Chapter 04 Quidditch Tryouts
The MNG began to play their pranks every day. Nobody knew who were they except their nicknames. After a prank they always left a card signed saying:
"With love,
The MNG: Blaze, Feather, Griffin, Ape and Wise."
After a few arguments, they decided the nick of Wise to Fred. It was a mix of his ideas and the characteristics of the fox: the wisdom.
Many of the teachers thought that the Weasley Twins were involved in this. But they denied this specially by the fact that the twins worked alone and never left a card after their pranks. It was known when they were the responsible. That meant that they had no idea who the MNG were.
The principal victims of the pranks were the Slytherins, specially Malfoy and Snape.
The biggest one was the almost destruction of their Common Room. They had put dung bombs, a few Fillybusters, and another new invents from the twins and changed the color of everything there: Armchairs, trunks in the dorms, curtain of the beds, EVERYTHING. When the prank finished, it was like if a tornado had passed by the Common Room. It was upside down and changed of color.
Snape had threatened that if he discovered who were the responsible, he would be sure that they were expelled from the school. The Slytherins hated each student completely and they began many fights, when someone remembered or talked about the MNG.
The only people who knew who were the MNG, were Dumbledore, Sirius and Remus. Of course they never said what they knew. They found all this very amusing, specially after the prank against the Slytherin's Common Room.
****
One night when they were planning a new prank, Harry had an idea: Build a Secret Room. It would be connected to the Tower and the rooms of the five. Only they and the old Marauders would know the existence and the place of it.
"It's a great idea, Harry!" Approved Hermione.
"The Marauder's Secret Chamber!" Said Fred laughing.
"Good idea, but I and Ron would prefer not that name." Said seriously Harry.
"Anything but Secret Chamber or things like that." Said Ron in the same tone of his friends.
"It was a suggestion." Said Fred understanding their reaction. None of the Weasley family had forgotten about what happened in the Secret Chamber of Slytherin with Ginny and You-Know-Who 3 years ago.
"We know, Fred. But it isn't a matter of jokes." Said Harry, clearly saying "change the subject NOW." To all of them.
"First of all we need the right place." Said Ron receiving clearly the message.
"How to build it." Added Hermione.
"How to connect it to everywhere that we want." Said Fred thinking a little.
"How to hide it." Added George.
"What we will put there." Said Harry writing on a list all the things said.
"Let's solve the easiest problem: Hermione, go to the library and find books about charms used to build rooms and places." Suggested Fred to the Prefect and Book lover.
"Ok." Said Hermione going out from the Common Room, where the group was, to the library.
"We should use a password like the Common's Rooms, or a statue or something like what Dumbledore uses in his office. In that way nobody will enter if we don't want him to." Suggested Harry thinking about how to hide it.
"Like you said, it should be near the Gryffindor Tower. We should build passages to our rooms and the Common Room too." Said Ron.
A little while later Hermione returned with a few books and they began to read them looking for information about building a room.
****
A few days later they had built a big room. It was in a corridor near the Portrait to the Common Room.
To enter it there was 11 ways: The passages from the Dorms of the fifth to Seventh years, the Head Boy and Head Girls Rooms, the Common Rooms of the Tower and the one for the Head Boy and Head Girl and the Statue that was in front of the entrance. The statue had the form of a Lion like the Gryffindor's one.
"I didn't know that the Head Boy and Girl had private Rooms and Common Rooms." Said Harry when they discussed the entrances.
"Yes, they have. It's for privacy for them. Bill and Percy told us about that." Said Ron.
They decided so many entrances by the chance of Harry, Ron and Hermione being changed of Dorm or any of them being chosen as Head Boy or Girl.
In the Room, named "MNG's Headquarters", there were beds to every one of them and private places too. Also, there were desks, chairs, sofas, big tables and places to put the brooms.
All of them helped in the decoration: Ron put a few posters of the Chudley Cannons, Hermione a little library with books to study, the twins put pictures of the family, friends and themselves.
The best one of all was without any doubt Harry's addition to the decoration: It was a big paint of the Marauders and the MNG together in human and Animagus Forms.
"Just magnificent, My dear Blaze." Said bowing Fred.
"Thanks, my dear Wise." Said Harry returning the bow.
"Shall we put our pets here too?" Asked Hermione thinking about Crookshanks, Marauder, Pig and Hedwig, the trio's pets.
"Yes." Said Harry, creating two perches to Pig and Hedwig.
"What will be the Password?" Asked George thinking about the Lion's entrance.
"Prongs." Suggested Harry.
"I love it." Said the others together at the same time.
"Shouldn't we add windows, plants, trees or things like that? To have something different to the stone." Said Hermione.
"She's right as always." Said Harry making three windows on the walls, big enough to let the sunlight enter the room and to the owls enter or exit when they delivered a letter or package.
"We could put a big tree and few plants." Suggested Ron thinking about what Hermione had said before.
"I say to put a big oak tree. It's the perfect one for here. What do you think?" Said George.
"Done." Said Harry flicking his wand and making appear a big oak in the room.
The rest of the day they passed finishing little details: bringing the pets to their new home, putting more flowers and plants and things like that.
****
"Could I speak with you five in my office, please?" Asked Dumbledore to the MNG a few days later at dinner.
The group looked each other and followed the Headmaster to his office, wondering the reason of the call.
"Can any of you explain me why is there a new statue near the Gryffindor Tower's entrance since a few days ago?" Asked the old wizard when the five sat down.
"We don't know what are you talking about, sir." Said the five at the same time with the most innocent smiles that they could do.
"Children, I can be old, not fool." Said Dumbledore smiling.
"We never said that, Professor." Said Harry smiling innocently.
"What are you planning? Or best said what is the thing that you are hiding?" Asked the Headmaster with amusement.
The five looked each other and nodded, before Harry said: "The MNG's Headquarters."
"You built a hidden room?" Asked surprised Dumbledore.
"Yes." Was the group's answer.
"Where is it connected to?" Asked amused Dumbledore.
"Our dorms, Common Room, The Head Boy and Girl's dorms and Common Room too." Explained Hermione.
"You covered every possibility by the seen." Chuckled the old wizard.
"Yes we did." Said George.
"Those are the only entrances and the passages from and to the room?" Asked Dumbledore.
"Now, yes. Later, we don't know." Said Harry with an evil smile.
"Is there any chance that you would allow me to see it?" Asked chuckling Dumbledore.
"You'll see it when we show it to the Old Marauders, not before not later." Said Harry after discussing it with the rest of the group.
"Go to dinner. I don't know how you did it, but the old ones never thought about it. Congratulations in the innovation. You'll receive 50 points to Gryffindor by your work." Said the Headmaster finishing the meeting.
"Goodnight, Professor and thanks." Said Harry leaving the place with his friends.
****
The room became quickly the place where they passed most of their time. They used to read, do homework, study and things like that everyday there. Of course the new pranks were planned there.
The third week of September was the one when Gryffindor would hold the tryouts for the Quidditch Team.
The Thursday, Harry took his broom to fly alone for a while, but he was joined by Alicia who planned to do the same. When they reached to the pitch, they saw that many first years from the 4 houses were playing a soccer game among them.
"There's hope to finish it, you know." Said Harry watching them playing.
"To finish what, Harry?" Asked confused the Chaser.
"The hate between houses in the new students of the school. I mean, Alicia, you and I studied all our years here remembering the motto: "I'm a Gryffindor, You are a Slytherin, so I hate you." That isn't present yet. Look, in the same team you have three Gryffindors, two Slytherins, four Ravenclaws and two Hufflepuffs. In the other, four from our house, two Slytherins, three Hufflepuffs and two Ravenclaws. They don't have the hate present in them yet." Explained Harry to his teammate.
