DISCLAMIER
I do not in anyway claim to have created this fascinating world and any characters from the Harry Potter series. However the new characters and events in this story are my own.
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First of all I apologise for the long delay, I'd initially lost interest but after the Deathly Hallows new desire to continue overcome me. Please comment as I need the encouragement and support!
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Chapter Four
The Quidditch Trials
The September sun broke gently through the bedroom windows; Jake woke from a comfortable sleep and climbed out of his bed. After getting dressed he walked over to Maffus' bed and hit him with his loose shoe, Maffus just groaned. Jake shoved on his shoes and walked towards the door, just as he opened a small crack issued from behind him. Jake turned around to catch a glimpse of two house-elves placing a trunk behind Jon's bed. After they realised Jake's presence they disappeared with another crack.
"Jon's here!" shouted Jake, Maffus just grumbled.
Jake left the dormitory and headed into the common room, it was quite full but Jon wasn't there. He left the common room through the portrait hole and headed down into the entrance hall. Still, no Jon. Leaving the entrance hall Jake preceded into the Great Hall were he was greeted by the fresh smell of breakfast. Jake noticed Jon on the Ravenclaw table eating some toast and talking to his younger brother, he rushed over.
"Hey man, your back. Where you been?" asked Jake
"Hey. Got stuck in some country called Lithuania, the port key we used just died so we had to wait for ages before another one was authorised." said Jon
"Yeah your brother mentioned something about it. So what was it like?" asked Jake.
"Oh, the wizards there are so secluded; they don't bother to mingle with the muggle population. They have magical protected villages which prevent Muggles from stumbling upon them." said Jon
"Do they have their own Ministry then?"
"No, their numbers are pretty small. They're governed by the International Confederation of Wizards. Dad was there on behalf of our Ministry to do something. He couldn't tell me what though." said Jon
Jake grabbed some toast and smothered it with strawberry jam.
"So, what's the plan for the day? Where's Maffus?" asked Jon
"Where you think. I dunno, its weird having Saturday as the first day back, for some strange reason I actually want to go to lesson." said Jake
"Yeah, that is strange. This years is gonna be wicked. Defense Against the Dark arts is going to be extreme, this year we learn about curses and how to defend against them!" said Jon
"Yeah, better than fighting off silly creatures. I'll looking forward to Potions though, I'm planning to take it at NEWT level so I'm gonna need a good OWL grade." said Jake
"Hmm, why you wanna do potions. Its like the hardest subject to do at NEWT." asked Jon
"A lot of high profiled careers look for Potions." said Jake
"What, like a teacher or Healer. What does Potions actually train you for." said Jon
"To be an Auror, for antidotes to the strongs poisons and even creating poisons." said Jake
"Your not actually considering becoming an Auror? Do you know how many Aurors died in the Wizarding War's? It's a dangerous job. Not worth the gold if you ask me!" said Jon as he prepared another piece of toast.
"But that's what I'm looking for, something to keep me on my toes. What career you got in mind?" said Jake
"Something safe, something desk related. Probably just try for the Ministry. Only other option is to open a business or work for Gringotts." said Jon.
Maffus stumbled into the Dining Hall and sat with the other two boys.
"Morning..." he said
"Afternoon actually." Jon corrected.
"Oh, really... Hang on... Breakfast... You sure?" mumbled Maffus
"Yeah, they just kept some spare for you." implied Jake
"Oh, right." mumbled Maffus as he grabbed some fruit.
"You're so gullible, you really think they would cook breakfast just for you. Its still 10 o'clock." said Jon
Maffus didn't answer, he was forcefully trying to peel an Orange. After admitting defeat he pulled out he's wand and attempted to be peel it with magic but the orange exploded into his face.
