Chapter 14: Tryouts
Harry's day rushed by him. The class subjects he found interesting and exciting, the professors were stimulating and informative and he really felt that he was learning a great deal, that would help him in his future endeavors. He also remained focused, his mind was clear and the task at hand was all that filled his mind. Before long the leaning day was over and gave way to the activities that Harry had been anticipating since the summer had started. He and Ron rushed out of their final class, with Dumbledore, and up to their dormitory where they quickly changed from school robes to quiddich robed and made their way to the pitch. As they reached the great entrance to the castle they couldn't help but mount their brooms and fly to the quiddich pitch. The day was beautiful, sunny and calm. It was better than anything Harry could have asked for. Once there Harry felt happier than he had ever felt before. He flew laps around the stadium, the wind rushed through his hair, the sun was high and bright in the sky and the breeze was soft and warm. It wasn't long before Ginny and Madame Hooch came onto the pitch carrying a brightly decorated and elaborately carved case. The box shook and jumped as it was placed on the ground but the golden hinges and hardware shown in the sun. The school crest was engraved in the top of the box and painted with the bright house colours. Professor McGonagall wasn't far behind. She entered the pitch in a lighter robe than she would have normally worn with a boom in one hand an a role of parchment in the other. Her hair was neatly pined into a tight bun as it normally was but she did not wear her normal hat. To say the least she looked very different from the very stern, very educated professor that Harry had known all through his time at Hogwarts. It was a rather nice change Harry though and smiled as she came up to him.
"Well Mr. Potter are we ready for the tryouts today?" McGonagall asked as Harry landed his broom in front of her.
"Yes professor," He smiled.
"I hope you don't mind that I have invited Madame Hooch out to join us for extra supervision and an expert mind when it comes to flying and Quiddich," McGonagall said as Madame Hooch and Ginny now joined the group.
"I don't mind at all," Harry smiled, "I had hoped that you would come Madame Hooch, we'll need your input on how the new team will work together."
"Harry, I am sure you have a good eye for this game," Madame Hooch said, "you wont need me to tell you who'll help lead Gryffindor to the house cup this year, but is it always nice to have a second opinion and to get out of the castle!" she smiled
The stadium surrounding the pitch began to fill with Gryffindor students as well as students from all of the other houses. And the arena floor was littered with Quiddich hopefuls. Amelia and Dominic had come in with a few other Gryffindors of their year level and stood close to one end of the pitch. Amelia looked around nervously as the stands of the stadium became loud with chatter and full of the Gryffindor house colours. The odd ill comment could be heard from the Slytherins, who had come out to watch the tryouts as well, but they were quickly overpowered. She stayed close to Dominic while they waited for the first orders to start the tryouts.
"Well we best get started," Madame Hooch said noticing the crowds of Quiddich hopefuls.
"They should warm up first don't you think?" Harry asked, "just get a feel for the air before we really try and test their skills?"
"Good idea Mr. Potter!" McGonagall said as she mounted her broom and took off into the open air. She stop high enough above the crowd to gain the attention of the many Gryffindor team hopefuls. The students were most surprised to see McGonagall out on the pitch, let alone on a broom. The crowd whispered and chattered amongst themselves. McGonagall wore a small golden whistle around her neck. She stopped in mid air, looked down at the students and blew the whistle. It sounded loud and echoed off the stadium walls and surrounding hills, "attention all Gryffindor students!" she shouted, "before we begin the tryout process we would like for you all to be able to stretch you legs, as it were. Please mount your brooms and fly laps around the stadium. When you hear my whistle again I would like you all to gather at the far eastward side of the pitch and wait for the first event instruction!" she stated and the air became thick with students flying circles around the stadium. Flashes of colour were all around as the students had changed out of their school uniforms and into casual cloths.
The bleachers filled with the cheers of the on looking students. Friends gathered to cheer on their classmates and to feel the growing enthusiasm for the oncoming Quiddich season. Banners of student names filled the stands. Excitement was already as high as it would have been on a game day. McGonagall landed again by Harry and watched the students in their flight.
"Harry," Ginny said finally, "the four new quiddich robes have been laid out in the Gryffindor dressing room. Professor Dumbledore wants a new Quiddich picture of the team taken after tryouts are finished."
