The thing now to watch for is, does James Potter have 'leadership' going for him?
James Potter can lead. Dumbledore knows enough about this particular student to know that. Often leading his merry band in and out of minor, and occasionally not so minor, trouble.
And the Potters themselves are leaders in wizarding society. By dint of wealth, influence, power, and pedigree.
Yes, it will be very interesting to see what kind of leader James Potter will be.
But all he says is, "I'm sure you will comport yourself well."
"Have you had a chance to make plans for how you will conduct the coming season?"
James would certainly like to think he has 'leadership' going for him.
He straightens a little, also offering Professor Dumbledore a seat if he wanted because it's really rude, isn't it, to leave the Headmaster standing.
"I've definitely been giving some thought to how this season is going to be run," James says, nodding. "I've been reading my old Quidditch periodicals for inspiration."
Dumbledore takes a seat, in response to the silent invitation. He flags down a waitrat just long enough to request a cup of tea before turning his attention back to James.
"Ah, yes. Studying in preparation."
Homework of, it would seem, a more welcome stripe.
"Yeah, that's right," says James cheerfully. "I know we've got a couple places to fill since our Beater and Keeper graduated, but I'm hoping for a good turnout this coming year.
"Gryffindor is going to win the Cup this year. I'm going to make sure of it."
"Oh, they were thrilled," James says. He smiles rather proudly. "My mum was actually in the kitchen when I got my badge. My dad found out later, but he was chuffed too. He never did get to play when he was at Hogwarts."
"Yeah. Actually, I saw them play just last month against the Ballycastle Bats. Bit of a brutal game, really, since Puddlemere lost. But it was exciting. It was close, too."
The soft voice seems to have come from out of nowhere. As, in fact, its owner may just have.
Dumbledore pauses by James Potter's table.
"I do understand that congratulations are in order."
He nods at the silver badge.
Reply
It still comes to James as a bit of a shock that the Headmaster of Hogwarts also comes to this place.
A couple of seconds is all it takes for him to regain his composure.
"Thank you, sir," he says. "It was a bit unexpected, to be honest. But I'm pleased, all the same."
Obviously.
Reply
He had found that thought strange, a very long time ago.
Dumbledore raises an eyebrow.
"Is it?" he asks. "Why, pray tell? You are a commendable player."
He would know. The Headmaster attends every game, unless the sky is (metaphorically) falling.
Reply
It's high praise coming from the Headmaster.
"Well, I thought, since Aurelius Lomax is in his last year, it'd go to him. He's a brilliant Beater."
Though, now that James thinks about it, he doesn't exactly have the whole 'leadership' thing going for him.
Reply
James Potter can lead. Dumbledore knows enough about this particular student to know that. Often leading his merry band in and out of minor, and occasionally not so minor, trouble.
And the Potters themselves are leaders in wizarding society. By dint of wealth, influence, power, and pedigree.
Yes, it will be very interesting to see what kind of leader James Potter will be.
But all he says is, "I'm sure you will comport yourself well."
"Have you had a chance to make plans for how you will conduct the coming season?"
Reply
He straightens a little, also offering Professor Dumbledore a seat if he wanted because it's really rude, isn't it, to leave the Headmaster standing.
"I've definitely been giving some thought to how this season is going to be run," James says, nodding. "I've been reading my old Quidditch periodicals for inspiration."
He gestures to the ones on the table.
Reply
"Ah, yes. Studying in preparation."
Homework of, it would seem, a more welcome stripe.
Reply
"Gryffindor is going to win the Cup this year. I'm going to make sure of it."
Reply
"There never do seem to be a lack of students who wish to try out for the teams. I'm sure there is some talent to be mined in Gryffindor."
"How did your parents greet the news of your new post?"
Reply
They need a good, strong team to win anything.
"Oh, they were thrilled," James says. He smiles rather proudly. "My mum was actually in the kitchen when I got my badge. My dad found out later, but he was chuffed too. He never did get to play when he was at Hogwarts."
Reply
Dumbledore's tea arrives, and he takes a moment to stir in two lumps of sugar.
"I know that he did not play, but didn't know if it was from lack of interest or opportunity."
Reply
"M'not sure, really. I reckon it's because he wasn't interested in playing beyond recreation," he answers.
Because there's no way, as far as James is concerned, his father could have been rubbish at Quidditch.
Reply
"A stance I find understandable. At your age, my field of competition was in academics."
This is probably not much of a surprise.
"When it comes to Quidditch, I found my niche as an ardent spectator."
Reply
... right.
Good one, Potter.
Hastily, to cover up his embarrassment, he asks, "You're a Puddlemere fan, aren't you, sir?"
Reply
"Thank you, Mr. Potter."
It is a responsibility he does take seriously. Spectating.
"I am indeed. Have you seen them play?"
Reply
"Yeah. Actually, I saw them play just last month against the Ballycastle Bats. Bit of a brutal game, really, since Puddlemere lost. But it was exciting. It was close, too."
Reply
Leave a comment