The Aftermath

Title: The Aftermath

CHAPTER 13: The New Captain

"I sure hope so. Slytherin will probably have a new line up as well. We have to beat them, or we'll not hear the end of it from Draco or Snape," Harry said.

"I wish you were there when that incident happened to Draco; it was hilarious," Ron said. "I wish I knew who made that happen. I would love to shake the hand of whoever genius that was."

Harry had an amused grin on his face. He really wanted to tell Ron who the prankster was but he knew that it just wasn't the right time. He felt a sudden guilt. Ron didn't know much of what was going on with his life. He's there with him, but he barely knew any of the new things that had been happening in Harry's life.

"I even have a name for him already, assuming he's a guy of course. I think we should call him the Phantom Prankster," Ron exclaimed.

"Not bad, not bad at all," Harry said while rubbing his chin and grinning. He wished he could tell Ron that he was the one responsible for Malfoy's little mishap.

"Do you know who did it by any chance?" Ron asked. "I mean I won't tell anyone of course."

Harry wanted to tell him but he promised the twins to keep it a secret. "Well, I have no idea who it is but I think the name Phantom Prankster has a nice ring to it and who ever he is. I think he'll like being called that," he said.

"So, you think he's a guy?" Ron asked.

"Well, I think he is. I mean, girls wouldn't think it funny to have guys walking around naked, but a guy would think it's pretty hilarious," Harry replied.

Harry and Ron talked about Quidditch a little more with the latter explaining nice Quidditch plays that seemed rather effective and sometimes bringing up the question of whether he would have a good chance of being captain. Before the clock stroke midnight the two boys went up to their dormitories to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The days went by, and it was a day before the Quidditch tryouts. Harry barely had time for breakfast, as he made his way to his most dreadful subject, N.E.W.T. level Potions. Snape surely meant what he said when he told Harry that his stay at the NEWT level class would surely mean the worst of his time. Their Potions master would have wanted to do the same to Hermione, but she was just into too much detail that she had never missed a thing in concocting difficult brews. Harry, on the other hand, was being tormented by Snape's unlikely comments and undermining tone when he forgets to add an ingredient or when he's stirring his potions a little too fast.

The NEWT level Potion's class was very small. Harry, Hermione, Dean and Parvati are the only Gryffindors in the class. Terry Boot, Padma Patil, Mandy Brocklehurst, Lisa Turpin, Anthony Goldstein and a few other Ravenclaws were also there. From Hufflepuff there were Justin Finch-Fletchly, Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott, Ernie Macmillan and three other students from their house. From Slytherin were Draco Malfoy Blaise Zabini and four others from their house; surprisingly Pansy Parkinson was also in the class.

"Today will start making invisibility potions. I hope you finished your essays on the other uses of the unicorn horn powder. I expect 2 rolls of parchments from each of you. But of course I specifically assigned Potter to make his four," Snape glared at Harry.

Harry got his rolls of parchment out, all four of them, and smiled sarcastically at their professor. Hermione beamed at him. She helped Harry all night in doing their essays. Ron, on the other hand had the night off reading his Quidditch Tactics 101.

Snape was not pleased but didn't find any reason to torment Harry at the moment. He magically collected all their essays and placed them on top of his desk. "As I was saying, you will all be working on your invisibility potions. You will as usual work on it alone with no help from your classmates. I believe sufficient ingredients and following instructions wouldn't be so hard to do," Snape instructed.

Professor McGonagall interrupted the class and with her was Neville Longbottom. "Excuse me Severus, but may I have a word with you," she asked.

Snape walked towards the professor and was soon in a deep conversation with her.

"Hermione, what do you reckon Neville's doing here?" Harry asked.

"Ginny, told me Neville wants to be a healer and to be one he needs to have NEWT level Potions but he only got exceeds expectations in his OWLs. I think he asked McGonagall for help," Hermione whispered.

"I hope he makes it in our class," Harry said.

They looked out at Neville who was nervously listening to the two professors. Soon enough Snape nodded to what McGonagall was saying to him. He then motioned Neville to get inside the classroom.

Neville was carrying his things in a big bag and made his way to the empty seat next to Harry.

"Alright there Neville?" Harry asked as he clapped Neville's back.

Professor McGonagall left and Snape went back to them.

