Chapter 34 - Neal joins Quidditch team (1/2)
By the time class ended, except a few like Hermoine and Tracey who were his fans, everyone else understood that this new teacher is a clown who doesn't even know how to handle Pixies.
As second years were allowed to carry a broom, Flying classes for second years were no longer mandatory but still, those who are interested, they can attend Madam Hooch's class and also learn how to play Quidditch too.
A week passed smoothly except for Lockhart's classes which were twice a week. The second class Slytherins attended with Hufflepuff. Since Harry Potter isn't there to show off, Lockhart spotted Neal, ”I forgot about you in the last class. You were quite a celebrity here in Hogwarts especially with your Surname and I heard you are the top scorer last year.
Looking back then, I was, really young and foolish. To be equal with my classmates, I have to tone down my level and get average scores. Thinking about....” Neal cut him off with sarcastic praise, ”I know, Professor. You were too intelligent and talented. If you wanted to, you would have broken all the records.
If you had done that, who knows how many centuries will be passed before someone broke your record. You were considerate to your students and wanted to give the future students, a chance”.
Lockhart who wasn't expecting it was surprised for a few seconds before recovering himself and laughed as if everything Neal said was true, ”hahaha, you were exactly right. 10 points to Slytherin. Now let's get back to the story where I faced a Giant Bull in Croatia”.
Then he went on explaining how he defeated it just how he explained in the books. Neal thought, ”this fraud didn't even have any shame even after I humiliated him outright.
I've to lodge a formal complaint to Dumbledore first. I know Dumbledore seldom listens to others when he takes a decision. If it doesn't work, then I have to ask Mr. Malfoy's help through Draco”.
The weekend arrived. While the third years and above went to Hogsmeade for weekends trip, first years and second years aren't allowed to step out of the school except for vacations or serious detentions which were held in the forbidden forest.
After giving Snape, a new vial of isle's poison as a part of a deal, Neal sat in the Potions mixing room to practice new potions. Snape was genuinely impressed with Neal's progress when he saw Neal improved Wit Sharpening potion by making adjustments in the recipe.
Neal's new potions improved the duration of the potion's effect and then he later moved on to start concocting Ageing Potion.
After that, he went to Charms club where they discussed Flying with magic without the use of items like flying shoes, brooms, vehicles, etc... When Neal argued that it's technically impossible even if a wizard can conjure wings because the arms and ċhėst of a human do not have anywhere near enough muscle mass to provide the necessary power like how birds have.
Then someone countered that there is a known person who has shown his ability to fly, the one who must not be named. So, he argued that there must be a way to do that. Possibly an unknown charm or some potion, etc...
After lunch, he met Prof. McGonagall to discuss whether he should continue to practice under her supervision or not. She replied, ”no, it isn't necessary anymore, Mr. Slytherin. Although I recommend you not to try to learn any other new sub-branches of Transfigurations without my supervision”.
Neal nodded and went on his way towards Slytherin's common room to meet his gang. As he got bored, he thought, ”well, should I go and practice my flying skills with Basilisk ”Zora” again?. Nah, let's just go and try Quidditch with the team. Isn't today Gryffindor tryouts?