As I am NOT the original author of the Harry Potter series, who as anyone should know is the wonderful JKR who lets us play with her world. I don't own a darn thing here. On with the story.
Chapter 39 Quidditch for Real
"Harry,"
"Hermione,"
"Great to see you two,"
"We've got about an hour before the port key is ready to take us to the game." The Weasley twins finished up together.
"Have you two got a copy of the contract Harry is to sign?" Hermione asked.
"Of course, by the way it was a great idea for us to talk with that agent fella. We found out about a lot of things but one of the best was image rights."
"The team had never heard of it before so we were able to get quite a good setup there."
Hermione smiled as she read the contract. It was obvious her call to Al Shearer, who they'd met over the summer at a party for Newcastle United's players, asking who his agent was paid dividends beyond what the twins were mentioning. This contract was far better written than the twins contract with Harry that had started this whole thing. Half an hour later she looked up at Harry saying, "Congratulations you two this is quite good. If they gave Newts in muggle contracts you would manage to finally have a Newt."
"Nah don't want none of those,"
"Our clients might think we're,"
"Getting all snobbish."
"Better for business if,"
"We're rebels."
Hermione just shook her head at the thought that someone would not strive to do their best in school. "So what can we expect today?" Harry asked wanting no surprises.
"Fred if you don't mind." One of the twins said.
"Right, We have a port key that will bring us to the receiving area for the stadium at Bodmin Moor in a few minutes. A representative from the Montrose Magpies, your new team, will meet us. There will be a press conference just before the game and then you will sit in the owners box for the game. After the game you meet the team and tomorrow practice with them. They know you're only available for Wednesdays and weekends."
"That may be changing." Harry muttered.
"What's that you said."
"Dumbledore forbid us to come. Harry told him to either deal with it or expel us we were going." Hermione said speaking up.
"Sometimes I think old dumbles just doesn't get it." Harry said.
"He sure didn't get it dealing with us. I think the only reason we managed to survive hoggywarts as long as we did was because he didn't expect much out of us." Fred replied.
"Yea it was like we were the clowns in his little empire. But we surprised him took that play and turned it into a right good business." George added.
"So are they prepared to deal my guard detail?"
"Oh yes everyone is aware just who Mrs. Potter is. They turned three shades of green when I told them I needed a contract for Harry's wife to look over and hinted that it better match the one he was going to sign word for word."
"Fred remember what happened when I teased her several months ago." George cautioned his twin.
"Ah yes, now that you mention it I do remember." Fred replied as Hermione smiled at him in a way that caused him to be very glad his twin spoke up.
Their two goblin escorts were forced to place a hand on the port key this time but it didn't matter by the time Harry was steady on his feet Hermione's escorts had insured there was no one around that was hostile. The individual waiting for them was standing at the edge of the area his arms at his side with his hands empty. Seeing everyone he spoke up, "Thank you for the warning Mr. Weasley. I expected the guards but their quick reactions might have startled me if I had been closer."
"Not a problem." Fred replied. George had stayed back at the store to keep an eye on things.
"Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter I am Daniel Crosman the general manager of the Magpies. Allow me to welcome you and escort you to the private dining room we've reserved."
"Mr. Crosman it is a pleasure." Harry said holding out his hand which was quickly shaken.
"Let's get you out of sight before any reporter's put two and two together. We want this to break at the press conference."
"What are the reporters expecting you to announce?" Hermione asked knowing anytime a press conference was announce there was immediate speculation about why it was being called.
"Current speculation is either one or both of the Weasley twins will be joining the team, or their business will be taking a sponsor's role."
"It seems some one has noticed us being around." Fred said.
"Yes, I suspect one of our beaters has been leaking it to the press hoping to stir up support for the ones currently on the team. Unfortunately it's backfired. The reporters have hinted it might be a good idea to have those two as beaters."
Fred for one of the few times Harry could remember was speechless at least for a few moments, "Us as professional beaters?"
"Why not?" Harry asked.
"Actually it isn't a bad idea. But we make more money at the shop than we can playing Quidditch. Besides I've seen some of those other beaters and they are much better than Slytherin." Fred replied.
"You two should come and practice with us sometime who knows what will happen in the future. If you're as good as I've heard I'm sure arrangements can be made for you to look after your business interests." Daniel said smiling.
