I do not own Harry Potter, only any OC that may appear in a story.
Hello guys, Badger here. Back again with a new chapter. For the last couple of weeks, things have been pretty busy, as I go back to University around the 14th or 15th of September, and things have been a little hectic getting things sorted and getting what I will need to take back with me, so during it all I wanted to write something quick and easy during that time and here we are. Don't worry, there will be more at a later date. In fact the newest chapter for Too Late To Correct Your Mistakes is underway so look out for that in the next week or so.
Anyway, you know how it goes by now. Read on, enjoy and I will see you at the end. And fun fact, this is the first chapter to share the same title as the original story.
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Chapter 6
The Birth Of A Seeker
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There was silence in the Potions classroom, as both Harry and Flint stared at Snape in shock, the faint bubbling from a nearby cauldron being the only sound present within the room. Harry's eyes were darting back and forth, from the Potions Professor to the Slytherin Prefect, rapidly to the point where they could possibly pop from his skull as he stood there, unable to speak. Marcus Flint wasn't faring much better, as he stood there gaping like a fish for a moment, before he stood straight and cleared his throat.
"Professor…" He said, "I don't mean to sound disrespectful, or question your judgment, but are you sure about this…Potter is only a First Year, what makes you think he could be our new Seeker?"
"Because I have seen it for myself, Mr Flint, I have seen Mr Potter catch something in the air, at such speeds that not even Mr Higgs could reach…whilst using a school broom!" Snape spoke smoothly, before he straightened himself and turned to Harry, "And now that I mention it…Mr Potter, pray tell, what exactly you were doing up in the air, whilst the rest of your class seemed to be seemingly on the ground?"
"It was Malfoy's doing Professor…" Harry said, nervously, "He took one of Neville's possessions and threw it across the grounds…I went after it, so I could try and catch it before it could get damaged…"
"Malfoy, you say?" Snape asked with narrowed eyes, "I shall have a talk with him about this later…do you still have this possession of Mr Longbottom's?"
Harry nodded, before he placed the glass ball into Snape's outstretched hand. The Potions Professor held it up to his face, to examine it for a moment before nodding as he pocketed the glass ball into his robes.
"I will make sure that this is returned to Mr Longbottom, safely…" Snape said, before turning back to Flint, "As for yourself, Mr Flint, I want you to give Mr Potter a private trial…if he proves himself to you, I expect him to be on the team by the end of the day…understood?"
"Understood sir" Flint nodded
…
Inside his office, within the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Professor Quirrell was twitching on writhing on the ground in pain whilst his Master was subjecting him to horrendous pain, that made the Defence Professor feel like every inch of his body was being stabbed over and over again, by hot knives. No matter how much he begged his Master to forgive him, his words fell on deaf ears as the torture continued. When the agony and torture was eventually brought to a relieving end, Quirrell was a twitching mess on the ground whilst his bones felt like they were on fire.
"Consider this your final warning Quirrell!" His Master rasped, in the back of his mind, "Defy me again, and I will kill you…slowly…"
"Y-Yes Master…F…Forgive me…" Quirrell stuttered, as he struggled to get up onto his feet
He knew the punishment was deserved. He had defied his Masters orders. Quirrell just needed the boy out of the way. Whilst he hadn't planned on killing Potter, he hoped that he could make the brat have an accident, that will leave him out of commission for some time. Quirrell just wanted to make sure the boy wouldn't get in the way, whilst he worked to bring his Master back to his former glory. He also just wanted to get revenge on the brat for what he has done to his Master. However, all the First Years were so close together, Quirrell cursed the wrong broom and ended up injuring the Longbottom boy instead.
So not only had Quirrell defied his Masters orders, but he had also nearly broken his cover in the process. In broad daylight, on the Hogwarts grounds, anyone could have seen him.
Quirrell held a hand to his forehead, as he got to his feet, leaning against his desk. The pain was beginning to subside now. As deserving as the punishment was, he had no plans to feel it again. Once Quirrell has acquired the Stone and brought his Master back, by providing him with a new body, Quirrell will be forgiven. He was sure of it. Which meant he was going to speed up his plans in smuggling his distraction into Hogwarts.
