[Vote Stones Plz]
Padma had a feeling that as they reached the final step of the flying test, controlling her broomstick became much easier. It wasn't just her imagination; with a simple push from her feet, the broomstick effortlessly lifted off the ground. The entire process was incredibly smooth, and she contrasted sharply with her nervous classmates, almost resembling those top-tier first-team players.
She could feel the broomstick's affinity for her, as if it was delighted and excited that she could fly. The broomstick responded perfectly to her movements, allowing her to even adjust her sitting position.
As per Hogwarts' dress code, taking into account the weather, students typically wore black wizarding robes with gray sweaters, white shirts, and ties underneath. The distinction between male and female attire was below the waist. Boys usually wore whatever trousers they preferred, such as jeans, suit pants, or sports pants. Girls, on the other hand, needed to be more careful with their attire. They often wore gray pleated skirts, while female Gryffindor students wore plaid skirts. Paired with knee-length gray socks, this attire accentuated the graceful curve of their calves. The space left between the top of the socks and the bottom of the skirt was known as the "absolute territory," a secret weapon for teenage girls. This dressing style, along with a pair of black or brown leather shoes, created the most beautiful scenery on campus. Even if it was hazy or incomprehensible, girls would always pursue beauty – it was an innate quality.
However, such attire had significant drawbacks, especially when it came to riding a broomstick. Boys could simply straddle the broomstick with their legs, which was not an elegant move but got the job done. However, it was not suitable for girls. Another broomstick riding style was developed specifically for elegant ladies: side-saddle.
There were two main ways to ride a broomstick: straddling and side-saddle. Straddling was preferred for its stability, it allowed for a firm grip with both hands, reduced blind spots, and was the primary posture used in Quidditch. All Quidditch players, regardless of gender, used the straddling style.
Side-saddle was not connected to competitive Quidditch and was more about elegance and aesthetics. While comfortable, it was considerably less stable and the rider was more likely to fall off accidentally. However, it had the advantage of elegance and beauty. Riding a broomstick was entirely different from a hard and rigid wooden stick pressing against the crotch and across the buttocks. Of course, advanced broomsticks had invisible cushions for riders, but Hogwarts' antique broomsticks were far from having such user-friendly designs. For girls wearing skirts, it also helped prevent wardrobe malfunctions.
Side-saddle was a bit more challenging to master than straddling. Surprisingly, Padma became the first female student among the first years from both houses to master the straddling style.
Sitting on her broomstick like she was on a swing, with her skirt appropriately adjusted, Padma felt comfortable and at ease. She noticed the envious glances from her female classmates, especially Hermione, whose gaze was particularly intense. Hermione had been feeling anxious ever since the class started.
From the moment they shouted "Up," Hermione had sensed that something was amiss. Her usually impeccable magical talent seemed to have deserted her this time. Potions, charms, transfiguration – she had succeeded in every subject, even tackling complex ones like transfiguration and Professor Snape's tricky class. However, when it came to flying, she was completely at a loss.
Desperation could make people do anything, except solve math problems. For Hermione, it was "Desperation could make her do anything, except fly."
So, as Hermione observed Padma's effortless performance, she couldn't help but show her admiration. She tugged at Moray MacDougall, who was standing nearby, and pointed to the sky where Padma was flying. She said, "Isn't her broomstick acting strange?"
Moray MacDougall squinted and hesitated for a moment. "It looks like... it is."
"Lady! Lady!" Hermione shouted, but the wind in her ears drowned out her voice.
[Quest Triggered: Save Padma Patil]
With both legs firmly gripping his broomstick, Tom received this quest notification. He smirked slightly, revealing a subtle smile. "System, you underestimate me."
Even without this quest, I would have saved her anyway!
Tom exerted force with his legs and pushed off the ground, shooting into the sky towards Padma.
Hermione witnessed it all, her eyes widening in shock. She yelled, "Come back! Tom, come back!"
But her voice was carried away by the wind in Tom's ears.
(End of this chapter)