With a "Here we are." he ushered everyone into the private dining room located at the top of the stands right behind the owners box. Introductions were made as Harry and Hermione met the owner and coach before everyone sat at a table and Hermione quickly glanced at the contract before nodding to Harry who quickly signed it. "Great, we still have a few minutes before we need to head down to the press room and let everyone know the news. Do you have any questions?"
"What's the likely hood of Harry playing?" Hermione asked her guards almost unnoticed behind her.
"Very slight we've got a great but aging first string seeker and a good young backup who's hurt at the moment but we expect him to make a full recovery shortly. Honestly we don't plan on using Harry this season. Signing him now will allow him to get used to the pace of play and how different everything is at the professional level. It also allows us to make some news to be honest. We might have him in an inter-squad game or two just to let the fans know the signing was for real though." The coach said bluntly.
"That's fine. Is there a problem if I take anything I pick up during practice and teach it to the squads back at Hogwarts?" Harry asked.
"Not at all. If I decided there is something I don't want passed on I'll let you know but the seeker position is pretty standard from team to team not much is private other than our signs. Of course you'll keep those within the team."
"Not a problem. I'll check with you if it is anything I feel might be questionable." Harry replied just before being ushered out the door and down a few flights of stairs to the back of the press box where Mr. Crosman announced, "Everyone we told you we would have an announcement today. As of a few minutes ago the Montrose Magpies have signed former Hogwarts star seeker Harry Potter to a professional contract," just as Harry stepped through the door.
"What? He's still a student you can't do that!" one reporter yelled out.
"Actually if you'd read your own paper Stue. You would know that he was not allowed to play at Hogwarts because he's a full professor."
"But he's still under age."
"He was emancipated by his family. Therefore he is an adult in eyes of the ministry. Trust us our lawyers have been over this ground with a fine tooth comb. We are very confident the Sport Ministry will find no problems with this signing."
"Harry, how do you feel about the opportunity to play professionally at your age?" another report asked.
Harry looked toward Daniel and seeing encouragement Harry said, "Very honored. It was a dream come true when I was approached and told of this opportunity. The Magpies are a wonderful team and I will do whatever I can to help."
"Harry how are your teammates taking this?"
"The team is being informed as we speak. He was just signed moments ago. We invited him to one of our practices and he flew with the reserves giving Jim a change to fly with the first string while Jack rested. He did well enough that we inquired and were able to make a deal. Let me be clear on this he is not bumping anyone. Harry is our third string Seeker and he knows that going in." Daniel said while Harry watched.
"How do you feel about that Harry?"
"Third string on the Magpies is an excellent position to start my professional career. I'm not looking to take anyone's job I just want to play Quidditch even if it's in practice. I was disappointed when the opportunity to continue playing was denied me at Hogwarts. This is a great development."
"How is your wife taking it?"
"Very well she is thrilled for me."
The questions went on for a few more minutes and a few pictures were taken of him in Magpies jersey before he was escorted out the door and back up the stairs this time into the owner's box where they were introduced to everyone.
"Mrs. Potter, it is a pleasure to meet you and your husband." Mrs. Grant, the wife of team owner's said reaching out to touch to get her attention only to stop at a growl from her nearest guard, instead settling for motioning Hermione to the side where a group of wives were gathered.
"Let me apologize for my guards they do not like it when someone touches me. Something about a fear of my being port keyed away as I understand it." Hermione said smiling to take the sting out of her words.
"Yes, your appointment as ambassador was a total surprise. You would be astonished how many noses ended up out of joint as a result."
"I was also surprise although stunned might be a better word. Still the opportunity was too good to pass up."
"How did you parents take everything?" one of the other ladies asked.
Hermione had been through this before with her dorm mates but not with as much style still she decided to have fun at their expense. "If you are referring to my marriage, they were suitable shocked when Harry asked for my hand. It took a while for them to understand just who was asking for my hand. When the compatibility spell was cast in their presence things became a lot easier."
"Still to be a sixth year student and expecting, that must be difficult."
"It does require some adjustments but things have worked out. My studies have not been adversely affected while Harry's have actually improved."
"But so young." A third lady remarked.
"Yes but that just means a few more years as Mrs. Potter."
"I for one am glad my children are grown. I suspect you're a bit of an influence on your classmates." The second lady said.
"I hope so. I tend to emphasis the problems more when they are around and play down the benefits. Hopefully that will discourage more than it will encourage. Now if you will forgive me I see my husband is looking for me." Hermione said making her way over to Harry thinking, 'Thanks love the hens were starting to get peckish.'
