Chapter 20

The Reserves of the Pride

Harry walked slowly down to the pitch, knowing he was a good hour early. The morning was crisp and a light wind whipped across the Hogwarts' grounds. Harry could see the giant squid basking in the early morning sun, one of its enormous tentacles playfully slapping the surface of the lake, making ripples that a muggle surfer could probably ride to the shore. Harry was surprised to see Angus and a group of ten or so witches and wizards already stood around outside the changing rooms. As he approached, Angus spotted him and walked over to intercept him. Angus was smiling broadly as Harry approached and reached out a hand for Harry to shake. Harry shifted his broom from his right shoulder to his left and took Angus's proffered hand in a firm handshake. Harry was glad to see any even remotely familiar face, as the butterflies in his stomach had decided today was a good day for formation dive bombing, leaving him feeling decidedly sick.

"You're early Harry," stated Angus, who looked bigger than Harry remembered, although Harry thought it might have something to do with the muggle track suit he was wearing. The grey flannel garment might have hung loosely over the man's frame but it did not hide his physique as effectively as a set of robes. Angus had broad shoulders and his upper arms looked bigger than Harry's thighs; it was obvious to Harry that Angus had once played Beater, the only position which required a player to have such a massive build.

"Obviously not that early, you're already here."

"The team wanted to get a feel for the place, have a look around. Most of us used to go to Hogwarts; it's a bit like coming home."

"It's the only place I've thought of as home," said Harry, matter-of-factly.

"Sorry Harry, that was insensitive of me. You know, I used to play against James; he was one hell of a Chaser and he never stopped moving. In fact, you play a lot like him. I was Beater for Ravenclaw in my final year when James just got on the Gryffindor team; best I've ever played against, couldn't get a Bludger within twenty feet of him."

Harry smiled warmly. He had realised last year that his father had been somewhat arrogant, but it was still good to hear people talk kindly about him.

"Let me introduce you to everyone," said Angus and he took him round the group telling Harry all the names. Harry was having difficulty remembering everyone but Angus, guessing this, told him not to worry, after playing with them a few times he pick them up.

"How come there are only two Beaters but six Chasers, two Keepers and two Seekers?" asked Harry.

"Well Beaters don't tend to get injured..." From the look of them Harry could see why, the two Beaters were enormous. "and it works out pretty well for practices. Anyway we're going to get changed people." The last part was aimed at the whole group. As they all walked towards the changing rooms, Harry automatically turned towards the Gryffindor changing room. Luckily, the rest of the players followed, sparing him any embarrassment. Harry put all his gear down in his usual spot and turned as Angus entered carrying a large bag, from which he started producing deep purple Quidditch robes with gold star on the chest and five yellow bibs. Angus handed Harry a set of robes and a bib and told him to get changed.

Harry hung the robes up on his peg and took off his top. As he did so, he got a funny feeling, like he was being watched and turned around to see two of the witches at the far side looking at him. Then one of them piped across the room at another one of the wizards changing at the far side. "Here Simon, I told you it wasn't only Beaters that did weights, look at Harry."

Simon turned and looked at Harry, but Harry said, "I don't lift weights," while turning a bright shade of scarlet.

One of the Beaters snorted, commenting "Come off it Harry, you don't get a physique like that flying about on a broomstick."

"I don't, I do a bit of fencing when I can and that's all, just sparring, nothing serious."

"Ooh, you can spar with me anytime, honey," said the other witch in a fake, overly girlie, voice.

Angus started laughing. "Leave him alone Mandy, he wouldn't last five minutes if you got your hands on him."

The rest of the team started laughing and Harry took the opportunity to quickly get his robes on, pulling the bib over his head. "Okay team let's get out there." Harry grabbed his broom and followed the coach out to the pitch, followed by the rest of the team. Simon approached him

"Don't worry about Mandy and Trisha they are just teasing, since you're fresh meat. Merlin is that a 'Firebolt'?" he exclaimed, spotting Harry's broom. "The rest of us aren't going to be able to keep up with you on that."

Harry smiled nervously, "I doubt you'll have any trouble. I've only been playing Chaser a month."

"Okay enough chatter you lot..." called Angus "Right, now, kick off and I'll have two laps, then four lengths up-down dives, eighty to ten feet."

The ten players kicked off and Mandy and Trisha sped off slightly ahead of the rest. Harry's nerves melted away; he was in his element here in the air and he flattened on his broom and blasted after the two witches. Harry could see he was going to have a little trouble catching up; they were fast. He bent all but flat to his broom, pushing it harder and finally, half way round the second lap he started edging past them. He finished the laps a few yards ahead of them, than turned towards the centre of the pitch. Facing the goals at the far end of the field, he flew up almost vertically, diving down hard to ten feet and pulled back up, soaring to eighty feet and diving again. He repeated this for the four lengths and then flew with the rest of the group to Angus, who was now at the side of the pitch on the half-way line.

