Chap 17: The Tryouts

"How were your lessons with McGonagall?" Cho asked Harry. They were sitting at the Gryffindor table, enjoying their breakfast together.

"Painful," Harry winced, "My head felt like it was on fire yesterday."

"That bad?"

"Yeah, but all things considered, it went pretty well."

"Great to hear," Cho said.

At that moment, owls begin flying into the Great Hall, delivering letters to the students. As Harry observed, many students were now in deep silence, reading what would seem to be the Daily Prophet. Suddenly, a black crow with golden stripes came flying into the Great Hall, dropping a letter on Cho. Cho quickly opened it and started reading her father's reply.

"What did your dad say?"

"Nothing much really, he said that they are building a case at the moment and that they wanted to get as much evidence as possible before they bring her to trial, but he confirmed that what she is was illegal and that he would want evidence from you eventually with your memories and stuff, here read it," Cho replied, handing him the letter.

Harry read the letter which told the same story that Cho did. He however, laughed when he reached the final paragraph where her father lecture her about using colourful language like calling Umbridge a bitch, a disgusting pink toad and a few words in Mandarin that Harry could only infer were pretty bad swearing.

"Ignore that part," Cho said after seeing Harry's laughter, "I wrote it in the heat of the moment."

"It's brilliant," Harry replied before giving Cho a peck on her face.

"Merlin's beard, take a look at this Harry," Hermione said, passing Harry her copy of the Daily Prophet

Dolores Umbridge appointed Hogwarts High Inquisitor

Dolores Umbridge, the Senior Undersecretary and the recently announced professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts has been announced as the new High Inquisitor, a new role created for the Ministry to keep a closer eye on the standards of teaching at Hogwarts. This Education Decree was passed yesterday following intense discussions between the Minister and the new surveillance group who were appointed after the vote of surveillance was passed last month. Notably, Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, was a major player in the passing of the Decree. It was reported that Madam Bones firmly rejected the proposed bill and only accepted the Decree after many changes to it. Of the many changes, a major point of contention was about the High Inquistor's authority as compared to the Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. After much discussion, it was decided that Albus Dumbledore would continue to have supreme authority with any expulsions and changes still under his control. Read more about the Decree itself below…

"High Inquisitor?" Harry commented after reading finish, passing on the newspaper to Cho.

"Yeah, Fudge is really trying to control Hogwarts with Umbridge."

"Well let's be thankful that Madam Bones isn't as delusional as Fudge," Harry said with the group nodding in agreement. Harry looked up at the teacher's table where Umbridge was sitting, to his surprise, she did not look as happy as Harry envisioned her to be.

"Well Umbridge certainly is disappointed isn't she," Harry commented.

"She's probably annoyed that Madam Bones got in the way of complete control," Cho said, passing the paper back to Hermione and continued consuming her breakfast.

"Anyways, enough with this Umbridge crap," Cho said, "Harry, your tryouts are today isn't it?"

"Yeah, wanna join?" Harry asked.

"A rival captain?" Cho replied, raising her eyebrows.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure the others won't mind, I could probably use your help for the seeker section as well."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I will just have to check with the others first."

"Aren't you the captain?" Ron asked, "You can make any decision you want no?"

"Yes, but squad harmony is important, they are also the seniors in the squad, their opinions matter a ton," Harry replied, "They will probably be fine, but I will just have to check."

"Sure then, update me later."

Harry made his way to the Quidditch pitch together with Cho who was wearing his practice jersey from his 3rd year, something that Harry gave to Cho after they modified it to fit her. Holding his Nimbus Lightning 1 in one hand and the other holding Cho's hand, Harry could not help but feel like the happiest man on earth. Entering the locker room, Harry was greeted by a familiar sight, something that he hadn't seen in a long time.

"Welcome back Captain," Katie teased, while Fred and George stood up to give him a military salute. The whole team was in the changing room, changing into their gear, preparing to play Quidditch once again.

"Hello Cho," Angelina said warmly, "do not sabotage our tryouts."

"Eh doesn't matter, Ravenclaw will win the championship regardless," Cho replied, resulting in the room snorting.

