Chapter 5
For the second time in memory, Harry Potter was nervous about a Quidditch practice. The first had been his first practice, when he knew next to nothing about the game. This time it was his Captaincy that scared him. Was he going to pick the correct players? Was he going to be able to organize the team? Would his new socks match his Quidditch robes? Since he was so nervous, he had brought the entire team to help him pick the players, and to test them out. When he put up his notice for tryouts, he had said he wanted to put together an entire reserve side, as five of the six current players were leaving after this year. He looked at the assembled Gryffindors, and felt rewarded for his effort. There were more than twenty assembled people, and well distributed among the positions. He looked at the group, and saw a familiar redhead.
"Ginny, what are you doing here?" he asked in confusion.
"Trying out silly," she pointed out while grinning. "Why else would I be here?"
"True," said Harry. "What position?"
"Reserve Chaser," she sighed. "As much as I hate to say it, that brother of mine probably has the Keeper position locked up."
Harry was impressed. It wasn't often one heard a Weasley say something like that about another Weasley. They were a tightly-knit family, but they also derived humor from making fun of each other. He frowned. If Ron was the best, then it couldn't be his call. The Chasers would have to have say on that to avoid accusations of favoritism. "Well, good luck."
"Thanks Harry," she replied, and with that Harry went to stand out in front of the group. He cleared his throat.
"Hello all of you, and thank you for coming. As you know, I want to have a full reserve side, so many of you will be playing Quidditch this year. There's only one position on the full team, though, so it will pretty much only be practice for most of you. I'll be putting in teams, and switching people around periodically, so everyone will get looked at. Good luck."
Harry began putting up teams. He split up Fred and George, and paired each of them with a third year who looked as if they belonged in seventh. He put Katie Bell on George's team, and gave her a fourth year and Seamus Finnigan as teammates. Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet were on a team, with Colin Creevey in with them. Ron was the Keeper for George's team, and a second year named Todd Harrell was Keeper for Fred's team. Harry put another second year, Rich Lyles, as Seeker against him. He didn't plan on catching the Snitch, just seeing what the kid did. That way, he could also supervise tryouts.
The game began, and Harry flew over everyone, watching everything. The first switch he made was ten minutes into the game, as it became abundantly clear the Colin Creevey wasn't fit to be on a broom. As time wore on, and he made more substitutions, he gradually became more aware of who he wanted on the team. Of course, he was going to get the opinions from his team, but he was ultimately responsible for the picks. Of the people going for reserve Seeker, amazingly Dennis Creevey was the best of the lot. He wasn't going to beat out Harry by any means, but with some practice he would make a decent school player. He checked on Fred and George. They seemed to be concentrating less on watching and helping the new beaters, and more on trying to pelt their younger siblings with bludgers, no matter their team, proximity to the quaffle, or rules. Harry sighed. Some people never changed. They would probably be able to tell him who would be the best candidates for the reserve Beater positions, though. He looked at his watch. He had promised all of Gryffindor that there would be a scrimmage between the reserves and the regulars at 11:00, and it was 10:30 now. He wanted some time to consult with the others, so now was the time to put his choice for Keeper to the test. He called out "Ginny Weasley, switch with Katie Bell."
Ginny had been with Angelina and Alicia, so now he had the three old Chasers going against Ginny, Seamus, and Chris Henderson, who was in 4th year. More importantly, Ron was the Keeper for the new team. He was about to be barraged by shots, as the new people weren't good enough to keep up with the old yet. He set them off and began to watch.
Ron performed brilliantly. He didn't stop all of the shots, but he did make some spectacular saves that made it appear he was born into the position. Dean Thomas, playing keeper for the regular Chasers, played decently, but looked worse against a lesser side. At 10:45, Harry called the practice to a halt. He put the hopefuls to work collecting the balls so they could have the scrimmage, and he called the rest of the team in for a conference.
"All right," he said, "First things first. Who's going to be the new Keeper?" He looked at the three girls, who conducted a brief whispered conversation.
Angelina spoke for the group. "In our opinion," she gestured to indicate Katie and Alicia, "Ron Weasley is the best in the group. He's not Oliver Wood yet, but with practice he could be even better."
Harry couldn't stop the grin from forming. His friend was finally on the team. "What about reserve?"
Angelina shrugged. "Depends on what you want. Dean was the best of the others, but he's in the same year."
Harry nodded. "That's fine. Ron'll be around for three more years, so I don't have to worry about replacing him. I'm more concerned with the positions you all are playing."
Fred interjected at this point. "Well, the first 3rd year who was with me, Matt Roberts, should be one of the reserve beaters."