"Maybe there is some hope to finish the old hate, Harry. But I'm sure that the process will be very slow, and you know that as well as I do." Said Alicia thinking the words of the Prefect.
"Meanwhile there is a little of hope, everything can happen, Alicia. Maybe it'll be slow, but it can work. I hope to be here to see the beginning of it." Said Harry hopefully.
"Who knows what will happen in two years." Said Alicia with hope too.
Meanwhile they watched the kids play the match, Harry caught sight of something: a first year of Gryffindor who played as Keeper in one of the teams. He was excellent, had good moves, reflexes and didn't miss any shot of the other team.
"He's good." Said Alicia, as if she was reading Harry's thoughts about the boy.
"Really good. I wonder how good is he on a broom." Said Harry seeing a new catch.
"Who?" Asked Madame Hooch going near the two players.
"That boy. The one who plays as Keeper." Said Harry pointing the boy.
"In a scale from one to ten, I would say seven. Why?" Asked the flying teacher, with curiosity.
"Watch him for ten minutes and you'll know the answer, Madame Hooch." Said Alicia returning her attention to the game.
"Are you two crazy? Did you forget the rule?" Asked Hooch realizing the players' intentions after watch the boy for a while.
"I remind you, Professor, that the First's year rule was raised in my case. And I never finished my first class with you." Said Harry facing the Flight Professor.
"You need authorization for that, Potter. McGonagall's and Dumbledore's." Said Hooch seeing the determination of both students in this.
"For what do you need our authorization?" Asked Dumbledore going to the trio, along the Deputy Headmistress.
"To allow a first year to make the Team's Tryouts." Answered Alicia facing the two teachers. "Who?" Asked interested McGonagall in her words.
"He." Said Harry pointing the Keeper.
"He's very good, I must say." Said McGonagall after watching him for 10 minutes.
"That's why we thought of making him to try the team, Professor. Madame Hooch said that he's a good flier. We hope that both things work well." Said Harry.
"But, like Madame Hooch said, we need the authorization of both of you to make him try." Added Alicia.
"How good is he flying?" Asked McGonagall to Hooch.
"In a scale of one to ten, I would say that seven." Answered the Flight teacher.
"What harm can be done, Professor? If he's not good with the Quaffle, nothing will happen. But it worth the try." Pleaded Alicia when her Head of House began to think about it for more than five minutes.
"To make him try, there will be conditions." Said seriously McGonagall to the members' team.
"Which ones?" Asked Alicia and Harry at the same time.
"First: if he's good enough to enter the team, he'll play in the titular team ONLY if anyone is better than he. Second: he'll be the last student to try for the position. Third: I'll watch personally the tryouts and I have the last word in his entrance. Fourth: No one except the five of us, the other players and him, will know about his try." Said McGonagall in a very serious tone.
"You have a deal." Said the team members at the same time.
"I hope this worth it." Said McGonagall seriously to both students.
"So do we, Professor." Said Alicia returning her attention to the game.
"Just by curiosity: why are you here?" Asked Harry to the three Professors.
"We could ask the same to both of you." Said chuckling Dumbledore.
"We came to fly for a while, but we found the match. You?" Explained Harry to the teachers.
"I came to see what was happening in the pitch." Said Hooch.
"I need to speak to you." Said Dumbledore to Harry in a serious tone.
"Did something happen?" Asked worriedly Harry.
"Come with me to my office, please." Said the Headmaster going back to the Castle.
"Talk with him after the match, Alicia." Said Harry to the Chaser, before he followed Dumbledore.
****
"I have news for you about Sirius." Said Dumbledore when both of them sat down.
"What's wrong with him?" Asked really worried now the Prefect.
"Nothing's wrong, Harry. Don't worry." Said Dumbledore with a smile.
"So, what's the matter?" Asked a little calmed Harry.
"This." Said the Headmaster giving the student a copy of the Daily Prophet.
"Is this true?" Asked Harry in shock when he finished the article.
"Yes it is, Harry." Said Dumbledore with a smile.
"When?" Asked Harry with a big smile.
"Yesterday. It was decided to not call you, Ron or Hermione. It was short." Said the Headmaster.
"When they know this, they'll be shocked. Excuse me, I'll tell Ron and Hermione." Said Harry getting up from his chair.
"Go. Sirius said that he would be here in a few days." Said Dumbledore when Harry opened the door. "Goodnights, Professor." Said Harry closing the door.
****
"Meet me in the Room when you finish. I have news for you." Said Harry to his friends at the dinner.
"Ok." Said Ron and Hermione confused, before they went on with the dinner.
"Did you speak with him?" Asked Harry to Alicia.
"Yes. He said that he would be there. He was a little shocked by the news." Said Alicia with a smile.
"Ok." Said Harry when he sat to eat.
"When are the tryouts for the team, Harry?" Asked Seamus.
"Saturday after breakfast. There is an announcement in the Common Room. It explains the time of them and positions that will be looked for." Said Harry to the whole House.
All in the table began to speak animatedly about the tryouts while they were eating.
"Hey, Lee. Why don't you make tryouts for your position too? After all, you graduate too this year." Said Hermione after thinking in the tryouts.
"She's right, Lee." Said Harry to the twins' friend.
"I'll add it to the announcement tonight." Said Lee after thinking for a few moments.
****
"What's up, Harry?" Asked Ron when the three were in the Secret Room after dinner.
"You said that you had news for us." Said Hermione after they sat down at armchairs.
"Read this." Said Harry giving them the Daily Prophet. Both of them took the paper and began to read it eagerly:
"SIRIUS BLACK DECLARED INNOCENT
Sirius Black, believed to be the person who betrayed the Potter's Family and one of the most loyal servants to The-One-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, has been set free today after a short trial held at the Ministry of Magic.
In the trial was shown that Peter Pettigrew, who was believed to be dead, was alive and that he had been the Secret Keeper of the Potters.
Black received 2.000.000 Galleons by the years passed in Azkaban and the false charges will be erased against him. He was given the permission to live with his Godson, Harry Potter. He received a house to live, his old job as an Auror and his wand.
Pettigrew will be given the Dementor's Kiss tomorrow at the dawn in front of Black and the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.
"First of all I plan to give my Godson a proper birthday's gift for the 14 that I never could give him. Later, I'll see." Said Black when he was asked about what were his plans about the money. His Godson, Harry Potter The-Boy- Who-Lived, attends the Hogwarts School and is on his Fifth Year.
The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, didn't say anything, when he was questioned about the rumor that said that he knew about Black's innocence and it was ignored. Maybe this is the proof that a new Minister is needed. Specially after all the attacks that had happened and that Fudge has clearly ignored.
Congratulations by your freedom Mr. Black. We hope you will have a good life with your Godson from now on."
The article was signed by P. D. Salatino and there was a picture of Sirius after he was freed.
"Sirius is free!!!!" Shouted happily Ron.
"Yes. Dumbledore told me about it this afternoon." Said Harry grinning from ear to ear.
"What's up?" Asked George entering the Room.
"Why did you shout, Ron?" Asked Fred entering after him.
"Read this." Said Harry giving the Prophet to the twins.
"Sirius has been freed?" Asked in surprise Fred when he and his brother finished the article.
"Yes. Next summer I'll live with him, my dear MNG." Said Harry grinning like mad. "Congratulations, mate!" Said George clapping him in the back.
"Thanks." Said Harry smiling.
"So we'll have an old Marauder in the school without any worry about being caught." Said Fred grinning like Harry.
"It seems so, Wise." Said Harry.
"What did you talk about with Alicia?" Asked Ron remembering Harry's chat with the Chaser.
"Did she tell you about the special tryout that we'll have this Saturday?" Asked Harry to the twins.
"No, why?" Asked George in confusion.
