DISCLAIMER: I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura or Harry Potter. I may include real-life characters in my story, such as lyrics from non-fictional musicians, fashion brands, etc. After all, that's the fun of writing fanfiction, isn't it?

ENJOY!

Chapter 5: Prefect Nomination

Weeks later, after undergoing two rituals involving Tomoyo's Wiggenweld potion and five consecutive days of consuming Dittany, I found myself walking on both feet again. Just in time for the Outdoor Celebration of Magic, orchestrated by Madam Hooch and Professor Silvanus Kettleburn. They had arranged a joint lesson, combining Flying class for third-year students with Care for Magical Creatures for fifth-years. The session unfolded in the Training Ground, where we learned how to fly a Griffin under the supervision of Professor Hagrid.

As I geared up for the Outdoor Celebration of Magic, anticipation surged through me. It was my time to shine, and with all fifth-years, including Tomoyo Daidouji, in attendance, there was no doubt I'd get to see her. Just as I was about to head to class, Professor McGonagall approached me on the Training Ground.

"Good morning, Professor McGonagall," I greeted her, offering a slight bow.

"Mr. Hiiragizawa, can you come to my office? I have something to discuss with you," she asked in her usual elegant manner, reminiscent of Tomoyo's own ladylike demeanor.

I hesitated briefly. "Actually, Professor, may I ask permission from Professor Kettleburn first since I'm in charge of this class? May I?"

"I've already spoken with Professor Kettleburn, and he's agreed, provided you assist him in class first. I'll be delighted to see your class today."

I nodded, expressing my gratitude. "May I be dismissed, Professor?" She nodded in response. With a slight bow, I left to finalize my preparations for class.

"Good morning, everyone," Professor Kettleburn greeted the class with enthusiasm. "Today, we're in for a special treat as we learn how to fly a Griffin. Thanks to one of our students, Mr. Eriol Hiiragizawa, we have the privilege of meeting the Griffin of the Reed family. Mr. Hiiragizawa, please step forward." Applause erupted throughout the training ground, a gesture I appreciated though unnecessary.

In the center stood the majestic Griffin, belonging to the Reed family, with my butler, Edmund, by her side. As I approached, she greeted me with excitement, surprising the students who expected a more aggressive reaction from such a creature of the XXXX level. However, her familiarity with me and my family lineage kept her calm as I greeted her with gentle pats before addressing the class.

Public speaking was never my strong suit, especially with my crush fixated on me with excitement in her eyes. Scorpius looked at me, his concern evident, knowing the pressure I felt. Yet, he too was acquainted with the Griffin, being from both the Reed and Malfoy families.

Taking a deep breath, I began, "Good morning. I'm Eriol Hiiragizawa..." My Slytherin friends cheered loudly, followed by the others with less enthusiasm. "Today, we're diving into the exhilarating world of Griffin flight. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. No need to wait."

As I spoke, I continued to stroke the Griffin, explaining her significance to our family. "She's been with us for generations, brought from Greece by my late great-grandfather. She likes to play hard to get." A chorus of chuckles followed my attempt at humor. "As a XXXX level beast, she requires extra attention, in her case, my attention," I added, eliciting playful booing from my Slytherin peers and laughter from the rest.

From the corner of my eye, I caught Tomoyo Daidouji's radiant smile, filling me with joy as she laughed at my corny jokes.

One of the student raised her hand asking question, "What's her name? How do we call her?"

I couldn't help but smile at her curiosity. "Ah, an excellent question," I acknowledged, feeling a sense of pride as Darling affectionately nuzzled my cheek in response. "I call her Darling."

Laughter erupted throughout the class, accompanied by mock protests from my Slytherin friends and amused reactions from the professors. "Seriously?" one student questioned incredulously.

Scorpius, ever the supportive cousin, chimed in, confirming, "Yes, her name is indeed Darling." I nodded in agreement, maintaining a playful tone despite the laughter.

Before I could address any further questions, another student raised her hand, her inquiry veering into more personal territory. "Don't you have a girlfriend you need to reserve that term for?" she asked, prompting laughter from my Slytherin companions and chuckles from the others. It was a reminder that this was meant to be a Care for Magical Creatures class, not a stand-up comedy routine.

