Researching Broomsticks

Chapter 27: A Broomstick Needs Research

"No time, I'm playing Civilization I."

Charles reread the letter delivered by the owl several times, confirming it was from the old man, then started scratching his head.

The letter mentioned three things.

First, the old man agreed to help with the Centaur matter. Work would begin once the funds were in place and Dumbledore had arranged the transportation.

The second matter left Charles baffled. The old man insisted he return to Privet Drive for Christmas to have a good talk with Petunia.

Charles was a little worried, afraid the old man would make him call Petunia "Grandma" and Dudley "Uncle" when he got back.

The third thing was rather magical. The old man had bought a computer a while ago and was now addicted to Civilization I, stating not to disturb him unless absolutely necessary.

A scene appeared in Charles's mind: BBC reporters broadcasting in front of number 3 Privet Drive, the grandfather and grandson inside starving to death due to their obsession with Civilization.

However, he was also somewhat relieved. Although Princess Maker was released in May this year, it didn't seem to be available in the UK yet. It would be terrible if the old man got addicted and wanted to play a real-life version.

At this moment, Charles couldn't help but wonder if he should create some simple games like "Match-3," "Zuma," or "Plants vs. Zombies."

A commotion nearby pulled his thoughts back.

Charles felt that Harry should bring two pounds of apples and a carton of milk to visit old Mrs. Longbottom on every holiday from now on. If she hadn't given Neville a Remembrall, Harry wouldn't have known when he'd get to play Quidditch.

Quidditch held no appeal for Charles; he was more interested in dogfights or equipping broomsticks with rocket launchers to strafe the ground.

As they left the Great Hall after lunch, Harry and the others were still nervous about the afternoon's flying lesson. Charles, however, asked the twins a question: "Do you know any spells or potions that can create explosions, very violent explosions?"

Fred asked him worriedly, "What do you want to do?"

If it was just for pranks, small explosions would be fine, but violent explosions were no laughing matter. The unidentified blue light and traces left outside the greenhouse yesterday had frightened many people.

George told him, "If you just want to get revenge or play a prank, we can help you figure something out. But for overly dangerous spells, I advise you to stay far away. These spells could land you in Azkaban."

Charles didn't want to reveal his dealings with the Centaurs. He only wanted to see if he could use large-scale destructive magic to strafe the ground when eliminating Acromantulas. Since the brothers were worried about him going astray, he decided to drop it. He could always use a gas tank, or industrial chlorine if the weather was good.

He didn't notice Professor Quirrell standing not far behind him.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, half an hour before class, Madam Hooch looked at the well-behaved and adorable Charles with a mixture of amusement and exasperation in front of the broomstick storage shed.

"Madam Hooch," Charles's smile was like the warm spring sun, "Let me help you carry out the broomsticks needed for class."

Seeing him like this, Madam Hooch indulged him.

On the way to the training grounds, Madam Hooch told him, "Professor McGonagall has already told me about your situation. Although it doesn't comply with school regulations, not many students are actually willing to abide by them."

Charles thought to himself that it was true. After Harry showed his talent later, Professor McGonagall would buy him a good broomstick herself.

Madam Hooch continued, "As long as you can skillfully master how to use a broomstick and can fly a satisfactory S-curve, and turn circles as skillfully as a B, I can tell McGonagall to give you the broomstick."

Charles understood. As long as he could fly like a piece of trash, he could use his own broomstick.

He thought of another question and asked Madam Hooch, "When do people usually play with broomsticks, besides during Quidditch matches?"

By then, Madam Hooch had led him to the lawn outside the castle, right by the Forbidden Forest, separated from the training ground by a stream.

"People play in the spring and summer of next semester," Madam Hooch told him as she had him place the broomstick on the ground. "It's too cold now, isn't it?"

Charles thought about it. Riding in the sky in such cold weather wouldn't be playing, but rather seeking suffering.

After arranging the broomsticks, Madam Hooch began to inspect them one by one.

Charles was also present, so she took the opportunity to explain the structure, principles, and common minor issues of broomsticks.

The structure of a broomstick was divided into two main parts: the handle and the twigs. When the broomstick flew, the handle provided lift in the longitudinal direction, and the twigs provided propulsion in the lateral direction.

In addition to the levitation charm on the handle, there was also a comfort charm for the seat. It looked like nothing was there, but in reality, invisible magical cushions separated the wooden handle from the rider's posterior, otherwise, it would be a case of "men holding back tears."

The twigs were a troublesome part because each twig provided propulsion. Making the forces of these twigs combine into a resultant force was a technical skill. Their resultant force had to be kept aligned with the center of the broomstick handle, otherwise, it would fly off course.

Madam Hooch knew simple related charms, but more advanced charms were mastered by the broomstick manufacturers. She could only perform routine maintenance.

Although the broomsticks at Hogwarts were old, some tilted to one side, and some vibrated severely, their safety was not an issue; they wouldn't just fall apart mid-flight.

After inspecting all the broomsticks, Madam Hooch noticed Charles looking thoughtful and asked him, "What are you thinking about?"

Charles naturally wouldn't say he was thinking about vector-propelled broomsticks. Controlling the tail of the broomstick would require charms similar to a Self-Inking Quill, and the control laws would have to be developed from scratch, so it wouldn't be feasible anytime soon.

However, other things could be done, such as using some of the items in the storeroom.

He asked Madam Hooch, "Excuse me, do the school still use those old handles and twigs in the storeroom?"

Madam Hooch seemed to see through his thoughts and asked with a smile, "Are you planning to make your own broomstick?"

Many students had this idea. Making their own broomstick was a very cool thing to do and seemed quite profitable.

However, most people were content with reaching the level of the school's old broomsticks. Students who created amazing works would be poached by manufacturers.

Hogwarts supported these students, as it reduced the number of self-important students who secretly created shoddy products that looked like they could fly but actually could.

So Madam Hooch told Charles, "If you want to make your own broomstick, I can give you a reading list. Once you have a sufficient understanding of broomsticks, I can help you prepare some materials."

"But you must remember, I must inspect and approve the broomstick before you can ride it into the sky."

Charles naturally agreed to this rule; he didn't want to fly out in a Qian Xuesen trajectory on his self-made broomstick.

However, what he wanted to make wasn't the current type of broomstick, but rather a "floating cannon."

But this matter would have to wait. There were many things to do next. Not to mention the "Zhonghua" and the second magic the old man left with the Centaurs, there were also many prerequisite technical points for broomsticks that needed to be addressed. He couldn't rush.

As for Voldemort and the Philosopher's Stone, that was Harry's business.