The Wind Mage's Legacy: Chapter 16

Hi all, 

Here’s the fourth chapter I owe from last week. The first chapter for the week will be out tomorrow. 

Chapter 16

Harry led Ayano and Ren through Grimmauld Place's front door. The house had changed in their absence—fresh paint brightened the walls, and new furniture filled previously empty spaces. 

"Someone has been redecorating," Ayano said, eyeing the modern touches mixed with traditional elements.

“It’s Daphne’s work,” Harry replied. “She asked if she could decorate the place to thank me for letting her and Astoria stay here.” 

“Looks like she is marking her territory to me,” Ayano muttered. 

Harry pretended not to hear her comment. He still hadn’t sorted out his emotions regarding the two women. Undoubtedly, he liked both of them but found it hard to decide if he wanted to pursue a relationship with them.   

Voices drifted from the dining room. Harry pushed open the door to find Ron and Hermione at the table with the Greengrass sisters.

"You're back!" Hermione sprang up, wrapping Harry in a tight hug. "We just got in from Australia this morning."

"How'd it go?" Harry asked.

Hermione's smile dimmed. "We found them. The memory reversal worked, but..." She shook her head. "It's complicated. They're staying there for now."

Ron clapped Harry's shoulder. "Mate, you won't believe what happened while we were gone. The papers are full of stories about some vigilante saving people. Call him 'Tempest' or something."

"Really?" Harry smirked. "I wonder who it could be?"

Ron winked. “Whoever he is, he sounds like a twat.” 

“Ron!” Hermione smacked him on the shoulder. 

The Greengrass sisters stood to greet them as well.

"Welcome back," Daphne said, her eyes fixed on Ayano. 

"Thanks." Ayano's tone held careful neutrality. "Nice changes to the house."

The temperature seemed to drop several degrees.

"Who's the kid?" Ron asked, breaking the tension.

"Ren Kannagi." The teenager bowed formally. “My English is a little rough, so excuse me in advance if I say something incorrect.”

Daphne shot him a questioning look. 

Kreacher apparated into the room at the moment. “More guests.”

His grumpy expression indicated he wasn’t too happy with the fact.

“We would like to catch up with you, Harry,” Hermione said, before turning to the others. “Do you mind?”

“Go ahead,” Ayano said. “I will allow me to explain Ren’s presence to Daphne and Astoria.”  

“Let’s talk in the library,” Harry said, heading to the door. “Kreacher, can you serve everyone some drinks?”

“If I must.”

“I see Kreacher hasn’t lost any of his charm,” Ron said.

Hermione and Ron followed Harry into the library. Hermione started pacing between the shelves while Ron sprawled in an armchair. Harry watched her, knowing that her restlessness was a sign that she was really upset. 

"So what happened in Australia?" Harry asked.

Hermione stopped pacing. "The memory charm reversal worked perfectly." She sank onto a sofa. "They remembered everything—including how I violated their minds without consent. Predictably, they’re really upset with me."

Harry grimaced. He refrained from telling her he told her so. That would be an awful thing to say in her current state. 

"They'd built a whole new life there." Hermione wiped her eyes. "Dad's running a successful practice. Mum's teaching at university. They have friends, hobbies, and a beautiful house by the beach. They're happy."

"And they don't want to give that up," Harry said quietly.

Hermione nodded. "Dad said he understands why I did it but he can't trust me anymore. Mum can barely look at me. They're not coming back. Maybe ever."

Ron moved to sit beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"Your turn," Hermione said, visibly pulling herself together. "What's this about you being some vigilante superhero?"

Harry ran through everything—the Mundanes, Regina's betrayal, the Tornadoes, his trip to Japan and the demons he'd faced. When he finished, Ron let out a low whistle.

"Blimey mate. We leave you alone for five minutes..."

"What were your exam results?" Hermione asked, leaning forward.

Ron gaped at her. "Blimey, that's your first question? After everything he just told us?"

Harry smiled. "Seven NEWTs. Five with Outstanding marks."

Hermione's face lit up. "That's brilliant, Harry! Especially with all the chaos you've dealt with."