And he knew just when to do it too.
…
Later that day, Harry was walking alongside James as they made their way to the Great Hall for lunch. As they walked down the corridors, Harry had informed his friend about everything that happened after he had left Flying Class, with Professor Snape. How he had been waiting in the Potions Classroom, and how Snape had ordered their Prefect to give Harry a private trial, for the position of Seeker in the Slytherin Quidditch Team. Once Harry had finished, James let out a small whistle.
"I must say, I'm impressed…" James said, "Typically, First Years aren't allowed to try out for the House Quidditch Teams…only Second Years and above can do so…you must if really impressed Professor Snape, to allow such a thing…"
"So, do you think I should do it?" Harry asked
"Of course I do!" James said, as if Harry was crazy for thinking otherwise, "Bloody hell Harry, you'd be an idiot for turning something like this down…and, honestly, I think you'll be a great Seeker…"
Harry couldn't help but smile at James' praise. It made him happy to hear that his friend believed in him. However, that didn't stop the nervous dread and fear inside Harry. Fear of screwing everything up and being made fun of, by the rest of the school.
"What if I mess it all up?" He asked, voicing his fears, "What if I end up making a fool of myself in front of everyone?"
"Harry, you won't mess anything up" James reassured, as they stopped in front of the doors leading to the Great Hall, "Being a Seeker is in your blood…in fact, follow me, let me show you something…"
Harry stood there, confused for a moment, before quickly followed James who was leading him down several corridors, until they came across a row of cabinets containing various trophies of all shapes and sizes. Harry looked through the glass panes as he gazed at each trophy, before they came to a stop in front of a large, ornate cabinet where James pointed out a trophy to him. Harry moved to get a closer look at what was written on the trophy. The trophy was a wooden plaque in the shape of the Hogwarts Crest, awarded to the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. Adorned on the crest were small shields, each one engraved with the names and positions of each player, where one caught Harry's eye:
'SEEKER: JAMES POTTER'
"I told you…being a Seeker is in your blood…" James spoke up, "Your father was a Seeker too, when he was at Hogwarts …"
A small smile crept across Harry's face, as he looked at his father's name engraved on the small shield, a gentle hand against the glass pane of the trophy cabinet. Not only did knowing that his father was a Seeker during his time at Hogwarts make him feel more confident, but it also made him happy to learn a little more about his parents, giving him a connection to the father he never got to know. However, he did have one question on his mind.
"How did you know about this?" Harry asked, looking at his friend
"Look in the right books, and you'll find it…" James replied, "I've read many books about Hogwarts, including books on the Quidditch Teams…I may not be a massive fan of the sport, but I enjoy a game as much as the next person…one of these books I read mentioned your father, if what I read was true, he was one of the best Seekers Gryffindor has had…so you see, I have no doubt you'll be an amazing Seeker, like he was…"
"He's not the only one…" A voice spoke up
Harry and James turned around, to see a Slytherin boy in their year walking towards them. He was quite tall, with dark skin. His hair was short and jet black, with warm, brown eyes. Harry recognised the boy from their year, though couldn't recall his name. When James saw him approach, he stood a little straighter, and more relaxed, as he gave the boy a respectful nod.
"Zabini" James said
"Badger" The boy said, returning the respectful nod
"You two know each other?" Harry asked
"We've spoken on occasion, though only briefly…" The boy said
"Indeed" James nodded, "What do we owe the pleasure Blaise, I would've thought you'd be in the Great Hall for lunch…"
"I was, but then I saw you two leave and decided to follow you two…" Blaise said, turning to Harry, "I wanted to thank you, Harry…"
"Really?" Harry asked, confused, "For what?"
"For standing up to Malfoy, during Flying Class" Blaise said, "It's annoying being associated with the ponce…people like him gives our House a bad name, so thank you for putting him in his place, the way you did…"
"Well…umm…you're welcome" Harry replied, "But I would've done it regardless, he was getting on my nerves…"
"Along with most of Slytherin…" Blaise commented, "But anyway, that's all I wanted to say, I'll see you two around…"
Harry nodded as he watched the boy turn around and walked away. He thought Blaise seemed nice, unlike Malfoy. James, meanwhile, narrowed his eyes in thought before he called out to Blaise, who stopped and turned around to face them, curiously.
