Chapter 5: Quidditch Cup Resumes

I do not own Harry Potter

Author's Notes:

For anyone still having formatting issues with the third chapter, I am unsure what the problem is. I fixed it on my end a while ago.

I've gone with a rather arbitrary way for him to get away from the Dursleys, but I hope it makes sense to you.

I tried my hand at writing Quidditch, tell me by reviews if you think I should do more.

Enjoy!

17:45 |Headmaster's Office| Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry |June 19th 1993 |

Harry stood outside the office of the headmaster, waiting to be called in. The trace of the purification ritual from two days ago was gone, and unless one was looking for an anomaly specifically, they would not find anything odd about him. The ritual itself was a resounding success. Thankfully it did not require any ingredients that could not be obtained from an apothecary. Harry had sent out owl orders under alias' to 4 separate apothecaries, so as to not rouse suspicion. The final ingredient was his own blood. He had given a considerable amount, and it left him weak, but nothing a couple of blood-replenishing potions couldn't fix. In the time after the ritual, he steadily felt better and better, and now, he felt better than he ever had.

It would be 5 more days before Harry would be assured of a Dursley free summer. He would be undergoing a growth-enhancement ritual, and would offer the blood wards that kept him safe from any kind of person or creature approaching him there with ill-intent. The ritual would speed up his puberty and growth cycles, as well as increase how much he would grow. This essentially meant he wanted to decrease the time he spent as a child or - that he wanted to part with his childhood. Each ritual demands an offering - and what better thing to offer in return for being blessed with growing up faster than a protection that would last with him as long as he was a 'child'. It was a perfect trade-off and somehow, Harry stood to gain from losing as well. As an added bonus, he would retain his Voldemort-specific protection on his person - only the blood wards activated by Dumbledore and made possible by Petunia were being offered here, not his mother's protection entirely.

The third and fourth rituals that he would do would make use parts of the basilisk he had killed. Salazar had recommended engaging the goblins to help in the rendering process, apparently they were supposed to be best suited for this task, and did this even in his time. Getting the carcass rendered from Gringotts - which first needed to be portkeyed out was the reason he had engaged the headmaster the previous day. And he now had an answer for him.

"Come in, Harry"

Harry pushed the door open and his way towards Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts and considered to be one of the greatest wizards of all time.

Dumbledore gestured for Harry to take a seat. "Lemon drop, Harry?" he asked, before popping one into his own mouth. Harry politely declined.

"Good evening, professor."

"Good evening dear boy, I received your letter", Harry gripped his slacks tightly, "and I have decided to grant your request", Harry sighed out in relief, "You may have the basilisk carcass portkeyed out of the castle and into Gringotts."

"Thank you, headmaster."

"No need to thank me, you slayed the beast, it is your right to claim its carcass as your own. Forgive an old man's curiosity Harry, but could you tell me what you plan on doing with the carcass?"

"Of course, sir. I read up a little on basilisks from the book Hermione found and discovered some uses. The first is their hide, it makes for excellent armour, in fact in some ways even better than dragonhide. I plan on having some commissioned. I will not sell any of the hide sir, it would most likely be bought by people like Lucius Malfoy, who are death eaters."

"Ah, you've studied Lord Voldemort…. Though I suppose it was only natural. As for your decision to not sell any of the hide, I agree with your logic completely. Only men like Lucius Malfoy could afford such expensive armour, and as you pointed out, they are death eaters who managed to escape…. Though I would appreciate if you did not mention to anyone that I said that." Dumbledore chuckled. "Quite cunning of you Harry, yes, if Lord Voldemort were to rise again, such people would undoubtedly flock back to his side, and it is for the better that they not have some of the best armour in the world."

"As a thank you to you and Fawkes, I will also have a set commissioned for you, so could you give me your measurements?"

"I thank you for your generosity, Harry, however I must decline - use the hide for yourself, it is extremely precious."

"I insist Professor, there is enough hide for the both of us when I've full grown up, and more. Consider it a gesture of thanks for your management of my family accounts all these years. I am aware of how the state of our finances was at the end of the war, Voldemort crippled several of our investments, and we had also made donations to the ministry, which was inadequately financed because of the economic recession."

"I did not do much at all my boy, I merely signed off on the goblins' recommendations."

"Even so sir, you have helped me immensely, please accept it." Harry said solemnly.

"Very well, I will accept your gift. Once again, thank you for your generosity."

"As for the other items from the basilisk, I will be selling the meat to the goblins. That should cover their fees, as well as provide for a cash injection into my family vault, it will be another step in restoring them to their full glory. I'll also be giving some of it to Hermione, and buy Fawkes a new perch, it wouldn't have been possible without them." Fawkes gave out a trill of appreciation. "I wanted to share some with Ron as well, but he said he had no part to play in the slaying, and refused to accept. He said his family doesn't take charity, and neither does he."