"Anyways it's good to see you all again, hopefully, we can find a good replacement for Wood tonight," Harry said, the entire room solemnly nodding their head. Despite the whole team being in the changing room, they could all feel that something was sorely missing in the room.

"Today is very simple, we will be looking for 2 keepers, 2 chasers, one of which is ideally versatile enough to play seeker and 2 beaters, we will start with simple laps around the pitch and then proceed to an easy flying drill to see who can fly, those who aren't good enough will be eliminated after the drill, Fred and George, you 2 will then take the beaters to do some simple accuracy and strength test, Katie and Alicia, take the chasers and run the harder drill, do the usual accuracy and strength test then work on their defence, Angelina, you will take the keepers and run them through some keeping practice, then run a more serious 1 on 1 test, give them each 10 shots and record their results, Cho, you will take the seekers on the drill and the obstacle course, test their catching using the golf balls, I will go around and observe the practice and help out from time to time, after we are done with everything, we will play the game and see how they do during a game itself, we will keep swapping them in and out over the course of the game," Harry commanded, something that the whole team understood well.

"In that case, good luck everyone," Harry said, leaving the changing room together with the team.

The moment Harry took a step outside, he knew that he would be in for a long day. A huge crowd of around 80 students were standing outside, most of which were girls who were busy giggling to themselves when they saw Harry. Their expressions immediately changed to a scowl when they saw Cho beside him.

"I can't seem to get a fucking break," Harry muttered, "they either hate me or delusionally love me."

Cho hearing this, roared with laughter, firmly grasping Harry's hand and giving him an encouraging smile.

"Ok, whoever is here just to see me can fuck off right now!" Harry shouted at the crowd, leading to many giggling girls running away in laughter, heading into the stands to watch. Harry took another look at them and realised that some weren't even Gryffindor.

"Imbeciles," Harry muttered under his breath, something that Cho heard and chuckled.

Looking at the rest of the group, Harry was simultaneously disappointed but elated when he saw around 40 to 50 were left. On one hand, more people means more potential to find the best players, on the other, it means that his day will be even longer.

"Okay, I am Harry, the captain of the Gryffindor team this year, these are Katie, Angelina, Alicia, Fred and George," Harry said, introducing the members to them, "They were on the Gryffindor team the last time and will be conducting the trials today, they will most likely remain as the starting lineup this year but if any of you show that you are better than them, you will take their place."

Harry looked back at his team where Katie, Angelina and Alicia looked satisfied with his introduction, agreeing with what Harry mentioned. The twins, on the other hand, had their hands on their hearts, as if suffering from a broken heart.

"Anyways, Angelina is also the Vice-captain of the team and will be helping me with decisions throughout the year, last but not least, this is Cho Chang, the Ravenclaw's seeker and Captain, she will be assisting with the tryouts today," Harry said, introducing Cho.

"To start, we will be doing laps around the pitch, follow Cho and Angelina who will lead, this isn't a race so don't try to show off and overtake them, if you do I will make sure that you continue at that pace for the rest of the laps which I promise you, you don't want to," Harry warned.

Following Angelina's lead, the group of students took off, with Katie and Alicia flying in the middle of the pack, observing the flyers while Fred and George were at the back doing the same. Harry, on the other hand, observed from afar, confident that his team was able to handle this practice.

Looking around the pitch, Harry quickly noticed an out-of-the-ordinary group in the stands. In the group, there was Hermione and Neville, people who Harry had expected to watch the tryouts, however, sitting beside them were Luna Lovegood, Daphne Greengrass, Blaise Zabini and a girl who Harry assumed was Tracey Davis. Most unusually, McGonagall was sitting there as well. When McGonagall noticed Harry looking at their direction, she beckoned him to come which Harry did.

"Hey guys, Evening Professor," Harry greeted.

"Mr Potter, good to see that your tryouts are going smoothly thus far."

"Thank you Professor," Harry replied cordially.

"However, may I know why Ms Chang, the Ravenclaw Captain is joining the tryouts as well?"

"She's just helping out, no sabotage in play."

"I see," McGonagall replied, nodding.

