Harry's Future

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

"Based on what we observed and learned at the Beauxbaton Academy of Magic the players received a high level of attention, intense training and practices, and some excellent work in the fundamentals and finer points of flying. My thought was that a similar program conducted at the end of summer at Hogwarts would help raise the level of play, perhaps improve the skills of marginal fliers who otherwise wouldn't think they have a chance to play and to improve the talent pool for the professional teams." 

Harry concluded his presentation to the Director and staff of the Department of Magical Games and Sports. Also in attendance at the Director's invitation were several managers of the more prominent teams of the Premier British Quidditch League. Harry noticed that while all were paying polite attention, no one seemed particularly enthused. The Director was the first to offer a comment. 

"One could draw the conclusion that the French need the extra training in order to come up to our current standard, Mr. Potter. They haven't fared particularly well in international play of late." 

This was seconded by several members of the audience. So that's the way it's going to be, Harry thought. 

"Nor have we for that matter. We haven't been in a World Cup final in some time. The idea wasn't to make this an issue between the UK and the rest, it was to improve the quality of play in this country overall. I thought that would be of interest to you gentlemen. I suspect I was mistaken. I'm sorry to have wasted your time." 

"Now, now, Harry," the Director replied quickly. "It's not that we don't appreciate your interest. It's just that there are many factors to consider. Everyone here has spent more than a little time flying above a Quidditch pitch at Hogwarts and for some in the professional leagues. If we thought such a thing was needed it would have been done long ago." 

"Ah, I see. Tradition. Old School. I've run up against that a few times and found it very annoying. I'm sorry to see it again. Rest assured, gentlemen, we are going to go ahead with this since its being sanctioned by Hogwarts. We just thought we'd do you the courtesy of giving you the chance to be involved. Good day." 

Harry turned and headed for the door to the sound of voices behind him. He was several steps into the hallway when he felt a hand on his shoulder, not a particularly friendly hand either. Harry stopped and without turning said in a low voice, 

"I'd really rather you didn't do that." 

He felt the hand tighten and then release. He turned to face the wizard who was now standing before him. He was an older man with a badly broken nose. He had a stocky build and a pugnacious attitude that seemed to surround him like an aura. Harry noticed that several other men that he had been addressing were standing just inside the doorway. 

"Listen here, Potter. Just what are you going on about here? You think you're just going to walk in here and change the way we've been doing things for centuries? The famous Harry Potter knows all there is to know about Quidditch and he's going to teach us all about it, is he?" 

"First of all, whoever you are, I'm finding your attitude to be more then a little annoying. Those of us who are planning on doing this only want to share our knowledge and skills with young fliers looking to improve. What bothers you about that so much?" Harry asked. 

"I don't like amateurs mucking about where they don't belong. It's bad enough I have to read the opinions of a bunch of know nothins in the Prophet. I don't need to listen to one telling us how we should be running the sport," the man said belligerently. 

"What team are you connected to, sir?" Harry asked very quietly. 

Anyone who knew Harry would probably be looking for another place to be just about now.