"So much for that interruption. We have a probationary member in our class. Probationary because he is not really qualified to be here but actually begged his way to get into this class. I will be watching your every move Mr. Longbottom. Just make sure you don't make any unlikely explosions, for one mistake would forfeit your chance of being a regular student in my class," Snape snarled at Neville.

Draco was sniggering from the far side.

"Here are the ingredients," Snape pointed out as he tapped the black board and the writings appeared. "Make sure you follow the instructions carefully. Any unlikely mistakes would mean a deduction to your over-all points in today's activity."

"It's easy, just relax and pretend this is just the OWLs exam without Snape," Harry said to Neville.

"Potter, I believe I said you should work alone. You think you're that good that you are kind enough to help Mr. Longbottom," Snape interjected from behind them.

"I wasn't helping him. We were just--" Harry tried to reason.

"And I believe chattering inside the classroom is also prohibited. Well, go on with your work. 5 points from Gryffindor for Mr. Potters silly attempts to disrupt my class," Snape said and walked around the class checking on everyone's cauldrons.

Neville mouthed an "I'm sorry" to Harry who was too busy working on his potions. If there was one thing that Harry wanted to prove in that class it would have to be proving to Snape that he did well in their OWLs and that he'd do much better in his class.

After one whole hour of adding ingredients and brewing Harry had finally come out with the invisibility potion. It was a thick translucent liquid that almost resembled the vanishing cream Fred and George gave him. He didn't let Snape's presence withdraw his full attention on his work.

Snape passed by Harry and Neville's cauldron and checked its contents. Neville's potion did not explode or looked different from what the potion should be. The Potions master had an annoyed look on his face.

"Now put your samples in bottles and label them," Snape ordered.

Everyone in the class did just that. Harry was making his way to Snape's table when he tripped from Malfoy's foot. The bottle slipped from his grasps and fell on the floor but surprisingly didn't break.

Harry stood up and picked up the bottle of invisibility potions. "Sorry, but working around people like you, you can never be too careful," he snapped at Draco. Harry had actually placed unbreakable charms on his sample bottles. He walked passed Draco's cauldron and without anyone noticing, he dropped Fred and Georges absorbing tablet. Everyone was too busy placing their samples on Snape's table or collecting samples from their cauldron. Draco on the other hand was glaring at Harry that he didn't notice what the latter did.

Snape was too busy checking on other labeled bottles on his table rejecting some and collecting the others.

Harry placed his bottle next to Dean's, which have not been collected yet.

"Professor, my potion, it disappeared," Draco cried out.

Snape hurriedly went to his table. "What is the matter here?"

"My invisibility potion it disappeared, professor," Draco said. "I don't know what happened one minute it was there then it was all gone."

"Potter, do you have anything to do with this?" Snape snarled at him.

"No professor. I was actually here putting my sample on your desk. My wand is left on my table professor. I don't have it with me. What could I possibly do to Draco without it," Harry reasoned as he went back to his seat.

"Very well, I do not know who the culprit is for now but I will definitely find out," Snape bellowed. "Malfoy you have to start over with your potion. You wait here I will get some extra ingredients. For the rest of you, leave your samples on my table and clear out your mess and leave the room." Snape fled the room.

Pansy hurriedly went to Draco's side.

"I'm sure those Gryffindors have something to do with it," Pansy said.

"We didn't do anything to Draco. It isn't our fault that he's too good that his invisibility potion vanished into thin air," Hermione said sarcastically.

"You second rate Gryffindors shouldn't be here anyway. Longbottom! I can't believe professor Snape allowed him here," Pansy shrieked and gave Neville a disdainful look.

"Actually, I was wondering the same thing about you. How did the likes of you got into this class?" Hermione said. Almost everyone in the classroom was laughing including some of Pansy's fellow Slytherins. "You're potion it's not very good, is it? All murky and grey, I bet if someone would be stupid enough to try it, will die. It looks more like poison to me."

"Why you--" Pansy took her wand out and tried to get to Hermione.

Harry was suddenly right in front of Hermione. "I would think about that if I were you," Harry threatened her.

Pansy lowered her wand from the sight of almost all her non-Slytherin classmates' wands pointed at her.

"Standing up for your girlfriend there are you Potter?" Draco snapped. "I know you have something to do with this. I don't know what you did but I will find out."