"As for the other ingredients, like the ivory or the trace amounts of venom, I will be selling a portion of it, but will retain some of it. While I may not be a potions maestro, but I'm sure someone I know could make use of them."

Harry knew this amount of explanation sounded way too mature for someone a month shy of his 13th birthday, but he went this much into detail on purpose; he was hoping displays of maturity like this would get Dumbledore to open up on whatever secrets he was keeping from him – something he was quite frustrated about.

"Quite mature thinking, Harry. On the topic of the ingredients, there is something I would like to ask of you. Come in, Severus" Dumbledore said the last part loudly.

Severus Snape, Professor of Potions made his way into the office, his cloak billowing behind him. How long had he been standing there? And how did Dumbledore know he was even there? Harry was by himself when he was waiting outside….

Snape, walked all the way over to behind the desk, before finally acknowledging Harry's presence by sparing him a glance. Harry had just pieced together what Dumbledore was going to ask, before the man began to speak.

"Harry, as you are aware, basilisk parts are incredibly rare, and can be used in research. I would like for you to share some ingredients with Professor Snape, he is one of the youngest Potions Masters in Europe and could make good use of the ingredients. I understand that the two of you have had your differences, but I implore you to put them aside, in the name of research."

Harry sat contemplating for a few seconds. On one hand, Snape had to have some skill to be made a Hogwarts Professor at such a young age. But on the other, the man was an extremely unprofessional teacher who bullied children. He also let Malfoy and his cronies get away with whatever they wanted. This was not someone deserving of kindness like this, at least not from him. Deciding saying just 'no' would not only sound rude but also give Snape the moral high ground, he decided to answer,

"Of course sir, as long as Professor Snape apologizes for his behaviour and promises to do better as a teacher."

That was a good answer, he didn't say no, but there was no way Snape was ever agreeing to what he said.

"You arrogant brat! Clearly the fame has gone to your head, like I've always said!"

All of a sudden, Harry felt a surge of anger, and he burst out, surprising both adults. "And this is exactly what I'm talking about! You have targeted me since the first day out of spite for a man who died 11 years ago! You favour your own students and bully the others! You don't DESERVE to teach here!"

"You insolent boy! How DARE you question me like that! Take that back!"

Dumbledore interjected, stopping the situation from escalating further," Enough! Both of you!". Dumbledore took of his glasses and rubbed his eyes tiredly. He sighed and continued.

"Harry, as for who deserves to be a teacher here or not, I believe I am the headmaster, and not you. Please refrain from saying things like this." Dumbledore said sternly. "And Professor Snape, this Is hardly the first time you have been accused by students OR teachers of harassment and favouritism, I will be forced to take action against you if these complaints continue." Dumbledore completed even more sternly.

Snape seemed to ignore the warning to him and said, "Clearly our resident celebrity is incapable of letting go of his hereditary arrogance headmaster. I will not inflate your dangerously large ego further by bowing to you, keep your ingredients!" And with that, Snape stomped out of the office.

Dumbledore sighed again. "I had hoped that this meet could have helped the two of you bury the hatchet."

Harry interrupted Dumbledore, "The only reason any tension exists in the first place sir is because of Snape,"

"Professor Snape, Harry."

"Esteemed Professor Snape has harassed me since day one. He humiliated me in front the entire class on the first day, and continues to belittle not only me but everyone not in his house. Professor McGonagall said she and the other head of houses have also registered complaints, but you do not take any action."

"I admit that Professor Snape is not a good teacher-"

"Then why haven't you sacked him?"

Dumbledore seemed to be contemplating telling Harry or not, before deciding to tell him the truth. "There is a reason for that. Professor Snape was a death eater, once" Before Harry could say anything, Dumbledore raised his hand to stop him. "the key word here is 'was', Harry. He regretted the choice he made, came over to our side and functioned as a spy. He was so skilled at his job that, to this day no one can confidently say which side he was truly on. As you know, Lord Voldemort is not truly dead, and has come dangerously close to returning on multiple occasions. In the very likely event that he will rise again, I plan on Professor Snape to play the role of a double agent once again."

"But how do you know he really isn't a death eater?"

"That is between myself and Professor Snape, and I will not disclose the reason unless he wants me to. I only request that you respect my judgement on the matter; I have an ironclad reason to trust Professor Snape."

"While I still do not think this gives him the liberty to do what he does, I understand your reason Professor, and I trust your judgement.". Harry wasn't lying here; he really did trust Dumbledore, although he did not trust Snape one bit. In fact, hearing he was a death eater made him grow even more weary of the man.

