Reliving the Past, Present, and Future

Chapter 11

Without hesitation, Tonks poured the wispy white liquid into the basin.

Colors merged and shapes formed; everyone found themselves once again at Gryffindor table.

Immediately everyone realized Harry and Ron were talking in hushed whispers, but were able to hear nonetheless – they were discussing their "exciting adventure" involving the three-headed dog. The conversation soon moved to what happened at Gringotts and the package that had been moved to Hogwarts.

"It's the Sorc – " started Ron, who had been getting impatient, but Harry elbowed him looking stern.

Lupin was looking thoughtful. Was Ron going to say the Sorcerer's Stone? He has to have hope he was mistaken, but two inches long... valuable... dangerous... it did fit.

The mail soon arrived and everyone watched the owls descend onto their owners, but what had nearly everyone's attention was a long, thin package being carried by six, tired owls.

To everyone's amazement, including the younger Harry and Ron, they dropped it right in front of Harry, knocking his bacon to the floor.

The witches' and wizards' had an idea on what the package could be and were amazed the school would do this for Harry.

Bill leaned over to look and read the letter aloud.

Ron and Harry looked at each other with glee, much to the confusion and curiosity of the Great Hall, and ran out to open it in private.

The scene changed, and they were near the Gryffindor common room, but Ron and Harry's entrance was being blocked by the usual Slytherin first years.

Malfoy seized the package from Harry and then threw it back with a mixture of jealousy and irritation. "Not getting out of this one, Potter. First years arent allowed."

This threat didn't faze the younger Ron as he gloated about Harry's Nimbus 2000.

"Nothing to brag about Weasley considering your family can barely afford a twig!"

Harry thought there was a loud humming sound in the air until he realized it was all the Weasley kid's growling. Draco seemed to be looking oblivious but Harry could see he looked rather peaky, from the Weasley's or his mother's glance he didn't know.

Ron looked ready to punch the Slytherin, but Professor Flitwick had suddenly appeared next to Malfoy.

Young Malfoy immediately tattled with a smirk.

However, Flitwick was beaming. "What's the model again?"

"A Nimbus Two Thousand," said Harry, who looked to be holding in his laughter as he glanced at the horrified expression on Malfoy's face.

Many couldn't help but cover up their laughter as well.

It's still not bloody funny, thought Draco coldly. Did no one else see the favoritism?

"Thanks for your help, Malfoy," said thr young Harry with a barely concealed smirk.

"Oh, you never know. Someone during flying lessons would have noticed that you were a natural eventually," said Lupin with a smile as Harry and Ron announced the password to the Fat Lady.

"Why were you watching flying lessons anyway, Professor?" asked Tonks curiously to McGonagall.

"I – I just happened to pass by an open window," said Minerva stiffly.

Really she had been watching because she had been scouting for any talent that could squash Slytherin that year... she had expected it to be a fruitless effort as first years are often amateurs, but she had been horrifyingly surprised to see Harry Potter making an impeccable dive before her eyes. She had no regrets.