Chapter Four: Flying Lesson
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The second week at Hogwarts began much like the first for Harry. Whispers followed him wherever he went. His presence in the Slytherin common room seemed to baffle and intrigue his housemates. Some older students made it their mission to trip him as he left the common room, though Gemma was quick to scold them, reminding everyone that Slytherins were supposed to stay united. Daphne, Theodore, Blaise, and Tracey remained neutral but not unfriendly, while Malfoy continued to be a source of confusion. One moment, Malfoy seemed eager to befriend him; the next, he was ready to humiliate him.
Monday morning, however, brought a welcome distraction: their first flying lesson. Harry felt a mix of excitement and nerves. He had never flown on a broom before and dreaded embarrassing himself in front of the Slytherins and Gryffindors, who would be sharing the class.
The students gathered on a grassy field near the Quidditch stadium. Brooms were laid out in neat rows, and Madam Hooch, their flying instructor, surveyed them sharply.
"Step up to your broomsticks," she instructed. "Extend your right hand over the handle and say, 'Up!'"
Harry hesitated but watched as other students called out "Up!" with varying degrees of success. Summoning his confidence, he said "Up!" firmly, and his broom immediately flew into his hand on the first try. Around him, students struggled, with some managing to grab their brooms while others, like Ron, were left with motionless broomsticks. Malfoy smirked smugly when his own broom responded perfectly.
Once every student had a broom in hand, Madam Hooch demonstrated how to hover. Harry found himself enjoying the lesson. The broom, though old, seemed to respond to his movements instinctively, as if flying was a natural extension of himself. His concentration broke when a sharp laugh erupted nearby.
"Look at Weasley! He's wobbling on his broom like a jellyfish," Malfoy sneered, his voice carrying over the field.
Harry glanced over and saw Ron struggling to stay balanced, his face red with frustration. Though Harry hated bullies, he stayed silent. Ron had been nothing but hostile, whispering about how Harry was an "evil snake." Their friendship had dissolved simply because they were sorted into different houses, and Harry wasn't eager to draw attention to himself.
Malfoy wasn't content with just mocking Ron. He snatched a small glass ball from Neville's hand—a Remembrall that glowed red when its owner forgot something. While Madam Hooch was busy assisting another group of students, Malfoy hovered just out of Neville's reach.
"Come and get it, fat lard Longbottom!" Malfoy taunted, flying higher as Neville tried to retrieve it.
Neville, wobbling precariously, fell from his broom. Luckily, he hadn't been hovering far from the ground, but his ankle twisted painfully on impact. Madam Hooch rushed over to help him, barking at another Gryffindor to escort Neville to the hospital wing.
Harry's anger flared. He hated bullies like Malfoy—they reminded him too much of Dudley, who delighted in tormenting him back home. Without thinking, Harry mounted his broom and shot into the air, the broom responding eagerly to his determination. Within moments, he was level with Malfoy.
"Give it back, Malfoy," Harry demanded quietly.
Malfoy's smirk faltered, surprised by Harry's boldness. "What are you going to do about it, Potter?"
Harry didn't answer. With a swift, precise movement, he snatched the Remembrall from Malfoy's grip. Cheers erupted from the Gryffindors below, and even some Slytherins looked impressed. Harry hovered for a moment, gripping the glass ball tightly, before descending to the ground.
Madam Hooch stormed over, her face thunderous. "Potter! Malfoy! What do you think you're doing, flying without permission?"
Harry's heart sank. He hadn't considered the consequences of his actions.
To his surprise, Malfoy spoke up. "It was my fault, Madam. I dared Potter to see if he could catch me. It was just a bit of fun."
Harry stared at Malfoy, stunned. Why would Malfoy cover for him? They weren't even friends.
Madam Hooch scowled at both of them. "If I catch you pulling a stunt like this again, you'll both be banned from flying! Now get back to your places!"
As they walked back to the group, Malfoy leaned in and muttered, "Don't mistake this for kindness, Potter."
Harry ignored him and returned the Remembrall to Neville, who looked at him gratefully.
By dinner, Harry's daring stunt was the talk of the school. Whispers about his flying skills echoed through the Great Hall. Some students were impressed, while others, like Ron, seemed resentful.
For Harry, the day left him with more questions than answers, especially about Malfoy's unexpected actions. But for once, he felt proud of himself for standing up to a bully—and maybe, just maybe, he was beginning to find his place at Hogwarts.