======Clay======
=====Introduction=====
Clay was a [[wizard]] and a student at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] who was sorted into [[Slytherin]] House. He is known for his role as a [[Beater]] for the [[Slytherin]] [[Quidditch]] team during the 1995-1996 school year. As a minor character, his primary function is to fill out the roster of the rival [[Quidditch]] team that [[Gryffindor]] faces.
=====Biography=====
Clay's background and life outside of [[Hogwarts]] are unknown. His presence in the series is confined to his activities as a member of the [[Slytherin]] [[Quidditch]] team.
During the 1995-1996 school year, Clay served as a [[Beater]] alongside [[Vincent Crabbe]], who had replaced the long-standing Beaters [[Derrick]] and [[Bole]]. He played under the captaincy of [[Montague]].
He participated in the first [[Quidditch]] match of the season, [[Slytherin]] versus [[Gryffindor]]. During this match, the [[Slytherin]]s debuted the derogatory song "[[Weasley is Our King]]" to mock the new [[Gryffindor]] [[Keeper]], [[Ron Weasley]], and undermine his confidence. Despite their taunts and aggressive playing style, [[Slytherin]] ultimately lost the match after [[Harry Potter]] caught the [[Golden Snitch]].
It is unknown if Clay continued to play for the team in subsequent years or what became of him after his time at [[Hogwarts]].
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
Clay's physical appearance is never described in the novels.
While his personality is not explored, his membership on the [[Slytherin]] [[Quidditch]] team of that era suggests a highly competitive and aggressive nature. He participated in the coordinated bullying of [[Ron Weasley]] through the "[[Weasley is Our King]]" song, indicating a willingness to engage in unsportsmanlike conduct to gain a psychological advantage over opponents.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
  * **[[Quidditch]] Playing:** Clay was a proficient [[Quidditch]] player, skilled enough to earn a position as a [[Beater]] on his House team. This role requires significant physical strength, accurate aim with a [[Beater's bat]], and excellent flying skills on a [[broomstick]].
=====Possessions=====
  * **[[Wand]]:** As a student at [[Hogwarts]], Clay would have owned a [[wand]].
  * **[[Broomstick]]:** He owned a [[broomstick]] for use in [[Quidditch]] matches.
  * **[[Beater's Bat]]:** As a [[Beater]], he used a magical bat to hit [[Bludger]]s.
  * **[[Slytherin]] [[Quidditch]] Robes:** He wore the green and silver robes of the [[Slytherin]] team during matches.
=====Relationships=====
Clay's primary relationships were with his [[Slytherin]] teammates. He played alongside [[Montague]] (Captain and [[Chaser]]), [[Vincent Crabbe]] ([[Beater]]), [[Draco Malfoy]] ([[Seeker]]), [[Adrian Pucey]] ([[Chaser]]), and [[Warrington]] ([[Chaser]]). He was a rival to the [[Gryffindor]] [[Quidditch]] team, particularly [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], [[Fred Weasley]], and [[George Weasley]].
=====Etymology=====
"Clay" is a common English surname, which can be either topographical (for someone who lived on clay soil) or occupational (for a worker of clay). There is no known magical significance to his name.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
Clay is a background character who is not featured or named in the film adaptations of the //Harry Potter// series. There is no further information about him available from [[J.K. Rowling]] through interviews or the [[Pottermore]] website.