Chapter 73

When Charlie was sharing Quidditch tactics with everyone, he always used 'common' terms like eagle-head attack formation and Pokov's tactic to deceive opponents. Albert struggled to fully grasp the concepts. He felt as if he were back in his previous life, attending English lessons. However, the tactic that intrigued Albert the most was Tasmanian fakes.

Charlie was familiar with the term, as he had expressly forbidden Mark from employing Tasmanian fakes during the game. Albert sought clarification by consulting Wood, who revealed that Tasmanian fakes involved feigning harm to an opponent. They named it after the team, the Tasmanian Tauren, who always used it in the NZ/A Quidditch League. The New Zealand/Australia Quidditch League Examples included pretending to throw a punch, aiming for the opponent's nose, thrusting an elbow at their chest, or even mimicking an eye-poking motion. As long as they avoided physical contact, all deceptive actions were permissible.

You might be thinking, "That can't be allowed" or "How's that fair?" but the NZ/A Quidditch League was one of the most dangerous leagues in the world, right after America. America was first only because they allowed the use of wands during games. What's with America, both muggle and magical, allowing citizens to hold dangerous weapons without strict regulations? Australia and New Zealand were "mental," according to Wood. They allowed everything but wands and anything that could lead to death. At least. They're more sensible than America.

Mark excelled in executing Tasmanian fakes, employing strategies such as using his bat like a weapon, nudging opponents' chests with his elbow, or confronting them while flying on a broomstick. No one can tell whether Mark's next Tasmanian fake action is genuine or not. After all, nobody wants to experience a direct blow to the abdomen.

However, Mark's justifications always seem valid. He would use it in the later stages of the game and against annoying opponents. His Tasmanian fakes may fail from time to time, but his willingness to acknowledge his mistakes makes him appear sincere in his apologies. It's perplexing for the match officials, as they want to punish him, but he has hurt no one, so they can't. Most of the time, he gets off with a 'slap on the wrist' punishment.

"Is that true?" Albert mumbled.

"Haha, look, Charlie, even Albert understands it's an art. Knowing when and how to time it perfectly and getting away with it is an art. Why don't you get it? The fakes have to be convincing; otherwise, how can you intimidate the other person?" Mark showed an exaggerated swing with his bare hands. "Now, whenever people see me raise the bat, they'll scurry away like a mouse seeing a cat."

"Don't corrupt him; do you remember what happened last year?" Charlie warned. "Regardless, you may no employ Tasmanian fakes during the game. Did you understand?"

"Yes," Mark replied under his breath.

Curious, Albert inquired, "What happened last year?" Several other first-year students perked up, eager to listen.

"Last year, before the match against Slytherin, there was a minor conflict off the pitch. As a result, they banned Jackson from participating, and Mark took his place on the field," Daniel said, suppressing his laughter. Raising his hand, he swung an imaginary club and explained. "Well, Mark used a Tasmanian fake and 'accidentally' knocked the Slytherin seeker off his broom. He kept insisting it was him 'misjudging the technical ability of the opposing seeker', but Madam Hooch banned Mark from playing for half the year. But Slytherin lost that game."

Slytherin tried to do the same. Only that they were punished more harshly. Those involved were banned for the entire year, and points were deducted. And what's worse is that they didn't hurt anyone while trying to do the Tasmanian fake. Surprising, I know. As a result, Slytherin started targeting Mark, Jackson, Daniel, and Mario outside of class and in the hallway. It escalated and a lot of members of Gryffindor and Slytherin got involved. The members of staff had to get involved to stop it, but only Slytherin got punished.

What irked Albert the most was the blatant hypocrisy. From what Daniel explained, Gryffindor were the first ones to use darker and less legal spells, charms, and jinxes, yet they were punished more harshly. They had more students injured, their pride hurt, and lost more points. All Albert could say was that he was lucky to be sorted into the more favourable house.

After Daniel finished explaining what happened and everyone finished eating, Charlie told everyone to follow him back to the changing rooms. They continued their meeting there for another half an hour. After that, the Gryffindor Quidditch team did more practise and drills, while Charlie gave the first years the freedom to do whatever they wanted as long as it wasn't dangerous or stupid, or they were welcome to join them.

Quidditch practise continued until half past ten for the first year and eleven o'clock for the first team and reserves. When all the first-year students had left the changing room, a team meeting started.

"Albert is showing great skill in the air," Wood remarked as he removed his protective gear. He glanced at Charlie and added, "He seems to have the makings of a great seeker."

"Will Charlie give up the seeker position next year?" Jack teased, though he knew it was unlikely. After all, Charlie was the captain, and it wouldn't make sense for a captain not to play. Several others agreed on Albert's talent.

"Your brothers aren't too shabby either," Irene chimed in. "If we can't find someone more suitable next year, maybe they can take over our positions."

"What about having Albert as a chaser?" Danny suggested. "I think he'd be better suited for that role."

"I think Angelina is great, and she seems more fitting to replace you," Mario added. "Assuming she stands out in the selection next year,"

Jackson spoke up: "As long as she trains well with us, I see no issue with that."

Charlie cleared his throat, interrupting the discussion with a cough. "Although I agree with Albert becoming a chaser next year, he'll be too busy with Transfiguration Club."

"What's the Transfiguration Club?" Wood asked, looking puzzled.

Irene fell silent for a moment. "It's in the name. It's a club for Transfiguration. And by seeing your reactions, it's for really talented people."

"But didn't he just start school?" Mario said, as nearly everyone expressed their surprise.

Now everyone could tell why Charlie paid special attention to the boy. It seemed he wanted Albert to gain a good impression of the club so he could consider it in the future.

While Albert was busy with the Transfiguration Club, if Wood struggled to find a capable chaser or seeker when he becomes captain, they believed that Professor McGonagall would help persuade Albert to join the Quidditch team. He now had approval from all the first team. Professor McGonagall was a quidditch fan and wanted to win the Quidditch Cup so she could help persuade Albert to join them.

If Albert were to listen to this conversation, he would likely shake his head and say, "Don't worry, when Charlie graduates, there will be a wizard named Harry Potter to take over as the seeker, and he'll do a go... decent job in his time at Hogwarts."