A silver and green lion

Chapter 4: Hallowe'en

The next morning Hermione came to Harry, telling him Weasley and Finnegan had gotten themselves a detention. She couldn't hide an amused smirk when she told about the angry boys, ranting at Dean Thomas. But of course, they had other things to worry about as well, like what needed so much protection it was guarded by a three-headed dog?

"It's either really valuable or really dangerous," Harry muttered.

"Or both." Hermione pointed out.

But all they knew for sure about the mysterious object was that it had been two inches big. Not much to start guessing. Harry and Hermione both had gone to their table after the small chat and he sat down in front of Kali just in time to see the owls arrive. For some reason Malfoy knew about the detention the two Gryffindors had gotten as well and the whole Slytherin table was laughing by the time Harry had gotten himself something to eat. The laughing stopped when everyone's attention was caught by six owls, carrying a large package and dropping it in front of Harry. They hadn't even completely left when a seventh owl dropped a letter on it. Harry who was as curious as the others to see what was in it found the decency to open the letter first. Luckily, he found out later.

Do not open the parcel at the table
It contains your new Nimbus Two Thousand,
but I don't want everyone knowing you've
got a broomstick or they'll want one.
Marcus Flint will meet you tonight on the
Quidditch pitch at seven o'clock for your
first training session.

Prof. M. McGonagall

Harry had difficulties hiding his enthusiasm when he handed the note to Kali and Diana.

"Now, we really should get this to the common room." Kali said gleefully. "Grab something to eat, boy. We are leaving."

Harry quickly grabbed a muffin before he followed the two elder girls out of the Grate Hall. They quickly went to the dungeons, almost shouting the password so they could get in. The girls and Harry started to unwrap the broom at quick rate so they could look at it.

"This really is a nice broom." Kali mumbled. "I only have a Comet Two Sixty." She sighed in defeat. Harry looked up at the girl and smiled shyly.

"Well, I have my first Quidditch training tonight at seven. Maybe Flint let you join us so you can try him out." Diana chuckled at that.

"Oh, don't worry. Flint will let her join. We all know he has a crush on her." She teased the blonde girl.

"Is that a Nimbus Two Thousand?" Blaise and Theo approached the boy and the two elder girls, looking in awe.

"Yes, it is," Diana said gleefully.

"So that's why you're not expelled." Theo mumbled. "They let you on the team."

"How?" Harry looked at the boy, confused at how he got to the knowledge of him being part of the team now.

"You're a first year, Potter." Blaise pointed out. "Why else would you need a broom for?"

"Ow..." He mumbled.

"Can't wait till Draco finds out this is all because of him." Theo chuckled, admiring the broom a bit more.

"What?" Diana asked surprised. "How has this to do anything with the Malfoy kid?"

"If he hadn't taken that remembral from Longbottom Harry wouldn't have gone all Gryffindor and McGonagall never would have caught him flying." Theo chuckled amused. Harry couldn't help himself from smiling. Theo had a point; he really should thank Malfoy for this! And the fact it would kill him was a win, win.

"Oh yeah, I heard something about you flying when Madam Hooch had forbidden it." Kali said, was that proud he heard. "But that you went all Gryffindor I didn't know. Hope you're not making a habit out of that." She said, giving him a fixing look. The boy didn't dare to meet her eyes, thinking back at his latest midnight stroll.