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Dreams of Home Chapter 25
🕑 Added 2023-06-13 19:54:32 +0000 UTCChapter 25
Harry had tried to keep his head down at Hogwarts for the remainder of his second week. He figured he had rocked the boat enough for the time being, and didn’t want to give any of the professors or members of Slytherin House a reason to not be able to try out for the Quidditch Team.
Instead, he had attempted to distract himself with Marlene. When he had asked the girl if they were a couple now, she merely giggled, told him he was cute, and left him standing in the corridor looking quite confused. Instead of questioning the situation, however, he continued to have late-night rendezvous across the castle with no one being the wiser.
He had been extensively questioned by his friends about why he had not been in the dueling club, but he shrugged it off stating he had his own training to worry about. It was clear the Marauders and the other Gryffidnors were having a hard time believing his excuse, but it was Marlene who gave him the most suspicious look. The girl seemed to be like a bloodhound when it came to the time he spent with Elaina. Perhaps if they were in a relationship he would explain to Marlene what he was doing, but since she had made no indication of wanting to take that step, he had no interest in revealing the covert lessons.
Elaina and Harry had another training session in the early hours one morning when she met him in the common room stating she couldn’t sleep. She had done her best to run with him, and he had circled back to duel with her when he finished his own workout, but Harry could tell something had rattled the girl in her sleep. The look on her face was all too familiar.
On the third Saturday of September Harry found himself on the Quidditch pitch in colors he never could’ve imagined himself wearing. It was the day of tryouts, and fifth-year Regulus Black was standing in front of all of them with an irritated expression on his face. The young man was the youngest Quidditch captain in school right now, and Harry knew from experience what pressure it could be to have to take charge of your older housemates.
A phantom pain in the back of his head reminded him of Mclaggen hitting him with a beater’s bat in the middle of a game and costing them their match against Hufflepuff. Grimacing at the memory, he looked around and noticed the eyes of Regulus Black upon him. Harry offered the boy a nod of respect, which was not returned as the captain began his speech, “Welcome to tryouts. I have been tasked with building a successful Slytherin team with the best talent available, no matter the cost. Professor Slughorn has tasked us with beating James Potter, and his dynasty of Gryffindor powerhouses. This is a challenge I have accepted. My selection for this team will be final. Nothing other than your skill on a broom will be judged on this field today. Is that clear?”
Grinning at the speech Harry was the first to answer verbally, “Yes, sir.”
Regulus' left eye twitched as he grumbled under his breath, clearly displeased by his own speech as others muttered their assent, “Good. Let’s divide the flyers up by position, and get started. All positions are open today, so let’s get to it.”
Without hesitation, Harry stepped into a small group of flyers that consisted of those who would be trying out for seeker. He was thankful none of the seventh years boys he had quarreled with would be trying out, and took a sinister grin when he realized Crouch Jr was looking quite confident in the upcoming tryouts. Harry moved to stand beside the boy, and playfully bumped him with his elbow, “What do you say, Barty? May the best seeker win?”
“Up yours, Potter. The only reason you are being allowed to try out is because Slughorn insisted on it. Otherwise, Regulus would have banned you from the team.” The boy grumbled with irritation displayed on his countenance.
Deciding to rile his opposition up he threw an arm around the boy, pointing towards the stands, “Speaking of old Sluggy look over there. He looks so proud that we have put our differences aside for the good of the team.”
Crouch growled as he knocked Harry’s arm away, storming away and making the young man laugh. Looking up into the stands, Harry could see it was quite crowded. He easily spotted his four usual companions from Slytherin, and even noticed several members from the other houses watching in various areas around the pitch. The Marauders could be seen at the other end of the field as most were on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. James was obviously out here scouting the competition. ‘Smart move’, Harry acknowledged to himself, ‘Watch and learn, James.’
Quidditch must have been a bigger deal in this time period, because he could hardly recall a time when this many people showed up to a tryout. The only exception had been during his sixth year when he was at his most popular with the students. He had been named Quidditch captain, and a fond smile crossed his face at the memory. Regulus stalked over towards him, “Potter, wipe that smile off your face. We are here to play, not give service to your fans.”
