Harry Potter : Bloodraven

After escorting the Weasley twins back to their common room, Maverick headed straight to his office without any detours. Settling into the comfort of his chair, his first order of business was to examine the map for any extraordinary characteristics. But within moments, his anticipation turned to disappointment.

The map had only one feature: a basic-grade, radar-like function that worked solely within the confines of Hogwarts. He had hoped for something more, like a mini-map, but it seemed his expectations had been too high.

Still, the map wasn't entirely useless. By studying it, he could figure out how to prevent his name or presence from being detected by such magical items in the future—and that, at least, was something.

After some thought, he decided to keep the map for a few days, tweak it a bit for good measure, and then return it to the twins. Letting out a sigh, he rolled up the worn parchment, set it aside, and finally collapsed into bed, drifting off to sleep.

Time passed slowly, and before anyone knew it, the weekdays had come and gone without anything out of the ordinary happening at school.

The only noteworthy thing was the constant buzz about Quidditch and the team selection set for the following week.

And so, on Saturday morning, the entire school gathered at the official Quidditch stadium to spectate this highly anticipated event.

The 28 players were divided into four teams based on their positions, and the first match began quickly, without any complications or protests about the team assignments.

Although there were rivalries and even grudges between the students, they didn't show it in front of Steven and seemed to have a good impression of his choices. Most of them were seniors from the fifth, sixth, and seventh grades, so they weren't as immature as the freshman who would turn everything to a fight.

Throughout the match, Steven remained completely focused on their performance. As the referee and in control of the flow of the game, he thoroughly tested their speed, precision, teamwork, and adaptability. And the players gave their all, knowing that their performance would decide whether they earned a spot on the final team.

Just before lunch time, the first game between the first 14 players ended amid loud cheers and chatter from the audience. However, unlike regular Quidditch matches held on this field, there were no calls of house names—just the roar of Hogwarts and the cheers of individual student supporters.

After lunch, the remaining two teams took to the field for their turn. This match was just as competitive as the morning round, each player pushing themselves to their limit, determined to make an impression. Cheers and gasps echoed from the stands as the audience—students eager to witness the best their school had to offer—watched with rapt attention.

But just when they thought the trials were over, Steven had one last test in mind. Without tracking scores, he set up a final match, rotating all 28 players frequently. This time, the focus wasn't on competition but on individual performance—how well each student could handle unexpected shifts, adapt to different teammates, and hold their ground under pressure.

By the time the final match ended, exhaustion was clear on the players' faces, but more so was the anxiety about the selection. Steven gathered them all together and launched into a long, coach-like speech.

He didn't outright tell them which players would be selected and which would be eliminated, but gave an encouraging speech, urging everyone to work hard. He reminded them that every year, the team would be chosen through a similar process, and their efforts now would lay the groundwork for future success.

His words seemed to ease the tension among the students. While some still looked disappointed, the promise of future opportunities softened the blow. With that, Steven dismissed them, allowing the players to rest and the audience to disperse back to their common rooms.

However, the real decision-making was yet to come.

Later that evening, after dinner, Maverick, McGonagall, Steven, and Madam Hooch gathered in a classroom to deliberate over the final team selection.

The mock matches had showcased each student's skills, and with their talents so evenly matched, the decision was more difficult than they had expected. Nonetheless, it had to be made, as only half of the 28 players would make the final cut.

After about two hours of heated discussion, they managed to select a balanced team of seven starters and seven reserves. The team consisted of Marcus Flint as the captain, with Oliver Wood as the vice-captain, filling the positions of Seeker and Keeper. Meanwhile, Harry Potter, along with a Ravenclaw student named Grant Page, was selected as the reserves for their roles.

For the Chasers, Cedric Diggory from Hufflepuff, Roger Davies and Jeremy Stretton from Ravenclaw were selected. For the Beater positions, Peregrine Derrick, a seventh-year from Slytherin, and Maxine O'Flaherty secured spots on the starting team.

Similarly, the reserve team was carefully chosen to maintain a balanced mix of players from all four houses.

After some discussion, they decided to announce the fourteen names on the notice board the next morning rather than announcing them publicly. This way, any disagreements or complaints would be handled individually, rather than dealing with a large group of students confronting them all at once. If anyone had concerns, they would have to approach Coach Steven or the professors separately.

