Chapter 22: Quidditch Practice
Next Day: Boy's Dorm
Next day after that incident in the forbidden room on the third floor, Harry is having a bit of a lie-in as tonight is a free day. No classes to go which is a relief for him so he's lucky that he doesn't have to wake up sluggish from staying late from saving Ron from his gullible choice in accepting Malfoy's wizards duel challenge after Harry refused. And Harry's refusal was a wise choice for it was meant to be a trap that would've ended up in expulsion, fortunately the pale ferret's plan failed and he'd be quite disappointed to see him and Ron still in school, but for now he just wants to rest and catch up with his sleep.
Suddenly a tapping from the dorm window was head, causing Harry to groan and stir that he starts to cover his head with the quilt so to stifle any noise, but to no avail as the tapping got louder and louder. Harry groaned and turns to the window to see his Owl Hedwig with a couple of letters in her beak. Harry groaned again as he gets out of bed and heads for the window so he can let his owl in. Hedwig flies in when the window opens and perches by the foot of her master's bed. Harry takes the letters from Hedwig and rewards her with a treat before letting her fly off to the Owlry outside. Harry starts to rub his eyes and notice that one of the envelopes is red and has a golden wax seal. Confused by this, Harry starts to open the red letter, a loud booming and angry voice of Nami suddenly bursts out and hits Harry like a hurricane.
"WHAT WERE YOU BLOODY THINKING?
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT YOU JOINING THE QUIDDITCH TEAM AFTER FLYING OVER THE CASTLE GROUNDS UNSUPERVISED AND THEN LATER GET CAUGHT BY PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL? OF ALL THE RECKLESS ANTICS YOU PULLED BACK IN OUR WORLD, THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE MUST STUPIDEST ONE YOU HAVE EVER DONE. YOU'RE DAMN LUCKY THAT YOU AIN'T EXPELLED OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY. IN FACT, GET YOUR ASS TO THE SUNNY RIGHT NOW AND EXPLAIN YOURSELF, OR I'LL MAKE MCGONAGALL RECONSIDER HER CHOICES AND MAKE YOU TAKE THE WORST PUNISHMENT HOGWARTS HAS TO OFFER AND THEN HAVE YOU SCRAPE ALGAE OFF THE SUNNY'S HULL FOR A MONTH!"
The outburst echoing from the letter has caused everyone to wake up in a shock that they all fell out from their beds. The first-year boys all turn to Harry who froze with the crimson letter now burning in his hand, Seamus and Dean were confused by this, but Neville and Ron grimaced for they know exactly what that letter was.
"A howler from your mum, Harry?" said Ron sympathetically.
Harry didn't say anything, or move in that matter. Ron and Neville rushed to Harry and helps him sit on his bed.
"What the bloody hell was that?" said Seamus.
"A howler," Neville explained. "Literally an angry letter that replays written outbursts to the sender. And you can't ignore them or they'll blow up in your face."
"Damn, I wouldn't want to get any of them from my mum," said Dean, shuddering the thought of hearing his mum's angry yelling through a letter.
"I once had one written from gran, it was horrible," said Neville who also shuddered for the memory of that horrid day is still fresh in his mind. And he doesn't need a remember-all to remind him too.
"You're lucky," said Ron still grimacing from hearing that angry letter, "I remember mum writing one to Fred and George after when Hogwarts sent a letter to her about them filling Snape's office with Bertie Bott's every flavour beans."
"I bet it's worth dealing with that," Harry suddenly spoke as the shock from receiving the howler faded. "I mean, I use to get scolded by mum for getting caught, but to hear it full blast from that, bloody hell."
"Are you alright, Harry?" said Neville
"Aye, wide awake now." Said Harry as he heads for the counter and put on his uncle's hat. "Looks like I've got an arranged visit to my parents at the Sunny."
"Are you worried that they'll kick you off the team?" said Seamus
"If they do, then I'll try and join in next year." Said Harry as he grabs his robe and a fresh seat of clothes before leaving the dorms. "Anyway, this isn't the first time I had to endure mum's wrath."
As Harry left so he could change in the common room bathroom, the first-year boys all look back at each other, feeling concerned for Harry, especially when he has to explain everything to his parents.
