A Star Is Born Chapter 6 (Patreon)

Chapter 6

As the evening of their first game approached, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air of the locker room. Some of the players like Jason and Conner, Puddlemeres' beaters, were pacing by the tunnel door that would lead them to the field.  Charlotte, one of the chasers, was thumping her foot, her hands folded, her head down.  Garret and Adrian Pucey were both staring at their empty lockers, completely dressed and ready to go.

Harry was completely still, his eyes closed and arms crossed. He looked like a resting predator ready to defend itself viciously if necessary.  The teen tried imagining the feeling of flying as his friends, family, and the entire Puddlemere United fanbase watched, but the tension in his shoulders made it hard to submit to the feeling.

The teen had worked hard over the last few months for this first game.  Each day he had arrived early and practiced late.  He may not have made many friends on the team, but they were all beginning to respect his dedication.  It was clear to Harry a week in that most of the team, even after seeing his combine results, and training with him, thought he was only here because of his fame, that was an attitude he was desperate to change.

Outside of Quidditch, his friends and those he considered family were incredibly supportive. Even those he couldn’t see regularly, like Neville due to his apprenticeship at Hogwarts or George due to work, still wrote frequently to offer their support.

Hermione even came by a few times a week to make sure he was staying sane, and getting plenty of sleep.  She had offered to make him a few meals, but he promised the team's nutritionist had set him up with everything he needed.  Ron of course checked in every couple of days, and even after some of Harry’s longer practices the man had popped over to his flat, and watched some penseive memories of the other teams Seekers.  Ron had the advantage of having watched Professional Quidditch for most of his life, and offered some insight on how some of the league's vets performed.  By the end of it all Harry somehow still felt unprepared for what was to come.

Then there was Susan, true to her promise, the girl popped in from time to time, and Harry made her dinner, or the two shared a bottle of wine.  Their intimacy continued to be as fantastic as it had been before, and she even took Harry to dinner one night after her first article had been published.

Harry had tried to insist on paying, but Susan assured him that she owed him big time for helping get her name out there, and the two had a quiet dinner that unfortunately even led them to being on the front page of the prophet.  Luckily the red-head was vastly unbothered by it all, and even seemed pleased that she had looked “ravishing” in the photo.

Grounding himself back to the game ahead, Harry observed Oliver, approaching him with a confident smile, “Harry, you have come a long way since that nervous first year, I don't think I'd ever seen anyone so terrified.” Wood remarked, clapping him on the shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie. Harry just grinned at his mentor.

“I want to do well,” Harry said confidently, “I have put in all the work to win this game. We will just have to see if it pays off.”

Wood chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Don’t worry, Harry. I have complete faith in you. We have trained long hours, and prepared for this.  You’re a talented player, and I know you’ll perform brilliantly on the pitch today. As you always have.”

Harry took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He looked around the locker room, at his teammates who were also preparing for the game. There was an infectious sense of excitement in the air now mingled with a healthy dose of adrenaline.  Each of his teammates seemed to be hyping themselves up for what was to come. Even after fighting in a war, this somehow seemed so important.

“Thanks, Wood,” Harry said, his voice trying to find his poise. “I appreciate the vote of confidence.”

Wood smiled and nodded. “You have put in every ounce of hard work, a team, fanbase, or captain could have asked for.  Now go out there and show them what you’re made of, Harry. We’re all counting on you, and I believe in you.  No matter what happens today, I know my faith isn’t misplaced.”

Oliver offered his open hand to this, and Harry clapped it, as the man helped him to his feet.  Oliver then reached into Harry’s locker and handed him his jersey with a sly grin, “We are going to crush them.  Just catch that snitch and the rest will work itself out.”

Oliver pivoted to address his assembled team, his voice raising to ensure everyone could hear him,  "We’ve trained hard for this moment, for this game.”

The locker room fell silent at Oliver’s words, and the eyes of his teammates fell upon their captain, “Today begins our run.  Today a new chapter for Puddlemere begins.  It’s time to turn that page, and fly like we never have before.  We will take it one play at a time, one moment at a time, until we win.  We are all in this together, one team, one dream.  Who's with me?”

