Chapter 106: The Year Begins II

"No," he lied, since it wouldn't do to have all the answers and such information so early on in the school year. She didn't look convinced but left it be. After all, she was one of the few who could tell he was lying due to her own early start in life at learning the mind arts.

...

"So, you would like Tracy and me to keep an eye on Draco for you, then?" Daphne asked.

"If you want, but I doubt the jerk will know anything, besides that it's just a rumour and hearsay. After all, why would his father involve him? He can't keep a secret. He literally told the whole Quidditch store that he bought his way onto the Slytherin team, and that buying his way onto the team was fair game. The only reason he didn't get a chance to say more was that his father intervened before he could say anything potentially damaging."

"So Draco is the Seeker then," Tracy said. "He's going to be even more unbearable if he actually wins a game."

"Yes, I saw his father order a set of seven brooms at Quality Quidditch Supplies—the new Nimbus 2001."

"I'd better go and place a bet on Slytherin to win this year," Daphne said, with a soft smile.

"You can, but the odds will be evened up sooner than you think," Harry responded.

"Really? What gives? You're planning something."

"Of course," he said in such a way that implied he was hurt that they would think otherwise. "Within the next month or so, after I have my own house tryouts, the school is going to receive a new set of Quidditch brooms for each house, entrusted to their Head of House. Slytherin won't be the only team with new broomsticks."

"So who do you think will win then?" Daphne asked.

"Personally, I would like the Ravenclaw team to win," he answered, receiving a roll of the eyes from the blonde. "Even more so if I get onto it, but honestly, I think the Lions will win again. This is especially true if they get a new set of broomsticks, because they have the most impressive Chasers.

Combined with the fact they have the most experienced team, with Neville and Katie being their newest players—each with a year's worth of experience. Whilst the rest of the house teams are replacing quite a few of their players, most importantly their Seekers, I say the odds are in the Lions' favour. Not to mention, Wood has been their Keeper for almost four years and is rumoured to be scouted by the Quidditch league. So if you want an assessment on favourites, I have to say Lions."

"Thanks, I may just have to place a bet," Daphne said.

"You're welcome. So why didn't I see you on the train?" he asked.

"Well, Daphne here," Tracy said, gesturing with her hand, "thought we should make our own subtle power play of sorts now that Draco isn't so powerful. As much as we hate to admit it, Draco is the unofficial leader of the Slytherin second years and would, in time, become our default leader as he grew older if nothing changed. We're trying to replace Pansy, while Blaise is working on unseating Draco. So on the train ride, we were mingling with the other Slytherins to see what kind of support we had and to start on our plan."

"Interesting. If you need a hand or anything, let me know. I prefer Blaise over Malfoy any day," Harry said, making his position clear.

"We thought so, and on that note, I think we should tell Blaise about this place, and this little group we have since he is going to be working with us, hopefully," Daphne stated. "Plus, by the looks of it, my father and mother may be arranging a trial marriage contract between the two of us, and I can't really get away with sneaking off all the time if that happens."

"Okay," he said, keeping his belief that the whole concept of marriage contracts was outdated to himself. He was aware that final magical contracts weren't exchanged until both parties were happy with the deal and that traditionally there were three stages to the process that would ensure both parties were fully aware and accepting of the contract.

"Now that we're all done talking business, I managed to get my parents to pick up some books whilst we were visiting my family in India," Padma said before opening her book bag and handing them each a book wrapped up in gift paper.

...

(Later that Day)

"Professor Hooch, can I have a moment of your time?" Harry inquired as he watched the flying instructor gather up the old broomsticks.

"Of course, Mr. Potter. Are you joining the Ravenclaw team this year?" she asked, her eyes lighting up with interest.

"Probably, but you'll have to wait and see to know for sure," he said.

"Ah, so Ravenclaw's odds have gone up, then. I may just have to place a bet in the teachers' pool," she said with a cheeky smile.

"Thank you, Madam, but I came here on official Potter-Black household business," Harry responded, taking the comment at face value since she hadn't seen him play and was just assuming he was good due to his father's legacy as a Quidditch star.

"Of course. What is it you wish to discuss?" Professor Hooch asked.

"My godfather Sirius and I were wondering what we would have to do to donate some new broomsticks to the school. We're thinking of supplying a new batch of training brooms, as well as 21 new Nimbus 2001 brooms, to help promote the sport and fair play between the teams.

We heard over the summer that the Slytherin Quidditch team received seven new Nimbus broomsticks, and that's hardly fair. They will have better odds of winning due to their brooms rather than their talents, hence spoiling the game for everyone else. It also prevents the truly talented Quidditch players from shining," he expressed, watching her eyes light up after hearing his proposal.

"Well, that would be most generous, but will be very costly indeed," she said, as if he hadn't already done the math.

"I know, Madam, but Sirius and I are both shareholders of Nimbus Brooms, so we can gain advertisement for the company from this," he explained, waving his hand to dismiss the point about money. It may be costly, but it would open the doors for them to get Sirius on the Board of Governors a couple of years down the line, though he didn't say that, of course.

"Oh, well, there are two steps. First, you can schedule a press conference to donate the training brooms to Hogwarts. I suggest you invite a reporter there to cover the event and write an article for the Daily Prophet.

Second, I would also meet with each Head of House to present them with the new brooms for each team, under the condition that each player properly maintains the broom and that it is to be considered school property," she explained, watching as Harry jotted her comments down on his notepad. Professor Hooch then asked, "The question is, what do you want in exchange?"

"Nothing outright, Madam. It's mainly a P.R. scheme to promote our combined houses, as well as Sirius himself," he explained, which was only part of the truth. With a mixture of innocence and mischief, he leaned in closer and said, "On a more personal note, it is to one-up Lord Malfoy." Harry then flashed a smile at the former Quidditch star, who was chuckling at his antics and the knowledge that a private house war was unfolding—and her sport was going to benefit from it.

"I see," she said with a bit of a girlish giggle. "Anything else?"

"Not really, unless you enjoy my company that much, then I'm sure I can stay around for a bit," he said confidently.

"Cheeky boy."

"Thank you," he said, flashing a smile. "Madam, have you heard anything about where the Quidditch World Cup is being hosted next?" Harry decided to ask her at the last minute so he had a source for his knowledge that would allow him to keep his ability to spy on the Headmaster a secret.

"I don't know. I think there are still a couple of weeks yet before the final decision is made. I do know that England is one of the places being considered by the International Quidditch Union, along with Iceland, France, and China—if the rumours are true."

"Who do you think is the favourite?" he probed with the natural curiosity expected of a Ravenclaw student.

"Well, I'm not supposed to say this, but the Headmaster is currently pushing for England to host the event, for whatever reason. So it's pretty certain that it will be England or France, if I had to guess—most likely England."

Smiling at the news, Harry said, "Thank you. Maybe you will be able to join Sirius and me to watch a game if that happens." He was already thinking up different schemes now that he had an additional source of information on the World Cup, as well as the knowledge that Professor Hooch was approachable for gaining information.

Casting a quick tempus charm to check the time, he hurried off to check up on Penny and give her share of the loot to her. His body was on autopilot as he headed into the school, silently thinking over the chat for any missed signals or messages.

...

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