Compartment 451

Part 12

"I think I'm going to tryout for the quidditch team," Elijah says optimistically while kicking his feet up on the coffee table from his position on one of the Ravenclaw common room couches.

With the school year finally starting to settle in, Zayn's decided that it fits both of their schedules best if they dedicate Monday nights to a regular chill out session. He knows it's not expected of him, with what Thomas had told him at least, but he actually likes Elijah, and he figures that it's probably for the best if they check in at least once a week to make sure the younger wizard's doing alright and just to strengthen their bond altogether.

"Flying lessons are going well then I take it?" Zayn gets settled in one of the comfy arm chairs nearby, robes and tie deserted in his room upstairs, leaving him in his white shirt and trousers.

"Better than I expected," Elijah replies, eyes roaming the room for no particular reason other than to take in his surroundings. "It's nice to be on the same level as everyone else with something."

"Spells are new to everyone else," Zayn points out, his own attention focused on rolling up his sleeves neatly to avoid wrinkling it too much that he couldn't get another wear out of it.

The first year fixates his stare on someone across the room practicing a levitation spell, but his mind stays in tune with their discussion. "Yeah, but they're just using them to learn how to do things they already know exist. I'm still finding out what sorts of things are possible."

"Good point," Zayn acknowledges while sitting back into his chair now that he's comfortable with his dress. "So what position are you going for?"

"Seeker." Now that they're getting into more specifics and Elijah's lost interest in the action on the opposite end of the dwelling, he turns to face Zayn. "From what I heard ours graduated last year, and as a first year I've got small size on my side to help stand out from the older people trying out."

"You've done your research," Zayn says with a keen look. "We lost a beater too, but I wouldn't recommend having to carry around a bat, being as new to flying as you are. Plus yeah, no offense," he rubs his jaw line out of habit, the small hairs scratching his fingertips, "but your frame's as skinny as mine, eleven or not, so don't think you'll be too good at hitting a bludger all that far."

Elijah chuckles at the notion of him hucking around a five kilo slab of wood for god knows how long. "You room with Teddy, right?" He asks rhetorically. "You think you could put in a good word?"

It's a brave ask, but Zayn can only admire the kid for having the guts to do so. "I'll tell him to keep an eye out for you, but you gotta prove your worth. My kind words can only get you so far."

"Any help is better than none," Elijah shrugs, stuck in thought at the string of scenarios that are appearing in his head if things were to turn out in his favour. "Then I'll have to figure out a way to get a broom if I do make it. Can't exactly ask my parents to ship me one from Argos, now can I?"

The older wizard's eyes crease from his laughter at the image, "'fraid not." Shifting in his seat, Zayn purses his lips. "Tell you what though, when are tryouts?"

"Friday." The male informs him, engrossed in what the pending offer might be.

"If you make it, I can get you a broom when we go to Hogsmeade next Saturday." Zayn feels the excitement transfer from Elijah onto himself when the boy hears what he's willing to do for him. "You can have your parents send you the money and I'll make sure to get you a good one. Liam can help me pick it out."

"Seriously? That'd be great, thanks." Elijah's buzzing now, Zayn not having it in him to warn the other not to get his hopes up since it's pretty rare for first years to make the house team. It wasn't a problem for Liam, but considering where he's at now with the game, the Gryffindor was a bit of an exception.