slowly disappearing. "What's happening to you, Sally?"
"Harry, you know I am a muggleborn, right?" she asked, looking down at her feet.
"I do" answered Harry.
"Other girls in our year have one parent that doesn't do magic, but they all live… well, with magic in their house. It's normal for their families. Not mine" she continued.
At this start, Harry relaxed a little – but only a little. "Yes", he said simply.
"But, you live with your uncle and aunt, right? Muggles too. And went to a normal grade school, I remember. So, I thought…. maybe you have my same problem" continued Sally, unaware of Harry's internal confusion.
"What problem?" he asked. Sally didn't answer, though.
"You know, there is also Justin too" said Harry eventually. At this, a small giggle escaped Sally-Anne, and she finally rose her face to look Harry in the eyes. With his great relief, there was no signs of red – well, except those coming with being on the verge of crying.
"Justin is ok" she said, a little smile on her face "but… I wouldn't trust him with this, you know? God, really no" she finally said, shuddering.
"While I am trustworthy? Thanks, I guess" said Harry, an amused expression on his face, while still not ungrasping his wand. Sally-Anne, anyway, just nodded – even if she stopped looking at him.
"We talk about you, sometimes, you know? We girls at least. It's not that you like to be alone, Wayne does too, sometimes. More…. nothing seems to catch you unprepared. In fact, you are never unprepared, it was so weird when we started paying attention", she said, slightly embarassed.
Harry, meanwhile, got worried again – but for different reasons. How widespread was this perception of his? He had been trying to remain unnoticed, had it been all for nothing?
"You are making fun of me. I mess up my share of interrogations during class, you know", he said, casually. She only shook her head, though.
"Yes, but… nevermind. Listen, Harry…" and at this, she took a big breath "You know how we don't study the same things we did in normal school, right?"
"Right" he simply said.
"Well, last summer we met with some relatives, and my cousins had to do their summer homework. They made me some questions, and I couldn't answer, not even once. No big deal, I thought, they just teased me a little. Later, though, my parents asked me about what I studied the whole first year, and…." at this she stopped – but for Harry, she had said enough.
"Oh" was his only verbal reaction, but inside he was already thinking of all the possibilities. With his right hand, wand forgotten, he now started tapping on the rock under him because of sudden stress. These kind of stories were rare, but he heard more than a couple of them during his long life.
"Sally" he finally started "are your parents aware we study only magic, here, or not?"
Sally-Anne tense expression told him enough. With sudden horror he remembered how the girl in front of him, for what he could remember, had not been part of his O.w.l. tests nor he could picture her anywhere after those, or after the first years of Hogwarts. He never wondered why, but now 'Not dead, not the basilisk, not Riddle…. ouch' he thought.
Meanwhile, she had remained silent, so he pressed forward "They asked you, you lied. Now they are pressing you by letter about what you are actually studying, and it is getting harder to make it up."
At this, the girl first started sobbing, and then went with a full cry. Harry just shook his head, a grimace on his face, while feeling really sorry for her. 'Not something you can deal with, poor girl'.
Standing up, he walked and sat next to her and, after starting a light half-hug from the side, he offered her an handkerchief with his left hand. After a while she took it, but didn't use it.
"I am sorry" she said at one point. Harry didn't answer, just tightened his embrace for an instant.
Eventually, she blow her nose, wiped her eyes, and looked at Harry, clearly embarassed.
"Girls cry sometimes. Nothing bad with that" he said kindly, a smile - sad but genuine, this time - on his face.
"Thanks, Harry. It's weird, but I do feel a bit better now. I…. I really don't know what to do, though" she said, downcast.
"I can offer you some help, I think. And this is not something you can solve alone, you will have to talk to professor Sprout. If you survive the teasing, I mean" said Harry, letting her go and moving away a bit.
"Teasing?" she asked confused, only to look frozen after Harry, with a sigh, pointed at their side where Susan and Hannah were approaching. They remained silent until the two girls were in front of us.
"Hello guys" said Hannah, uncertain, but with a weird grin on her face. "We were worried since you, well, disappeared".
Susan was less diplomatic, though "Harry, this place is not romantic at all!" she said with a big smile on her face.
"Listen, this was a serious talk" started Harry "and I hope you can avoid starting rumors about your friend here" he concluded, nodding at Sally which had her eyes fixed on the ground, a blush clearly noticeable on her cheeks.
"You didn't hug any of us even when we were saying our goodbyes last summer, Harry" commented casually Hannah.
"People will notice anyway once you start kissing, you know?" pressed on Susan, a big grin on her face. Sally-Anne probably had enough, though, as she raised her face - red as a tomato - and said in a voice just shy of being considered a scream "Stop it! I don't like Harry!", only to look at him with a guilty face, and stepping away. Harry, unsurprisingly, was unfazed if not just amused by the whole situation.