George nodded, "And Lavender Brown the other. That girl is as vicious with the club as she is with the gossip."
Harry nodded, and looked at the Chasers again. "What about your reserves?"
Alicia spoke this time. "Ginny Weasley is the best of the group, but Seamus Finnigan is also good."
"I agree with both of those," Katie added, "And I think Brad Arnold should be the third."
Harry looked at the stands. They were beginning to fill with what appeared to be almost all of Gryffindor House. "Well, I think I'll take Dennis Creevey as the reserve Seeker. He's a little out of control, but fast on his broom."
Madam Hooch came up to Harry and tapped him on the shoulder. She had delightedly agreed when Harry had asked her to referee the scrimmage after tryouts. "Are you ready?" she asked.
Harry nodded. "Just let me announce the names of the players who made it, and we'll be set to go." He walked over to the stands, where the players in the tryout had gathered, and the rest of Gryffindor sat waiting to hear who had been picked, and to watch the new and the old play together. The ones who had participated in the tryout looked at Harry with a mixture of hope and nervousness in their expressions. Harry cleared his throat. "Once again, I would like to thank you all for coming out. It was a wonderful turnout, and we had a time picking these players. First, I would like to announce the Reserves. As Beaters, Lavender Brown and Matt Roberts. As Chasers, Brad Arnold, Seamus Finnigan, and Ginny Weasley. The reserve Keeper is Dean Thomas, and the reserve Seeker is Dennis Creevey." Harry looked at the people in the stands. He saw jubilation on some faces, relief on others, and disappointment on yet more. He also saw some of the ones he chose celebrating with their friends, and some of the ones he didn't being consoled. Ginny Weasley was smiling in an absent sort of manner, and Ron still had his fingers crossed, which made Harry chuckle quietly. "And now, I am proud to introduce the new Keeper for Gryffindor, Ronald Weasley." Ron bolted upright, a stunned expression on his face tempered with relief. He slowly stood up, and began to make his way on to the pitch. "There is your new team. Now, we'll have the scrimmage."
The teams lined up, and kicked off on Madam Hooch's whistle. Harry flew higher than anyone, chased by Dennis Creevey. He turned to yell at him.
"Don't just follow me. Search for the Snitch on your own, but keep half an eye on the opposition's seeker."
Harry then turned his attention on the game. The Gryffindor Regulars were beating the reserves easily, as he had expected. It didn't seem to matter that Fred and George were only going after Ginny with the Bludgers, so both they and she were out of the play most of the time. Harry sighed again, as he had to be the one to tell the twins to pay attention to the rest of the game, and not tormenting their little sister. Because they were able to move unimpeded by Bludgers, the reserves had managed a couple goals, though Ron was playing a good game in goal. Poor Dean was being hounded continuously, and thus was getting flustered. Harry grimaced; he needed for Dean to have confidence. He needed to get the Snitch quickly, and save his reserves some embarrassment. He started searching as he would in a real game. The Snitch was spotted at the bottom of the Reserve's goalposts, so he went into one of his trademark dives, and finished the game at 270-20 for the regulars.
* * * * * Harry wandered around the common room, enjoying the party that was going on in violation of the curfew. Ron, with Hermione at his side, was the life of the party, celebrating his new position as Keeper with an exuberance that rivaled his twin brothers'. Currently, he was dancing, not with Hermione, but by himself. Harry looked closer, as it appeared Ron wasn't dancing, but just jumping around wildly. He began laughing; Fred and George had given Ron a wizarding version of the Muggle "hotfoot". The Muggle version involved sticking matches in a person's shoe, then lighting them. This delayed the victim's notice of the prank, and allowed the conspirators time to get away. Fred and George had bypassed this step, and had just set Ron's shoes aflame. Harry then noticed Ginny calming Ron down, so Hermione could smother the flames on his foot. He felt an odd feeling, but he brushed it away. Food was the necessary item at this moment.
He had almost made it to the buffet that had been laid out, when he got collared by an enthusiastic Fred. This worried Harry, as he could not see George anywhere. He always worried when he saw both twins wearing the grin that was currently on Fred's face, but even more trouble was afoot when there was only one of them around. It usually meant that the other was somewhere getting the havoc ready, and one was to be in a large amount of trouble. Fred had escorted him to the center of the Common Room, and had then pulled him up onto a conveniently placed table. He whistled to get the room's attention.
"Everyone, I have a presentation to make. Here to say a few words is our new captain, Harry Potter!"