"Proper genius, you are," Ron said, rolling his eyes. "Now, can we discuss the actually important stuff? Like Quidditch?"

Hermione shot him a glare but paused, her brow furrowing. "The ICW's really pursuing action against you? Harry, that's serious. Their influence stretches across—"

"I know." Harry cut her off. "But I've got bigger problems. The ICW can shove their complaints where the sun doesn't shine."

"Like juggling two birds who look ready to hex each other into next week," Ron chimed in. "A few weeks alone and you're building yourself a proper harem."

Harry sank deeper into his chair. "Not helping. We're not even dating, so I don't know what you're on about."

Hermione studied him, eyes narrowing. "But you wish you were."

Harry's shoulders lifted in a half-hearted shrug.

"You could try choosing one," Hermione suggested. "Before the other gets too invested."

"It's complicated."

"It always is with you." Ron grinned. "But at least life's not boring."

Harry threw a cushion at him. As his friends laughed, he felt some of the tension ease from his shoulders. Despite everything changing around them, some things remained constant.

A ripple in the air announced Kaze's arrival. The spirit materialised in his new semi-solid form, drawing startled gasps from Ron and Hermione.

"Bloody hell," Ron scrambled back. "What's that?"

"This is Kaze," Harry said. "The Wind Spirit King I contracted with. He’s the source of my power."

Hermione leaned forward, her curiosity overtaking her surprise. "How did you two meet? When did this happen?"

“It’s a long story.”

“We got time,” Ron said. 

Harry leaned back in his seat. “It happened at Sirius’ funeral…”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Harry's feet crunched on the wet leaves as he fled through the woods. Rain soaked through his black dress robes, plastering them against his skin. Behind him, Dumbledore's voice carried through the downpour.

"Harry, please wait!"

He quickened his pace, chest tight with unshed tears. The headmaster's words at the graveside echoed in his head: "Sirius died protecting what he believed in. His sacrifice serves the…"

A gust of wind rattled the trees, drowning out the rest of Dumbledore’s words. Bile rose in Harry's throat. Harry had a good idea of what he had been about to say. Sacrifice. Always sacrifice. His parents, now Sirius—how many more would die for Dumbledore's greater good?

The fresh grave lay beside his parents. Andromeda had insisted on burying him there, her voice breaking as she'd said someone from the Black family should attend who gave a damn about him. She'd stood with Tonks during the service, both women crying for the cousin they had lost.

Harry emerged from the trees and onto the street, looking around. 

"This way." A whisper carried on the wind, slipping between raindrops. "Take the next alley left."

Harry hesitated for half a second before following the voice's directions. Through narrow passages between stone cottages—each turn taking him deeper into Godric's Hollow's maze-like streets until Dumbledore's calls faded to nothing.

His feet carried him to a decrepit playground. Harry collapsed onto a wet bench, water dripping down his neck. His chest heaved as grief finally overwhelmed him.

"Why?" The word tore from his throat. "Why him? Why everyone I love?"

"Because the world is cruel," a voice answered.

Harry's head snapped up. A translucent wisp hovered before him. Though mostly formless, two points of light suggested it had eyes that were studying him.

"Who are you?"

"I am Kaze, the Wind Spirit King." The figure drifted closer. "I have been looking for someone like you for a long time.”

Harry's fingers curled into fists. "What do you want?"

"To offer you power." Kaze's form darkened like gathering storm clouds. "Power to make Voldemort pay for what he’s done. To make him suffer as you have suffered."

"Right." Harry laughed bitterly. "Because strange beings offering mysterious powers always work out so well."

"Your caution is wise." Kaze drifted back slightly. "But consider this—what do you have left to lose? You don’t have the time to grow into a wizard that can contend with Voldemort’s power. "

“What’s in it for you?”

Kaze drifted closer. “Revenge. He killed so many of my brethren. The reason? So he could gain the ability to fly.” 

Harry wiped his face. “I prefer a broomstick.”

“If only he thought the same, I wouldn’t be in this position,” Kaze said. “Probably beneath his dignity to fly on a broomstick, showing off his unmentionables to those below.”