"I do not envy Harry right about now," said Dean
"Aye," said the other boys as they all grab their own fresh set of clothes so they can wash up and get dressed.
Thousand Sunny
It's been a few days and the Straw Hats have been very popular to the pupils who were curious about them and their ship docked by the school. Already the Thousand Sunny has received many visitors to the point that Nami seized an opportunity to profit from it, the rest of the crew weren't surprised by this and Luffy found it funny and adorable as he knows what's she's like with money. Fortunately, Nami isn't... always extortionate, for she is just asking a couple of sickles for admission, even to have a ride around the Black Lake. The Sunny is capable for the cruises as lake is deep enough to accommodate the Sunny's buoyancy. Right now, the ship is docked by the boathouse, the crew are waking up from last night's sleep and gathered in the kitchen for breakfast.
Nami is still peeved about Harry's flying stunt on his first flying lesson, which resulted him in joining the Gryffindor Quidditch team. The crew can hear her grumble in her chewing mouth, causing them to sigh in exasperation for they can't blame her. Harry did a stupid thing, and already in the first few days at school, they still recall that very angry howler she wrote when McGonagall came to tell her about the flying incident. And to see her write that red letter, it was even more terrifying in person and some would compare it to Conqueror's Haki unleased by a very pissed off Luffy. Speaking of Luffy, his response was mixed with amazement that Harry unintentionally had the deputy headmistress and Head of Griffindor put him on the team, while at the same time he is very disappointed him for getting caught and risked expulsion for that stunt.
The Pirate King was wise to stay silent for he knows who fuming Nami is at the moment and gave her some room to calm down. Sadly, Sanji had to learn the hard way when he attempted to calm her, only for her to plant his face to the wall. Sanji, face bruised by Nami's ill temper, doesn't take it personal, understands and took Luffy's suggestion for once to leave her alone while she's in the mood.
"Honestly, what was he thinking?" said Nami after swallowing her mouthful and exclaimed her ever continuing rant. "Didn't he think there weren't consequences for what he did?"
"I'm sure he'll explain himself, Nami" said Luffy "And I'm sure he has a GOOD reason for it."
"For his sake, he better" said Nami turning to her husband. "I blame you sometimes for such recklessness."
"Guilty as always" said Luffy with shrugging shoulders before earning a whack on the head by Nami
"Then don't be nonchalant about it, then!" said Nami in irritation.
"Calm down, Nami" said Usopp, "This isn't the first time Harry got into trouble,"
"And every time, he explained and apologized" said Robin drinking her cup of coffee. "So calm down and let him explain his reasons. Then you can decide if he should be punished."
"Oh, he'll be punished," said Nami while she calms down with a sigh. "But I'll hear him out first. It's not like any of us aren't guilty of anything similar."
"That's my girl" said Luffy as he pulled Nami close to him and kissed her temple. "Firm but fair."
Nami smiled and blushed at Luffy's words for they helped, but a certain scoff from Hancock escapes her throat which caused the Navigator/Queen to turn to the former Empress.
"You got something to add, Hancock?"
"I don't see the problem," said Hancock as she casually eats her breakfast, "If McGonagall saw promise in Harry in this little broom sport, then let him join the team."
"I'm not gonna let that incident slide, Hancock," said Nami angrily at Hnacock, "he needs to explain himself and take responsibility for his actions."
"Are you serious?" said Hancock with a raised brow, "You're asking Harry, who's also a pirate like us, to make amends for his crimes? What kind of pirate are you?"
"Now, now" said Luffy standing in between his two wives when he knows how this is going to end up. "What Nami is saying that even we pirates must know that our actions have consequences, and Harry needs to learn that."
"that's right," said Nami "And I doubt a spoilt princess like you never have to worry about that...oops I forgot. Your Warlord status was revoked and the Government found out about you aiding Luffy in helping A-"
"NAMI!" Luffy shouted in an angry outburst, shutting Nami up in fear and realisation. "We talked about this, never talk about THAT. And NEVER use it to argue with Hancock."
"Shit, I'm sorry Luffy," said Nami with her mouth covered, after realising her mistake. "Forgive me, I shouldn't have, I'm sorry."
