Holding the broom in his hand, Loren couldn't wait to share it with Hermione.
Without hesitation, he slipped it into his personal storage space—though to Harry, Ron, and Neville it looked like he had just shoved a full-sized broom into his robe pocket. They had seen him stash items before, but never something so large.
Ignoring their stunned faces, Loren dashed out of the dormitory. Guided by his magical sense, he found Hermione heading toward the library.
She wasn't startled by his sudden appearance. Her enchanted glasses already marked Loren's position clearly. Still, when he grabbed her hand, whispering that he had something to show her, and dragged her toward the Room of Requirement, her cheeks flushed red.
He circled before the wall three times, opening up an indoor Quidditch pitch, and pulled her inside. Hermione, face burning, froze as Loren pulled a broom out of his robe.
She lowered her gaze, even redder now. Loren, halfway through handing her the broom, realized the misunderstanding. Awkwardly, he dropped the broom aside and pulled her into an embrace, murmuring reassurances until she relaxed again.
Only then did he lift the broom once more, smiling. "Go on. First flight is yours."
Hermione, though not gifted for flying, had the strength and reflexes honed by their training. She picked up the basics faster than most. Within minutes, she was darting about the small pitch, swooping and turning with confidence.
Loren clapped from below, cheering her on. Basking in it, Hermione pushed herself further, until at last she landed, flushed and grinning.
"That was amazing, Loren! Flying feels incredible!"
She tossed the broom aside and hugged him.
"Then do you want to join the team? If you want, I'll find a way."
Her eyes lit instantly. "Really?"
"I'll speak to Wood. Next year, when they add reserves, you'll have a place. With your skill, you'll make it."
She nodded, glowing.
After more time together, Loren mounted the broom for his own trial laps. The room was too small for true speed, so after a few circuits he landed again. Better to wait for evening practice. For now, he'd accompany Hermione to the library.
He stashed the broom once more in his robe and walked with her toward the shelves.
…
At dinner, Loren and Hermione returned to find Neville devouring noodles, a small tower of bowls stacked beside him. Clearly, his skipped lunch had caught up.
Harry and Ron, by comparison, were eating fast but couldn't match Neville's pace. By now, Neville had earned a reputation as Gryffindor's bottomless pit. The twins had even opened betting pools—on how much he would eat at the end-of-term feast, and, thanks to Loren's whispered hints, on what truly lay beneath Quirrell's turban.
That bet had spread across all four houses. Guesses ranged from garlic cloves to baldness to magical deformities. The Weasley twins, counting their coins, hoped Peeves took his time so they could keep raking in wagers.
For the students, nothing was more entertaining lately than Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons, where Peeves would appear from nowhere to harass Quirrell.
…
After dinner, Loren and Harry headed to the pitch early for their first team training.
Harry couldn't restrain himself. He kicked off at once, weaving through the goal hoops, looping high and low with reckless joy.
"Potter! Down!"
Wood had arrived with the team. He barked Harry down, then called Loren over from the sidelines, where he had been sketching out broom modification ideas in his head.
"Eyes here, boys. Meet your teammates."
Wood pointed them out one by one.
"Chasers—Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, and Katie Bell."
The girls greeted them warmly.
"Beaters—Fred and George Weasley. They guard the Chasers."
One twin groaned. "Correction—reserve Beaters now."
"Shut it, George. Today's the first step of the Lion King's great saga. As his stepping-stone, you should be honored."
Fred even bowed solemnly to Loren, earning laughter from the girls.
"And I'm Oliver Wood, captain and Keeper. You've met me before."
He cuffed the twins to cut short their antics, then turned to introduce Harry and Loren in return.
"This is Harry, our Seeker. Better than Charlie Weasley. And this—Loren Angus—our new Beater. He's our secret weapon, the key to victory."
They both waved politely.
Wood's eyes then narrowed at Loren. "Where's your broom? I recall you have one."
"Here," Loren said, pulling it casually from his robe.
The twins gasped. "Behold! The Lion King's treasure—his robe of wonders! He can draw out anything!"
Even the others were wide-eyed, Angelina stepping forward to prod at his robes in disbelief.
"Just an expanded pocket," Loren muttered, brushing her hand aside. "Now, training before it gets dark."
Wood clapped sharply, regaining control.
"Tonight's our first session. Harry with me—Seeker drills. Chasers, work your coordination. Loren, train with the twins on Bludger defense. Let's move."
He released a flurry of golf balls into the air, shouting for Harry to catch them, while the girls abandoned their drill to cheer his acrobatics.
Loren and the twins batted Bludgers back and forth high above, adjusting to timing and angles.
An hour later, night had fully fallen. Wood blew the whistle.
"That's enough. Tonight was for introductions. Harry, your new broom speaks for itself. Loren—just keep your strength in check. I'd rather not see you in Azkaban after your first match."
As practice ended, Loren pulled the twins aside. He had a plan and wanted their help. Did they have time this weekend?
Saturday, meanwhile, was already set. McGonagall had announced the first Transfiguration Club meeting of the term.
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