Chapter ─ 3 | Flying Disaster and Exploding Quills
I woke up in my dormitory, momentarily disoriented. For a brief moment, I forgot where I was, but the soft sound of water echoing in the room quickly reminded me. The gentle rustle of sheets indicated that Evan and Rabastan were still fast asleep. I sat up in bed, taking a moment to survey the familiar surroundings of our dorm, comfortable and inviting, bathed in the morning light filtering through the windows.
After a few moments, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and padded over to where my robes were hanging. I dressed quickly, eager to start the day. Once I was ready, I made my way to my desk to ensure my bag was organized. I arranged my books and materials, making sure I had everything I needed for the lessons ahead.
Carefully, I slipped out of the room, trying not to disturb my sleeping roommates. As I entered the common room, I spotted Noelle already awake. She was sitting on the sofa, a scroll in her hands, her hair pulled into a messy bun.
─ Good morning, ─ I greeted her as I approached.
─ Morning! ─ she replied, looking up with a smile.
─ What’s that you’ve got there? ─ I asked, gesturing to the scroll.
─ It’s our class schedule, ─ she said, pointing to a pile of scrolls on the coffee table. ─ The monitor gave them to everyone who woke up early and left the rest here. ─
Curious, I picked one up and glanced over it. ─ Looks like our first lesson is Potions with the Ravenclaws, followed by Transfiguration with the Gryffindors, and then Flying with the Gryffindors too. ─
Noelle stood up, brushing off her robes. ─ Are you ready to go? ─
I nodded. ─ Definitely. ─ Together, we left the common room.
As we stepped through the passage, we encountered Barty and Pandora waiting for us. We made our way to the Great Hall for breakfast. Upon entering, Barty and Pandora chose to sit with us at the Slytherin table. I spotted Iyon waving from his table, beckoning us to join him and his friends.
While we ate, we engaged in light conversation, the atmosphere filled with laughter and the clattering of dishes. After breakfast, we all headed down to the dungeons for our Potions class.
When we arrived, Professor Slughorn welcomed us with a warm smile. ─ Welcome, everyone! Now, please form pairs for today’s lesson. ─
Barty and I teamed up, while Noelle partnered with Pandora. Professor Slughorn began explaining the fundamentals of potion-making before assigning us the task of brewing a simple potion.
We gathered our ingredients, and I carefully measured out the powdered bicorn horn while Barty stirred the cauldron. ─ Make sure to keep the heat steady, ─ I reminded him, watching the mixture slowly change color.
Meanwhile, Noelle and Pandora were working diligently at their station, giggling softly as they compared their progress. Their potion, too, began to bubble and shimmer under their careful hands.
Once the time was up, Slughorn made his rounds, and when he reached our table, his eyes lit up. ─ Excellent work, you four! A perfect potion! ─
We all grinned, proud of our achievement, and each received five points for our houses. However, the rest of the class wasn’t as fortunate; smoke wafted through the room as several students faced unfortunate explosions, while others ended up with bizarre, unidentifiable mixtures.
As the class concluded, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. ─ I’m so glad everything went well! ─ I said, turning to my friends.
─ Absolutely, ─ Noelle agreed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
We bid each other farewell and headed to our next class: Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall and the Gryffindors.
As I settled into my seat in McGonagall's classroom, I couldn't help but admire the impressive array of magical artifacts lining the walls. The sunlight streaming through the tall windows created an atmosphere of focus and determination, perfect for a lesson on Transfiguration.
─ Welcome, class, ─ McGonagall began, her voice sharp yet inviting. ─ Today, we will be transforming wooden sticks into needles. I expect each of you to follow my instructions closely. ─
Her eyes scanned the room, landing on a few students, including me, as she continued. ─ Remember the incantation for the basic transformation, but it’s crucial to visualize the outcome clearly in your mind. ─
As we set to work, I concentrated hard, visualizing the smooth, shining needle I wanted to create. I felt the presence of Noelle beside me, her focus evident as she murmured the incantation. We exchanged glances, a shared determination between us.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and in rushed Emily Blishwick, her cheeks flushed. ─ Sorry, Professor! ─ she stammered, clearly flustered.
McGonagall raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. ─ Miss Blishwick, It seems we have a punctuality issue. Perhaps I should transform you into a clock so you arrive on time? ─
Emily's eyes widened in embarrassment. ─ I-uh, I got lost. ─
─ Then maybe I should transform you into a map instead, ─ McGonagall quipped, softening slightly. ─ Now, take your seat, and perhaps you could use some help finding your place. ─
With a sheepish nod, Emily slipped into the seat behind me and Noelle.