Within moments, whispers turned into excited chatter as the names on the notice board were read aloud, and reactions began to spread throughout the corridor.

By the time breakfast started, the Great Hall was buzzing with excitement. Congratulations and cheers erupted for those who had made the team, while others expressed their disappointment, quietly consoling one another.

"Harry, you got in!" Ron Weasley exclaimed, clapping his friend on the back. "Well, as a reserve, but still!"

Harry grinned, though a small part of him wished he'd made the main team. Still, he couldn't deny the satisfaction of being selected, even if he was a substitute.

After being congratulated by Ron, Harry found himself surrounded by his housemates, who were eager to share in his achievement. For once, he felt genuinely pleased to be in the spotlight. Unlike before—when whispers and stares followed him due to the mysterious fall of the Dark Lord—this recognition felt different. This time, it was about something he had done, not an event shrouded in mystery that he had no memory of. It was a welcome change.

At the same time Harry Potter was getting showered with attention, the other students who had been selected, as well as those who were eliminated were experiencing similar scenes.

Some were being congratulated, their friends patting them on the back and exchanging excited words. Others, however, took the news of their elimination with a quiet acceptance, making comments to themselves about what they could have done better. And there were those who received words of encouragement from their peers, a few offering reassurance that they would have another chance next year.

"I was this close," a seventh-year Hufflepuff sighed, gulping down his drink before setting the glass on the table with a soft thud. "Next year, I guess." He gave a small, rueful smile—clearly disappointed but trying to make light of it.

"You won't have a next year," his friend pointed out.

"Don't remind me," he groaned, slumping back in his seat.

At the Slytherin table, Marcus Flint smirked, basking in the attention. "Of course, I made captain. Who else could lead this team?"

At the Ravenclaw table, a group of students analyzed the selections with sharp scrutiny.

"Diggory as a Chaser, huh?" one mused. "Didn't expect that."

"He is good," another admitted, listening to the comments around him.

"Good as you, Roger?" a third student chimed in, glancing at Roger Davies, who, like Cedric Diggory, had secured a Chaser spot on the full team.

"We're a team now," Roger replied thoughtfully, avoiding a direct answer. "If he's better than me, then that's a plus for the team."

"Tsk... you're really taking this teamwork thing seriously, huh?"

"Of course," Roger said, his expression firm. He was an avid fan of Steven and had a high opinion of the new professor, whom he had met earlier on the train. Now that they were both leading the school team, Roger was determined not to disappoint them.

And at the Gryffindor table, a group of seniors surrounded a burly boy, discussing his selection as one of the Beaters.

"I knew you'd make it," one of them said, clapping him on the back.

"Yeah, but I have to stay on top of my game," Maxine O'Flaherty replied, his expression more determined than celebratory. "Coach said if he's not satisfied, he won't hesitate to switch us out for the reserves at any time."

Instead of feeling pressured, he grinned at the end. "Well, I won't let that happen. No Quaffle's getting past us without a fight."

"That's the spirit!" another Gryffindor cheered.

While the Great Hall buzzed with students commenting on the team selections, the staff table remained relatively quiet. Maverick, Steven, and McGonagall sat together, observing the excitement with quiet interest. Since it was the weekend, most professors were either out of school or busy with other tasks, leaving the table mostly empty except for the three of them.

They had come prepared, half-expecting raised voices or complaints, but it seemed the results had been accepted more smoothly than they'd anticipated.

"Well, this has gone much better than expected," Maverick said looking ahead with a hint of relief mixed in his voice.

McGonagall gave a small nod while scanning the Great Hall. "Indeed... it seems most of them have accepted the results." She smiled before glancing at Steven on her left.

"Thank you, Coach Steven..." Her approving smile grew wider. "I hope we can secure the cup with these boys and girls."

Steven chuckled, setting down his goblet. "That's the plan, Professor.

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Author's Note:

Some readers have commented that this arc has been dragging on for too long, and honestly, I kind of feel the same way. So, I've compressed four chapters into one to move things along and get to the exciting parts sooner. I hope it doesn't feel rushed.

Thank you! I always appreciate your feedback, and I listen.

P.S. I'm currently away from home with family, which is why there are fewer chapters this week. But starting tomorrow, everything will be back to normal.

Just a quick update — up to Chapter 120 is already available on P AT r30n!

PAT r30n [.] com / RyanFic