"...and don't forget stupid." said Jake
After breakfast Maffus, Jon and Jake headed back to the Ravenclaw common room. The room was pretty empty except for a small bunch of first years who were bunched up in a corner. Jake sat down on a comfy looking navy blue chair, Maffus disappeared upstairs and Jon followed. Staring into the fire the thought of the hooded stranger still plagued Jake, even though he wished these thoughts to cease they continued to torture him. Since the fall of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named dark magic is rarely heard of, anyone caught using it would face a heavy punishment. Jake was convinced this figure wasn't real, just some illusion.
"So, whatta we gonna do for the rest of the day, its weird having our first day as a weekend. I have a strange desire to actually go to lesson." explained Maffus.
Jon snoughted with laughter.
"Really, I thought I'd never see the day. Well, I'm gonna find Heather and make sure she's going to hold these trials." said Jake.
"Ahh, can we practice aswell. I wanna make sure I'm in top condition for these trials." said Maffus.
"I suppose, need to get a feel for my new broom anyway." said Jake.
"Just guna leave me then." Said Jon.
"Well, no. You can come and play..." said Jake
"You know I'm rubbish, besides I didn't bother to bring my broom." said Jon
"Just use a school one or watch!" said Maffus.
"Okay.". replied Jon.
Jake rushed upstairs to grab his broom with Maffus close behind. The three of them set off out of the common room.
After a small search the boys located Heather in the library with some friends, Jake approached her with his broom in hand.
"So, when are these trials then?" he asked
"Hmm, not too sure yet." answered Heather.
"Has Flitwick passed on the list of trialees?" asked Jake
"No, not yet." Heather answered unenthusiastically.
"Well let me know when you set a date."
"...Okay." muttered Heather, Jake walked off with the other two close behind.
"Let's go and see Flitwick to put my name down." said Maffus.
"Okay" said Jake.
They walked from the library through the castle until they found the small wooden door that led to Professor Flitwicks office, Maffus knocked the door with the end of his broom.
"Come in!" squeaked Flitwick. The door opened on its own accord and the boys entered.
"Hi Professor." said Maffus "I've come to put my name down for the Quidditch team.
"Oh... I'm afraid you too late, Heather just picked up the list from me this morning. Seemed pretty eager to crack on I suppose." said Flitwick
"How many names were on the list Professor?" asked Jake
"Hmm, about seven I think." answered Flitwick. "She asked me too book the pitch for tomorrow, like I said pretty eager!"
"Any idea what time?" asked Jake
"Yes, I booked it for one o'clock." Flitwick
"Thanks Professor..." said Jake, the three of them left his office.
"DAM LOUSEY CHEATING SCUM!" shouted Maffus as they walked through the corridors..
"I'm not surprised really, she's been pushing for her friends to join the team for ages. So biased. Frank and Gruff are gonna go nuts when they find out."
"What you gonna do then?" asked Jon. Maffus continued to shout abuse.
"After our little session I'm going to tell the old team and as many as I can to meet on the pitch at one tomorrow. That should spoil her plans."
Sounds of a soft breeze blew genially across the huge Quidditch pitch. Heather stood in the middle of the pitch surrounded by six others, all clutching their brooms apprehensively. Between Heather and the others was an old battered trunk.
"It seems like no one else is coming so we'll just fly around abit and then-"
From the direction of the castle came a small mob, all carrying brooms with Jake at the lead. Heathers jaw dropped along with her broom.
"Oh, sorry we are late. We didn't get the message" smirked Frank.
"Oh...I..." said Heather.
"And also Flitwick has told us to inform you you're no longer Captain because of unfair sportsmanship." said Jake
"What, no way. I just. Whose captain now then, you?" spat Heather.
"Oh no, WE voted that Smithy take over as Captain. He is more experienced and he actually deserves it." said Jake
"A keeper as Captain!? Are you insane!"
Smithy walked forwards from the group, he was tall and stocky, and he had short ginger hair with dull blue eyes.
"Gotta problem with me have you?" said Smithy, he's voice deep.
"N-n-no... It's just, how will you," stammered Heather. "I suppose your gonna kick me out of the team then?"
