MTLNOVEL Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Stranger still, the players did not appear to be exiting the pitch. Instead, they were convening around the center line, as though for another face-off. "What's happening?" Harry wondered aloud. "Isn't the match over?"
A few of his classmates gave him odd looks at this remark. "There's two Snitches to go, Potter," scoffed Terry. "What, you expect Hufflepuff to forfeit early?"
"They probably should," muttered Anthony Goldstein. "Not like Diggory is gonna get them back into it at this rate."
Harry swallowed his questions and watched silently as the Quaffle was released anew and play resumed. He quickly surmised that Quidditch rules were different in this timeline than in his last: instead of one Golden Snitch worth 150 points and ending the game, there were now three, worth 50 apiece, with the match ending once the third was caught. Clever, he thought to himself. Makes the matches less lopsided and gives both Seekers more opportunities to impact the game.
Lynch caught the second Snitch soon after, resetting play once more and tacking another 50 points onto Ravenclaw's lead (plus 20 more from the Chasers). It was clear that the Hufflepuffs had all but given up; the Chasers flew around half-heartedly attempting to score and defend, but they were just too outclassed.
There was one silver lining, however: Cedric managed to track down and snatch the third Snitch out of the air before Lynch could react in time. Harry wondered if the older boy was even trying, with his team up by 200 points by that point with zero possibility of losing. Still, the yellow-and-black supporters in the stands roared their appreciation for their Seeker, the lone bright spot of an otherwise disastrous showing.
"And Diggory snatches the third Snitch away from Lynch!" Lee Jordan appraised the boy. "Ravenclaw wins 220 to 70, but bravo to the Hufflepuff newcomer for ending things on his own terms."
Harry was still buzzing as he filed out of the stadium with the rest of the crowd. "So, what next?" Harry asked aloud. "Party in the common room?"
He drew a few odd looks from his house mates at this innocuous question. "Are you mental?" asked a fourth-year girl. "Flitwick would have us all in detention within minutes! Besides, some of us have studying to do."
A few chuckled appreciatively at the jab as Harry watched on, confused. Gryffindor always took every opportunity to party in the common room after a big win. Even with the strictest Head of House in the school – McGonagall – it became an expected ritual of the House that only made Harry's Quidditch victories that much sweeter.
Things will be different when I'm on the team, Harry thought proudly to himself. I'll bring out the fun side of these stuck-up bookworms if it's the last thing I do.
Instead of joining his house mates in returning to Ravenclaw Tower, Harry headed off to the second floor towards the caretaker's office. Peter had replaced Hagrid as Harry's sounding-board on campus – the trio of Neville, Ron and Hermione had taken to visiting the half-giant often, and Harry wanted to give them a wide berth to strengthen their own internal bond. He would stay on the fringes of their friendship as much as possible, content with being a fourth wheel.
"Harry!" Peter beamed when he saw the first-year enter his office. "How was the Quidditch match?"
"Brilliant!" Harry grinned, plopping himself down on the wooden stool opposite Peter's desk. "We crushed Hufflepuff. They have a new Seeker, Diggory, who's pretty good, but Lynch was just better."
Peter listened politely as Harry excitedly relayed the details of the match. Harry didn't even realize how much he'd been rambling until he noticed Peter stifling a yawn when he thought Harry wasn't looking. "Do you like Quidditch?" Harry asked, deciding to include Peter more in the conversation.
"Oh, sure," Peter said, not too convincingly. "Your father was very good, you know, and Sirius was a fair Beater himself."
"Did you ever consider playing yourself?" Harry asked.
"Oh...I dunno," Peter muttered sheepishly. "Me and broomsticks don't mix too well. I did consider going out for Keeper one year, but...well, never mind."
"You did?" Harry asked, surprised. "Did the tryout go okay?"
"I, erm...didn't go," Peter chuckled nervously. "James and Sirius talked me out of it. They didn't think I'd be able to handle it."
"But...hang on," Harry said, frowning. "You didn't even try out? Why not at least test your strengths to see if they were right? You just believed them?"
"It was probably for the best," Peter shrugged. "I'm such a klutz, I only would have embarrassed myself. More tea, Harry?"
Harry accepted the proffered teacup, biting back his next retort and taking a sip of the sweet drink. It was obvious that Peter didn't want to talk about this subject. Harry knew from Snape's memories in the prior timeline that his father could be a bit of a bully...but to his own close friend? That seemed excessive. He resolved to ask James about this the next time he saw his father.
There was suddenly a distant crashing sound, as though a large chandelier had just fallen violently to the ground. "Peeves," Peter grumbled, getting to his feet. "You can see yourself out, yeah, Harry?"
"Yeah, no worries," Harry grinned easily. Peter winked before rushing out of the office to chase down the poltergeist and head him off from whatever mischief he was up to.
Harry too got to his feet, though he lingered for a moment, listening to Peter's retreating footsteps. Once he was sure he was out of earshot, he drew his wand. "Accio Map," Harry whispered, holding his wand aloft in the center of the room. Nothing happened.
"Accio Marauder's Map," Harry tried again, making sure to enunciate clearly and focus hard as Flitwick and McGonagall instructed him. "Accio James Potter's Map." No matter what combination he tried, nothing sprang forth from any of the cabinets or drawers lining the space. Harry stowed his wand, frustrated, then left the office.
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