Chapter 32: Chapter 31: I Refuse
"Harry Potter!"
At that moment, a stern-looking witch stepped out of the castle gates—Professor McGonagall.
The moment Harry saw her, he immediately knew what was going on. However, he was still a little confused.
Originally, he had thought that without Neville breaking his arm or himself playing the mid-air Remembrall chase, Professor McGonagall wouldn't notice him and pick him as Gryffindor's Seeker.
Yet, here she was.
Still, he had already made up his mind, so there was no hesitation in his heart.
"Hello, Professor McGonagall."
Harry stepped forward and greeted her politely.
"Harry, I have something I'd like to discuss with you. Come with me."
For once, there was a hint of a smile on Professor McGonagall's usually stern face. She exchanged a quick word with Madam Hooch, then led Harry into the castle.
The other students, seeing McGonagall take Harry away, were curious.
"Could it be punishment for that stunt Harry pulled?"
"No way…"
"Even Madam Hooch didn't punish him for that!"
"I think it's something good! I swear I saw Professor McGonagall smile just now."
"Oh no! Either you've gone insane, or Harry's in for huge trouble! Think about it—McGonagall just smiled! That's terrifying!"
(Professor McGonagall: "Avada Kedavra!" A green flash bursts forth…)
The two of them walked down the corridor near the castle entrance. The other students strained to look, but the thick castle walls blocked their view completely.
"Professor McGonagall, what do you need me for?"
Harry asked directly once they stopped.
Of course, he already knew—but playing dumb was just a necessary part of life.
Ah, life is as lonely as falling snow…
Professor McGonagall got straight to the point.
"You see, Gryffindor's Seeker, Charlie, graduated this year. Ever since he left, we've struggled to find a suitable replacement. But today, when you rescued Neville, I saw your performance—it was outstanding. That's why I want you to become Gryffindor's new Seeker."
She had already envisioned Harry's thrilled reaction.
After all, who wouldn't be overjoyed at such an honor?
However…
As Merlin once said:
"Expectations are grand, but reality is cruel."
The shock and excitement she had expected never came.
Instead, Harry frowned and looked deep in thought.
Professor McGonagall's heart sank.
No way…
Harry was actually thinking—thinking about how to refuse.
Imagine a boss offering an employee a prestigious opportunity, something that should be a great honor, only to be flat-out rejected.
How would the boss feel?
Probably worse than if they had just been slapped in the face.
Sure, this was a school, and McGonagall was a professor while he was a student—but rejecting her outright was definitely not going to go over well.
Harry put on a conflicted expression and then said:
"Professor McGonagall, I truly appreciate you allowing me to join the Quidditch team—it really means a lot. But I'm just a first-year student. We're not even allowed to bring broomsticks to school, and I have zero experience playing Quidditch. Today was literally my first time touching a broomstick…"
Professor McGonagall immediately cut in,
"That's not a problem! I'll speak with Professor Dumbledore about this—I'm sure he'll understand. As I said, you're exceptional. With a little training, you'll definitely become an outstanding Seeker!"
Harry felt helpless and had no choice but to continue,
"I am interested in Quidditch… but not as a player—as a spectator. The thrill, the excitement, the joy of cheering alongside everyone else—that's something only spectators get to experience. But the players? They're just flying around in the sky, caught up in the heat of competition. I know they love it, but it's just not something that excites me."
"So… I'm sorry…"
Professor McGonagall immediately realized that Harry wasn't very interested in joining the team. She couldn't hide her disappointment—it looked like she would have to find a Seeker elsewhere.
But… the others' performances…
Harry noticed her expression and sighed inwardly.
He truly didn't enjoy playing Quidditch. Like he said, he much preferred watching from the stands rather than playing on the field.
But he also respected Professor McGonagall a lot—he didn't want to let her down.
After all, Slytherin had won the House Cup six years in a row!
Gryffindor was always second—do you know what it feels like to always be second place?
If not, go ask Lee Chong Wei—he'll understand perfectly! (Lee Chong Wei silently cries, clutching his badminton racket…)
As the head of Gryffindor House, it must have stung for McGonagall to watch Slytherin win every single year at the graduation ceremony.
But honestly, Gryffindor had only themselves to blame—the students always got into trouble!
If it weren't for those mischievous little lions constantly getting points deducted for breaking rules, Gryffindor definitely had the strength to win the House Cup!
And this year, the Weasley twins seemed much more well-behaved than usual.
Plus, Harry himself had stood out brilliantly, and McGonagall had already secretly celebrated many times because of it!
Not to mention—winning Quidditch matches earned House points!
That's why she had rushed out the moment she saw Harry's performance.
That's why she was so disappointed when she heard his refusal.
Sigh… I really am too much of a soft-hearted fool, Harry thought to himself.
"Professor McGonagall," Harry finally said with a forced smile, "I'd like to think it over before making a decision. I'll give you my answer within a week."
Professor McGonagall's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Really?!" she asked.
You don't have to sound that excited… it's not like I actually agreed!
Harry couldn't bear to tell her that this was just a delaying tactic.
So, he reluctantly nodded.
"Alright! In that case, make sure to practice more in your flying lessons. You'll need to be more skilled," Professor McGonagall said with a broad smile before walking off happily.
Harry, meanwhile, dragged his exhausted body back toward the flying field.
Why do I always make things harder for myself?
It would've been so much easier to just refuse outright.
Now, he had given her hope—and when he finally rejected her, she'd be even more disappointed…
Sigh…
Luo Bei:
Regarding whether Harry will join the Quidditch team, this is still undecided.
Because honestly, I find this type of plot boring and pointless.
What's the alternative? A bunch of detailed training sessions and Quidditch matches?
Ugh, how dull.
Do you know what the most boring plotline in fantasy novels is?
Tournaments.
Endless one-on-one duels, repeating the same formula for dozens of chapters.
It's the ultimate way to pad word count!
What do you guys think? (This is a genuine question.)
If I ever write tournament arcs in a fantasy novel… hehe…
By the way, three readers left comments yesterday telling me to keep going—that made me really happy.
Thank you!
I'm really that simple.
If you think this book is worth reading, please add it to your collection.
It won't affect you much, but it means a lot to me.
I only just realized how important collections are!
Thanks again.
Below are spells mentioned in the Fourth Book (Part 1):
Summoning Charm: Accio – Used by Mrs. Weasley (summoning various items), Harry (summoning the Firebolt, summoning the Triwizard Cup)
Memory Charm: Obliviate – Used by a wizard wearing lantern pants
Muggle-Repelling Charm
Engorgement Charm – Used by a two-year-old wizard named Kevin
Amplifying Charm – Used by Ludo Bagman
Muffling Charm – Also used by Ludo Bagman
Wand-Lighting Charm: Lumos – Used by Hermione, Dumbledore
Bone Regrowth Spell – Used by Barty Crouch Jr.
Stunning Spell: Stupefy – Used by twenty Ministry officials, at least thirty dragon tamers, Harry, and Dumbledore