"You trying to make us look bad Harry?" said Trisha, smiling.

"Yeah, Chasers aren't supposed to beat Seekers on laps," added Mandy.

It was Simon who replied, sparing Harry the embarrassment. "I forgot you two don't read anything but Witches Weekly. Harry was the youngest Gryffindor Seeker in a hundred years." His tone very playful and he winked at Harry. "He only changed to a decent position this year," he finished, smiling coquettishly at the icy looks he was getting from two witches. Mandy and Trisha scowled, then began to smile as they returned their attention to Harry, who had one of his lopsided grins plastered onto his face, fighting slightly not to laugh.

"When you have quite finished," chimed in Angus, mounting his own broom "Face up, bibs versus robes. As we have a new player, we'll see how much you have all forgotten from last year. Practice match! Try not to kill anyone!" Angus waved his wand at the Quidditch box at the side of the field, opening it and releasing the balls it contained. He then blew a shiny silver whistle he wore on a chain round his neck and kicked of into the pale blue sky, closely followed by the witches and wizards who made up 'the Pride' reserves.

The next hour was a blur for Harry, never before had he played Quidditch like this. Every player was flying to limit all the time. The Quaffle flew between players who jinked, dived, looped and rolled all at maximum velocity. The Chasers and Beaters seemed to have a telepathic understanding of what their teammates were doing as the players raced around the pitch in a blur. Harry was almost unseated twice when he stopped to try and get his bearings only to be faced with a Bludger screaming directly towards him. Harry was completely lost in the game for the first five minutes, and made not a single pass or interception, let alone coming anywhere near scoring. As the time wore on, Harry gradually got used to the speed of the game and he started picking lines and passes effectively. As he became more comfortable, he began noticing the way the other players interacted with the Chasers. The Beaters were incredible, the Bludgers rocketed about the field, never aimed at targets but just in front, or to the right or left, forcing Chasers to abandon moves and passes. The Seekers dove repeatedly together to 'ooo's and 'ahh's of the crowd of spectators who had gathered in the bleachers, forcing each other to abandon the Snitch with little bumps and nudges.

After about thirty minutes Harry realized he was loving every second of this match. He had scored a few goals and had one blocked by a spectacular save; he had also used a couple of moves he had read about but had never tried before because, as good as his Gryffindor team mates were, they simply couldn't have completed the plays. Simon and the other Chasers, however, had little trouble and passes would be thrown long or short or dropped for a teammate flying underneath to catch, all with seamless precision. Harry had a warm feeling as he dodged yet another Bludger, faking a pass to the right, only to do a reverse pass to his left; this was how Quidditch was supposed to be played.

Twenty-five minutes later Harry was functioning faster than he ever thought he could, calling moves to his teammates and earning himself more time with the ball. The highlight of his game so far was a move he finished with the cheeky lob he had used against Ron in the Quidditch try outs, much to appreciation of a set of supporters in the Gryffindor stand.

The game was finally ended when Mandy performed an audacious Snitch catch, flying vertically down through the Chasers to pull out of the dive just before hitting the ground and taking the little golden ball, which was a foot from the turf an instant before Trisha. Trisha had had to loop round to avoid spearing Simon with her broom. The final score was 210-110 to the opposing side and Angus called them to the ground, stating it was a good first practice but there was definitely room for improvement and sent them all to change, calling Harry back for a word.

"What did you think?" asked the big man as he walked with Harry in the direction of the changing rooms.

"It was amazing..." puffed Harry, sweat dripping off him, as he wiped his sleeve across his forehead. "I've never imagined the game being so fast."

"You're a real natural. I was worried at the start, but you caught up quick. You know how many goals you scored?"

Harry shook his head "I didn't have time to think about it. I was having a hard enough time staying alive."

"Six, against players who have been playing most of their lives. You fly like you're an old dog. We're going to have a good season this year." Angus was smiling and he thumped Harry on the back, making Harry almost fall face down on the ground.

As they reached the entrance to the changing rooms, Remus and Tonks appeared at the tired boy's side. "Alright Harry, how was it?" asked the young Auror. Harry just beamed at her, despite his fatigue.

"That good then" said Remus, grinning.

Angus reappeared, excused himself for interrupting and said, "Look, we are going to 'The Broomsticks' for lunch. Can you come along? Help get to know the team a bit better. You play better when you really get to know your team mates and it's generally good for morale too."

Harry looked at Remus and Tonks hopefully. Tonks actually laughed at Harry, who looked like a nine year-old asking if he could go play with his friends. Harry's two protectors then exchanged a private look and turning to Harry, they smiled. Remus shrugged and told him "I'll just go clear it with Professor McGonagall. You'll have to take us with you, but it should be okay."

"Thanks Moony," said Harry happily, rocking backwards and forwards on the balls of his feet.

"Come on Harry, hurry up..." Tonks light-heartedly chastised. "Go get washed and changed. You don't wanna keep everyone waiting."