Turning his attention to the rest of the group, Harry greeted Hermione, Neville and Luna before turning his attention to the Slytherins.

"I shall assume that you are Tracey Davis?" Harry asked the brown hair girl.

"I am, good to meet you Potter."

"You too Davis."

"What are you 3 doing here anyways?" Harry asked the group, looking specifically at Daphne who he was closer with.

"Just here to watch Gryffindor's Pride play some Quidditch," Daphne replied, resulting in the Gryffindor's snorting.

"Well, I won't exactly be playing much today, just gonna observe how others play."

"Damn, regardless, seeing others tryout is quite interesting indeed, we 3 here are organising a betting pool for who gets into the team," Daphne said.

"You're just gonna let that happen?" Harry asked McGonagall who simply shrugged.

"It's technically not against the school rules."

"Interesting, Blaise, I'm assuming you are not here to spy for Slytherin are you?" Harry asked the Slytherin chaser.

"Nah, not much to spy at," Blaise replied, "Anyways, at this rate, I will be kicked out of the team in no time."

"Why, you are pretty good aren't you?"

"Yeah, but with me being on friendly terms with you, Malfoy will probably want to kick me out."

"Sucks to be a Slytherin."

"Indeed Harry," Blaise said, smiling at him.

"Alright I need to go back to the tryouts, see you for Prefect patrols tomorrow Daphne," Harry said before flying back to the centre of the pitch where the flyers were heading back for their drill.

After a few more hours, the tryouts were finally over and Harry had finalised his team, facing the remaining players, he announced his decision.

"Good job everyone, you have all shown a good showing today, if you don't make it into the team, keep training and perhaps you will have a chance next year, but now, I will announce my selection," Harry said, feeling the atmosphere tensing up a ton, "For chasers, I have decided to pick Demelza Robbins and Ginny Weasley as reserve Chaser, Ginny will also be the reserve seeker, for beaters, I've decided on Jimmy Peakes and Ritchie Coote as the reserves, last but not least, I have chose Ron Weasley as the starting keeper and Ryan Bell as the reserve."

Screams of happiness and disappointment exploded in the crowd with Ron and Ginny hugging each other in happiness while Ryan ran up to his sister, Katie, to give her a huge hug as well.

"This is blatant favouritism!" a boy named Cormac Mclaggen shouted, catching everyone's attention

"Care to elaborate why Mclaggen?" Fred growled back.

"Weasley is Harry's best friend and Bell is Katie's brother, obviously he would choose both of them."

"Do you want me to explain my decision to you?" Harry questioned, maintaining his calm, to which Mclaggen glared at him indignantly and nodded.

"Firstly, Ron saved all 10 of his shots while you only saved 9, Ron also performed better during the game overall with him letting in fewer shots than you, while he did let in some easy shots, he still performed better than you did so that's the reason why he is the starting keeper."

"What about Bell?" Mclaggen shouted, "I performed better than he did."

"You did, but there's one tiny problem, your ego, every single team that played with you lost their game with everyone performing worse when they are playing with you, any reasons for that?"

"That's their problem, not mine!" He growled.

"This is a team game Mclaggen, your ego gets in the way of everyone here, you think that you are better than everyone at their role when you aren't even the best keeper statistically, the position that you play, I chose Bell because he is a lot more humble, easy-going and willing to learn than you, he might not be better than you now, but trust me, give him 2 more years, he will overshadow you." Harry explained, now glaring back at Mclaggen.

"But!"

"I don't care Mclaggen, this is my team and I call the shots, as long as you continue acting like a brat, I will never allow you on the team, I would much rather let Dumbledore play in goal than you." Harry said, resulting in Mclaggen storming off in a mix of embarrassment and anger. Harry then turned to the rest of the team and thanked all of them for participating.

Heading back to the changing room with his now newly formed team, Harry addressed the crowd.

"Good job everyone, but this is only the start, if we want to lift the cup for the second year running we will have to train hard, training will be thrice a week and our first game will be against Slytherin, have a good night rest everyone, I will see you all on Tuesday night," Harry said, before ending the session and left to change.

