Chapter 4

Jude yawned, following the rest of the first year boys down the stairs as he tried to tie his insufferable tie. These were probably the nicest clothes he had; if only he knew how to wear them. James glanced at him and rolled his eyes, "It's not that hard, you know."

Jude shook his head tiredly, still trying to work with his tie, "I know. I'm just not used to these kinds of clothes."

"Well tidy up. We've got classes," James stated, handing him his schedule.

The blue eyed boy lifted his glasses, rubbing his eyes. He set his glasses straight and tried to read the paper handed to him; Charms, flying, Transfiguration, Potions, and others that he was too tired to read.

James grinned, patting his shoulder, "Don't worry. All first years share the same classes."

That reassured Jude more then he could imagine. Next order of business was trying to tie that goddamn tie. James groaned, tugging on his arm, "Come on, Jude. You move so slowly."

They followed the other first years to their first class. Charms was fun as it was held by Professor Flitwick with first year Ravenclaws. Transfiguration was held by a one Professor Sheldon Walton and it was the most amazing thing Jude had ever witnessed. Astronomy by Professor Owen Neal was interesting with Hufflepuffs. Potions by the Slytherin head of the house Professor Naomi Young was fun and a little nerve wracking as it was held with first year Slytherins. Herbology was luckily held by Neville and Jude enjoyed it immensely. Professor Gordon Lamb taught Defense Against the Dark Arts and it was exhilarating.

History of Magic shouldn't have been interesting but the professor who taught it was someone who took Jude's attention immediately. Professor Emilie Alexander was a sight to behold. Her blonde hair bounced like waves lifting to shore while her blue eyes were bright and beautiful. Jude was surprised he actually took notes for the class.

James smacked his head lightly when class ended, "Let's go, you drooling git. You're getting flies in your mouth."

Jude shut his mouth in a second after that as he blushed brightly. He quickly gathered his belongings into his backpack, stumbling when the professor came up to them with a dazzling smile. "Hello, boys," She greeted lightly.

"Hello, Professor," James responded, grabbing Jude's arm. "We were just about to leave for flying lessons."

Professor Alexander's eyes seemed to light up at the mention, "With Professor Harmon?"

"Yes ma'am," James nodded promptly in reply.

Professor Alexander laughed softly before grabbing Jude's tie and tying right for him. "Tell Professor Harmon I say hello, will you? She's a good friend of mine from my school days here."

"W-w-will d-do," Jude stammered, his blush returning full force when the professor tightened his tie and pushed his glasses up before they slid off his nose.

Professor Alexander smiled, "Thank you, boys. Have a good day now."

Jude was once again tugged by James, making him move his suddenly heavy legs. The brown eyed boy next to him rolled his eyes, "Really, Jude? You act as you've never seen a woman before."

"No one like that," Jude breathed, smiling goofily.

James laughed at him as they got ready for their flying lesson. They were soon outside, next to broomsticks with Slytherin first years on the other side. Jude would've thought that was funny from the stereotypes muggles made of witches, but he understood how the broom worked.

Professor Meghan Harmon was tall, dark haired, and very good looking. Her green eyes seemed to have a certain glint of confidence that made Jude and almost everyone else intimidated. Her voice was very stern as well. "Alright everybody, to get your broom in your hand is real simple. You simply stand next to it and say 'up'."

"Up!" Every first year shouted. Jude was surprised when his broom flew right into his hand after the first try. He glanced at James and noticed the same thing with the boy. When he spotted a familiar red head, he sniggered a bit when he noticed Emma's broom just floating mid air away from her hand and the ground.

Professor Harmon showed them how to mount their brooms. Jude watched in awe as James flew about freely. The boy certainly knew how to handle a broomstick. He would probably make the quidditch team easily.

"Alright," Professor Harmon began. "When I blow my whistle, I want you all to kick off the ground hard. You'll rise and move forward for a bit. One, two, three." She blew her whistle and everyone followed her command.

Jude gripped his broom tightly, gazing at the others in front of him. Flying wasn't as bad as he thought it was going to be. He furrowed his brow, concentrating on the thing buzzing around Emma's ear. He pushed his broom forward and flew past her with ease, trying to catch the flying object. The blood that rushed to his ears deafened him from James', Emma's and Professor Harmon's shouts.

He outstretched his arm when he got close to the object. He could see it now; it was golden with fast fluttering wings. It was the golden snitch James was telling him about. What was it doing out here?

Jude tried to strategically lift his legs onto the broom so he could stand on it. He wobbled a bit before righting himself, still flying after the snitch. He tipped forward, feeling his stomach fall with the broom under his feet. He caught the snitch as he fell to the ground.

He closed his eyes, bracing for the impact that would most likely destroy his life. Moments later, he opened his eyes when he felt himself floating in the air. He slowly brought his eyes down to the broom that was situated under him like before. He chuckled shakily, carefully bringing himself back to the class with the snitch in his hand.

