One of the ideas suggested by a guest reviewer in their list in the chapter 67 reviews was that Harry and Ginny defend Demelza when Ron makes her cry (Occurred during a Quidditch practice in Half Blood Prince.) Rather than focus on Ron, I decided to start the chapter with the team supporting Demelza and it also gets into some team dynamics and some Katie stuff. I don't think it should have been like this in the 1st place because: 1. I think Harry should have permanently ended his friendship with Ron when Ron abandoned him after his name came out of the Goblet of Fire. (See chapter 3) and 2. I think Katie and not Harry should have been Quidditch captain for Gryffindor in Half Blood Prince. (See chapter 17) This chapter is set in Half Blood Prince in the immediate aftermath of Ron making Demelza cry.
Quidditch practice had just ended, and Demelza Robins was in tears.
The team's Keeper, Ron Weasley, had failed to save a single attempt from any of the three Chasers, Katie Bell, Ginny Weasley, and Demelza Robins.
Furthermore, Ron had been aggressive and shouty towards the Chasers during this practice. He'd done so much bellowing and yelling that he'd been responsible for making Demelza cry.
Harry would deal with Ron later. Right now. Demelza needed support.
To Harry's approval, he saw Katie and Ginny standing on either side of Demelza and both of them had their arms around her. Harry walked over to join them.
"Demelza," said Harry softly, "Look, I'm really sorry for what has happened during practice today. No player should ever be reduced to tears because of the way he or she has been treated by a teammate. I promise to remove Ron from this team."
"Don't bring back Mclaggen though," sobbed Demzela, "He was just as bad."
"I won't," promised Harry, "I observed the way Cormac acted during tryouts. Look, it's my responsibility as team captain to manage team dynamics. If I have a team member reduced to tears as a result of the behavior of another team member, it's my responsibility to remove the poorly behaved team member from the team. Demelza, I promise you that you won't have to deal with Ron anymore and I promise you won't have to deal with Cormac either. I will redo the entire Keeper trails."
"Thank you, Harry," said Demelza gratefully, calming down now and stopping her crying, "I still want to be on this team and I appreciate your no nonsense attitude towards having assholes on this team."
Katie and Ginny were now both patting Demelza on the back.
"Demelza, it's going to be okay," said Ginny softly, "Once my asshole brother is off this team things will calm down considerably."
"He isn't just an asshole, he also has the worst temper I've ever seen," said Harry disapprovingly, "Part of a being a good person is that you don't bellow and yell at other people. And certainly part of being a good teammate is you don't bellow or yell at your teammates."
"I'd say my mom could give Ron a run for his money in a Worst Temper Competition," said Ginny thoughtfully.
"True," agreed Harry, "Molly does have a temper problem. There needs to be more of an understanding in society in general of what an inhumane thing yelling actually is."
"Demelza," said Katie slowly, "Look, this is a hard time for all of us. You're a new team member trying to get used to new people and you've just been treated like dogshit. But, trust me, we're not all like Ron."
"No, we're not," piped up Jimmy Peakes, coming over with his fellow Beater Richie Cootie, "We should all make a vow to be in this together. Demelza, just know that you are way better than the person that treats you like you are a punching bag."
"Yes," agreed Richie, "Know who you are and be proud of it. I'm sure you'll accomplish a lot with us."
"Thank you, everyone," said Demelza gratefully, smiling at each of her remaining teammates.
"Harry?" suggested Ginny, "Why don't we have another team practice without Ron. I know it'll be weird without a Keeper but..."
"I'll play Keeper for a few minutes and a few nanoseconds," offered Harry, "I'll probably suck at it, but even with a weak opponent, at least the Chasers can get some real practice without a yeller distracting them and at least I'll actually focus on trying to make stops."
"I agree," said Katie clearly, "We're all dealing with challenges here. I myself terribly miss Angelina and Alicia. It's hard to be close friends with two girls for five years and suddenly be put in a situation where I'll never see them again. Their graduations hit me hard. Don't get me wrong, I'm very proud of and very happy for Angelina and Alicia, but I can't deny I'm struggling with the sadness of missing them. Let's practice a bit more."
"I'm going to let the Bludgers and Quaffle out," said Harry clearly, "But not the Golden Snitch for this time."
For the next ten minutes and ten nanoseconds, Harry, Katie, Ginny, Demelza, Jimmy, and Richie had a good spirited practice.
Jimmy and Richie lacked the old power of Fred and George, but their timing and accuracy were enough to keep the Bludgers away from their teammates.
Harry proved to be a poor, but better than expected Keeper. He had the reflexes and coordination to do the job and he was able to get an occasional stop. However, even having grown quite a bit since first year, Harry was too small and too narrow to be a good Keeper as Katie, Ginny, and Demelza were usually able to place the Quaffle in the places his small frame couldn't cover.
To Harry's delight, Katie, Ginny, and Demelza seemed to have perfected good passing techniques between each other and they didn't have any Quaffle drops during this practice.
When Harry returned from putting the equipment away, a sudden idea struck him,
"Katie?" asked Harry, "Who is your best friend still left at Hogwarts?"
"Leanne," answered Katie.
"I'll let Leanne have the next Keeper tryout," said Harry firmly, "If she can be a good Keeper, having her on this team would be healthy for you."
Katie smiled at Harry.
"Thank you, Harry, I hope Leanne does well and makes the team!" beamed Katie.
"I hope so too," said Harry sincerely, "I really it would be good for you."
"I'd love that," said Katie glowingly.
More immediately, Harry asked Demelza, 'Demelza, are you feeling better?"
"Yes, Harry," said Demelza cheerfully, "That extra practice without Ron really helped up. I'm good now. I'm really feeling a lot better."
"I'm glad to hear that, " smiled Harry, "I hope being on this team will be a positive experience for you."
"Thank you, Harry," said Demelza brightly, smiling at Harry.
A/N: There will be a part 2 to this chapter somewhere down the road to cover Leanne's tryout.
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