Harry snorted. "Why me?"

"Because you're the only one I have found who can wield my power." Kaze's form rippled. "You also have the proper motivation to defeat him.”

Rain fell between them, each drop catching the light like tears. Harry opened his mouth to tell the spirit to leave him alone—but different words emerged.

"Tell me more."

The ghost of a smile flickered through Kaze's translucent form. And so, as rain continued to fall, the Wind Spirit King began to speak.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for Sirius’ funeral,” Hermione said after he finished his story.

“Don’t worry about it,” Harry said. “I wouldn’t have been in the mood to talk anyway.”   

An awkward silence filled the room.

“Why did you choose the Tornadoes?” Ron broke the silence. “How could you betray me like this, Harry?”

Hermione sighed.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The basement ritual room hummed with nervous energy as Ayano and Ren inscribed the ritual circle on the stone floor.

"How exactly does your ritual circles differ from ours?" Hermione hovered at the edge of their workspace. "Are the principles similar? And these symbols—they're kanji, right? Although, they look slightly different from the one used in the Japanese—"

"Hermione," Harry interrupted, from where he stood with the Greengrass sisters. "Maybe let them concentrate?"

Hermione backed away, though she continued to watch them closely. 

Astoria fidgeted with the tie of her robe. "What if it doesn't work? What if the curse is too strong?"

"It will work," Harry said. "The Kannagi family aren’t ones to make unfounded claims they cannot follow through with."

"You can't know that for certain," Daphne said. "This curse has existed for centuries. What if trying to remove it makes things worse? What if—" Her voice caught.

"I have to try." Astoria grabbed her sister's hand. "I'm tired of living on borrowed time. If there's even a chance..."

"The array is ready," Ayano interrupted, standing up from her work. Intricate symbols covered the floor in spiralling patterns around a raised stone platform. 

Ren stretched, rolling his shoulders. "Astoria-san, please lie down in the centre. Keep your arms at your sides and try to relax."

Daphne's grip tightened on her sister's hand. "Wait—"

"Trust them," Harry said quietly. 

Astoria squeezed Daphne's hand before letting go. She climbed onto the platform, arranging her robe carefully as she lay back. 

Golden flames wreathed Ren's hands as he took position at Astoria's head. Ayano stood at Astoria's feet, her crimson flames flickering to life.

"Beginning purification," Ren said. "This may hurt."

His golden flames poured down, enveloping Astoria's body in a warm cocoon. The array's symbols blazed in response, creating a dome of light around them. For a moment, everything seemed peaceful—then Astoria's back arched as she screamed.

Dark energy erupted from her chest, a writhing mass of corruption that fought against Ren's flames. The malediction took shape—a serpentine form of pure darkness that lunged for Ren's throat. Its essence radiated centuries of hatred and malice.

"No!" Ayano's crimson fire surged forward, wrapping around the curse like chains. "Ren, keep going! I'll hold it!"

The curse thrashed violently, its power building as it fought both flame-wielders. Black tendrils of energy whipped through the air, leaving frost wherever they touched. The array's symbols flickered as the curse's power threatened to overwhelm them.

Daphne started forward but Harry caught her arm, pulling her back as waves of dark energy lashed outward. His wind barrier deflected the attack, but the curse’s strength surprised him, feeling the force behind it. 

"Let me go!" She fought against his grip. "Astoria!"

"You'll only get yourself killed," Harry said, strengthening his wind barriers as another surge of darkness crashed against them. 

Ren's flames blazed brighter, their golden light intensifying until it hurt to look at. Sweat beaded on his brow as he poured more power into the purification. The curse's darkness recoiled from his flames but refused to release its hold on Astoria.

"The corruption runs deep," he gritted out, hands shaking with effort. "But I can feel it weakening. Its core is fracturing."

Ayano's flames burned hotter, forcing the curse's writhing form to contract. "Finish it now!"

The curse gave one final violent surge, nearly breaking free of Ayano's bonds. Its screech of rage shook the dust from the ceiling. Then Ren's flames struck its core, and the darkness dissolved with an otherworldly shriek. The golden light flared blindingly bright before fading away, leaving only the gentle glow of the array's symbols.

