Quidditch Commotion

The news that first years will be allowed to try out for the Quidditch team for the first time ever is all anyone can talk about at breakfast. Of course the fact that only one will be allowed on the team for each house is also on everyone's lips.

"People really talk about Quidditch a lot, huh?" Seriously, is that the only sport wizards care about?

"Of course they do. It's literally the only sport we have other than dueling. Well, there's gobstones as well, but people don't really consider that a sport." Tracy explains

'Well then. I'll ask about gobstones later.' "Anyways, any of you going to try for the team?"

Daphne and Tracy shake their heads, but Draco seems to be thinking about it. "Perhaps. I was planning to try out for the team next year. Though it wouldn't be easy considering the second years trying out would likely have more experience."

He falls into thoughtful silence as we continue our meal, and soon the owls come into the hall to drop off mail and packages. I, of course, don't get any given that the only people who care are in Hogwarts with me.

But over at the Gryffindor table, I'm surprised to see an owl drop a long package in front of Harry. Judging by his expression, he's surprised too. He and Ron work to unwrap it, revealing a shiny new broomstick. The sight of which gets gasps of surprise from those near them, which in turn draws the attention of those farther away.

Eventually an excited voice yells out. "It's not just any broom, it's the Nimbus two-thousand!" That draws the attention of the other tables, as well as a sour look from Draco.

"Of course Potter is going to get the best broom available. The school has already bent their long-standing rules for him."

"I can agree with that. I mean, they could have just waited until we became second years to put him on the team. But at least they're letting everyone else have a shot as well" My eyes follow the direction Harry is looking, landing on Professor McGonagall who's smiling.

"Though I do feel like tilting the odds in his favor is a bit much."

He grits his teeth. "I suppose that there's no harm in trying out as well. I've always fancied myself a skilled flier."

I give him a nod and a thumbs up. "You got this. And even if you don't, you can always try again next year!"

He looks happy at my encouragement, but facepalms at my next words. "Though I still need somebody to explain Quidditch to me. All I know is that it's the only wizarding sport, and it's played while flying on brooms."

𝌡𝌡𝌡

The three of them spend the day between classes explaining how Quidditch is played, as well as the rules and different roles for it. I have to say though, are wizards stupid or something? Enchanting balls to fly through the air with the sole purpose of trying to knock you off your broom while flying several hundreds of feet through the air. Seriously…

I mean, it will definitely be fun to watch, but still. Dueling, now that sounds much more like something I'd like to try myself. Less stupid than a game where you're almost guaranteed to fall to your death at some point.

Anyways, it's been a week, and it's time for the Slytherin Quidditch tryouts. Even if I think it's suicidally stupid, I still want to support my friend. Surprisingly, I see his two minions there as well. Normally when I'm around, they aren't. But I guess that they wouldn't be very good minions if they didn't do at least this much for their boss.

Seeing some of the other people trying out whispering to each other while shooting Draco appraising looks has me rolling my eyes. Somehow rumors have spawned that any first year that manages to get on their House's team will be a prodigy that will bring them home this year's Quidditch Cup.

Of course this is due to Wood going around telling everyone how much of a prodigy my twin is. I mean, I get that he's good, but doesn't he think that the banners on the field are a bit much? Oh look, one of my upperclassmen has set one of them on fire.

Whistling innocently, I look away. Away from what? I don't know. I didn't see anything. Oh look, it seems like Draco is trying out to become a Seeker, just like Harry.

The test for the Seekers is trying to catch the golden Snitch while dodging bludgers. The first one to catch it gets the spot. Thankfully though, the bludgers the school uses apparently aren't as dangerous as the ones used professionally. Apparently the worst that people have gotten is a broken jaw.

Which is still bad, and I doubt that they're counting concussions. Still though, at least the chance either him or Harry will die is lower…?

I watch as everyone trying out gets on their brooms and starts flying around. They weren't told when anything will get released so that the team captain can see how they'll do in an actual game.

So it's no surprise to me when a third year gets knocked off his broom a few seconds after three bludgers are released. It's a good thing the enchantments are set to only target people on brooms, or he might have gotten his head smashed in.

As I watch everyone fly around dodging bludgers, I can't help but cross my arms. 'I want to fly too! I mean, not right now,' I think hearing a sharp *crack* as a second year's arm go limp, 'but more in a general sense.'

Luckily for those involved, the captain finally decides to release the snitch. I keep my eyes on the small golden ball as it flits around the courtyard close to the ground. Sure, I should keep an eye on Draco instead, but his minions have that covered. I'm more curious as to who's going to be the first one to chase it down.

It takes a few minutes, but once it starts to shadow a bludger someone finally goes for it. Unfortunately for them, it was shadowing a bludger. Hopefully their hand gets fixed in time for their next class.

But while that person is getting their hand crushed, someone else dives for the now unguarded snitch. They dive towards it, spinning their broom to dodge a bludger aiming for their head. Now they're flying sideways, but they don't lose focus. They stretch out their hand, reaching for it. It's in the palm of their hand, and I feel the urge to cheer.

But before they can close it, a bludger comes at them from above and snaps their leg, their broom, and their chance of being on the team.

As the blonde plummets to the ground, another, younger blonde snatches the snitch. I hear his minions cheer, and I smile.

It looks like Harry isn't going to be the only 'prodigy' joining the Quidditch teams this year.

The captain blows his whistle, and his two beaters fly out to recapture the bludgers before they do any more damage. After they're put away, he steps forward and offers his hand to the team's new Seeker.

"Welcome to the team, Mr. Malfoy."