Chapter 6: Chasers
The next three days flew by quickly, and before Harry knew it he was standing in the Quidditch pitch on a sunny Saturday morning, facing at least 60 hopeful Gryffindor students.
"Quite the turn out," Draco said, crossing his arms.
"Well, everyone wants a piece of the Gryffindor quidditch legacy! 7 years running if we win this year!" Susan said, punching the air.
"Yeah, but first we have to get some decent chasers," Harry said, eyeing the crowd. "All right then, better get started," Harry said sighing. Vincent and Gregory started up a hum of the death march.
"Shut it you two," Susan said, punching them both in the gut. Harry stifled a laugh, and turned to face the crowd.
"Good morning!" Harry said. The crowd became deadly silent almost at once. "As you know... I'm Harry Potter, captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team. And as you know, we need two new chasers!" The crowd remained silent. Harry could feel the impatience building. "All right then, I'll have you all start off by flying around the pitch. Those who get too far behind will be asked to leave. If you hit or hex or in anyway try to harm someone else, you're off the field. Now, off you go!" Harry said. In a matter of seconds, 60 kids were launched into the sky. Harry sighed and looked back at Draco, Susan, Gregory, and Vincent, who were all laughing.
"Tactful... Potter..." Susan said between giggles.
"What can I say? It's the easiest way to get rid of them!" Harry said, motioning up into the air, where already it was becoming clear who could fly and who could not.
"When are you gonna call them off?" Gregory asked.
"Eh... in a few minutes. Some of them might not be warmed up yet, you know?" Harry said, shielding his eyes from the sun.
"Lucky for them you're so forgiving!" Susan said, touching Harry's arm. Harry smiled and kept scanning the skies.
"Lucky for me I've got such a good team," Harry said, without looking down at Susan. He could feel her grin, even though he wasn't looking, and it made him smile wider. "Well, I'm going to go get in there," Harry said, quickly summoning his broom, mounting it, and taking off before anyone could protest.
"Potter, you're insane!" Harry heard Susan call when he had risen about fifteen feet in the air.
"It's a gift," Harry shouted back. He accelerated higher, the air rushing by his ears, and before he knew it he was in the middle of the pitch, watching the other kids fly by. He hovered for a few minutes just watching, before it became clear which kids were staying and which were not. He quickly flew in front of the group of slow pokes, and they all stopped.
"Sorry guys, but you're cut. Try again next year, or something!" Harry said as politely as he could manage. The forty or so kids frowned, swore, even cried, but slowly descended down to the ground and left the pitch. Harry signaled to the remaining 20 or so kids, and they circled around him. He signaled down to Draco, Susan, Vincent, and Gregory, who quickly flew up with several quaffles under their arms.
"All right, I'd like you all to partner up and practice passing," Harry said. The quaffles were handed out, and Harry flew over next to his team to watch the remaining kids try passing.
"Anyone especially good?" he muttered to the others.
"Well... that boy over there seems to have a good arm," Draco said, pointing to a large, husky boy who managed to fling the quaffle about 20 yards through the air. His partner barley managed to catch it, and when she threw it back he just sat there on his broom and watched it drop to the ground.
"But apparently he's missing a brain," Susan noted, causing Harry and the others to laugh. After ten minutes of passing, Harry managed to cut ten more people, leaving the ten left hovering in the air across from Harry and his team.
"Now you lot are the lucky ones. You get to practice flying, passing, scoring, and dodging bludgers all at once!" Harry said. "Partner up, take the quaffle, and pass back and fourth across the field. Manage to dodge all the bludgers, not drop it, fly steadily, and score on good ol' Draco over here... well... you'll get a good mark," Harry said winking. The remaining kids shrugged and were off.
Harry watched as each pair of kids went. He let them go several times, tallying up how many times they scored, missed, got hit, or dropped the quaffle. When he had had enough, he called a stop to the try-outs and waved for Draco to come over.
"All right then you lot. Wait for just a few moments while I speak with my team, and then we should have our two new players!" Harry said smiling. The other ten returned the smile with nervous grins. Harry turned and flew over to the rest of his team.
"So who shall we pick?" Harry said, glancing over his shoulder at the nervous group hovering across the pitch.
"Well, who scored the best?" Vincent asked. Harry held out the sheet of paper.
"Oh well this should be an easy pick," Susan said, looking over the paper and crossing her arms. "Look how well those two scored compared with everyone else! Geez Potter, I can't believe you even had to ask us," Susan said jokingly, grabbing the paper and letting it fall to the ground far below.
"Well I think we should all be a united team and make decisions as one..." Harry started.
"Get over there Potter!" Susan said impatiently. "The kids are waiting!" She shoved him gently, and he turned and flew back over to the kids, flanked by the rest of the team.
"All right then guys, we've decided on our two new chasers," Harry said. "You all did great, and you should be proud of making it this far. If you are one of the ones that don't make the team, then be aware that you may be called on to fill in for anyone who gets sick or injured..."
