Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter; just the garden gnomes on my lawn.
Chapter 5: Positions
Hermione met up with everyone again on the Quidditch field. Harry and Draco had finally agreed to support each other, no matter who got what position. Jean was confident that she had made the team, and the other students who had tried out were very nervous. Hermione really could care less right now. Ron was not being the best boyfriend right now. He flirted with the other girls without regard; one in particular. Wood came to them very slowly; deliberately keeping them in suspense. He had a set face; and he looked as though he was missing a lot of sleep.
"Good morning all. Before I announce my final decision, I want to congratulate everyone on their efforts. If you couldn't tell, I've lost a lot of sleep debating this in my head. I want you all to realize that if you didn't make it to the immediate team, that you are still a good player. I not only looked for talent, but cooperation, leadership, and how well you listened to what the coach said. Now, when I call your name; come forward and receive your new robes, official broomstick, and I would like to start practice. Now, Beaters: Johnny Telk and Maurice Jones." They received a polite clap, and got their new uniforms; blue with white stripes; and received their offical Nimbus 2000, and then stood by Wood. "Keeper: Hermione Granger." Embarrassed and shocked, Hermione got her robes and Nimbus 2000. "As many of you know the next four positions are the point getters. The Chasers for our Junior team will be: Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, and Vivian Franz." Everyone was just in shock that neither Harry or Draco had made it as the Seeker. But, they still applauded for them for making the team anyway. "Now, for the most important position on the team, I have had to make a tough call. I want Jean Bell to be our Seeker." A large applause filled the group area, and soon Jean had joined the team with her Nimbus and her robes. "Thank you all for your hard effort, and I would like to encourage you to try out next year. But for now, let's have another big hand for out Junior team!"
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None of the team got back to the school until dinner time. Harry and Draco plopped painfully down, as Jean very easily slid into her seat as though she had just gotten up from a gentle nap. Headmaster Zelgrave stood up to begin the meal. Everyone was used to this by now; but they were so hungry they hoped he kept it short.
"I would first like to congratulate our Quidditch coach for living through the entire day; without painful injury. And to extend my congratulations to all those who made the teams; and those of you who made it difficult for our coach to get much sleep. I would also like to inform all of you of something that the Minister of Magic; Ronin Tyblat; felt was important enough to come tell me face to face. There are reports of new arch-enemies of our organized way of life, coming into the Ministry's office. So far, they can only deduce that four new witches and wizards, calling themselves the Alliance, are trying to dominate the Ministry; much like You-Know-Who. But, they are confident that they are idle threats, and that there is nothing truly to worry about. So, without any more babbling from me, let the feast begin."
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After dinner, all the gang were playing a game of Wizard Wands; a game where the object is to try to collect all the spells by making a match with their result. Jean was stomping everybody, when Ron finally quit. Jean and Ron were the only ones still in; and the even with some of the others trying to help Ron by cheating, he still was losing horribly. Harry was staring at the wall, when Ron asked him, "Harry, aren't you going to join us in this hand?"
Harry looked away from the wall. "I'd love to, but I can't concentrate right now. My mind is still filled with uncertainty."
Hermione looked at him concerned. "What's wrong Harry? Tell us. We're all friends here, and we care about you."
"I'm worried about what Zelgrave said; you know about those four new witch and wizards that are trying to take over the world. It just brings back all the memories of Voldemort." Maria and Cheyenne both shuddered at his name. Jean was never trully afraid of him; she would have welcomed death; and the others were used to him saying his name by now.
"I see. But, why would it worry you?" Hermione asked.
"I don't want more people I love taken away from me. I lost both my parents, lost Sirius; even though I got him back; nearly lost all of you guys. I just don't want to live my life afraid of losing all that I love." Harry wiped a tear from his eye, excused himself, and no one saw him until the next day.
N/A: I am hinting at nothing. This was just to establish a few facts, and to reintroduce evil again. What Dumbledore said in the first chapter will now begin to come alive.
