Unexpected Quidditch Selections

With the conclusion of the Friday morning Potions class, Breeze and Hermione took advantage of the lunch hour to finish their Potions essay before heading downstairs to eat.

That afternoon, in the Great Hall of Hogwarts, many young wizards were gathered around the tables discussing the Quidditch tryouts on Saturday. However, since only second-years were eligible to participate, the first-years could only sigh in envy.

"Rules like these are clearly meant for the mediocre," Malfoy remarked, stabbing at the steak on his plate with his knife, his tone filled with dissatisfaction. "Hogwarts should really consider flying geniuses like us..."

Pansy offered comfort, saying, "Draco, you will definitely be able to join the Quidditch house team next year."

Breeze ate his apple pie, completely indifferent to such matters. He needed to earn points in Astronomy class later, which was a difficult task as Professor Aurora Sinistra was not particularly keen on awarding them.

Before long, Breeze had finished his meal. Just as he was preparing to leave for the greenhouse, he saw Headmaster Dumbledore approach the teachers' table, accompanied by a visibly excited McGonagall and a displeased-looking Snape.

Dumbledore coughed twice and then said, "Quiet, everyone. We need to make an announcement regarding tomorrow's Quidditch tryouts..."

Sure enough, as soon as the young wizards heard Dumbledore's words, they quickly quieted down, their eyes fixed intently on him. Malfoy, as if sensing something, stared at Dumbledore as well, waiting for him to say exactly what he wanted to hear.

"Oh, of course, of course, I won't keep you in suspense," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling. "We have decided to change some of the rules for this year's Quidditch tryouts. So many young wizards possess such great talent that they only need a little more practice to be a real asset to their houses."

"Therefore, I have decided to allow first-year students to participate in the tryouts as well. Regardless of your house, anyone who volunteers may join, though do be sure to know your own limits..."

"Oh!"

"That's amazing, I'm definitely going to participate!"

"This is a reform! My mother will be so proud of me, I witnessed it..."

"Are these first-years really allowed?"

Dumbledore's words left many first-years pleasantly surprised, while the older students felt a sense of skepticism. However, no one spoke up, as admission still required the approval of the house team captains and the Heads of House.

"Hmph, I'll definitely pass!" Malfoy raised his eyebrows in delight, though he suddenly glared toward the Gryffindor table. Ron had already jumped up and was dancing around, pulling Harry along; it seemed Harry intended to participate as well.

Malfoy had to admit that Harry Potter had a talent for flying, and so did that Muggle-born girl, Hermione Granger.

"You will definitely make the team, Draco. It must be because your flying that day impressed everyone, which is why they're letting first-years try out now..."

"Hmph, of course. Malfoy is the best. Once we win the Quidditch Cup, we'll earn one hundred and fifty house points..."

One hundred and fifty points!

Someone's eyes lit up, seemingly calculating the effort versus the reward.

Gradually, his expression returned to calm.

"A waste of time. One hundred and fifty points—it's simply not enough."

Breeze ignored the noisy hall and walked straight out. He intended to find Professor Sprout to ask about the Four-Leaf Vine; the temperature would be dropping in a few days, and he had no desire to live through the cold wind.

In the greenhouse, Sprout was watering the Devil's Snare and several other plants. She only ate after finishing these tasks, otherwise, she would miss the proper time for their care.

"Professor."

"Oh, it's Mr. Order. Please, come in."

Breeze hadn't visited the greenhouse often these past few days due to other matters, but he didn't feel out of practice and quickly helped Professor Sprout finish tending to the plants.

"What is it you need this time? I hope it's not another one of your peculiar questions."

Breeze scratched his head and chuckled, "It's about the Four-Leaf Vine. I was wondering if you have any here, Professor?"

Sprout pondered for a moment and said, "That is a plant you aren't scheduled to study for a few years yet. They are kept in Greenhouse Two. They aren't dangerous, so I can give you some."

"However, they are still very young. They will need a year or two to grow, so you must be patient."

With that, Professor Sprout led Breeze to Greenhouse Two, a place Breeze had never visited before.

"Greenhouse Two is for seedlings. It isn't used for classes because some of these plants are quite fragile at this stage."

"Here, this is the Four-Leaf Vine. They are very gentle. Even though they are related to the Devil's Snare, their temperaments are completely different."

Taking the Four-Leaf Vine, Breeze said sincerely to Professor Sprout, "Thank you, Professor. I will take good care of it."

Professor Sprout nodded and said, "I believe you will. If you ever want to raise plants, you can come to me anytime. I believe you have the talent to care for them, though I'm afraid I can't help you with anything dangerous or endangered."

"Of course, thank you for your trust. I am just a student, so being able to raise some simple, safe plants is already quite enough."

"It's good that you understand. Just make sure you don't take any risks," Professor Sprout warned.

Breeze smiled without saying a word. Sprout could only shrug and add, "I can't force you, but do be careful."

Patting Breeze's dark hair, Sprout left the greenhouse with him.