The lesson progressed smoothly, and after some time, I finally managed to create a needle that was almost perfect. Looking around, I noticed that most of my classmates had succeeded as well, and McGonagall gave a rare smile of approval.
As the class wrapped up, I noticed Emily quietly gathering her things. A group of students from both Slytherin and Gryffindor were snickering nearby, clearly making fun of her.
I exchanged a glance with Noelle, and we shared a knowing smile. ─ Let’s go check on her, ─ I said, nudging Noelle forward.
─ Hey, Emily! ─ Noelle called out gently. Emily turned, her expression a mix of confusion and fear.
─ Do you need something? ─ she asked, clearly wary.
─ No, we just wanted to walk with you to your next class, ─ I replied. ─ We promise we’re not here to cause trouble. Do you want to be friends? ─
For a moment, uncertainty clouded her features, but then she nodded slowly, a hint of relief in her expression. ─ Okay, ─ she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
With that, the three of us walked together, heading towards the flying class, feeling the bonds of new friendship form in the air around us.
As we stepped onto the Quidditch pitch for our first flying lesson, the air was electric with excitement. The sun shone brightly overhead, and students clustered together in their little groups, laughter and chatter mingling in the crisp morning air. I glanced at Noelle and Emily, both beaming with anticipation.
─ Can you believe we’re finally here? ─ Emily exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she looked around at the wide expanse of the pitch.
─ I know! This is going to be amazing! ─ Noelle replied, her ponytail swinging as she bounced on her heels. ─ Just try not to crash into anything, okay? ─
─ Me? Crash? ─ I shot back playfully, ─ I’ll have you know I’m a natural flier! ─
Before we could tease each other further, Madame Hooch strode onto the pitch, her sharp gaze silencing the crowd. ─ Good morning, everyone! Please gather by the brooms. ─
We shuffled over, my heart racing at the sight of the sleek brooms lined up in perfect order. As I reached for one, a commotion caught my attention. Peeves the Poltergeist came barreling onto the field, dragging two large trunks behind him, cackling madly.
─ Look out! ─ I shouted, stepping back as he yanked the trunks open with a flourish. Bludgers shot out like cannonballs, careening wildly into the air. Chaos erupted as students scrambled to avoid them, laughter mixing with screams of surprise.
Madame Hooch quickly regained her composure. ─ Get down! Get away from the brooms! ─ she ordered, her voice cutting through the mayhem as she brandished her wand, trying to regain control.
─ Regulus, look out! ─ Noelle shouted, pointing at a bludger hurtling straight for me. I ducked just in time, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I scanned the sky.
─ Stay close! ─ I called back to Noelle and Emily as I kicked off the ground. My broom lifted me into the air, and I immediately spotted two golden snitches flitting away into the distance.
─ I’m going after the snitches! ─ I yelled, determination flooding my mind. I pushed my broom forward, weaving through the chaos, dodging bludgers that zoomed past me.
─ Be careful! ─ Noelle called, her voice laced with concern. She grabbed a bat from one of the trunks and took off into the air, her eyes focused and fierce. ─ I’ll keep those bludgers away from you! ─
I darted left and right, feeling the wind whip through my hair. The snitches danced just out of reach, teasing me as I tried to close the distance. My heart raced with every near miss, the thrill of the chase intoxicating.
─ Regulus, over here! ─ Emily’s voice broke through the tumult. I glanced back to see her struggling to catch a quaffle while trying to avoid a bludger. She was doing surprisingly well, considering the circumstances.
─ Emily, watch out! ─ I yelled, but she managed to sidestep just in time, her determination shining through. ─ You’ve got this! ─ I encouraged her, focusing back on the snitches.
I soared higher, just as a bludger veered toward me. With a quick maneuver, I dodged it and focused on the golden snitches once more. They darted away, but I refused to let them escape. I took a deep breath and pushed my broom forward, extending my hand as I closed in.
Just as I reached for one, I felt the rush of air as Noelle swung her bat, sending a bludger spiraling off course, narrowly missing me. ─ I’ve got your back! ─ she shouted, her confidence growing with every successful hit.
─ Thanks, Noelle! ─ I called, feeling buoyed by her support. I spotted the snitches again, my heart racing. With a burst of speed, I dove toward one, catching it in my grasp. ─ Got one! ─ I shouted, holding it up triumphantly.
