Chpater 17: Quidditch Round III
Harry woke up to a hooting sound this morning. He groggily got up and noticed that it was a little early, though the sun was up and there was a nice breeze signaling that fall would soon draw near. Harry turned to the source of the noise, located in the corner of his room, near the window. It was of course his owl, Hedwig.
Harry got up and patted Hedwig on her head as she perched in her usual manor. She seemed to be getting ready to take a nap, since there wasn't much else to do. Harry sort of felt sorry for the owl, knowing how she felt. He briefly played with the idea of transforming and talking to his owl, but then discarded it. She might become scared and confused, or worse yet, think him a handsome looking black owl. Harry shivered at the strange thought. He hadn't particularly ever tried talking to other owls in his owl form, but noted to himself to try sometime.
Meanwhile, Harry opened up Hedwig's cage. The owl leaped over to Harry and Harry brought her over to the window. He let out a deep sigh for what he was going to do, but he felt that it needed to be done. Harry pulled the window open and looked towards Hedwig.
"Okay girl, you're free to go. I think you'd be better off on your own for now. I know its sudden but its alright. Just don't forget to visit once and a while…" said Harry, drabbling off towards the end as he choked up a little. Hedwig hooted and took off, gliding effortlessly through the air. Harry swallowed as he knew Hedwig understood him. She really was a magical owl.
Harry shook his head to clear his thoughts. He still had other things to do. He was planning to go to Diagon Alley today to pick up some potion ingredients, school supplies, and prank materials. The Tri Wizard Tournament was coming and he needed to be prepared.
So Harry quickly gathered his stuff, dawned his cloak, and left a note for Sirius on the table, saying he used the floo. Harry smirked. As if he would ever use the floo willingly. He stepped outside and apparated over to the wizarding worlds Diagon Alley.
Harry sighed as he walked the streets with his head low, pulling forward on his cowl. If people found him, he would be jumped for interviews, if not signing request. There were also those that just tried to latch onto his fame as their tool for whatever they wanted to accomplish. It was worse than last time around, but Harry was used to it. He could even cast a charm so people simply wouldn't take notice of him unless he did something huge.
Harry kept on walking but stopped suddenly when he heard a strange mewing noise. He looked around and heard that it was coming from a small alley way. Harry took about three steps in when he found the source of the noise. It was a small, black kitten. Harry bent down and saw that it was mewing weakly, so most wouldn't even notice the poor animal. Harry's ears were more sensitive than most, as he sometimes could tell if a snitch was near just from the buzz of its wings.
Harry took pity on the animal and looked around. He found a small coffee shop on the other side of the street. Harry went over and grabbed a small bottle of milk, and he grabbed a fish from the fish and chips stall on the sidewalk. Harry made his way back to small animal and laid out its meal. It quickly lapped up the milk and devoured the fish, licking its paws when it was all done. Harry felt a smile sneak its way onto his lips, but that changed when the animal suddenly spoke up.
"Thanks mate, I owe you one!"
Harry blinked. The voice was gruff, but feminine in nature. The cat looked much healthier now and jumped up onto his shoulder.
"What? Don't tell me that the great Harry Potter is surprised from a talking cat? This seriously isn't the weirdest thing you've seen!"
"You know me?"
"Yep! I know all about you. And I know a lot of stuff! Almost everything really."
Harry smirked, "Oh? Like what?"
"Oh… like the fact you're from an alternate future sent back with only a chocolate frog card to keep you sane. Oh and you might want to get out of the street. Although people can't hear me, they're probably going to think you're a little loony. Not that that is a bad thing if you want to follow in Luna's footsteps…"
Harry looked around and saw two or three people staring at him, so he quickly dashed off to the café and ordered a coffee. He sat down and activated a charm to keep the conversation private.
"Name is Captain by the way!"
"Erm, nice to meet you Captain!"
"Ha! You're a lot better than Merlin at this! He almost blasted me to smithereens when he first got back."
"Wait… you knew Merlin?
"Aye lad! You didn't think you were the first one to rewrite history? In fact… you are actually the third! And I, Captain the Cat, will accompany you on this journey! What took you so long to find me anyway!"
"Erm… sorry"
"Oh, no problem. He did show you kind heart back then though" said Captain as the cat nuzzled Harry's cheek, "Now, I won't be of much help, but I'll do what I can. I'm mostly here to observe and know. Think of me as an Encyclopedia, that is written in invisible ink and can only be read when the time is right for the entry."