"Want to sit with us at lunch today?" James asked
"Sure…" Blaise shrugged, after a moment of thought, "Why not?"
…
Over at the Ministry of Magic, Amelia Bones made her way to Cornelius Fudge's office, having received a summons from the Minister of Magic. She hoped it had something to do with Harry Potters abusive relatives. She had been able to gather a team of Aurors and they were all currently on standby, waiting for the go ahead from the Minister of Magic himself, to make the arrest. If Harry's relatives were indeed abusive, she would love nothing more then to see them locked behind bars. Though of course, that decision will be left to the Wizengamot. Taking a short breath to calm herself, she knocked on the door to his office, waiting to be given permission to enter.
"You summoned me, Minister?" She asked, as she entered, standing respectfully in front of his desk
"Indeed, I did, Amelia…" Minster nodded, looking up from the files he was holding, "Have you been able to round up a team of Aurors, to arrest Mr Potters relatives?"
"Yes, I have, Cornelius" Amelia said, "I hope you've been able to arrange trial…"
"Yes, I have" Cornelius replied, "The earliest date I could arrange was the final day of June, when the school year ends…therefore Amelia, you have the go ahead to make the arrests, as soon as you possibly can…Mr Potters relatives will be kept in Ministry Holding Cells, until their trial…"
…
Later in the day, Harry held a broom in his hand as he followed Marcus Flint out the castle, onto the surrounding fields, heading towards the Quidditch pitch. Lessons had ended for the day, so now was a perfect time for Harry's try out for the Slytherin Quidditch Team. A large trunk was levitating behind Flint as he led Harry onto the pitch. Usually, Harry would be trying out for the team, along with the rest of the hopeful students who hoped to make the team themselves. However, as Snape had personally informed Flint to give Harry a private trial, so the two were alone.
Once they were standing in the middle of the Quidditch pitch, Flint removed his wand and removed the charm on the trunk, so it gently lowered onto the grass before he turned to Harry.
"Okay Harry, before we begin, do you know anything about Quidditch?" Flint asked, as he started undoing the locks on the trunk
"A little bit…" Harry nodded, "James told me the basics, earlier…"
That wasn't entirely the case. His friend had basically told him he didn't need to worry about anything else, besides something called the Golden Snitch, which would be Harry's job as a Seeker to catch and end the game, preferably winning the game for his team too. Flint merely nodded, half listening as he opened the trunk.
"Good, then you should know what your job is" Flint said, "Of course, should you make the team, you will have to train along with the rest of the team…however, first we have to see if Snape was right about you…"
Harry nodded, as he looked into the open trunk, where he saw several balls of various sizes. The largest ball was brown in colour, with grooves allowing people to grip it securely. Harry vaguely remembered it to be a Quaffle, which was used to score points. On either side of the Quaffle were two smaller, jet-black balls that were shaking about violently, currently being restrained by chains. Bludger's. When Harry was told, they were used to try and knock players off of their brooms, it made him question the brutality and safety of Quidditch as a whole.
Flint, meanwhile, ignored the Quaffle and Bludger's as he opened a small compartment, revealing a small and ornate golden ball. The smallest ball of the lot. Removing the ball from its compartment, Flint stood up and held it for Harry to see.
"As a Seeker, this is all you will need to worry about…" Flint said, "The Golden Snitch…a nasty little bugger, extremely fast and damn near impossible to see most of the time, as I'm sure James has told you…a Seekers job is to catch it to end the game, and earn their team 150 points, though that doesn't always mean their team wins…now, we have two hours until sun down, during that time I'll be setting the Snitch free and you'll ride on a broom to catch it…I'll be keeping note of your performance and amount of times you catch the Snitch…if I like what I see, you'll make the team…understood?"
Harry nodded, taking a deep breath to calm himself as he mounted his broom, recalling the instructions from Madam Hooch's lesson earlier in the day. Gently hovering in the air, he waited for Flint to release the Snitch, starting to chase after it when he saw a glint of gold glistening in the sky.