"Thank you, Harry. The portkey will be here the day after, in the morning. I will summon you after breakfast to collect it. For obvious reasons, you alone can access the chamber… Now, if there is nothing else, you may go." Dumbledore ended politely.

"Actually sir, there is. With your permission, could I go to Gringotts as well?"

"Oh, any specific reason, my boy?"

"Yes sir, I would like to take a more active role in managing my family's affairs. When you had explained these things to me two years ago, I didn't understand the full scope of it. I think I've neglected my responsibilities for long enough. Going to Gringotts would allow me to discuss these things and the basilisk face to face, since we have not finalized on fees. I know you offered to intercede on my behalf, but I would like to do this on my own. Since we don't have exams, I would only miss out on revision classes."

Dumbledore looked at Harry for a few seconds, as if passing judgement, before agreeing to his request. "Very well, I will write to Gringotts, informing them of the beast and that you wish to be present at the negotiations. I would like to warn you that goblins are tough negotiators, so be ready for some tricky negotiations... Was there anything else?

"No sir, but before leaving, I would like to apologize for questioning your decision to keep Sn- Professor Snape here."

"Not to worry my boy, it is only natural for you to think so; such is our Potions Master's nature. Besides, I encourage questioning my decision-making, tends to keep me on my toes." Both gave a chuckle at this.

"Good evening, headmaster."

"Good evening, Mr Potter, and good luck in tomorrow's match.". With a thank you, Harry strode out of the headmaster's office, satisfied by the events of the encounter.

10:00 |Quidditch Pitch| Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry |June 20th 1993 |

Harry stood last in line with his teammates in the tunnel, giddy with anticipation. Quidditch was one his favourite things to do, period.

While he had obviously understood why it had been cancelled, he couldn't help but feel resented at the prospect of no Quidditch till next year. He was also miffed that this Gryffindor side, not only without question the best team of the four houses, but also one of the best teams in years would be losing out on the Quidditch Cup, and not because they were outplayed, but because of matters outside their control.

Now though, now they had the chance to showcase just what they were made of, and end Gryffindor's six-year drought in the competition. He saw Oliver mount his broom and prepare to fly out… showtime.

"- And now, introducing first – Wood, Johnson, Spinnet, Weasley, Weasley, Bell aaaaand Potter! Put your hands together for the Lion's Pride – Grrryyyfffffinnndooorr!"

Harry and his teammates emerged from the tunnel and soared into the sky, doing laps around the grounds in formation, amid thunderous applause and raucous cheering from Gryffindor, some what enthusiastic cheering from Hufflepuff, polite applause from the Ravenclaws, and of course, jeers from the Slytherins.

As Harry raced around the pitch, he took it all in – the euphoria of being sky-bound, the feeling of the cool wind against his face, the noise from the stands, Lee's commentary in the distance…... "my goodness I've missed this" he thought to himself.

Harry watched the Ravenclaw team make their way out on the pitch. They had lost two of their team members – the Davies brothers. Damian, seeker, had his NEWTs while Roger, chaser, had OWLs. In their place were his year-mate Johnathan Cavendish and third-year Cho Chang , replacing Roger and Damian respectively. They were both using Comet 260s.

"Captains, shake hands" Madam Hooch called out customarily, and Oliver shook hands with Martin Sachs, fellow keeper and 6th year.

"The audience came out here expecting a show, be sure to give them one!", Madam Hooch said, then blew her whistle signaling the start of the game. Gryffindor had won the toss.

"And we're underway! Johnson has immediately started charging forwards – what a dodge! Inglebee sent an early bludger which Johnson swerved away from at the last minute. Now the vixens – as the chaser trio is fondly called – are lined up in a trident formation and charging towards of the penalty area, amid tackles from the opposition. Weasley's bludger takes out a charging Stretton and now the Quaffle is in the 30-yard box meaning the keeper is fair game for the beaters... Watch out Page, those twins are crafty! Spinnet ducks and rolls underneath Burrow's tackle, Johnson – Bell – Spinnet – Bell – Johnson – Spinnet – Johnson, what a juggle from the chasers, and what grace, they haven't been hit a single time! Now Spinnet is one on one with the keeper – she shoo – NO, it's a backpass – to POTTER! When did he get there! He's on the edge of the penalty area…. THE SEEKER has fired a sho- NO HE HASN'T! Bell gets a hand on the Quaffle from 12 yards and helps it on! And oh my! Page has been clipped by a bludger mid -dive and the Quaffle has gone in! And since Bell got a touch to it before just at the 12 yard line, it doesn't count as a shot on goal from the seeker and the goal stands! 10-0 to Gryffindor! My goodness what a play from the lions! They have completely outclassed the eagles with this one. Have you ever seen a start like that ladies and gentlewizards, incredible! Now its Ravenclaw restarting the game….."