"Oh… uh… thanks."
"You're welcome. Now come on, you were going to do some shopping for… pranks was it? Oh! I love pranks. This is going to be so much fun!"
Harry continued on his errand, mentally noting how weird this was that an eternal kitten of knowledge was now his familiar.
"Hey! I heard that!"
'A mind reading eternal kitten of knowledge', amended Harry.
Captain usually stayed out of sight, and mostly just commented on things that were passing by. So Harry finished up his errands and headed to he ministry before going back home. He had to get ready for the finals that were just around the corner. Except that these were the good kind of finals.
"There are other 'good finals' you know! Remember you fifth year? That was an interesting exam. Same with your first and second years. You have a knack for getting exams canceled, you know that."
'This could take some getting used to' thought Harry.
"Don't worry, I'll grow on you!" quipped up Captain.
And thus Harry made another friend and ally. Not to mention that he got a familiar which claimed it was immortal. Harry decided to keep Captain a secret for the moment, but he'd probably show the cat to his friends once the year started. Though, as Captain had told him, they wouldn't be able to hear the cat.
None the less, time passed as always and soon enough, Harry was getting ready for the big game in the locker room as he heard the announcers voice above. His mind was focused. He knew most of this game rested on him, as he knew that the difference in chasers would almost make his seeking skill obsolete. There was a reason that Scotland lost first round last time. They came back better four years from now, most likely due to roster changes, but as of right now, he had to catch the snitch as fast as possible if he wanted his team to win.
Harry raced out at the tail of his team and the crowd roared and chanted his name. He knew that if he was really fourteen he would be scared witless of his situation. But, for now, he enjoyed it, though he was trying to be careful about not letting it get to his. He promised himself he would try his best to stay modest and humble. Fame aside, this was a Quidditch match. Harry turned as he heard another roar for his opponent, Victor Krum.
Krum came out confident as he pumped his fist into the air. Harry knew he would be in for a hard match. But winning wasn't impossible. Harry had some factors weighing in on his side. The main thing he warned himself to look out for was the physical size and weight difference. Although it meant he could speed up slightly faster than Krum, Krum could brush him aside if he wasn't very careful. He wasn't a twig as he was at fourteen last time around, but he was still lean and lightweight. Harry was always a little on the short side, but he took refuge knowing that he didn't have his growth spurt yet and by the time he was twenty, he would be quite a bit taller. Maybe not a giant, but he never felt puny then.
The players gathered around the center of the pitch as the balls were released. The chasers took off quickly in a heated match. The beaters lazily followed the chasers, doing their best to divert bludgers from a slight distance so they wouldn't get away. As for Harry, he thought he was in a real seeker duel for the first time. Harry quickly raised his altitude and circled the pitch. He saw nothing yet. He turned his head to look at Krum, who locked into his gaze. Harry could have sworn he saw something flicker down below Krum. Krum instantly made a dive, and Harry followed milliseconds later, pulling even with Krum.
Harry frantically searched for the snitch during the dive, but he found nothing. Then he realized what was happening, and smirked. Two could play at this game. He locked in, shoulder to shoulder with Krum, who seemed to notice that Harry had caught on, but continued his game anyway. He were moving at blazing fast speed towards the ground. With only inches to spare, Harry pushed off Krum and leveled out. Krum pulled up just in time also. Harry was only vaguely aware of the speaker's voice overhead.
"Did you see that! Krum tried to pull a Wronski Feint, but it seems Harry had caught on and narrowly avoided a collision. This seeker duel is-" and the voice trailed on barely audible.
'Meh, close enough' thought Harry as he lowered his momentum and spun around to face Krum again. Krum met his gaze, sizing him up. Harry's gaze never faltered. Then the two went to opposite ends of the pitch and continued in their search for the valuable Golden Snitch. Once again, Scotland was getting handed to in the game. The current score was forty to one hundred twenty, which Harry could say was better than he thought Scotland would do.
Harry looked to the ground, searching for any shadow that would give him insight to the snitches location. After looking for a minute, he saw six fast moving blurred shadows, most likely casted by the stadium lights overhead. Harry tracked it and tried to find the elevation of the snitch from this, but it was no help since the snitch was moving so fast. Harry flew up more to get a better view, but saw Krum suddenly dive. Harry followed suit without thinking.
