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Chapter 4 - Lessons in broomstick flying

The autumn wind swept over Hogwarts, bringing with it the smells of fallen leaves and approaching winter. It was time for the freshmen to learn a new kind of magic: broomstick flying. Itachi, watching the students excitedly gather on the practice field, felt a slight twinge of skepticism. He, accustomed to precision and control in his movements, didn't see how he could rely on a piece of wood and a broomstick.

The lesson was led by Madame Hooch, a strict and experienced flight teacher. She explained the basic principles of broom control to the students, showing them how to get into the air properly and perform simple maneuvers. Itachi listened to her carefully, trying to memorize every detail. He realized that there was no room for error in this endeavor, and he was ready to apply all of his concentration and control to master this new skill.

When it came time to get on the brooms, Itachi, like most students, was a little hesitant. He, who was used to trusting only his feet, felt a strange sense of uncertainty sitting down on a piece of wood. But he quickly pulled himself together, remembering that control and concentration was the key to success. Itachi followed Madame Hooch's instructions, his movements precise and accurate. He smoothly lifted himself off the ground and the broom carried him obediently upwards.

Most of the students, including Draco Malfoy, were rising into the air with difficulty and clumsiness. Some of them fell to the ground after failing to control it, causing laughter and ridicule from the others. Itachi floated calmly in the air, controlling his broom with ease, his movements smooth and graceful, as if he was born to fly. Madame Hooch watched him with interest, noticing his extraordinary abilities.

Seeing Itachi's progress, Draco Malfoy, without hiding his envy, threw in:

"Look at him! His muggle dad must have taught him to fly his vacuum cleaners!"

Some of the Slytherins laughed, but Itachi didn't react to this provocation. He merely focused on flying, continuing his maneuvers as if he hadn't heard his words. Itachi realized that Draco was only trying to hurt him, and he wasn't going to let him.

Itachi continued to practice, his movements becoming more and more confident and faster. He began to master more complicated maneuvers, surprising Madame Hooch and the rest of the students with his abilities. He realized that with practice and perseverance, any skill could be mastered, and he was willing to work to become the best.

Theodore, while not as master of flight as Itachi, was also quite good at controlling a broomstick. He watched Itachi's movements carefully, trying to learn from him, and gradually improving his own skills. Itachi appreciated his diligence and his willingness to learn.

During training, when the students were practicing flying over obstacles, a small incident occurred. One of the Gryffindor students, Neville Longbottom, lost control of his broom and went flying down, miraculously not seriously injured. Madam Hooch rushed to his aid, and there was a small commotion in the air.

Itachi, watching what was happening, involuntarily remembered his past. He realized that in this world, as in the world of shinobi, one must not let one's guard down. He realized that even in magic class, one must be prepared for any surprises. Itachi knew that there were those in this world who were looking for an opportunity to do harm, and he had to be ready for their attack.

Madame Hooch rushed to Neville's aid, quickly going down to him and inspecting him to see if he was seriously injured. There was a small commotion in the air. Most of the students were confused, some, especially those from Gryffindor, looked frightened.

While Madam Hooch was examining Neville, she instructed the rest of the students not to move from their seats so as not to make the situation worse. Itachi, taking advantage of this moment, looked around carefully. He noticed that one of the Gryffindor students, Harry Potter, was watching carefully, his face showing concern, but also some hardness. Itachi, analyzing his reaction, realized that there might be more to this boy than he had previously assumed. His gaze lingered on Harry for a moment before returning to the bigger picture of what was happening.

After Madam Hooch made sure that Neville was not seriously injured, she returned to the rest of the students, reprimanding them sternly. She reminded them of the importance of concentration and following safety procedures. She then asked each of them to take another flight to make sure everyone had learned their lesson.

When it was Harry's turn, Itachi watched him carefully. He watched as the boy, a little nervously, got on his broom, and as, with a little hesitation, he took to the air. His movements were unsure at first, but soon Harry became more confident and his flight became smooth and graceful. Itachi noted involuntarily that Harry was a quick learner, like him, and perhaps they had something in common.

At that moment, Neville, still under the impression of his fall, accidentally dropped his commemorative reminder that his grandmother had given him, something like a small glass ball with magical smoke inside. The ball rolled across the grass as it fell, and to Neville's horror, flew right to the edges of the forbidden forest where they were never allowed to go.

Harry, seeing Neville's chagrin, took to the air. He deftly and quickly pointed his broom toward the forbidden forest, trying to catch the balloon.

Itachi, watching what was happening, frowned. He could see that Harry was willing to take risks for his friend, and it made him respect him. That trait, the willingness to sacrifice himself for others, was close to him, and it evoked echoes of his past life. But at the same time he disapproved of the impulsiveness with which Harry had rushed after the trinket. He realized that putting himself in danger for such a trifle was unwise and reckless. He felt that a more rational way of dealing with the problem could be found.

Maneuvering through the air, Harry deftly caught up with the balloon and returned with it back to the field. He handed it to Neville, who made no secret of his joy.

Madam Hooch, seeing this, sternly reprimanded Harry for his disobedience, but something akin to admiration flashed in her eyes. Itachi saw it. He saw that this woman was like him, she appreciated strength and potential.

Watching all of this, his eyes narrowed. He realized that Harry Potter was not as simple as he thought and that there was potential in this boy. He also saw that Harry had a tendency to be reckless, which could be his had to make sure Harry didn't become a source of trouble.

Itachi, back to his training, was even more focused and determined. He realized that he needed to get stronger to keep up with the others and be ready for any challenge.

-пропуск времени

After the flying lessons where Itachi showed his outstanding abilities, his name became a topic of discussion amongst the upperclassmen, especially those involved in Quidditch. Quidditch team captains keeping track of promising players couldn't help but notice the talented freshman who flew like he was born on a broomstick.

The Slytherin team, known for their ferocity and ambition, was the first to reach out to Itachi. The captain of the team, Marcus Flint, approached him after class and, with a look of arrogance clearly readable on his face, invited him to join the team. He explained that the Slytherin team had always been known for its talented players, and that Itachi, oddly enough, could be their new, but as yet unrecognized, 'asset'.

"I hear you fly pretty well for a dirtyblood," Flint said, his lips curled into a contemptuous smirk. "Of course, you're a long way from our pureblood talents, but I'll admit, you have speed and agility. Consider my offer, and don't miss the chance to prove yourself while we're here."

Itachi, listening carefully to his words, didn't show the slightest interest in the suggestion. He realized that Flint was only looking for a way to use him, and his disdain only made him more reluctant to deal with him. He wasn't interested in a game that had nothing to do with his primary objective.

"Thank you for the offer, Captain Flint," Itachi replied calmly and politely, keeping his voice neutral. "But Quidditch is not my thing. I'm more interested in learning magic."

Flint, surprised and clearly offended by his refusal, snorted contemptuously.

"What a fool you are, mudblood. Missed your chance. I give you my word, you'll regret it."

Itachi didn't bother to respond to his insults, he just calmly turned around and went on his way. He wasn't going to waste his time with idle talk, he needed to focus on his development. He also realized that Flint, like many other purebloods, was fixated on his origins and there was no point in trying to get through to his mind.

Rumors of the freshman refusing to play Quidditch quickly spread throughout the school. Many students were perplexed, as most of them dreamed of being a part of the Quidditch team. Itachi, however, paid no attention to the rumors and gossip. He was too busy with his own development.