A single clap followed his declaration, led by Jason and Conner.

“Whose with me?” Oliver repeated a little louder, and the group gave a much sharper single clap.  Oliver repeated the chant, and the clap continued to rise until they were all cheering and huddling in the middle hands all coming in together, “One team?”

“One dream!” Harry and the whole team called back.

“Grab your brooms, and let's get out there and win this!” Oliver cheered, his voice booming with the practiced authority of a captain who had lived and breathed the sport since his youth. The locker room erupted in a final surge of movement as players reached for their gear. Harry, standing near the center of the huddle, didn't reach for his broom traditionally; instead, he simply held out his hand and wandlessly summoned his broom to his palm. The polished wood slapped into his grip with a sharp, satisfying crack that drew the immediate attention of those nearby. Charlotte Dubois, let out a short, sharp snort at the display. Harry glanced toward her, finding her already looking at him with an expression that was a complex mix of personal admiration but professional skepticism. Eventually she settled with shaking her head giving him an impressed look, acknowledging the high-level magic he performed so casually, yet she still rolled her eyes playfully as she shouldered her own equipment. “Show off,” she muttered with a smirk, her words carrying a warmth that suggested the rookie was finally beginning to truly integrate with the veterans.

Chuckles followed her words, but with newfound determination, the team gathered the rest of their equipment and headed out of the locker room through the tunnel that would lead them into the stadium 

As the team made their way to the end of the tunnel, Harry stood waiting patiently, feeling the nerves now threatening to swallow him.  When the announcer's voice began echoing around the stadium, Harry felt a sense of anticipation flood his veins.  One by one each of the players' names were called.  Milroe, Statland, Pucey, Chandler, and Dubois were all called out leaving just Harry and Oliver in the tunnel alone together.

Oliver took a deep breath, and had a massive smile on his face, “All the hours of grueling work, every hour of practice we had before and after the rest of our team is about to be worth it.  All the negotiations, and politics is about to change the face of this franchise.  Look at us, Harry.  Back on the pitch together, ready to play at the highest level.  I dreamed of this day.”

“I have too.” Harry said with a grin, “For months now.”

Oliver held his knuckles out, “Tutshill is good with all our old assets, but we are better.  Let’s go prove that to the rest of England.”

Oliver stood tall and proud, his broom in hand, and looked like he could take on the world when the announcer's voice boomed through the stadium calling his name. With a touch of his fist, Oliver offered Harry a two-finger salute, a gesture of camaraderie and support. Then, in a surge of speed, he flew out onto the pitch, his navy blue robes billowing behind him. Harry watched as Oliver took a lap around the pitch, acknowledging the roaring cheers of the crowd. This was a moment Harry realized that even the fans had been waiting for.

It wasn’t long before Harry heard the chants of his own name.  The announcer had not yet called him, but everyone knew who was left to join the Quidditch pitch.  A large smile overtook Harry’s face and the nerves fell away as he heard the chants of Potter echoing into the tunnel.

“And introducing the newest member of Puddlemere United, the #1 draft pick of the 1999 draft class, Harry James Potter!”

With unwavering determination, Harry burst forth from the tunnel atop his new broom, propelling himself skyward at an angle that pushed his broom's capabilities to the limit. The crowd collectively gasped in awe as they witnessed the sheer speed at which he ascended, leaving a trail of wind in his wake. Not content with merely ascending, Harry showcased his exceptional aerial prowess by executing a series of precise and graceful maneuvers. He twisted and turned his body with effortless control, demonstrating his mastery of aerial dynamics. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, their voices reverberating through the stadium as they admired Harry's aerial artistry.

When Harry settled into the air beside Wood, the man shook his head, mouthing the word, “focus” back towards Harry.

The young man just grinned back at his Captain, and zoned into the large referee that flew between the two opposing teams.  The referee barked out that he wanted a nice clean game between both teams before propelling himself high above the assembled players in preparation for the quaffles release.

