Chapter 92: Passing the Flight Test
Which meant he needed more speed.
Fortunately, the Bludgers used for the test were significantly weakened. Combined with his 'Adept' level flying skill, Sean found he could evade them with relative ease.
"First Quaffle!" Madam Hooch shouted, releasing the red ball. Twelve inches in diameter, made of worn leather, it shot out like a nimble bird.
Sean locked his eyes onto the darting Quaffle. The wind roared past his ears. In a fraction of a second, his magic pulsed, activating the Braking Charm. The Nimbus 2000 responded instantly, stopping dead in mid-air. He banked sharply, leaving the pursuing Bludger far behind.
Only then, as he surged forward again, did he truly understand the Panel's description: [Significantly increases perception of broomstick magic. Significantly improves Flying talent. Slightly increases short bursts of speed while flying.]
His magic seemed to surge within him, feeding the Acceleration Charm far more power than usual. Yet, his perception remained sharp, the Quaffle's trajectory clear even as his speed blurred the world around him.
Less than ten seconds later, he snatched the first Quaffle from the air. The official time allotted was three minutes. The ball immediately stuck fast to his palm – the effect, he knew, of the Gripping Charm invented in 1875. He swooped low, dropping the Quaffle neatly into the basket Madam Hooch held ready.
"Excellent!" she yelled up at him. "Second one!"
"Wicked!" Justin cheered from the stands, pumping his fist. Hermione's face was flushed with excitement. "That was terrifying…" Justin added suddenly, shuddering. "If I hadn't seen the notice and missed Sean's test—Merlin, I'd regret it for the rest of my life!" Hermione just rolled her eyes fondly. Their attention snapped back to Sean.
The second Quaffle was noticeably faster, more agile, even weaving around the goalposts. Still, Sean caught it easily.
"Third one!" Madam Hooch yelled two minutes later, her voice tight with excitement. "Eyes sharp now! Catch this Quaffle! You have twelve minutes remaining!"
The standard Flight Test allowed fifteen minutes total – typically allocated as one minute, five minutes, and nine minutes for each Quaffle respectively. Sean was operating at more than double the expected pace. Madam Hooch felt a familiar pang of regret. Such a phenomenal Quidditch prospect… completely wasted.
Just then, a tall Gryffindor led his team onto the pitch, still delivering a rousing speech. "We're the strongest team, stronger than any other house, because we train harder, fly in all conditions—" Wood declared.
"Too right," George Weasley chimed in. "My robes haven't been dry since August."
"—and we have the best Seeker, with a brand new Nimbus 2000!" Wood continued, his chest puffing out with pride as he turned to Harry. "It's all up to you, Harry. Show them your talent. Today, you either catch the Snitch or die trying!"
"So no pressure, Harry," Fred added with a wink.
Harry felt it was rather hard not to feel pressured.
Madam Hooch, however, was practically vibrating with excitement. She had essentially trained Sean herself, watched him develop. Seeing him now, weaving expertly between two Bludgers, closing in on the final Quaffle, reignited the fire of her own Quidditch past. Bludgers were fastest at the start of their trajectory; without Beaters to energize them, they gradually slowed. Most students passed the test by luring the Bludgers into a long chase, waiting for them to lose momentum before going for the Quaffle – hence the generous time limit.
Sean, however, was tackling them head-on, relying on sheer speed and masterful technique to dodge their attacks. Madam Hooch completely forgot she hadn't told him the Bludgers would slow down, and Sean, catching the Quaffle with astonishing speed, never even realized it.
"Trust yourself, Mr. Green! Accelerate!" As Sean executed a breathtaking burst of speed, streaking across the sky like a comet, Madam Hooch felt transported back to the roaring crowds of the professional league. "Accelerate! Turn! You can do it, Mr. Green!"
Her unusual fervor caught Wood's attention. He hesitated, unsure whether to approach. "Mr. Green?" he muttered. "Anyone know who that is?"
"I… I think I might," Harry stammered, staring in disbelief.
Sean Green. Every first-year knew the name. Outstanding in nearly every subject. Favoured by McGonagall, even tolerated – perhaps grudgingly respected – by Snape, who occasionally awarded Ravenclaw points in his presence. It was already incredible. But his notes were legendary. Ron spent half his weekends wailing, "I'll die without Green's notes… No, I will die, buried under these foot-long History essays…"
High above, against the clear blue sky, Sean closed in on the final Quaffle. As the Gryffindor team watched, stunned, he executed another impossible burst of speed, leaving the Bludgers far behind, and snatched the Quaffle with a speed that surpassed any Seeker currently playing at Hogwarts.
Harry and the others heard Madam Hooch clapping enthusiastically. "Excellent! Mr. Green! You've passed the Flight Test with a perfect score!"
Two cheers erupted from the stands. Harry saw the Hufflepuff boy – Justin – nearly tumble over the railing in his excitement, saved only by Hermione grabbing his robes.
"That… Green," Wood said, looking slightly dazed. "Harry, tell me, is he a Gryffindor?!"
"He's Ravenclaw…" Harry replied quietly.
"Oh. Right. Well, Harry, we need to start practice. Now!" Wood said urgently. "Get familiar with your Nimbus 2000. You're still the best Seeker we have!"
"Maybe not the best," Fred murmured, watching the small figure land gracefully below.
"Another Nimbus 2000," George added thoughtfully.
"Surprising."
"Feels a bit odd."
"Ravenclaw seems stronger than we thought."
"Are we going to lose the next match?"
"Shut up, you two!" Wood roared.
The twins fell silent, exchanging mischievous glances as they watched Sean walk off the pitch. George read Fred's look instantly: Go talk to him.
(End of Chapter)
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