"It's good to see you Harry," Daphne said as Harry stepped into the Prefect's Room.

"Good to see you too, shall we?" Harry asked, walking out of the Prefect's Room with her to begin their patrols.

"How has your week back at school been?" Harry asked as they made their way through the school.

"It's been alright, Malfoy and Parkinson have been pissed at me and Blasie because they thought that they will be the Prefects."

"I did too to be honest, not because they deserve to be but because I thought that Snape would choose them."

"Let's be thankful that Snape placed aside favouritism for once," Daphne commented, to which Harry wholeheartedly agreed with.

"So, has Malfoy been messing with you both?"

"Malfoy has a weird obsession of me, it's fucking creepy, but he can't do shit to me, my father holds a far too influential position in the Wizengamot for him to mess with me and not get him and his father into trouble," Daphne said, before snapping her head to look at Harry intently.

"Hold on, you had a trial at the Wizengamot earlier this year didn't you? For performing magic in a muggle street?" Daphne asked curiously.

"I did, it was a mess of a trial, Cho, her father and Dumbledore defended me and I got off scot-free," Harry said, "In fact, Fudge was the one who got into trouble."

"Mhm, my father told me about it afterwards, said that your Patronus was impressive and that it allowed Cho to pat its head."

"Yeah, it kinda had a mind of its own when it did that."

"Anyways, he also told me about the Pensive…" Daphne said, a smirk now plastered on her face.

"Oh for fuck sake," Harry cursed.

"Mhm, 3 kids Potter, very interesting."

"Bugger off Daphne," he said with a smile on his face.

"Anyways, I haven't asked you back, how has your week been?"

"Mix of highs and Umbridge," Harry said making Daphne laugh.

"I heard that you called her a liar."

"I did and she is," Harry said, looking at Daphne warily, unsure whether she believed him that Voldemort was back.

"Don't worry, I believe you, Dad believes in Dumbledore and with Fudge seemingly doing everything in the world to deny it, it's probably true. If Dad believes in Dumbledore, then I will too."

"You are probably the first Slytherin that I've heard of whose parents aren't just racist and idiotic."

"What can I say, I'm special," She replied, resulting in Harry snorting and getting smacked by Daphne.

"Other than that, things have been really good, spending time with Cho, Quidditch and lessons themselves haven't been too crazy."

"Trust me, that will change very soon, by Easter, at least a quarter of our cohort would be seeing Madam Promfrey for Calming Draughts."

"I think I will be fine, as compared to facing Dragons and Merpeople, I much rather face homework and exams," Harry commented making Daphne laugh.

"Did you enjoy watching the Quidditch tryouts?" Harry asked.

"It was fun for the most part, lost a few Galleons in the betting," she shrugged, "I had more fun talking to the group."
"Really?"

"Yeah, talking to Hermione and Professor McGonagall about studies was enjoyable, you don't get many bright and hardworking students in Slytherin after all, Luna was a little odd but adorably so, Neville… I used to think that he was rather pathetic, but the conversation made me realise how wrong I was." Daphne admitted

"Well, admittedly, Neville was not the most impressive in his first 2 years, he was always a great person and a good friend, but in the last few years, his confidence and skills have grown immensely."

"His looks also, he has a great figure now," Daphne commented, making Harry roar with laughter.

"That too, honestly, if you want to make new friends in Gryffindor, Neville is probably one of the easiest ones to talk to, he never judges you for anything."

"Hm, perhaps I should give him a shot."

"You definitely should."

At that moment, Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle and Parkinson walked out of a room in front of them. Both sides glared at each other menacingly, both carefully watching each other hands.

"What are you doing here Malfoy, it's more or less curfew time."

"That's none of your business Potter," he snarled, before turning to Daphne

"You should choose your company more wisely Daphne, there are better groups to be a part of other than Potter's group of mudbloods and blood traitors," Malfoy said, though his voice was not filled with menace, instead, it sounded almost caring.

"I can choose my company well enough for myself Malfoy, and for the last time, do not call me Daphne," She said menacingly, glaring at Malfoy with her lightning-blue eyes.