"If it is still light by the time we have finished I am sure that can be arranged," Madame Hooch smiled, "Dumbledore is quite the Quiddich enthusiast himself. He had even played when he was in school."
"Really?" Ginny asked surprised.
"Oh yes," McGonagall smiled, "he loves to relive his youth through the Quiddich in our school!"
"Yeah I am sure the new team members will be very excited with that news," Harry said happily.
"Well I think it is time for us to get started," McGonagall said as the cheers rose more and more in the stands, "before long we wont be able to hear let alone see anything."
"Alright lets go!" Harry said.
McGonagall blew her whistle loud and clear and the students landed quickly and gathered in the eastern side of the pitch. Harry, Ron and Ginny watched happily from the sideline as the stadium quieted down.
"Alright Harry," McGonagall smiled, "I think it is time for you to addressed this crowd. Good luck!" she smiled.
Harry nodded and mounted his broom. He looked over his shoulder and motioned for Ron and Ginny to do the same and to follow him on a lap around the Pitch. The crowd in the stand cheered again as Harry, Ginny and Ron made their first lap and became calm again as they stopped just above the group gathered for the tryouts.
"Alright everyone," Harry shouted, "welcome to the tryouts, thank you all very much for coming. Today we hope to fill all four empty positions on the team. First I would like you all to be familiar with the members that we have thus far. Ron Weasley as most of you know is and has been Gryffindors Keeper for two years and will be taking up that position again. Ginny Weasley, last year played the seeker position, this year she will be playing in center forward Chaser position and I will be taking up Seeker once again this year for my fifth year as the Gryffindor Seeker." he said and the crowed erupted into cheers and applause. When they had calmed down Harry spoke again, "We ask that, for all instructions, you listen to Professor McGonagall. She will now explain today's tryouts procedures and protocols."
"Thank you Mr. Potter," McGonagall said as she flew up beside him, "I would first like all students who are here to try out for the positions of the right and left chasers to make their way to the western side of the pitch. All students are welcome to try out for both available position but we will be starting with Chasers." she shouted and the group divided into two.
Harry followed the Chasers to the western side of the Pitch. Ron and Ginny had landed their brooms and had grabbed the brightly coloured Quiddich case and walked with it down the field to meet Harry. McGonagall soon joined them and waited for quiet and order once again. Harry stood tall beside the box that jumped and growled more forcefully at his feet, "alright lets get this thing started!" he shouted as he kicked open the crate.
The Bludgers growled and fought against their restraints, that rattled and crashed, in the box. Harry bent down and pulled out the bright new red Quarfel and tossed it to Ginny, who bounced it off her knee and passed it to Ron, who caught it and held it tightly against his side. The crowd applauded the short demonstration, "confidence in what you do is key to a good performance," Harry said to all the applicants, "Good luck to everyone and above all have fun!"
"Alright ladies and gentlemen," McGonagall shouted, "our first event is for you who want to be Chasers. This first trial is to divide up the group and see who has what it takes to play as a team. You will be squaring off with Ginny and Ron as your opponents. You are to, among yourselves, divide into groups of three and line up around the edge of the stadium. As you are called on you will take to the sky, you must pass the Quarfel at least three time before taking a shot. You will all get to do this three time so each person gets a chance to try and score. Ginny and Ron will both be playing the roles of Chases and Keepers for this trial so be on your guard."
"Ron, Ginny, don't go easy on them we really need to try them to their maximum potential." Harry shouted as Ron and Ginny flew off to take their positions and the tryouts started.
The tryouts were as fast paced as the real thing. Harry was amazed and even though he spent most of his time on the ground with Madame Hooch and Professor McGonagall judging the participants he felt the adrenalin running very high. The crowds were very loud cheering for their friends, excited about the new season, and the energy from the participants was very high as was that of the crowd. Ron and Ginny were playing very seriously, trying to really give the impression of how hard and fast Quiddich really was. Soon Amelia was up to try out the first round. Dominic had already flown and moved on. Harry was very nervous for Amelia. Her hands shook as she held her broom. He knew she would be fine if she just stopped worrying, "you'll do fine, don't be nervous," he though as he shot it out into her mind. She turned and smiled at him as she took off for her first round. The motion of the game was fast, Amelia had to concentrate hard. She had no time to worry about the cheering crowd or the number of people and before she knew it she had gotten past Ron and scored. She descended and was placed in the group with her brother to move on in the tryouts. By the end of the first round the starting group of participants was drastically cut and only about one third were moving on to the next round.
