CHAPTER 5: The Quidditch
There are three very-very important things in the life of James Sirius Potter. First's quidditch, second laugh, third was quidditch again. Well, he wanted to make the three of them all about quidditch, but what's life without laughter?
The moment he heard the stupid hat shouted Slytherin at Albus was one of the most maddening moments on his life. But that's not the worst. The worst part was Albus did it all for the Malfoy boy. How could his brother betray him like that? Stupid Al, he swore. However, he couldn't hold his grudge any longer. He made a promise to Rose, and he had to do that at least for Lily.
So at lunch, when James saw his brother walking into the great hall with Rose, Malfoy, and the Ravenclaw boy he saw with Rose this morning, he shouted, "Al!"
Typical James made a scene wherever he stood – everyone stopped and stared at the show.
Albus stopped at the entrance looking directly at him. James could see – no matter how convincing his brother made it seem like he didn't care – Albus' face was genuinely anxious.
So, James grinned and shouted from his seat at Gryffindor table, "You owe me one, little brother! You'll have to pay it back one day!"
Fred was irritated by his noisy voice, slapped his head from behind, but James' gaze was only on Albus.
Albus was instantly grinning back – he held up his left thumb then laughed. And just like that they were happy again, no more grudges – Godric! It was exhausting! Now that the whole brotherhood drama had been overcome, James could get back to prank and quidditch.
Quidditch was his passion. It'd always been that way since the time he couldn't remember. His dad said he even flew first before walking. His first memory of quidditch was probably when his father took him for the very first time to the quidditch field. There was a time when his mother got back to being a Holyhead Harpies' Chaser – in 2007 when Albus was already a year old – but that wasn't for long as she became pregnant with Lily only six month after her return.
Anyway, at that time he saw a real quidditch game, even better he saw how brilliant and savage his mum was as a chaser. After that he asked his dad to buy him a mini Quaffle. When he got it, he tried one of his mother's moves that he's sure about. He threw the Quaffle as hard as possible, chasing it as fast as he could with his toy broom and catching it with the addition of a Sloth Grip Roll – hanging upside down on the broomstick, holding tightly with hands and feet – he imagined as if there was a Bludger to dodge. And that's done when he was only two and a half years old. He didn't even yet know about all the tactics names. His parents witnessed the moves, both turned so pale and shocked. However his mum recovered first – she scooped him to her arm, scolding him fiercely first, then swung him in her arm showering him with kisses. She said that one day he would become a pro, even an international quidditch chaser. And since that he'd been obsessed with quidditch.
James could be a decent keeper even a fantastic beater. He could be a brilliant seeker if he wanted to – however, chaser was his calling. His family said he was a chase prodigy – all the moves and tactics always challenged him. Albus and Lily were more of the seeker in the family like their father. Both loved the flying tricks and speed. Well of course James loved that too, but quidditch was more than just flying. It's about planning, teamwork, achievement and winning. Having said that, he already had plans for his quidditch trial.
It was the sixth weekend of the new magical year – the day the trial would be held. James got up early and had already dressed. He awakened his sleeping cousin next to his bed.
"Wake up, Fred! You promised you'd warm up with me before try-out."
"U-um, five minutes more, Mum," He mumbled, making James annoyed.
After a minute of failure, he gave up. "Right, you ask for this – Flipendo," James blurted out.
Fred screamed when he got knocked over from his bed, "What the hell!"
"I tried to be nice but it didn't work," James said innocently. "Now, dressed up! Come on, we have to eat first."
"Merlin, James! It's not even 6 o'clock yet!" The redhead grumbled stroking his sore ass, but began to dress not fully awake. "Remind me again, why am I doing this for you?"
"Because," James dragged his languid cousin to the common room and continued to the great hall, "you promised! Because you said you'd do anything if I helped you! Because you love me," he added cheekily. "Cheer up, Freddie! It's quidditch!"
"Ugh, the quidditch-addict James! I hate it when you're at this stage."
James laughed. After they finished their breakfast and went to quidditch pitch, James spoke, "So, I've been thinking. And I've discussed this with Dom too last night…"
"Wait, where was I when this happened?" Fred cut in.
James sighed exasperatedly, "You're next to us. You got bored and started playing the exploding snap alone."
"Ah, yeah! Lost my eyebrow when the cards exploded," Fred laughed.