"Listen all of you this mustn't leave this place. Today the firsts years played a soccer game in the Quidditch Pitch. Alicia and I saw a first year of Gryffindor who was excellent in the Keeper's Position. We convinced McGonagall and Dumbledore to allow him to make the tryouts. Of this, the only people who know are I, Alicia, Hooch, McGonagall, Dumbledore, the boy and you. Keep this quiet." Said seriously Harry to his friends.
"How good is in a broom?" Asked George interested in his words.
"According to Hooch, seven in a scale of one to ten. McGonagall put a few conditions: he'll be titular only if no one is better than he, she'll see the tryouts by herself and she has the last word in his entrance to the team." Said Harry to the twins.
"Who is the boy?" Asked Ron listening his words.
"His name is Michael Netz." Said Harry.
"The tryouts will be interesting this year." Said Hermione.
"Why? Will you tryout?" Asked with curiosity Ron.
"Beater." Said the girl with a smile.
"That will be something interesting." Said Harry with a smile.
"And I'll try as Chaser. I hope I enter too." Said Ron hopefully.
"Don't worry, Ron. You are very good and you'll be in." Said Fred.
"I hope so." Said hopefully Ron.
****
The morning of the tryouts during the breakfast, appeared three owls taking one big package each one. Everybody turned their attention to them wanting to know who were the people who would receive the packages and what they were.
All of the Gryffindor stared at Harry and his two best friends when the owls flew to them and left the packages in their front. Harry took the letter that came with them and opened it to read it with curiosity:
"Like I said after my trial, I wanted to give you a big gift from the missing 14 years. Here it is. I hope that it will help you this year at the team.
Sirius.
P.S.: The other packages are for Ron and Hermione. They are 2 Firebolt."
"Don't open the package." Said Harry to his friends giving them the letter.
When they finished it, Ron and Hermione were grinning from ear to ear. The rest of the MNG were stunned after they read it too.
"If he gave them those ones, I don't want to think which one is yours, Harry." Whispered Fred to his ear.
"I'm sure that it will be a very good one, Fred." Said Harry to his teammate in a whisper too.
"I'm sure that it'll be better than your own Firebolt." Said George.
"Maybe." Said Harry laughing.
"When will you open it?" Asked anxious Hermione.
"No in front of the Hall. I'm not so crazy." Said seriously Harry.
"So, when?" Asked Fred.
"Later in the room." Said Harry taking the broom and going to the MNG's Room before he went to the pitch for the tryouts.
****
"Welcome everybody to the Tryouts for the Quidditch Team of the House. We're looking for: Keeper, titular and reserve, two reserves Beaters, three reserves Chasers and a reserve Seeker." Began Harry when all the students were in the pitch ready to try their luck.
"Because we have to find a new Keeper yes or yes, we'll begin with that. The others, please go and wait in the stands." Said McGonagall, who, like she said to Harry, was there to watch the Tryouts by herself.
"Let begin. The ones who want to try as Keeper will be proved by the Girls who will shoot 20 shots to each of you." Informed Harry to the students. Harry checked the list and said: "Alinger, Kevin you are the first. Katie, Alicia, Angelina up." Said Harrysending the Quaffle to the air when the four were ready to begin.
****
"This is a disaster, mate." Said George to Harry after almost an hour and half of tryouts. Most of them hadn't caught more then eight. The others hadn't passed the five.
"And still we have another 20 more." Said Harry checking the list of the students, who were trying for Keeper.
The next one was good. She caught 15 of the shots. Harry checked her name: Mara Nimer. He marked her name and wrote next to it: "Possible one."
The rest of them were one worse than the other. When it was Michael's time, many protested saying that Firsts Years can't play Quidditch.
"He has special permission from McGonagall and Dumbledore to make the tryouts." Said Harry flatly, returning his attention to the try.
He was the best one: quick reflexes, good maneuvers at the broom, good sight, wasn't distracted by anything. He was the choice.
"He's as good as Oliver." Said Fred grinning from ear to ear.
"Katie, use your special one!" Yelled Harry to the Chaser.
"Got it!" Shouted Katie taking the Quaffle. The special one, which Harry was talking about, was a shot created by the Chaser that could make specials tricks in the air with the Quaffle. There was only one person who could catch it: Oliver Wood and not all the times he could do it.
Michael followed with the eyes the ball the whole time. When it did the last trick before it went to the score, he caught it, although he almost fell of the broom.
"Any doubt that he is the one to the team?" Asked Harry to the Beaters, who couldn't believe what they saw with the shot.
"If McGonagall doesn't allow him to enter the team, she's out of her mind!" Said George grinning like a madman.
"The four of you down! Team's meeting!" Shouted Harry to the girls and Michael.
"He's the perfect choice." Said Angelina when they met.
"Katie, I guess I don't need to ask you." Said Harry laughing.
"Of course that you don't need it, man! After catching my special shot, he convinced me!" Said Katie with impression about what she had seen.
"Alicia?" Asked Harry to the remaining Chaser.
"In." Was her answer.
"Fred? George?" Asked Harry to the Beaters.
"Same opinion that the girls. He's the best." Said both twins at the same time.
"Professor McGonagall, come here, please!" Called Harry to the Head of Gryffindor.
"What's the team's opinion of him?" Asked the teacher when she met the team.
"The six of us agreed that he's the best choice." Answered Harry.
"But you said it, Professor, the last word in this subject is yours." Added Alicia.
"He's in. He convinced me too." Said McGonagall with a little smile.
"Ok. For Reserve I guess that Mara Nimer is the best choice." Said Harry checking his list.
"We agree." Said the rest of the team at the same time.
"Let's announce it." Said Harry returning to, where the students were waiting for the decision. He began to speak: "The team, I and Professor McGonagall have decided that the titular Keeper will be Michael Netz, and the Reserve will be Mara Nimer. Congratulations both of you. To the rest of you, thanks for being here."
Many of them congratulated both students, who were smiling broadly. Others were a little disappointed by not making the team. But any of them seemed angry with Michael being chosen although he was at his first year.
"I guess you don't need me anymore. When the tryouts have finished, go to my office and give me the list." Said McGonagall to Harry.
"Very well, Professor." Said the Captain when the Head of Gryffindor began to walk to the Castle.
"Now the hardest part: find our replacements." Said Katie to Harry.
"Let's begin. Those of you who want to be Beaters, follow the clowns of the House. The Chasers follow these lovely girls. And Seekers, follow your Captain." Said Harry to the students, and going to the part of the Pitch that he would use for the tryouts.
****
Half and hour later, Harry had finished the Seeker's tryouts.
To choose the best, he had shot 50 golf ball and the students had to catch the most that they could. It was the same that Oliver Wood had done in his first training. He had chosen two of the twenty possible: a girl of Second year called Alexandra Joinst and a third year boy named Pete Kinnie. She had caught 35 of the 50 balls and he had caught 46 of them.
"How many did you catch, Harry?" Asked Pete when he had finished his tryout.
"All of them." Answered Harry with a proud smile.
"And you were in First year???" Asked a girl listening his words.
"I caught the balls at my first training. Oliver Wood wasn't an easy Captain. But he was happy with what he saw that day." Said Harry.
"Didn't you do the tryouts?" Asked confused a girl.
"I never finished my first class with Madame Hooch. Before the end of it, McGonagall took me and dragged me to see the Captain and presented me as the Seeker. I'm here since that day." Laughed Harry at the memory.
"Cool." Said Alexandra when he finished his tale.
"Ok, you two," said Harry to Alexandra and Pete, "I want both of you at the air. I'll release the Snitch and you have to catch it. The one who convinces me more is the Seeker. Do your best." And then he released the Snitch and the two students went to their mission.