"Alright listen up!" McGonagall yelled as she blew her whistle again, "we will move on to our final round, only a small group of you will go on to the final judging and be named Chasers after this last trial. In this round you are to line up single file around the stadium. As you are called you will face off with Ginny. If Ginny wins the draw off the start you must attempt to gain the Quarfel back from her because Madame Hooch will be guarding your goal post at one end of the pitch. If Ginny gets as far as to hit hands with Madame Hooch you are out and do not move on. If you win the toss up you must get past Ginny and to Ron. Only if you gain a point will you move on to the finally judging, meaning you must score an official point against our seasoned Keeper before moving on." McGonagall said, "the stakes are very high in this round. It is to see how you do under pressure and the pressure is on from the very beginning. Lets get started."
The last remaining participants in the Chaser events lined up quickly and excitedly. Ginny and Ron had taken their placed and Madame Hooch was waiting at the other end. The first participant was in the air, Harry tossed up the Quarfel and right off the start Ginny won the toss up and headed down the field to Madame Hooch. Ginny was a fast and agile flyer. It was very difficult for her to be caught once she was off. The round of the tryouts was faster than the last. Ginny and Ron played harder than the first round putting everything they had into this last challenge and the participants were really feeling the difference. If they did manage to keep up with Ginny and her abilities on her broom, it wasn't easy at all to gain a point on Ron. He had improved greatly over the summer and wasn't letting anything past him. Nearly half the participants had gone and only two had gotten through, a girl in her third year and another shy young lady in her fifth year. Amelia began to get very nervous about her turn against Ginny. The tryouts had gotten so fast and competitive already and most of the participants left the field looking exhausted while Ginny and Ron just kept going. With only two participants before her she nervously grabbed onto Dominic's arm.
"What's wrong Lia?" he asked looking deeply at her.
"Its so fast and they aren't tiring at all," She said pointing at Ginny and Ron
"You'll do fine! You have faced of with Ginny many times!" Dominic smiled, "you have nothing to worry about. Just get up there and shut out everything that is around you. Clear your mind and pay attention to one thing, the Quarfel!"
"But no one is getting past them!" Amelia said fearfully.
"That's good," Dominic laughed, "the team need a good strong keeper and strong chasers if they want to have any chances against the competition of the other teams. You'll be fine!"
"I don't think I can do this!" She said doubtfully.
"Listen Lia, just black everyone and everything out. Don't listen to it and you wont see it. Once you are up there in the sky just think of it as the burrow and you are just playing a game against your friends. Its going to be fine you can do this! You are a great flyer, flying is in your making, you know that!" Dominic smiled as he held his sisters hand tightly, "you can do this I know you can!" he shouted as she walked up to take her turn.
Amelia nervously walked out onto the pitch and mounted her broom. She flew up into the sky and watched Ginny seriously.
"Good luck Amelia!" Ginny smiled.
"Don't treat me any differently Ginny," Amelia smiled back.
"Oh trust me I wont!" Ginny winked and Harry threw the Quarfel into the air.
Amelia caught the Quarfel off the toss but Ginny wasn't letting her get far without a fight. She slammed into Amelia hard trying to gain access to the quarfel. Amelia was forced to double back toward her own goal. The crowd cheered loudly for Ginny. Amelia tucked her broom into a quick downward dive catching Ginny off guard but she regained her momentum and was back with Amelia before she had fully recovered from the dive. They were now flying fast toward Ron and Ginny was closing in. She flew up right beside Amelia and tapped the front of her broom. Amelia veered right heading toward the right goal post and Ron dove down to block it. But Amelia was a fast flyer and spiked upwards to the left and shot high into the center goal. The quarfel skimmed past Ron's finger tips and right threw the hoop. The crowed erupted with cheers as Amelia landed.
"Amelia that was awesome!" Harry said excitedly as he came toward her, "you're so fast out their its was hard to keep up with you, just watching I can only imagine how Ginny feels. Congratulation you are moving on!"
"Thanks," Amelia said and quickly ran over to the other two Gryffindors who had scored.