"So anyway," James nonchalantly continued, "I told her that I'll try a seeker position today."
Fred nodded thoughtfully. "And you're okay not to be the main players?"
"All positions are the main players!"
"You know what I mean – you won't be able to bring the flow of the game directly – wasting your talent." Fred persuaded him to rethink, "What did Dominique say?"
"Exactly what you just said," James answered and hastily said, "Look! Last year's chasers weren't bad – I'll make sure they have plenty of strategy this year. But Gryffindor needs a seeker – we haven't had any decent one for so long. Two years! I won't let us lose again like last year! I just need to get the Snitch ASAP and win all the games," he explained passionately. "We had Smith, Cornish, and McCormack as chasers. Cornish will graduate – next year I can replace him. A year, I just have to be patient for one year."
Fred chuckled, "Yeah, but next year Slytherin will have Al as their seeker."
"Don't remind me! Ugh, that little traitor! Why he has to be Slytherin? We're supposed to be the best team next year! But no, he chose those sneaky snakes and ruined my whole life's plans."
Fred burst out laughing. However James' tantrum was not yet finished, "When Lily joins us, I'll make sure she gets to the team even though she's only a first year. I'll ask Dad to train her well these two years."
"You're a maniac, Jamie." They both got to the pitch. Fred smirked, "So, you've made your mind? Seeker's warm-up, then?"
"Yep!" he answered excitedly. Albus' Golden Snitch was in his left palm while his father's old Firebolt was on his right hand, "And what'll be the best broom for a seeker other than a Firebolt?"
Then the two cousins flew off.
At 9, Dominique and her team arrived on time. There were still five remaining of them. Both Gryffindor beaters graduated last year. So, they were definitely looking for new beaters but to be fair the team agreed to hold the trial for every position.
Dominique was an extraordinary keeper. Every member in their family knew how fierce Dominique was. She's peculiar and very self-asserting. Like now, her very short asymmetrical pixie haircut could reveal lots of piercings in her left ear; as well as her Welsh-dragon red tattoo running from left neck to her back contrasted against her pale freckled skin. Even so she looked unique, a very beautiful tomboyish girl. In essence, she's rebellious and wayward – always living in her own little world. But those attitudes never applied in quidditch. As keeper and captain she became a selfless Dominique – sacrificing her personal ego for the good of the team.
James landed right in front of the red-haired captain, Fred was close behind. The boy's already messy hair was disheveled beyond all directions. James was very eager, his spirit at its maximum. "I've decided!" he declared to his beautiful cousin, "I'll become your seeker this year."
Dominique laughed. Funnily, the three chasers looked very relieved, while Hecate Robins, the five year seeker could only grimace.
"Maybe I should just skip the try-out," The auburn-haired girl said considerably.
"No, you shouldn't!" James responded. "You could still be my reserve," James said confidently and innocently, making everyone laugh.
Fred sighed, "Right! Don't be overconfident, James! Come on!" He dragged his cousin to the other participants after winking at Dominique.
The pitch was full of students who wanted to try-out. At the spectator stands, he could easily spot his other cousins. Victoire was sitting with Molly on the east seat, while Louis sat alone closest to them – he waved when James turned to look at him. At the south end, he saw Albus and Rose with Scorpius and their new other friend Kellan – 'though James could not clearly see their faces because of the distance.
Dominique asked them all to first fly around following her specific instructions, like flying straight followed by zigzagging then twirling or diving. James liked how high his cousin flew standards for the try-out – so they didn't have to waste much time. After half an hour, there's no match for the keeper and 3 previous chasers were back to the team.
Next was the seeker trial – only James and Hecate could follow all Dominique's instructions.
Dominique released the Golden Snitch. "It's simple! The one who gets the Snitch first will be the seeker," she shouted.
James was a passionate person; therefore he loved to release his energy to chase. But he was a seeker at the moment – patience and agility must be the values. He flew splendidly around, eyes sharpened to all glints on the field. Only after three minutes flying he caught a glimpse of the Snitch far below, he smiled. Out of the corner of his eye, James glanced that Hecate was getting more and more frantic still looking around completely oblivious. Instantly, James swooped down. Oh, how he loved Firebolt in time like this! His incredibly light broom with its perfect aerodynamics speedily dove to the bottom. He easily reached the Snitch, a second before he clashed with the ground he pulled out of a dive - grinning. The Golden Snitch was in his hand. He landed gracefully in front of Dominique.
