On the other side of the Quidditch pitch lawn was the Forbidden Forest.
Ever since following Harry to Hagrid's hut and seeing his collection, Sherlock had been filled with interest in the Forbidden Forest.
Of course, he was equally interested in other parts of Hogwarts.
Like the corridor on the right side of the fourth floor.
During the opening ceremony, Dumbledore had specifically mentioned that those wanting to encounter accidents and die painfully should go there.
Because of this, it and the Forbidden Forest were both areas that Sherlock felt he must explore.
Especially today, with the wind being somewhat boisterous and the dark trees swaying in the wind, they radiated infinite attraction in Sherlock's eyes.
So, the minor disputes between the little lions and little snakes seemed utterly uninteresting to him.
Just as the visual confrontation between both sides was becoming increasingly intense, the person responsible for teaching them flying arrived fashionably late.
Flying instructor Madam Rolanda Hooch had short gray hair reaching her ears and yellow eyes like an eagle's.
With just one glance, Sherlock had already determined what kind of person this was—decisive and efficient, true to her word, equally strict with herself and others.
Sure enough, Madam Hooch had barely appeared and, without even an opening statement, directly entered teaching mode.
"Well, what are you all waiting for?
Everyone stands next to a broomstick!
Quick, quick, hurry up!"
Under Madam Hooch's urging, all the young wizards quickly got into position.
She then began teaching flying skills straightforwardly.
Clearly, this teacher intended for them to master theory through practice.
Sherlock was happy to accept this teaching method—it was exactly what he preferred.
However, the results were less than ideal.
Surveying the entire field, Sherlock found that for just this introductory operation, only a few people from both houses could complete it.
This included Harry and Malfoy.
The action seemed simple: extend your right hand, stand on the broomstick's right side, and shout loudly: "Up!"
However,...
Neville's broomstick didn't move at all.
Ron's did move, but rather violently—it jumped up and hit him in the nose.
These were two extremes.
Most people's broomsticks either rolled on the ground or gave a couple of shakes.
A coy, reluctant appearance.
This included Sherlock and Hermione.
When Sherlock looked toward Hermione, she was also looking at him.
Sherlock didn't mind, but Hermione felt somewhat embarrassed.
A month into school, Hermione had successfully established her position as the top student among the first years.
Originally, Sherlock had been a strong competitor.
However, after only knowing the common knowledge that Earth revolves around the Sun in Astronomy class and missing Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, in Hermione's view, Sherlock had essentially forfeited.
She never expected to encounter setbacks in flying class.
And to be seen by Sherlock.
Fortunately, Sherlock quickly looked away.
At this point, Hermione also noticed the broomstick gripped tightly in Harry's hand.
This made her somewhat disappointed.
Disappointment aside, thinking that he was, after all, the savior of the wizarding world, someone who had defeated Voldemort as a baby, being able to do this was still acceptable.
Instead, when she discovered that Sherlock's broomstick was also just slightly shaking like hers, she couldn't help showing a satisfied smile.
It seems that studious people like us aren't good at sports...
However, the next moment, she was stunned.
Because as Sherlock spoke again, the broomstick landed steadily in his hands.
"Up!"
Unconvinced, Hermione spoke again as well.
This time the broomstick simply didn't move at all, giving her no face whatsoever.
"Up!"
Hermione raised her volume, as if trying to make the broomstick feel fear.
Unfortunately, it was useless. The broomstick wasn't afraid.
Hermione: （＃￣～￣＃）
There were many people like Hermione.
Whether raising the volume or changing position, the broomsticks refused to cooperate.
For such situations, Madam Hooch, with years of teaching experience, was used to it.
Her rich teaching experience came in handy now.
She went to each student to demonstrate personally, and with her instruction and example, half an hour later all the young wizards had finally mastered the trick of making broomsticks obedient.
Next, Hooch began demonstrating how to mount a broomstick, how to prevent sliding off, and the correct grip method.
At this point, Hermione performed excellently and received Hooch's encouragement.
In contrast was the self-proclaimed skilled Malfoy.
Seeing Malfoy constantly being criticized for doing things wrong, Harry and Ron showed their happiness on their faces.
"And he said he was so good," Ron said disdainfully. "I knew he was bragging."
Harry nodded repeatedly.
But Sherlock shook his head: "No, he should indeed fly quite well."
"Huh?"
"Why?"
Ron expressed doubt, while Harry skipped that part and directly asked for reasons.
After knowing Sherlock for a month, he had developed a strong feeling that whenever Sherlock started reasoning, he would be convinced.
"It's simple. Some people who already know how to drive perform worse when taking their driving test than those who have never touched a car."
Sherlock looked at the indignant Malfoy and explained calmly to the two:
"Years of experience have already made them form their own set of operating habits—though not necessarily the standard answer, it's what suits them best.
Such people actually perform worse than complete beginners in qualification exams.
As I understand it, even some professional drivers might fail basic subject tests and have to retake them repeatedly."
Harry and Ron: （゜ー゜）
Though they didn't understand what he was talking about, it sounded impressive.
Finally, the preliminaries ended, and it was time to take off.
"Now, when I blow my whistle, kick off hard from the ground—remember, kick hard."
Hooch's gaze swept across the field as she spoke word by word: "Hold your broomstick steady, rise a few feet, then lean forward slightly and drop straight back down."
For the first test flight, the altitude naturally had to be within controllable range.
At this moment, everyone was very nervous.
Some students were using excessive force, their knuckles turning slightly white as they gripped their broomsticks.
Sherlock sighed. This was purely wasting energy.
If they were going to battle, one detail might already determine victory or defeat.
Just then, his gaze swept over and his heart stirred.
He moved a few steps toward the right rear, inconspicuously positioning himself in front of a classmate.
Since everyone's attention was on their own broomsticks, no one noticed his movement.
"Listen for my whistle! Three—two—"
However, before Hooch could finish counting, an accident occurred.
You can read more chapters on:
patreon.com/MikeyMuse