"Cut it out, you two. And Sally, calm down, I am not offended" he said, shaking his head. The two other girls perked up at this.
"That was… how do you call it, being a gentleman? Good, good" nodded Susan, apparently impressed. Her expression gave away her mirth, unfortunately.
"Don't worry Harry, you are not that bad" added Hannah, probably trying to be kind. This last comment actually managed to sting Harry a bit, but he recovered instantly.
"Yes. Thanks. We should catch up with the others, let's go" he said, standing up. The two girls, apparently, waited for him to move onward so after a couple seconds he added "No, I am not leaving you three behind to pester Sally with questions. Let's go".
"How sweet of you" joked Susan with a sugary voice, but she still started walking hurriedly when Harry frowned at her, a light giggle clearly coming from her. Hannah followed and eventually Sally moved too, not daring to look Harry in his eyes. The walk was silent, and soon they were in sight of the stadium.
Even from a distance, Harry could see in the air several students flying on their brooms with various maneuvers, passing several quaffles among themselves, or avoiding a single bludger. What Harry wasn't seeing, were this classmates. Once inside the stadium he noticed a consistent group of students in one corner of it, and he – followed by the other three girls – headed their way. Among them students of all ages, although mostly on the younger side of the school, could be seen – and as for the 2nd years, they were all in their small group.
As they got close a couple of heads turned towards them, but none said anything. Finally Harry approached his classmates, split between looking up in the air or chatting among themselves.
"What did we miss? Why are you all here?" asked Harry to the closest one, Zacharias.
"You missed quite an inspiring speech from our valiant captain, Harry" said Zack, darkly.
"Something very close to, you'll get your chance but you have no chance" said Justin.
"Inspiring, indeed" commented Harry.
"He wasn't trying to offend us, guys, come on" said Ernie.
A couple seconds of silence followed so Harry, still curious, turned to Wayne with an inquisitive look. It didn't take more than that to push him to talk.
"Basically, team training takes commitment, he only wants the best, and no offence to the younger students but we probably suck so we can try but that's it" said Wayne.
"Are you sure about the last part?" asked Harry, smiling.
"That was the spirit, anyway" answered Wayne, unrepentant.
"Got it" said Harry, amused.
"What were you doing anyway, Harry? With Sally, i mean" asked Wayne.
"Lover boy" said Justin, but almost distractedly. The students in the air had stopped practicing and were being talked to by the team captain. 'Can't recognize him' simply thought Harry.
"So, Harry?" asked Ernie.
"Just talking. And spare me the teasing guys, Susan and Hannah did that already" said Harry.
"Yes, i can tell" said Zacharias, one eyebrow raised in a mocking way, watching behind their group. Harry and a couple of others turned, and could see that the 2nd year girls were all in a circle, quite busy gossiping among themselves, with Sally again red as a Gryffindor tie. Justin started sniggering loudly, while Harry simply shook his head and turned again.
"Anyway, seems like the first group is done. What position were they trying for, anyway?" asked Harry. In the air, most of the applicants were going down while only two or three not part of the team were still up, talking with the captain. Meanwhile, another handfull of older students were either hopping on their brooms, or approaching the spot where the failed applicants seemed to be landing on.
"None. This is just a basic flying test, or so the captain said" answered Ernie.
"We are probably going to be the last group" added Zacharias, irritated.
"Probably" said Wayne.
"If i get to pass the test, i want to try to be a seeker" added Justin.
"You, the seeker" said Zach, evenly.
"Yes, me. Why?" asked Justin, already defensive.
"Oh, i don't know. Because you keep thrashing that role all the time?" said Zacharias.
"If i get to play, it should be in the only role that matters" commented Justin, evenly.
"Not that again" said Ernie, tiredly.
"If the captain hears you, he is kicking you out instantly" said Harry, snorting.
"It is an illogical rule. Why can't any of you admit that?" said Justin.
"The only illogical thing here is your arrogance" said Zach.
"Guys, please don't start again" said Wayne.
"If you do, i don't know either of you" said Ernie, literally moving one step aside.
"Just give me the explanation, then. No more excuses. Come on" said Justin, while starting to look around himself. "Wayne?"
"I… am not sure, i don't follow Quidditch" answered the boy.
A self-assured smile, Justin turned to Ernie. "So?"
"My dad said it's a matter of balance between teams" said Ernie, a little embarassed.
"Balance, right" mocked him Justin, making a show of looking up at the sky. "Harry?"
"It is a matter of balance, even if you don't believe it" answered Harry.
"Then explain it. Enough excuses, rememeber?" said Justin, crossing his arms.
"I am done being the know-it-all, Justin. Ask someone else" said Harry.
"Three down. This leaves… you" said Justin, turning towards Zacharias.
"I could tell" said Zach "but i actually hope the captain hears you and kick you out because you know nothing of quidditch."
