An 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: flying on a broomstick. Itachi, watching the students excitedly gathering on the practice field, felt a slight twinge of skepticism. He, accustomed to precision and control in his movements, didn't understand how one could rely on wood and a broomstick.
The lesson was taught by Madame Hooch, a strict and experienced flying teacher. She explained to the students the basic principles of broom control, 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 margin for error in this endeavor, and was ready to put all his concentration and control into mastering this new skill.
"One...two...three!" - she commanded, and the students began to pick up their brooms.
Most of the students were having difficulty. The brooms spun, flew from side to side, and some didn't move at all. Itachi, on the other hand, lifted his broom into the air with ease the first time, showing that he was in complete control of it.
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 on the wood. But he quickly pulled himself together, remembering that control and concentration was the key to success.
He lowered himself gently onto the broom, and felt it obey him as if it were an extension of his own body. He flew easily into the air, showing flawless technique. Madam Hooch seemed a little surprised by his abilities.
Most of the students, including Draco Malfoy, rose 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, noting his extraordinary abilities.
Seeing Itachi's progress, Draco Malfoy, without hiding his envy, added:
"Look at him! His muggle father must have taught him how to fly his vacuum cleaners!"
Some of the Slytherins laughed, but Itachi didn't react to this provocation in any way. He just 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 confident and faster. He began to master more complicated maneuvers, surprising Madame Hooch and the rest of the students with his abilities.
Theodore, while not as adept at flying as Itachi, was also quite good at handling a broom. He watched Itachi's movements carefully, trying to learn from him, and gradually improving his own skills. Itachi appreciated his hard work and willingness to learn.
After Madame Hooch had done a few broomstick exercises, she gave the students some freedom to practice on their own. Itachi watched, trying not to lose sight of Harry and his unusual abilities.
Suddenly, there was a scream, full of terror. Itachi turned around and saw Neville Longbottom, a clumsy and absent-minded boy, lose control of his broom. It was spinning haphazardly in the air as if distraught, and Neville, clearly terrified, could do nothing, his eyes wide with terror. The next instant, he was off his broom and falling to the ground, with a resounding crunch that could be heard even from a distance.
"Neville!" - exclaimed Madame Hooch, running up to the fallen boy. She quickly examined him and, shaking her head, said
"Your wrist is broken. I will take you to the hospital wing at once."
Her voice was stern, but there was a sense of sympathy for the boy in it.
She helped Neville up, and they left the grounds together, unhurriedly. Before leaving, Madame Hooch gave a stern warning, looking at all the students
"I forbid everyone to fly until I return! Violation of this rule will result in serious punishment!"
Her voice was stern and allowed no objections.
As soon as Madam Hooch was out of sight, Draco Malfoy, with a smug smirk on his face, walked over to where Neville had fallen. He bent down, picked up something from the ground and, holding it high above his head, proclaimed, emphasis on every word
"Look at that, it's Longbottom's reminder! He must have forgotten how to fly!"
Draco waved the glass ball, which Neville had probably lost during the fall, like a trophy. He grinned and began to mock Neville, parodying his frightened voice with his whole body and trembling lips. His jokes were cruel and hurtful.
Most of the Slytherins, especially Crabbe and Goyle, laughed at Draco's jokes, trying to please their leader, but Harry Potter scowled and watched this performance with contempt, clenching his fists. Itachi watched everything, trying not to show his emotions, but he realized that conflict was inevitable.
"Give it to him, Draco," Harry muttered, his voice filled with anger and contained rage. He hated it when someone was bullied.
"Or else what?" - Draco replied with a mocking grin.
"Are you going to attack me, Potter? Maybe you want to lose control of your broom too and break your bones like that loser?"
"Just give it to him!" - shouted Harry, and fury gleamed in his eyes, he couldn't listen to any more mockery of a boy who was already hurt. He was ready to take action.
Draco continued to taunt and Harry, unable to stand it, snatched the reminder sharply out of his hands. Draco, having lost the trophy, was angry to the core, and lunged at Harry, and a scuffle ensued that lasted only a moment.
Disregarding Madam Hooch's prohibition, they both leapt onto their brooms as if on cue, taking off into the air to settle the matter elsewhere. Draco, unwilling to relent, chased after Harry, and the maneuvers and twists began, as if they were in a Quidditch match.