Harry looked ahead and didn't see the snitch. Thus Harry assumed it was another attempt at the Wronski Feint. Just as he was about to pull out of the dive, Harry noticed a glint of gold a reasonable distance away, very low to pitch. Harry turned and saw what Krum was doing. He seeker most likely thought Harry wouldn't follow him, and even if Harry didn't, he would have a huge speed advantage to get the snitch. Harry smirked as the locked shoulders again in the dive.
The two pulled up at the same time and were now flying at ridiculous speeds very low to the ground across to pitch towards the snitch. No bludgers were headed their way since both seekers were together. Neither player was using their elbows so it was clean so far. Harry reached out with his hand as the two closed the last couple feet to the snitch. Krum was looking like he was going to make a grab at it also. Then the snitch, true to its nature, suddenly switched directions. Harry saw it fly towards backwards suddenly and it was going to go between them.
Time seemed to slow down as Harry made a quick grab for the snitch. Krum also went for it, already turning his broom in case he needed to pursue. Harry's hand closed around the snitch just as Krum was about to, causing Krum to hit Harry's hand. Not to mention that Krum had turned his broom into Harry's. The two tumbled and rolled as they hit the ground. Shakily, Harry stood up and found that he still managed to hold onto the snitch. Harry raised it into the air in triumph. But the crowd was silent.
Harry doubted it was because of the small crash. Harry turned to look at the scoreboard, wondering if he accidently repeated history. What he saw threw him for a loop.
The final score was two hundred to two hundred.
They had tied.
The pitch was silent and Harry knew why. This had never happened. Especially in the finals.
"It's a tie folks! The judge says the game is to go to penalties!"
Harry sighed. He guessed it was in the rule book but had never been used before. The thing that caught Harry unaware though was that the captain had told him good job for catching the snitch before dragging him into the shooting line. Every player had to take part, including the seekers, beaters, and keepers. Krum's team went first. Their chasers had decent luck as two of the three made their shots against Scotland's seeker. One beater missed his shot and the other made it from dumb luck, and Harry guessed they had never even touched the quaffle before. Then the keeper of Bulgaria tried a shot. Harry had to admit it was well placed, but the Scottish keeper had a diving save. Finally, Krum took his shot. He faked a throw to the right and the keeper actually fell for it, allowing Krum an easy goal on the left post.
Next up was Scotland's turn. The chasers went first and only one of them had luck against Bulgaria's keeper. The beaters were up next, and Harry guessed that he must have played Quidditch when he was a kid because there was a glint in his eyes as he flew into position. He threw up the quaffle and punched it full force towards the keeper, who was knocked through the post when he tried to catch it.
Harry laughed and the audience cheered. The two more shots had to made to tie the match. The next beater came up. He felt the quaffle, as he tried to get a grip on it. Harry put his head into his hands as the man lobbed the ball awkwardly and Bulgarias keeper, who merely batted aside the shot. The pressure was on now. The Scottish keeper stepped up and prepared his shot. He threw a good shot towards the left post and it sailed in as the Bulgarian keeper couldn't keep up. Harry cheered, but then he realized it was all on him. No pressure, right?
Harry grabbed the quaffle and tossed it up and down a couple times to get a feel for it. He was somewhat used to playing chaser, as most games he played with the Weasley's and just for fun in the yard didn't have a seeker, so he was stuck playing chaser. He wasn't brilliant, but he knew how to play. Harry threw the quaffle into the air and waited for it to drop down to broom level. The Bulgarian keeper seemed to think Harry fumbled it, but then Harry spun around his broom, flicking the quaffle with the tail end of his broom. It traveled true and straight right into the left post as the keeper dove to the right.
Harry's whole team cheered and yelled. They were going to another round of shots. The whole Scottish team seemed dead tired, not used to the high stakes tournament final games. Bulgaria lined up for their second round of shots. This time, all three chasers scored, one beater scored, and the keeper made his shot. Krum missed this time due to a brilliant save from the Scottish keeper.
Scottland went up to shoot. This time, two chasers made their shots. Harry was on the edge of his broom as the first beater shot and missed. A single miss would mean they lose the match. The next beater seemed to realize this as he fumbled with the quaffle. He had a decent shot, but the keeper was just better, and made a good dive to save the goal as he kicked the quaffle away. Bulgaria's team cheered and celebrated their win. The Scottish team landed and hung their heads, but most understood it wasn't their time.