'I suspected that might be a problem. I was having the same basic problem with the gents.' Harry thought back as he escorted his wife to their seats so they could watch the game.
During the game Hermione took time to people watch. It was obvious that with one exception every other woman here was here to see and be seen. The exception was an elderly woman who had stayed out of the conversation but was seated on the other side of Mr. Grant and appeared to be more involved in the game than anyone other than Harry. She was yelling at the team drawing looks of disgust from Mrs. Grant and her friends who had gathered in the back seats a silencing charm obviously around them as she watched lip movement occurring without hearing anything from that area.
Hermione turned her attention back to the game watching with a clinical eye. She knew far more about Quidditch than she was given credit for and that was by design. She did not want to discuss the game endlessly as Harry and Ron normally did. She preferred to watch and compare the different strengths of the players. The Beaters for both of the teams were very good but they lacked the communication and teamwork of the Weasley twins when they played for Gryffindor. The seekers were good but there was no one playing that was the natural flyer her husband was. If anyone asked her she would freely admit to being bias about it but as his wife she felt it was her privilege.
Back at Hogwarts Dumbledore was in his headmaster's office listening to his potions professor rant about the Potters leaving to attend a Quidditch game. "You can't let this challenge pass Headmaster the boy must be expelled and his mudblood bitch with him. They are a disgrace to Hogwarts!"
Dumbledore glanced past the sputtering figure in front of him to watch the other individuals present. His deputy Professor McGonagall had her hands clasped tightly in her lap. To his practiced eye it was obvious that if she had not done that the person in front of him would be on the floor bound and silenced for his last comment. What had amazed Albus Dumbledore was the identical position of the other two heads of house through out this rant. The fact his charms professor Filius Flitwick, the head of Ravenclaw, a dueling champion, had unclasped his hands and was reaching for his wand caused him to realize Severus was not going to wind down before he was cursed. "Severus I believe I understand your position on this. If you would take your seat I would like to hear from the others." Dumbledore said calmly.
"Headmaster you must…" the potions master continued only to stop when Dumbledore raised a hand.
"Professor Sprout, I was wondering what your thoughts were?"
"Headmaster I have long suggested treating all students that are of age differently from the rest. They need more freedom than first years and having followed students after they've left Hogwarts over the course of several years I have noted a period of restlessness that I feel can be traced to their lack of freedom here. I believe that Professor Potter did as I would have done had I chosen to attend this match. Notify you that I would be away from the school and when I would be expected back."
"He is not a bloody Professor he is a pampered spoiled brat who should be expelled!" Severus bellowed at the head of Hufflepuff house. Who straightened her robes and looked to reply only to see Severus Snape reach for his wand.
"Touch it and you will find out which of us is the dueling master." Flitwick said from his seat his voice surprisingly harsh.
"Everyone just settle down there is no need for acrimony between us. We are all civilized adults who can hold differing opinions without resorting to violence." Dumbledore said glaring at his potions master as he spoke.
Glaring at the heads of the other houses Snape took his seat with his characteristic flourish of his robes.
"Professor Flitwick, what is your position?" Dumbledore asked.
"I agree with Professor Sprout. If there is not a teaching related reason for a professor to be here we have always had the freedom to leave. Something we tend to take less and less advantage of as we get older." Flitwick responded.
Dumbledore nodded his understanding, 'There is no way I can win this discussion. I am going to have to be gracious in allowing Harry the privilege to leave.' He thought "Very well let me think on this and I will let you know my decision later." Dumbledore as he watched the four heads of house leave his office.
The game was spirited when suddenly a Bludger caught the Montrose Magpies' seeker and he spiraled to the ground. Daniel Crosman leaned out of the box looking down towards the coach on the sidelines to see him waiving frantically. Straightening his robes he turned to Harry asking, "Fancy going for a walk?"
"Uh, sure?" Harry said glancing at Hermione who raised her eyebrows but said nothing.
Once they were on the stairs Daniel said, "Robert Peaco our team's coach was waiving frantically from the sidelines I thought we might go check on what he wants."
Harry nodded then relayed the information to Hermione who replied, 'Going for a broom ride are you?'
'Wouldn't that be something? Only the second professional game I've ever attended and I get to play in it. But I'm sure they won't need me they probably have someone all set as a backup.' Harry thought back.