Itachi watched as Harry seemed to transform completely in the air. He flew with grace and agility, dodging Draco's attacks with ease like he was a professional. He was in his element. It was as incredible as his successes during his first flight. Itachi, like the others, couldn't take his eyes off the sight.
"Well, if you want that trinket so badly, try to catch it, Potter!"
The reminder flew upwards and Harry rushed after the reminder like a true catcher.
His movements were quick and precise, and without taking his eyes off the balloon he pursued it with agility and grace.
Maneuvering through the air, Harry deftly caught up with the balloon and returned with it back to the field.
Suddenly, a voice as stern as a clap of thunder rang through the air
"Harry Potter! Draco Malfoy! Come down to the ground immediately!"
It was Professor McGonagall, who had probably heard the commotion and came over to see what was going on, sliding her glasses down the bridge of her nose. Her face was serious and she looked at Harry and Draco with judgment, ready to mete out a severe punishment to them.
"I'm taking you both into the study immediately!" - she uttered, and with a wave of her wand, she directed them both like naughty puppies to her office.
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 impetuosity with which Harry had rushed after the trinket. He realized that putting himself in danger over such a trifle was unwise and reckless. He felt that a more rational way of dealing with the problem could be found.
time skip
The next day the whole of Hogwarts was buzzing like a hive of activity. News of the incident at the flying lesson and its aftermath spread through the castle like wildfire. Students were whispering in the corridors, in the Great Hall, and in class, discussing what had happened.
Itachi, as always, tried not to draw attention to himself, but he listened carefully to the conversations, gathering information. He realized that these events would have repercussions for everyone involved.
The main topic of discussion was that Gryffindor and Slytherin had suffered a great deal of damage. Professor McGonagall, being the Dean of Gryffindor, had been furious over Harry's disobedience and had taken away as much as 50 points from the faculty, and that was not counting the points that had been taken away from Slytherin because of Draco. It was a serious punishment that could affect the outcome of the entire year.
"I heard McGonagall was just furious," one of the students at Clawton was saying during a break between classes.
"She was yelling at Potter like she'd never yelled at him before."
"And Snape, they say, was actually pleased that Gryffindor's glasses were taken off," his friend answered him.
"Though he himself lost fifty points for Malfoy's behavior."
Itachi noticed how differently students from different faculties reacted to the news. The Gryffindors were disappointed and outraged, the Slytherins gloated, and the Claw and Puffenduys discussed what had happened with curiosity.
But the hottest topic of discussion was the news that Harry Potter was the new catcher for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. It was said that after McGonagall had seen his flying skills, she couldn't help but take him on the team.
"Can you believe Potter is going to play for Gryffindor!" - exclaimed one of the first year girls, barely containing her excitement.
"He flew so magnificently! He was like a born catcher!"
Itachi had heard many students, especially from Gryffindor, admire Harry. They spoke of his agility, speed, and ability to handle a broom. Itachi realized that to many, Harry was not just a student, but a true hero.
Itachi didn't share in the excitement.
He, too, had become a topic of discussion.
After flying lessons, where Itachi had shown his extraordinary abilities, his name had become a topic of discussion among the upperclassmen, especially those who were involved in Quidditch. Quidditch team captains, keeping an eye out for 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 approach Itachi. The team captain, Marcus Flint, approached him after class and with an expression 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're pretty good at flying for dirty blood," Flint said, his lips curled into a contemptuous smirk. "Of course, you are far from our pureblood talents, but I will admit that 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, showed not the slightest interest in the suggestion. He realized that Flint was just 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 goal.
- 'Thank you for the offer, Captain Flint,' Itachi replied calmly and politely, keeping his tone neutral. "But Quidditch isn't really my thing. I'm more interested in studying magic.
Flint, surprised and clearly offended by his refusal, snorted contemptuously.
- 'What a fool you are, mudblood. Missed your chance. You have 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 time on 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's refusal to play Quidditch quickly spread throughout the school. Many students were baffled, as most of them dreamed of being part of the Quidditch team. Itachi, however, paid no attention to the rumors and gossip. He was too busy with his own development.