Chapter 232 A Sleepless Christmas Eve
Knowing that Sirius had sent Harry a Firebolt was one thing, but seeing it with your own eyes was another.
Evan expressed deep astonishment at the extent of things Sirius could endure.
In the room, Harry showed Evan and Hermione the gleaming broomstick.
Unlike regular brooms, the Firebolt could hover in the air even without anyone touching it. Suspended without support, its height from the ground was just right for people to mount comfortably.
At the top of the broomstick, there was an engraved golden registration number, indicating that it was the twenty-second Firebolt ever produced worldwide.
At the end of the broomstick, there was a perfectly smooth and aerodynamic curve that looked extremely flawless without needing any touch-up.
Harry was already Hogwarts' best seeker, and now, with this international-level broomstick, it would be impossible for anyone at the school to be faster than him.
At his current skill level, he could even compete professionally.
Evan could imagine that the future Quidditch matches between the different houses would be Harry's moment to shine, and he suddenly anticipated Malfoy's reaction upon seeing the Firebolt.
The atmosphere in the room was pleasant, the fire crackling. Evan and Hermione each had a cup of hot chocolate and were seated on the cozy sofa in front of the fireplace.
Across from them, Harry held the broomstick slightly trembling and spoke to them, using various technical terms to explain the Firebolt's superior performance from a professional perspective.
He spoke of everything he knew.
It was evident that Harry had done his homework. Although it was their first encounter, he knew everything about the Firebolt.
Unfortunately, neither Evan nor Hermione were particularly interested in brooms and Quidditch.
Apart from the initial surprise upon learning that this broomstick was very expensive, their enthusiasm toward the Firebolt gradually waned.
They continued listening to Harry for a while, until both finished their hot chocolate, and in the warm heat of the fire, a strong sense of drowsiness and fatigue crept in simultaneously. They lost interest in the Firebolt and Harry's explanations, not wanting to hear more.
Evan and Hermione exchanged glances and nodded simultaneously in silent agreement.
Through eye contact, without uttering a word, they both knew what was going on in each other's mind.
"I'm so sorry, Harry!" Hermione stood up and stretched. "I'm really glad you got a Firebolt, but so much has happened today. It's getting late now. I want to go back to bed..."
"Oh, yes, it's really late," said Harry as if noticing that midnight was approaching. "Good night, Hermione!"
"Good night, Harry, sweet dreams!" Hermione said happily.
Evan just sighed in relief as he saw Harry turning his gaze towards him.
"Evan, aren't you sleepy? We can continue discussing the possibility of using the Firebolt to perform the Plumpton Pass, which, you know, is almost impossible to achieve with a regular broomstick," Harry continued, "But with the Firebolt's track record, theoretically..."
In reality, Evan was far from lucid.
He was merely listening to Harry to understand what he meant by the "Plumpton Pass." It is a move in Quidditch where the seeker casually tucks the Snitch into his sleeve.
This action was named in honor of Tornadoes Quidditch team seeker, Roderick Plumpton, who, in 1921, utilized this technique in his famous match to break the Golden Snitch capture record.
Although some critics argue that his 'Plumpton Pass' was an accident and the Snitch simply flew into his sleeve, Plumpton insisted until his death that it was intentional.
Anyone who knows a bit about Quidditch knows that for a Seeker, carrying out this move is miraculous.
Given that the broom's performance and reaction speed cannot be faster than the Golden Snitch unless it's a coincidence, it would be impossible to complete this action.
In fact, the Plumpton Pass had only been performed once in history.
But now, with the Firebolt, theoretically, this fantastic Quidditch move would be possible for Harry for the first time.
It seemed like Harry wanted to keep talking.
Evan had a headache and stood up hastily, saying he needed to accompany Hermione back to her room first.
Harry nodded helplessly, and so they both hurried out of the room.
There was no one in the dark, narrow corridor on the second floor of the Leaky Cauldron pub. The doors on both sides were closed, and the faint sounds of the fair below could be heard.
Evan and Hermione were walking slowly, and neither of them was speaking.
The atmosphere was a bit tense, and the complicity between the two instantly vanished.
This was the first time they were alone together after kissing under the Christmas tree.
"Hermione..." Finally, Evan couldn't help but break the silence.
It was the right moment. He could try to address what was missing.
"Don't speak, Evan, I already know!" Hermione gazed at Evan. Her face was charmingly flushed. She said seriously, "I won't reject you, but I hope you give me some time. That thing hasn't happened yet, okay?"
Looking at Hermione in front of him, Evan nodded helplessly and once again blamed the vampire girl, Elaine.
If he hadn't gotten involved with her, he would have conquered Hermione, and things wouldn't be as complicated as they were at that moment.
Seeing Evan nod, Hermione sighed in relief and appeared much calmer.
"Merry Christmas, Evan!" she said softly, "And goodnight!"
As Hermione turned around and entered the room, the door closed softly, and the brass sign hanging on the door swung. Evan sighed.
He reminded himself that this was normal. If Hermione accepted his confession and allowed him into her room, this would be nothing but a dream.
When Evan returned to the room, he saw that Harry was still not asleep. He simply washed his face, rinsed his mouth, and was waiting for him with his Firebolt.
He could sense Harry was too excited that night.
Indeed, not just Harry, everyone seemed to be.
So many things had happened that day, he wondered how many people would be sleepless that night.
Harry kept trying to talk about the Firebolt and Quidditch, while Evan lay on his bed, not knowing how much he had heard.
He could imagine that if Ron were there, he would sit with Harry in the room for a whole day, foolishly staring at the broomstick, praising it from every angle. He couldn't do that, but he didn't have to worry because according to the plan, they should visit Ron at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries after lunch at five o'clock the next day.
Harry could show off his broom at that time, and if all went well, Sirius would convince Mrs. Weasley to allow Ron to leave the hospital early.
With that, he could free himself.
Evan thought about that. His eyes grew heavier, and his thoughts gradually faded away.