"Think whatever you like Malfoy. I hope you find something," Harry said as he turned his back on Malfoy.

"Harry!" Hermione shrieked.

Harry turned to face Draco who has his wand out pointed at him. Every member of the DA in that room pointed their wands at Draco. The Slytherins got their wands out ready to counter.

"What is going on here?" Snape asked angrily. "How dare you make trouble in my classroom? Out! All of you! Five points will be taken away from each of you. Get out!"

"But professor, Draco was the one who started it. We were leaving--" Hermione tried to say.

"Did I ask your opinion Ms. Granger? Another five points for your meddling attitude," Snape said.

"But--" Harry wanted to reason but Hermione stopped him. They were losing too many points a bit too early.

Harry, Hermione and Neville got out of the classroom. Some of the DA members followed them.

"Harry, we'll be meeting this weekend, aren't we?" Ernie Macmillan asked.

"Yes, in our Advance Defense class," Harry replied.

"I heard there will be new members," Padma said.

"Yes, and you'll be surprised who they are," Hermione answered. "Harry, I have to go I still need to go to my Arithmancy class. See you around." She looked at him as if ready to interrogate him but hesitated. "Please stay away from trouble. I know this one is very much my fault. I shouldn't have stooped down to Pansy's level." Hermione walked hurriedly to her next class before Harry could contradict her.

"Harry, I saw what you did," Neville said quietly after making sure no one was around. They were walking into the great hall now and there were only a few students who were busily making their way to their classes.

"You saw me do what?" Harry asked.

"You dropped something in Draco's cauldron," Neville said. "I won't tell anyone. I think he deserved it. I bet you're also the one who made him lose his clothes in the Hogwarts Express."

"What made you think I'm the one who did that?" Harry asked. He never thought Neville would be so keen about those things.

"Well, you are usually as hard headed as he is but that day you were pretty calm and it just got me thinking. So would you admit that it's you?" Neville asked Harry in a very soft voice.

"Well, let's just keep it our little secret. Not even Ron and Hermione know about it so don't tell," Harry replied in a hush voice.

"I want to help Harry. No one will suspect me. They all think I'm too clumsy," Neville pleaded.

Harry actually thought about it. Neville is the most unlikely suspect to any pranks. So he agreed but he made Neville promise to keep it between them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry and Ron were making their way to the Quidditch field. They were wearing their scarlet and gold Quidditch robes. Harry was wearing his new Hand gear that Ron gave him. It was light but seem to have a tight grip.

"Hermione told me about what happened in your Potions class. If I could just get my hands on Draco," Ron said as he made a fist.

"I don't know. I wasn't really scared when he pointed his wand at me," Harry admitted. He wasn't sure if it was the presence of DA members that made him confident or it was a part of him wanting to challenge Malfoy as to how far he would go.

The Quidditch field was filled with Quidditch players for each house. The Gryffindors were waiting at the middle. The Slytherins where near the right ring posts and the Hufflepuffs in between the rival houses. The Ravenclaws were near the left post next to the Gryffindors.

Madam Hooch was already starting to call for team captains or representatives.

"Harry go on," Katie said as she motioned Harry to join Madam Hooch with the other team captains.

Ron went to join the other Gryffindors who were Katie and Ginny. There were also some Gryffindors who were trying their luck on the team.

Harry scanned the stands for any signs of Hermione. Indeed she was there with the Auror they met that night when they spoke to Dumbledore. Hermione waved at him then to Ron.

"Captains, all here?" Madam hooch asked.

Malfoy was representing Slytherin since Montague was probably still undergoing treatment, Harry for Gryffindor, Zachariah Smith from Hufflepuff and Bradley for Ravenclaw.

"I see each house should pick a captain since none of the old captains are here. We shall go through with that after we finish the try outs," Madam Hooch said. She scanned her clipboard. "Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw then Gryffindor will have their try outs. While you're waiting the old members can start warming up. After the tryouts you should have a vote of who will be team captain. After electing your respective captains. I will meet the team captains with regards to the formation of the Hogwarts' Quidditch team. Now, go back to your respective teams. Malfoy, let's get started with your team," Madam Hooch said.

Harry went to meet with the Gryffindors.

"So how did it go?" Ron said anxiously.