"You rock Lia!" Dominic yelled as he walked out onto the pitch to take his place.
"Good luck!" She yelled back as Dominic took to the sky.
Dominic was very confident as he took to the sky. He had played against Ginny and Ron before he was sure he could make it threw. Ginny flew up in front of him and smiled deviously.
"I'm gonna be quicker than Amelia, Ginny, hope you can keep up!" Dominic smirked.
"Oh, we'll see," Ginny smiled and Harry tossed the Quarfel into the air.
Dominic caught the Quarfel off the start and zoomed past Ginny toward Ron. Ron watched as Ginny followed closely behind. She caught up to him and slammed her arm over to grab the Quarfel away from him. He was thrown off guard but soon regained his composure and still had the quarfel he felt like he was ready and sped toward the left goal. Ron angled down and before he could move Dominic had thrown the ball Ron quickly sprang back toward the middle hoop and caught the Quarfel with both hands.
"Nice try Dom!" Ron yelled, "but I fell for it once with your sister, not again my friend!"
Dominic landed disappointed with himself and moved off to the group gathering at the other end to try out as Beaters. He really wanted to play chaser but he wasn't going to give up all hope about joining the team he had one last chance.
When the final round of the chaser tryouts were finished Harry, Ron and Ginny gathered in a circle with Professor McGonagall and Madame Hooch. The finalist that had made it as far as the judging were kept together in a small group while the others were set to start practicing for the next round. Amelia was lined up with the other three finalists who chatted together to try and concur the nervousness of the judging.
"Your Amelia right?" a small girl named Micka asked, "you already have an animagus right?"
"Yes," Amelia smiled, "does everyone know about that?"
"Oh yeah!" a boy by the name of Samuel said excitedly, "none of the other students have Animagus, well not that McGonagall knows of. So you have to know that everyone in the school will know," he laughed.
"Don't worry though," the shy fifth year named Allison said, "something else will come up and everyone will forget. The students in this place have a tendency to forget something as soon as something better comes up. Bad news sometimes lives on longer but not by much."
"Good to know," Amelia smiled.
"But the real thing that everyone wants to know is what does you know who want with Professor Cross!" Micka said excitedly, "do you know?" she asked.
"Unfortunately I don't," Amelia sighed, "my mom likes to keep secrets."
"I heard from a Hufflepuff the other day that your mum is dating Snape," Samuel blurted out.
"I heard she has dated Snape back when she was at school but not now," Allison said.
"Is it true?" Micka asked.
"She did date him a long time ago," Amelia said feeling bothered by the subject.
Harry nervously watched as Professor McGonagall passed a piece of parchment around the group, finally it came to him and he looked upon a very detailed evaluation of the final four that had made it past Ron.
"They are all very impressive players," McGonagall smiled, "all have the skills that Gryffindor is looking for, for this season. How do you think they stack up Madame Hooch?"
"Samuel is a week flyer, if you ask me, he was struggling a bit but he does have the scoring abilities. I just fear that if he is tackled in mid air he would probably not recover well from it," Madame Hooch observed, "and Allison seems to shy. I don't think she posses the communication skills to adapt to the fast pace and the yelling of this game. Micka is quite young even for a third year she is still unsure of herself, perhaps Quiddich would be good for her to improve and mature. Amelia is a good flyer but doesn't have the training that most of the finalist do. I would worry that she may not have the flying technique to compete."
"I beg to differ," Ginny spoke up, "we have been flying with Amelia quite long, its in her blood, Professor McGonagall can vouch for that. Her Animagus is and owl and she does have the speed and the freedom of a flyer when she is on her broom. I don't think that is a proper way to judge her."
"What do you think Ron?" Harry asked.
"Well...I'm bloody tired after that. They were all good players. Amelia anticipated things she really moved on a whim if you ask me." Ron said.
"Micka is quite agile," Ginny added, "she made some turns and dives that were beyond some of us. I really think she could get around everyone. I agree that Samuel isn't a strong flyer, he's fast I grant him that but I was afraid to hit him when he struggled to catch the quarfel in the first place."
"So Amelia and Micka then to move on?" Harry asked.
"Well its up to you Harry, how do you feel," McGonagall said.
