Chapter 7

Flying Lessons and Crabbe's Challenge

"Perfect," Draco said on the way to the next class, "we've got Flying Lessons with the Slytherins today."

"So," Hermione said, "we get to make Crabbe look stupid on brooms. I don't see how we can lose here. After all, it's not exactly like we're likely to lose control."

"That's right," Harry said, "Especially with our matching set of Nimbus 2000's."

"Which, of course, we don't 'officially' have."

"Of course."

The group soon reached the line of Gryffindor and Slytherin students. Draco noticed that Neville was clutching something glowing red – a Remembrall, unless he was mistaken.

Madam Hooch introduced the students to the basics of flying, ignoring the snickers coming from a 'certain' group of Gryffindors and a Slytherin.

Naturally, the group were easily able to summon their brooms from the ground.

"Now, let's do some low flying." Neville lifted off the ground and seemed to completely lose control. As he hit the castle, he dropped his Remembrall. Crabbe went racing after it and Draco followed. Harry and Hermione took to the air. Crabbe made a grab for the Remembrall, but Draco already had it. Crabbe attempted to hit Draco's broom with his own and Draco tossed the Remembrall to Hermione, who caught it, used a Sloth-Grip Roll to get out of the way of the approaching Crabbe, then tossed it to Harry. Harry flew around, dodging Crabbe's every attempt to grab either the ball or his broom. Harry landed at the feet of an irritated looking Professor McGonagall.

"Mister Potter, Mister Malfoy and Miss Granger, please come with me." Draco gulped. He was sure they were about to be expelled.

"I can't believe this, expelled in the first week. It's not our fault that Crabbe git went after Neville's remembrall."

Professor McGonagall led the nervous students through the corridors.

"Professor," Draco begged, "we were just trying to help Neville out. Crabbe went after his Remembrall and-" Draco stopped speaking as the group stopped in front of a tall Scottish boy. "Who is this?"

"This, Mr Malfoy, is Oliver Wood the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team." While the three looked in awe, McGonagall spoke quietly to Wood.

"Caught a Remembrall, did he"

"That's right. And Miss Granger used what I believe was a Sloth Grip Roll to avoid another student's attack."

"Sloth Grip Roll? Professor, that's a professional move."

"I am very much aware of that fact, Mister Wood. You seem to have forgotten, when I was a student-"

"I know, I know. Best Chaser Gryffindor house ever saw."

"I believe we have three openings on the team this year, Wood."

Oliver looked at the three first-year students. "Not anymore we don't."

"I believe we at least need to test them, Mr. Wood."

"Why, we haven't had anyone try out to be Seeker, and from what you're telling me these two leave Bell and Spinnet in their dust." Wood turned to the three students. "I suggest you get yourselves some decent brooms. You know, Cleansweep 7 or Nimbus 2000." The three students shared a conspiratorial look.

"I'm sure that won't be a problem," Hermione said, struggling to keep herself from laughing.

"We'll see if we can get Dumbledore to make an exception to those rules." Draco's thoughts turned immediately to Ron, alone as a Weasley in Slytherin.

"Could I make a suggestion, Professor?"

"What would that be?"

"Hold flying tests for all first years. Any who are good enough can get their own brooms and try out for the team. That way it won't look like favouritism to Gryffindors."

It seemed that Draco's advice was taken to heart. At supper that evening, Dumbledore announced the first-year flying tests. Draco could see Ron practically beaming over at the Slytherin table.

"You think he knows we're responsible for this?"

"I think he suspects it. After all, flying lessons were with the Slytherin first years. I know for a fact he saw our little show, and I suspect he's guessed what McGonagall took us away for."

"Get this one in there. JM stunt affects the entire school and effects change."

Harry nodded, placing the silver memory strand into the tiny pensieve.

Suddenly, Crabbe got up from the Slytherin table and walked over to the group. "Mischief managed", Harry quietly said, tapping the calendar.

"I can guess what this is about. Dumbledore didn't want to expel any of his precious Gryffindors so he changes the rules." He looked pointedly at Draco. "And of course, it would have been a disaster of epic proportions if the Boy-Who-Didn't-Effing-Die didn't complete his education. No doubt that thought alone would cause the Dark Lord to return just to be able to gloat."

"You talk pretty big for someone who tried to attack a girl on the Hogwarts Express," Harry said, glaring at Crabbe and reaching for his wand.

"Mind your own business, Potter."

"You insult my friends and it is my business, Crabbe."

Crabbe ignored Harry and turned to face Draco again. "How about we settle this once and for all, Malfoy."

"And what do you propose," Draco asked.

"A Wizard's Duel," Crabbe replied with a sneer. "I highly recommend you get a Second, as I suspect you'll need one."

"Oh, yes, I'm scared of all the advanced magic that daddy's somehow taught you from the Great Beyond," Draco said with the utmost sarcasm in his voice.

Crabbe cast a smirk in Neville's direction before saying "The Great Beyond may be closer than you think."

"Is that some kind of threat, Crabbe," Draco said in a half threatening, half concerned tone.

"Shut up and chose your second, blood traitor."

Harry stood up. "He doesn't need to choose. I'll gladly do it, if only so that you can't try anything with Hermione."

"You're a brave Halfblood, Potter. But we'll see how brave you are when you're standing over your friend's mangled body knowing you're next." Crabbe paused for dramatic effect. "And after that we'll see just how much fight that little Mudblood has in her." Draco felt as if those words had started a fire in his soul.

"You're on, Crabbe. How's the trophy room at midnight sound to you?"

"Perfect. Just be sure you don't chicken out."