Quid Futurum (Marauders Era)

Chapter 9

-

Harry picks at his breakfast, not in the mood to eat.

"Take a bit of toast, mate. Go on."

"Ron's right, Harry. You're gonna need your strength today."

"I'm not hungry."

Snape comes up to the trio, stopping by Harry.

"Good luck today, Potter. Then again, now that you've proven yourself against a troll, a little game of Quidditch should be easy work for you... Even if it is against Slytherin."

"We get to see his first game?!"

Snape then leaves, but he walks with a slight limp, which Harry notices.

"That explains the blood."

Hermione looks at him confused.

"Blood?"

"Listen. Last night, I'm guessing Snape let the troll in as a diversion so he could try and get past that three-headed dog. But he got himself bitten. That's why he's limping."

Curious looks are cast at Severus, who pointedly ignores them.

"But why would anyone go near that dog?"

"It's Snape, who knows what goes through his greasy head."

"The day I was at Gringotts, Hagrid took something out of one of the vaults. Said it was Hogwarts business, very secret."

"So you're saying..."

"That's what the dog's guarding. That's what Snape wants."

Hermione opens her mouth to say something when they hear owls screeching. Hedwig flies in, carrying a long package. Nix follows suit, with a medium sized white box with a gold ribbon. They drop it in front of Harry and take off.

"Bit early for mail, isn't it?"

"Let's open it."

Harry unwraps his parcel with his friends help.

"It's a broomstick."

"That's not just a broomstick, Harry."

"It's a Nimbus 2000."

Harry's possession of the new broom has left the Quidditch enthusiasts green with envy, as they can't help but drool over it.

"But who?"

McGonagall is shown petting Hedwig, smiling at Harry who returns it gratefully.

With a wide grin, James looks towards his Head of House and most beloved professor, expressing his gratitude, "Minnie, I truly appreciate it."

Despite trying to hold back a smile, Minerva acknowledges him with a nod, replying, "Certainly, Mr. Potter."

Shifting his focus to the pristine white box, he couldn't help but notice a note delicately attached to the shimmering gold ribbon. Intrigued, he decided to peruse its contents.