After enjoying a glass of butterbeer, Padma's complexion improved considerably. Padma Patil, of Indian descent, had a healthy wheatish complexion, which looked even more charming with a slightly flushed face. Given some time, she could easily compete for the position of Ravenclaw's prettiest girl.
It's worth noting that her twin sister was Harry Potter's fourth-year Yule Ball date! Harry had a thing for beauty, and initially, he liked Autumn Zhang, the prettiest girl in Ravenclaw. Later, his girlfriend and eventual wife was even more of a campus beauty. If Hermione hadn't revealed her own beauty until the fourth book, Ron wouldn't have had a chance!
However, no matter how high the beauty, it couldn't hide the shock on her face. Padma was clearly terrified, but a warm glass of butterbeer was the perfect drink to relieve her stress. As the warm sensation flowed through her limbs, it carried away her inner anxiety, allowing her to calm down. She thought to herself that she probably wouldn't be punished, especially since Professor Flitwick didn't seem angry.
Professor Flitwick didn't immediately address them but instead wrote a short sentence on a piece of parchment. His delicate fingers swiftly folded the parchment into a paper crane, and with a tap of his wand on the crane's head, it came to life, flapping its wings and flying away.
"A simple combination of Transfiguration and Levitation, with a touch of the Impervius Charm," Professor Flitwick explained the principle of the small spell he had just used to Tom and Padma. "It's not particularly useful, but it's convenient for sending messages."
Tom's magical interface added a new skill: **Communication Crane (Level 0/100)**.
Tom was a bit surprised that he could gain a new skill through this method. Shortly after, the bell signaling the end of the class rang. Professor Flitwick let Padma leave the classroom since she had recovered. However, he asked Tom to stay behind in the office to wait for someone.
Tom had a rough idea of what Professor Flitwick had in mind.
It didn't take long for the answer to be revealed. A handsome young boy knocked on the door and entered. He had slightly curly black hair that fell just below his ears, and his hair was casually tousled behind his head. He had deep, captivating black eyes that left a lasting impression. The young boy's features were well-defined, almost as if a marble sculpture had come to life.
"Professor, what can I help you with?" he asked, looking puzzled.
"Tom, this is Alejandro Ritchie, the captain of Ravenclaw's Quidditch team. I've discovered a Quidditch talent for you," Professor Flitwick announced.
Alejandro Ritchie raised an eyebrow, a look of surprise on his face. "This is quite sudden, Professor."
"I can hardly believe it myself. This young man rushed to a height of thirty feet and saved a girl who had fallen off her broom. If I hadn't witnessed it with my own eyes, I would never have believed it. Have you ever watched a Quidditch match?"
"No, but I have a general understanding of the rules," Tom replied.
Alejandro Ritchie listened to their conversation and gradually went from confusion to surprise and then to excitement. He now seemed like a gamer who had just acquired top-tier equipment. Ravenclaw's Quidditch team was always short on players because the girls from their house preferred cheering from the sidelines rather than playing. This shortage of players had affected their performance and chances of winning the House Cup.
"If he's never played Quidditch before, he could still be a good fit for a Chaser or a Seeker, given his agility," Professor Flitwick suggested. "What do you think, Tom?"
Each Quidditch team had seven players: one Seeker, one Keeper, three Chasers, and two Beaters. Tom had a slender build, so Professor Flitwick's first thought was to make him a Seeker or Chaser.
Ritchie shook his head. "I'm afraid we can't have him as a Seeker this year. I've already discovered a talented Seeker among the second-year students, but Tom can try out as a Chaser. Who knows, he might even be better suited for it."
"I'll talk to Professor Dumbledore and see if we can make an exception for a first-year student to join the team. I don't foresee any problems. Yesterday, Miss Miller already discussed this with Professor Dumbledore. I hope Tom can join us. It's been far too long since Ravenclaw last held the House Cup."
Tom agreed to Ritchie's request, and they parted ways. Tom avoided questions from his classmates about why Professor Flitwick had summoned him to the office. When the clock neared 7:00 PM, he left the castle and headed to the Quidditch pitch, which was already shrouded in twilight.
[End of Chapter 34]