Silence fell.

Astoria lay motionless on the platform, golden flames still flickering across her skin like a protective blanket. Then she stirred, eyes fluttering open.

"Astoria!" Daphne broke free of Harry's grip, rushing to her sister's side. "Are you alright?"

Astoria sat up slowly, one hand pressed to her chest. Her eyes widened. "The weight... it's gone. I feel light." Tears spilled down her cheeks. "I can't feel the curse anymore."

Daphne gathered her sister into her arms, both girls crying openly now. After a moment, Daphne pulled back and turned to Ayano.

"Thank you," she whispered, hugging the surprised fire-wielder. "Thank you for saving her."

"Hey, where's my thanks?" Ren asked, trying to lighten the moment. He stumbled back as Astoria threw herself at him, wrapping him in a tight embrace.

"Thank you," she said against his shoulder. His face flushed bright red.

Harry smiled. "I think this calls for a celebration."  

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=

Harry leaned against the garden wall, the party's muffled sounds drifting through open windows. The night air felt crisp against his skin. Inside, he could hear Astoria's laughter mingling with music and cheerful conversation.

Kaze materialised beside him, his semi-solid form clearer than ever in the moonlight. "I'm leaving tonight."

"Found something?" 

"Nothing yet, but China seems the best place to start searching for traces of Typhoons."

"Is there a limit to how far you can separate from me?"

"I don't know." Kaze's form rippled. "I tested it earlier today and managed a hundred kilometres without issue. The connection remains strong."

"That's incredible," Harry said. "Wonder if there are other demons out there I could absorb power from."

"Unlikely. It only works with the wind element and under specific circumstances." Kaze's tone sharpened. "Don't be greedy. You already have enough power. Your current abilities would overwhelm almost anybody."

"But you stole Susanoo’s power from me."

"It's not even half of Susanoo's power to maintain this form and freedom." Kaze drifted closer. "It must have been truly formidable in its prime. If it had fully manifested..."

"What's the use of worrying about it now?"

"You're far too reckless." Kaze paused. "You should test your new capabilities, to understand them properly. I don't know how the extra power will affect your Black Wind state. The combination could be volatile."

"I will. So, China then?"

Kaze turned his head sharply, as if hearing something distant. "Yes. I'll search for traces there. Try not to get into trouble while I'm gone. And don't let those girls tear each other apart over you."

He vanished as Ayano stepped into the garden

"Something I can help you with?" Harry asked.

Ayano folded her arms. "I'm staying in England for the foreseeable future."

"Okay."

"Is that all you have to say?"

"Forgive me.” Harry straightened. “I'm pleased that I will continue to have the pleasure of your company, Miss Kannagi."

"You're impossible." She paused. "I'm moving into Grimmauld Place."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "I don't have a problem with that. There’s plenty of room."

"I noticed Daphne hasn't decorated the dining room yet. I'll do it as thanks for letting me stay."

She walked away before Harry could respond. He stared after her, baffled by the apparent competition over house decoration. Between Ayano and Daphne's territorial marking through interior design, he'd soon have the most stylish house in London. 

Harry closed his eyes, calling the wind spirits back from their patrols. "Any storms tonight?"

Eurus, who patrolled the western regions, whispered of a violent storm in Wales. The spirit's essence rippled with excitement as it described lightning splitting ancient oaks and waves battering coastal cliffs. Perfect.

Harry wrapped wind around himself and shot into the evening sky. It didn’t take him long to reach Wales. The storm's lightning painted his path in strobing flashes as he approached. Thunder rolled across the valleys below, nature's fury unleashed in full force. 

He hovered at the storm's edge, feeling its raw power. The winds sang to him, their chaotic patterns suddenly clear as written music.

Harry spread his arms wide. Wind currents responded instantly, spinning faster as he seized control. The storm fought back, its natural chaos resisting his attempts to impose order. Lightning forked around him, drawn to his presence like a lightning rod.

Thunder crackled around him as he drove deeper into the maelstrom. Rain pelted his skin, each drop sharp as needles at this speed. But the storm's fury couldn't touch him through his wind barrier. The elements themselves bent to his will.