As they approached the team's locker room the trainer opened the door saying, "Good you brought him Coach wasn't sure you got his message." The trainer said hurrying them in before grabbing Harry's arm and dragging him over to where a kit was sitting on a table.
"What about the replacement he had lined up?" Daniel asked.
"Peaco figured that if he put him in we'd lose the game. If Potter stinks we still lose but Peaco doesn't look so bad." The trainer said to Daniel before turning to Harry saying, "What are you waiting on? Get dressed! We only get a two minute time out and that's about over you're going to have to join with the play underway."
Harry looked at Daniel who nodded. Harry turned and dressed quickly the as the trainer took his arm said, "Wait I don't have my broom with me."
"We'll borrow one. Get going!"
Harry appeared at the end of the team beach where Oliver Wood was standing waiting for him with a broom in his hand. "It's the best one I could find Harry," Oliver said while Harry took note that it was the latest model Nimbus.
"Harry just do your best." Daniel said slapping his back as he pushed him out of the bench area.
Harry stopped and looked at Oliver who winked at him, "I know catch the snitch or die trying." Harry said laughing as Oliver had joined in on the final two words drawing a questioning glance from Daniel. Harry left Oliver to explain as with one motion he mounted the broom and rocketed from the bench heading above the action to begin his hunt for the golden snitch.
Suddenly the announcer's voice echoed around the stands, "It seems the Montrose Magpies have finally found someone to put in as seeker. Whoever it is doesn't have a name on their jersey so until we find out he's going to be the Magpie's seeker…" Hermione knew the moment she saw the individual on a broom. "Harry James Potter you and I are going to talk." She muttered under her breath. Unaware that the other lady interested in Quidditch had taken Harry's empty seat.
"That's your husband playing seeker?" the woman asked.
Hermione turned surprised she hadn't noticed the woman move over. "Yes, He was not supposed to fly today. He didn't even bring his broom."
"He's obviously a good flyer hopefully he'll help the team now that our first string seeker is out. Forgive me I'm Mrs. Grant." The woman said causing Hermione's eyes to drift towards the other Mrs. Grant. "My daughter in law, she's not a fan, can't say she even understands the game but she makes my son happy so…" she added with a smile and slight tilt of her head.
"Sorry, I'm Hermione Potter." Hermione said extending her hand which Mrs. Grant shook.
"Mrs. Potter I doubt there is a witch in England who is not at least familiar with your name." Mrs. Grant replied causing Hermione to blush.
A few moments later after the other seeker had tried several faints without a reaction from Harry the announcer continued, "Whoever he is evidently knows a faint when he sees one and is rather good at dodging Bludgers." he added as Harry avoided one with a roll. "Folks I've just been informed the name of the Magpies' seeker. You will want to remember this day to tell your grandchildren. Harry Potter is the Magpies' seeker. Yes Ainsley, you've got to beat Harry Potter to the snitch." The announcer said adding the last when the other seeker snapped his head towards the booth at the initially announcement.
Hermione heard Harry grumble in her mind, He was obviously annoyed at the announcer making a big point out of Harry Potter flying for the Magpies.
Hermione and Mrs. Grant spent the rest of the match in quiet conversation without noticing the younger Mrs. Grant and her friends paying close attention to how chummy they were.
Twenty minutes later Harry suddenly flipped his broom over and dove towards the stands plucking the snitch out of the air right at the boundary of the pitch before flying up to the owner's box and presenting it to Hermione.
"It wasn't one of his famous plunges to the pitch but folks you've just witnessed History. Harry Potter caught the snitch in his first professional game and the Magpies win 320 to 220. I bet that snitch is going home as a memento." The announcer said watching Harry get a kiss from a young woman in the owner's box.
"Hermione you might want to keep that snitch. I am quite sure that someday it will look good in a display case." Mrs. Grant said clapping her hands with joy.
Harry looked around and saw his teammates adjacent to the stands still on their brooms signing autographs. He flew down joining them. 'Take your time Harry I think it's a good thing. You're a professional now. You need to deal with your fans.' He heard Hermione say in his mind.
"Your husband appears to be fitting right in." Daniel said.
"Yes," Hermione said trying to hide her surprise at Harry's behavior. He'd always been one to avoid any and all trapping of fame but there he was being just like all the other players. She suddenly realized that was it he was just one of the players, no one special just a team member doing what all the other members were doing. Sure enough when the team started to break off and fly down to their bench Harry was not the first to leave but he definitely was not the last.