Chapter Eleven; Quidditch Qualms
With the Quidditch season fast approaching, Harry gladly turned his attention to the coming trials. Madam Hooch had granted him permission to use the pitch and reminded Harry that Professor Torr would most likely want to oversee the selection of the new members.
Despite his initial reluctance, Harry knew that if Sirius was willing to trust Professor Torr, then the least Harry could do was to try and do the same. After all, she was involved in the war effort and assisting Sirius in keeping him safe. Anyway, what with the Dark Lord lying low for the time being, Professor Torr's priority was surely focused on Quidditch - as was Harry's.
Saturday morning arrived clear and bright. Harry smiled to himself as he headed off to the pitch just after breakfast, imagining what Oliver Wood would say about his 'star player' taking his place as captain. Knowing that the responsibility of the team was now on Harry's shoulders, he could only hope that he would be lucky enough to find someone who would make a decent replacement for Wood.
As he strode into the stadium, his scarlet robes fluttering in the light breeze, Harry resolved to try his best; he would make Wood proud. More to the point, he wanted to make Sirius proud.
Clutching his Firebolt firmly, Harry walked out onto the pitch. The rest of the team was already seated in the stands waiting for him. Harry had asked them to help him in selecting the new members since they all much more experience of these trials than he did. After all, Harry had been accepted straight onto the team after Professor McGonagall had caught him performing a flawless dive, catching Neville's Remembrall during his very first flying lesson.
Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch were also present; organising the team's hopefuls into two groups, depending on which position they were trying for.
Ron was in the Keeper group with seven others from different year groups. He looked rather nervous but determined, gripping his broomstick tightly.
Harry noticed, with some trepidation, that Colin Creevey and his little brother Dennis, were both in the Chaser group. The instant they saw Harry enter the stadium, they looked as though they were going to burst something they were so excited. Harry avoided meeting their eyes, focusing instead on the huge apparatus that now dominated the pitch.
It looked like an airborne obstacle course; large glittering hoops floated high over head, a forest of narrow weave poles were spinning round and round in the centre, and a huge purple foam-like tube was snaking through the air. Most of the Gryffindors were eyeing it apprehensively.
'Ah, Potter, good, you're here,' said Professor McGonagall briskly. She beckoned him over. 'I trust we'll have a fair trial today, Potter. Madam Hooch and I are here to supervise, not impose on the team's final decision. Although I shall be heartily disappointed if they aren't up to scratch.'
Harry nodded and assured her that she needn't worry. Their first match was to be against Hufflepuff; no problem. Gryffindor had only ever lost one game to Hufflepuff -
Harry felt a sudden twisting in his gut. Cedric Diggory had been Hufflepuff's captain and Seeker. Maybe it was a mistake to assume that they would be an easy team to beat. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, knowing that some people still resented Harry, perhaps believing that Harry had something to do with Cedric's death - that it should have been Harry.
Harry was glad to be jerked out of his revive by Professor McGonagall once more.
'Potter, you are aware that Professor Torr will be watching the trial?'
'What? Oh, yes, Professor.'
Harry looked up into the stands. Professor Torr, dressed in pale cherry coloured robes with her long dark hair pinned back, was sitting with regal grace a few rows behind the Gryffindor team. She was looking up at the trial course with only mild interest.
'She's a hard one to please, Potter, so may I suggest you don't let yourself down?' Professor McGonagall smiled fondly at him. 'Good luck.'
'Thank you, Professor,' said Harry, and he walked over to his team mates. Fred, George and Alicia were discussing the assembled students. By the looks on their faces, they too had just recognised the Creevey brothers. Katie held up a scroll of parchment as Harry approached.
'Good morning, Captain,' she said smartly, handing him the parchment and a quill. 'Scores out of ten for each exercise, you set the pace, okay?'
Harry took a deep breath and scanned the list. There were seventeen students in all.
'There's no need to look so worried, Harry,' said Alicia soothingly. 'You'll be fine. Just take your time.' And she handed him a bright purple megaphone with a confident smile.
So the trials began.
Starting with the Chasers, Harry soon had the group flying laps round the perimeter of the pitch, Alicia and Katie pointing out the potentials.
