Ch93- Broomstick
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Harry had been experimenting with various versions of the Lumos spell in his spare time, intrigued by the potential for both practical and aesthetic variations, thus having various versions he could demonstrate. In the quiet of the unused classroom, with Daphne and Tracey's eyes fixed on him in anticipation, Harry raised his wand and softly chanted, "Lumos Kaleidoscopium." The tip of his wand began to glow, cycling through a mesmerizing array of colors that ranged from cool blues to warm reds. The light didn't just shine; it danced, pulsating in rhythmic beats that captivated both girls.
Tracey leaned in closer, her eyes wide with wonder. "That's incredible, Potter! How did you do that?"
Daphne, usually more reserved, couldn't hide her fascination. "It's like watching a living rainbow," she murmured, her cool facade momentarily forgotten.
Harry smiled, a hint of a teacher's pride in his eyes. "Remember what I told you in Transfiguration about the matchstick and the needle?" he began, his tone patient and instructive.
Daphne's expression brightened with recognition. "You're talking about intent and visualization, right?" she asked, her usual reserve giving way to genuine interest.
"Exactly," Harry affirmed. "Spellcasting is deeply rooted in intent. Think of incantations as conduits for focusing your will. When we vocalize them, it helps us to articulate and channel our intention more effectively."
He paused, choosing his words carefully to ensure they grasped the concept. "Imagine you're about to leap over a hurdle. You might find yourself repeating, 'Don't look down. I can do this.' It's a way of psyching yourself up, preparing your mind for the task. That's similar to how we use incantations in magic."
Daphne and Tracey listened intently, their faces a canvas of concentration and curiosity. They nodded, clearly following his explanation.
"When we speak an incantation aloud, it's not just about the words. It's about aligning our mental state with the spell's requirements," Harry continued, his own wand movements now slow and deliberate, emphasizing each point.
"The key," Harry said, "lies in the subtleties of your focus and how well you can visualize the outcome. For 'Lumos Kaleidoscopium', envision the colors you want to see, feel the rhythm you want the light to follow."
Tracey, her eyes sparkling with newfound understanding, exclaimed, "So it's like painting with magic!"
Harry chuckled. "In a way, yes. But remember, the complexity of the spell also plays a role. Some spells are more forgiving with the visualization aspect, while others require precise mental imagery."
Daphne, her demeanor showing a rare hint of excitement, asked, "Can we try it?"
"Of course," Harry encouraged. "But remember, it's not just about mimicking my movements. It's about finding your own rhythm, your own connection with the spell."
As Daphne and Tracey practiced, their wands hesitantly emitting flickers of colored light, Nigel's voice finally broke through Harry's concentration. "I must say, Master Harry, your flair for teaching is quite admirable. Perhaps in another life, you could have been Professor Potter."
Harry answered in his mind, "Don't know about that, Nigel. I might end up turning the classrooms into circus tents with my teaching methods." He watched as Daphne and Tracey continued to experiment with the 'Lumos Kaleidoscopium' spell, their wands now emitting steady streams of colored light.
Daphne, usually so composed, let out a small gasp of delight as her wand tip glowed with a vibrant blue hue, shifting slowly to a deep green. Tracey, not to be outdone, concentrated hard, her wand emitting a sequence of warm colors that danced in the air like flames.
Harry observed them with a mixture of pride and amusement. "That's it! Focus on the rhythm of the colors. Let your intent guide the spell," he encouraged.
As they practiced, the unused classroom became a canvas of swirling lights, reflecting the newfound understanding and skill of the two young witches. Harry's guidance had opened a door for them, allowing them to explore the nuances of magic in a way they hadn't before.
Harry suddenly cast "Nox Totalus," plunging the room into darkness. Tracey's voice broke the sudden silence, tinged with a mix of disappointment and curiosity. "Why did you do that, Potter?" she asked, her voice echoing slightly in the now dim classroom.
Harry, realizing his overcautious reaction to the vibrant light display, explained with a serious tone, "I forgot to mention a disclaimer for an Epileptic Seizure Hazard." His words were earnest, reflecting his concern for the well-being of his classmates.
Daphne, tilting her head in confusion, inquired, "Epileptic? What is that?" Her question, innocent and genuine, highlighted the gap between the wizarding and Muggle worlds.
Harry, scratching his cheek, realized the oversight in his thinking. "Right. Do wizards even have epilepsy, Nigel?" he thought, seeking clarification from his ever-present AI companion.
Nigel responded in Harry's mind. "Master Harry, your concern for Muggle ailments is commendable, but in the wizarding world, such conditions are rare if not unheard of. Perhaps focus on magical maladies instead?"
Harry, acknowledging Nigel's point, turned back to Daphne and Tracey, who were still waiting for an explanation. "It's a Muggle condition," he said, his voice reflecting a mix of amusement and embarrassment. "But it seems it's not a concern here. Let's continue, shall we?"
As the room once again filled with the soft glow of their practice spells, Harry guided Daphne and Tracey through further variations of the charm. The atmosphere in the classroom was one of focused curiosity, as both girls eagerly absorbed Harry's instruction.