He reached the eye, where the storm's power concentrated into a spinning vortex of destruction. Here, Harry unleashed his full strength. Wind exploded outward from his core, meeting the storm's rotation head-on.

The clash sent shockwaves through the clouds. Harry's power carved through the storm's structure, disrupting wind patterns built up over hours. 

With a final surge of power, Harry shattered the storm's cohesion. The clouds dispersed like smoke in a breeze, leaving clear skies in their wake. Below, the Welsh countryside emerged from the shadows, glistening with rain. 

Harry descended slowly, marvelling at how easily he'd dispersed a storm that could have ravaged the region for hours. Susanoo's power had enhanced his abilities beyond what he'd thought possible. 

He landed in a rain-soaked field, feeling surprisingly energised despite the massive display of power. A sheep stared at him from behind a hedge, clearly unimpressed by his meteorological meddling.

Harry frowned. "I would like to see you try the same thing.” 

He clenched his fists. He found it unbelievable that he could stop a storm in its tracks. Although it wasn’t the biggest storm by any stretch of the imagination, it was impressive nonetheless. 

“I really live up to my namesake,” Harry murmured. He glanced at the sheep. “Keep this between the two of us or I will return and turn you into lamb chops.”

The sheep turned his back on him. 

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=

"Nothing." Kaze materialised in Harry's study. "I've searched everywhere in China but there’s no trace of Typhoon."

Harry looked up from the financial report Ragnok had sent him. "Nice to see you too.”

Kaze looked substantially more solid than before, just like a real person. He still didn’t have defined features, but if you were to see him from a distance, he might be mistaken for a human. 

Kaze waved a hand impatiently. “Yes. Nice to see you too.”

“Could he have gone somewhere else instead of returning to China?" Harry asked.

"It’s possible. Who knows what he’s thinking? On the other hand, I might be chasing ghosts.”  

Harry leaned back in his seat. "So either he's dead like you thought, or he's hidden himself in another country."

"Perhaps." Kaze drifted to the window, watching autumn leaves skitter across the garden. "Whatever it is, I can’t stop feeling a sense of unease.”

"At least tell me you enjoyed your holiday," Harry said. "See any interesting sights?"

"This isn't a joke." But Kaze's form lightened slightly. "Though I did witness some remarkable storms in the Himalayas. The wind patterns there..." He trailed off, distracted by movement in the study doorway.

Ayano stood there, arms crossed. "Welcome back, old man. Find any ancient enemies while you were gone?"

"Just some mouthy youngsters who don't respect their elders," Kaze retorted, but there was no heat in it.

Harry smiled, watching them bicker. 

September was rapidly approaching, along with a change in season. Things had been relatively peaceful, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t on edge, expecting another incident to happen.   

The Tornadoes' training intensified as the season approached. Harry mastered their new formations, learning to integrate with the team beyond his Seeker role. His customised broomstick responded to the lightest touch. The public version would debut with the season opener, but Harry's professional model pushed the limits of what racing brooms could achieve.

Besides his training, he had been helping Weed how to be a better Seeker. It was hard, as it wasn’t a position that could be coached. The position relied on talent, and a reckless regard for one’s life. Still, Weed had seen some substantial improvements, and was no training to play more of an Interceptor role.

Their upgraded stadium was a substantial improvement over the old one. They made repairs, added a fresh coat of paint and displayed the teams’ new symbol. The seating had doubled its capacity to forty thousand, matching other stadiums in the league. It had also seen an upgrade to its wards, to prevent any of the fans and players from being hurt during a match. 

Team merchandise flew off shelves faster than they could stock it. Replica robes and miniature models of the stadium sold out within hours. The waiting list for official Tornado brooms stretched into next year. Iggy's marketing push had transformed the once-struggling club into the league's hottest ticket. Though Harry suspected his presence might have helped slightly with that.

Besides his Quidditch training, he focused on improving his wind abilities. They grew sharper, more precise. He had all the power in the world but it needed further refinement. It was important to keep improving, as he didn’t want to rely on the Black Wind state to win his battles. 