'Natalie's got good balance but I don't know if she can cope with higher speeds than what she's doing now.' said Alicia, pointing out a second year making her way steadily round the goal hoops. 'Now that boy over there, what's his name ... Danny? He's fast ... great balance ... I think he's in with a chance.'
Harry ran his quill down the list, searching for the names and marking a score beside them.
'Erm … is it okay to eliminate people straight after the first trail?' asked Harry hesitantly.
The team followed his gaze, watching in dismay as the Creevey brothers narrowly missed wrapping their brooms around the goal posts. Neither of them seemed comfortable being so high up in the air. They kept dropping lower then gradually forcing their way back up, wobbling precariously. Not to mention that both of them were constantly craning their necks, trying to keep their eyes on Harry. Personally, Harry felt that Colin and Dennis would be more focused on watching him than actually playing Quidditch.
Alicia bit her lip.
'Well …' she said slowly. 'Maybe we ought to give them a chance at the obstacle course at least …'
The purpose of the obstacle course was to determine how well the student could manoeuvre in the air. As it turned out, letting the Creeveys fly through it was a big mistake. They didn't fly so much as crash. Colin missed more than half the hoops, smacked into nearly all of the weave poles and, when he finally made it to the tunnel, hit every corner, the tunnel bulging as he got himself stuck in the bends. At long last, he emerged from the other end, his robes dishevelled but still with a beaming smile as he returned to the ground.
Katie sat with all her fingers crossed in her lap as Dennis eagerly rocketed up into the air. Dennis managed to get through a few of the hoops but slowed right down when he reached the weave poles, so much so that a butterfly could have flown through them faster. The clincher was Dennis getting himself lost in the tunnel. After two minutes of struggling to find his way back out, George had to fly up to help him out.
Harry put a hand over his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief. Fred pulled the parchment out of his hand and scribbled 'No way!!' over Colin and Dennis' names. Nodding in silent agreement, the Gryffindor team looked hopefully, almost pleadingly, at the remaining seven candidates.
They weren't disappointed.
'See? We do have talent in this House,' said Fred, very much relieved as they watched a fourth year girl swoop through the rings which glowed scarlet as she passed.
Indeed, the rest of the Chaser hopefuls were quite impressive. Harry was hard pushed to mark any of them lower than a seven.
Calling all of them back to earth, the process was repeated with the Keeper group. Ron flew swiftly round the pitch, racing the others. Only two of the group gave Harry cause for concern; one sixth year girl who was meandering aimlessly, almost hitting several of the others, and a blond third year boy that was blatantly showing off unnecessarily, deliberately cutting in front of the others and trying to fly without holding onto his broom.
'Now that's just an accident waiting to happen,' said Alicia as the boy took both hands off the handle. 'Sorry, Harry, but I'd mark him down for that.'
'Right,' said Harry firmly, putting a five next to the boy's name.
'Ron's doing really well,' said Katie, pointing up at the redhead.
Harry paused, quill suspended over Ron's score box, watching his friend fly overhead. Impartial judgement … impartial judgement …
'That's at least an eight,' said Alicia. 'Wouldn't you say so, Harry?'
Biting his lip, Harry nodded, slowly wrote an '8' next to Ron's name.
The obstacle course came next. Joanne, a pretty blond second year, shot through each of the hoops in turn, leaving a blazing trail of scarlet light in her wake. The weave poles posed no problem, and when she emerged from the far end of the tunnel, the stands rang with applause.
Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch were clearly impressed, conversing in low voices, clapping politely. Harry glanced at Professor Torr who was seated above them. She was applauding too, although rather unenthusiastically, eyes sweeping over the rest of the students waiting their turn.
By the time Ron was called forward, he was looking rather ill. Kicking off from the ground, he rose swiftly, heading for the first of the rings. Leaning forward, he dove through the centre and dived for the next. One by one, the rings lit up as Ron shot through. As he passed the last one, Harry let out the breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding.
Without slowing down, Ron weaved skilfully through the weave poles, not touching a single one.
'Looking good,' said Fred gleefully. 'Knew he'd learn something from us.'
'And to think he actually complained about our helping him.' said George.
'I think that may have been the mushy apples that he was objecting to,' said Harry, watching as Ron flew at full speed into the tunnel mouth. So far, no one had made it through without hitting the sides.
