Freaks: Year Two

The Tryouts Jasper Didn't Care About

"Jasper!" Marty's voice exclaimed, rushing over to him as he sleepily came down to the common room. Unlike Jasper who was still in his pyjamas, she was dressed in her Hufflepuff black and yellow quidditch jumper, a pair of black trousers and her honey coloured hijab. "Aren't you excited?"

"About what?" he murmured, slowly making his way down the steps.

"The tryouts for the All Star team!" Marty exclaimed. "They're today!"

"Oh? Alright," Jasper said and he looked over to Marty. "Good luck!"

Marty's excitement lessened. "Aren't you going to try out too?"

"Oh, well, no," Jasper answered. He had more important things to do now. Operation Pygmy Puff was the most important thing and then were the house elves Yippy, Patti, Dollie, Roony and MeMe. He didn't want to try out anymore. It would be a waste of time and if he really did somehow get on the team, it would take up way too much of his time.

Marty looked sad and she took a seat beside him on the yellow couch. "You're not? Why?"

"I'm just really busy now Marty," he answered. And that was the truth. "But I really hope you get on! You're brilliant at quidditch. I can come watch if you want?"

She still looked disappointed. She was so used to Jasper being her quidditch buddy and she had been so excited for the both of them to try out together. "You sure you don't want to give it a shot?"

"I'm sure."

Marty sighed. "Well...okay. I would like some support."

Jasper smiled. "Then I will be there."

"Well, I would get out of your pyjamas then because they are starting in ten minutes!"

"What?" Jasper asked, surprised. He looked at the clock and it indeed was almost time. "I'll be there!"

Marty smiled, but she did wish he was trying out. He had been so excited about the Ilvermorny announcement, but as months went on that excitement had drained out of him.

She hoped that once the school arrived he would become his curious and excitable self again.

"My nightmares have lessened," Harry told Mariam. "I promise. I am just tired because I have been looking through different books for the kid I am tutoring."

"Alabaster Jackson, right?" she asked.

Harry nodded. "That's him."

"What type of books?" Mariam asked. "Don't you just need the History Of Magic textbook?"

"Yes but I figured out his learning style and having pictures really helps him understand the material," Harry said. "So, I am going through books that talk about specific events in our history that have more variety of photos."

Mariam smiled. "I am so happy you finally figured out how he learns best, but don't overwork yourself okay? And have the Slytherins stopped bothering you? I know you mentioned some are quite mean."

"I actually have not had too many run-ins with any mean Slytherin," Harry told her and he was quite thankful for it. He was even more relieved that he had barely seen Theodore his year. "Did you know Ilvermorny is coming soon? April 1st. The tryouts for the team are today. I am sure he is already down at the pitch already though. He was gone when I woke up. They started at six. If he still is trying out I mean, but I am so excited that the school is coming because I learn so many new things and ask the students questions, and did you know that the American school was founded by a muggle and a witch? It is super cool."