Living arrangements at Grimmauld Place remained... complicated. Neither Ayano nor Daphne showed any sign of moving out. Their subtle competition over him manifested in increasingly elaborate ways—from gourmet breakfasts to redecorating entire wings of the house. He caught himself watching them both when they weren't looking, appreciating Daphne's quiet grace and Ayano's fierce passion. But he kept his feelings carefully locked away, unwilling to risk the delicate balance they'd achieved.

The world's obsession with Tempest gradually settled into acceptance. His appearances no longer dominated headlines, though recordings of his rescues still circulated widely. People waved now instead of pointing in shock when he flew overhead. 

He expanded his range, responding to disasters worldwide. Wherever tragedy struck, he appeared to help. The wind spirits kept him informed of developing situations, allowing him to intervene before disasters claimed too many lives. Some fools in South America had even started a religion around him, calling themselves the "Church of the Wind Walker." 

Government agencies remained persistent pains in the arse. Intelligence services tried to follow him but their attempts proved futile against his abilities. Some tried to blatantly get him to move to their country to gain the benefits of his abilities. Only the Americans backed off, likely due to MACUSA's influence. 

The ICW maintained their disapproving distance. Unofficial channels suggested they'd classified him as a "natural phenomenon" rather than admit their powerlessness to control him. Their face-saving solution suited him fine—as long as they stayed out of his way.

Regina's continued absence worried him more than any government agency. His wind spirits found no trace of her, suggesting she'd gone deep underground. Whatever she planned, it wouldn't be small. He was waiting for her to reappear, and hoping it wasn’t followed by news of another incident 

Hogwarts had been restored to its former glory. McGonagall wrote regular updates about the repairs, along with not-so-subtle hints about teaching positions. She must be finding it hard to fill the positions if she was asking him to be a professor. 

Hermione had finally worn Ron down about returning for their "eighth" year. Harry suspected Ron agreed mainly to keep an eye on the male students now that Hermione had blossomed into a beautiful young woman.

Harry glanced at the calendar. Only a week left until the start of the Quidditch season and his debut. He could hardly wait.   

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=

The  Tornadoes lined up for their entrance. Above, forty thousand voices merged into a distant roar that shook dust from the ceiling.

Brevis turned to face them. "Right then. Remember the formations we've practised. Keep your heads when they try to rattle us." His gaze settled on Harry. "And if our new Seeker here does his job, we will win the match and get our season off to a good start.”

"No pressure," Harry said dryly.

"Nervous?" Keith asked, hefting his Beater's bat.

"Should I be?"

The team exchanged glances. "Really?" Alana asked. "Your first professional match and you're completely calm?"

"After everything else this year?" Harry shrugged. "This is just Quidditch."

"Can I punch him?" Brenna asked.

The signal flare burst overhead. Brevis raised his broom. "Show time."

They kicked off, soaring through the tunnel's mouth into blinding sunlight. The crowd's roar hit like a physical wave as they emerged into the packed stadium. Navy and silver banners whipped in the breeze while fireworks exploded overhead in dazzling patterns.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" The announcer's voice boomed. "Welcome to the opening match of the 1998-99 British and Irish Quidditch League season! Please welcome your Tutshill Tornados!"

Harry followed the team in their spiral formation.

"And what changes we've seen!" the announcer continued. "A completely renovated stadium, a new racing broom line, and of course—the signing that shocked the Quidditch world. Ladies and gentlemen, Harry Potter joins the Tornadoes as their new Seeker!"

The cheers redoubled. Harry spotted his friends in the VIP box—Ron and Hermione sitting with the Greengrass sisters and Ayano. To his surprise, Professor McGonagall sat with them, wearing a navy scarf over her usual tartan.

"And now, our visiting team—the Ballycastle Bats!"

Black-robed figures shot from the opposite tunnel, led by their captain Finbar Quigley. The burly Beater's presence commanded attention as he led his team through their entrance routine.

"The Bats' lineup: Keeper Miranda O'Shea! Chasers Flynn MacKenna, Siobhan Burke, and Connor Walsh! Beaters Finbar Quigley and Rory Byrne! And Seeker Aoife Sullivan!"

