"But, Madam Hooch said..." Harry hesitated.
Originally, Hermione should have discouraged Harry, but he insisted on going.
Now that Hermione urged him to be brave, Harry found himself calming down.
He wasn't an exceptional student like Hermione, who might easily be forgiven for breaking some rules.
What if he really got expelled?
After experiencing the joy of the magical world, he couldn't bear the thought of returning to his aunt's house and reliving that miserable life.
On the other side, Malfoy saw Harry's hesitation and taunted him, "Haha, I knew you wouldn't dare! Looks like Longbottom will have to find his Remembrall on his own!"
Seeing Malfoy's smug expression, Hermione felt an urge to teach the brat a lesson.
At that moment, she was glad she wasn't sorted into Slytherin. Otherwise, she'd witness such antics daily, and it wouldn't be enough to beat them up eight times a day.
Hermione snapped, "Go on, what's there to be afraid of? It's just expulsion! You defeated the Dark Lord, and you can't handle a mere Malfoy? Don't say you know me if you can't stand up. Don't lose face."
Hermione continued to fan the flames.
After all, he was still a kid. Spurred by Hermione and the expectant looks around him, Harry steeled himself and mounted his broom.
In his eyes, Malfoy's figure merged with his bullying cousin Dudley. Fueled by anger, he kicked off and soared into the air.
"Harry, you survived the Dark Lord! Don't lose face!" Hermione shouted.
"Yes, be bold, good job!" the Gryffindors echoed.
Seeing Harry pursue him, Malfoy turned and flew away.
Harry's talent for riding a broom was remarkable, and he quickly caught up with Malfoy.
Seeing this, Malfoy wasn't flustered but instead wore a sly grin.
He hurled the Remembrall toward Professor McGonagall's office!
Without thinking, Harry sped past Malfoy, chasing the Remembrall.
Finally, in front of Professor McGonagall's window, he caught the Remembrall and performed a daring gymnastics-like maneuver to stop.
What on earth?!
Professor McGonagall looked up, stunned.
Seeing this, Malfoy didn't panic but discreetly landed.
Yes, this scene was part of Malfoy's plan.
After hearing Madam Hooch's warning about "expulsion," he devised a scheme to get Harry, who had embarrassed him, expelled from school.
He provoked Harry, led him on a chase, and ensured the professors saw him flying.
This way, even if Harry wasn't expelled, he'd face severe punishment.
As for Malfoy, his father was a Hogwarts governor, making expulsion unlikely; at most, he'd get a scolding.
Unfortunately, the plan overlooked two key points.
First was Dumbledore's stance. Under Dumbledore's protection, Harry wouldn't be expelled for this.
Second, Harry's exceptional broom-flying and catching skills led Professor McGonagall to see him as a Quidditch prodigy.
Sure enough, Professor McGonagall arrived on the lawn, her expression stern.
"Harry Potter!"
Hearing the familiar voice, Harry's excitement instantly evaporated.
It's over!
Professor McGonagall, with a stern face, said, "Mr. Potter, come with me."
Malfoy smirked with satisfaction.
This time, Harry's really going to be expelled... Harry thought, terrified and saddened. What would he do next? He couldn't go back to Aunt Petunia's house. Would he end up relying on Hagrid...
Seeing Hermione, who looked uninvolved, whistling and gazing at the sky, all his emotions boiled down to one thought:
Hermione set me up!
Noticing Harry's look, Professor McGonagall glanced at Hermione and added, "I almost forgot about you, Miss Granger, you too."
Hermione: ???
What?
Hermione was momentarily stunned.
She knew McGonagall saw Harry's Quidditch potential and planned to recommend him to the team, but why include her?
Could it be for encouraging a good talent and stirring up trouble?
Though puzzled, Hermione wasn't worried and followed Professor McGonagall.
The three soon arrived outside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
Feeling Harry's resentful gaze, Hermione whispered, "They won't expel you. Look how scared you are, you coward."
Harry realized that if they intended to expel him, they'd go to Headmaster Dumbledore, not the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
This reassured him slightly, and he was curious about McGonagall's intentions.
Professor McGonagall leaned forward and addressed Professor Quirrell, "I'm sorry to interrupt, Professor Quirrell, but may I borrow Wood for a moment?"
Quirrell nodded weakly.
Hermione leaned forward, observing.
Goodness, Voldemort personally teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts—what a rare opportunity.
It's hilarious.
She regretted skipping this class and wished she'd attended more.
Soon, a handsome young man emerged.
"Potter, this is Oliver Wood," Professor McGonagall said excitedly. "Wood, I found a Seeker for you!"
Harry held his broom, bewildered.
Seeing Harry's confusion, Hermione nudged him. "You're on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Why don't you thank the cat... Professor McGonagall!"
That was close; she almost let it slip.
Harry's eyes widened in surprise.
Before he could speak, McGonagall continued, "I also found a Beater for you!"
She turned to Hermione.
"...?"
Hermione was taken aback.
No, are you serious?
What did I do to deserve this?
This time, she was genuinely puzzled.
Hermione knew that as she spent more time at Hogwarts, she'd trigger more changes.
But, but, honestly!
This scene felt a bit absurd; she was caught up in her own drama.
Did she display any special Quidditch talent?
Seeing Hermione's incredulous look, Professor McGonagall smiled and said,
"Mr. Potter has top-notch flying and eyesight talents, making him an ideal Seeker. Miss Granger, you have a kind heart but a sharp mind. You're skilled at using your strengths to find the enemy's weaknesses and strike at the heart, making you a perfect Beater."
Beaters, in essence, are protectors for their team and troublemakers for the opponents.
Hermione's face darkened.
Are you sure that's a compliment?
But, hmm... so that's how the teachers see me.
It seemed Slytherin had been dealt with so harshly that even the professors noticed.
"How about that, isn't it double the joy?"
Professor McGonagall rubbed her hands with glee, pleased to have found two promising talents.
Double the joy?
Wood's face fell, as if the world had collapsed.