Hancock didn't say anything for she knows that the battle of Marineford was a touchy subject for Luffy, especially when it includes the death of Ace. The rest of the Straw Hats were also silent, to be reminded of that moment which started with their separation from the Sabaody Archipelagos, which left Luffy alone to face that traumatic event alone.
Suddenly the silence broke when the sound of knocking was heard.
"Come in" said Luffy
The door opens and Harry enters the kitchen to greet the crew.
"H-Hey, is this a bad time?"
"No, you came just in time" said Luffy smiling slightly at his son. "Take a seat, you have a lot of explaining for your actions yesterday."
Harry gulped, Luffy isn't angry but not happy either which is not good for him. Nami being angry he's use to, but Luffy being calm is not a good thing for Harry, for he witnessed that expression from his father long ago to know it's never good.
Harry sat down, sitting next to Usopp and Chopper for they are comfortable being with right now. He hesitated for a moment, but remembering the howler he dealt with the worst so he mustered up the courage and began explaining. After his explanation, Luffy, Nami and Hancock took a moment to gather their thought to replay their son's words in their heads.
"So you were standing up to a bully who took a mystery ball which belonged to your friend?" said Luffy, causing Nami, Sanji and Usopp to palm and sigh in exasperation when Luffy called Neville's remember-all a "Mystery Ball", stating that he is still clueless like he was back in the day. "And that caused you to fly after him to get it back."
"Yes" said Harry
"And why didn't you just use your Devil Fruit powers to take it off him?" said Luffy
Realising this, the Straw Hats were surprised that their King made a good point and turns back to Harry
"He was flying too fast to even get at it, Dad"
"Son, lying to me isn't a good idea, right?" said Luffy crossing his arms. "You had those powers for 9 years, 9 years is enough to properly understand your powers. Hell, I even saw you teleport on Komachiyo when you want to play with Tama back in Kuri. And that Koma dog was running fast."
"Damn it," Harry muttered under his breath. "Fine I was using Malfoy as an excuse to go at him with a broom, but my intentions were honourable, he messed with a fellow Gryffindor and I can't let that slide."
Luffy sighed as he starts to palm his face and massage his temple with his thumb, hearing such recklessness...reminds him of him as a young lad. Damn it, I'm only 27 and I'm acting like an old man. I really am a father.
"well, I can't argue with you wanting to help your friends, since I do that also." Said Luffy rubbing the back of his neck. "So, I won't punish you for that,"
Nami is shocked from this and was about to protest, but Luffy continued.
"However, we can't ignore the fact that it nearly expelled you when McGonagall caught you," said Luffy crossing his arms and turns to Nami. "Nami, give it to him."
Knowing what Luffy was referring, Harry starts to panic and attempts to escape by using his Blink-Blink fruit powers. But before he can, a few pair of hands suddenly bloomed around him and grapples him in place, the arms belonged to Robin via her Siez Fluer technique, with a hint of Haki for grippage so that Harry doesn't disappear.
"Please, not that!" Harry begged as he struggles to get free from Robin's disembodied arms around him. He tried to blink his way but cannot for the Haki in Robin's hold prevented that. "I'll do anything, I spend my breaks and weekends on cleaning duty, take detention, anything. Just don't make me wear THAT again!"
"Oh, don't be a baby," said Nami as she pulls out a blue grey ring and puts it round Harry's left ring finger. "Since you had a good reason -also I disapprove it- we won't drop you out of the Quidditch team, instead we'll take away your Devil Fruit privileges for a couple of months. And if you practice hard and win a match, we'll consider this punishment served."
As the ring is worn, Harry suddenly felt sick and exhausted. The ring is made of silver but has 3 mgs of sea prism stone grain lined in the metal, crafted by skilled jewellers from Wano which Nami commissioned when Harry got out of hand with his Blink-Blink fruit powers, which involved a prank that misfired, which earned him the moniker the "Vanishing Child". The ring was crafted to be used as a punishment for Harry if he does something reckless, but she seldom uses it unless it's necessary, and today is one of those times the ring is put to use.
"You can let him go now, Robin" said Nami, earning a nod from the archaeologist.
"Why? You know what Sea Prism stone does to me, right?"