“Yes, sir.” Harry snapped with a wink towards the already irritated boy.
It was clear he was hitting the buttons of all the Slytherins today, and Regulus grunted, “We are going to run the seeker tryouts first. The faster I can get Potter off my field the better. I will release the snitch in one minute, get in the air, and prepare yourselves.”
Harry wasted no time in following the order, and launched himself into the sky on his broom, immediately surveying the skies and his competition. Half a dozen people to beat to the snitch? He liked those odds.
Crouch Jr flew up beside him a smirk on his face, “I am going to enjoy wiping that smug smile off your face, Potter. You didn’t even bring a real broom to race with. You would think the Potter family could spare a few extra galleons to provide a member of their house with a more modern broom.”
Harry glanced down at the broom he was riding, and just shrugged. He had borrowed an older broom from the Room of Requirements last night. It appeared to be only a few years old, but he didn’t want to buy a broom in case Regulus found a way to keep him off the team. He hadn’t even mentioned to Charlus and Dorea that he was trying out, though he suspected they were just waiting for him to ask. But Harry felt he had taken enough from them already, and he wouldn’t burden them with such a silly request. Not when he could allow his skills to do the talking today.
“I am confident in my abilities on any broom, little Crouch.” Harry taunted, “Let’s see if you can keep up.”
As if on command the snitch was released by Regulus and Harry was on the move. A big Slytherin sixth-year Harry did not recognize made an attempt to block him, but Harry rolled into a dodge cleanly evading the boy, cutting off a fourth or fifth year, and led the pursuit to the snitch. In seconds Harry was on it, but Crouch Jr had caught up on him with whatever fancy newer model broom he was flying. Harry, however, had all the experience in the world and ducked under a bump Crouch attempted, which left the other boy off balance, and guided himself straight into the first snitch catch of the day.
The stands erupted into applause, and Harry held the snitch high for all to see as he raced to the ground to see the wide eyes of Regulus Black, “Any suggestions, Captain?”
At the word captain, Regulus shook his head, “Not bad, Potter. My grandmother would have caught that with as little pressure as you faced. Let’s add in some bludgers, and see if you can still escape. Avery, Mulciber, please take to the skies, and give our seekers some pressure.”
The two large seventh-year teenagers grinned and offered each other high fives as they took to the air. Frowning, Harry asked, “Last year's beaters?”
“Yes. That won’t be a problem will it, Potter?” Regulus asked, crossing his arms.
“Not at all, sir.” Harry said, turning his frown into an insidious smile.
Taking to the sky again, Harry eyed the two Slytherins beaters who had taken up a side on each end of the pitch, a plan already formulating in his mind. Crouch now stared at him hatefully about twenty yards in front of him, but he hardly paid attention to that. He dove straight towards the ground when the next snitch was released, faking out two younger Slytherins who were desperate to pursue him. Not even seeing the golden ball yet, Harry dove towards the ground hard before pulling out of the dive causing two crashes behind him. Not even turning to see who was down, Harry shot into the air dodging one bludger, and deflecting the other with his broom. A cheap shot, but it hardly mattered to him. He was in a zone that he only reached on the pitch or in battle.
Scanning the field, he hardly acknowledged the cheers of the crowd as he honed in on the snitch across the pitch. With nothing to lose, Harry took off in the direction of the golden blur, with Crouch flying beside in pursuit. Banking to avoid the stands, Harry narrowly dodged one bludger and tried to close the remaining distance to the snitch. It seemed Crouch had clearly learned his lesson from last time, and Harry knew he was in trouble if the other Slytherin played this fair, especially with his faster broom. The snitch dove, but at the corner of his eye he saw Avery preparing to beat a bludger along the line the snitch was diving. Deciding to allow someone else to take the punishment for once he dove in a spiral allowing Crouch to come upon the snitch faster than Avery counted on, and took the full brunt of the impact of a bludger.
Crouch cried out, and his shoulder looked quite mangled, as Harry swept in with precision to snatch the snitch from right in front of Crouch’s outstretched fingers. Harry rose holding the snitch in the air to roars of approval. When he went to the ground, Regulus was practically screaming at Avery, “You idiot! Crouch had it until you hit him with the bludger.”