He could hear all the cheers from students and also his family – Fred was the loudest.
"Uncle Harry would be so proud!" Dominique was beaming. "But I bet Aunt Ginny would be upset to see you choosing the seeker."
James rolled his eyes, "Only a year! If I can be patient, Mum should be way more than me."
"Right, stay by my side! I want you to help me pick the beaters."
Because the team needed beater the most, there were actually five worthy players besides Fred – all in the fifth grades and above. Dominique divided them into three groups. She instructed two groups to match, while the other will aim the Bludger to several mechanical dummies – all groups took turns.
Zacharias Murphy was a muscular fifth-year boy who played as the team's reserve beater last year. He aimed precisely at all dummies, dodged the opponent's Bludger and countered his targets perfectly.
"Murphy's doing well," James commented.
"Yeah, I do plan to keep Zach in the team," Dominique told her cousin, her eyes fixed only on all candidates in the air. "What do you think of Moore?"
James turned his attention to a young black wizard who continued to dodge flawlessly from the Bludger. Ghalen Moore was a seventh-year Gryffindor. "Well," James hesitated, "He's good too. Actually, the three of them are decent. You have to choose, Dom!"
Both were talking about the same three most prominent players. They had agreed about Zach, so the rest was between Freddie and Moore.
"I know what I want," Dominique firmly replied, "I still want to hear your input."
"Freddie's misfortune is only in his smaller body, but we both know that's not the main criterion of a beater," James evaluated. "If I were you, I would go back to personality – who is keener and more suitable."
Dominique finally turned her gaze to her little cousin, raising her slender eyebrow. "And," she drawled smirking, "that guy would be…"
James laughed, "Oh, you know who I want, Dommy. Besides, it'd be good for the team if we kept the regeneration. But again, I'm not the captain here yet."
James winked and made Dominique chuckling. "Alright, I've made my decision. Come on, let's get this over with."
At the end, Dominique assigned Zach Murphy and Fred Weasley as Gryffindor new beaters.
"Yes!" Fred jumped up joyfully, high-fived with a complacent James.
"HUH!" Moore spurted glaring at Fred. "He's just a kid! Never thought you'd be this low, Weasley!" he snapped at Dominique. "This is unfair – you chose two of your own family."
Before James or Fred could retaliate, Dominique replied coldly, "And those said family are very good – two genius kids! I'd be a fool not to pick them on my team if I want to win the Quidditch cup this year. Now move, Moore! That's my final words."
"Or what, Weasley? I want this to be brought to Prof. Longbottom! No, no, of course he's going to play favor with the Weasleys – let's take this to Head Mis-arghhhhhhhhh…."
The seventh-year was hanging upside down. All swearing and cursing came out of his mouth. Everyone in the field laughed – James and Fred bent down guffawing.
Dominique shrugged nonchalantly, "I reminded you."
Well, that's Dominique – courtesy never was her forte. She turned to her team with a beautiful smile. "I'm very pleased with you all. So, make sure none of you disappoint me. I'll inform you when the first practice is!" With that the red-pixie haired walked away not caring about the wizard she hung.
"James!"
Albus' voice caught James' attention. He saw Albus waving away from his stands. James grinned, got on his broom and flew to his brother. He could tell Fred was following close. He took off before the four first years. Rose hugged him instantly.
"Seeker! Why? What would Aunt Ginny say? Congratulations by the way! Oh, those were brilliant moves, James!"
Rose continued cheering then switched and did precisely to Fred. Scorpius and Kellan just watched the cousins' exchange not wanting to interrupt.
Albus was beaming, "Seeker?" And then he laughed, "You really are on another level, aren't you? I bet you've been planning all this for so long."
James grumbled, "Yeah, and It was supposed to be you and me playing together next year!" He was annoyed, "And worst I can't even discuss all the planning with you anymore! You know how bad Fred is with heavy talks."
"Oi! Don't bring me on this," Fred sneered – his arm was still around Rose casually.
"So, I'll be against you next year?" Albus asked, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Huh, nice try! There'll be no discussion about this again, you just have to wait and see." When James saw Albus only chuckling, he continued, "Speaking of, I know now what I want from you. Remember you owe me one, little brother?"
"Alright," Albus smirked, "What do you want?"