It was obvious that Peter was the best one of the two: good diving, never distracted, good sight and always looking for the Snitch. Alexandra only watched him and followed him always. Her strategy was to wait till he found the ball and trying to catch it before him. After five minutes Harry had taken his decision about the reserve Seeker.
Meanwhile he was waiting till one of them caught the Snitch, Fred went to him. "We're done." Said the twin watching the tryout.
"Who?" Asked Harry without removing his eyes from the two students.
"Hermione and Neville." Said Fred before adding: "They are really good, believe me."
"Are we talking about the same person? Neville Longbottom, someone who said that he was almost a Squib once in my second year?" Asked Harry shocked by the news.
"He changed. He's almost as good as we." Said Fred sure of his words.
"If you say so." Said Harry writing the names in a list before asking: "Did the girls finish yet?"
"Nope. Although it seems that Ron and Ginny are two of the Reserves Chasers." Told Fred.
"Tell me when they finish. Lee?"
"He finished, but he didn't want to tell me the names." Said Fred before going back to the Chaser's tryouts.
A few minutes later, Peter dove and caught the Snitch easily. Both of them landed and the boy had a grin in his face from ear to ear.
"Ok, you two. I'll tell my decision when the others had finished their tryouts. Go and change." Ordered Harry to the students. They nodded and headed to the lockers.
Harry went to the Chasers who were discussing something. When they finished, he asked to Katie: "Who?"
"Ron, Ginny and Mark Limop, he's in fourth year." Answered the Head Girl.
"Let's announce it." Said Harry before he called the attention of everybody. When he had it, he began, "Ok, we have the names of the new players. For Reserve Beaters, Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom. Reserve Chasers will be Ronald Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Mark Limop. Reserve Seeker will be Peter Kinnie. For all of you congratulations. In a few days I'll tell you the days of training. To the others thanks for being here." Finished Harry.
Many ones congratulated the ones that made the team cheering for them or clapping them in the back. Some people had sad looks in the faces, others a frustrating one.
"Go to Hogsmeade and get some food. Let's make a party in the Tower." Whispered Harry to Fred who nodded and disappeared with his brother.
"Let me present to you my replacement: Alex Potin. He's worst than me insulting." Laughed Lee clapping the back of the third year boy, who grinned evilly.
"I'll go to McGonagall's office to give her the list. See you at the party." Said Harry before he ran to the Castle.
"What party?" Asked everyone at the same time.
****
When Harry reached to his Godmother's office, he heard that she and Dumbledore were arguing. He stopped and listened what they were saying.
"He's insane, Albus! Now he wants to accuse Harry of Diggory's death??" Asked Minerva in disbelief.
"He wants to question him about it, Minerva. He's losing support after the attacks and Sirius' trial. He wasn't very happy when Harry sent him to the hell. And that the Ministry didn't find him this summer just makes everything worse." Said Albus not very happy.
"But from that to accuse Harry of murderer is stupid!!" Said McGonagall frustrated.
"Come in, Harry. I know that you are there." Said Albus.
"Sorry, I didn't pretend to listen." Apologized Harry, before he asked: "What's wrong now?"
"Fudge wants to question you under Veritaserum about what happened in the Third Task." Explained McGonagall not very happy for the idea.
"Stupid git, son of a. . ." Said Harry angrily.
"Harry!!!" Said McGonagall scandalized by her Godson's words.
"I'm just telling what I think of him!" Said Harry in a defensive way.
"Although those are good. . . opinions, Harry, he's still the Minister." Said Dumbledore amused by Harry's reaction.
"I'm surprised that he still is the Minister. But if he wants to play dirt, he'll find someone who can play worse and dirtier than he." Said Harry with an evil smile.
"What do you mean with that?" Asked the two Professors interested in his words.
"You'll know it soon. The only thing that I'll tell you is that NOTHING will be the same when I finish this play. Be ready for the chaos." Said Harry, before he added to Minerva: "Here is the list of the Team. If you excuse me, there is a party in my Tower and I don't want to lose it." After saying this he left the Office leaving the professors.
"What do you think that he is planning, Albus?" Said Minerva after he left.
"I don't know, Minerva, but something tells me that he didn't joke about the chaos. If he wants, he can do it. The only thing that we can do now, is to sit and wait. The next move is his." Said Dumbledore after thinking a few minutes.
"We need the Order again." Said McGonagall listening Albus' words.
"I'm on it. I want the MNG there." Said Albus with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Who are they?" Asked curious the Head of Gryffindor.
"The Weasley twins and the trio. MNG means Marauders Next Generation if I'm not wrong" Said Dumbledore chuckling at the Deputy Headmistress' shocked face. "It means that they cheated me when they asked me to train them? Because if they did, I'll kill them!" Said Minerva when she recovered herself from the shocking news.
"Like they said, this one is a sided effected reason." Chuckled Albus.
"Sure, and I was born yesterday." Replied ironically McGonagall.
"They did something that the old ones never thought." Said mysteriously Dumbledore.
"What?" Asked confused Minerva.
"Did you see the Lion's statue near the Fat Lady's entrance?" Asked amused the Headmaster.
"Yes, why?" Asked curious Minerva.
"That's one of the many entrances to the MNG's Headquarters. They built a hidden room." Chuckled the old wizard.
"Which are the others?" Asked shocked McGonagall.
"They have entrances in their dorms, Common Room, Head Boy and Head Girls' dorms and their Common Room too. At least those are the ones that they told me." Answered the Headmaster after thinking in his chat with the group.
"Why doesn't it surprise me? In the group you have the two worst pranksters since the old Marauders' time, someone who is the best student in this School, someone who has powers enough to break the school and that we don't know the half of them, and someone who is a mix of all of them. God helps us to survive to them!" Exclaimed McGonagall.
****
When Harry entered in the Tower, the party was beginning. The twins had just returned from Hogsmeade and were giving sweets to anyone. There were Butterbeers bottles, food and other things for the party, that included pranks from both of them.
"Why that face, Harry? You don't look very good!" Said Ron when his friend sat next to him and Hermione.
"Fudge wants to question me under Veritaserum about the Third Task." Said Harry with anger in his voice.
"WHAT!?!?" Exclaimed both of them.
"Don't worry. He'll regret it. Hermione, what did you do with Rita?" Asked Harry to his best friend with an evil smile.
"I have her in my room. Why do you need her?" Asked the girl confused.
"She's my perfect weapon to begin this show." Answered Harry mysteriously.
"What show?" Asked his friends confused.
"You'll know it soon." Was Harry's only reply.
"Hey, mate, when shall we know what broom is your new one?" Asked Fred in a whisper sitting next to the group.
"Later, mate." Answered Harry in a flat tone of voice before he went to get a Butterbeer.
"What's wrong?" Asked Fred to his brother and his friend.
"Fudge wants to question him under Veritaserum." Explained Hermione.
"The Third Task, right?" Asked Fred worried by her words.
"Yes. He thinks that I have something to do with Cedric's death. In other words, for Fudge I killed Cedric that night." Said Harry sitting down.
"What????" Asked the three friends in anger.
"He isn't very happy with me. After the Tri Wizard Tournament and what happened with it, I'm a little problem that he wants to eliminate. He's losing support after the attacks and Sirius' trial. Adding that to the fact that he couldn't find me this summer, I'm sure that this year has became a hell." Explained angrily Harry.
"Can anyone believe it?" Asked exasperated Fred.
"Fred, If I Want I can play dirty than he and I will. Believe me, when I finish with him, he'll wish that he never met me." Said Harry with an evil smile.
"What are you planning, my dear Blaze? You know that I can help you in anything that you need." Said Fred with a smile like Harry's.
"You'll know soon." Said Harry standing from his chair. "I'll be at the room. Please, don't go tonight. I need to be alone. I have to do a few things without any disturbance." After he said that, he left the Common Room.
"What is he planning this time?" Asked the 3 MNG at the same time.