Harry tuned out what Lee was saying and focused on looking for the snitch. The play at the start was something they had planned, and Harry's perfect throw was proof of Wood's effective training regimen.

Wood had planned on Harry being more involved in the game and participate in some of the team plays this year, rather than just look for the snitch. Hence, Harry had also trained up on aspects other than just the seeker's – strength, throwing techniques, handling beater bats…etc. While it had been absolutely grueling for Harry, it could pay-off, like it had just now. He started to circle above the grounds, keeping an eye for the snitch, which should be more visible, given the clear blue skies and sunlight.

A few minutes into the game, and Harry spotted the snitch by the Hufflepuff stands. He raced off towards it, followed by Chang, who had been tailing him since the start. As Harry started closing in on the snitch, he was tackled by Chang. This set him off track, and in the few seconds he took to compose himself, the snitch had gotten away. He looked sideways and saw the Ravenclaw seeker give a smirk. "So, this is her strategy, keep blocking me from getting it and maybe luck out in the aftermath of her distraction" Harry though to himself. He needed to shake off his shadow if he wanted to get the snitch anytime soon.

"Spinnet shoots – SAVED – but it falls to Johnson – deflected and in! Page makes a fantastic save to deny Spinnet, but unluckily for him the Quaffle falls to Johnson who fires a shot from 25 yards towards the right goalpost, where he is farthest from. He dives again and gets a hand to the Quaffle, but he can't steer it past the hoop. 40-10 to Gryffindor!"

Gryffindor were on a roll. Perhaps some it was down to the fact that Ravenclaw were missing two first-team players, but Harry's team was head and shoulders above the eagles.

From the skies, Harry spotted the snitch again; it was by the left Gryffindor hoop. However, Harry charged towards the right hoop, before steering upwards. Predictably, Chang followed.

"Looks like Potter's seen the snitch!"

Several hundred feet up he turned in a way as to block his opposing seeker's view of what was immediately in front of him, before completing the U-turn; he was now going downwards, and fast.

At 250 feet, he turned it into a nose-dive. While he was still at a breakneck speed, he was purposefully not going at his fastest, so as to keep Chang in the chase whole-heartedly.

100 – 80 – 60 – 40 – 20 – At 15 feet, Harry knew he had reached his limit. He turned his broom sharply upwards, pulling back as much as he could, and started ascending upwards when a comfortable 4 feet from the ground. The other seeker however, was not as lucky. She had been following Harry and was just about to pull out of the race when he made a sudden turn. She got startled by the sudden sharp turn, and it took her a precious two seconds to start steering herself again, but that was a second too long. While she managed to slow down almost completely and also avoided landing head first onto the ground, she could not fully balance herself. She hit the ground arm-first, and suffered a hairline fracture. She saw Potter racing off in the distance, and realized she had just been juked. Laying on the ground as the reserve players came to check on her, she gave a smile and a shake of the head, accepting the other's superiority.

"Would you believe it! Harry Potter – second year - has just pulled off a successful Wronski Feint! You will hardly see a better attempt at school level ladies and gentlewizards, that was top class!"

The success of a Wronski Feint was determined by whether or not you managed to make your opponent fall off their broom, though some considered getting your opponent to halt and thus getting some precious seconds also a successful recreation of the move.

While Harry's attempt had been below the professional level, he wasn't up against a professional player, and he had done enough to shake off Cho.

He was delighted to find the golden snitch still near the left post and immediately chased behind in pursuit. He was now just fingertips away…..

SHWOOP!

With a well-timed swing, Harry caught hold of the elusive ball. Stopping, he held out his hand in triumph, with the snitch hopelessly struggling against his grip.

"After a WRONSKI FEINT of all things, Harry Potter has caught the snitch! The boy's a phenomenon, the team's a phenomenon! Final Score, 210 – 20 – GRYFFINDOR WINS! YOU WANTED A SHOW FOR THE FIRST MATCH BACK FOLKS? WELL GRYFFINDOR WILL HAVE CERTAINLY LEFT YOU SATISFIED TODAY!"

While Lee was known to show some bias towards Gryffindor, he was not exaggerating in the slightest here. The lions truly had been mesmerizing today. Even some of the Slytherins – who hated Gryffindor on principle, joined in on the applause.

Harry and the team did a victory lap, and took a few moments to applaud their supporters, before making their way off the pitch, still being cheered.