Harry took a deep breath and just tried to let it all in.  In the electrifying atmosphere of the Quidditch pitch, Harry heard the fan base of Puddlemere cheering the names of each player, but his name in particular above the rest, causing his eyes to narrow with determination. As he eyed the opposing Seeker he just imagined what the other had gone through to get where he was today.  Strangely he just knew it was nothing in comparison to what he himself had gone through to just be alive in this moment.  This made his knuckles grip on the broomstick increase, and a small grin crossed his face.  This was his moment, he was born for this. 

The whistle blew, marking the commencement of the game, and Harry's senses heightened as he took off in a swift climb, ascending above even the referee to gain a strategic visual advantage.

Thankfully the skill of Puddlemeres' chasers led to a swift goal scored by Adrian Pucey after several passes in quick succession.  This led to an eruption of deafening applause to echo across the stadium.

Harry cheered before turning his attention back to the pitch.  The wind whistled past his ears as he soared higher and higher to ensure he remained out of range of the opposing beaters, his eyes scanning the vast expanse of the sky. The other players darted below him like tiny figures, their colorful robes blurring together in a whirlwind of movement. 

In admiration Harry watched Wood deflect a goal with the tail of his broom straight into the hands of Charlotte Dubois who made a coast to coast run on the pitch to score a second goal.  More and more excitement was being generated among the fanbase of Puddlemere, and the young woman swiftly darted above the crowds, high fiving several fans, as she passed in a slow roll.

With a heart pounding anticipation, Harry observed his team's dominance on the pitch, eager to contribute his own skills to the game. His eyes scanned the sky, searching for the elusive Golden Snitch, its capture promising victory for his team which would make his mark on the match.

With unwavering focus, Harry meticulously scrutinized every inch of the sky, his eyes darting from one end of the pitch to the other. He knew that the Golden Snitch was notorious for its lightning-fast speed and unpredictable trajectory, but Harry was determined to outwit the tiny golden ball and his opponent.

As minutes turned into what felt like hours, Harry's concentration remained unwavering. His mind raced, analyzing patterns and possibilities, trying to anticipate the Snitch's next move. He knew that his teammates were counting on him to secure the win, and he was not about to let them down.

Despite this Harry watched as Dubois, Pucey, and Chandler, decimated Tuthills defense.  Harry suspected that if he did not catch the Snitch in the next hour, the chasers would do all the work for him.  The Tutshill Tornados seeker however was as keen as Harry as she observed the sky across from him.  Neither paid attention to the other at this time, but both knew the moment the golden ball would be unleashed was inevitable.

Suddenly, Harry hurtled through the sky, a glimmer catching the corner of his eye. It was a glint of gold, and his heart skipped a beat as he realized that he had finally spotted the elusive Golden Snitch. Excitement tingled through his veins as he surged forward, his broom responding to his every command. 

The Snitch darted and weaved, its wings fluttering frantically, but Harry's instincts guided him. With honed reflexes sharpened by hours of intense training, he twisted his broomstick, diving down with a grace that seemed effortless. His hand outstretched, fingers trembling with anticipation, Harry prepared to make the catch that would change the course of the game. 

Before he could grab onto it, he felt the impact of a body into his side, and narrowly avoided a nasty bludger that would’ve certainly had left him reeling the rest of the game.  Glaring at the nimble opposing Seeker, Harry continued to chase the Snitch, in a dive.

In a decisive move, Harry skillfully evaded a second attempt by the opposing seeker to collide with him. With a deft maneuver, he rolled beneath her broom, causing her to lose control and nearly dismount in the process.

This left the man with a sense of balance, giving Harry all the advantage he needed. Time seemed to slow down as he reached out, his fingers brushing against the tiny, golden sphere. In that fleeting moment, Harry knew that he had seized victory, not only for himself but for his team. As the crowd erupted in cheers and the sound of the whistle signaling the end of the match echoed in the air, Harry couldn't help but let out a triumphant cry. He had caught the Golden Snitch, and with it, he had secured his first victory for Puddlemere. The euphoria of that moment lingered as he flew over the stands to chants of his last name, and was quickly joined by his teammates in a victory lap.