“I didn’t expect Potter to pull out of the dive!” Avery defended.
“He saw you across the pitch, you brute! A blind man could’ve seen you!” Regulus roared.
Harry dismounted his broom calmly and walked over to Regulus offering the snitch, “Captain. Would you like to see me run it again? I can let your grunts injure more members of our house if you like.”
Growling Regulus looked towards Crouch who had Madame Pomfrey looking him over. Then he looked over to the other two that had crashed, and the other three who were already walking off the pitch clearly not interested in pursuing Harry in the skies. Desperately searching for a solution Regulus shook his head, “That broom is not suitable for a member of the Slytherin Quidditch Team.”
Frowning, Harry shrugged, “It was good enough to beat six opponents, and your two beaters. I mean no disrespect, Black, but the broom does not make the player. I just proved that.”
“We have a reputation to uphold.” Regulus said, crossing his arms.
“A reputation to what? Lose?” Harry said, feeling his irritation rising.
Stepping nose to nose with Harry the young man said, “Let me make something perfectly clear to you, Potter. I was named the Captain of this team, and I have to assemble the best players, but also maintain the reputation of our house. That Comet 100 is at least five years old. If you want a spot on this team you are going to need a better broom.”
The two stared eye to eye and Harry finally shook his head, “Good luck beating Gryffindor then. You are going to need it.”
With that, Harry stepped away and turned his back on the Slytherin Quidditch Captain. Harry heard behind him Black call out, “Crouch you’re in. Looks like Potter doesn’t want to play after all.”
Feeling indignant rage Harry took a deep breath, and tried to school his features as he walked away. Exiting the pitch into the locker room Harry stripped off the Slytherin practice robes, and had to mentally restrain himself from setting them on fire. As he stepped out of them, and changed back into his regular clothes he felt frustration burning inside of him. He had never been in the Slytherin locker room before today, and a part of him hoped he never stepped back in them. It seemed destiny did not want him to play for his rival team. Perhaps it was poetic, and not meant to be.
Walking out of the locker room trying to keep his magic on lock he was greeted by a whoop from James and the other Marauders, “There's my best competition since I’ve arrived here at Hogwarts. How does it feel to be my newest victim?”
James attempted to throw an arm around Harry, but he stopped the boy with a wave of his hand, “I didn’t get the spot.”
James was stunned by his words, but not as much as the others, “What? That’s absurd. You were by far the best out there. I don’t want to put down anyone on my team, but you are probably the best seeker in school, and on an old broom! Why didn’t you ask to borrow one of mine, or ask your mum and dad to send you one from the house? There has to be better brooms laying around than that old Comet.”
“It doesn’t matter, James. Just forget it. Just do me a favor and wipe the floor with Slytherin when you play them. I will be cheering for you.” Harry said, having a sinking feeling in his stomach. He had really wanted to play with, or against, his father, but it seemed fate did not want it to be.
Harry tried to walk away from the boys, but James latched onto his shoulder, “Harry, now wait a second.”
Sirius was quick to come to James’ aid, “Prongs is right, Harry. My brother is robbing you of a spot on the team isn’t right. You should go to Slughorn.”
“I really appreciate what you guys are trying to do.” Harry said as he eyed his Slytherin friends heading towards them, “But it's not a big deal. Just let it go.”
Instead of walking towards his approaching friends, he avoided the upcoming confrontation moving off in the direction of the grounds. He heard his name being called, but he ignored them as he reached the line that touched the edge of the Dark Forest.
.o.
The Marauders watched in shock as Harry plunged into the Dark Forest. The Slytherins that Harry was friendly with were watching their friend with uncertainty, and Andi was the first to ask, “What happened? Where is he going?”
James was still too stunned to speak. He had never seen rage in his cousin like that before. There were other emotions with it too, but it was so unlike the usually level-headed teenager he had come to know. Sirius seemed furious but remained quiet, so Remus spoke instead, “It seems Harry was denied a spot on the team.”