"We'll be the last to have the tryouts. Madam Hooch said we could start warm up a bit. I think we should ask those who'll be trying out what position they want to play for," Harry suggested.

"I think that's a good idea," Katie said. "Hey, Gryffindors line up here please," she called out.

"Let's show them a thing or two about flying," Ron said as he mounted his broom and flew off.

Ginny rolled her eyes before doing just the same. Harry followed after them. He felt that wonderful feeling of freedom again. Flying always brought that to him.

"Let's just rove above our area so we won't disturb the other teams," Harry called out to both Ginny and Ron.

Harry could see the Hufflepuffs flying about their area passing the Quaffle. The Slytherins were probably picking out Beaters because the most of the students trying out were really big.

The Quidditch pitch was packed with students flying around on their brooms. Harry watched as Katie got the students to line up. There were two lines, probably one line for Chaser and the other for Beaters. Colin Creevey and his brother Dennis was in one line with Euan Abercrombie. Dean Thomas, and a couple of fifth year a third year and second year students were there to try out.

Harry laughed at the sight of Ron showing off. Flying around in loops.

Harry hovered a little then found himself drawn to the stands. Hermione had been sitting there with that young Auror.

"Hermione!" he called out to her.

Hermione motioned Harry to join them. "Have you been voted captain already?" she asked gleefully.

"We're the last to have the tryouts so we'll be the last to vote for a new captain. I think Ron would make a good captain," Harry said.

Madam Hooch was already monitoring the Hufflepuffs. Draco and the rest of the Slytherins were already in the other end of the stands having their little meeting.

"Harry, stop kidding yourself. You know you'll make the perfect captain. Quidditch comes naturally to you. Like what I have been telling Jeremy here. You're the best seeker Hogwarts have ever had the privilege of having and that there's no doubt that you'll make it in the school Quidditch team," Hermione said excitedly.

"Harry, I have heard so much about you. Hermione certainly knows you. She told me what you and your other friend had gone through these past years," Jeremy Watson said.

"Whatever it is that she said to you, one thing is for certain, I'm no hero I'm just lucky," Harry said. Harry still didn't like Jeremy no matter how nice he seemed to be.

"Stop being humble," Hermione interjected. "Have I mentioned he's very good in Defense Against the Dark Arts," Hermione said to Jeremy who was smiling at Harry.

"You did tell me about a dozen times already but I'm not really tired of hearing about Harry's adventures," Jeremy said. "I heard you wanted to be an Auror?"

Ron flew next to Harry before he could answer.

"We're up next Harry," Ron said.

"Hey, Ron we want you to meet, Jeremy. He's one of the Auror posted here in Hogwarts," Harry said.

"So you're the famous Gryffindor Keeper," Jeremy said as he extended his hand to Ron.

Ron enthusiastically shook hands with the young Auror. "Nice meeting you but we have to go and join the team." Ron waved at them before flying back to join the other Gryffindors.

"Good luck on who makes captain," Hermione called out to them.

Harry smiled at her before he followed Ron and joined the rest of the team.

"Weasley take your position at the goal post," Madam Hooch instructed.

Ron followed as ordered.

"Chaser applicants follow Ms. Weasley and try to score on the goal post. Avoid the Bludgers and the Beaters," Madam Hooch instructed.

Ginny, followed by Dean and other Gryffindor applicants kicked off the ground.

"Bell, Potter, you will play as Beaters and send the Bludgers to them," Madam Hooch ordered as she each handed them the bats. "Hold your bats well. The applicants for Beaters should be able to make sure that the Bludger would hit none of the Chasers. Of course you have to be careful yourselves."

Katie and Harry kicked off the ground. The applicants followed them. The Bludgers was released and soon the Beater applicants and chaser aspirants were blended together. Half of the field was covered with flying Gryffindors.

Harry sent Bludgers to both the Chasers and the Beaters. He went on doing as instructed but he was also observant of the applicants. He noticed that Dean was good at ducking away from the Bludgers. He was also very strong in shooting the hoops but he still misses.

Harry also noticed how Euan was very swift but wasn't strong enough to get the Bludgers far but if he were shooting a lighter object like a Quaffle his speed and movements would be just fine.

Colin Creevey was also very good at keeping the Bludgers from hitting any of the Chasers. Dennis was also good but would have to practice more.