With a lighthearted chuckle, I responded, "For the time being, Darling here is my girlfriend." Darling responded with even more affectionate gestures, further amusing the class. "Any other questions about Darling or flying?" I prompted, eager to steer the conversation back to the lesson at hand.

After explaining the intricacies of Griffin anatomy and how to interact with her, I offered the class the opportunity to try flying on Darling. "Now, who wants to experience flying on Darling?" The classroom buzzed with murmurs as students exchanged nervous glances. Glancing at Albus and Scorpius, I saw Scorpius point his finger toward Albus, who looked visibly apprehensive. "Albus, please come forward," I encouraged, prompting applause from the rest of the class.

But just as Albus hesitated, Scorpius stepped in to offer support, urging him forward. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, Albus approached Darling, and Scorpius assisted him in mounting her. The class erupted into cheers as Darling took flight, accompanied by Albus's enthusiastic screams.

It was then that I noticed Tomoyo lowering her hand, signaling her interest in trying to fly on Darling. Why hadn't I offered her the opportunity sooner? I mentally scolded myself, resolving to give her a chance after Albus.

But before I could act, Professor McGonagall approached me and requested my presence elsewhere. Frustration gnawed at me as I realized I would have to leave the class, once again missing the chance to spend time with Tomoyo. Why did it always seem like I was just one step behind?

Following Professor McGonagall to her office felt like a journey into the unknown. My mind raced with questions and uncertainties, wondering what awaited me behind that familiar door.

As we reached the door to Professor McGonagall's office, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I knew that whatever lay ahead would likely shape my future at Hogwarts.

Professor McGonagall proceeded to sit behind her desk, her expression a mixture of seriousness and warmth. "Mr. Hiiragizawa, please, take a seat," Professor McGonagall gestured to the chair opposite her desk.

I complied, settling into the chair and waiting for Professor McGonagall to speak. The air in the room felt charged with anticipation, and I couldn't help but wonder what she wanted to discuss with me.

"Thank you for coming, Mr. Hiiragizawa," Professor McGonagall began, her tone serious yet not unkind. "I wanted to speak to you about a few matters."

I nodded, my curiosity piqued. Whatever lay ahead, I knew it would be important.

"Firstly, I understand that you have expressed an interest in becoming a Prefect," Professor McGonagall continued, her eyes fixed on me.

I nodded eagerly, feeling a surge of pride at the mention of my aspiration. "Yes, Professor. I believe I could make a positive contribution to the house."

Professor McGonagall nodded, a hint of approval in her expression. "I have no doubt about your capabilities, Mr. Hiiragizawa. You have shown great dedication and responsibility during your time at Hogwarts."

Her words filled me with a sense of determination, fueling my desire to become a Prefect even further.

"However, there is another matter we need to discuss," Professor McGonagall continued, her tone becoming more serious.

I frowned, wondering what else could be on her mind.

"It has come to my attention that there has been a request for a house transfer for you, Mr. Hiiragizawa," Professor McGonagall revealed, her voice tinged with concern.

My eyes widened in surprise, my mind struggling to comprehend the implications of her words. A house transfer? But why?

"I… I'm not sure I understand, Professor," I admitted, feeling a sense of unease settle over me.

Professor McGonagall sighed, her expression grave. "It seems there has been some confusion, Mr. Hiiragizawa. Someone has requested that you be transferred from Gryffindor to Slytherin."

My heart sank at the revelation, a wave of confusion and anxiety washing over me. Slytherin? But Gryffindor had become my home, and I couldn't imagine leaving behind the friends and memories I had made there.

"I… I don't know what to say, Professor," I stammered, my mind reeling with the sudden turn of events.

Professor McGonagall's gaze softened, her eyes filled with understanding. "I'm not sure of the reasons behind the request, Mr. Hiiragizawa. But rest assured, Gryffindor is lucky to have you, and I have every confidence in your abilities."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me at her words. Whatever the reason behind the request, I knew that Gryffindor was where I belonged.