At this, Justin lost his smile. "Here's what i think. I am right, and you are wizards."
"You are a wizard too, Justin" pointed out Wayne, confused.
"I can use magic. And my brain" said Justin, smugly, walking away. The others seemed irritated, but remained silent – only Zacharias kept an amused smile on his face. Harry simply shrugged. Turning around, he saw the girls were done with gossiping, and had decided to sit down on the grass, looking at the new group of students in the air.
After a couple minutes of silence, Wayne and Ernie approached Harry and started whispering to him.
"Harry, listen…" began Ernie.
"What?"
"You like quidditch, right?" said Wayne.
"Yes, quite a lot. And?"
"If there is a reason for granting so many points to the seeker, we need to know it" said Ernie.
"You heard what i said before" said Harry.
"I swear we are not going to make fun of you" added Ernie "and we must shut up Justin somehow."
"That, or hex him for being a git" said Wayne.
"You might be exaggerating" said Harry. "If someone doesn't know the details, it does sound stupid".
"But if you do, it makes sense?" asked Ernie, hopefull.
"You gotta talk, Harry. Come on" pressed on Wayne. At this, Harry sighed. "Fine."
"I am sure Zach could tell you the same" he started "but it really is about balance. The teams are roughly even, the snitch is the tiebreaker. No more fair or unfair than the time limit in Justin's muggle sports."
Ernie and Wayne said nothing, clearly waiting for more.
"One team is clearly worse than the other, catching the snitch gives it at least an option to win. And something to keep under check for the other side" continued Harry.
"Is that all?" asked Ernie.
"In truth, it doesn't seem reasonable" said Wayne, troubled.
"The… real answer is longer" said Harry, that felt an inner desire to go into the details. Quidditch was one of his main passions, after all. "Bar some serious luck, even the best seeker needs time to catch the snitch. And if the opposing team starts moving chasers on his path, or using the bludgers on him, the chances to catch it drops, drastically. But when they do that they score less normal goals, of course."
By now, Harry's frown of concentration was giving way to a confident smile. "So, it comes to a careful balance on how much effort you can share between the quaffle and the snitch, between going over or under 150 points and what chances the other seeker has to get the snitch before yours. It all ties in with how quickly goals can be scored" continued Harry, while Ernie and Wayne listened with clear attention.
"A team with better chasers could limit how much the beaters have to focus on the seekers to quickly reach a 150 points lead, so that even if the other team has a stroke of luck with the snitch they would still win. Or do the opposite, focus on the seekers, as they are unlikely to fall behind the points limit even then. The team with weaker chasers, too, can choose. Put their efforts into helping its own seeker catch the snitch before they fall over 150 points behind, wary that doing so make them fall behind even faster; that, or grind the game by focusing on the quaffle, hoping in some stroke of luck for their own seeker. Which can happen, i assure you"
By this point, Harry had a rare, not yet seen expression of enthusiasm on his face and was completely into his explanation. Ernie and Wayne actually exchanged an understanding look between them, but still didn't interrupt him.
"The real deal, though, is when the teams are roughly equal. That is when a game can go on for days. Each team switches its strategy back and forth, sacrificing its point advantage to raise its seeker's chances, or focusing more on the quaffle when they are behind in points as to retake the lead. There are strategies involved, specific maneuvers, it is just that awesome if you understand it!"
"Wow" said Ernie, amused.
"For real" added Wayne.
"There is a reason quidditch is loved so much, after all" said Harry, nodding.
"Ah, no, not that" said Ernie, smiling.
"I swear, i wasn't expecting this" said Wayne, laughing a little.
"Expecting what?" asked Harry, for once unaware.
"Nevermind. And you know what? Let Justin think what he wants" said Ernie, looking up. The students in the air, again, had stopped and were talking with the team's captain.
"It's his loss" agreed Wayne. "And i am actually in the mood to play, now!" he concluded, looking at Harry.
"Okay?" said Harry, unsure. 'Weird kids.'
AUTHOR'S NOTE: so much hidden backstory in this chapter. Sally's subplot had been planned since day one, when i learned she disappeared from the books after the first years. A perfect plot device to show what muggle parents would think of a school that doesn't teach sciences, geography, english, math, etc. Obviously, nothing positive – no matter how awesome magic can be.
As for the last paragraph… it was semi unplanned. I genuinely wanted a girl to give my very personal attempt to explain the infamous 150 points rule – maybe as a way for Harry to kill two birds with a stone, preventing a teasing attempt in front of everyone by asking one of them, Megan probably, to explain quidditch to Justin. But the longer i went on the more obvious it was that a true, adult sport fan was talking there. None of the kids fit into the role, it unfortunately needed to be Harry. I am glad that, imho, it came out less of a "Harry is so awesome, look how much it knows" moment and more of two boys laughing affectionately at their dad when they see him all excited about something.