Meanwhile, I noticed Emily zooming after the quaffle, her face a mix of concentration and nerves. ─ Just a little bit more! ─ she cried, twisting her broom as she aimed for the flying ball.
Noelle, noticing Emily’s struggle, flew closer. ─ I’ll take care of the bludgers! You can do this, Emily! ─ she encouraged me.
As Emily maneuvered her broom with determination, a bludger veered towards her. In a moment of panic, she swerved awkwardly but managed to avoid it, her focus unwavering. ─ I got it! ─ she yelled, catching one quaffle securely in her arms.
─ Just one left! ─ I shouted down to her, my heart pounding as I glanced at the other quaffle darting about. I could see how determined she was, her cheeks flushed with effort.
With Noelle protecting us from the bludgers, I concentrated on the second snitch, zooming past a bludger that nearly clipped my broom. ─ Come on, come on! ─ I muttered to myself, reaching out again.
Just as I turned back toward Emily, I saw her darting after the last quaffle, her eyes focused with fierce determination. She twisted and turned, avoiding another bludger, and with one swift move, she grabbed the final quaffle out of the air. ─ Yes! ─ she cheered, a triumphant smile lighting up her face.
As the chaos began to settle, I flew back down to the ground, my heart still racing with exhilaration. I landed beside Noelle, who looked equally thrilled, her bat still in hand. Emily touched down moments later, beaming with pride.
Madame Hooch approached us, astonished. ─ Well done, you three! Not many can handle such a chaotic start. Have you been practicing? ─
─ No, ma’am, ─ I replied, catching my breath. ─ Just lucky, I suppose. ─
With a flick of her wand, Madame Hooch managed to corral the remaining bludgers back into the trunks, restoring some semblance of order. ─ Does anyone need medical attention? ─ she asked, surveying the students.
When everyone shook their heads, she smiled. ─ Then you’re dismissed! Rest up and prepare for lunch. You’ve all earned it after that ordeal. ─
As we made our way back toward the castle, a wave of relief washed over me. ─ I can’t believe we managed that, ─ I said, laughing with my friends. ─ Who knew flying could be so chaotic? ─
─ Yeah, but we handled it like pros! ─ Noelle grinned, her cheeks flushed with excitement. ─ Madame Hooch seemed impressed. ─
Emily nodded, a bright smile still on her face. ─ I just wanted to catch those quaffles, and I did! Thanks for keeping the bludgers away, Noelle. I couldn’t have done it without you. ─
We chatted excitedly, recounting our favorite moments, until we reached the Great Hall. As we walked in, I spotted Iyon, Cardan, Severus, Lily, Barty, and Pandora huddled together, all looking concerned.
─ What happened out there? ─ Iyon asked, rushing over. ─ We heard there was chaos! ─
Before we could respond, they bombarded us with questions, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the whirlwind of concern from my friends.
─ It was wild! You should have seen us! ─ I started, but they cut me off, all eager to know the details.
As we settled down at the Slytherin table, the atmosphere buzzed with the chatter of students around us. I could feel the weight of a thousand eyes, curious and excited, but my focus was on Emily. ─ Everyone, this is Emily Blishwick, ─ I introduced her, gesturing for her to join the circle of our group.
Noelle leaned in, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. ─ She’s already proven herself in flying class! It was amazing. ─
Emily blushed, glancing around as I noticed Iyon, Cardan, Severus, Lily, Barty, and Pandora smile back at her warmly. ─ I hope I can keep up with you all, ─ she said, a bit shyly.
─ Trust me, you’re already doing better than some, ─ Iyon replied, nudging Cardan, who feigned offense. ─ Hey, I’ll have you know I can fly just fine. It’s just-uh, a bit of a challenge sometimes. ─
We all laughed, easing Emily’s nerves a bit more.
After a few moments of casual chatter about our morning adventures, two students approached our table. One was a tall boy with a confident stance and slicked-back hair. ─ Benjamin Carrow, ─ he said, extending a hand. ─ Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team. ─
The girl beside him, with bright eyes and a confident smile, added, ─ Angela Mellburn, captain of the Gryffindor team. ─
─ Hey, I noticed you three out on the pitch, ─ Benjamin said, leaning against the table. ─ You showed some impressive skills. We've been looking for new players since our Seeker and one of the Beaters graduated last year. ─
Angela chimed in, ─ And the same goes for Gryffindor! We’ve got a spot for a new Chaser. I saw how you handled yourselves, especially during that little chaos with the Bludgers. Very brave. ─
Noelle’s eyes widened at the suggestion. ─ Wait, you really think we could join? ─
Benjamin nodded. ─ Absolutely. I’d like to discuss it with Madame Hooch and the headmaster, if you’re interested. You’ve got until the end of the weekend to think it over. ─
Regulus, Noelle, and Emily exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise and excitement. ─ We’ll definitely think about it, ─ I replied. ─ Thank you for the opportunity. ─
With that settled, we returned to our lunch, and Noelle pulled out her schedule. ─ What’s next? ─ she asked eagerly.
