On a rare weekend like this, Harry Potter-Seeker and captain of the Gryffindor House Quidditch team at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry-felt in excellent form.
Harry swung off his broom and landed, beads of sweat glinting on his forehead in the setting sun. He shouted up over the pitch.
"Ron! That sideways move was too slow! A Keeper can't wait until the Quidditch is right in his face before moving!"
Ron hovered on his broom in the middle of the three golden hoops, calling down with a miserable expression.
"Harry! I haven't even officially made the team yet! Can't you wait until after the tryouts before talking to me like that?"
"What's wrong with getting used to it early? I know you can do it," Harry shot back with a grin. "Another set! I'm coming in from the left this time!"
Ron groaned, but tightened his grip on the broom handle and leaned forward slightly, taking up a defensive stance.
Since Angelina had graduated last term, Hogwarts had been short of Keepers again and had no choice but to recruit new members this term. To help Ron realize his dream of becoming a Keeper, Harry had specifically set aside the two hours before practice to give him special training.
Harry looked up at the unusually blue sky.
No Potions Class, no snide put-downs from Snape-of course, Snape was still at school, but Harry did not qualify for sixth-year Advanced Potions at all, which meant he would not have to look at that sallow face for the next two years. The mere thought made Harry feel three pounds lighter.
Of course, life would be even better if his maternal cousin eased up a little.
Harry unconsciously raised a hand to touch the thing hanging around his neck.
It was a