"It ain't pure sea prism, so relax" said Nami "I know that the mineral can harm you- which we're still figuring out how by the way. The ring will only make you sick once and a while. Chopper will notify the School Nurse and the Professors later after breakfast."
"Great, these 2 months wearing THIS is gonna suck," Harry said in a mutter.
"Yeah, well suck it up, mister" said Nami crossing her arms. "You're lucky that we didn't make you drop out from the team before you can even start. Plus, Minerva was VERY persuasive when she told me how you were a natural on the broom."
"Which, at first, Nami wasn't convinced since you just started on the broom," said Luffy "But given the years flying on Zeus with her, I doubt it stopped you from taking the skies on that thing."
"Yeah, I couldn't help yourself."
"And now you're gonna earn that right by joining the team, practice and win the first game" said Nami prodding Harry's chest assertively. "Don't make me regret my decision nor McGonagall's, got it?"
"Yes, mum" Harry mumbled
"Good, now get outta here, hang out with your friends or do homework or whatever."
"Ok" said Harry as he tries to blink away, only for him to remember that he can't thanks to the Sea Prism ring. "Oh right...the ring."
Main Hall
"So, you can't use your powers?" said Ron. After leaving the Sunny, Harry walked to the Great Hall to have his breakfast, the trip was longer as usual as the Ring not only negate his Devil Fruit Powers but also made him sluggish and nauseous. Luckily he still has the stomach to eat for he is enjoying his meal without losing his appetite. "Merlin, that must've sucked."
"It'll only be for a couple of months, so I'm lucky this time" said Harry leaning on his arm while popping some scrambled eggs in his mouth. "Last time I wore this, well- last time it wasn't very good for I nearly killed the crew."
"What happened?" said Neville
"I was only 5, didn't truly understood the full extent of my Blink-Blink fruit powers. Back then I was way cheeky, mischievous, thought it'd be funny to pull a prank on those snooty Nobles in Mariejois and Rival Pirates sailing the Grand Line, and the Marines who were patrolling the coasts, I was a total menace back then." Said Harry chuckling at past childish antics. "Back then, it was when they seriously gave me the moniker of the Vanishing Child. I was making things vanish, nicking treasure, vandalising ships, teasing them to go after me. Ha, the Marines and the Celestial Dragons were furious with me but they were slightly weakened ever since the Revolution stunted their influence so I thought I could get away with anything... boy was I wrong."
"What did you do?" said Hermione as she came by and sat next the boys as she is slightly curious herself.
"Where were you?" said Ron
"I was catching up with some homework in the library," said Hermione "Madame Pince was kind enough to assist me with the needed references for my essay
"Don't you ever think of anything else than studying?" said Ron
"In case you've forgotten, we are in a school," said Hermione with a deadpan expression, "A place for us to learn."
"She got you there, Ron" said Harry chuckling with amusement before he resumes with the tale. "Out of all of the Celestial Dragons, Marines and Pirates I pranked, I ended up messing with wrong person."
Harry palming his face with embarrassment as he is hesitant in continuing. "You see, I thought it'd be fun to mess with the Marines, but there was one Marine dad told me to steer clear from, but I never listened."
"Who was it?" said Ron
"Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, Akainu, the Red Dog," said Harry sighing with Exasperation. "I heard so many tales about him for what he did, The Ohara massacre, The Summit War in Marineford, his duel with former Admiral Aokiji in Punk Hazard, the Battle of Elbaf beach. I never once figured why Dad had to steer clear from him when he fought so many marines during his voyage, until I foolishly decided to confront him.
The man was a monster, he doesn't show any mercy to me just because I was a child. To him I was but a pirate waiting to be executed. He apprehended me, sent me to Marine HQ to be executed, but I knew immediately that I was but bait for Dad to take.
I was about to die just like Uncle Ace did 10 years ago, but we survived and escape from Akainu's fleet, thanks to Dad's allies from his own fleet, the Giants of Elbaf and the Kozuki Shogunate in Wano. We retreated to Wano, where the elevated sea cliffs and high waterfalls surround the then closed up nation to recover, many were badly wounded and some died because of me. No one held a grudge, but they were disappointed in me for my foolish act.