"On with it Potter," Susan whispered in Harry's ear. "They're going to burst, look at them!" Harry glanced over at the nervous ten hovering in the air, and he let out a chuckle.
"All right, all right. Our two new chasers are Zacharias Smith and Luna Lovegood! The rest of you, thanks for coming!" The eight who hadn't managed to make the cut floated dejectedly to the ground.
"Don't worry! Try again next year!" Draco called down to them.
"Uh... hey mate, I don't think you're helping," Susan said, nudging him in the side. Draco laughed.
"Oh yeah, right. I'll shut up now," Draco said, smiling sheepishly. "Well congratulations to you two then! Welcome to the team!" Draco said, flying over to Zacharias and Luna, Harry shortly behind him.
"Yeah, you two did great," Harry said. "Practices are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from eight to ten," Luna nodded eagerly, her bright blue eyes shining. Zacharias, however, made a face.
"And that's a consistent time, right? Because I'm president of S.C.A.T., and I can't afford to miss too many meetings..." Zacharias started.
"Oh don't go worrying your bloody head off. Scat'll be fine," Luna said, putting a hand on Zacharias' shoulder. "We're lucky to even HAVE this opportunity!" she said dreamily. Zacharias smiled.
"You're right, sorry," he said, grinning half-heartedly at the other team members. Harry smiled slowly.
"All right then! Glad you all made the team and... we'll see you on Monday! If you have any questions, just ask!" Harry said, grinning mildly. The seven kids descended to the ground, dismounted, and headed back to the castle. About halfway there, Pansy caught up with Draco and Harry.
"Hey, I saw the try outs! Good choice, I thought Luna and Zacharias did the best out of everyone too," Pansy said. "Gryffindor's sure to win again this year with you lot on the team!"
"I sure hope so," Harry said, smiling slowly.
"That Zacharias kid is a prat though," Draco said. "I mean... president of scat? Like anyone is even IN that sad excuse for a club..."
"The Society for Concentrated and Attentive Teens? That focus group?" Pansy asked.
"Yeah, whatever you call it," Draco said, swatting the air with his hand. "Who would even WANT to be in a focus group?"
"Luna and Zacharias... and some others," Pansy said. "They DO get good grades! I've heard that meditation they do is very good. Helps clear the mind,"
"As long as it doesn't interfere with the team, I don't see any problems," Harry said shrugging.
"Well I think you picked the right kids," Pansy started, but stopped short. Up ahead and approaching fast was a group of seven kids, all wearing long emerald-green robes. At the head of the group was a tall, lanky boy with firey red hair and a scowl on his face.
"Hey Potter! Realize how much your team sucks yet?" Ron Weasley called, stopping a few feet away from Harry. The other six Slytherins with him guffawed loudly.
"Get out of here Weasley," Draco said scowling.
"Ooh, you hear that mates? The blood traitor's trying to scare me!" Ron said, waving his hands around and making a face.
"Bug off," Harry said calmly. Ron stopped and scowled.
"See you on the pitch, Potty," he shot, his eyes narrowing. He walked past Harry, managing to bump shoulders rather crudely. The other Slytherins laughed and continued down to the pitch behind Ron.
"Ugh, he is such scum... are you all right Harry?" Pansy asked, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just Weasley..." Harry said, shaking his head. "And what's the worst that he could ever do?" Harry shrugged, running a hand through his hair. Draco and Pansy exchanged nervous glances, and looked back at Harry.
"Nothing mate," Draco said, slapping Harry on the back. "Now... what do you think we'll be having for lunch today...?"
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Later that night in the common room, one of Zacharias Smith's friends set about throwing a congratulations party. At one point Zacharias was put on a group of his friends' shoulders, who promptly began chanting "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow". Luna just sat smiling in a chair by the fire, accepting the congratulations that came her way.
"I really don't see what the big deal is. They're acting like Zacharias was elected king or something," Pansy noted, taking a swig of butterbeer. She, Harry, and Draco sat in a corner watching the festivities, only being occasionally bothered by Zacharias' friends telling Harry he made an "excellent choice!"
"Because next year this means Zacharias will probably be captain of the quidditch team," Draco said moodily.
"Is that bad?" Pansy asked.
"Well... if you're not a Zacharias fan. He's the sort of bloke who'll go and get all of his friends on the team, whether they suck or not," Draco said. "Which will completely spoil Gryffindor's chances for next year..."
"But what about Luna? Why won't she be captain?" Pansy asked.
"No one said she wouldn't. Everyone just assumes Zacharias will because he's just a tad better than her," Draco said shrugging.
"I don't think so," Harry said quietly. "From what I saw at the try-outs, they're exactly the same. Unfortunately for Zacharias, Luna has more focus, even though they're both in that scat club or whatever..."
"Speaking of scat, I asked Millicent Bullstrode about it today at dinner. She said it's great fun and very helpful for studies," Pansy said, sipping her butterbeer thoughtfully.
"Your point...?" Draco asked, looking at her intently.
