The New Marauders

The New Broomsticks

It was an ordinary morning in the Great Hall at Hogwarts, with students gathered around their respective house tables, chatting and enjoying breakfast. The enchanted ceiling above reflected the early morning sky, a soft blend of pink and gold as the sun began to rise.

James Sirius Potter sat at the Gryffindor table, casually munching on a piece of toast while discussing their upcoming Quidditch practice with Edward Barrett, who was seated beside him. Across from them, Nate, Sam, and Luke were engrossed in a heated debate about which potion was the most difficult to brew, though all of them kept one ear on the Quidditch conversation.

As they talked, the familiar sound of flapping wings filled the hall, signaling the arrival of the morning post. Students looked up as a flurry of owls swooped in, delivering letters, parcels, and the occasional package. James and Edward continued their conversation, not paying much attention-until they noticed two particularly large owls, each carrying a long, sleek package, headed straight for them.

"Hey, James, I think those are for you and Edward," Nate said, nodding toward the approaching owls.

James and Edward exchanged a curious glance just as the owls landed gracefully in front of them, each depositing a long, thin package on the table. The packages were wrapped in deep red paper with gold trimmings, and attached to each was a card. The entire Great Hall seemed to fall silent as students watched, their eyes wide with curiosity.

James was the first to react, pulling the card from his package. His heart skipped a beat as he recognized his mother's neat handwriting.

"Go on, open it!" Luke urged, his voice tinged with excitement.

James quickly unfolded the card and read aloud:

---

Dear James,

We know how much you've been looking forward to this year, especially now that you're the Seeker for Gryffindor. Your dad and I thought it was time you had a broom worthy of your talents.

We're so proud of you, and we can't wait to see you fly circles around the competition.

Fly fast, fly safe, and make us proud!

Love,
Mum and Dad

---

James grinned as he set the card aside and tore into the wrapping paper. The room collectively held its breath as the packaging fell away to reveal a brand-new Firebolt 3000, the latest model and the most advanced broomstick on the market. The polished handle gleamed in the morning light, and the sleek design promised unmatched speed and agility.

A chorus of gasps and murmurs spread through the hall, with students from every house-including the Slytherins-staring in shock, envy, and awe. Even the Gryffindor Quidditch captain, Claudia McKinnon, who was seated further down the table, couldn't help but gape at the sight.

"Wow, James, that's incredible!" Sam exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration.

Before James could respond, Edward had already opened his own card. He quickly scanned the words and then read aloud:

---

Dear Edward,

We know how much Quidditch means to you, and we're so proud of all the hard work you've put in. To help you on your way to becoming one of the best Chasers Gryffindor has ever seen, we've got you something special.

Remember, you've got our full support, and we'll be cheering you on from home.

Fly high and have fun!

Love,
Mum and Dad

---

With a smile, Edward tore open his package to reveal an identical Firebolt 3000. His eyes lit up with excitement as he ran his hands along the smooth, polished wood.

The reaction in the Great Hall was immediate. Students from every table craned their necks to get a better look at the two Firebolt 3000s, their conversations now a mixture of awe, jealousy, and excitement. Even the Slytherins, known for their stoic composure, couldn't hide their envy.

"This is unbelievable!" Nate said, staring at the two broomsticks. "You two are going to be unstoppable on the pitch."

Luke, who had a flair for dramatics, smirked. "Looks like Gryffindor's Quidditch Cup is all but guaranteed this year."

James and Edward exchanged grins, the reality of the moment sinking in. "I can't believe it," James said, still slightly in awe of the gift. "These are the best brooms money can buy."

Edward nodded, equally thrilled. "Our parents really outdid themselves. We're going to crush it this year."

The buzz in the Great Hall only grew louder as students continued to discuss the new brooms. Some Gryffindors were already imagining the victories these Firebolt 3000s would bring, while the Slytherins looked on with narrowed eyes, clearly thinking about how to counter the advantage.

As breakfast continued, James and Edward carefully placed their new brooms back in their cases, still grinning from ear to ear.

"Now all we need to do is live up to the hype," James said, his tone half-joking but laced with determination.

Edward clapped him on the back. "With these brooms, we will. Gryffindor's going to make history this year."

The New Marauders shared a laugh, their excitement palpable. With the Firebolt 3000s in hand, James and Edward knew they were ready to take on whatever challenges the Quidditch pitch-and the rest of their time at Hogwarts-had to offer.