She scanned the parchment, her face lighting up. ─ Oh! We have Charms with the Ravenclaws. I heard the first lesson is about the Levitation Charm. ─
─ Really? That sounds brilliant! ─ Barty said, leaning in closer. ─ I’ve been wanting to try that one out. ─
The conversation flowed as we finished our meal, and before long, we were off to the Charms classroom, excitement bubbling among us.
Regulus, Noelle, Barty, and Pandora made their way to Charms class, the anticipation building with each step. The corridors buzzed with students heading to their own lessons, but the four of them were focused on what awaited them in their very first Charms lesson.
As they entered the classroom, they found Professor Flitwick standing on a small stack of books behind his desk, ready to greet them. ─ Welcome to your first Charms lesson! ─ he squeaked, his voice high-pitched but warm. ─ We’ll be covering the basics of spellcasting today, and I assure you, it’s as exciting as it is important. ─
Flitwick launched into a brief explanation of what magic fundamentally was-how spells were the precise application of will, intent, and the proper incantation, all channeled through a wand. ─ And today, ─ he continued, ─ we will begin with one of the most foundational charms: Wingardium Leviosa, the Levitation Charm! ─
The students leaned in, listening intently, but a Slytherin boy sitting a few rows ahead interrupted. ─ Professor, isn't there something more challenging we could try? This seems a bit easy, ─ he drawled, his voice full of arrogance.
Flitwick chuckled softly, unfazed. ─ Ah, I assure you, mastering even the simplest charms takes concentration and practice. We start with the basics for a reason. Now, let’s begin. ─
He demonstrated the proper wand movement, a gentle swish and flick—and emphasized the pronunciation of the incantation: ─ Wingardium Leviosa. ─
The class followed along, flipping through their textbooks for the theory behind the spell. Regulus, Noelle, Barty, and Pandora exchanged glances, already feeling confident.
─ Seems simple enough, ─ Barty whispered to Regulus.
─ Don’t jinx it, ─ Regulus muttered back with a smirk.
After a few minutes of reading, they were given their own feathers to practice on. Regulus raised his wand and, with a steady voice, said, ─ Wingardium Leviosa. ─ Instantly, the feather before him floated gently into the air.
─ Excellent work, Mr. Jackson! ─ Flitwick exclaimed, his face lighting up. He quickly moved over to Noelle, who had also performed the charm perfectly, her feather gracefully hovering beside her. Pandora and Barty were close behind, both managing to levitate their feathers with ease.
─ Very well done, all of you! ─ Flitwick beamed, clearly impressed by their quick success.
But just as the room began filling with floating feathers, a loud bang erupted from the back of the classroom, followed by a plume of smoke. Everyone turned to see Ezra Flint, a fellow Slytherin, covered in soot, his feather reduced to ashes on the desk.
─ What did I do wrong? ─ Ezra coughed, waving away the smoke.
Professor Flitwick, ever patient, approached him with a kind smile. ─ Ah, Mr. Flint. It seems you were a bit too forceful with the incantation. Magic requires a certain finesse. Let’s try again, shall we? ─
Despite a few chuckles from the other students, Flitwick’s calm encouragement seemed to settle Ezra. He gave it another go, though with a few more mishaps, including another small explosion.
As the class continued, Ezra's feathers kept either exploding or refusing to budge. Regulus exchanged an amused glance with Noelle, who stifled a laugh. ─ At least he’s persistent, ─ she whispered.
By the end of the lesson, Ezra finally managed to lift his feather, albeit shakily and after more explosions. ─ I did it! ─ he shouted triumphantly, his excitement contagious, despite the smudges of soot on his face.
─ Excellent work, Mr. Flint! ─ Flitwick applauded, clearly proud of the boy’s perseverance. ─ Even the most accomplished wizards must learn from their mistakes. ─
As the lesson concluded, Regulus and his friends gathered their things, feeling satisfied with their first foray into Charms. They left the classroom with a newfound sense of accomplishment, knowing that they had much more to look forward to.