Seeing that the two young wizards were getting along well, Professor McGonagall nodded. After some thought, she said:
"I'll speak with Professor Dumbledore and see whether we can make an exception for a first-year student. We need a Quidditch team even better than last year's.
"We were utterly trounced by the Slytherin team in the last match. I didn't dare face Snape for weeks..."
Professor McGonagall looked at Harry with eyes full of expectation and said firmly:
"Harry, your talent for flying is obvious to everyone. You are Gryffindor's hope. I'll buy you a Nimbus 2000, and I hope you'll use it to defeat Slytherin!"
Harry nodded seriously. "Don't worry, Professor. I won't let you down. I'll definitely defeat Slytherin!"
At the same time, Harry thought, With Professor McGonagall's favorability toward me now, I should be able to ask her for permission to enter the Restricted Section after next class, right?
By dinner, most of the young wizards had learned that Harry had been exceptionally admitted to the Quidditch team.
Ron was about to put a piece of steak-and-kidney pie into his mouth, but halfway there, he forgot all about it and looked at Harry with envy.
"Seeker? Merlin's underpants, you must be the youngest House team player in years!"
"In a century!" Hermione corrected Ron proudly, pressing close to Harry as though she were the one who had received such an honor.
Many young wizards were watching what was happening here, whispering among themselves. Without a doubt, they were all talking about the Savior's name.
Ever since Harry had entered Hogwarts, he had always been a frequent topic in the young wizards' private conversations—from his identity as the Savior, to becoming the youngest Potions Master, and now the youngest member of a House team.
At first, they might have