Harry, who was duly embarrassed, was also waiting for the other shoe to drop, since he still didn't see George anywhere. He didn't have to wait long, though. All of a sudden, he felt himself levitating. He then saw a nimbus of light appear around him, and a chorus began to sing. A blush began to spread across his cheeks, and he started laughing. The twins had got him again. Why was he the focus of their attention now, though? His attention was taken from the question when the crowd of assembled Gryffindors began to chant, "Speech! Speech! Speech!" He gestured for quiet, then readjusted his glasses. This was going to be fun, for once.
"My friends, you loyal Gryffindors, I must say that I like our chances in the Quidditch Cup this year. I, for one, believe we have the greatest set of chasers seen at Hogwarts for some time. I like to think I'm a decent seeker." He paused for the wild cheers and sarcastic comments that greeted this last pronunciation. "I must also say, it's time for bed, because from my high vantage point, so generously given to me, I can see Professor McGonagall standing at the portrait hole, tapping her foot."
At this, everyone turned and looked at the stern Professor. "I quite agree with Mr. Potter," McGonagall stated, "All of you to bed now, except the ones chosen for the team. I'd like to have a word with you."
After the mad dash that was everyone heading to their dormitories, the team and the reserves stayed, waiting with apprehension for the announcement from the Transfiguration Professor. She gave them a hard look, and addressed them.
"Now, I know you are happy about your performances today, but that is no reason to be violating curfew." She smiled a tight smile. "Though I believe I can forgive you if you train hard and keep your marks high." With this, she turned on her heel, her nightdress swirling behind her, and left through the portrait hole.
With a few good-natured grumbles, the team went to bed. Harry was lagging behind a little when he noticed someone was waiting for him. To his pleasure, it was a red-haired, female someone, but Ginny was blushing again. He frowned. He had thought they were past this point by now.
"Do you need something, Gin?" he asked when he reached her.
She shook her head, setting her hair to swaying. "No," she said in such a low tone that Harry had to strain to hear her. "I just wanted to thank you for choosing me to be on the team."
Harry smiled at her. "Hey, don't thank me," he said gently, "You're the one who did the work. Now just work hard, and I'll be even happier that you're on the team." He yawned. "Well, I'm following McGonagall's orders and going to bed. Night, Gin."
"Night Harry," she replied, and headed to her own dormitory.
Harry went up to bed, and for once he had no nightmares. Instead he dreamed, quite pleasantly, about a Quidditch match. The only difference between this one and any other number of dreams he had had about the game was this time all the players seemed to be red-haired and female.
For the second time in memory, Harry Potter was nervous about a Quidditch practice. The first had been his first practice, when he knew next to nothing about the game. This time it was his Captaincy that scared him. Was he going to pick the correct players? Was he going to be able to organize the team? Would his new socks match his Quidditch robes? Since he was so nervous, he had brought the entire team to help him pick the players, and to test them out. When he put up his notice for tryouts, he had said he wanted to put together an entire reserve side, as five of the six current players were leaving after this year. He looked at the assembled Gryffindors, and felt rewarded for his effort. There were more than twenty assembled people, and well distributed among the positions. He looked at the group, and saw a familiar redhead.
"Ginny, what are you doing here?" he asked in confusion.
"Trying out silly," she pointed out while grinning. "Why else would I be here?"
"True," said Harry. "What position?"
"Reserve Chaser," she sighed. "As much as I hate to say it, that brother of mine probably has the Keeper position locked up."
Harry was impressed. It wasn't often one heard a Weasley say something like that about another Weasley. They were a tightly-knit family, but they also derived humor from making fun of each other. He frowned. If Ron was the best, then it couldn't be his call. The Chasers would have to have say on that to avoid accusations of favoritism. "Well, good luck."
"Thanks Harry," she replied, and with that Harry went to stand out in front of the group. He cleared his throat.
"Hello all of you, and thank you for coming. As you know, I want to have a full reserve side, so many of you will be playing Quidditch this year. There's only one position on the full team, though, so it will pretty much only be practice for most of you. I'll be putting in teams, and switching people around periodically, so everyone will get looked at. Good luck."
Harry began putting up teams. He split up Fred and George, and paired each of them with a third year who looked as if they belonged in seventh. He put Katie Bell on George's team, and gave her a fourth year and Seamus Finnigan as teammates. Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet were on a team, with Colin Creevey in with them. Ron was the Keeper for George's team, and a second year named Todd Harrell was Keeper for Fred's team. Harry put another second year, Rich Lyles, as Seeker against him. He didn't plan on catching the Snitch, just seeing what the kid did. That way, he could also supervise tryouts.