"Oh no, we don't work like that. We give people a chance, you can still trial but if someone's better than you I won't hesitate to drop you." explained Smithy
"Fine! I'll show you." spluttered Heather
"Right!" shouted Smithy, "Can Beaters line up their. Chasers over their and any Seekers wait over by the stand."
"What about Keepers?" asked one of Heathers friends.
"What about them?" ask Smithy
"Where do we go?" asked the boy.
"Wherever you like, better view from the stands." replied Smithy to a burst of laughter.
"Aren't you gonna give us-"
"Ermm, do you actually know anything about Quidditch?" asked Frank.
"Y-yes." answered the boy.
"Anything about the Ravenclaw team?" he asked again
"Yeah"
"Well how come you didn't realise that there is only one Keeper per team and Smithy's our best Keeper for years plus he's Captain." said Frank
"Yeah but." said the boy
"Theirs no butts little man, neither are there any keeper spots. Like I said, stands!" Smithy pointed towards the stands. The boy ignored Smithy walked over to Heather. "As I was about to say, first off we will test the Chasers. You'll be up against me. Then after that the beaters will be decided. Once those spots are taken we'll see which one of you is good enough to be our seeker." Smithy looked over at Heather who turned away. "If you don't make the first team I'll note you down
incase we need a sub!"
The groups of Chasers broke down into smaller groups of three, Smithy called over Jake.
"Listen, to make this quicker can you monitor half of these guys so-"
Jake interrupted. "So I'm not trialing?" he asked
"No, I've seen you play. No one is better than you, unless they've just transferred from a different school." said Smithy
"But that isn't fair. Come on, I should be treated like the others." said Jake
"Okay, whatever I know your skill and will watch the others before I make my decision and if someone's better than you, which I doubt, they'll come first. But your still monitoring for me?" asked Smithy.
"Yeah, just make sure you do Maffus' group so I don't feel guilty if he isn't up to the cut." said Jake
"That's fine, okay. First off make sure these people can fly, test their agility and speed. You'll probably cut away half just off that. After the flying test the remainder on passing and communication. If anyone's left standing they'll face me in a shoot-out."
"Okay, shall we get cracking then?" asked Jake. Smithy nodded in reply.
Jake signaled for a group to come over to him, the group was made up of two third years and a fifth year.
"Right, first of call we'll test agility and speed, mount your brooms and follow me up." said Jake. Smithy's advice was clear straight away, the smaller third years broom had trouble taking off and the other one was shaking. The fifth year was first up to greet Jake.
"What's your name?" asked Jake
"Sam, Samuel Perkins." said Sam
"At least you can take off, these two guys look like they haven't flown before."
Sam laughed. The two boys finally reached their height. Jake pulled out his wand and sent a few balls of red light which created a small circuit.
"Right, I need you to fly around those beacons and back to me as fast as possible. You'll go individually, err.."
"Thomas." said the smaller third year.
"Okay, Thomas you first." Jakes wand issued a loud bang. Thomas set off slowly, he reached the first beacon, stopped to turn and set off again. After a little while he returned. Jake knew straight away he wasn't going to make it.
"Okay, your turn." he pointed to the second third year. He was much faster but still didn't ride very smooth, he took awhile to complete the course, during which he nearly fell off his broom.
"Off you go Sam." said Jake. Sam accelerated from their position and whizzed around the first beacon, he was both fast and agile. After twenty seconds he had complete the course twice, Jake was really impressed.
"Great! Can you send the next three up, just wait with the finished groups and we'll let you know if you passed through to the next round." said Jake
After a frustrating twenty minutes Jake started to question why most of the people here even bothered to turn up, a huge majority hadn't mastered basics of flying while a small few were good enough to proceed. Back down on the ground the trialees were waiting anxiously while Jake and Smithy whispered quietly.
"Right" boomed Smithy over the crowd. "First of all I'd like to thank all of you for coming but as you know only the best will be able to make the team. If I call you name please come forward and wait." Smithy conjured a purple flag "over there."
"Samuel Perkins, Oscar Bones, Harriet Wilkes, Maffus Blake, Angelica Abbot, Emir Khan and Emma Hawthorn." announced Smithy.
