The Call of the Siren
Chapter 4
Carrie
"I'm telling you, Hermione, Snape has it in for me," said Carrie. The first week of her tenure at Hogwarts had passed quickly. Her classes were going quite well, but Snape lit into her every time she was in Potions class. "We got off on the wrong foot from day one, and it hasn't gotten any better between us." Carrie and Hermione were both seated at a long table in the library studying and talking quietly.
Hermione sighed. Carrie was certainly in an uproar, and she had a right to be. Ever since that first day, Carrie had made extra effort not to sing in class, and that was hard for her. All her life, Carrie always sang and hummed as she completed tasks and chores. It helped her concentrate and focus on what she was doing. However, this time, it wasn't the singing that had gotten Carrie in trouble. Snape had yelled at her because she was helping Harry with his potion, much to Harry's relief. He'd been having a difficult time of it, and all Carrie had done was point out the correct incantation that was needed in order to make the potion work. Unfortunately, Snape had caught her helping him and had chewed the both of them out.
"I know," Hermione commiserated. "Snape doesn't react too well to Gryffindors with talent. He constantly calls me an insufferable know-it-all all the time."
"Why does Dumbledore keep such a teacher in his employ?" Carrie asked. "It's obvious to me and everyone else, I'm sure, that he doesn't enjoy his job."
"For some reason, Dumbledore trusts Snape," explained Hermione.
Just then, Harry came into the library and sat down heavily in an empty chair at the table. He looked anything but happy.
"Hi, Harry," Carrie said tiredly. "I'm really sorry I got you in trouble with Snape today. I really need to keep my big mouth shut."
"We both got in trouble," grumbled Harry. "I appreciate the help you gave me. I'm just sorry Snape lit into you so much."
"Somehow, I think he looks for reasons to yell at us," Carrie sighed. "He really has no use for either of us."
At once, they were fixed with a stern glare from Madam Pince, so they hurriedly buried their noses in their books and studied. A few minutes later, Ron joined them, plopping down into the chair next to Harry.
After studying for a time, the four Gryffindors left the library and trudged back to the common room. It was getting late, and Harry had to be up early in the morning for Quidditch tryouts.
"Bloody hell, Harry. Saturday mornings are made for sleeping in," grumbled Ron. "Why couldn't you have made it for later in the day?"
"The earlier we do it, the sooner we'll get it over with." This was one task Harry wished he could avoid, but he knew it was something that needed to be done. "I want us to win the House Cup this year. You know what a hard time we had last year with Umbridge here."
At Carrie's curious look, Hermione explained about the chaos Umbridge had caused at Hogwarts the year before. She had managed to temporarily oust Dumbledore and nearly turned Hogwarts upside down with her insane Educational Decrees and unreasonable rules. Carrie had shaken her head in total astonishment as she listened to the tale and looked mortified when she'd heard about Harry's experience doing lines repeatedly in Detention.
"She sounds evil," said Carrie, her lips thinning into a line of disapproval. "How did you get rid of her?"
Harry explained about the Centaurs and told how Umbridge was then booted out by Dumbledore. As he talked, Carrie noticed that a shadow had crossed his face. Unbeknownst to her, the night Umbridge was taken away by the Centaurs was the night Harry had lost his godfather, Sirius Black.
Not wanting to pry, Carrie just nodded as she listened to Harry. Perhaps one day when they knew each other better, they could confide in each other. Carrie knew she liked Harry and wanted to be his friend, but she sensed that Harry was slow to open up to most people. It was no wonder. From what she'd heard as she overheard snatched of conversation, Harry had had a miserable life growing up with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. She couldn't believe how cruel the Dursleys seemed to be. They were Harry's family, for Merlin's sake. How could anyone be so nasty to their own nephew?
It was something that Carrie just couldn't fathom. Her family was very close, and she'd always been surrounded by love and tenderness growing up. She had a hard time understanding that other families didn't act in that manner, and Harry's family was one of those. Tears instantly sprang to her eyes as she thought of the emotional torment Harry must have gone through for years. Swallowing hard around the lump in her throat, she furiously blinked back the tears that were threatening to spill over. However, Carrie should have known that Hermione saw the storm clouds in Carrie's eyes.
"Carrie, are you alright?" she asked. "You looked so sad there for a minute."
"I'm OK," Carrie nodded. She took a steadying breath and smiled reassuringly. "My brain is just going overtime, that's all."
"You gonna try out for the Quidditch team?" asked Ron.
"Me? You've got to be kidding!" Carrie laughed.
"Haven't you ever played before?" Ron persisted.
"I was a fill-in for my team at home," said Carrie. "I was a Chaser, but only when they needed an alternate. I'm really not that good."
"You should try out, Carrie. At least give it a chance. You've nothing to lose," said Hermione.
"Well, I don't know. I'm really not that great at it," said Carrie as her gaze traveled to the floor.