The MNG began to play their pranks every day. Nobody knew who were they except their nicknames. After a prank they always left a card signed saying:
"With love,
The MNG: Blaze, Feather, Griffin, Ape and Wise."
After a few arguments, they decided the nick of Wise to Fred. It was a mix of his ideas and the characteristics of the fox: the wisdom.
Many of the teachers thought that the Weasley Twins were involved in this. But they denied this specially by the fact that the twins worked alone and never left a card after their pranks. It was known when they were the responsible. That meant that they had no idea who the MNG were.
The principal victims of the pranks were the Slytherins, specially Malfoy and Snape.
The biggest one was the almost destruction of their Common Room. They had put dung bombs, a few Fillybusters, and another new invents from the twins and changed the color of everything there: Armchairs, trunks in the dorms, curtain of the beds, EVERYTHING. When the prank finished, it was like if a tornado had passed by the Common Room. It was upside down and changed of color.
Snape had threatened that if he discovered who were the responsible, he would be sure that they were expelled from the school. The Slytherins hated each student completely and they began many fights, when someone remembered or talked about the MNG.
The only people who knew who were the MNG, were Dumbledore, Sirius and Remus. Of course they never said what they knew. They found all this very amusing, specially after the prank against the Slytherin's Common Room.
****
One night when they were planning a new prank, Harry had an idea: Build a Secret Room. It would be connected to the Tower and the rooms of the five. Only they and the old Marauders would know the existence and the place of it.
"It's a great idea, Harry!" Approved Hermione.
"The Marauder's Secret Chamber!" Said Fred laughing.
"Good idea, but I and Ron would prefer not that name." Said seriously Harry.
"Anything but Secret Chamber or things like that." Said Ron in the same tone of his friends.
"It was a suggestion." Said Fred understanding their reaction. None of the Weasley family had forgotten about what happened in the Secret Chamber of Slytherin with Ginny and You-Know-Who 3 years ago.
"We know, Fred. But it isn't a matter of jokes." Said Harry, clearly saying "change the subject NOW." To all of them.
"First of all we need the right place." Said Ron receiving clearly the message.
"How to build it." Added Hermione.
"How to connect it to everywhere that we want." Said Fred thinking a little.
"How to hide it." Added George.
"What we will put there." Said Harry writing on a list all the things said.
"Let's solve the easiest problem: Hermione, go to the library and find books about charms used to build rooms and places." Suggested Fred to the Prefect and Book lover.
"Ok." Said Hermione going out from the Common Room, where the group was, to the library.
"We should use a password like the Common's Rooms, or a statue or something like what Dumbledore uses in his office. In that way nobody will enter if we don't want him to." Suggested Harry thinking about how to hide it.
"Like you said, it should be near the Gryffindor Tower. We should build passages to our rooms and the Common Room too." Said Ron.
A little while later Hermione returned with a few books and they began to read them looking for information about building a room.
****
A few days later they had built a big room. It was in a corridor near the Portrait to the Common Room.
To enter it there was 11 ways: The passages from the Dorms of the fifth to Seventh years, the Head Boy and Head Girls Rooms, the Common Rooms of the Tower and the one for the Head Boy and Head Girl and the Statue that was in front of the entrance. The statue had the form of a Lion like the Gryffindor's one.
"I didn't know that the Head Boy and Girl had private Rooms and Common Rooms." Said Harry when they discussed the entrances.
"Yes, they have. It's for privacy for them. Bill and Percy told us about that." Said Ron.
They decided so many entrances by the chance of Harry, Ron and Hermione being changed of Dorm or any of them being chosen as Head Boy or Girl.
In the Room, named "MNG's Headquarters", there were beds to every one of them and private places too. Also, there were desks, chairs, sofas, big tables and places to put the brooms.
All of them helped in the decoration: Ron put a few posters of the Chudley Cannons, Hermione a little library with books to study, the twins put pictures of the family, friends and themselves.
The best one of all was without any doubt Harry's addition to the decoration: It was a big paint of the Marauders and the MNG together in human and Animagus Forms.
"Just magnificent, My dear Blaze." Said bowing Fred.
"Thanks, my dear Wise." Said Harry returning the bow.
"Shall we put our pets here too?" Asked Hermione thinking about Crookshanks, Marauder, Pig and Hedwig, the trio's pets.
"Yes." Said Harry, creating two perches to Pig and Hedwig.
"What will be the Password?" Asked George thinking about the Lion's entrance.
"Prongs." Suggested Harry.
"I love it." Said the others together at the same time.
"Shouldn't we add windows, plants, trees or things like that? To have something different to the stone." Said Hermione.
"She's right as always." Said Harry making three windows on the walls, big enough to let the sunlight enter the room and to the owls enter or exit when they delivered a letter or package.
"We could put a big tree and few plants." Suggested Ron thinking about what Hermione had said before.
"I say to put a big oak tree. It's the perfect one for here. What do you think?" Said George.
"Done." Said Harry flicking his wand and making appear a big oak in the room.
The rest of the day they passed finishing little details: bringing the pets to their new home, putting more flowers and plants and things like that.
****
"Could I speak with you five in my office, please?" Asked Dumbledore to the MNG a few days later at dinner.
The group looked each other and followed the Headmaster to his office, wondering the reason of the call.
"Can any of you explain me why is there a new statue near the Gryffindor Tower's entrance since a few days ago?" Asked the old wizard when the five sat down.
"We don't know what are you talking about, sir." Said the five at the same time with the most innocent smiles that they could do.
"Children, I can be old, not fool." Said Dumbledore smiling.
"We never said that, Professor." Said Harry smiling innocently.
"What are you planning? Or best said what is the thing that you are hiding?" Asked the Headmaster with amusement.
The five looked each other and nodded, before Harry said: "The MNG's Headquarters."
"You built a hidden room?" Asked surprised Dumbledore.
"Yes." Was the group's answer.
"Where is it connected to?" Asked amused Dumbledore.
"Our dorms, Common Room, The Head Boy and Girl's dorms and Common Room too." Explained Hermione.
"You covered every possibility by the seen." Chuckled the old wizard.
"Yes we did." Said George.
"Those are the only entrances and the passages from and to the room?" Asked Dumbledore.
"Now, yes. Later, we don't know." Said Harry with an evil smile.
"Is there any chance that you would allow me to see it?" Asked chuckling Dumbledore.
"You'll see it when we show it to the Old Marauders, not before not later." Said Harry after discussing it with the rest of the group.
"Go to dinner. I don't know how you did it, but the old ones never thought about it. Congratulations in the innovation. You'll receive 50 points to Gryffindor by your work." Said the Headmaster finishing the meeting.
"Goodnight, Professor and thanks." Said Harry leaving the place with his friends.
****
The room became quickly the place where they passed most of their time. They used to read, do homework, study and things like that everyday there. Of course the new pranks were planned there.
The third week of September was the one when Gryffindor would hold the tryouts for the Quidditch Team.
The Thursday, Harry took his broom to fly alone for a while, but he was joined by Alicia who planned to do the same. When they reached to the pitch, they saw that many first years from the 4 houses were playing a soccer game among them.
"There's hope to finish it, you know." Said Harry watching them playing.
"To finish what, Harry?" Asked confused the Chaser.
"The hate between houses in the new students of the school. I mean, Alicia, you and I studied all our years here remembering the motto: "I'm a Gryffindor, You are a Slytherin, so I hate you." That isn't present yet. Look, in the same team you have three Gryffindors, two Slytherins, four Ravenclaws and two Hufflepuffs. In the other, four from our house, two Slytherins, three Hufflepuffs and two Ravenclaws. They don't have the hate present in them yet." Explained Harry to his teammate.