Their scarlet-backed robes billowed as they took position. Their mascot—Barny the Fruitbat—swooped through the stadium, entertaining the crowd with aerial acrobatics.

A silver blur shot past Harry's shoulder. Zephyr, disguised as a miniature tornado in a uniform, spun circles around Barny the Fruitbat. The wind spirit's natural abilities made him the perfect mascot, though only Harry knew his true nature.

Barny dive-bombed the crowd, performing his signature move of pretending to steal someone's fruit. But Zephyr had other ideas. The wind spirit created a small vortex that snatched the apple from Barny's claws, juggling it between miniature whirlwinds while the fruit bat chittered in protest.

The crowd roared with laughter as Barny chased the tornado around the stadium, getting increasingly flustered as Zephyr led him on a merry chase. Every time the fruit bat got close, Zephyr would spin away, leaving Barny tumbling in his wake.

"It seems the Tornado’s new mascot's giving Barny a run for his money!" the announcer called. "I've never seen anything quite like this, folks!"

Zephyr, clearly enjoying his moment in the spotlight, finished his performance by creating a spiral of wind that gently deposited the apple back in its owner's lap. He gave a theatrical bow—somehow managing to make his tornado form bend at the middle—before zooming off to torment Barny some more.

"With the new twelve-hour format," the announcer called, "we're guaranteed a full day of professional Quidditch! Remember folks—catching the Snitch no longer ends the match, just adds those points to the total. Our Seekers will need to think strategically about when to make their moves!"

The referee strode onto the field far below. "Captains!"

Brevis and Quigley descended for the traditional handshake. Harry used the moment to assess the opposition Seeker. Aoife Sullivan was small and wiry, her short black hair framing sharp features. Her gaze met his, challenging.

The whistle pierced the air. The Quaffle shot upward, and chaos erupted.

"And they're off! MacKenna takes possession for the Bats—passes to Burke— intercepted by the Furies! Look at that formation, folks!"

The Tornadoes' Chaser trio moved like one entity, their practised manoeuvres cutting through the Bats' defence. Alana cradled the Quaffle while her sisters flanked her, their synchronised movements leaving the Bats' Chasers struggling to track the ball. 

Harry rose higher, searching for the Snitch while keeping one eye on the unfolding match below.

"The Furies showing why they've earned that nickname! Burke tries to intercept—nearly takes a shoulder to the ribs for her trouble! And it's Brenna with the Quaffle now, Ciara clearing the path—SCORE! Ten-nil to the Tornadoes!"

Harry circled above the pitch, scanning for any glint of gold while keeping one eye on Sullivan. The Bats' Seeker mirrored his height but stayed on the opposite side of the field. 

A Bludger whistled past his ear. Quigley's aim lived up to his reputation. Keith swooped in, sending the iron ball rocketing back towards the Bats' Chasers.

"MacKenna in possession again—neat dodge around Ciara—passes to Walsh— Bludger forces him to drop the Quaffle! Alana recovers, and the Furies are off again!"

The crowd roared as another practised formation cut through the Bats' defence. Harry caught flashes of navy and silver as his teammates wove between their black-robed opponents. Their summer training showed in every precise movement.

A flash of gold near the Bats' goalposts caught his eye. The Snitch hovered briefly before vanishing behind the keeper. Too early to make a move—better to let the Chasers build up a decent lead first.

Sullivan hadn't spotted it. She continued her methodical search pattern, though her gaze frequently darted to Harry's position. Watching to see if he'd give away the Snitch's location? Let her watch.

"ANOTHER SCORE! Twenty-nil to the Tornadoes and the Furies are making it look easy!"

The next play went in the Bat's favour. MacKenna had broken through the Furies' defence, weaving between them as Burke positioned himself for a pass. The angle was perfect—none of the Tornadoes could intercept in time.

Harry tilted his broom into a dive. Time to show off a little.

So, what do you think? In the next chapter, the conclusion of the game. Can the Tornadoes start the season off with a win?

Thanks for reading.