The game began, and Harry flew over everyone, watching everything. The first switch he made was ten minutes into the game, as it became abundantly clear the Colin Creevey wasn't fit to be on a broom. As time wore on, and he made more substitutions, he gradually became more aware of who he wanted on the team. Of course, he was going to get the opinions from his team, but he was ultimately responsible for the picks. Of the people going for reserve Seeker, amazingly Dennis Creevey was the best of the lot. He wasn't going to beat out Harry by any means, but with some practice he would make a decent school player. He checked on Fred and George. They seemed to be concentrating less on watching and helping the new beaters, and more on trying to pelt their younger siblings with bludgers, no matter their team, proximity to the quaffle, or rules. Harry sighed. Some people never changed. They would probably be able to tell him who would be the best candidates for the reserve Beater positions, though. He looked at his watch. He had promised all of Gryffindor that there would be a scrimmage between the reserves and the regulars at 11:00, and it was 10:30 now. He wanted some time to consult with the others, so now was the time to put his choice for Keeper to the test. He called out "Ginny Weasley, switch with Katie Bell."
Ginny had been with Angelina and Alicia, so now he had the three old Chasers going against Ginny, Seamus, and Chris Henderson, who was in 4th year. More importantly, Ron was the Keeper for the new team. He was about to be barraged by shots, as the new people weren't good enough to keep up with the old yet. He set them off and began to watch.
Ron performed brilliantly. He didn't stop all of the shots, but he did make some spectacular saves that made it appear he was born into the position. Dean Thomas, playing keeper for the regular Chasers, played decently, but looked worse against a lesser side. At 10:45, Harry called the practice to a halt. He put the hopefuls to work collecting the balls so they could have the scrimmage, and he called the rest of the team in for a conference.
"All right," he said, "First things first. Who's going to be the new Keeper?" He looked at the three girls, who conducted a brief whispered conversation.
Angelina spoke for the group. "In our opinion," she gestured to indicate Katie and Alicia, "Ron Weasley is the best in the group. He's not Oliver Wood yet, but with practice he could be even better."
Harry couldn't stop the grin from forming. His friend was finally on the team. "What about reserve?"
Angelina shrugged. "Depends on what you want. Dean was the best of the others, but he's in the same year."
Harry nodded. "That's fine. Ron'll be around for three more years, so I don't have to worry about replacing him. I'm more concerned with the positions you all are playing."
Fred interjected at this point. "Well, the first 3rd year who was with me, Matt Roberts, should be one of the reserve beaters."
George nodded, "And Lavender Brown the other. That girl is as vicious with the club as she is with the gossip."
Harry nodded, and looked at the Chasers again. "What about your reserves?"
Alicia spoke this time. "Ginny Weasley is the best of the group, but Seamus Finnigan is also good."
"I agree with both of those," Katie added, "And I think Brad Arnold should be the third."
Harry looked at the stands. They were beginning to fill with what appeared to be almost all of Gryffindor House. "Well, I think I'll take Dennis Creevey as the reserve Seeker. He's a little out of control, but fast on his broom."
Madam Hooch came up to Harry and tapped him on the shoulder. She had delightedly agreed when Harry had asked her to referee the scrimmage after tryouts. "Are you ready?" she asked.
Harry nodded. "Just let me announce the names of the players who made it, and we'll be set to go." He walked over to the stands, where the players in the tryout had gathered, and the rest of Gryffindor sat waiting to hear who had been picked, and to watch the new and the old play together. The ones who had participated in the tryout looked at Harry with a mixture of hope and nervousness in their expressions. Harry cleared his throat. "Once again, I would like to thank you all for coming out. It was a wonderful turnout, and we had a time picking these players. First, I would like to announce the Reserves. As Beaters, Lavender Brown and Matt Roberts. As Chasers, Brad Arnold, Seamus Finnigan, and Ginny Weasley. The reserve Keeper is Dean Thomas, and the reserve Seeker is Dennis Creevey." Harry looked at the people in the stands. He saw jubilation on some faces, relief on others, and disappointment on yet more. He also saw some of the ones he chose celebrating with their friends, and some of the ones he didn't being consoled. Ginny Weasley was smiling in an absent sort of manner, and Ron still had his fingers crossed, which made Harry chuckle quietly. "And now, I am proud to introduce the new Keeper for Gryffindor, Ronald Weasley." Ron bolted upright, a stunned expression on his face tempered with relief. He slowly stood up, and began to make his way on to the pitch. "There is your new team. Now, we'll have the scrimmage."
The teams lined up, and kicked off on Madam Hooch's whistle. Harry flew higher than anyone, chased by Dennis Creevey. He turned to yell at him.
"Don't just follow me. Search for the Snitch on your own, but keep half an eye on the opposition's seeker."