"Come on Daphne, it's not too late to choose right," Malfoy said, getting more annoyed by the second.

"I've chosen my path and it's none of your business Malfoy, now fuck off," she replied, her expression cold like the winter.

"Come on Daphne," Malfoy said again, taking a step closer to Daphne, Harry, however, stood between both of them.

"You heard what she said," Harry said coldly.

"Move away Potter," he snarled, "This is between me and her."

"There is nothing between you 2 Malfoy, just you are your delusions," Harry remarked, angering Malfoy even more.

"What did you say Potter," He snarled, his cronies now moving closer to back Malfoy up.

"Are you deaf? I said that there is nothing between you and Daphne, she does not like you for obvious reasons so leave her the fuck alone," Harry said, his battle sense now tingling, sensing a fight coming, "In fact Parkinson, I pity you, you give Malfoy everything but he doesn't seem to reciprocate any thing back."

Pansy shrieked in anger, shouting at Malfoy to do something, Malfoy however said nothing, eyes still on Daphne behind Harry.

"I get to choose whoever the fuck I want Potter," He snarled, "Every single girl in this school will become my slut if I want them to, even your whore of a girlfriend."

"Really Malfoy? You haven't looked in the mirror recently, haven't you? Or do you think Daddy's money can get you everything you want?" Harry growled, feeling his temper rising more and more, using his lessons from Occlumency, he tried to clear his mind of the chaotic and rash thoughts, "Did you Daddy not teach you anything? Did he not tell you what he did when he came back to Voldemort, how he begged him for mercy?"

At that moment, Harry whipped out his wand and casted a shield charm over himself, protecting himself from Draco's spell, shocking him at Harry's speed, allowing Harry to blast him back with a Bludgeoning Hex straight to his chest.

Looking at the other 3, they all had their wands out and were sending spells straight at Harry, Crabbe however, was soon stunned by Daphne who was furiously duelling against the last 2. Malfoy soon got up as well making it 3v2 once again. Focusing his attention on the weak link, Goyle, Harry sent a barrage of spells at him, sending stunner after stunner which eventually broke his shield, allowing Harry to disarm and stun him. Daphne, on the other hand, was keeping Malfoy and Parkinson busy, Harry was impressed with her spell work, while he knew that she was excellent at potions, he did not know that her duelling was so good. She sent a mix of blasting spells and cutting spells at both of their shields, sending them faster than either could reply, neutralising both at the same time. After disposing of Goyle, Harry turned his attention to Parkinson and sent a Bludgeoning Hexes to her right, resulting in her dodging to the left, right into Harry's stun. With everyone down, Malfoy's face turned pale as he understood that he was doomed, after being hit by a mix of hexes, Malfoy was now on the floor unconscious.

"WHAT IN MERLIN'S NAME IS GOING ON HERE!" a high-pitched voice yelled, Umbridge made her way down the stairs and upon seeing Harry and Daphne standing over 4 bodies, a menacing grin appeared on her face.

"Harry James Potter, you will be expelled for this."

"I won't, I was attacked first by Malfoy and all I did was defend myself, additionally, you do not have any authority on expulsion, that all lies on Dumbledore," Harry replied calmly.

"Trying to be smart are we here boy," Umbridge said, her nasty grin disappearing and her face turning red again, "You do know that I'm the Undersecretary don't you."

"I do, but Fudge and you are under surveillance, you can't just do whatever you want, especially not around here Professor," Harry said calmly, applying everything he learnt from Occlumency.

"DO NOT TRY ME POTTER!" Umbridge yelled.

"I think I would," Harry replied, taking out his wand.

"Expecto Patronum," he muttered, summoning his beautiful Stag, muttering something to it before it took off.

"In case you forgot Professor, I can perform the Patronus Charm to defend myself from your dementors," He said.

"What are you insinuating Potter," she snarled, glaring at him.

"Nothing Professor, the dementors answer to you don't they," Harry said, a smile forming on his face, "I called for Dumbledore and he should arrive here soon."

"Arrived I have," said a soft and calming voice.

Harry turned and saw Dumbledore walking towards them together with McGonagall, Snape and Madam Pomfrey.