"Maybe there is some hope to finish the old hate, Harry. But I'm sure that the process will be very slow, and you know that as well as I do." Said Alicia thinking the words of the Prefect.
"Meanwhile there is a little of hope, everything can happen, Alicia. Maybe it'll be slow, but it can work. I hope to be here to see the beginning of it." Said Harry hopefully.
"Who knows what will happen in two years." Said Alicia with hope too.
Meanwhile they watched the kids play the match, Harry caught sight of something: a first year of Gryffindor who played as Keeper in one of the teams. He was excellent, had good moves, reflexes and didn't miss any shot of the other team.
"He's good." Said Alicia, as if she was reading Harry's thoughts about the boy.
"Really good. I wonder how good is he on a broom." Said Harry seeing a new catch.
"Who?" Asked Madame Hooch going near the two players.
"That boy. The one who plays as Keeper." Said Harry pointing the boy.
"In a scale from one to ten, I would say seven. Why?" Asked the flying teacher, with curiosity.
"Watch him for ten minutes and you'll know the answer, Madame Hooch." Said Alicia returning her attention to the game.
"Are you two crazy? Did you forget the rule?" Asked Hooch realizing the players' intentions after watch the boy for a while.
"I remind you, Professor, that the First's year rule was raised in my case. And I never finished my first class with you." Said Harry facing the Flight Professor.
"You need authorization for that, Potter. McGonagall's and Dumbledore's." Said Hooch seeing the determination of both students in this.
"For what do you need our authorization?" Asked Dumbledore going to the trio, along the Deputy Headmistress.
"To allow a first year to make the Team's Tryouts." Answered Alicia facing the two teachers. "Who?" Asked interested McGonagall in her words.
"He." Said Harry pointing the Keeper.
"He's very good, I must say." Said McGonagall after watching him for 10 minutes.
"That's why we thought of making him to try the team, Professor. Madame Hooch said that he's a good flier. We hope that both things work well." Said Harry.
"But, like Madame Hooch said, we need the authorization of both of you to make him try." Added Alicia.
"How good is he flying?" Asked McGonagall to Hooch.
"In a scale of one to ten, I would say that seven." Answered the Flight teacher.
"What harm can be done, Professor? If he's not good with the Quaffle, nothing will happen. But it worth the try." Pleaded Alicia when her Head of House began to think about it for more than five minutes.
"To make him try, there will be conditions." Said seriously McGonagall to the members' team.
"Which ones?" Asked Alicia and Harry at the same time.
"First: if he's good enough to enter the team, he'll play in the titular team ONLY if anyone is better than he. Second: he'll be the last student to try for the position. Third: I'll watch personally the tryouts and I have the last word in his entrance. Fourth: No one except the five of us, the other players and him, will know about his try." Said McGonagall in a very serious tone.
"You have a deal." Said the team members at the same time.
"I hope this worth it." Said McGonagall seriously to both students.
"So do we, Professor." Said Alicia returning her attention to the game.
"Just by curiosity: why are you here?" Asked Harry to the three Professors.
"We could ask the same to both of you." Said chuckling Dumbledore.
"We came to fly for a while, but we found the match. You?" Explained Harry to the teachers.
"I came to see what was happening in the pitch." Said Hooch.
"I need to speak to you." Said Dumbledore to Harry in a serious tone.
"Did something happen?" Asked worriedly Harry.
"Come with me to my office, please." Said the Headmaster going back to the Castle.
"Talk with him after the match, Alicia." Said Harry to the Chaser, before he followed Dumbledore.
****
"I have news for you about Sirius." Said Dumbledore when both of them sat down.
"What's wrong with him?" Asked really worried now the Prefect.
"Nothing's wrong, Harry. Don't worry." Said Dumbledore with a smile.
"So, what's the matter?" Asked a little calmed Harry.
"This." Said the Headmaster giving the student a copy of the Daily Prophet.
"Is this true?" Asked Harry in shock when he finished the article.
"Yes it is, Harry." Said Dumbledore with a smile.
"When?" Asked Harry with a big smile.
"Yesterday. It was decided to not call you, Ron or Hermione. It was short." Said the Headmaster.
"When they know this, they'll be shocked. Excuse me, I'll tell Ron and Hermione." Said Harry getting up from his chair.
"Go. Sirius said that he would be here in a few days." Said Dumbledore when Harry opened the door. "Goodnights, Professor." Said Harry closing the door.
****
"Meet me in the Room when you finish. I have news for you." Said Harry to his friends at the dinner.
"Ok." Said Ron and Hermione confused, before they went on with the dinner.
"Did you speak with him?" Asked Harry to Alicia.
"Yes. He said that he would be there. He was a little shocked by the news." Said Alicia with a smile.
"Ok." Said Harry when he sat to eat.
"When are the tryouts for the team, Harry?" Asked Seamus.
"Saturday after breakfast. There is an announcement in the Common Room. It explains the time of them and positions that will be looked for." Said Harry to the whole House.
All in the table began to speak animatedly about the tryouts while they were eating.
"Hey, Lee. Why don't you make tryouts for your position too? After all, you graduate too this year." Said Hermione after thinking in the tryouts.
"She's right, Lee." Said Harry to the twins' friend.
"I'll add it to the announcement tonight." Said Lee after thinking for a few moments.
****
"What's up, Harry?" Asked Ron when the three were in the Secret Room after dinner.
"You said that you had news for us." Said Hermione after they sat down at armchairs.
"Read this." Said Harry giving them the Daily Prophet. Both of them took the paper and began to read it eagerly:
"SIRIUS BLACK DECLARED INNOCENT
Sirius Black, believed to be the person who betrayed the Potter's Family and one of the most loyal servants to The-One-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, has been set free today after a short trial held at the Ministry of Magic.
In the trial was shown that Peter Pettigrew, who was believed to be dead, was alive and that he had been the Secret Keeper of the Potters.
Black received 2.000.000 Galleons by the years passed in Azkaban and the false charges will be erased against him. He was given the permission to live with his Godson, Harry Potter. He received a house to live, his old job as an Auror and his wand.
Pettigrew will be given the Dementor's Kiss tomorrow at the dawn in front of Black and the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.
"First of all I plan to give my Godson a proper birthday's gift for the 14 that I never could give him. Later, I'll see." Said Black when he was asked about what were his plans about the money. His Godson, Harry Potter The-Boy- Who-Lived, attends the Hogwarts School and is on his Fifth Year.
The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, didn't say anything, when he was questioned about the rumor that said that he knew about Black's innocence and it was ignored. Maybe this is the proof that a new Minister is needed. Specially after all the attacks that had happened and that Fudge has clearly ignored.
Congratulations by your freedom Mr. Black. We hope you will have a good life with your Godson from now on."
The article was signed by P. D. Salatino and there was a picture of Sirius after he was freed.
"Sirius is free!!!!" Shouted happily Ron.
"Yes. Dumbledore told me about it this afternoon." Said Harry grinning from ear to ear.
"What's up?" Asked George entering the Room.
"Why did you shout, Ron?" Asked Fred entering after him.
"Read this." Said Harry giving the Prophet to the twins.
"Sirius has been freed?" Asked in surprise Fred when he and his brother finished the article.
"Yes. Next summer I'll live with him, my dear MNG." Said Harry grinning like mad. "Congratulations, mate!" Said George clapping him in the back.
"Thanks." Said Harry smiling.
"So we'll have an old Marauder in the school without any worry about being caught." Said Fred grinning like Harry.
"It seems so, Wise." Said Harry.
"What did you talk about with Alicia?" Asked Ron remembering Harry's chat with the Chaser.
"Did she tell you about the special tryout that we'll have this Saturday?" Asked Harry to the twins.
"No, why?" Asked George in confusion.