He meekly held out the golden ball to the professor who was now boring holes in his head with her hard glare. He gulped in fear, "He-here you go, Professor."

Professor Harmon snatched the snitch out of his hand, staring at the object confusedly. She glanced at the timid boy as she looked over it carefully, "Wait a moment. It's not the real one. It's faulty. Someone made their own. Do you know how it got here?"

"I-I don't know, Professor," The blue eyed boy shrugged feebly. "I saw it by Emma's head and just tried to catch it."

Professor Harmon frowned, "You were a natural on your broom. You had complete trust in it which is something I haven't seen in years."

"I-I just flew, ma'am," Jude muttered quietly.

Professor Harmon glanced at the snitch again before taking the boy by his arm. "Walk with me. I need to talk to you about something."

Jude glanced at James helplessly as he was dragged away. He hoped to Merlin that he wasn't getting kicked out of the school. This was the best thing that ever happened to him and he didn't want to leave this place.

They continued down many halls before they stopped at a classroom. When Professor Harmon opened the door, Jude could see Neville stop mid sentence. "C-can I help you, Meghan?"

Professor Harmon smiled politely, "Neville, would you mind if I borrow Olivia for a minute? I'm sure she'd love to hear what I'm about to tell her."

Neville pondered for moment before nodding and gesturing for one of his students to leave the class. She's tall, Jude thought when a dark haired girl, whom he assumed was Olivia, stepped outside with them.

"Olivia Wood," Professor Harmon nodded to Jude. "This is Jude Porter. He's a first year and I gotta tell you, I haven't seen anyone ride a broom like that in ages."

Olivia's brown eyes lit up at the mention of the broomstick and grinned at the timid boy, "Really? How much experience do you have with a broomstick?"

"N-not much," Jude muttered, pushing his glasses up. "I-I mean, that was the first time I was on one. J-James, my friend, he's way better than I am."

"Modest too," Professor Harmon smiled, patting the boy's head. "Looks like we found you a new seeker."

Olivia cheered happily, "Thank Merlin. Walker just wasn't cutting it. I'm glad to be rid of his pompous arse."

Jude glanced at the older women confusedly. Professor Harmon only chuckled at the boy, "Tomorrow morning, you'll go with Olivia to the quidditch pitch."

Olivia threw her arm around the boy, grinning widely, "Welcome to the team, Porter. We're glad to have you."

…

"You're on the quidditch team?" James asked excitedly as they ate dinner in the Great Hall. After Jude was dismissed from Professor Harmon and Olivia, he immediately told James what happened in case the other boy knew. The boy knew all right, and he was beyond ecstatic.

"I-I guess," Jude said quietly, biting into his treacle tart. "Professor Harmon said I was the new seeker for the team and I start training tomorrow."

James laughed boisterously, clapping his hands, "That's wicked. My dad was a first year too when he got onto the quidditch team. I'm gonna try out next year. I want to be a chaser for the team like my mom."

Jude smiled at the other boy before he turned when he felt a tap on his shoulder. His smile widened when he saw Neville standing there behind him with Professor McGonagall. "Hello, Neville. How are you?"

Neville smiled back, "I'm well, Jude. I just wanted to congratulate you on getting on the quidditch team."

Jude flushed, "T-thank you." He glanced at the Headmaster and bowed slightly, "He-hello, Professor McGonagall."

Professor McGonagall smiled at him as well, "Hello, Mr. Porter. It's nice to see you having such a great time here. I'm also glad you got onto the team. Hopefully with you there, you can bring us our trophies back." She then smiled at the other boy, "Hello to you too, James."

James swallowed his food, smiling back, "Hello, Professor McGonagall."

"Well," Professor McGonagall said. "I'll be seeing you boys. Good luck on the field, Mr. Porter."

"T-thank you, Professor McGonagall," Jude responded as she walked away.

Neville grinned, "I shouldn't do this, but I feel like you should have a better advantage on the field. Professor McGonagall got it for you. I pitched in as well." He grabbed a wrapped broomstick behind, holding it out to the boy. "Here you are, Jude."

Jude's eyes lit up as he took the package and unwrapped it. The broom was sleek and shiny; way better than the ones they used during flying lessons. He heard James breathe in shock next to him, "Whoa. That's a Lightningbolt; one of the fastest brooms on the track so far. My mom has one of those but she never lets us touch it."

Jude gaped at the broom before turning to Neville. He grinned gratefully and hugged the man, "Thank you, Neville. This means a lot. Thank the headmaster for me too, please."

"Don't mention it." Neville patted the boy's head and pulled away. "I best be getting back now. I'll see you on the first game, Jude."

Jude sniffled, wiping his wet eyes before grinning with James.