Chapter 40
Professor McGonagall had been silently watching everything unfold. Her eyes showed her displeasure. When Malfoy threatened a fellow student once more, she could no longer contain herself.
She spoke firmly: "Draco Malfoy! This is the second time you've interrupted my class!"
Her tone was sharp and determined, her stare as intense as a hawk's, fixed on Malfoy. "Due to your threats against a fellow student, I'm taking away twenty points from Slytherin! And let me make it clear—no one will frame my students!"
The Slytherin students exchanged looks, staring at Professor McGonagall in shock. This incident had erased all the points Slytherin had accumulated that week, leaving them in the negative!
Although the conflict involved Devero and Malfoy, everyone knew who the true instigator was… Malfoy!
The students' irritation with him was impossible to conceal. They no longer cared about his father's position as a school governor and glared at him with open animosity.
Malfoy's expression became even more unpleasant. He lowered his head, unable to meet McGonagall's gaze.
She continued, "Malfoy, come with me to my office. Potter, you too."
Malfoy looked up, casting a spiteful glare at Devero. Devero smiled and waved goodbye mockingly. Reluctantly, Malfoy stood and followed McGonagall toward the door.
Harry, who had been on the sidelines of the chaos, realized he was now involved. Looking uneasy, he trailed behind them. Devero stepped forward, patted Harry's shoulder, and gave him an encouraging look.
Harry managed a faint smile.
The rest of the students remained behind, waiting for Madam Hooch to return and continue the lesson. The remaining students erupted into chaos, loudly denouncing Malfoy.
Something miraculous occurred: Slytherin and Gryffindor, united in their disdain for Malfoy, found common ground! Both houses ranted about how Malfoy loved to boast and show off. Gryffindors, in particular, recounted his "glorious" actions—like bullying Neville and insulting classmates.
Thanks to Malfoy's outstanding contributions, the two rival houses achieved a historic reconciliation!
Some even began forming friendships. Lavender, Parvati, and a girl named Millicent Bulstrode (Adrian's sister) chatted happily. Mossy and a tall, thin boy—Devero recalled his name was Theodore Nott—bonded over Quidditch.
In short, everyone from both houses was elated—except Malfoy.
Soon, Madam Hooch returned. When Hermione explained that Harry and Malfoy had been taken away by McGonagall, she was furious. But with the culprits gone, she could only fume helplessly and resume the lesson.
This time, Devero received a new broom—one that was much more cooperative. The previous one seemed to have social anxiety, trembling whenever he spoke to it. This one was steady. When Devero shouted, "Up!" it shot straight into his hand.
Adrian was astonished. Just moments ago, Devero had struggled with the broom! How was he suddenly commanding it so effortlessly? Could Devero have become a flying genius? Yes, indeed!
Before Harry was taken away by McGonagall, Devero had "borrowed" his [Broomstick Flying Genius] trait. Now, he was a genuine flying prodigy!
While many classmates still struggled to summon their brooms, Devero was eager to take off. He felt as if he was meant to soar through the skies—a complete contrast to how he felt just half an hour ago.
At Madam Hooch's whistle, Devero kicked off the ground. With a crisp whoosh, he felt an invisible force pulling him upward. He rose steadily into the air, his movements flawless. Every turn was precise, every climb powerful, every descent smooth. Like a nimble eagle, he soared effortlessly, as if one with the broom.
"Was this how Harry felt? This is incredible!"
Devero realized some talents were truly innate. Even with his original, stubborn broom, Harry would've flown just as well.
Classmates watched in awe, whispering: "I knew Devero was a flying ace! That earlier mishap was just a bad broom!"
"Look at that dive! Cooler than Charlie!"
"He's definitely our future Quidditch captain!"
Above the lawn near the Forbidden Forest, Devero's figure traced graceful arcs in the sunlight. The wind whipped past his ears, cool and liberating.
He felt pride and joy, truly embracing the thrill of flight. "This is addictive!"
If Madam Hooch hadn't ordered him to land, he might've flown for another hour. He touched down smoothly, surrounded by classmates' envious and admiring gazes. They crowded around, asking for flying tips.
Devero remained humble: "Thanks, everyone. I'm still learning. It's all about confidence, focus, and connecting with your broom." But the students' enthusiasm didn't diminish, much to his dismay.
Finally, Madam Hooch's whistle signaled the end of the class.
Devero checked his watch. His meeting with Professor Quirrell was approaching, so he planned to visit the Defense Against the Dark Arts office to discuss attending advanced classes.
Just then, Hermione called out, "Devero! Are you okay?" She looked at him with concern. "You rushed into the Forbidden Forest earlier. Are you hurt?"
Devero smiled, playfully stretching and jumping to show he was fine. "Look, I'm good! You saw me use the Flashback Charm to save myself."
But Hermione shook her head seriously. "No, no, my mom says some injuries aren't visible—like teeth or internal ones. Come with me to the hospital wing to get checked."
Devero almost laughed and was about to refuse, but then his eyes lit up as an idea struck. He nodded. "Alright, let's go. We can check on Neville too."
Hermione's face brightened with a smile, her eyes curving into crescents. She seemed thrilled he'd taken her advice. Turning, she walked off with a light, cheerful step.
Devero grinned, picked up his owl, El, and placed it on his shoulder. Together, they headed to the hospital wing.
***
Want to read more of this fanfic [20+ chapters], and support me :- Patreon.com/Theuntamed0