Harry Potter : Bloodraven

Excitement buzzed through the halls of Hogwarts in the following week as more news about the inter-school Quidditch tournament, mentioned during the opening ceremony, began to spread across the school.

Inside every common room, eager discussions about the upcoming trials filled the air. Students speculated about who would make the Hogwarts team, and the hype grew even stronger when they learned that the tournament would be watched by people from all over Europe.

Every young witch or wizard who could fly a broom was tempted to try out, hoping for a chance to make the final team. Even the first-years were eager to prove themselves. There were no restrictions on who could participate, as the notice on the official board clearly stated that anyone was welcome to join the trials. After all, what young child wouldn't want a shot at fame?

Time flew by, and before anyone knew it, the next weekend arrived.

Saturday mornings were usually quiet during breakfast in the Great Hall, as there were no classes. But today, the hall buzzed with infectious energy, as students chatted excitedly about the big event to be held right after breakfast.

The trials were set to begin at half past nine, so by nine o'clock, the Great Hall had mostly emptied as eager participants and spectators alike made their way to the open grass field outside the castle.

The prefects took charge, organizing the students by their houses, and before long, nearly a third of the large lawn beside the school was filled. However, contrary to what they remembered about the grassy area, it was no longer just an open stretch of green.

They looked up and saw numerous glowing hoops scattered across the field. Each hoop was marked with a number and emitted a faint green light. Some hoops hovered few meters above the ground, while others floated high in the air.

It was only last evening that Maverick, along with Professor McGonagall, created the trial course based on Steven's design, and for them—being elites in the art of Transfiguration—bringing his vision to life was no trouble at all.

"Are we supposed to ride broomsticks and fly through these hoops?" one student asked, looking up while tugging at his friend beside him.

"The hoops are numbered, and look—hoop number seven is only a meter above the ground. If you're not careful when coming down from hoop six, you might crash!" another student added, pointing out his observation.

"Wait, there are even harder ones! After flying through hoop 11, you have to turn left immediately, or you'll miss hoop number 12!" a third student exclaimed.

While the students discussed and debated the best way to navigate the course, Maverick and his team of teachers also arrived at the area. He and Steven were tasked with overseeing the students' talents, while McGonagall and Hooch were there to observe as school leaders. Madam Pomfrey was also present, needless to say, ready to assist in case of any accidents that might occur.

"Looks like we've got our work cut out for us," Maverick couldn't help but chuckle as he glanced at the large crowd of students now looking their way, clearly talking about them.

Steven scanned the crowd and smiled. "They've got good energy. I'm sure there's talent here, given the numbers."

"Please keep things under control, both of you," Pomfrey muttered, eyeing Maverick sternly. "don't make things too dangerous for the children even if you and Minerva are sure to prevent any accidents... Just last week, I had one brought to the infirmary after a flying lesson."

At her comment, McGonagall remembered the accident and asked. "How is Mr. Longbottom now?"

"He's been discharged, but I'm worried something similar might happen again, especially with this many students," Madam Pomfrey said, her voice tinged with concern.

"We'll keep our senses alert, Poppy. Besides, we have Mr. Steven here and Professor Caesar as well, who is apparently even more skilled at flying. They'll be ready to take action at any time," McGonagall said in hopes of reassuring the worried-looking healer.

"That reminds me," Maverick added, tilting his head. "I heard Mr. Potter showed some impressive flying skills for his first time."

McGonagall sighed, shaking her head. She gestured toward the crowd. "He's over there, along with some of my other young lions. I suspected his friend would drag him here, but I wasn't expecting half of Gryffindor's first-years to show up."

Maverick chuckled. "Well, good for you, Professor. At least Gryffindor has a bigger talent pool." He then turned to Pomfrey. "Don't worry, Madam Pomfrey. We'll make sure the students stay safe." He glanced at Steven, who gave a firm nod.

"We'll do our best," Steven assured.

When the students' chatter quieted into hushed murmurs and finally stopped, Maverick took the lead, stepping forward, amplifying his voice and he began to address the crowd.

"Good morning, everyone... before we begin, I want to remind you all of something very important," he said, his voice carrying across the field.

He looked at the crowd of expectant faces focused on him, his expression turning serious as he continued, "The purpose of this trial is not only about selecting the best among you at Quidditch for the school... it is more about setting aside your house rivalries and choosing a group that will represent Hogwarts as one team."

"The team will include students from all four houses, regardless of your status or your blood. So, I want you to leave aside any house conflicts or other disagreements you may have and think of yourselves as one group, representing one school.

Because during the tournament, the eyes of all wizarding Europe will be upon you, and they will see you only as students of Hogwarts—not as Gryffindors, Slytherins, or any other house. Just Hogwarts. The team chosen from among you will carry the weight of our school's reputation."

"So, I want you to take this seriously. Remember, this isn't just a game—well, it is, but you know what I mean."

A few students chuckled, but most nodded solemnly understanding the meaning behind the words.

"Now, let's talk about how today will go," Maverick continued. "First, I'd like to introduce someone who needs no introduction... though I'll give him one anyway. This is Mario Steven, three-time Quidditch World Champion and your new coach for the Hogwarts All-Star team."

The students erupted into applause and cheers, while Steven raised a hand in acknowledgment and flashed a smile at the crowd.

Maverick continued, giving a moment for the excitement to settle. "Today, we'll be testing three key areas... flying skills, reflexes, and endurance. These are the foundations of any great Quidditch player, and we'll be putting you through your paces to see who's got what it takes."

"Only fourteen of you will make the team. Two Keepers, six Chasers, four Beaters, and two Seekers. Seven starters and seven bench players, as per international rules. We won't be discriminating based on age, house, or anything else. The best will make the team, plain and simple."

The students exchanged glances, some looking nervous, others determined.

"Today, we'll focus on endurance and flying skills... and by the end of the day, 28 of you will be selected... four for each position."

"Next weekend, we'll hold mock matches, where we'll randomly split the 28 players into four teams. Coach Steven, Professor McGonagall, and I will observe closely. Every move, every decision, every bit of effort you put in will count, and then we'll select the best 14 out of you."

He finished the explanation, leaving the rest to be addressed next week for the selected players, and then focused on his storage ring. He pulled out a dozen or so flying brooms, handing one each to Steven, Hooch, and McGonagall, and placed the rest neatly arranged in front of him.

Glancing back at the sea of eager students ready to begin, he offered a reassuring smile to ease the tension. "Now, before we get started, let me explain the conditions to pass the trial."

He gestured to the rings hovering above the ground. "I'm sure many of you have already guessed the purpose of the numbered hoops in the sky, but let me explain anyway."

"Your objective is to start from the ring numbered one and fly through each ring in order, all the way to ring number 30, without skipping a number or hitting the hoop walls."

"Don't worry about getting injured if you hit a ring... they're made of transfigured magical mist, and they'll only change color to red if you make contact while passing through."

"Even if you hit a ring, just move on to the next one and try to finish in the shortest time possible."

"We teachers will observe your flying skills, how quickly you can finish, and how many rings you can pass through neatly without touching the hoop walls."

He paused and glanced at the prefects, who were standing at the front of each house group. "Prefects, please send one student from each house when I give the signal, starting from the left—Slytherin house first."

Looking back at his colleagues, he gave them all a final nod and signaled for Gemma Farley to send the first student forward.

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Author's Note:

Just a quick update — up to Chapter 117 is already available on P AT r30n!

PAT r30n [.] com / RyanFic