…
Harry couldn't even begin to describe how he felt as he flew across the Quidditch Pitch, chasing after the Snitch, again and again. He just felt…alive. There was something about being up in the air that he enjoyed, that made him feel free, every time he shot off after the Snitch. Maybe, it was the feeling of the wind around him, as he flew. Maybe, it was the euphoric feeling of being high up in the air. Or maybe, it was just knowing that his father had also been a Seeker during his school years at Hogwarts. James had told Harry that being a Seeker was in his blood, so perhaps all this excitement and enthusiasm he felt on the broom, was all down to his genetics. Harry didn't know for certain. But, what he did know was that he was enjoying every second of it.
Whilst Harry was up in the air, Flint remained on the ground as he watched his performance with a judgemental eye, his eyes tracking Harry's form as he flew through the air, marking down every time Harry caught the Golden Snitch. Harry had lost count how many times he caught the Snitch, however, judging from the impressed look on Flint's face, it must've been a lot. Once Harry caught the Snitch once again, Flint called an end to the try-out, so Harry slowly lowered himself to the ground and returned the Snitch to Flint, getting off his broom.
"So…how did I do?" Harry asked as he took a few breaths, to calm his adrenaline, "Did I do good?"
"Did you do good?" Flint repeated, as if Harry was crazy for asking, "Good? Harry, you were bloody amazing, in two hours you caught the Snitch 25 times!"
"So, have I made the team?" Harry asked
"Of course you have, you idiot!" Flint said with a smile, his eyes rolling a little, "With everything I've just witnessed, there is no doubt that you are Slytherins new Seeker…if you perform in matches, the same way you have tonight, then Slytherin is certain to keep its Quidditch winning streak!"
…
The next morning, as they made their way down to the Great Hall for breakfast, Harry told James everything about his try out, as well as making the Slytherin team. It also seems everyone else knew as people they passed had congratulated him for making the team. News clearly travelled fast in Hogwarts. When Harry had finished telling his friend everything, James had a proud smile on his face and didn't seem at all surprised.
"I told you Harry" James said, as the two entered the Great Hall, "It is in your blood…you must now be the youngest Seeker in…how long exactly?"
"At least a century…" Harry replied, smiling, "At least according to what Flint had told me…"
It was at that moment when Harry felt two arms wrap around his shoulders. He looked up to see the Weasley Twins were standing either side of him, looking down at him with their ever present, wide and toothy grins. Harry had no idea where the two had come from. It was like they just appeared out of thin air.
"Congratulations Harry" Fred said
"The Gryffindor Team just received the news" George continued
"We play Beaters for Gryffindor, so we look forward to competing against you" They said in unison, "Now, maybe we'll have some proper competition…"
"Thank you…" Harry said, with a smile
"You're welcome…" George smiled, before turning to James, "Maybe you should try out for the Slytherin Team, as well, next year James…"
"I'm fine where I am on the ground" James said, rolling his eyes a little, "I like flying but I'm not a Quidditch enthusiast like the two of you…"
"That's a shame…" Fred replied, with a soft sigh, "You would be an amazing Chaser, with that mean throwing arms of yours, the two of you could prove to be a challenge for the other Houses on the pitch…"
"I'll consider it, okay?" James said, sighing, "But no promises…"
"That's all we ask" the Twins said in unison, before turning to Harry, "We look forward to our first game against you Harry…"
With that, the two patted Harry on the shoulders and gave the two Slytherins a bow before they made their way to the Gryffindor table, whilst James and Harry made their way to the Slytherin table. Meanwhile, none of them noticed Ron Weasley sitting alone at the Gryffindor table glaring at the lot of them. Specifically, his brothers for conversing with the two 'slimy snakes'. He was going to have to have a talk with them soon. But first his breakfast was calling to him, much to the disgust of those who were unfortunate enough to be near the red head, as they had to witness the boys rather repulsive table manners.
"You know, as much as I love those two, I do wish they would stop asking me to join a Quidditch Team of some kind" James said, as the two sat at the Slytherin table, "Ever since I first played with them, in their garden, they've been going on about it…"
"Well, there is no harm in at least trying out, right?" Harry shrugged, as he started putting some food onto his plate
"Yeah, I guess not…" James replied, before Susan suddenly appeared
"Hey, you two" She said, "I just heard the news, congratulations on making the Slytherin Quidditch Team, Harry…"
"Thank you, Susan" Harry smiled, softly, "I'm guessing the whole school knows now?"