Harry offered Wood a huge high five as two linked up, and slapped hands with the others as they each passed each other by.  When the group settled on the ground the fans were still cheering as if they had won the cup already.  The announcer made his final calls, and Wood, along with Jason Milroe had an arm around him as the final score was called.  The moment was one Harry would cherish forever, and could only imagine what the joys of the next game would bring.

An air of jubilation filled the locker room of Puddlemere United as the team arrived. Amidst the cheers and laughter, the sound of champagne bottles being popped reverberated through the room. Liquid splashed and fizzed as players and staff alike celebrated their well-deserved victory.

Harry looked around in amazement. It was only the first game of the season, but the management staff was clearly ready to celebrate an early triumph. The room was a frenzy of activity as players hugged, high-fived, and sprayed champagne in every direction.

As the celebration reached its peak, Harry raised his glass and joined in toasts to his teammates, coaches, and the entire Puddlemere United family. He knew that this was just the beginning of a long and successful season, and he couldn't wait to see what the future held.

The players took their time getting cleaned up in the showers, savoring the moment. The warm water cascaded over their tired bodies, soothing their aching muscles and washing away the grime of the game. As they dressed, they couldn't help but smile at the memories of the match, the spectacular saves, the thrilling goals, and the collective effort that had led them to a decisive victory.

One by one, the players filed out of the locker room, their faces beaming with pride and accomplishment. As they made their way through the corridors, the players were met with thunderous applause and cheers from the Puddlemere faithful. The fans had gathered in large numbers, eager to congratulate their heroes and celebrate the team's success. The players took their time shaking hands, signing autographs, and posing for pictures. 

The players of Puddlemere United basked in the love and support of their biggest fans, knowing that they had made their fanbase proud. It was a moment of pure joy and connection, a reminder of why they loved the game.

Harry in particular was immensely popular.  More people wanted his autograph, his photo, and his words. Harry for once basked in the attention assuring the younger fans a promising season, and to stay tuned for what his teammates would accomplish over the course of a season.

In the midst of the lingering confetti and the triumphant melodies of victory, a figure emerged from the locker room. It was Rex, his eyes twinkling with a mix of pride and excitement. With a gentle nod to the team, he initiated the process of clearing the area, allowing the players the privacy they craved.

Other members of Rex’s security team, their faces etched with neutrality, approached the jubilant fans with unwavering courtesy. Politely but firmly, they explained that the time had come for the players to have a moment of peace with their families, away from the public eye. The fans, though reluctant to leave, understood, and applauded their team one last time, their voices reverberating through the common area, a chorus of appreciation and well wishes.

As the crowds exited, Harry and his team made their way towards the final room, which would reunite them with their friends and families. The room was exceptionally crowded, as it was the first game of the season. Puddlemere had spared no expense in providing the players' friends and families with every available luxury box, resulting in an atmosphere of intense excitement. Harry, in particular, had a sizable group of friends eager to greet him.

Hermione and Ron were obvious.  The two were already wearing twin jerseys that read Potter and Wood on the backs of their robes.  Next to them was Neville who had a huge smile on his face as he stood beside Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas, some of Harry’s most adamant Quidditch supporters when he was in school.  Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stood among them looking thoroughly proud of who they considered to be their youngest son.  Then there was Susan who had her arm through Hannah Abbott.  Susan, was wearing one of his official practice jerseys, while Hannah was decked out in a Navy blue skirt, and a gold shirt with the #7 on it, showing her support.

It had been less than a year since the war ended, and the girl he remembered as a defiant, confident member of the DA had blossomed into a woman of striking beauty. Hannah was built willowy, with a slender grace, her long, golden-blonde hair still braided, but in twin downward spirals instead of pigtails "Harry," she said, stopping before him. Her heart-shaped face greeted him with a large smile, her porcelain skin flushed with a familiar, gentle warmth. "It’s been a while."