'Anyone else voting for full marks?' asked Katie in a dazed voice as Ron flew out of the tunnel to a huge round of applause.
The Keeper group returned to the stands, all looking very pleased with themselves as the Chasers were called out again.
The scarlet Quaffle was released and they were now instructed to throw and catch it, flying as fast they could up and down the pitch.
The exercise continued smoothly, Alicia and Katie scrutinising each student in turn. Fred and George then seized their brooms and took to the air as Madam Hooch released the Bludgers. Harry slowly worked his way down the list, marking scores and trying to short list the candidates down to three before turning his attention back to the Keepers.
One by one, each of them was called up to defend the goal hoops while the Chasers attempted to score.
A fourth year boy let in more goals than he could save and a sixth year girl kept dropping the Quaffle when she did manage to catch it. Harry grimaced as he watched each student in turn, not having much success at all. Oliver Wood had made it look so easy.
Finally it was Ron's turn. Harry was thrilled to see him save the first two goals, although he missed the third, not being able to turn his broom fast enough.
'What do you think, Harry?' asked Katie, as they watched Ron snatch the Quaffle out of the air again. 'Ron has done better than most so far.'
'Yeah, but … erm …' Harry trailed off.
'But what?' asked Alicia.
'Well, Ron is my best friend and …um …'
'You're worried that people will think its favouritism?' said Katie, eyebrows raised.
'Sort of,' mumbled Harry, glancing down at the score sheet. There were one or two other students who could be offered the position; all their scores were pretty close.
'Harry,' said Katie sternly. 'As captain of the team, you are the one who has to decide which of the candidates will be the best team player – and if you honesty believe that Ron is the best choice then go for it! We won't argue with you if we think it's a good decision.'
'Besides, if anyone does claim it's because he's your friend then they aren't worth listening to,' added Alicia.
'And not worth having on the team.'
Harry was glad that they felt that way and called everyone together. Fred and George flew back down to Katie, Alicia and Harry to confer.
'Any ideas on the Chasers?' George asked, wiping sweat off his brow. 'Cause I think Chris is our best bet.'
'Have to agree there,' said Alicia, smiling. 'He's quick, co-ordinated and he pays attention to what everyone else is doing.'
It certainly didn't take long for the team to agree on Chris Butler as their new Chaser. Harry glanced over at Ron who was watching them nervously, fidgeting with his broomstick. Harry listened to each team member's opinion first, considered his own opinion and made his choice.
Harry stood up and cleared his throat. Each of the students stood in silence, waiting nervously.
'First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming to this tryout session.' He had to stop there for a moment as the students applauded him politely. Ron caught his eye, but Harry looked away sharply.
'Unfortunately, there are only two available places on the team. You have all done really well and it was a hard decision trying to chose between you all. However, in addition to our two new members, we have decided to select a reserve player for each position.' Harry consulted his parchment. 'The reserve Chaser will be Paul Sanders and the reserve Keeper will be Joanne Plumridge.'
Everyone applauded politely. Both Paul and Joanne looked very pleased, Joanne smiling shyly.
The remaining students gazed up at Harry hopefully, waiting.
'But our two new members are … for the Chaser position … Christopher Butler.'
Chris grinned broadly as the rest of the group clapped and cheered. Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch nodded approvingly from their place in the stands.
Taking a deep breath, Harry turned to the Keeper group, still avoiding eye contact with Ron who was bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet.
'And finally, for the Keeper position … Ron Weasley.'
Ron froze and stared in disbelief as everyone else cheered and offered him their congratulations. Fred and George wasted no time in going to Ron and thumping him hard on the back.
'Knew you could do it, little bro!'
'Fred, quit it!' Ron yelled as Fred grabbed him in a one armed hug, ruffling his hair.
'Oh, is we embarrassing you, Ronnikins?'
'Shut up, George!'
Harry couldn't help grinning at the look of amazement and pride on his friends face.
Katie stood up and clapped her hands loudly.
'Can I have everyone's attention please? As a thank you for taking part in the trials today you are all invited to join us in a practise match. If we could have everyone spilt themselves up ..'
In next to no time, fourteen of the students were back up in the air. The remaining students politely declined the offer, some returning to the castle while the rest sat in the stands. Thankfully, Colin and Dennis seemed perfectly happy to stay on the ground, armed with Colin's camera.