"Listen all of you this mustn't leave this place. Today the firsts years played a soccer game in the Quidditch Pitch. Alicia and I saw a first year of Gryffindor who was excellent in the Keeper's Position. We convinced McGonagall and Dumbledore to allow him to make the tryouts. Of this, the only people who know are I, Alicia, Hooch, McGonagall, Dumbledore, the boy and you. Keep this quiet." Said seriously Harry to his friends.
"How good is in a broom?" Asked George interested in his words.
"According to Hooch, seven in a scale of one to ten. McGonagall put a few conditions: he'll be titular only if no one is better than he, she'll see the tryouts by herself and she has the last word in his entrance to the team." Said Harry to the twins.
"Who is the boy?" Asked Ron listening his words.
"His name is Michael Netz." Said Harry.
"The tryouts will be interesting this year." Said Hermione.
"Why? Will you tryout?" Asked with curiosity Ron.
"Beater." Said the girl with a smile.
"That will be something interesting." Said Harry with a smile.
"And I'll try as Chaser. I hope I enter too." Said Ron hopefully.
"Don't worry, Ron. You are very good and you'll be in." Said Fred.
"I hope so." Said hopefully Ron.
****
The morning of the tryouts during the breakfast, appeared three owls taking one big package each one. Everybody turned their attention to them wanting to know who were the people who would receive the packages and what they were.
All of the Gryffindor stared at Harry and his two best friends when the owls flew to them and left the packages in their front. Harry took the letter that came with them and opened it to read it with curiosity:
"Like I said after my trial, I wanted to give you a big gift from the missing 14 years. Here it is. I hope that it will help you this year at the team.
Sirius.
P.S.: The other packages are for Ron and Hermione. They are 2 Firebolt."
"Don't open the package." Said Harry to his friends giving them the letter.
When they finished it, Ron and Hermione were grinning from ear to ear. The rest of the MNG were stunned after they read it too.
"If he gave them those ones, I don't want to think which one is yours, Harry." Whispered Fred to his ear.
"I'm sure that it will be a very good one, Fred." Said Harry to his teammate in a whisper too.
"I'm sure that it'll be better than your own Firebolt." Said George.
"Maybe." Said Harry laughing.
"When will you open it?" Asked anxious Hermione.
"No in front of the Hall. I'm not so crazy." Said seriously Harry.
"So, when?" Asked Fred.
"Later in the room." Said Harry taking the broom and going to the MNG's Room before he went to the pitch for the tryouts.
****
"Welcome everybody to the Tryouts for the Quidditch Team of the House. We're looking for: Keeper, titular and reserve, two reserves Beaters, three reserves Chasers and a reserve Seeker." Began Harry when all the students were in the pitch ready to try their luck.
"Because we have to find a new Keeper yes or yes, we'll begin with that. The others, please go and wait in the stands." Said McGonagall, who, like she said to Harry, was there to watch the Tryouts by herself.
"Let begin. The ones who want to try as Keeper will be proved by the Girls who will shoot 20 shots to each of you." Informed Harry to the students. Harry checked the list and said: "Alinger, Kevin you are the first. Katie, Alicia, Angelina up." Said Harrysending the Quaffle to the air when the four were ready to begin.
****
"This is a disaster, mate." Said George to Harry after almost an hour and half of tryouts. Most of them hadn't caught more then eight. The others hadn't passed the five.
"And still we have another 20 more." Said Harry checking the list of the students, who were trying for Keeper.
The next one was good. She caught 15 of the shots. Harry checked her name: Mara Nimer. He marked her name and wrote next to it: "Possible one."
The rest of them were one worse than the other. When it was Michael's time, many protested saying that Firsts Years can't play Quidditch.
"He has special permission from McGonagall and Dumbledore to make the tryouts." Said Harry flatly, returning his attention to the try.
He was the best one: quick reflexes, good maneuvers at the broom, good sight, wasn't distracted by anything. He was the choice.
"He's as good as Oliver." Said Fred grinning from ear to ear.
"Katie, use your special one!" Yelled Harry to the Chaser.
"Got it!" Shouted Katie taking the Quaffle. The special one, which Harry was talking about, was a shot created by the Chaser that could make specials tricks in the air with the Quaffle. There was only one person who could catch it: Oliver Wood and not all the times he could do it.
Michael followed with the eyes the ball the whole time. When it did the last trick before it went to the score, he caught it, although he almost fell of the broom.
"Any doubt that he is the one to the team?" Asked Harry to the Beaters, who couldn't believe what they saw with the shot.
"If McGonagall doesn't allow him to enter the team, she's out of her mind!" Said George grinning like a madman.
"The four of you down! Team's meeting!" Shouted Harry to the girls and Michael.
"He's the perfect choice." Said Angelina when they met.
"Katie, I guess I don't need to ask you." Said Harry laughing.
"Of course that you don't need it, man! After catching my special shot, he convinced me!" Said Katie with impression about what she had seen.
"Alicia?" Asked Harry to the remaining Chaser.
"In." Was her answer.
"Fred? George?" Asked Harry to the Beaters.
"Same opinion that the girls. He's the best." Said both twins at the same time.
"Professor McGonagall, come here, please!" Called Harry to the Head of Gryffindor.
"What's the team's opinion of him?" Asked the teacher when she met the team.
"The six of us agreed that he's the best choice." Answered Harry.
"But you said it, Professor, the last word in this subject is yours." Added Alicia.
"He's in. He convinced me too." Said McGonagall with a little smile.
"Ok. For Reserve I guess that Mara Nimer is the best choice." Said Harry checking his list.
"We agree." Said the rest of the team at the same time.
"Let's announce it." Said Harry returning to, where the students were waiting for the decision. He began to speak: "The team, I and Professor McGonagall have decided that the titular Keeper will be Michael Netz, and the Reserve will be Mara Nimer. Congratulations both of you. To the rest of you, thanks for being here."
Many of them congratulated both students, who were smiling broadly. Others were a little disappointed by not making the team. But any of them seemed angry with Michael being chosen although he was at his first year.
"I guess you don't need me anymore. When the tryouts have finished, go to my office and give me the list." Said McGonagall to Harry.
"Very well, Professor." Said the Captain when the Head of Gryffindor began to walk to the Castle.
"Now the hardest part: find our replacements." Said Katie to Harry.
"Let's begin. Those of you who want to be Beaters, follow the clowns of the House. The Chasers follow these lovely girls. And Seekers, follow your Captain." Said Harry to the students, and going to the part of the Pitch that he would use for the tryouts.
****
Half and hour later, Harry had finished the Seeker's tryouts.
To choose the best, he had shot 50 golf ball and the students had to catch the most that they could. It was the same that Oliver Wood had done in his first training. He had chosen two of the twenty possible: a girl of Second year called Alexandra Joinst and a third year boy named Pete Kinnie. She had caught 35 of the 50 balls and he had caught 46 of them.
"How many did you catch, Harry?" Asked Pete when he had finished his tryout.
"All of them." Answered Harry with a proud smile.
"And you were in First year???" Asked a girl listening his words.
"I caught the balls at my first training. Oliver Wood wasn't an easy Captain. But he was happy with what he saw that day." Said Harry.
"Didn't you do the tryouts?" Asked confused a girl.
"I never finished my first class with Madame Hooch. Before the end of it, McGonagall took me and dragged me to see the Captain and presented me as the Seeker. I'm here since that day." Laughed Harry at the memory.
"Cool." Said Alexandra when he finished his tale.
"Ok, you two," said Harry to Alexandra and Pete, "I want both of you at the air. I'll release the Snitch and you have to catch it. The one who convinces me more is the Seeker. Do your best." And then he released the Snitch and the two students went to their mission.
It was obvious that Peter was the best one of the two: good diving, never distracted, good sight and always looking for the Snitch. Alexandra only watched him and followed him always. Her strategy was to wait till he found the ball and trying to catch it before him. After five minutes Harry had taken his decision about the reserve Seeker.