The Bulgarian team also landed and shook each of their hands. Krum complemented him on his seeker skill, but told him he wouldn't lose next time and encouraged Harry to pursue pro Quidditch. Harry's teammates clapped him on the back for a brilliant snitch catch. The captain also said he was happy to have Harry on his team this year to make his debut. Unfortunately, he doubted Harry would be on the Scottish team for the next cup, because he would most likely be in the pro leagues if he decided to pursue Quidditch. Harry laughed and said his good byes. He was just happy to have a great time. Not to mention he got to keep the sweet uniform and the custom firebolt from the finals. The broom was the colors of Scottish flag. It was blue with white stripes on the sides. Harry knew it was going in a display case. He had his own firebolt he could use.
After the game, people were still camping around and celebrating. A lot of them were also settling bets. Nobody had bet that there would be a tie, but there had been quite a stir from his seeker duel.
Harry picked up Captain and carefully searched for the Weasley tent and eventually found it towards the outside of the encampment. He hadn't seen his friends for a while and slightly wondered how they would greet him.
Harry was right for worrying.
As soon as he stepped in, he was tackled by Fred, George and Ron. He could hear Captain from his cloak pocket cursing profusely. He saw Ginny and Hermione giggling at his demise. Charlie and Bill stood there with smirks on their faces and Percy was his usual self and had a scowl. Mr Weasley was just chuckling to himself while shaking his head. Harry slowly made his way out and laughed along with the rest.
"Harry! I can't believe you can't believe you actually beat Krum! You're like a legend now! Oh yeah, speaking of which…" Ron turned to Fred and George, "Pay up suckers!"
The twins sighed as they handed over a couple sickeles each. Charlie also got a gallon from Bill. Harry raised an eyebrow, "Betted against me?"
"Oh come on, you were up against freaking Krum. Congrats on the win anyways" said the twins.
Charlie waltzed over and patted Harry on the head, "Haven't seen you in a while Harry, but I know a brilliant seeker when I see one" said Charlie, eying Bill.
Bill sighed and shook his head, muttering something about seekers. Harry grinned and quipped, "What, all those tombs making you rusty Bill?"
Bill grinned and punched him in the arm lightly. Harry laughed and enjoyed the presence of his foster family. Then Harry heard someone else enter the tent. Harry whipped around and came face to face with Sirius. Sirius came over and hugged Harry.
"Brilliant match Harry! Your father would be so proud! By the way, is there something in your pocket?"
Harry almost hit himself on the head as he almost forgot. Guess the cat was out of the pocket. Argh, bad pun, too young for those.
"Alright Sirius, guys, meet Captain!" said Harry as he pulled the small cat out of his pocket.
"Ah yes mortals! Be amazed at the appalling might of the majestic-"
"Aww! He's so cute" said Hermione snatching away Captain and playing with his paws. Harry smirked. If only he could hear the cat. Harry turned his attention away from Captain for a moment.
Harry was still on edge. There was still something of great importance this evening, and he definitely hoped his preparations worked, else this place would become a battlefield.
Suddenly there was a very loud crashing noise that came from outside, followed by utter silence. Harry grinned while the rest of the Weasleys looked frightened. His plan had worked. Captain seemed to realize this too as she gleefully jumped out of Hermione's arms and dashed outside yelling, "Yes! The fools will pay today! They will know to never mess with-" and the cat continued its rant as Harry followed her outside, pulling out several permanent sharpie markers in the process.
What he found in the middle of the camp was amazing. There was Deatheaters, everywhere. But every single one of them was unconscious and they all appeared in the same place. Aurors were already handcuffing them and placing wards around the area.
Harry's plan had been to place apparition wards beneath the usual ones that redirected the apparator if he had certain physical qualities like Deatheaters, such as the Darkmark. They appeared a couple feel above where they were now, and fell a bit, most losing consciousness and maybe breaking a leg. Not to mention knock out gas.
Harry tossed markers over to Fred and George and began unmasking his first Deatheater of the day. It wasn't anyone that he recognized, but Harry preceded with his business anyways. When he was done, the Deatheater had a mustache and goatee drawn on his face. Fred and George seemed to catch and they completely destroyed their Deatheater with rude markings.
Soon enough, almost all of the Deatheaters had face drawings before their masks were put back on and the Auror's were shuttling them over to the ministry for trail. Harry smiled and turned to his friends, who smiled back. Today was a really good day, but Harry knew he had a couple more things to get ready before the coming year. And Tri Wizard Tournament would never be looked upon the same again.