Jake looked over the disappointed crowd, among them was James, the third year he met at the station.
"As I said, thanks for coming but if your name wasn't called then I'm afraid you haven't made it through. Feel free to watch the rest of the trial." Smithy turned away towards to the purple flag, Jake followed after him.
"Right, as you all know there are only three chaser spots, I'm pretty much certain Jakes going to take one of them. You may not know but he's currently ranked sixth in Ravenclaws top goal scorers, ever." said Smithy. "If you intend to take his place then you need to prove to me that your better! Now, you going to split into groups of two and run a number of passing tests. I'll pair you up myself. Sam, your with Harriet. Oscar and Maffus, Emir and Angelica and finally... Emma and Jake."
Emma was a fellow fourth year, she had shoulder length dark brown hair, brown eyes and was extremely pretty. Jake didn't know her that well, he had only spoken to her a few times in class, he thought that stupid considering they've been in school together for four years.
"Hi," she smiled, Jakes stomach lurched. "H-hi," he replied pathetically.
"Now, each take a Quaffle and fly around passing, don't just keep basic. Impress me, show off!" ordered Smithy.
Jake took a Quaffle from the pile, he felt abit awkward now as he didn't want to embarrass or over play Emma. They both took flight, Jake threw the Quaffle gently towards her, and Emma caught it with ease. She threw it back, Jake had to speed forward to catch it. Speeding away Jake threw the Quaffle up behind him and again Emma caught it with ease, she flew high above him and threw the Quaffle back, her aim was extremely accurate. After three or four laps the pitch around Jake clearly underestimated Emma's skill level, Smithy called for everyone to fly down to him.
"Okay, that was good. Now, the finally part is a penalty shoot out. You'll do this individually, each will have three shots. Harriet you go first, I'll signal when I'm ready." said Smithy as he flew up towards the goal posts. Harriet took up the Quaffle and rose up into the air. Smithy issued a loud bang and Harriet charged forward, she aimed her first shot at the right hoop, Smithy caught it.
Smithy threw the Quaffle back and Harriet went in for another shot, she threw the Quaffle but missed the hoops altogether. Smithy sent the Quaffle back to Harriet for her third and final shot. She raced upon Smithy, threw the Quaffle but again he caught it. Harriet flew back to the ground looking disappointed.
"Oscar!" shouted Smithy, Oscar flew up, he made a great effort but didn't score any either.
"Jake!" roared Smithy. Jake summoned a Quaffle and rose to the sky, he watched Smithy for awhile before he set off, speeding towards the goal posts Jake swerved from side to side, Smithy attempting to track his movements and moved around himself, just before Jake reached the goal he dived down cause Smithy to move, Jake rose back up and shot the Quaffle towards to the topmost post, Smithy was too low to reach it and the Quaffle hit the top part of the circle and fell through. The crowd roared and start chanting their favorite cheer "Ifans the Infiltrator", Jake winked at Smithy as he reclaimed the Quaffle.
Jake repositioned himself away from the posts, he waited for awhile then sped off with towards Smithy. Swerving, diving and climbing Jake pushed onwards, he swerved to the right and threw the Quaffle towards the goals.
The crowd erupted again, Smithy looked shocked and couldn't understand what just happened. Jake shouted over to Smithy.
"I hope your not going easy!" said Jake
"I wish I was now, I'd have an excuse!" replied Smithy
Jake repositioned himself, signaling to smithy to throw back the Quaffle. Jake's vision faded, he was back in Diagon alley.
"Don't pester me with that rubbish!" the man snapped, his hair was long and dark.
"Oh, but sir. No one is safe in this perilous time..." pleaded the short man.
He walked away from the salesmen and headed down a small alley, he was alone with the baby who was laying in a floating basket. The father walked through the alley and was stopped by a hooded stranger.
"Who are-"
"JAKE JAKE!!!" shouted a voice.
"He's out cold." said another.