Meanwhile he was waiting till one of them caught the Snitch, Fred went to him. "We're done." Said the twin watching the tryout.
"Who?" Asked Harry without removing his eyes from the two students.
"Hermione and Neville." Said Fred before adding: "They are really good, believe me."
"Are we talking about the same person? Neville Longbottom, someone who said that he was almost a Squib once in my second year?" Asked Harry shocked by the news.
"He changed. He's almost as good as we." Said Fred sure of his words.
"If you say so." Said Harry writing the names in a list before asking: "Did the girls finish yet?"
"Nope. Although it seems that Ron and Ginny are two of the Reserves Chasers." Told Fred.
"Tell me when they finish. Lee?"
"He finished, but he didn't want to tell me the names." Said Fred before going back to the Chaser's tryouts.
A few minutes later, Peter dove and caught the Snitch easily. Both of them landed and the boy had a grin in his face from ear to ear.
"Ok, you two. I'll tell my decision when the others had finished their tryouts. Go and change." Ordered Harry to the students. They nodded and headed to the lockers.
Harry went to the Chasers who were discussing something. When they finished, he asked to Katie: "Who?"
"Ron, Ginny and Mark Limop, he's in fourth year." Answered the Head Girl.
"Let's announce it." Said Harry before he called the attention of everybody. When he had it, he began, "Ok, we have the names of the new players. For Reserve Beaters, Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom. Reserve Chasers will be Ronald Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Mark Limop. Reserve Seeker will be Peter Kinnie. For all of you congratulations. In a few days I'll tell you the days of training. To the others thanks for being here." Finished Harry.
Many ones congratulated the ones that made the team cheering for them or clapping them in the back. Some people had sad looks in the faces, others a frustrating one.
"Go to Hogsmeade and get some food. Let's make a party in the Tower." Whispered Harry to Fred who nodded and disappeared with his brother.
"Let me present to you my replacement: Alex Potin. He's worst than me insulting." Laughed Lee clapping the back of the third year boy, who grinned evilly.
"I'll go to McGonagall's office to give her the list. See you at the party." Said Harry before he ran to the Castle.
"What party?" Asked everyone at the same time.
****
When Harry reached to his Godmother's office, he heard that she and Dumbledore were arguing. He stopped and listened what they were saying.
"He's insane, Albus! Now he wants to accuse Harry of Diggory's death??" Asked Minerva in disbelief.
"He wants to question him about it, Minerva. He's losing support after the attacks and Sirius' trial. He wasn't very happy when Harry sent him to the hell. And that the Ministry didn't find him this summer just makes everything worse." Said Albus not very happy.
"But from that to accuse Harry of murderer is stupid!!" Said McGonagall frustrated.
"Come in, Harry. I know that you are there." Said Albus.
"Sorry, I didn't pretend to listen." Apologized Harry, before he asked: "What's wrong now?"
"Fudge wants to question you under Veritaserum about what happened in the Third Task." Explained McGonagall not very happy for the idea.
"Stupid git, son of a. . ." Said Harry angrily.
"Harry!!!" Said McGonagall scandalized by her Godson's words.
"I'm just telling what I think of him!" Said Harry in a defensive way.
"Although those are good. . . opinions, Harry, he's still the Minister." Said Dumbledore amused by Harry's reaction.
"I'm surprised that he still is the Minister. But if he wants to play dirt, he'll find someone who can play worse and dirtier than he." Said Harry with an evil smile.
"What do you mean with that?" Asked the two Professors interested in his words.
"You'll know it soon. The only thing that I'll tell you is that NOTHING will be the same when I finish this play. Be ready for the chaos." Said Harry, before he added to Minerva: "Here is the list of the Team. If you excuse me, there is a party in my Tower and I don't want to lose it." After saying this he left the Office leaving the professors.
"What do you think that he is planning, Albus?" Said Minerva after he left.
"I don't know, Minerva, but something tells me that he didn't joke about the chaos. If he wants, he can do it. The only thing that we can do now, is to sit and wait. The next move is his." Said Dumbledore after thinking a few minutes.
"We need the Order again." Said McGonagall listening Albus' words.
"I'm on it. I want the MNG there." Said Albus with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Who are they?" Asked curious the Head of Gryffindor.
"The Weasley twins and the trio. MNG means Marauders Next Generation if I'm not wrong" Said Dumbledore chuckling at the Deputy Headmistress' shocked face. "It means that they cheated me when they asked me to train them? Because if they did, I'll kill them!" Said Minerva when she recovered herself from the shocking news.
"Like they said, this one is a sided effected reason." Chuckled Albus.
"Sure, and I was born yesterday." Replied ironically McGonagall.
"They did something that the old ones never thought." Said mysteriously Dumbledore.
"What?" Asked confused Minerva.
"Did you see the Lion's statue near the Fat Lady's entrance?" Asked amused the Headmaster.
"Yes, why?" Asked curious Minerva.
"That's one of the many entrances to the MNG's Headquarters. They built a hidden room." Chuckled the old wizard.
"Which are the others?" Asked shocked McGonagall.
"They have entrances in their dorms, Common Room, Head Boy and Head Girls' dorms and their Common Room too. At least those are the ones that they told me." Answered the Headmaster after thinking in his chat with the group.
"Why doesn't it surprise me? In the group you have the two worst pranksters since the old Marauders' time, someone who is the best student in this School, someone who has powers enough to break the school and that we don't know the half of them, and someone who is a mix of all of them. God helps us to survive to them!" Exclaimed McGonagall.
****
When Harry entered in the Tower, the party was beginning. The twins had just returned from Hogsmeade and were giving sweets to anyone. There were Butterbeers bottles, food and other things for the party, that included pranks from both of them.
"Why that face, Harry? You don't look very good!" Said Ron when his friend sat next to him and Hermione.
"Fudge wants to question me under Veritaserum about the Third Task." Said Harry with anger in his voice.
"WHAT!?!?" Exclaimed both of them.
"Don't worry. He'll regret it. Hermione, what did you do with Rita?" Asked Harry to his best friend with an evil smile.
"I have her in my room. Why do you need her?" Asked the girl confused.
"She's my perfect weapon to begin this show." Answered Harry mysteriously.
"What show?" Asked his friends confused.
"You'll know it soon." Was Harry's only reply.
"Hey, mate, when shall we know what broom is your new one?" Asked Fred in a whisper sitting next to the group.
"Later, mate." Answered Harry in a flat tone of voice before he went to get a Butterbeer.
"What's wrong?" Asked Fred to his brother and his friend.
"Fudge wants to question him under Veritaserum." Explained Hermione.
"The Third Task, right?" Asked Fred worried by her words.
"Yes. He thinks that I have something to do with Cedric's death. In other words, for Fudge I killed Cedric that night." Said Harry sitting down.
"What????" Asked the three friends in anger.
"He isn't very happy with me. After the Tri Wizard Tournament and what happened with it, I'm a little problem that he wants to eliminate. He's losing support after the attacks and Sirius' trial. Adding that to the fact that he couldn't find me this summer, I'm sure that this year has became a hell." Explained angrily Harry.
"Can anyone believe it?" Asked exasperated Fred.
"Fred, If I Want I can play dirty than he and I will. Believe me, when I finish with him, he'll wish that he never met me." Said Harry with an evil smile.
"What are you planning, my dear Blaze? You know that I can help you in anything that you need." Said Fred with a smile like Harry's.
"You'll know soon." Said Harry standing from his chair. "I'll be at the room. Please, don't go tonight. I need to be alone. I have to do a few things without any disturbance." After he said that, he left the Common Room.
"What is he planning this time?" Asked the 3 MNG at the same time.