Author' Note: Thanks to all of the wonderful reviews I've decided to update. Twice in under a week is a record for me. I should finish typing this today but the Sabres (hockey) game is on at two. And it's the fist game in the third series. As for the Quidditch team, Harry wants the best players so I made some vacancies.
Disclaimer: Ok, maybe I don't mind doing these so much. The sky is blue and so are you, this isn't mine, and I must learn how to rhyme.
(How's that for a corny disclaimer?)
Everyone has Their Excuses
"I said Gryffindor's only. Everyone else, get off the field."
There was a collective groan. About a fourth of the people exited the field. The team last year had been decent, but that was about it. He had his keeper, Ron, Ginny as chaser, and himself as seeker. All the other positions had vacancies.
The beaters were up first. The Creevey brothers were the only two who could work together. They weren't the best fliers, but they showed good teamwork and they could work on their technique. Mostly they had good potential.
Poor Ginny. Harry had wanted to see how well the potential chasers would work with her. Harry had stopped counting how many times she got hit. And it wasn't from lack of skill or awareness. She gave him a mournful look.
"Alright, that's it. I'll post the team on the board in the common room. We may have another round of tryouts for the chasers."
"You're not serious?" begged Ginny as Ron headed for the showers.
"They were horrible."
"I know that."
"Ginny look, it's for the team. We need decent chasers."
"The team? Honestly Harry, you're as bad as Angelina ever was."
"I know. But with Malfoy gone we've got a good chance at the cup."
"Then who cares. We'll win without decent chasers."
"I care. And next year you'll care when it's your team."
"Shit," said a small voice. Harry and Ginny turned.
"Can we help you?"
"Did I miss tryouts?"
"Yes."
"Damn it. You wouldn't let me have a chance to prove myself would you?" Harry looked at Ginny. She shrugged.
"I've already got my beaters, so unless you're trying out for chaser you're out of luck."
"No, I wanted to go out for chaser."
"How come you missed tryouts?" asked Ginny.
"I had detention."
"Well I've been in your place a couple of times. If you make the team you'll have to learn to keep your nose reasonably clean," warned Harry.
"Oh I will."
"Show me what you've got."
"So I suppose you want me to fly too."
"Yep." Ron walked out.
"I thought tryouts were over."
"They were we've had a change in plan. Would you mind defending the goal posts one more time?"
"No. You owe me mate."
"Yeah, but I'll forever be indebted to Ginny."
"True."
"Oi Ron, hurry up."
"Coming," he yelled as he mounted his broom and positioned himself in front of the hoops.
Harry watched the girl fly. She was good. After he put her through her paces, he looked at Ginny. She sent him a nod of approval.
"Alright, land you three." They touched down and dismounted.
"So what's your name?"
"Judith Montgomery."
"So Jude, what year are you in?"
"Third."
"Got any friends who can fly as well as you?" Ginny inquired.
"Nah, but I've got a brother."
"Does he fly?"
"Yeah, but he refuses to fly in front of other people."
"Why?"
"He says Quidditch players are stupid, mildly talented bimbos."
"We'll change his mind," chorused Ron, Harry and Ginny.
"My brother's a right stick in the mud when he wants to be."
"No worries Jude. Gin's got six brothers. One of whom is standing right here. I'm sure she can change his mind."
"My name's Judith."
"Yeah but the song's 'Hey Jude.' So Jude you shall be."
"Fine. But you've actually heard of the Beatles?"
"Yes. I don't live under a rock. See you at practice from 7-8pm on Tuesday's."
"Okay, bye."
Jude set off for the castle at a run and didn't look back. Ginny sighed tiredly and when to pick up her broom.
"Do you want me to carry your broom?"
"Why?" she asked suspiciously. Ron laughed.
"Because then I can ask you to go post the list of the team."
"No I think I'll carry my own broom thanks."
They walked up to Gryffindor tower in companionable silence. As soon as the portrait opened Ginny disappeared up the girls' staircase. He put the list on the board and he and Ron were promptly mobbed.
"Hey, how come the chasers are to be announced?"
"We're still debating over who should be the new chasers."
Eventually Harry and Ron managed to disentangle themselves from the mob. Ginny had had the right idea. Now all Harry had to do was find the male Montgomery. Ron said goodnight as he headed to bed and Harry sunk down into one of the armchairs in front of the fire.
Harry turned to the student next to him. He must have been in roughly his third year.
"You wouldn't happen to know Jude Montgomery's brother would you?"
"Why?"
"Because I need to talk to him."
"Then yes," he said suspiciously.
"Well."
"Well what?"
"Can you introduce us, or at least point me in the right direction?"
"I'm Jake Montgomery."
"Well that was easier than expected."
"Why do you need to talk to me? How do you know my sister? And why do you call her Jude?"
"Your sister made the Gryffindor Quidditch team. She says you're good, but that you don't like Quidditch players. I still need another chaser. And I call her Jude because I like the song. Any other questions?"
"If I hate Quidditch players, then why would I want to become one?"
"You really want to be one; you just don't know it yet."
"Who says I'm any good. Surely Jude's word isn't enough for you?"
"If you're half as good as her, then you're better than anyone who tried out. And apparently I'm not the only one who calls her Jude."
"She's my sister. I can call her whatever I want. And it wouldn't matter if I was good enough to go pro, I still don't want to join the team."
"Why?"
"Because I don't like Quidditch."
"Why?"
"Because I don't. Just leave me alone."
Jake got up angrily. He ran into a few people and ran out of the portrait. Harry was hot on his heels. Harry finally caught up with him. He cornered him in an empty hallway.
"Give me a good reason and I might leave you alone."
"Are you threatening me?''
"No, I am merely saying that I will not be deterred."
"You've been around Granger for too long. You're starting to sound like her."
"It happens. So what's your real reason and don't change the subject."
Jake stared at him angrily. Harry stared right back. He wanted the real reason and he wasn't leaving without it. Jake seemed to recognize defeat.
"My brother was killed playing Quidditch."
"How old was he?" Harry asked softly feeling a bit bad for pushing so hard.
"19. He was playing for the Arrows at the time. He died six years ago/ My Mum's never been the same since. She's too lost to her grief."
"Some people just can't get over the loss of their loved ones."
Pain flickered across Jake's piercing blue eyes. He realized that they were the same color as his sister's. But his were just a shade darker. They had the same dark brown hair that was almost black. Both wore their hair reasonably short, but Jude's was in more choppy layers. Harry knew as he stared into those blu7e eyes that in a way they were the same as his. But Jake's were less dead. Harry knew that he understood.
"It'd kill her if I played," he said at last. "She'll flip that Jude even thought of trying out."
"Tell you what. I'll
talk to your Mum. You deserve to be able to play without feeling
guilty. You deal with Quidditch and I'll deal with your Mum."
"Are
you serious?"
"Yes, I promise. Do we have a deal?"
"Yeah."
"Then welcome to the Gryffindor Quidditch team."
Author's Note: Sorry if this chapter has a few mistakes. I wrote it a while ago. I was on my way to the Grand Canyon at the time. So this was written during my 7th hour of travel. Five hours in a plane, three hours in a car. All to see a bunch of rocks. It was nice to see once. Thanks for all the reviews on the last chapter. I wouldn't mind some more for this chapter. Hint, hint. GO SABRES!