Harry nodded, appreciating the rapid progress Daphne and Tracey had made. "That's impressive. You've both picked up on it quite quickly. Now, for a little homework." Tracey immediately began to protest, while Daphne crossed her arms, a skeptical look on her face. "You do realize you're not our actual teacher, Potter?" she pointed out.
Tracey, catching on to Daphne's remark, added, "Yeah, right!"
Harry chuckled, undeterred. "I'm still going to assign you homework. I want both of you to come up with your own variations of the Lumos spell. You have a week."
Daphne met Harry's gaze, her competitive spirit igniting. "Is this a challenge, Potter?"
Harry's smirk widened. "Let's call it an expectation. I believe you can do it."
Tracey murmured, "Creating a variation isn't easy..." but she didn't want to seem less capable in Harry's eyes.
"We'll do it," Daphne declared confidently, her pride not allowing her to back down from a challenge.
Tracey nodded in agreement, spurred on by Daphne's determination.
"Good," Harry said approvingly. "Now, let's head to dinner."
As they left the classroom, Nigel's voice echoed in Harry's mind. "Giving homework now, are we? Next thing you know, you'll be handing out detentions and grading papers."
Harry mentally rolled his eyes, amused. "I'll leave the detentions to Professor Snape, thanks, rewards, maybe."
The trio made their way to the Great Hall, the corridors of Hogwarts buzzing with the usual evening activity.
The trio arrived at the Great Hall and took their places at the Slytherin table, seamlessly blending into the sea of green and silver. The evening meal, as always, was an elaborate affair, with the enchanted ceiling mirroring the twilight sky outside. Daphne and Tracey, still riding the high of their magical experimentation, chatted animatedly about the possibilities of charm variations. Harry, while participating in the conversation, couldn't help but notice the glances and whispers from other students, undoubtedly about his recent heroics in the flying lesson.
As dinner wound down, the trio returned to the Slytherin common room, a place of dark elegance and serenity. The common room, with its low ceilings and comfortable armchairs, provided a perfect ambiance for their charm homework. They settled in a quiet corner, books and parchment spread out before them.
The discussion soon turned to the day's Charms lesson. Tracey, her brow furrowed in concentration, flipped through her textbook, seeking inspiration for her charm variation. Daphne, more methodical, took notes, her quill moving swiftly across the parchment. Harry, meanwhile, offered occasional insights and suggestions, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
After some time, the intensity of their study session waned, giving way to casual conversation and laughter. The camaraderie among them was palpable, a testament to the bonds forming within the house. As the clock struck a late hour, they decided to call it a night, each retreating to their respective dormitories.
Before Harry could leave the Slytherin common room, a seventh-year student approached him. "Selena wants to see you," she said, her tone indicating that this was not a request but a summon. Harry thanked her and headed towards the brass snake next to the entrance. He knocked on it, and as the wall split open, he walked through the corridor to meet the Serpent of the Crown.
In her office, Selena Rosier, the current holder of the prestigious title, sat behind her desk. "Mr. Potter," she acknowledged him with a nod, gesturing towards the seat across from her. As Harry sat down, Selena began without preamble. "Professor Snape and I have decided you should have a broomstick. Normally, first years aren't allowed their own brooms, but Professor Snape will handle the formalities."
Harry nodded in understanding. As the new seeker for Slytherin, having a top-quality broom was essential. "Any model you prefer?" Selena inquired, her expression showing a mix of curiosity.
Harry pondered for a moment before replying, "This year Nimbus dominates the market, right?" His knowledge of broomsticks seemed to impress Selena.
"I didn't know you were interested in brooms, Mr. Potter," she remarked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
Harry chuckled lightly. "I have an investment in Nimbus Racing Broom Company. I do pay attention to the market."
Selena's amazement was evident. For an 11-year-old to already be investing and showing such business acumen was remarkable. "Yes, the Nimbus 2000 is currently the fastest broom on the market," she confirmed.
"I'll select that then," Harry said decisively.
Selena made a note of it. "We don't normally endorse broomsticks for students, but in your case, we'll make an exception."
Harry shook his head, "That won't be necessary, Ms. Rosier. I'll write to Mr. Whitehorn to make arrangements."
Selena was taken aback by this revelation. "You know Mr. Whitehorn?" she asked, her respect for Harry growing by the minute. It was one thing for a student to have investments, but quite another to personally know the owner of Nimbus.
Harry, sensing Selena's surprise, simply smiled. "I find it's always useful to know the people behind the products."
Selena nodded, impressed by his maturity and foresight. "Very well, Mr. Potter. I'll inform Professor Snape of your decision."
As Harry stood up to leave, Nigel's voice chimed in his mind, "Well, well, Master Harry, making waves in both the magical and business worlds. What's next, buying out Gringotts?"
Harry chuckled, "Did you forget, Nigel? If I manage to acquire Peverell heritage, the land Gringotts was built on will be mine. I half own it to begin with."