"I uh... went ahead and signed us all up to be members," she said, taking a big gulp of butterbeer.
"You... WHAT?" Draco almost shouted. "Pansy, are you bloody insane? Me and Harry have quidditch! And schoolwork! We don't have TIME for a bloody focus group!"
"Well I figured it would help us with our studies, seeing as we need all the help we get. It is our N.E.W.T. year, in case you've forgotten!" Pansy shot, crossing her arms.
"Yeah but..." Draco stuttered. "Harry, what do you think?" he asked breathlessly, turning to Harry. Harry took a gulp of butterbeer and then looked back and fourth between his two friends.
"I see no problem with it," he said quietly.
"Aw, bloody hell!" Draco swore, throwing his arms up in the air. He looked from Pansy to Harry and back again, as if to make sure they weren't playing some kind of nasty trick on him. Pansy raised her eyebrows.
"So you'll do it?" she asked, looking intently at him. Draco let out a big breath of air.
"All right, I'll do it," he said, sighing heavily.
"Great! Thanks you guys!" she said, putting down her empty butterbeer glass and hugging Draco and Harry. "First meeting's tomorrow after dinner. And you don't need to bring anythig, so don't worry! Now I'm off to bed. See you all in the morning," Pansy said, waving good bye.
"Night Pansy," Harry and Draco said, as she turned and walked up the stairs to the girls dormitory. Draco sighed and leaned back in his chair.
"The things I do for my friends. That should be me up there instead of Zacharias, you know?" Draco said, motioning to Zacharias, who was still being spun around on the shoulders of several of his friends.
"Hey, sorry mate. I don't think me and Pansy could lift you up like that... I mean, unless you want me to try that levitating charm again," Harry said, smiling devilishly.
"Ah! No! No... forget it," Draco said, laughing nervously. "You know, I think I'm going to go to bed. This whole congratulations party is just kind of making me... sick. Night Harry," Draco said quickly, turning and hurrying up the stairs to the boys' dormitories.
"Night Draco," Harry said, stifling a laugh. He leaned back in his chair and surveyed the party. It was getting late, and at least half of the kids had already retired to bed. Harry had thought to do the same, but he didn't feel like moving. Yet.
"Hey Harry... I mean... Captain!" A voice said from behind Harry. He turned around to face Luna Lovegood.
"Oh hey Luna. And uh… you can just call me Harry," Harry said with a small laugh. Luna sat down opposite Harry, her blue eyes wide.
"I didn't get to properly thank you properly for giving me this wonderful opportunity! I mean... I honestly wasn't sure I even wanted to risk trying out, what with all the broom hexing and all. And I'm not surprised you picked Zacharias, he's excellent! No one would dare hex him because he's the hope for our team! Other than you, I mean," Luna said, smiling nervously.
"We'll see," Harry said raising an eyebrow. Luna smiled, and absentmindedly brushed some of her long blonde hair away from her eyes.
"Well... that's all I had to say. Thanks again. Oh, and I heard you joined S.C.A.T.?" Luna said, slowly standing up.
"Oh yeah. You're a part of that too, aren't you?" Harry asked. Luna nodded. "Well then, I guess I'll see you at tomorrow's meeting,"
"Sure thing!" Luna said, smiling widely. "See you then Harry," she said, descending the stairs to the girl's dormitory.
"See you Luna," Harry called, standing up from his chair. He stretched and glanced from the small mob still cheering on Zacharias, to the stairs. He knew the mob would try to stop him if he got near to them, but he had to risk it. Harry managed to make it to the second step before he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Harry! Hey, Harry!" Zacharias said merrily. Harry whirled around to face him.
"Hey... Zacharias... I was just on my way to..." Harry started.
"I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am, for, you know, practically being made quidditch captain for next year! It's like... a total honor," Zacharias said, patting Harry on the back. The small mob of Zacharias' friends cheered loudly. "Anyway, that's all I had to say. Thanks again mate!" Zacharias clapped Harry on the back one more time.
"See you..." Harry said, quickly turning and hurrying up the stairs before Zacharias could get at him again. The cheers of Zacharias' friends followed Harry all the way up the stairs. Once safe inside his dorm, Harry collapsed onto his bed. Vincent, Gregory, Draco, and Blaise were already sound asleep, and Harry figured he might as well try to sleep too. As he lay still, his eyes drooping, Harry wondered if he had made the right choice in picking Zacharias. Sure he was an excellent player but... he hadn't thought personalities would be a problem. He wondered if Susan would mind Zacharias. After all, she'd be working with him the most. For some reason, Harry just couldn't see the both of them getting a long well. And that... was a problem! But maybe Luna could keep the peace... she seemed like a level headed girl. Yeah, that's what would happen! Luna would keep the peace while Zacharias and Susan scored a load of points for Gryffindor... and then he would catch the snitch and end the game... and the crowd would cheer…
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Hey thanks for the reviews! My chappies are steadily getting longer, as you can tell Hope you're still likin' the fic, and I'll post again soon! Don't forget to review! Thankies!