"More or less, word travels faster then the Golden Snitch in Hogwarts…" Susan said with a shrug, "I look forward to seeing your first match against Hufflepuff though, apparently Cedric Diggory is also a natural…anyways, see you around…"
Harry watched as Susan walked away, heading back to the Hufflepuff table, a little surprised at her sudden and abrupt departure. James was also surprised, though not for the same reason as Harry. No. He was surprised at what he found, stuffed in his robe pocket.
"That sly little Hufflepuff…" James said
Harry turned, wondering what James was talking about, where he saw his friend holding a letter of some kind. Harry watched as James's eyes flicked across the letter, from left to right, his lips moving slightly as he read the contents to himself. Harry figured that, whatever was written on the letter, it must have been good judging from the smile that made its way onto his friend's face.
"What does it say?" Harry asked
"Take a look for yourself…" James smiled, handing Harry the letter
Harry gingerly took the letter from James, looking around a little to make sure no one was watching them, or eavesdropping on their conversation, before reading the contents written down on the parchment.
To James Badger,
Heir to the Badger Family and Fortune,
To say that I was more then a little alarmed, to receive your letter informing me of child abuse that Harry Potter has been subjected to, whilst living with his Muggle relatives, would be an understatement. As the Potters are part of the Alliance, I was more then willing to go to the Minister of Magic to request permission to set up a team to have those monsters arrested. But of course, I would have been honoured to regardless. Child abuse of any kind, especially towards the child of James and Lily Potter, is not something I will tolerate.
The Minister of Magic has already given me the go ahead to arrest Mr Potter's relatives at the earliest opportunity, and a trial has already been placed for the 30th of June, after the school year ends. Once Mr Potter's relatives have been arrested, they will be placed in Ministry Holding Cells until then. When the Hogwarts Express arrives back at Kings Cross Station, I will meet with you two personally, to take you both to the Ministry for the trial, should either of you be required to give statements to the Wizengamot.
Please give Mr Potter my regards, and tell him he'll be able to rest easier, now that his relatives are currently being dealt with.
Amelia Bones,
Head of the DMLE
"D…do you really think she'll be able to get them arrested and…locked up?" Harry asked, feeling excited and nervous at the same time as he finished reading the letter.
"I don't think Harry, I know she will…" James said, gently taking the letter back, folding it up back into his pocket, "Once your relatives are bound in chains, in front of the Wizengamot, and their crimes are revealed, they won't stand a chance…they're as good as done for Harry and they don't even know it yet…"
Harry smiled, as he turned his attention back to his dinner, now feeling even more hungry than he had been previously. When James had first given a letter to Susan, to send to her Aunt, Harry had been initially nervous, worried that it will all turn against him like every attempt before it. Now though, he could breathe easier, knowing that the end of their First Year, his relatives will be behind bars, and he would never have to see them again.
…
And that is Chapter 6 done. The shortest chapter of the bunch, I think.
Anyway, there's a few changes in this remaster. Most notably the introduction of Blaise in this story. I admit, his introduction seems kind of out of nowhere and shoehorned in, but I couldn't think of another way to introduce him before the troll attack next chapter. Umm…spoilers if you haven't read the original. But hey, he's introduced now, and I look forward into having the Famous Four in this story, instead of the Golden Trio.
Also, yes, we will see the Dursleys arrest soon. In fact this will be the biggest change in the remaster so far. In the original, the Dursleys are arrested after Harry's First Year, when he arrives back home and are then put on trial. In this remaster, things are going to play out differently. Instead, either in the next chapter, or Chapter 8, we will see the Dursleys arrest, and the trial will take place immediately after the end of First Year. This, as well as Blaise, will be one of the many notable changes in this remaster and I look forward to writing them, and I hope you look forward to reading them.
But that is all for now. I hope you enjoyed and I will see you next time, in whatever story I see you in.
Badger Out.
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