"Why don't you let me be the judge of that," said Harry. "C'mon, Carrie, at least give it a try," coaxed Harry.
"You're not too scared are you, Carrie?" chimed in Ron. "I never would have thought you'd be a bloody chicken."
Hermione gasped. "Ronald!" She hoped that Carrie wasn't offended. Sometimes Ron could really stick his foot in his mouth. However, Carrie didn't seem the least bit put out; in fact, she was laughing heartily.
"OK, OK. I'll try out. Are you happy now, Weasley?" Carrie shot him a defeated look.
"That's the spirit," Hermione smiled. "Now, let's all get some sleep."
The next morning found Carrie awake a bit earlier than usual on a Saturday morning. As it turned out, she was rather excited about Quidditch trials. She had enjoyed playing on her team the few times she was needed, although she knew there were certainly better players. She was passionate about the game weather she was playing or served as a spectator. It was fast paced, exciting, and absolutely fascinating to her.
Grabbing a quick breakfast in the Great Hall, she smiled at Harry as she took her seat. The promise of playing Quidditch served in getting the juices to flow. She still needed her caffeine, but at least she wasn't crabby this morning.
"Are you ready for Quidditch trials, Carrie?" Harry asked as she sipped her first cup of coffee.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be," she said a bit nervously. "I can't believe I let you guys talk me into this."
Harry grinned as he dug into his breakfast. Carrie looked absently around the Great Hall and caught Dumbledore's eye. There was something about him that instantly put her at ease, and she gave him a warm smile. Dumbledore winked at her and gave her a slight nod; that gesture sent waves of pleasure coursing through her.
Carrie carried her broomstick onto the Quidditch Pitch and sat down with the rest of the Gryffindors who were trying out. She glanced over at Harry, who was wearing his Quidditch robes and a whistle around his neck. Carrying a clipboard, he was marking names with his quill as he took in the excited crowd gathered there waiting for his instructions.
"When I call your name, you will approach me and mount your broom. I will watch you fly, and then, according to the position you have requested to play, we will have a few rounds to see how you do," Harry instructed.
Carrie felt her palms begin to sweat as she awaited her turn. Had she made a mistake by agreeing to try out? Surely she'd be laughed off the Quidditch Pitch. The butterflies rumbled in her stomach as she brooded about the fine mess she's gotten herself into. What in the name of Merlin was she thinking?
"Carrie Stafford!" She heard Harry's voice call out, and she jerked to attention. Well, it as now or never. She laughed a bit nervously and went over to where Harry was standing. "Mount your broom," he instructed.
Carrie did so, and she took off from the ground effortlessly. She followed Harry's hand signals, telling her where he wanted her to fly. She performed all the moves correctly and flawlessly per his instructions.
Harry then mounted his Firebolt and hung in the air next to Carrie. "OK now, Carrie, some of the others will fly up to us, and we'll observe you to see how you handle the Quaffle. Are you ready?"
Carrie nodded, and the others flew over to them at Harry's signal. Harry blew his whistle and the task began. At once, Carrie forgot her nervousness as she became caught up in the action of the game. She zoomed around the pitch catching and throwing the Quaffle to the chasers. Harry had recruited some volunteers to act as an opposing team in order to see how the perspective members handled a steal. Carrie spotted a boy flying her way in an attempt to steal the Quaffle from her. She dodged the steal and managed to pass it to a teammate who caught it. The Quaffle continued to be passed among Carrie and the other chasers with the volunteer fast on their heels. Carrie took a dive and grabbed for the Quaffle, closing her hand immediately around it as she felt it brush her fingers. Once again, she managed to dodge the volunteer stealer and scored a goal with ease.
Harry blew his whistle and signaled everyone to get back on the ground. "Good job, Carrie," Harry said as everyone dismounted and made their way back to their seats, panting.
"Alright, everyone, listen up now. The results will be posted tonight in the common room. You all did an outstanding job, but unfortunately, we can only accept a few of you to represent our team. Good luck to you all," said Harry as he walked off the Quidditch Pitch, signaling everyone that tryouts were over.
Carrie breathed a sigh of relief. She was glad that was over with. She'd check for the list later on and would be happy for those who made the team. She knew full well that there was no way she would be picked, but she'd had fun trying out anyway. It was beyond her why Harry had wanted her to try out in the first place.
The rest of Carrie's day was spent doing homework in the library. There were still some things she needed to catch up on, and Hermione had agreed to help her. They were due to meet in the library after lunch.
The library was quiet as usual as Carrie entered and looked around the room for Hermione. Hermione was sitting at a corner table and smiled as she waved Carrie over. "How did Quidditch tryouts go?" she asked the Siren as she sat down.
"It was fun," Carrie smiled, "but I'm sure I won't make the team."
"Think positively, Carrie. You might be pleasantly surprised. When is Harry putting up the results anyway?"