Mum commissioned a jeweller to craft a ring with 3mgs of Sea Prism grains fused in silver for me to wear for a whole year, taking away my Devil Fruit privileges, and transferred me to serve under Kid's crew so that I can reflect on that mistake that almost killed my family."
"And did it dig in?" said Hermione
"I never forgot my lesson till this day, I made sure to use my powers responsibly and to never cross with the wrong people. There were other times when I come across them later on, but that's a different story all together."
"Wait what?" said Hermione until suddenly Hedwig flies inside the Great Hall through the tall doors and swoops down towards the Gryffindor Table. She is carrying a long parcel wrapped i brown paper and wrapped in triple twisted twine. Harry and the Gryffindors took notice of this and watch as the snowy owl drops the parcel so that her master can catch it. "It's a bit early for post, is it?"
"Yeah, it is" said Harry as he looks at the label which shows his name written on it. "I wonder that this is?"
"Well open it and find out" said Ron, eager to see what the long parcel is.
Harry undoes the twine that holds the wrapping in place and reveals the conents inside. It is a mahogany broom with neat straight twigs at the end. The handle halfway crooked for easy seating and gripping. Has gold footholds and gold engravings on the head which Ron immediately noticed.
"Bloody hell, that's the Nimbus 2000, the fastest broom ever." Said Ron "Who gave you that?"
"It comes with a letter," said Hermione as she picks up the letter and gives it to Harry.
Harry opens the letter and reads the contents, it reads:
Dear Mr. Potter
Given the unusual exception of this case and to remind you of joining the Gryffindor Quidditch team, I have presented you with this Broom, the Nimbus 2000. I am aware of it's price but I can assure you that it's worth it if you take your training with Wood and the other teammates seriously. Against my better judgement, I am putting my faith in this and I hope you don't make me regret my decision.
Bring Gryffindors the Quidditch Cup, Mr. Potter, and good luck.
Professor McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor
P.S
Your training with Wood starts tomorrow at 5 in the morning rather than next week, don't worry about Filch for I have notified him of this, (albeit a tad annoyed about students going out within curfew hours this early for Quidditch practice, but what can you do?), so get plenty of sleep and meet him out on the School Grounds.
After reading the letter, Harry looks over to see McGonagall petting Hedwig and looks back at Harry with a slight nod and smile, knowing that Harry received the broom. Harry nods back and turns back to his broom so it can wrap if back and leave with it so he can store it later. Just before he could even reach the doors, Malfoy stood in front of him while Crabbe and Goyle stand behind Harry.
"Post come early for you, Potter?" said Malfoy as he attempts to snatch the rewrapped broom from Harry, but Harry pulled the parcel away from his reach. Crabbe and Goyle attempted to tackle Harry from behind but Harry stepped aside to evade it, and cause the two brutes to crash into Malfoy. This caused the Gryffindors and the Ravenclaws to laugh when they saw Malfoy and his two goons stumble on the floor. "Grr, get off me."
Malfoy pushes the two boys off and stands to confront Harry again.
"Show me what you got, Potter!" Malfoy demands.
"Why?"
"That's a broom!" Malfoy accused and points at the parcel. "First-years aren't allowed to have their own brooms."
"Yeah, well it's different for me."
"How different?" said Malfoy
"What's going on here?"
Harry and Malfoy turn to see Snape standing beside them with his arms crossed and leers at the two boys. "You know fighting isn't allowed."
"We weren't fighting, Professor" said Harry, "Malfoy was trying to take my parcel from me."
"Really, what could be so important for Malfoy to be interested in it?" said Snape as he sneers at Harry. "Show me"
Harry shrugs his shoulders and unwraps his new Nimbus 2000
"A Nimbus 2000, you are aware that first years aren't allowed their own brooms, Mr. Potter" said Snape "I'm afraid I have to take that off you."
"I'm afraid you can't do that, Severus"
Suddenly McGonagall arrived to aid Harry in the trouble he got himself in, she knows who unfair and biased Snape is around those who aren't Slytherin, especially around Harry given how Snape still bears a grudge against his father.
"Professor McGonagall," said Snape "You should know that first years aren't permitted to own a broom until they learn the basics of broom flying throughout their first year. Surely you who follow the rules such as I know that Potter shouldn't own one too."
