Chapter 745: The Firebolt
Chapter 745: The Firebolt
As long as Professor McGonagall writes a letter to the Quality Quidditch Supplies shop, explaining the situation, I believe they wouldn't deliberately conceal any information.
If the Firebolt was indeed Sirius Black's Christmas gift to Potter, he wouldn't be able to walk into the shop boldly and would have to order it through mail.
Usually, as long as the Firebolt hasn't been handled by others and is sent directly from Quality Quidditch Supplies to Potter, then there shouldn't be any other issues with the broom.
Hermione quickened her pace towards Professor McGonagall's office on the second floor of the castle as she recalled Albert's suggestion.
"Is there something, Miss Granger?"
Professor McGonagall opened the door, looking somewhat surprised to see Hermione standing there.
"It's like this..."
Hermione quickly relayed Albert's suggestion to Professor McGonagall.
"You make a good point. I'll make a trip to Quality Quidditch Supplies in the coming days. If it's as you say, then we can avoid a lot of trouble." Professor McGonagall agreed with Hermione's proposal. For such an expensive purchase as the Firebolt, the shop would definitely have relevant records.
Wood had also visited not long ago.
Professor McGonagall could understand everyone's longing for the Firebolt, their desire for it to bring victory to Gryffindor House, but she couldn't risk Potter's safety.
After her opinion was acknowledged by Professor McGonagall, Hermione felt her heartbeat quicken and her mood lifted.
After bidding farewell to Professor McGonagall, Hermione turned and left.
The castle corridors were long and chilly.
As Hermione strolled through the corridors, she thought about Albert's comfort earlier and couldn't help but sigh softly.
She was well aware of Harry and Ron's personalities and had never expected them to become as gentle and dependable as Albert. However, sometimes she wished the two of them could be more mature and steady, even though it was almost wishful thinking.
To be honest, compared to Harry and Ron, Albert gave her the feeling of a confidant.
Hermione suddenly understood a little why Ginny had been bewitched by Tom Riddle's diary. It felt so nice to have a gentle, reliable, and considerate confidant.
She also somewhat understood why so many girls in school were infatuated with him.
She was luckier than Ginny in some ways.
It didn't take Professor McGonagall long to verify Hermione's speculation.
A few days later, Professor McGonagall appeared in the Gryffindor common room, immediately attracting everyone's attention, or rather, the object she held in her hand drew their attention.
People quickly gathered around, asking about the Firebolt.
"Where's Potter? Has anyone seen him?" Professor McGonagall asked, pushing through the crowd.
Everyone looked around, trying to locate Harry Potter in the common room.
"Harry's not here. Professor Lupin mentioned teaching him how to ward off Dementors," Ron spoke up, his eyes fixed on the Firebolt. He couldn't help but ask, "Professor, is the Firebolt alright now?"
"Yes, there are no curses on the broom," Professor McGonagall nodded. She was just about to ask Ron to pass the Firebolt to Harry, but then she felt it might not be a good idea. Her gaze shifted to Albert, who was sitting nearby, and she waved him over. "Mr. Anderson, could you please give this to Potter, and make sure they don't damage their brooms."
Albert was a little dazed. He didn't understand why Professor McGonagall was giving him the Firebolt. After all, Harry Potter's good friends, Ron and Hermione, were both present, and it would be more appropriate to give it to either of them.
After Professor McGonagall left, all the students gathered around, clearly eager to see Harry Potter's Firebolt.
"Albert, could you let us take a look at the Firebolt? You know, we're all very curious about it," Wood said, placing his hand on Albert's shoulder. "Before you give it to Harry, you can put it on the table for everyone to admire."
“Oh, of course! Just make some room, everyone!”
Albert withdrew his wand from his pocket and, with a gentle wave, conjured two stands upon which he placed the Firebolt. He then cast a protective barrier, similar to glass, around the broom, ensuring the display card faced outward.
"Feel free to admire it from here," Albert continued. "If you wish to touch it or perhaps experience what it feels like to ride the Firebolt, I suggest you wait for Potter to return and seek his permission. I'm sure he won't refuse." With that, Albert made his way back to his chair by the fireplace and resumed petting his cat.
A chorus of groans filled the common room as students lamented Albert's interference.
"Thanks to your suggestion, Professor McGonagall returned the Firebolt to Harry much faster than expected," Hermione said, sitting beside Albert with Crookshanks in her lap, her eyes on the enthralled crowd.
"I'm sure Professor McGonagall will give it back to Harry before the Gryffindor match. She used to play Quidditch herself, and I know she's eager to see our house win," Albert said, offering a packet of cat treats to Tom. He tore open the packaging and held out one treat to Crookshanks, gently shaking it to capture the cat's attention.
To his surprise, Tom ignored the treat, his eyes fixed on Crookshanks, a warning sound emanating from his throat.
"Now, now, don't be petty. You'll only make yourself disliked," Albert chided, scratching Tom's head to calm him down.
Crookshanks, transfixed by Tom, glanced at the treat before opening his mouth to take it. He then scampered to Hermione's feet to devour it.
"It seems Crookshanks has taken a liking to these treats. Maybe I should buy some for him, so he stops bothering Ron's rat all the time," Hermione mused, stroking Crookshanks' fur.
Crookshanks' obsession with Scabbers was a constant source of distress for Hermione, straining her relationship with Ron.
"It's not about the food," Ron interjected, irritated. "Your cat has it out for Scabbers. He wants to kill him! You should keep him in a cage like Albert does with his cat, not let him roam freely around the castle."
"And that Firebolt is perfectly fine, by the way," Ron added angrily before storming off.
"Well, that's good, isn't it? At least Harry can use it safely now," Albert remarked.
Hermione looked a bit glum.
"Young people these days, so stubborn and unwilling to concede," Albert commented, lightening the tense atmosphere.
"You're acting like you're so old," Hermione teased, a smile playing on her lips. "Have you ever fought with your girlfriend?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"No," Albert replied calmly, setting Tom down on the table as he watched the two cats interact. "Occasional arguments aren't a big deal, but we understand each other's needs, so it never escalates into a full-blown fight."
Hermione felt a twinge of embarrassment, realizing she'd overstepped a boundary. Quickly changing the subject, she asked, "What if Harry can't master the Patronus Charm in time?"
"You should have more faith in Potter. He's the Boy Who Lived, and I'm sure he'll figure it out," Albert reassured with a smile.
"I don't think Harry likes being reminded of that," Hermione murmured. "I've been practicing the charm as well, but it's more difficult than I expected. I can't imagine how Harry will master it in such a short time."
"There's really no need to worry," Albert said, bending down to pick up Tom. "Dumbledore won't let a repeat of the last incident, so even if Harry doesn't master the charm immediately, there's no need to fear another Dementor attack during the Quidditch match." He continued, "For Potter, learning the charm is more about protecting himself from the Dementors' influence than preventing their appearance during the game."
(End of Chapter)
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