As the crowd dispersed from the Great Hall, Breeze avoided the others and returned to the corner tower, planting the Four-Leaf Vine next to the lush, green tree outside.

"Grow rapidly!"

Breeze waved his wand, casting a special growth charm he had found in his notes. Under the enhancement of Breeze's powerful natural magic, the spell exerted even greater force, causing the Four-Leaf Vine to grow at an accelerated rate.

The vines spread along the tree until, guided by his magic, they fanned out around the windows of the corner tower, creating a transparent barrier that insulated the rooms from the outside temperature and prying eyes.

"This magic should hold for a few months."

Breeze entered the tower and, upon reaching the second floor, saw Faner clawing at the leaves by the window. Breeze set down his essay and Potions textbook, then picked up the telescope and books he had prepared for his Astronomy class.

"Faner, stop teasing the Four-Leaf Vine with sparks."

"I know, I know. Just go to your class," Faner replied, sounding less than sincere.

Breeze sighed helplessly, hoping the little creature would be obedient. Otherwise, given the Four-Leaf Vine's fear of fire, it would likely wither away from Faner's play.

During the night Astronomy class, Breeze observed the stars with great focus; sharing the class with Hufflepuff was peaceful, as the little snakes couldn't be bothered to pay the little badgers any mind.

Aurora Sinistra was quite generous, seemingly aware that Breeze was waiting for this moment.

"Now, can anyone tell me which star that is? It is in the textbook, though I haven't introduced it yet."

Breeze spoke without hesitation: "It is Sirius, the brightest star in the sky besides the sun."

"Oh, of course, ten points to Mr. Order."

Following the points award and the end of the lesson, Breeze returned to the turret.

The next day, Saturday, a beautiful day began with waking up naturally without anyone calling; Breeze rolled around in bed comfortably before slowly opening his eyes.

"Good morning... Faner?"

Faner, with his snake body wrapped in a paper-folded servant's skirt and a paper-folded servant's cap on his head, emerged from the washroom. Seeing Breeze wake up, he said, "I was cleaning. Since you're up, I can help you tidy the bed. I've already arranged the books outside... It's a pity I can't cook here, and I don't know how..."

Breeze stared, hesitating, before finally asking in a conflicted tone, "Are you male or female?"

"I was male before I was turned into a bronze snake. Why do you ask?"

Faner looked at his own body and added, "I don't have a gender now."

"It's nothing. I'll get up first. Do you want some lamp oil?"

"Oh, that won't be necessary. Go wash up."

Breeze washed up with a blank expression. When he came out, the bed had already been tidied, and the clothes he was to wear today had been laid out by the bedside by Faner.

Breeze looked at Faner, who was cleaning with great excitement, and quickly said, "I think I know what to get you for Christmas this year."

Faner looked up at Breeze, feeling quite awkward; he had never received a gift before.

"A House-elf Kit, containing all the tools a house-elf needs, plus a set of fancy little dresses?"

Faner's face turned beet red, and he huffed as he burned the paper clothes off his body. If it weren't for the contract stimulating him, he wouldn't have squeezed out lamp oil to curry favor with Breeze!

Seeing that Faner didn't speak, Breeze stopped joking.

After getting everything ready, Breeze prepared to go down for a meal. His task for today was to compile his personal insights on The Secrets of Transfiguration, which Professor McGonagall had allowed him to borrow, and then return the book.

Carrying the book and his newly purchased notebook, Breeze walked downstairs, but as he passed the Ravenclaw common room, he heard Cho Chang speaking.

Cho: "I hope I'm lucky enough to join the house team today!"

Cho's friend: "You can do it, Cho. You've already gained the approval of the team."

Cho: "But first-years are participating this year too. I'm trying out for Seeker; it's the most popular position and the only vacancy on our team. If there's a student better than me, I'll only be able to compete for a substitute spot."

Cho's friend: "Believe in yourself. Let's head down!"

So today was the Quidditch tryouts. Breeze had absolutely no interest in watching; he had things to do today. Wasn't researching magic more interesting than Quidditch?

Arriving at the library, Breeze quickly found a spot and began filling in his insights on Transfiguration in his notebook, when suddenly...

"Found you! Come with me, quickly!"

Hermione walked into the library, looking excited, and grabbed Breeze, pulling him out of the library without a word.

Because of Madam Pince's gaze, Breeze didn't dare ask Hermione anything while in the library.

"What's wrong?"

On the way, Breeze asked Hermione while clutching his stack of books, "What's gotten into you today? You look so happy."

Hermione was holding a copy of The History of Quidditch. Hearing Breeze's question, she looked up and said excitedly, "I'm going to participate in the tryouts! I've fully grasped the rules of Quidditch; it's simply too cool. I'm going to be a Beater!"

A Beater?

Breeze looked at Hermione in disbelief, as if confirming whether she was serious.

Thanks to the book friends for the recommendation tickets and the tips.

Love you all (holding back), thank you.