"May I know what happened here, Harry and Ms Greengrass?"

"We were performing our usual patrol when we came face-to-face with Malfoy, Malfoy said that Daphne should hang around his group more, calling mine a mudblood and blood traitor one," Harry said, resulting in McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey gasping, face turning red, "Daphne did not want to have anything to do with him and when he moved closer to her, I stood between them to defend her, we continued to exchange words with Malfoy saying many disgusting things and called Cho a whore (McGonagall gasped even louder at this, her face red with fury now while Madam Pomfrey glared at the bodies of the 4 Slytherin), I proceeded to retort his statement which might have triggered him a little and resulted in him attacking me, the other 3 joined in the attack while Daphne and I fought back, that's why the 4 of them are on the floor right now."

"LIES!" Umbridge shrieked, "POTTER IS LYING AS HE ALWAYS DOES!"

"Calm down Dolores," Dumbledore said, his tone serious and fire burning in his eyes, resulting in Umbridge's face becoming a little pale, backing off.

"There is no evidence of this!" she shouted.

"If I may," Daphne suddenly said, "If you do not believe our words, we can use a Pensive and even Veritasium, I would happily comply, Harry too."

"I do not believe Veritasium is necessary," Dumbledore said, "But perhaps we can view both of your memories in the Pensive?"

"Sure," Daphne and Harry agreed readily.

"Fabulous, Poppy, would you please bring these 4 to the Hospital Wing and tend to their wounds, they do not seem too severe, just stunned and a few bruises," Dumbledore asked, to which Madam Pomfrey immediately nodded, moving in to perform her job.

Harry and Daphne followed the remaining Professors into Dumbledore's office where Harry and Daphne's memories were taken and placed into the Pensive where they all watch the events play out.

"This memory is clearly tampered with!" Umbridge yelled.

"I do not think that that is the case Dolores, tampering with memories requires very strong magic which I doubt either can perform at the moment," Dumbledore calmly replied.

Umbridge looked like she was on fire as Harry could swear that steam was exiting from her ears, she was clearly trying to get Harry into trouble but failing miserably.

"He should still have his Prefect status removed, he duelled 4 students and injured them severely."

"Dolores," Dumbledore said exasperatedly, "I implore you to watch the memory again, Harry and Ms Greengrass were clearly acting in self-defence as they did not use any lethal spells at the 4 Slytherins, the students merely were stunned and bruised up from the Blugeoning Hexes."

"But-"

"There are no buts Dolores," Dumbledore raised his voice, clearly annoyed, "Harry and Ms Greengrass have done nothing wrong, their biggest offence would be Harry triggering Malfoy after Malfoy said outrageous statements to him first, and for that, I will take away 3 points from Gryffindor, otherwise, they will not require any disciplinary actions, if you have nothing to add, please leave my office right now."

Umbridge glared at Dumbledore, then at Harry before stomping her way out of Dumbledore's office, slamming his office door shut.

"Good riddance," McGonagall said, still glaring at the door before calming down and looking back at Harry with a smile.

"Harry, Ms Greengrass, I would like to commend both of you today for your actions, despite Malfoy's outrageous statements and actions, you both remained calm and responded correctly, for that, I will award both of you 25 points each for outstanding display of character, I would also award you Mr Potter, 25 points for defending a fellow student from others and 25 points to you Ms Greengrass for defending a student when the duel started."

"15 points to both of them as well for displaying unity between different houses," Snape suddenly said, surprising Harry who stared at Snape blankly, this is probably the first time Snape had ever given him points, "I will take 50 points from Slytherin for Malfoy's actions and 15 points each from Goyle, Crabbe and Parkison's participation, Malfoy will also have 2 months of detentions, Greengrass, you should take caution from now on, I would do my best to protect you from Malfoy and his friends but stay alert and don't get caught alone."

"Understood Professor."

"This is settled then, it's getting quite late, you 2 should go and rest," Dumbledore said to Harry and Daphne, who both took their leave.

"What on earth just happened," Harry said as they made their way back to their common rooms.

"No idea, just an eventful first patrol," Daphne said with a huge smile on her face.