"Well I don't want to play favorites but it would also be unfair to not let Amelia in with her skills. She would be an asset to the team I think and Micka is a very impressive flyer. I was very surprised but she is a very little, very light person it is no wonder she can move like she did. I think they are our best choices!" Harry said.
"Alright then," McGonagall smiled, "Harry come with me, we will address the finalists. Madame Hooch will you start the try outs for Beaters please. Ron and Ginny we will give you a bit of a rest please just observe the Beaters tryouts and stay on your guard for those bludgers. The unseasoned may not have the instinct to see them coming!"
"Alright!" Ron and Ginny said together and were back in the air on their brooms following Madame Hooch.
The finalist stop chatting and lined up nervously as Harry and Professor McGonagall came toward the group. Amelia stared at her feet quietly as she listened to what Professor McGonagall had to say. They were told about their mistakes, about the aspects they had to worry about and work on while flying. Amelia was certain that because her lack of training was mentioned that she would not make the team. Her heart sank, even though she had told herself that she was only coming out to try. Having made it through all the other participants she now began to feel badly.
"I know what you are all thinking," Harry said and Amelia looked up at him as he smiled, "but you all did really great. Don't let what we have said today discourage you. It was a very hard decision to pick only two of you. You all have what it takes to play this game and that says something in itself. Thank you so much for coming and trying out and if anything happens to anyone on the team those of you who do not make it through will be called on as replacements. Now we pray that nothing does happen to the new team members and we would like to welcome Micka Pavella and Amelia Cross to join the Gryffindor house team." he smiled.
Amelia was shocked, she couldn't read it on Harry's mind and so she thought for sure that she hadn't made it, "how did you keep it from me?" she whispered as he came up and hugged her.
"Dominic taught me a little trick!" Harry laughed and then shook hands with the other two finalists, "you did really, really good Allison really," he smiled.
"Thank you," Allison said shyly as she blushed.
"And I was really impressed with your intuition Samuel," Harry said as he shook hands.
"Thanks Harry!" Samuel smiled and he and Allison walked off into the crowd to watch the beater tryouts.
"There will be a photograph taken of the new team after the beaters have been chosen," Professor McGonagall said to the two new players and Harry, "Professor Dumbledore has requested that the picture be taken in full quiddich uniforms and he has provided the new team members with brand new robed. They are laying out in the dressing room for you now." she smiled, "Harry will show you were to go. Please change quickly and join us back here when you are finished."
"This is so exciting!" Micka said looking over at Harry and Amelia, "where do we go Harry?" she asked.
"Over there," he said and pointed to a gate that was painted with the Gryffindor logo on it, "the dressing room is through those doors. As you go in walk to the very back you will find another door, the dressing room is in there," he smiled.
"Thank you Harry!" Amelia smiled and she and Micka ran toward the doors.
The beater tryouts were even faster moving than the chasers. The bludgers had been looked in their restrained through the whole first set of tryouts and had become angry and very agitated as the crate laid open. Once they were let out they flew immediately at the group waiting to begin. Ron and Madame Hooch had yelled to the group to get as close to the ground as they could as the bludgers tormented them. Finally Ron managed to catch one but it knocked him to the ground and he fought to keep the ball under control until Madame Hooch stopped it with an Imobulus charm. Soon both Bludgers floated, unmoving in the air.
"Bludgers are very dangerous for those of you who do not know how to deal with them. Beating a beater will take very fine skills as well as concentration and strength. As you may know the imobulus charm is prohibited during official game time and the bludgers can only be struck with bats and not captured or held at any time during the regulation play period." Madame Hooch said, " now that you are all familiar with the bludgers and how they react we will divide you into groups of two and you are to fly into the pitch area. The bludgers will come to you. You are to hit them off their corse and keep them away from each other. The group will be divided by myself and Professor McGonagall from their!" she added and the tryouts were started once again.
Amelia and Micka emerged from the dressing room in bright scarlet and gold Gryffindor robes. Micka ran off to a group of friends who were hanging over an edge of the bleachers to chat with her as Amelia walked out to meet Harry and watch the rest of the tryouts. Dominic smiled and waved at his sister from the group moving on in the next round.
"I knew you could do it!" Harry smiled as Amelia joined him, "how do you feel now?"
"Like the hard part is yet to come," Amelia laughed, "I am just thankful that, that is not my job!" she said pointing up at the angry bludgers.