This seemed to stun the four and Nate protested first in outrage, “What? He made the rest of them look like amateurs out there! He looks like he could fly on a pro team right now, and that was on an older broom.”
“Where was his broom, James? Did he mention anything about that to you?” Pandora asked with suspicion in her voice, “With that kind of talent I can’t believe he doesn’t have a newer model broom.”
James frowned for a moment before scratching the back of his neck, “I think he mentioned something about his broom being destroyed in the last match he played. I am sure Uncle Charlus and Aunt Dorea would have gotten him a new one by now. To be honest we have tons of brooms at Potter Manor, and while not all of them are fancy and new, I know there were better models than what he flew on today.”
Elaina observed the interaction in the back of the group. She had never gotten along well with the Marauders, but a part of her knew that someone needed to go after Harry. Instead of listening to the group go back and forth on what they thought was wrong, she broke off silently towards the Dark Forest. An ominous feeling settled in her stomach before she could cross the boundary line though. She had never entered the forest on her own. She knew Harry might venture to their training area further down by the Black Lake, but what if she was wrong? What if she couldn’t find her way back?
She didn’t make it a single step into the forest before she felt a hand on her shoulder. The touch was gentle, which was the only reason she didn’t hex the person who had touched her. Instead she turned her head to see a determined James Potter, “Don’t worry. I have a way of finding him. Padfoot and I will make sure he’s alright, and bring him back to the castle.”
“What do you think is wrong with him?” She asked with a tint of worry laced into her voice. The boy had done a lot for her, and she felt useless knowing she had nearly no chance of finding him in the large expanse of the woods.
“I think…” James paused for a moment looking out blankly towards the forest before shaking his head, “I think Harry had really been looking forward to playing Quidditch at Hogwarts. He is talented and I don’t think any part of him thought he would not make the team today. Even knowing nothing about Quidditch you have to know he is good?”
The question was asked in good nature, and Elaina merely nodded acknowledging the Head Boy was right. Taking a deep breath James shook his head, “Go back to the castle with the others. We will find him and bring him back. You have my word.”
“How will you find him?” She asked curiously, “Family magic?”
“Something like that.” James said with a grin that was so infamous around Hogwarts that even she knew she would not get a straight answer. Instead of arguing with her she stepped aside, and watched as James motioned over his shoulder for Sirius to follow him, and the two descended into the forest at a slow jog before disappearing from sight.
.o.
Without a second thought, Harry plunged further into the forest desperate to get away from his pride. He knew that’s all it was too. Harry knew without a doubt if he asked Charlus and Dorea to get him a broom so he could play for Slytherin they would do so in a heartbeat, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He had always had access to the Potter vaults, and he had never had to ask anyone for money or financial help in his time of being a wizard. It stung him needing to ask for such things. He had always been modest with his funds, and he had never blown it on frivolous things.
Even in his first year, McGonagall had purchased a Nimbus 2000 for him to fly on. In his third year, Sirius had gifted him his firebolt which he flew until the end of his life in the previous timeline. If Harry was being honest with himself he wasn’t even quite certain how much a broom would cost in this time. It was possible he had the funds to purchase one himself, or could find a way to get the galleons to buy one. Regardless, he had already refused to back down to Regulus, and there was no way he would go begging for a spot on a team that wouldn’t even respect him.
Taking a deep breath, Harry looked around, and wanted to let loose. He had been working on a little something since he arrived at Hogwarts, and he was certain he was capable now. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes, and focused on his inner animal. Taking a step forward and taking off into a run he let go of his emotions, and forced the change across his body. In a matter of moments the green-eyed boy was gone, and in his place was a beast of at least 250 kilograms. His claws were razor sharp, and his nose could smell animals and magical creatures alike that had crossed through the area recently. Deciding nothing was holding him back he surged forward, desperate to leave the negativity behind him. Desperate to feel something other than his stinging pride, and his rage.
Barreling forward through the woods he was confident he would be able to protect himself from any creature. He doubted there were many in the forest during the day that would want to tangle with a beast his size regardless. He wasn’t sure how long he ran for, but when he found himself deep in the forest by the Black Lake he huffed for breath. His brown fur protected him from the wind that came off the cool September water, and he moved towards the water, sitting back and placing his legs underneath him as he stared across the water.