"Thank you, Professor," I said gratefully, rising from my seat. "I won't let you down."

"One more thing," Professor McGonagall added, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

I arched an eyebrow, curious about what she had to say.

"I couldn't help but notice a certain someone caught your eye during the joint class earlier," Professor McGonagall said with a knowing smile. "A certain someone who might have something to do with your desire to stay in Gryffindor and become a Prefect."

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, realizing that Professor McGonagall had caught on to my feelings for Tomoyo. I cleared my throat nervously, unsure of how to respond. "Ah, well, um… I suppose there might be someone who… inspires me to strive for excellence," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Professor McGonagall nodded knowingly. "I thought as much. Well, Mr. Hiiragizawa, I have a feeling that Gryffindor will be seeing great things from you in the future."

With a final nod of thanks, I left Professor McGonagall's office, my mind swirling with thoughts of Tomoyo and my future at Hogwarts.

The sense of contentment lingered after my conversation with Prof. McGonagall, a quiet assurance filling me with hope for the Prefect role. With fingers crossed, I awaited the final decision. An unexpected pull led me to the training ground, despite the conclusion of the combined class during the Outdoor Celebration of Magic.

As I strolled along the familiar path, the ambient magic of the grounds surrounded me, infused with echoes of magical creatures and the thrill of soaring on a broomstick. Then, in the distance, a sight arrested my attention — there she was. Tomoyo Daidouji, the enchantress of the skies, engaged in a sidesaddle solo flight under Madam Hooch's watchful eyes on the ground. Both legs on one side of the broomstick, and yet she effortlessly flew at the speed of sound. The sun cast a warm glow on the scene, illuminating her with a soft radiance as she gracefully maneuvered through the air.

I couldn't help but pause, captivated by the ethereal dance unfolding before me. Her every movement seemed like poetry written in the language of the wind, turning it into a display of both beauty and discipline. The rhythm of her flight resonated with the beating of my heart, creating a harmony between the magical world and the mundane. Her long, dark tresses, became an integral part of this enchanting choreography. As she soared through the air, her hair caught the breeze like a symphony of midnight waves. Each strand, a playful punctuation in the silent conversation between her and the wind, added a touch of whimsy to the mesmerizing ballet of flight.

Time slipped away as I stood there witnessing the magical symphony continued, entranced by Tomoyo's skillful flight. Unbeknownst to me, she descended, landing on her broomstick right in front of me. My attention shifted from the vast expanse above to her, and in that subtle entrance, she had seamlessly transitioned from soaring high to being within arm's reach. The quiet confines of the training ground became the stage for her graceful descent.

As she sat there, Thunderbolt VII beneath her, the enchantment continued. A Thunderbolt! A world-class broomstick suiting the Quidditch World Cup was under her control. Her presence, once a distant spectacle, now shared the same ground as me. In this moment, the magic of her flight met the reality of the earth beneath our feet. Despite the gentle disarray of her tresses upon landing, their playful dance added to the allure. Each strand, escaping its confines, framed her face delicately, a dance of midnight silk that enhanced the ethereal beauty she possessed. Her facial expression mirrored tranquil confidence, a serene acknowledgment of her own mastery. A subtle smile graced her lips, and her eyes held a glint of joy, reflecting the magic she found in the freedom of flight. I couldn't help but appreciate not only the artistry she brought to the skies but also the quiet beauty she cast upon the training ground.

My heart skipped a beat; the encounter was overwhelming. I realized that this impromptu visit to the training ground held a gift beyond my expectations — a front-row seat to witness Tomoyo's aerial and visual artistry. The anticipation of Prefectship faded into the background as the enchanting scene before me took center stage. The enchantress and the sky merged into a moment of timeless beauty, leaving an indelible mark on my memory.

Before I could utter a word, Madam Hooch intervened, sparing me from my unanticipated vulnerability. With a call from Madam Hooch, Tomoyo promptly attended to her. Seizing the opportunity, I fled the premises as swiftly as I could. Nervousness gripped me too tightly, making it impossible to face her at that moment. The training ground, once a witness to the enchanting flight, now bore witness to my hasty retreat.