Harry went to Madam Hooch. "Ma'am do you think maybe we can put Dean Thomas in Beater position and lets see how he performs. And put Abercrombie in Chaser position?" he suggested.

Madam Hooch called Euan and Dean and made them change positions.

Just as Harry thought, Dean would make a good Beater. As for Euan he got the Quaffle in. And finally someone other than Ginny Weasley had a score.

"Potter, Thomas, get those Bludgers down," Their teacher instructed. "As for the rest of you, back on the ground."

Dean and Harry got the Bludgers and struggled to get them back inside the chest.

"Potter, Weasley, Bell and Weasley can I have a word," Madam Hooch said as she gathered the four of them at the side.

"What can you say about their performance? Harry, what do you think?" Madam Hooch asked.

"I think Dean Thomas and Colin Creevey would make fair Beaters. Dennis Creevey was fairly well too, as for the Chasers, I think Euan is the perfect candidate. He's fast and he made some really good passes to Ginny that got Ron confused a little," Harry explained.

"Very good observation Potter," Madam Hooch commented.

Everyone gave their comments and most of their observations were the same as Harry's.

"That's settled then. Thomas and the older Creevey will be your Beaters and Abercrombie will be your Chaser. You lot should wait here while I tell them the results. Maybe you should start talking about whoever should be captain but if I may say so myself, Potter I think you have the makings of a captain," Madam Hooch commented before she left them.

Ron's mouth hanged open. Ginny and Katie giggled.

"I think Madam Hooch is right. Harry will make a good captain," Katie said.

"Ron can also be a good captain he has all these plays ready for the Quidditch season," Harry said.

"Experienced wise you already have the advantage, Harry. You're also very observant. Ron's been in the team for only a year," Ginny said.

Ron glared at her.

"What? I'm just saying the truth. Katie you're the senior here what do you think?" Ginny asked.

"I think we should have a vote. Harry or Ron. We'll include the three new members," Katie suggested.

"Don't you want to be captain Katie?" Harry asked. He knew that Ron wants to be captain and he also knew pretty well that to vote between him and Ron is not exactly a good idea.

"I don't want to be team captain and besides it's my last year. Let's just have a vote. Here they come now," Katie said.

Madam Hooch and the new players joined them.

The old players congratulated the new members of the team.

"I will leave you here to decide who your new captain should be. Whomever would be voted please join me and the other captains on the left stands," Madam Hooch reminded them before she left.

"Okay, we have two people to vote for, Harry and Ron. Who here is in favor of Ron?" Katie said.

Harry was the only one who raised his hand. Not even Ginny voted for her brother.

"Who's in favor of Harry?" she then asked.

Everyone raised their hands including Ron but Harry could see that his friend was a little upset.

"We'll head to the lockers," Ginny said.

"Congratulations Harry!" Colin took hold of Harry's hand and shook it.

Everyone congratulated Harry and Ron just clapped his back.

Harry wanted to talk to Ron before meeting Madam Hooch and the other captains. Harry searched the stands for Hermione. When he spotted her he looked at her and pointed at Ron. Hermione nodded in understanding to what Harry wanted her to do. She went to meet Ron.

"Ron?" Harry tried to call after him.

"You won the vote fair and square. You don't have to explain anything," Ron said without looking at him.

Harry knew that Ron had his hopes up in being captain. He wanted to follow his best friend but Madam Hooch motioned him to join the captains in the stands.

Harry flew to the stands and joined them. Draco was made captain of Slytherin. Anthony Goldstien a Prefect and a Chaser was made the Ravenclaw captain. Zachariahs Smith was made captain of Hufflepuff and Harry was of course the captain of the Gryffindor team.

They talked about the International Quidditch exhibition. They also agreed to squeeze in all Quidditch matches before the Christmas holidays so they will have more time to train for the exhibition games. They also agreed that they would have to pick two Seekers, two Keepers, six Chasers and 4 Beaters. These said members would be picked by Madam Hooch based on their performance in the Quidditch cup competition.

After the meeting, which lasted forty-five minutes long and surprisingly, didn't result any unlikely incidents with Draco, Harry went to the shower. After taking a hot shower and getting into some clean clothes Harry walked his way back to the castle.

To be continued...