"Sometime tonight," Carrie informed her. "Harry says they'll be posted in the common room. Really, it's OK if I don't make it. I enjoy being a spectator."
The girls then got down to their homework and were surprised at how quickly the time flew. They made it to the Great Hall just in time for dinner; Carrie was starving!
Carrie attacked her dinner with gusto and listened politely to the conversation around her. Most everyone at the Gryffindor table was excited about the day's tryouts and was anxiously awaiting the results. There was much speculation on who would actually make the team. She perked up as her name was mentioned.
"I'll bet Carrie will make the team," a pretty fourth year Gryffindor said. "She was really good."
Carrie flushed in embarrassment and pleasure as she heard this; she was quite certain she wouldn't make the team, but she was pleased by the compliment nonetheless.
As the evening wore on, Carrie found herself in the Gryffindor common room looking at some sheet music that the music professor, Adrienne Croft, asked her to look over for her next lesson. It was a book of Mozart arias, and Carrie had marked a few that she was interested in working on. As she studied the music, she began singing softly as she followed the musical notation. She had planned on spending a lot of time the next day in one of the practice rooms familiarizing herself with the melodies of some of the pieces. Her singing was interrupted as a rustling sound reached her ears. She glanced up to see a small crowd making their way to the notice board. The results of Quidditch tryouts were up.
Knowing full well that she wouldn't be a part of the team, Carrie decided she's consult the notice after the crowd thinned down; however, she didn't have to wait long before she was shocked into silence.
"Carrie, you made the team!" Hermione bounced over to her in excitement. "That's wonderful!"
"What?" Carrie couldn't believe what she was hearing. "There's no way! It's not possible."
"Go read it for yourself."
Slowly, Carrie made her way over to look at the list. Sure enough, she saw her name written clearly on the parchment: CARRIETTA STAFFORD—CHASER
"I don't believe it. I just simply don't believe it." Carrie shook her head as bewildered shock rained down upon her. "What in the name of Merlin is Harry thinking?"
"Well," Hermione began, fixing Carrie with a no nonsense look. "I've known Harry for a long time, so I can safely say that he's thinking you'll make a great asset to the team."
"But, Hermione, there were other players out there who play better than I do. He should have picked one of them."
"Would you get over yourself, Carrie? If Harry didn't want you on the team, he wouldn't have picked you. Now quit questioning it and enjoy your victory. You should be ecstatic!" Hermione scolded gently.
"I am. Truly, I am. I'm just surprised, that's all," Carrie said as a wide grin began to spread across her face.
"That's better," smiled Hermione. "You're going to be great."
Carrie floated on a cloud of exhilaration and giddiness for the next couple of days. The first Quidditch game would be the next Saturday—Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw, and Carrie was indeed looking forward to it. Harry had introduced her to the other players, and they all seemed enthusiastic about having her be part of their team. They were a boisterous group, and Carrie was easily swept away in their excitement. Harry had his sights set on winning the House Cup this year, and having a top notch Quidditch team would be a definite advantage.
Quidditch practice was schedule for Monday evening, and Carrie made sure she was on the Quidditch Pitch early. She saw that Harry was already there, and they appeared to be the only early birds. She grinned as Harry caught her eye and waved her over.
"Hi, Harry," Carrie smiled cheerfully at him.
"How's it going, Carrie?" Harry's warm green eyes fixed her with a friendly gaze. "You're early."
"I know," she laughed. "I still can't believe you picked me to be on the team. You must be out of your mind."
"I picked you because you're good, Carrie. You sell yourself short."
Carrie felt a flush creep up her cheeks and she ducked her head, a bit embarrassed. "Thanks, Harry. I'll do my best."
"You'll do fine," Harry encouraged. "Just relax and have fun, alright? We're glad to have you aboard."
Practice got underway as the other Gryffindor team members appeared on the Quidditch Pitch. It was hard work, and they practiced each play repeatedly until it was engrained in everyone's heads. While working hard, Carrie was impressed that Harry kept an element of fun involved. She enjoyed bantering back and forth with her teammates; she could take it as well as dish it out.
Harry praised his team as practice ended, encouraging them and preparing them for the next game. Carrie laughed as Ron made a face at Harry and rolled his eyes. Ron, as Keeper, had come a long way since he had first played on the team. Harry had told her earlier about the song, "Weasley Is Our King" and how it had backfired on the Slytherins. She grinned as she flashed Ron a thumbs up sign.
It didn't take Carrie long to fall asleep after she crawled under the covers of her nice warm bed. She couldn't believe how well things were going at Hogwarts. Her parents had been right about sending her there to school. The last thing she thought of before the oblivion of sleep claimed her was Harry and his smile as he praised the Gryffindor Quidditch team. She imagined his smile being solely directed at her, his green eyes lighting up with amusement. In her dreams, she saw Harry's face, heard Harry's voice, and felt Harry's presence. She welcomed the dreams, not wanting the night or her sleep to end.