"Although I would agree with you, Severus" said McGonagall as she places her hand on Harry's shoulder to support him. "Mr. Potter has permission, not just from I but from Dumbledore also, I also given permission from his parents too to join the Gryffindor Quidditch team."
Snape and Malfoy were surprised by this, though Malfoy is more surprised and outraged while Snape kept his composure and merely scoffed.
"Desperation is unbecoming of you, McGonagall" said Snape as he then walks away. "Very well, but don't hold your expectations, his father may have been Seeker but even he had time to hone his flying skills before joining the team."
McGonagall scoffed at Snape and then turns to Malfoy
"Mr. Malfoy, I do not tolerate stealing in this school, 15 points will be taken from you," said McGonagall
"What?" exclaimed Malfoy in shock
"And unless you want me to take points from Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle for their involvement, I suggest that you take them with you and go back to the tables." Said McGonagall
Malfoy wanted to argue back, but not wanting to risk more house points, he helped Crabbe and Goyle back on their feet and returns to the Slytherin table.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," said Harry, "I was just about to take the broom up to the dorms when..."
"No need to explain, Mr. Potter" said McGonagall holding out her hand at Harry. "I figured that would draw out unwanted attention so I had to intervene. Professor Snape knew about the special circumstances and feigned ignorance so he could use that as an excuse to confiscate the broom over technicalities. But given that I mentioned Professor Dumbledore's involvement in this case, Snape cannot argue."
"Is it true? That Professor Dumbledore gave you the ok?"
"Of course, he was concerned at first but when I told him how you're a natural at the broom for the first time, he was curious and wanted to see it for himself, at the Quidditch match of course." Said McGonagall "Now off you go, we don't want you drawing any more attention."
"I'd be easy if I use my powers, but..."
"Ah yes, your mother mentioned that you won't be able to use your Devil Fruit Powers for some time." Said McGonagall with a sympathetic frown. "Well, if you behave and learn your lesson, I'm sure you'll be back to using them...appropriately of course."
"Of course," said Harry, he gives the Gryffindor Head a bow and takes his leave.
Next Day
Harry got up early in the morning and walked across the castle to the castle grounds with his new Nimbus 2000 in hand. There he met Oliver Wood who was waiting outside, yawning and leaning on the archway and watching the sunrise beaming through the crispy cold September morning.
Wood turns to see Harry and gives him a nod.
"Al'ight, Harry," said Oliver "You sleep well?"
"Sort of," said Harry as a yawn escapes his mouth. "First time jitters"
"yeah, I know that feeling, alright" said Oliver with a reassuring smile. "Here, give us a hand with this chest here and I'll start explaining the game to ya."
Harry nods and helps Wood with the chest by his feet and hauls it to the ground lawn.
"Quidditch is easy to understand." Said Wood "Each team as seven players. Three Chasers, two Beaters, One Keeper and a Seeker- that's you."
As they're now in the middle of the lawn, they put down the chest and Wood opens it to reveal balls, one red ball with three indents, and a pair of small black leather balls in the size of cannonballs and held in chains. Wood picks up the red ball and passes it to Harry.
"There are three kinds of balls. This one is called Quaffle. Now the Chasers handle the Quaffle and try to toss it into the three hops in the pitch. The Keeper- that's me, defends the hoops. With me so far?"
"I think so" said Harry as he pass the Quaffle back to Wood and looks down at the chained up smaller balls. "What are those?"
Wood puts the Quaffle back in the chest and takes out a small club.
"You better take this" said Wood passing Harry the club before he kneels down to the chest so he can unchain one of the two balls. When he unclasps the chains, the ball suddenly shoots out to the sky and wisp around above. Harry and Wood looks up at the flying ball before it swoops down towards them.
"Careful now, it's coming back" warned Wood as the ball quickly approaches.
Harry readies the club and waits for the ball to get close enough and swings a hit to swats the ball away, it flies away and threads through one of the statue's perched on the castle battlements, flying between the head and the outstretched arms which acts like a hoop. Seeing this, Wood was impressed.
"Not bad, Potter. You'd make a fair beater." Said Wood before the ball suddenly ball returns and swoops down towards him. "uh oh"
Wood braces himself to catch the ball and struggles to get it back in the chains. He imprisoned the ball and pants in relief.