Why hadn’t he just said he would get a new broom? Because he had nothing to prove to these people. He knew it too. Quidditch was supposed to be such an afterthought in everything that had happened, but a part of him just wanted some normality in his final year at Hogwarts. The war that would follow would undoubtedly engulf Britain, and he just wanted to enjoy the final year of his childhood he had previously been deprived of. Why had he let his pride get in the way?
He heard the paws of another animal nearby, and turned to the forest on his feet in a hurry. He sniffed deeply trying to sense a threat when he caught the scent of something familiar. Before he knew it a stag and a grim were trotting into his line of sight. The two animals changed into teenagers who had wide eyes, and Sirius was frozen as a statue. James on the other hand began moving forward toward Harry, “This is unbelievable. Harry, you did it!”
Harry rose up on his legs standing at over 2.5 meters. Sirius slowly approached the animal cautiously, wondering if his friend had control of his animal side, but James held no such caution. The other Potter stared with bewildered pride at his cousin, “Harry, can you hear me?”
In response, Harry came down on all fours, having dreamt of this moment in only his happiest of daydreams, and walked up to his birth father, and nuzzled him with his nose making the teenager laugh. James grinned, “A bear. I never could’ve guessed. Merlin, Harry you are massive! Can you turn back?”
With immense focus Harry transfigured himself back to human form, and offered his cousin a smile, “It's my first full change. I took the mandrake leaf out, and I figured out what I was a few days ago. I hadn’t managed to get the change right, but I had transfigured my entire body at one point or another. With the right motivation I finally made it.”
Sirius grinned as he approached the two throwing his arms around both, “An official Marauder! We need to plan your first real prank. Now that you aren’t going to be playing with those Slytherin gits we don’t have to feel as bad about accepting you into our ranks!”
Harry smiled at the man’s enthusiasm but James frowned, “Harry? Don’t you think we should talk about what happened on the Quidditch pitch today?”
“James, nothing happened.” Harry sighed, “I didn’t get the spot. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
“Alright, Harry, that’s rubbish, and you know it!” James swore, pushing the arm of Sirius off him and turning to face his cousin.
“James.” Sirius said warningly.
“No!” James said in frustration, “Every bloody time he does something amazing he dismisses it like it's no big deal! First, it was the dueling in defense against the dark arts, and now this. He needs to stand up for himself, and dammit, if he won’t do it then I will.”
Harry was surprised by James’ impassioned words, and said nothing when he whirled on him, “Harry, you were amazing out there today. I know a lot about a lot of things, but Quidditch is my life. I love this sport, and from the first time we were in the air together, I knew you were special. The fact that you are letting those bastard Slytherins tell you that you aren’t good enough to be on their team is bollocks!”
Harry began to talk, but James cut him off again, “Slughorn will have seen the entire tryout today. If Regulus is really being a prick about this then you should appeal his captaincy. You deserved that spot. For Merlin’s sake, you were the only one that even caught the damned snitch today!”
“He has a point, Harry.” Sirius said.
Taking a deep breath Harry sighed realizing James was not going to drop the subject, so he grumbled, “He didn’t like my choice of broom.”
James frowned at his answer, and said nothing while Sirius shook his head as if he had water in his ears, “Come again?”
“He didn’t like my broom! He said I couldn’t play for Slytherin with the broom I have.” Harry said defensively.
Clearly not understanding the problem James just said, “Just have your mum and dad get you another broom.”
“It’s not that simple, James.” Harry said evenly.
Frowning, James shook his head glancing at Sirius with confusion, “I know my dad has never limited his brother, your father, to the Potter family vaults. Mate, I am not trying to brag, but our family is not hurting for money. We don’t buy extravagant things, but if you want to play Quidditch, I know our family can afford to get you a new broom.”
“Even if they were, I know my grandfather would buy you one in a heartbeat. According to Andi, he thinks highly of you, which is saying a lot for the mighty Arcturus Black.” Sirius said, faking an air of pretentiousness.
