Chapter 53 - Felix Felicis (2/2)
Draco then joked, ”c'mon. We're Slytherins. Why do we have to play fair and square, anyway? Not to mention, it is against the rules to use a potion. Wait a second. You have only five vials. But we're seven”. Neal replied, ”These five are for the rest. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you, Draco”.
As the rest of the team mixed the potion in a pumpkin juice and drank it, Neal took out the vial with molten gold liquid and mixed two drops in it and gave it to Malfoy, ”drink it”. As he drank it, Malfoy frowned, ”I don't feel anything”. Neal smiled, ”the golden snitch will be yours today, Draco. You will understand, later”.
Although they felt Neal's words, a bit mysterious, they put that thought away as Madam Hooch whistled. Hearing it, they enter the stadium full of students cheering. Everyone looked at the clear sky and nodded with a smile on their faces.
Fifteen minutes after the match started, as the Slytherins were cheering loudly, Gryffindors' stand was full of depression. The commentator announced, ”and Slytherin scores a goal again. It seems the Slytherin team is in a top form today. Not just Neal Slytherin is scoring but also everyone from the team is doing their job well to bring out a lead of 90-0.
While Malfoy's looking around for the snitch as the game is going on, he saw golden snitch right beside him while it's flying. He extended his arm and immediately caught the golden snitch. The commentator screamed, ”and Draco Malfoy caught the golden snitch. Today is a very lucky day for him to catch the snitch without even chasing after it. Slytherin defeated Gryffindor with an outstanding score of 240-0”.
Neal sighed while everyone else is celebrating. He mumbled, ”there's no joy beating them like this. but anyway, others also used Impervius charm to repel water when the match is on a rainy day. Not to mention, I didn't score much today. Just three goals”.
After thanking him for making the team win the Winter Cup, Flint and the other three quit the team making Neal, the new captain. As Christmas vacation started, Neal and Tracey returned to their home together.
On Christmas day, as Neal and Tracey are unpacking gifts from their friends, he saw an unfamiliar package. As Neal is reading the letter attached to it seriously, Tracey asked, ”what happened?”. Neal replied, ”There isn't anything important in the letter. Just casual Christmas wishes”.
Tracey then said, ”let's open the gift now”. As both of them opened the package, they were surprised to see a broomstick inside it”. Tracey was amazed, ”wow, isn't that Firebolt? Who in the world sent you such an expensive gift?”. He looked at the letter once again, ”not sure”.
While Neal and others are enjoying Christmas with their family, Harry, on the other hand, was also surprised to see a Firebolt as a Christmas gift sent by an anonymous person which improved his mood a lot.
Later, he visited Hagrid along with Ron and Hermoine, who sacrificed their holidays for him. When they reached Hagrid's hut, they heard him sobbing.
Harry asked, ”are they gonna fire you?”. Hagrid gave them the notice Ministry sent to him instead. As they read it, He said, ”They are gonna kill Buckbeak”. Ron replied, ”c'mon. Hagrid. It only says the matter will be taken to the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. The hearing will take place on April 20th. You can put up a strong defense”.
Hagrid replied, ”you don't know that Disposal committee. They work for Lucius Malfoy. Poor Buckbeak”. Then, Hermoine said, ”there's a way fo saving it but I'm not sure it will work”. While the three of them looked at her, she said, ”Neal”.
Hearing her suggestion made Ron go mad, ”What! Are you crazy?”. Hermoine then said, ”first listen to me carefully. Hagrid, I remember you telling me Neal loves animals very much and he's also Malfoy's best friend.
So, if you could ask him, you know maybe he can request Draco's father about it. Moreover, you also have an Ok relationship with him. Just calm down and think about it for a while.
Meanwhile, at Durmstrang Institute, Karkaroff is smiling while reading the letter. He clutched it with happiness, ”yes, the Triwizard tournament is finally being approved by the Ministry”.