"What was that?" said Harry after seeing Wood wrestle with that mad ball.
"Bludgers, nasty little buggers" said Wood as he catches his breath from storing the mad ball in the chest. "They act as obstacles for the opposing teams and it's the beater's job is to keep them away from the team's Chasers and Seeker. Speaking of which."
Wood opens up a compartment located on the lid and pulls out a tiny gold ball.
"The only thing I want you to worry about is this," said Wood as he passes the gold ball to Harry, "The golden snitch."
"I like this ball," said Harry, admiring the craftsmanship of the ball.
"Ah, you like it now" Wood warns Harry. "Just wait, it's wicked fast and damn near impossible to see."
"What do I do with it?" Harry asked
"You catch it before the other team seeker does" said Wood "You catch this the game is over. You catch this Potter, and we win."
Suddenly the snitch sprouts a pair of golden wings and starts flapping it so fast in a speed equal to a hummingbird's. It tries to fly away but Harry keeps his hold on it and gives it to Wood to put away."
"now, we won't be using the Snitch for your Seeker practice for we'll lose it." Said Wood as he puts the snitch away. "Instead I we'll be using these instead."
Wood pulls out a handful of small white balls covered with tiny indents and stained with green plant matter.
"What are these?" said Harry
"Golf balls, from a muggle game but that's not important" said Wood, "what's important is that I'll be throwing these and you'll catch them. Hop on your broom and we'll start."
Harry mounts his broom and soars into the air, once he's about 12 feet off the ground, he waits for the next instruction.
"Now I want you to try and catch these, their size will make it hard to spot but that's the purpose for your training." Said Wood "I have plenty of these so don't worry if you miss any, I can always gather them with Accio later."
Harry nods at Oliver and gets ready for the team captain to toss the small white ball in the air.
Harry does as he's instructed, he'd fly and catch the golf balls Wood hauls in the air. Wood wasn't kidding with the balls being hard to spot, but regardless of this, Harry does catch a good number of them. Wood was pleased and impressed for what McGonagall said was true. Albeit he did miss some, it's only Harry's first day of training and he'll have plenty of time before the next Qudditch match starts.
After 40 minutes, Wood calls Harry down so that he can take a break.
"That was very good, Potter" said Wood. "You're a natural, even though you did miss some balls."
"Not bad for my first day."
"And if we keep this up, you'll be what we've been hoping to have on our team since Charlie played for us."
"Was he good?" Harry said as he is curious about Ron's brother who once played as seeker.
"He was amazing, best ever in my team. But alas he left the team the moment he graduated" said Wood with a sad sigh, "and since then, next couple of years were humiliating with us losing to Slytherin's team. Even worse back in 1692, a dark time for us Lions."
"What happened in 1692?"
"Gryffindor lost to Slytherin by 150 to nil," Wood said with a grimace for telling this to Harry. "Slytherin's seeker found and caught the golden snitch in 3 minutes, resulted in a our crushing defeat which lasted for almost 300 years."
"Damn " said Harry "You never won since?"
"Oh, we won some matches, but never the cup. And even that was nothing compare to our crushing defeat of 1692 for they were near misses at best. We need a win that would bring Gryffindors their pride again. And with you in our team, I'm hoping."
"Well I'll do my best."
"With the training we'll put you in, your best isn't needed" said Wood
"Glad to hear it"
Wood and Harry heard someone and turns to see Usopp who was watching them.
"Hey" said Usopp waving at Harry.
"Usopp, what are you doing here?"
"Following the Cap'n's orders," said Usopp "He wants me to report on your training progress. And I must say, you did well for your first time."
"Thanks" said Harry, although he's uncertain and slightly nervous around the gunner's presence here.
"Plus, I'm curious about this Game you call Quidditch," said Usopp. "7 players in a team, all on brooms. 4 balls, one to score points through one of 3 hoops. 2 which are obstacles for the chasers and seeker so the beaters must swat them away with their clubs. And lastly one ball that's tiny and fast that the Seeker must catch it to end the match. Did I get the gist of the rules?"
