Chapter 35: Quidditch Trial
Warren had established a solid reputation as a top student since the start of term. Hermione had once tried competing with him for points, but perhaps spending too much time around slackers had rubbed off on her. These days, the only thing that truly provoked a reaction was losing points.
When the owl arrived with the package, Warren was feigning deep thought. Ron sat across from him, desperate for the answer and practically lying on the table as if getting closer would make it arrive faster. Consequently, the owl's package landed directly on his head.
"That bloody Pigwidgeon. I knew it. That bird has had it in for me for ages."
Ron cursed the family owl, specifically because of the name Ginny had given it. This young screech owl was Errol's replacement and now handled the mail for the entire Weasley family. Pigwidgeon landed beside Warren and shot Ron a look of utter contempt, as if staring at a piece of rubbish. The owl had refused to acknowledge Ron ever since he started calling him Pig.
Harry had no desire to get involved in Ron's feud with a bird. He stared at the package, which looked suspiciously familiar, and blinked.
"Warren, is that..."
Warren had already unwrapped the package and looked delighted. He nodded.
"Exactly what you are thinking, Harry. It is a broomstick. A Nimbus 2000."
Merlin's beard.
Ron clutched his chest. He could practically see the Galleons gleaming inside the package. He stared at Warren.
"You bought a Nimbus 2000?"
"Of course I did not buy it. Professor Snape did."
The familiarity of it all left Harry uneasy. Not long ago, he too had received a Nimbus 2000 from Professor McGonagall to celebrate his becoming Gryffindor's Seeker.
Hermione caught on as well. She covered her mouth with her hand. "Warren, did you join the Quidditch team?"
"That is right, Hermione. Professor Snape thinks I have a real talent for Quidditch. He wants me to lead Slytherin to victory."
Warren smiled at her. His tone was cheerful, but Harry could not share the sentiment. He remembered their first flying lesson, when they had flown around the pitch. Warren had shown incredible reflexes and adaptability. They had been evenly matched that day.
That memory haunted Harry for the rest of the day. He even forgot to ask Warren about Nicolas Flamel. It was not until late that night, just before falling asleep, that he suddenly remembered.
In the next bed, Ron was furious about Warren joining the team. "That greasy git Snape is doing this on purpose. He cannot stand to see you do well, Harry. Just because McGonagall made you Seeker, he made Warren Seeker too. It is sinister, that is what it is."
He shouted suddenly, startling Seamus Finnigan, who had just fallen asleep, into leaping out of bed, wide awake.
Ron paced back and forth beside Harry's bed. "Harry, you cannot fall for Snape's scheme. He is trying to destroy our friendship. He wants to turn you and Warren against each other. He..."
Harry interrupted him. "What are you talking about? You are being ridiculous."
"Er, I just saw you looking really down," Ron stammered. "Are you worried Warren will steal your thunder? You should learn from me. I have lived in his shadow my whole life, and I am still in one piece."
Hearing this, Harry felt a sudden pang of sympathy for Ron, but he cut him off anyway. "No, that is not it. Do not be ridiculous. I am just worried. Warren is brilliant. I am afraid of losing to him. The whole team is counting on me, and I am terrified of letting them down."
Ron scratched his cheek, unsure how to comfort him.
Saturday marked the beginning of October. The temperature in the Scottish Highlands dropped once more. By morning, frost already coated the grass.
It was the Slytherin Quidditch team's practice day. As the second first-year Seeker after Harry Potter, Warren had attracted a large crowd of spectators.
When Harry and Ron arrived, the stands were packed. Slytherins were there, of course, but Hufflepuffs had turned up as well. Cedric Diggory and a few students he often discussed Transfiguration with were holding a banner that read, "Go Warren."
The Ravenclaw stands were aflutter with girls. The air seemed sweeter. They set off fireworks and shrieked flirtatiously at Warren as he flew past.
Slytherin's enthusiasm went without saying. Even Gryffindor had a large turnout. Fred and George were holding up a bedsheet painted with a moving cartoon of Warren catching the Snitch on his broom. Hermione was there too, casting spells to animate the pictures.
Ron was furious. He shouted at the twins, "You traitors!"
The twins shouted back, "He is our brother, Ronniekins!" and "And your brother too, Ronniekins!"
"Those two are definitely just sucking up to Warren," Ron grumbled indignantly to Harry. "I bet if I joined the team, they would not do that. They would probably find some way to prank me."
Harry was not in the mood to talk. He spotted Wood and pushed through the crowd with Ron.
Wood did not seem particularly concerned. He even tried to reassure Harry. "Do not worry, Harry. I do not think anyone is as naturally talented as you."
That was before the Slytherin training session began. The session was primarily a trial run designed to test Warren's ability to catch the Snitch. The other players acted as the opposing team, using Bludgers and various tactics to hinder him.
Wearing goggles, Warren sat atop his brand new Nimbus 2000, gazing down at the crowd below. "I may have underestimated Quidditch's popularity."
Although he knew from the books that Quidditch was the most popular sport in the magical world, having never actually seen a game played here, he did not really have a feel for it. A question occurred to him: would the popularity Quidditch generated count as Reputation?
There were all those young witches and wizards down there, along with their families. If he could win them over with his performance, perhaps he could add at least one point to his monthly Reputation Points total. "Time to get serious."
Warren tightened his grip on the broom handle, braced his feet against the footrests, and leaned forward. At the whistle, Flint released the Snitch. The other players surged into action immediately, trying to block his view and cut off his path.
But it was futile. Harry had been right. Warren's reflexes were just as good. As Warren dipped the nose of his broom, the Nimbus 2000 unleashed its terrifying power, accelerating to its limit in a heartbeat. The players attempting to intercept him saw only a dark blur streaking past.
One player nearly collided with him, but Warren reacted just in time, grazing the opposing broom as he shot through the formation. He wove through the pack, dodging blocks and Bludgers, and dove straight for the tiny, darting golden speck below.
A minute later, Warren raised his hand high. The Snitch glinted in his grasp. The stands erupted into cheers. Harry looked up and saw Wood's pale face.
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