Nigel's voice, laced with his customary dryness, responded, "Ah, yes, a mere trifle really. Just a bit of heritage and a banking empire. Shall I fetch you a crown while we're at it?"
Ignoring Nigel's sarcasm, Harry left the room and returned to his own. There, he took out a blank parchment and his Phoenix Feather Quill, preparing to write a formal letter to Devlin Whitehorn. Though he had mentioned knowing Whitehorn, their acquaintance was limited to a single exchange of letters when Harry had invested in the Nimbus Racing Broom Company through Grimbletack, the goblin who managed the Potter vault. Harry was smart, but investment wasn't something he could easily master at his age. For now, he allowed Grimbletack to handle his investments.
When Harry had invested more than five thousand Galleons, Whitehorn had written to thank him and invite him to a board meeting. Harry had declined politely, citing his commitment to Hogwarts. Whitehorn had expressed understanding and offered his assistance should Harry need anything in the future. Now, it was time to take up that offer and request a Nimbus 2000. Harry planned to pay for it, but hoped to get something a bit more customized, given his position as an investor and his intent to draw attention on the Quidditch field.
Harry began to write:
Dear Mr. Whitehorn,
I hope this letter finds you well. As you might recall, I am currently studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which limits my ability to attend board meetings. However, I am writing to discuss a matter of mutual interest.
As you are aware, I have invested a substantial amount in the Nimbus Racing Broom Company through my representative, Mr. Grimbletack. My investment reflects not only my confidence in your company's innovative approach to broom design but also my personal interest in the field of magical transportation.
I am writing to inquire about the possibility of acquiring a Nimbus 2000. Given my position both as an investor and a student at Hogwarts, I believe owning one of your top-tier brooms would be mutually beneficial. Not only would it serve my needs as a seeker in the school Quidditch team, but it would also showcase the Nimbus 2000's capabilities in a competitive environment.
Furthermore, I would be interested in discussing the possibility of customizing the broom to fit my specific requirements. I understand this might incur additional costs, and I am prepared to cover these. My aim is to ensure that the Nimbus 2000 stands out not only for its performance but also as a symbol of our company's commitment to excellence and innovation.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon and hope we can arrange a suitable agreement.
Yours sincerely,
Harry James Potter
Heir of Most Noble and Most Ancient House Potter
Harry looked at the letter he had just written and focused intently, willing the ink to be visible only when it reached Whitehorn. The Phoenix Feather Quill he held shimmered slightly, and as if by magic, the ink vanished from the parchment, rendering the words invisible to any unintended recipient. Satisfied with the security measure, Harry sealed the letter with a dab of wax, impressing the Heir Ring of the Potter insignia upon it.
As he completed this task, Hedwig flew to his side with a soft flap of her wings. "Can you take my letter, girl?" Harry asked gently, scratching Hedwig's head affectionately. The owl hooted in affirmation, accepting the letter with a graceful nod. With a powerful thrust of her wings, Hedwig took flight, disappearing into the night sky towards London.
Lying back on his bed, Harry pondered the customization of his future Nimbus 2000. "Color is a given, green and silver would look good, don't you think, Nigel?" he mused aloud, envisioning the sleek design of the broom in Slytherin colors.
Nigel's voice echoed in Harry's mind. "Green and silver? How very subtle, Master Harry. Why not just paint a giant serpent on it while you're at it?"
Harry chuckled at Nigel. "A serpent might be a bit much. I was thinking more along the lines of a sleek design with a nod to my house colors. Perhaps some advanced charmwork for stability and speed?"
"Ah, always thinking ahead," Nigel commented. "A broom with enhanced stability and speed, combined with your already impressive flying skills, would indeed be a formidable presence on the Quidditch field."
Harry's eyes twinkled with excitement at the thought. "Exactly. And it's not just about Quidditch. A broom like that could be useful in other... situations."
Nigel's voice took on a teasing note. "Oh? Planning to make a dramatic escape from the Astronomy Tower, are we?"
Harry laughed softly. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. But it's always good to have options."
Two days later, in the crisp morning air of Hogwarts, Harry received an unexpected summons from Marcus Flint, the captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team. "Potter, we're having tryouts today," Marcus announced with a sly grin. "No one knows you're our Seeker yet, so we'll be testing others as well."
Harry, amused by the charade, responded with a hint of mockery in his tone. "Isn't that a bit cruel? Giving them false hope?"
Marcus' smirk widened. "What if there's someone better than you?"
Harry, confidently smirking back, retorted, "Good luck finding someone like that."
Marcus chuckled, acknowledging the unlikely scenario. "Alright, alright. It's just for show. We'll quickly assess them and send them packing. But stay close and observe the process. I want you to get a sense of the team dynamics. Selena and I have decided to keep your training separate until the first game. You'll be a surprise element. Although a Seeker's role isn't heavily team-oriented, it's still important for you to understand where to position yourself and anticipate our movements. Watching the tryouts will be a good excuse for you to familiarize yourself with the team."
Harry nodded in agreement, appreciating the strategy. "Clever," he commented.
Marcus nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Selena's idea. She's sharp like that."
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