"Pretty much" said Oliver
"And what's the catch, pun unintended." said Usopp "Surely catching a tiny gold ball doesn't just end the match."
"No, of course not." Said Wood, "Sorry for missing that out. You see, the team who catches the snitch is rewarded with a 150 points bonus which, if added with the points scored by the Quaffle thrown in the hoops, would result victory for the team."
"Sounds a bit redundant, don't you think?" said Usopp with a raised brow.
"Well, if you're quick, and without scoring points, victory is assured. But if the game goes on, with scores gathering on both teams, the snitch would be the tie breaker if one of the Seekers from both teams catches it."
"I see" said Usopp as he pulls out his Kabuto and picks up 3 golf balls from the ground. "So, it's the Seeker's role to find the snitch as quick as possible, assuring victory for his team."
"Correct," said Wood "It takes a keen eye to find the snitch, and Harry showed promise."
"Oh, I'm sure" said Usopp with a smile as starts to aim his slingshot diagonally in the air. "No offense, but I doubt your throwing could match the speed of a snitch. May I?"
"Go right ahead." Said Wood immediately getting the gist of what Usopp is doing.
"Usopp, what are you doing?" said Harry with more worry.
"If you want to catch up with a snitch, you need to be fast Harry" said Usopp as he the fires his Kabuto, launching 3 golf balls in the air with thrice the speed. "Catch all three of them!"
"Damn it!" exclaimed Harry as he mounts his Nimbus 2000 and soars up like a rocket to chase after the soaring golf balls.
Usopp and Wood watches as Harry soars up in the sky like a comet, Usopp pulls out a pair of binoculars and gives Wood one so he can get a good view at Harry. Usopp fired the golf so hard that they flew quick for even Harry to catch up to them. Harry managed to catch one, then the second, but just as Harry is about to get the third, it drops down fast and Harry has no choice but to swoop down. Wood and Usopp watches Harry dive too fast to the ground, this made them nervous for the boy might crash.
"Damn it, Harry, pull up!" said Usopp, immediately regretting his actions. "It ain't worth it."
"Come on, Harry!" exclaimed Wood, despite the nervousness in his voice, he still hopeful and optimistic.
"What are you doing?" said Usopp to Wood
"Giving Harry hope," said Wood "Quidditch can be dangerous, but we Griffindors will face it if it means victory."
"Damn it all" said Ussop as he pulls out a pop green from his pouch and primes its in his Kuro Kabuto "Green Star: Trampolia!"
Usopp shoots the Pop Green in the ground and a giant flower starts to grow. The flower with green petals and a large bubbles forming on the head. Despite adding safety, Usopp is still fearing for Harry's life, especially when he's wearing the sea prism ring that negates his powers. And even if he crashes into the Trampolia's bubble head, the boy will get hurt regardless.
Fortunately for the Gunner, it never came to be. Harry caught the third golf ball while he's still have bout 10 feet left before reaching the ground. And just as he grabs the falling ball, he pulls up to regain his altitude and jumps off so he can land on the bloomed trampolia.
Whoa, my heart is racing!" said Harry as he lie on the bubble of the trampolia flower, showing Wood and Usopp the three golf balls he caught in his hand.
"Oh thank god," said Usopp dropping on his knees, he can feel his heart racing and felt light headed for a moment. "Do you have any idea what might've happen!? You could've broken your neck, Harry."
"And who's fault is that?" said Harry as he jumps off the Trampolia before it withers away and reverts into its pop green form. "Shooting 3 balls at once? One would've been a good start until I can gain enough speed to catch."
"...that's fair, we'll keep this incident between us" said Usopp
"I don't know, what's in it for me?" said Harry crossing his arms and looks calmly at Usopp.
"I'll give you 10% of the winning I bet on games if you win" said Usopp
"30% Harry counteroffered
"25%" Usopp counteroffered again. "I'll even throw in a few wizards card for your collection."
"You're collecting wizard cards?"
"Hey, I'm still young, you know" said Usopp as he offered his hand to the boy. "Do we have a deal?"
"Deal, but you better have some good cards" said Harry as he shake Usopp's hand.
"Trust me, I got some good ones" said Usopp as he leaves the grounds lawn and lets Harry get back with his seeker training.
End of Chapter