"Your Firebolt-Prime!"
"James!" Rose yelled reproaching, while Fred and Kellan burst out laughing. James could see amusement on Scorpius' face.
Albus contemplated. "Dad said he'd buy you a new Thunderbolt-IV if you manage to join the team."
"You can have it – I don't mind! However, you're still not allowed to bring a broom – first year's rule, remember?"
His little brother squinted, "And for how long this might be?"
"Until you become a seeker and need the broom of course," James answered easily. "Come on, Al! You know how easy it is to fly as a seeker with Firebolt. This Dad's broom is absolutely obsolete!"
Albus sighed, "Okay, I'll ask Mum to send it to you. But, in one condition."
"Hang on! I thought you're the one who's paying the debt!" James argued.
"You'll use my precious broom for at least a year in every game you play, James. I want something too."
"Fine, what is it?"
"Lend me the map 'til Christmas."
James' eyes went straight to two boys that his brother and cousin called best friends. Well, especially to the white blonde boy on the right behind Albus. As usual, Scorpius' expression was unreadable.
Fred stepped forward and cut in, "O-oh, as the son of Marauder the second I think I have a say on this."
Rose hastily chimed in, "No you're not! Only the descendants of the first Marauders have a say here, Freddie! And aside from James and Albus, it only applies to Teddy and Lily."
Fred shook his head, "Wrong Rosie! It'll definitely affect me and Louis too. Ah, I think we should discuss this with the whole family."
"Boo-hoo, please… Not all our cousins even ever had the chance to just hold that map. Besides, it is only a map!" Rose rolled her eyes.
"That's it! An insult on behalf of the Marauders name!"
"Eh, guys? What are we actually talking about?" Kellan blinked – confused, but none of the cousins responded.
"James!" Fred turned to his bespectacled cousin. "Let's think about this calmly, yeah? Imagine what your Grandfather James would say! Or Sirius Black! Even Teddy's father – Ah, maybe we should ask Teddy!"
"Ask him!" Rose snatched out, "Oh, I'm sure Teddy will loan it straight to Scorpius himself," she challenged him.
"What's my part here?" Scorpius drawled expressionlessly, but none of the cousins responded – again.
"You know this is not about your Malfoy friend, Rose," Fred said exasperatedly. "James, come on! You can't be serious?" And he said the taboo word accidentally. Fred could see James' face lit up, "Oh, no-no-no – don't answer that. Don't say it! Stop smiling!"
"Well, of course I'm being serious, my middle name is Sirius!" James said laughing while Albus, Fred, and Rose – all three groaned desperately.
Albus spoke then, "What is it, the problem, James?"
James sighed – lending the map meant sharing all secrets and glory of the Marauders with two of Albus' friends. "Right! Fine! I said I'm okay with these whole Slytherin things – then I am okay to all your friends. Fine! Take the map."
"Yes!" Rose chirped dancing while Fred got pale and started swearing the words that would make Aunt Angie explode.
Albus beaming, "And this all debt between us will be settled then? No more drama about me being Slytherin?"
James genuinely smiled, "Marauder's oath."
Both brothers grinned – hand on chest, and then they said the oath at the same time, "I solemnly swear."
A/N: I really do love QUIDDITCH! Potters Weasleys without it is nonsense!
Because this is happened in 2017, It'll be odd if Firebolt never upgraded. And we all know Ginny's professional broom was Thunderbolt in 1999. So for me, the Firebolt is more focused on speed and agility - perfect for Seekers in pursuit of Golden Snitch. While the Thunderbolt is more about power and balance that make it easier for the chaser to do lots of flying tricks. Therefore, Ginny, Teddy, James will prefer Thunderbolt; meanwhile Harry, Albus, Lily are definitely Firebolt.
Here my fiction of best brooms in Albus' time - which are between Firebolt and Thunderbolt (from the old to latest version):
4th Firebolt Prime, 3rd Firebolt Eminent, 2nd Firebolt Paramount, 1st Firebolt Supreme (the best pro. broom)
4th Thunderbolt-IV, 3rd Thunderbolt-V, 2nd Thunderbolt-VI, 1st Thunderbolt-VII (the best pro. broom)
So let's just say Harry and Ginny gave their kids the best brooms but still not the professional one. :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter - this all belong to the wonderful and brilliant J.K. Rowling