“As I said, it’s not that simple.” Harry answered calmly.
“Then make it simple for us, so we can understand!” James said, feeling his own irritation rise.
Harry’s shoulders dropped, “Can we please just forget this, James? Even if my parents would buy me a new broom I would not beg Regulus for a spot on the team. It’s over. Let’s move on. I have other things I need to be focusing on.”
James put both his hands on Harry’s shoulders, “Harry, listen to me. If you want to play for Slytherin I will give you my last broom. Free of charge. No questions asked. No one has to know. If this is a pride thing, or an embarrassment thing then it can stay between us. My last broom is only two years old. Mum and dad got me a new one for becoming Head Boy, but my last one is still as good, if not better, than what most of what the school has.”
“I don’t need your charity, Prongs.” Harry said, trying to push himself away from the teenager.
“It’s not charity, Harry!” James practically shouted before taking a deep breath, “We are family. This is clearly something you want. I saw it on your face. I could see this hurt you. Take the damn broom, and quit being so stubborn. You are a great player, and I want to play against the best, you are a part of that equation. Make excuses with Regulus. He won’t be happy, but if you raise it with Professor Slughorn I guarantee you will get a spot on the team with very few questions asked.”
Harry glanced at Sirius who was watching the conversation anxiously. He wasn’t sure if the Black scion thought Harry might curse them or what, but he could see the nerves on his former godfather's expression. James however seemed determined, and more than a little frustrated with his cousin. Eventually, Harry conceded, “If you're sure you won’t miss the broom then I will talk to Regulus about my spot.”
James grinned, “Worst that can happen is he says no. Then I will just talk you up to all the scouts that come through, and get you a tryout regardless. We can stay in shape over the summer if you think you might want to play in the big leagues.”
The smile his cousin had was contagious, and he grinned at the teenager, “Maybe not right out of school, but I will stay in shape. I think I will want to play at that level one day.”
“That’s my boy!” James said with a grin throwing an arm around his cousin, “Regardless the rest of your team looks terrible so I am confident we will beat you by more than 150 points anyways. I say we go back to the castle, crack open a few butterbeers, and have a good time! Besides you need to go tell your bird everything is alright. She seemed quite worried when we came after you.”
“Oh really?” Harry asked in surprise, “I didn’t even see Marlene out there.”
This made Sirius and James both laugh as they turned him in the direction of the castle, while Sirius punched him on the arm, “Can’t keep track of your girls there, Potter? We were referring to Essex. She was heading into the forest after you when we figured our animagus forms would find you a lot easier.”
This caught Harry by surprise. Elaina had not spoken to him much outside of their training, and even less so in classes. They would occasionally compare notes on different assignments, or she would ask him theoretical questions about wards in the common room, but that was about it. Occasionally they would even walk to classes together in silence, but he had the feeling that was more for their protection than it was for their friendship. Perhaps he was undervaluing the girl?
“I will check in with her later. I could use a butterbeer or something stronger if you have it. This day did not exactly go according to plan.” Harry said with a chuckle.
“Harry,” James started, “This is the last I am going to say on the topic, because I can tell it makes you uncomfortable, but…if you need something you can always come to me. If you don’t want to go to your mum and dad, or my parents, you can always come to me. I promise I will do anything I can to help you.”
“Thanks, Prongs.” Harry said gratefully, “That really does mean a lot.”
With a rough pat on his shoulders, Sirius groaned, “Alright, enough of the sappy shit, are we going to get pissed or what?”
Comments
Jacob Laflamme
Why would he be so stubborn about using a different broom? If it was emphasized it was an issue of not wanting to play on a team that wanted to make his membership conditional despite his skill, that'd be more understandable, but he leaps to being belligerently stubborn about the fact he'd have to ask for a broom. I would recommend adding in another section where he compares such a situation to Malfoy buying his way onto the team and that drawing up painful memories.
iTzJODA
Hey thanks I found it, was a bit confused because it didn’t seem as if it was in order
Beau Brown
Hi! Did you find the chapter? I adjusted the tags to make it easier to find!
iTzJODA
Where is chapter 24?
