Chapter 70    

It was almost evening when Alex and Aman entered Flitwick's office. Aman placed a neatly written parchment on the table, which he had worked on for the whole day.

As the sun gradually descended, casting an orange glow upon the corridors of Hogwarts, Alex and Aman made their way to Professor Flitwick's office. The air was filled with anticipation and determination as Aman carefully placed a meticulously written parchment on the professor's desk, a product of his unwavering dedication throughout the entire day.

"Professor Flitwick," Aman began, "The current state of our Quidditch team is disheartening. Not only are they falling short of expectations, but to make matters worse, the captain has neglected to hold the much-needed tryouts. He says that the team is already at full capacity, dismissing everyone's requests to be given a chance to join the team.

Aman paused, allowing his words to hang in the air, aware of the weight they carried. He continued, his voice passionate, "Professor, it pains me to say that the Gryffindor team has gone without winning the Quidditch cup for a few years now. However, I must emphasize that our Ravenclaw team has endured an even greater shame. It has been two long decades since we last claimed victory in the quidditch tournaments."

He took a deep breath, his eyes fixed intently on Flitwick, and spoke with unwavering conviction, "Professor, I yearn to leave a resounding mark on behalf of Ravenclaw. I wish to dispel the stereotype that our house is solely comprised of bookworms and intellectuals. We possess an indomitable spirit and unwavering determination that is yet to be showcased on the Quidditch field."

Aman's words echoed through the room and the silence that followed was filled with anticipation. Flitwick regarded him thoughtfully, his wise eyes twinkling with a mix of understanding and motivation.

He had long given up on his house winning the cup, but looking at the boy standing in front of him, hope seemed to have emerged from nowhere. Especially when his eyes landed on the boy beside Aman.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Flitwick's face broke into a smile, the lines of age etching themselves with a newfound enthusiasm. "Mr. Aman Borgir," he said warmly, but before he could continue, Aman interjected with a frown on his face.

"Sir, it's Bakshi. Aman Bakshi," he clarified before he continued, his voice brimming with pride. "I am the grandson of the greatest goalkeeper in Britain, the legendary Shiv Bakshi."

Flitwick nodded, his embarrassment fading as his brain registered the words Aman had said. A flicker of hope sparked in his eyes, "Ah, yes," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement. "Shiv Bakshi, the renowned goalkeeper. If you possess the same talent and potential as him, the tides will indeed turn for our team."

However, Flitwick quickly kicked his optimism with a dose of reality. "Nevertheless, we must acknowledge that Quidditch is a team game," he emphasized, his tone sobering. "It takes the whole team to secure victory. I assume you aspire to play as the goalkeeper, correct?"

Aman nodded eagerly in response to Flitwick's question, showing his keen interest. Meanwhile, Alex absentmindedly picked his nose, seemingly lost in his own world.

Flitwick let out a sigh and began to share his story, reflecting on his encounter with Aman's wise grandfather. "Well, you see, when I was a young wizard, I had the chance to have a delightful conversation with your grandfather. A truly wise man he was, and his words have stayed with me ever since."

Aman leaned in, his curiosity piqued, while Alex's attention shifted back to the conversation.

"He told me something that has remained etched in my memory," Flitwick continued. "He explained that Quidditch is a game where one can play as part of a team or as an individual. Teams that prioritize teamwork and collaboration tend to be strong, but there is also a different approach. A team composed of players who excel in their specific roles can outperform those focused solely on teamwork."

Flitwick paused briefly, allowing the significance of his words to sink in. Aman's mind raced, contemplating the implications of this perspective on team dynamics.

"However," Flitwick continued, "I must admit that forming such a team with children like you is quite challenging. Our current house team displays exceptional teamwork and synergy, but they lack the necessary skills to truly excel.

I have the authority to make changes to the teams as I see fit, but before I do that, I want to witness your abilities firsthand. I will conduct tryouts to assess your skills, and based on the results, I will form a complete team."

Aman's excitement surged when he heard Flitwick's proposition. His mind wandered off into the dreamland where he became the world's best keeper.

"In addition," Flitwick said, pulling Aman back to reality, "I want Alex to participate in the tryouts for all positions. He must demonstrate his skills and secure at least one position on the team."

Aman turned to Alex, a mixture of excitement and anticipation in his eyes. "Haha Professor, you don't have to worry. This guy will join along with me," he exclaimed confidently.

Alex shifted his gaze between both of them a few times in a single second before giving up on rejecting since it didn't really matter whether he joined or not. He shrugged, realizing that this opportunity might help him fight off the academic year that could potentially kill him with boredom.

"If Alex succeeds in securing a position," Flitwick declared, a smile playing on his lips, his gaze both calculating and resolute, "the team will be formed. In approximately one month, there will be a match between your team and the original team. If your team emerges victorious, it will be recognized as the official team. However, if you lose, I'll ban you from ever playing quidditch in Hogwarts."