Down below, Harry could see Professor Torr watching. She still didn't seem particularly interested; an almost bored expression on her glum face, as she watched Ron dive for the Quaffle and throw it back out to Chris.
A speck of gold suddenly flashed in the sun. Harry grasped the Firebolt's handle tightly, lent forward and went into a steep dive. Eyes on the Snitch, Harry dove through the opposing team's Chasers, hurtling towards the ground. The Snitch didn't have time to turn before Harry caught up with it and seized it, pulling his broom up quickly, skimming over the pitch, his feet mere inches from the grass.
A cheer went up from the rest of the team, but it abruptly changed to startled cries and shouts. Harry looked up just in time to see Gerald Hornstun, crash into Lucinda Beachwood so forcibly that she overbalanced and slipped right over on her broom. Clinging desperately to the handle with her feet and hands, poor Lucinda was left hanging upside down while Gerald stole the Quaffle and hurled it at the goal hoops. Ron didn't bother blocking it. Instead he flew out to Lucinda to help her, as did a number of others.
Madam Hooch's furious voice cried out, 'Mr Hornstun! Get down here, now!'
The game abruptly finished, all the players returned to the pitch. Ron and Joanne guiding Lucinda down, with Katie and Alicia beside them. Lucinda shakily dismounted her broom.
Professor McGonagall swept over to her and took her away to the Hospital Wing to be checked over, calling over her shoulder that she wanted to see Gerald in her office immediately.
Bitterly Gerald glared at the other students, allowing himself to be led away by Madam Hooch.
Alicia watched him go, absolutely disgusted.
'I knew he was trouble,' she said. 'Flying around like a maniac. I bet he's jealous that he didn't make the cut.'
'How did he get into Gryffindor?' muttered Fred darkly. 'Little git would be better off in Slytherin.'
'Well, that was exciting, wasn't it?' said a voice.
Professor Torr had finally left her place in the stands to come onto the pitch. She smiled round at them all, suddenly a lot more interested.
'I can see a lot of talent here, you girls were fabulous,' she said, smiling sweetly at Katie and Alicia who both seemed to come over rather embarrassed, blushing and hiding their grins. 'Three Weasley's on the team, now? Talent must surely run in the family – I simply can't wait to for the first match. You've done wonderfully today,' she added to the others. 'But let's hope that no one else resorts to Flacking their opponents like that. There's a reason why it's called a foul – I don't like it and I won't tolerate it. You play fair or you don't play at all.'
Everyone around her nodded vigorously in agreement.
'Would you like us to resume play, professor?' asked George, eagerly, holding up his broom, preparing to mount it again.
'I'm afraid not, Mr Weasley,' sighed Professor Torr. The Gryffindors' faces fell in disappointment. 'I have to prepare my classes for next week.' She turned and left the stadium.
'I think that's enough for today,' said Katie. 'Harry?'
Mutely, Harry nodded and set off for the changing rooms. He hurried back up to the castle and put his robes and broomstick away in his dormitory. Opening his trunk, Harry rummaged through his things, searching. Pulling out a small thin book, he sped off to the library.
Hermione was seated at one of the large worktables, her Arithmancy homework strewn across it. She looked up and smiled.
'Hi Harry. How did the trials go? Did Ron do okay? Where is he?'
'Hi,' said Harry shortly, sitting down opposite her and opening his book, flipping through the pages. 'Ron did great. He's the new Keeper.'
'Really?' Hermione squeaked. 'That's wonderful!' But then her face fell. 'Harry? What's the matter?'
'This,' said Harry grimly, holding out the book.
Hermione took it, turned it over to read the cover; 'Quidditch Through The Ages' by Kennilworthy Whisp, and flipped it back over to look at the open page. In the bottom right hand corner was a table of Quidditch fouls, their correct terms and brief description.
'Hermione, if someone deliberately flies into another player, which of those fouls would apply?' asked Harry.
Hermione, giving a Harry a very puzzled look, slowly skimmed the list.
'Well, there's Blatching here, that one sounds about right.'
'Not Flacking, then?' said Harry quickly.
'No … no, that's listed as a Keeper foul – knocking the Quaffle back through the goal hoop from behind.'
'They're all pretty basic for Quidditch terminology, wouldn't you say?' said Harry pointing to the list.