"Dominic seemed to enjoy it!" Harry laughed as he continued to watched his wand ever at the ready.
A small boy in his second year was struck hard by a bludger and knocked off his broom. Ginny was caught off guard and rushed to try and help the poor boy who held to his broom by one hand. Dominic watched anxiously hoping that all would be well. A sudden bit of brown flew past his head and right toward the unsuspecting Ginny, "Watch out!" He yelled and was in the air before anyone could see him, "Ginny behind you!" he yelled again but the bludger was to close. He bolted forward, holding close to his broom and flying faster than he had ever flown before. Ginny was caught off guard she flinched as the Bludger slammed into the tale end of her broom shattering it. Dominic reached out and grabbed Ginny's hand. The bludger was coming back toward them faster this time. Dominic now had both the boy and Ginny hanging by just one hand, he grabbed the handle of Ginny's broken broom and quickly swung at the bludger. It few off down the pitch giving Dominic enough time to get Ginny and the boy to the ground. Harry, Ron and Madame Hooch ran out onto the pitch to meet them. The bludger was on its way back now. Dominic grabbed his wand and before anyone could say anything the brown bludger floated frozen inches away from Dominic's face.
"Bloody hell!" Ron exclaimed as he looked at the pieces of Ginny's broom, "that was one angry bludger!"
"Thanks Ron!"Ginny said as she rolled her eyes.
"Are you ok?" Dominic asked still holding onto Ginny's hand.
"I think so," Ginny smiled and blushed a little.
"Ok," Dominic said as he let go of her hand quickly and shyly, "I'll just go back to my spot then," he said and turned to walked away.
"Wait Mr. Cross!" Madame Hooch said stopping him as McGonagall came onto the pitch as well, "that was a very impressive display. Most beaters would not be able to do what you just did." she said.
"Yes I think it is clear that we cannot pass up that kind of talent and dedication on this team." McGonagall smiled.
"I agree," Harry said, "welcome to the team!" he said as he reached out to shake Dominic's hand.
The crowd erupted into cheers Dominic shook Harry's hand Amelia ran out to him and hugged him and soon he was ushered off to the dressing room to change. The beater tryouts continued to fill the one remaining place on the team. Dominic and Amelia stood at the side lines and watched as the groups were narrowed down quickly. Dominic was always on the ready for another angry bludger but the rest of the tryouts went by smoothly. The final beater was chosen and soon the arena emptied of the cheering crowds. All members including the final new beater, Kevin Schwep a Gryffindor in his fourth year, stood assembled by the Gryffindor gate.
"Alright team," Harry smiled, "our first practice will be Monday after classes. Professor McGonagall will be present and we will start with some major drills and plays to start to break in and get the feel of the new team. The Hufflepuff team will be joining us later in the evening for a practice match, so be ready!" he said excitedly as he looked at his team dressing in scarlet and gold.
"Do smile for the camera," Professor Flitwick said happily, who had come down from the castle for the photo opportunity, "that's it, Dumbledore will be happy thank you!" he smiled and walked back toward the castle with Madame Hooch and Professor McGonagall.
"Bye!" Micka called as she ran off with her friends who had waited for her.
Kevin soon left as well and Harry was left with his friends in the middle of the quiddich pitch as the sun began to set behind the castle. The red, orange light flooded the quiddich pitch as the brightly decorated crate sat still at their feet and the golden hardware sparkled with the setting sun.
"I have to get back to the castle," Ginny said as she grabbed the pieces of her broom, "I have to write mum about this and she if she can send me one of the others at home," she smiled and ran off.
"We should probably do the same," Amelia smiled, "I have a lot of work I have to get through still. I can't fall behind now that I am on the team."
"We made the team!" Dominic shouted into the empty air, "we did it!"
"Calm down!" Amelia laughed.
"What's mum going to say?" Dominic asked, "we should go see her now! In these robes just like this!"
"She'll laugh at you," Harry smiled, "cause you are to excited about this."
"She would!" Amelia giggled, "and none of us will hear the end of it."
"At least not till he starts playing a real game," Ron said.
"And then that will take over his excitement," Amelia laughed, "you have created a monster Harry. Really you have!"
"I know," Harry smiled as he and Ron each grabbed an end of the crate and they all headed back to the castle in the setting sun.