The sun hung low over the Hogwarts grounds, bathing the Quidditch pitch in golden light. It was the perfect setting for trials, and I had somehow convinced all the boys to show up—even Josh and Vik, who were already looking for excuses to leave.
"Why are we here again?" Josh grumbled as we walked toward the pitch. "I could be revising for Charms right now."
"You revise too much," I said, slinging an arm over his shoulder. "Come on, it's Quidditch. Time to be a part of something ."
"I'm already part of something bigger," Josh replied, deadpan. "It's called Hogwarts. They have a library."
"Mate," I said, shaking my head, "you're missing the point. You'll thank me when you're flying through the air, dodging Bludgers, and scoring goals."
"I'd rather not be dodging anything," Vik chimed in.
The pitch was buzzing with excitement. Students hoping to secure a spot on the team were warming up, some looking nervous, others overly confident.
Tobi adjusted his gloves, looking around at the older players. "So, Jason, what position are you going for?"
"Chaser," I said, confidently.
Simon raised an eyebrow. "Really? Not Seeker? I thought you'd fancy yourself catching the Snitch."
I shook my head. "Nah, being Seeker is boring. You spend the whole game flying around looking for one tiny ball while everyone else does the heavy lifting."
Vik, piped up. "But catching the Snitch ends the game and scores thirty points. That's huge."
Tobi laughed. "Vik, you're forgetting something. Catching a Snitch isn't exactly common. If a Seeker gets one Snitch per season, it's considered a good season. seekers win the game Chasers are the ones who win leagues they're in the thick of it, scoring points."
Josh, who'd been quiet, muttered, "And getting hit with Bludgers for their trouble."
I grinned. "Exactly. Where's the fun without a bit of risk?"
The captain, a burly sixth-year named Thomas, blew his whistle. "Alright, everyone! Form up! Chasers to the left, Beaters to the right, and Seekers at the far end of the pitch. Keepers, you're with me."
We split up, and I found myself with the Chasers. Tobi and Simon followed, looking determined. Josh and Vik wandered off, looking like they'd much rather be anywhere else.
Freya, Talia, and Padma had shown up to cheer us on, shouting encouragement from the sidelines.
"Don't fall off your broom, Jason!" Freya called.
"Yeah, don't embarrass Ravenclaw!" Talia added with a grin.
Padma waved enthusiastically. "You've got this!"
The Chaser trials were intense. Thomas, the Ravenclaw Quidditch Captain, stood at the center of the pitch, his clipboard tucked under one arm, his broom slung casually over his shoulder. He looked at us like a drill sergeant sizing up a bunch of raw recruits.
"Alright," Thomas began, his voice carrying over the whisper of the breeze. "Chasers, here's the drill. You'll form a triangle, pass the Quaffle amongst yourselves, and aim to score on the hoops. Sounds simple? Good. Here's the catchyou'll be dodging Bludgers the entire time. Let's see if you can keep possession and make it to the goal."
I felt a flicker of nerves as I mounted my broom. The sun glinted off the golden hoops at the far end of the pitch .
"Jason, you're up first," Thomas called.
My first run was... well, let's call it a learning experience. As soon as I kicked off from the ground, a Bludger came hurtling toward me, and I fumbled the Quaffle.
"Keep your head up, Jason!" Thomas barked from below.
I retrieved the Quaffle and tried again, but my movements were jerky, my passes rushed. My broom wobbled as I tried to maneuver around the Beaters, and I could feel their eyes on me like vultures circling a particularly clumsy rabbit.
But then, something shifted. A calmness settled over me, and I remembered the lessons ingrained in my mind from Kevin De Bruyne's skills. Vision. Awareness. Timing.
I slowed my breathing and scanned the field, letting the chaos around me fade into the background.
The next time the Quaffle was in my hands, I spotted an opening no one else would have. With a flick of my wrist, I sent it sailing over a Beater's head, straight to the next Chaser.
"Where did that come from?" Simon shouted from the ground, watching as the other Chaser scored with ease.
I grinned, my confidence growing. "Vision, mate. Always look two steps ahead."
The passes became sharper, more creative. I sent one spiraling through the gap between two Beaters, another arching perfectly into the waiting arms of a teammate. For a moment, it felt like the Quaffle was an extension of my will.
"Maybe look three steps ahead," Tobi muttered after I missed a catch. I couldn't help but laugh.
Simon and Tobi stepped up next, both looking determined despite their smaller frames.
"Don't let the Bludgers intimidate you!" Thomas shouted as they took off.
It was easier said than done. The Beaters seemed to have it out for them, sending Bludgers hurtling their way with alarming precision.
"Bloody hell!" Simon shouted as he ducked one that whizzed past his head. "Do they have a vendetta or something?"
"Feels personal," Tobi agreed, swerving to avoid another Bludger. His broom wobbled precariously, but he managed to stay upright.
Despite their best efforts, the relentless attacks threw them off their rhythm. Their passes were rushed, their positioning scattered. By the time they landed, both were panting and a bit bruised.
Thomas clapped them on the back. "Not bad, lads, but you'll need to build some muscle and work on handling pressure. Try again next year."
Simon groaned. "Bulk up? What does he think I am, a troll?"
Then there were Josh and Vik. To call their performance casual would be an understatement.
Josh floated lazily across the pitch, managing one half-hearted pass before declaring, "Well, I think that's enough excitement for today."
Vik nodded in agreement. "Let's leave the glory to Jason."
"You didn't even try!" I shouted as they descended.
Josh shrugged, utterly unapologetic. "Didn't need to."
After everyone had their turn, Thomas gathered us together.
"Alright," he said, consulting his clipboard. "We've got some promising talent here. Jason, your vision and passing are exceptional. You've got a knack for creating opportunities no one else sees, but your hand-eye coordination needs work. For now, you'll be on the reserve team. Keep practicing, and you might make starting Chaser next year."
I nodded, hiding my disappointment. Reserve wasn't bad—it was a start, at least.
"Tobi, Simon," Thomas continued, "you both show potential, but you'll need to bulk up and get better at dealing with pressure. Come back next year."
They sighed but nodded.
"Josh, Vik," Thomas said, barely glancing at his notes, "thanks for showing up."
As we left the pitch, Freya, Talia, and Padma ran up to meet us.
"Reserve team, huh?" Faith teased, a smirk playing on her lips. "Not bad, Jason."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I replied, rolling my eyes.
Talia gave Simon a sympathetic pat on the back. "Better luck next year."
Simon sighed. "If I survive another round of Bludgers, that is."
Padma turned to Josh and Vik. "What about you two?"
Josh shrugged. "We were just here for the experience."
"And the snacks afterward," Vik added.
Freya laughed. "Come on, let's go celebrate Jason's 'victory.' "