A Younger Generation of Keepers

Chapter 6: Winds of Change (Part 1)

George's pov

Amanda's attempt to approach Ominis and steal his hair in the Masquerade Ball signified the end of our stagnant era. Larissa was back to her old tricks and an upcoming invasion seemed pretty possible.

I vacillated between informing the OG Keepers about the events that took place at the Masquerade Ball or keeping it a secret, considering they would not be much of a help anyway.

Perhaps, Niamh could spy on Black through her portrait in his office, but he was most likely holding his meetings of significance somewhere outside the walls of Hogwarts.

On a happier note, the long awaited Slytherin try-outs had finally arrived. Headmaster Black had decided to weave the quidditch ban enforced during our fifth year.

Heading to the pitch alongside Sebastian, I tried my best to turn off any thoughts unrelated to quidditch.

Slytherin students of all ages, besides the first-years, had been lined up since morning, forming a ridiculously long queue right outside the court.

Luckily enough, Imelda had warned me about it and recommended getting in through the back entrance, giving Sebastian and I instant access to the Quidditch Pitch.

"Ready to be part of the team?" Imelda gave me a meaningful look.

"I was born ready!" I replied confidently and hopped on my broom.

I was applying for the Beater position and the main part of it consisted of hitting Bludgers, black iron balls flying around with the sole purpose of knocking players out. My job was to protect my teammates with the use of a bat from the Bludgers and simultaneously aim them towards the opponents.

A few minutes later, I found myself flying above the Quidditch Court, being examined for my ability to maintain good balance with both hands off my broom, the power and depth of my hits, as well as the accuracy of each shot.

I was determined and focused on becoming Slytherin's new Beater and, although I had many competitors, I was certain that my dedication and hard work would help me outperform them and stand out.

Grayson's pov

Ominis and I were sitting at the spectator stands, watching the Slytherin try-outs. I was doing my best to describe what was going on in detail during George's turn, whilst also waiting for Sebastian's trial to begin.

"With this performance level, I'm pretty sure he's going to make it to the team, he did great, Ominis" I reassured him.

"What's Poppy doing here?" I externalised my thoughts once I spotted Poppy amongst the crowd, watching the Slytherin try-outs and I could not help but assume she came to see George. Seeing her there made me sceptical, considering all the drama that had been going on between them.

"Perhaps she wanted to see George" Ominis shrugged.

After the try-outs, Ominis and I headed to the boathouse, which was undeniably our favourite spot in Hogwarts. The weather was hazy and a thick fog had engulfed the castle, making the Black Lake just scarcely visible.

"How do you feel about this whole situation with Amanda?" I asked him once I made sure no one else was around.

"I can't help but worry about what is yet to come" he expressed in all honesty.

Ominis was not wrong, Amanda was a dangerous witch who had no qualms about casting the Unforgivable Courses. A ruthless bitch, who did not seem to mind hurting her own cousin and stealing his wand, which was the only way he could navigate himself.

I hate her deeply, what kind of monstrous person behaves like that?

Even though I had promised Ominis I would not use any Dark Arts, knowing pretty well how vehemently opposed he was to them, it was hard to resist the temptation of annihilating that heartless witch.

Was I putting him in danger? Did Larissa recruit Amanda and targeted Ominis because of me?

"We'll prepare ourselves and if Amanda shows up, she will be the one worrying about her future" I said, laying my head on his shoulder and cuddling slightly.

Thankfully, nobody was around to ruin our peaceful and sentimental moment. Ominis quirked a smile, but remained silent.

Jessica's pov

A cold breeze was passing through Hogsmeade's alleys, blowing my hair as Mia and I visited Gladrags Wizardwear in an attempt to find the perfect attire for her first date with Eric Northcott.

I noticed that her taste in clothes had shifted recently, she seemed to have a preference for more promiscuous ones. She had never been a prude but I was unsure whether that was really her style or not.

After searching for a while, we concluded to a spectacular dress, that struck the perfect balance between casual and formal.

Satisfied with our selection, Mia insisted on treating me to a Butterbeer. Hence, we visited the Three Broomsticks, where we ran into George at the entrance.

"After you ladies" George said, holding the door open with a gentlemanly gesture.

"You sure know how to treat a lady" I joked

"Oh George, congratulations!" Mia chimed in, giving him a hug. "Jess told me you aced the try-outs."

"Thanks Mia, it was quite an experience I must admit!" he bragged, and then added, "Hey, I saw Garreth at the stadium during the Gryffindor trials".

"Did he? I guess, it runs in the family, almost every Weasley who attended Hogwarts made it to the Quidditch team" Mia said, trying to maintain a neutral tone.

"Well, I should be on my way, farewell" he waved goodbye before walking away.

Mia and I stayed for about an hour, enjoying our Butterbeers. We saw many familiar faces, like Amit and Sacharissa, who apparently were now an official couple.

"Excited?" I asked Mia.

"More like nervous" she responded.

"What's there to be nervous about? Just go and have fun!" I hyped her up. She needed something new to get excited about, instead of waiting for Garreth's erratic mood swings to settle.

A few minutes later, we returned to Hogwarts, headed back to our Common Rooms. Eric was sitting by the fireplace talking to some Gryffindors, whilst I was walking in. Next to them, I spotted Natty reading a book, and I made my way towards her.

"What's going on?" I questioned.

"Eric was talking about the Quidditch try-outs" she explained.

"Eric tried for the Gryffindor team? So did Garreth!" I informed Natty, thinking that there would be a dispute between them.

"Garreth went to the try-outs?" Natty sounded surprised.

"Yes! Hasn't Leander mentioned anything?"

"Not really, he told me Garreth barely opens up to him nowadays" she sighed.

So far, all my efforts to discover the cause of Garreth's mysterious breakup had been unsuccessful, but something just rubbed me the wrong way. I could never imagine someone dumping Mia for Cressida, especially Garreth.