"Yes Sir!" Harry saluted with a flourish, clicking his heels together. Then, moving with speed befitting the level of Quidditch he was now playing, Harry jumped out of range of a swinging right from the Auror, which was intended to be a clip round the ear.

Harry did as he was told and went and showered and changed, earning some wolf whistles from Mandy and Trisha. Harry was considerably less embarrassed now than by the two witches' earlier comments, as he had started to realise this was part of their way of handling a mostly male dressing room. Harry wondered what it must be like for women like Mandy and Trisha, playing a sport that was dominated by men. Aside from the Harpies, which Harry recalled Ron saying was traditionally an all-witch team, Quidditch was still played mostly by men. Harry left the changing rooms and was about to join his comrades when he realised he didn't have any money, so he pulled out his wand and concentrating on his cloak. Harry knew his money bag was in the inside hidden pocket, and muttered the incantation 'Accio cloak.'

Mandy had obviously noticed Harry performing the charm, and she spooked him slightly, but he managed to keep his focus, as she spoke over his shoulder. "It won't work from here honey, you'd be quicker to run up and get it." Harry ignored her, as he knew he'd gotten over that block in the first task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Now summoning was one of his specialities and within thirty seconds the black cloak came hurtling towards him, finally landing over his outstretched arm.

"Always so sure of yaself weren't ya Mand?" came Tonks's voice from behind and to the right of him. Harry was amused by the look on the girl's face as Remus and Tonks walked up to her and Trisha. Both young women stood and stared, their mouths hanging open slightly. They recovered enough, after a few long seconds, to give Tonks a hug.

Harry interrupted the informal greetings and asked, "So, either you are really affectionate or you know each other?"

"Same year at school, Harry" replied Tonks chuckling at the cheeky young Gryffindor, "but different Houses."

"And here's us thinking you were mental becoming an Auror, but I can see why now, you get to be around all these cute young men." The comment was aimed in the general direction of Harry and Moony, but it was clear Mandy's eyes were fixed on Remus, who was, in turn, shifting uneasily.

"Come on Moony." said Harry. "We better get going before they drag you in the changing rooms and start ripping your clothes off." The three women all laughed and Remus blushed slightly and forced an uneasy smile. Harry was feeling more and more comfortable around the three women, realising that flirting was just a strange way of conducting a conversation. Harry had picked this up from Tonks during the summer and while initially he had been quite embarrassed, it was now coming more naturally.

Harry had a great time at the Wizard pub with the team; he thought it was funny that when they entered they were treated like they were muggle rock stars. The pub's patrons kept asking for autographs as they made their way through to a back room, which Madam Rosmerta had prepared for them. The popular proprietor of the famous wizarding pub even stayed to flirt around Angus, much to the amusement of the three young women. They ate a nice meal and Harry chatted with Simon, Mandy and Trisha about the league and their time at Hogwarts. Half-way through the meal, a witch dressed in a very tight fitting robe burst in and ran towards one of the Beaters, asking if 'he would sign these?' Harry had no idea what 'these' were because when she had said it Remus had almost wrestled him to the ground, covering his eyes with his hand.

Mandy, who was almost rolling around in laughter, managed to tell Remus he might as well let Harry see, adding, "After all, he is going to be the new pin-up boy for teen witches everywhere." Trisha, who was snickering almost as much as Mandy, promptly chimed in, "Yeah just ask Simon what it was like for him and he's not very good looking.'

"You didn't say that last night," said Simon with a wicked grin on his face. He then joined in to the teasing as he proceeded to scare Harry with stories of mental witches who would send him underwear and pictures of themselves, adding that he was eighteen when he was scouted. He further explained that Harry, being sixteen, fell into the adolescent wizard category and he should expect a few love letters after the first match.

Tonks found all this very amusing and laughed for a long while after seeing the petrified look on Harry's face. The team and Harry's two guardians ate, drank and chatted happily for several hours before Remus told Harry it was probably time to get back and Harry bid them all farewell till the next practice. Harry also handed Angus the signed contract and thanked him for the opportunity. Angus told him 'it was a pleasure to have him' and 'he expected him to be one of the greats in the future.' Harry smiled, thinking it was pretty unlikely to happen; he was playing at the top of his game to even keep up with his teammates.

On his way back to Hogwarts, his guardians permitted Harry to visit Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop and he replaced his favourite eagle feather quill with an almost identical one. They then returned to the school and, thanking Moony and Tonks repeatedly, Harry hurried up to the Gryffindor Common Room, to talk with his friends about his day. The last task was easier said than done, for as soon as he entered the room he was mobbed. After about five minutes of thanking people for their congratulations and avoiding the attention of a few over-zealous girls, he had had enough. Harry got rid of anyone above the fourth year with the threat of DA punishments and Hermione stepped in and rescued him, threatening every remaining fan with a detention with Filch for harassing Harry and disturbing the rest of the common room.

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