Quidditch Training

"Someone sent Potter a Flying Broomstick, Professor," Malfoy blurted out.

"Yes, yes, that's right." Professor Flitwick smiled at Harry. "Professor McGonagall explained the special circumstances to me, Potter. What model is it?"

"A Nimbus 2000, sir," Harry said. Seeing the horrified expression on Malfoy's face, he fought hard not to laugh. "I have Malfoy here to thank for getting it," he added.

Allen could not help but laugh. Malfoy's expression was truly splendid at that moment, utterly incredulous.

"Allen, come to the Quidditch Pitch after classes this afternoon. Roger Davies will be waiting for you there," Professor Flitwick said kindly, beaming.

"Yes, Professor." Allen bowed farewell to Professor Flitwick, then spotted Harry and Ron vigorously waving to him from behind a pillar ahead.

Allen quickly caught up with them. As they walked, Ron said with satisfaction, "Look at Malfoy's face. He never expected we'd turn disaster into a blessing. Allen, Harry got a Nimbus 2000 and became an official member of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. That's so cool."

"That's great. I have good news for you too. Thanks to Harry, I've become a member of the Ravenclaw Quidditch Team as well. Maybe we'll get to face each other someday." Allen was delighted too.

"It wasn't thanks to me. If Malfoy hadn't thrown away Neville's Remembrall, I wouldn't have made the team either," Harry said with a laugh.

"So you think this is a reward for breaking school rules?" an angry voice came from behind them. Hermione stomped up the stairs, glaring displeasedly at the package in Harry's hands.

"I thought you weren't talking to us," Harry said.

"Yes, so don't start now," Ron said. "It makes us feel much better." Hermione strode away, her nose held high.

"She's so unreasonable. Where does she get that sense of superiority?" Harry scratched his head in confusion.

"Probably from being called a Know-it-all. Oh, Allen, I wasn't talking about you." Ron looked apologetically at Allen.

Allen had no intention of holding a grudge against an angry boy. He simply smiled and shook his head.

Throughout the afternoon's classes, Allen remained as composed as ever, listening patiently and taking notes. Though he was looking forward to Quidditch training after class, he understood the importance of focusing on the present. He was like a sapling transplanted into unfamiliar soil, desperately putting down roots and absorbing nutrients and water, striving to grow into a towering tree as soon as possible, able to withstand the wind and rain beyond.

When he concentrated, time slipped away before he knew it. After class, Allen broke from habit. He quickly packed his bag and, rather than going to the library, headed straight for the Quidditch Pitch.

Roger Davies was already waiting for Allen at the pitch. His long torso and powerful limbs all proclaimed him an outstanding athlete. Gentle sunlight filtered through the green branches and leaves, painting large and small soft patches of light across the ground. In such a scene, Roger seemed especially charming, and Allen actually felt a little jealous.

"Hey, Allen, over here." Roger waved at him in the sunlight.

Allen took two steps at a time and quickened his pace. Roger clearly seemed a little anxious.

Roger bent down and opened a large wooden crate at his feet. Inside were all sorts of equipment needed for Quidditch matches. He introduced the Quaffle, Bludgers, and other gear to Allen one by one.

"Allen, do you know the rules of Quidditch?" Roger asked.

"Of course, I know a little about them." Seeing Roger's skeptical look, Allen paused. "The red ball is the Quaffle. The Chasers pass the Quaffle among themselves and try to send it through the opposing hoops for ten points each time. The Keeper is responsible for guarding their team's hoops..."

Allen was being far too modest when he said he knew a little. Ever since obtaining Neptune, he had thoroughly learned everything there was to know about Quidditch. His smooth, detailed explanation took Roger's expression from shock to disbelief, then to wild delight.

"This is fantastic! As expected of Ravenclaw's Score Controller. I couldn't explain it any more thoroughly or clearly than you did. Now let me test your strength." As he spoke, Roger tossed Allen a short wooden stick, somewhat like a baseball bat.

Then he released a glossy black Bludger that had been struggling furiously inside the crate. The instant it gained its freedom, it shot straight at Allen's face. Allen swung his arm backhandedly, batting the Bludger high and far through the tall iron hoop above the pitch.

"Heh, what did I just see? You sent the Bludger through the hoop—so fast and... oh..." Before Roger could finish, the fierce Bludger came hurtling down at him from above. Roger desperately caught it in his arms and shoved it back into the crate, where it wriggled unwillingly.

"Looks like you're perfectly suited to be a Chaser, Allen!" Roger shouted excitedly.

Next, they let Allen try the roles of Chaser, Keeper, and Seeker in turn. Allen handled every one of them successfully. His excellent reflexes, agile movements, and keen powers of observation left Roger clicking his tongue in amazement and brimming with excitement. "Allen, you're practically an all-rounder. I think we have a real chance at the Quidditch Cup this year."

"So what position can I play?" Allen was excited too. He greatly enjoyed the feeling of controlling the entire field and flying into the wind.

"I think you can start as a Chaser. We desperately need a strong player when it comes to scoring. As for Seeker..." Roger was clearly hesitating, weighing which position would make the best use of Allen.

"We recruited a very talented Seeker this year. She's very—er—cute. Let her have a try first." Roger looked dazed, and Allen felt that the newly recruited Seeker must be a very beautiful, unforgettable girl.

Allen was even busier now. Besides keeping up with his increasingly heavy coursework, he had to study Alchemy and Basic Body Refining Technique. He still spent long hours in the library outside class, while also dealing with Quidditch training three times a week.

He finally learned who the Seeker was: a second-year Asian girl, Cho Chang.