Harry then turned his attention on the game. The Gryffindor Regulars were beating the reserves easily, as he had expected. It didn't seem to matter that Fred and George were only going after Ginny with the Bludgers, so both they and she were out of the play most of the time. Harry sighed again, as he had to be the one to tell the twins to pay attention to the rest of the game, and not tormenting their little sister. Because they were able to move unimpeded by Bludgers, the reserves had managed a couple goals, though Ron was playing a good game in goal. Poor Dean was being hounded continuously, and thus was getting flustered. Harry grimaced; he needed for Dean to have confidence. He needed to get the Snitch quickly, and save his reserves some embarrassment. He started searching as he would in a real game. The Snitch was spotted at the bottom of the Reserve's goalposts, so he went into one of his trademark dives, and finished the game at 270-20 for the regulars.
* * * * * Harry wandered around the common room, enjoying the party that was going on in violation of the curfew. Ron, with Hermione at his side, was the life of the party, celebrating his new position as Keeper with an exuberance that rivaled his twin brothers'. Currently, he was dancing, not with Hermione, but by himself. Harry looked closer, as it appeared Ron wasn't dancing, but just jumping around wildly. He began laughing; Fred and George had given Ron a wizarding version of the Muggle "hotfoot". The Muggle version involved sticking matches in a person's shoe, then lighting them. This delayed the victim's notice of the prank, and allowed the conspirators time to get away. Fred and George had bypassed this step, and had just set Ron's shoes aflame. Harry then noticed Ginny calming Ron down, so Hermione could smother the flames on his foot. He felt an odd feeling, but he brushed it away. Food was the necessary item at this moment.
He had almost made it to the buffet that had been laid out, when he got collared by an enthusiastic Fred. This worried Harry, as he could not see George anywhere. He always worried when he saw both twins wearing the grin that was currently on Fred's face, but even more trouble was afoot when there was only one of them around. It usually meant that the other was somewhere getting the havoc ready, and one was to be in a large amount of trouble. Fred had escorted him to the center of the Common Room, and had then pulled him up onto a conveniently placed table. He whistled to get the room's attention.
"Everyone, I have a presentation to make. Here to say a few words is our new captain, Harry Potter!"
Harry, who was duly embarrassed, was also waiting for the other shoe to drop, since he still didn't see George anywhere. He didn't have to wait long, though. All of a sudden, he felt himself levitating. He then saw a nimbus of light appear around him, and a chorus began to sing. A blush began to spread across his cheeks, and he started laughing. The twins had got him again. Why was he the focus of their attention now, though? His attention was taken from the question when the crowd of assembled Gryffindors began to chant, "Speech! Speech! Speech!" He gestured for quiet, then readjusted his glasses. This was going to be fun, for once.
"My friends, you loyal Gryffindors, I must say that I like our chances in the Quidditch Cup this year. I, for one, believe we have the greatest set of chasers seen at Hogwarts for some time. I like to think I'm a decent seeker." He paused for the wild cheers and sarcastic comments that greeted this last pronunciation. "I must also say, it's time for bed, because from my high vantage point, so generously given to me, I can see Professor McGonagall standing at the portrait hole, tapping her foot."
At this, everyone turned and looked at the stern Professor. "I quite agree with Mr. Potter," McGonagall stated, "All of you to bed now, except the ones chosen for the team. I'd like to have a word with you."
After the mad dash that was everyone heading to their dormitories, the team and the reserves stayed, waiting with apprehension for the announcement from the Transfiguration Professor. She gave them a hard look, and addressed them.
"Now, I know you are happy about your performances today, but that is no reason to be violating curfew." She smiled a tight smile. "Though I believe I can forgive you if you train hard and keep your marks high." With this, she turned on her heel, her nightdress swirling behind her, and left through the portrait hole.
With a few good-natured grumbles, the team went to bed. Harry was lagging behind a little when he noticed someone was waiting for him. To his pleasure, it was a red-haired, female someone, but Ginny was blushing again. He frowned. He had thought they were past this point by now.
"Do you need something, Gin?" he asked when he reached her.
She shook her head, setting her hair to swaying. "No," she said in such a low tone that Harry had to strain to hear her. "I just wanted to thank you for choosing me to be on the team."
Harry smiled at her. "Hey, don't thank me," he said gently, "You're the one who did the work. Now just work hard, and I'll be even happier that you're on the team." He yawned. "Well, I'm following McGonagall's orders and going to bed. Night, Gin."
"Night Harry," she replied, and headed to her own dormitory.
Harry went up to bed, and for once he had no nightmares. Instead he dreamed, quite pleasantly, about a Quidditch match. The only difference between this one and any other number of dreams he had had about the game was this time all the players seemed to be red-haired and female.