“Hannah!” Harry said, embracing the girl tightly, “Thanks for coming!  I hope you enjoyed the game.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it!” The girl said excitedly, returning the hug enthusiastically, and offering a bold kiss on the cheek, “I love Quidditch, and I was super excited when Susan said she scored a pair of tickets. I always loved watching you play.”

“Well spread the word around,” Harry said with a slight blush coloring his cheeks, “Any member of the old DA crew that wants to come to a game just needs to send me a letter, I will make sure they get tickets.  You guys were some of my best supporters, I owe it to all of you that I am here today.”

This made the girl grin, and she waved Harry off, blustering with embarrassment, causing Harry to chuckle, before he turned turned to the beaming Susan Bones, and wrapped an arm around her and placed a quick kiss right on her lips, making the girl laugh, “Great game, Harry.”

The others seemed surprised by his moves, but Harry just grinned at the red head, “I had a good support system the last few days.”

 Before Susan could respond Harry was embraced by his surrogate mother, Molly Weasley.  Mrs. Weasley embraced Harry like a hurricane, stating her disbelief that after all the fighting was over he still managed to find ways to put himself in danger.

Harry laughed at this, and waved the woman off with a kiss on the cheek, “I have to keep my friends on their toes somehow.”

This made the rest of his friends laugh, and one by one, Harry made his way around to his supporters, giving hugs, and offering heartfelt thanks for their unwavering support. Ron couldn't contain his excitement. He boisterously proclaimed that Puddlemere would become the first team in history to go an entire season undefeated.

Seamus laughed this off saying. "Don't jinx the lad, Ron!" Seamus cautioned. "That was a hell of a welcome to the league, but let's give the man a chance to prove himself before we start making crazy predictions."

Ron, though initially taken aback by Seamus's words, nodded in agreement, but kept the confident smile on his face. He knew that Seamus was right. Harry had worked tirelessly to achieve this remarkable feat, but it would be unfair to put unnecessary pressure on him.

Before Ron could counter his words, a blonde blur hit Harry, wrapping her arms around him, “‘Arry, you were magnifique!”

Feeling the allure of Fleur Weasley Harry laughed as he embraced the girl, “Fleur!  Thanks for coming.  I am so happy you and Bill could make it.”

As he moved away from the girl he continued to hold her in his arms, and she offered him a large grin as he noticed her attire.  The #7 was on each of her cheeks in navy blue, and she offered him a wide grin, “You are wearing the colors of my alma mater.  This makes it easy to support.  I attended many Beauxbatons games wearing these colors.”

Harry could only imagine the reactions of the Beauxbatons boys seeing her in an outfit like this.  Quite frankly he was surprised to see the girl wearing it in front of her mother in law and other men.  The navy blue skirt was short, almost scantily so, and her low cut blouse left little to the imagination.  Not for the first time Harry realized Bill Weasley was a lucky man.

When the girl separated from Harry’s grip a strong hand hit his shoulder, and his oldest surrogate brother Bill had a huge smile for him, “Charlie is going to regret missing this one.  You looked in top form out there, Harry.  Well done.  I don’t want to give Ron too much credit, but he may be right, this might be the beginning of something special.”

“Thanks Bill.” Harry said with a grin, as he embraced the oldest Weasley son.

By the time the friends and family were done with their offers of congratulations, Harry offered everyone an invite to the Puddle Jumper, and while the senior Weasleys declined, the younger crowd was ecstatic to be invited.  Of course Seamus and Dean were in, but Ron and Hermione looked queasy at the offer, clearly remembering their last bout into the copious amounts of alcohol they had partaken in.  

It didn’t take much to convince the pair to join, especially after Bill peer pressured them, “Now when do I get a chance to hang out like this with my youngest brothers, and soon to be favorite sister-in-law.”

Hermione had blushed heavily at this, but the two agreed at last.  Susan and Hannah were whispering conspiratorily, when Susan accepted on their behalf.

Finally Harry just smiled at his friends, and said, “Well, then let’s party!”