'Yes – '
'Something that a professional wouldn't think twice about referring to?'
Hermione raised her eyebrows.
'Harry, what is the matter? You don't need me to tell you this, you already know it back to front.'
'But why doesn't Professor Torr know it?'
'What do you mean, she doesn't? She's a professional – '
'I know that's what everyone says about her, but then why is it that she confuses such basic terms? Not something a professional is likely to do.'
'Harry, slow down,' said Hermione. Gathering her homework up, she slid her essay, books and notes back into her bag. Swigging it onto her shoulder, she led Harry to the rear of the library, among the History of Magic books. Certainly that no one was close enough to hear them, Hermione asked Harry to explain what was troubling him.
Hermione listened thoughtfully and admitted that it did seem very careless to confuse Flacking with Blatching.
'I don't like it, Hermione. I mean, call me paranoid, I don't care – but after so many of our professors turning out to be something other than what they claim to be – '
'You want to investigate her,' said Hermione, flatly.
'Yes,'
Hermione's gaze dropped to the floor.
'I guess with the Dark Lord's return, we can't be too careful.'
'Which is what Remus and Siri – Snuffles told us,' he hastily corrected himself, lowering his voice.
'But Harry, I sincerely doubt that a snobbish attitude and a slip of the tongue automatically points to Death Eater,' she said bracingly. 'But, on the other hand, I agree with you. We can't be too careful.'
Harry smiled, grimly relieved. 'So you'll help me?'
'Of course. But first, let's find Ron, I want to congratulate him!'
Looking embarrassed at her eagerness Hermione blushed, Harry struggling to hide a smile as they left the library to look for their friend.
*
To Be Continued
*
Authors Notes
Blimey, this section is getting longer every time I write it! Very cool. Thanks for coming back again and again you guys! *Voltora sits with a silly but happy grin on her face all day long*
Elbereth94 – I'm really enjoying leaving these replies. I got the idea from another author and mainly because it shows that the author is grateful for people leaving reviews – which I really am! :) Ooh, I really have to restrain myself from blabbing about 'what happens next'. It's just so tempting! *Lil Lupin leans over and claps a hand over Voltora's mouth* *Voltora mumbles a thank you*
Lil Lupin - *evil laugh* Better yet, we could trim just one side and turn the rest different colours! Do fuchsia and luminous lime green clash? With a splash of orange? One of the doctors is colour-blind so hopefully he won't notice. Oh, never mind, that was the one you poked in the eye! Right then, where's Lockhart gone? *rubs hands gleefully*
Maria – Ahh, that's sweet! Thank you! *blushes Ginny Weasley style*
Evol norgara – You think you've gone mad? Join the club! Room for one more at the Funny Farm? I'll probably see you there!
Christy – Yeah, he did sound rather defensive about her. One out of four isn't great odds, I really agree. I wonder if J.K.Rowling will ever give them a professor who lasts more than a year. No wonder people think the position is cursed! Four and a half months to go until Order of the Phoenix!
Von – Hey, sorry to disappoint, but if you are hanging around for the next few chapters I hope you won't feel so let down. Please be patient.
MorganD - *sighs* That is annoying! Silly little mistakes! But trust me, there are nowhere near as many in this edition as there were in my first one.
Okay, question 1 – um, for the sake of simplicity I'll say no! ^_^ Hmm, ever wondered where Sirius' clothes go when he transforms? Hhhm, naked Sirius … *blushes and laughs*
Moving on, question 2; Okay, when I started writing I was working with a vague theory that when they say you can't Apparate on Hogwarts grounds, I assumed that they meant Apparating across the boundaries. So, in theory, it would be possible to Apparate so long as you stayed within the boundaries, for example from Hagrid's hut over to the front doors, ergo P.Torr could Apparate to Harry if they were both on the school grounds. A bit of a flimsy theory but let's just run with it for now, okay?
Evil spapple pie – Oh the memories of lugging around vast amounts of books in school, urgh, my back aches just thinking about it. You think Remus playing the flute is cute? Cool. I happen to really like flute music and Remus is adorable – *coughs* All right, I have a good imagination, so what if he's fictional? I can dream. *Voltora lapses into a lovely daydream with Remus playing a romantic song on his flute to her* You can tell I'm single, can't you? ^_^