章節 190: Chapter 190: "A New Broom"
As the summer days dwindled, Harry found himself back in Diagon Alley for some last-minute school shopping. Most of his supplies had already been procured by Mira, but there were a few OWL-specific items he needed to purchase himself. Though he could have easily delegated this task, Harry felt an inexplicable urge to venture out, to immerse himself in the bustling wizarding world once more before returning to Hogwarts.
The alley was teeming with activity, more crowded than Harry had ever seen it. Anxious parents herded their children from shop to shop, their voices a constant murmur beneath the general din. What stood out most, however, was the increased Auror presence. Sharp-eyed witches and wizards in crimson robes patrolled the streets, their wands at the ready. Harry noted with interest that Ollivander's shop seemed to have the heaviest guard, a clear deterrent against any escaped convicts seeking new wands.
As he finished his shopping and prepared to leave, a commotion near Quality Quidditch Supplies caught his attention. A sizeable crowd had gathered around the display window, their excited chatter rising above the general noise of the alley. Curiosity piqued, Harry made his way over, easily slipping through the throng of people.
There, gleaming in the window, was the newly launched Firebolt. Harry's eyes widened, a familiar surge of excitement coursing through him. He had deliberately held off on upgrading his broom in anticipation of this very moment, and now, seeing the sleek lines and perfectly balanced design of the Firebolt, he knew his wait had been worthwhile.
The Firebolt was, to a wizard, what a supercar is to a non-magical person: a vehicle that travels at the fastest speeds and is also an eye-turner. Harry could not wait to try to fly on it.
Without hesitation, Harry entered the shop. The owner approached him, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Ah, young Mr. Potter. Come to admire the Firebolt, have you? It's a beauty, isn't it?"
Harry nodded, a rare childlike enthusiasm bubbling up inside him. "It's more than a beauty, sir. It's a masterpiece of magical engineering."
The owner's eyes lit up, clearly pleased by Harry's appreciation. "That it is, lad. Acceleration of 0 to 150 miles per hour in ten seconds, unbreakable braking charm, perfect balance... it's in a league of its own."
Harry's hand reached into his pocket, feeling the weight of his money pouch. "I'll take it," he said, his voice firm with decision.
The shop owner's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Are you certain? It's quite the investment for a young wizard."
Harry smiled, thinking of the basilisk parts he'd sold and the substantial increase in his personal vault. "I'm certain. I've been saving for this moment for a long time."
As the owner carefully packaged the Firebolt, Harry could barely contain his excitement. He left the shop under the envious gazes of onlookers, cradling his prize as he made his way back to the Leaky Cauldron's Floo connection.
Back at Black Castle, Harry wasted no time in taking the Firebolt for its maiden flight. As he soared into the sky, the broom responded to his slightest touch, as if it were an extension of his own body. The acceleration was breathtaking, the control precise beyond anything he had experienced before.
Harry whooped with joy as he put the broom through its paces, performing dives, loops, and spirals that would have been impossible on his old broom. The wind whipped through his hair, and for a moment, all thoughts of Horcruxes, Death Eaters, and his grand plans faded away. Here, high above the ground, he was just a boy enjoying the pure freedom of flight.
Sirius, who had arrived at the castle unbeknownst to Harry, watched from below, unable to suppress a grin at his godson's evident delight. It was rare to see Harry so carefree, and Sirius treasured the moment.
As Harry finally touched down, his cheeks flushed with exertion and excitement, Sirius approached him. "Having fun, pup?"
Harry's grin was answer enough. "It's incredible, Sirius. I've never felt anything like it."
Sirius ruffled Harry's wind-tousled hair affectionately. "It's good to see you enjoying yourself. For once, you're acting like a child your age."
Harry's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You'll be acting the same once you try flying on it yourself. Want to have a go?"
Sirius couldn't resist. Harry watched as his godfather took off, whooping and laughing like a schoolboy as he put the Firebolt through its paces.
After Sirius touched down, he said, breathless with exhilaration, "This broom is spectacular. I'm very tempted to get one myself."
Harry chuckled. "Go ahead. I think the Firebolt is going to stay relevant for years to come. The tech in this can't be easily beaten. And it's not like we lack the funds, do we, Padfoot?"
Sirius grinned. "Let me discuss it with Amelia." His expression suddenly turned serious. "Well, with all this fun, I completely forgot why I came here. Harry, I have some bad news for you and other Hogwarts students. It looks like the Minister has become paranoid and is stationing Dementors at Hogwarts to protect Charles from the Azkaban escapees."
Harry's good mood evaporated even though he knew this was going to happen. "Where is that man getting his ideas from? Dementors will serve no purpose other than making the school gloomy and giving every student inside nightmares. They'll provide no help in guarding against the Death Eaters."
Sirius sighed. "Many agree with you, but there's no convincing the Minister. He's adamant. Even Dumbledore tried to change his mind and failed. I just came to warn you so you could prepare for spending your school days with Dementors around."
Harry's eyes hardened with determination. "I have no worries about Dementors. They should fear me."
With that, Harry drew his wand and cast, "Expecto Patronum!"
To Sirius's astonishment, a brilliant silver light erupted from Harry's wand, coalescing into the form of a majestic thunderbird. Harry himself was surprised; the last time he had cast the spell, his Patronus had taken the form of a lion. It seemed the Animagus ritual had altered his Patronus as well, a development that delighted him.
The silvery thunderbird soared around the grounds as Harry and Sirius watched in awe. After a few moments, Harry ended the spell, feeling he had made his point.
Sirius whistled, impressed. "A corporeal Patronus, and of a magical creature like a thunderbird, no less. You continue to surprise me, pup. It looks like the Dementors really will have to fear you."
Curious, Sirius asked Harry about his method for learning the Patronus charm. Though he knew how to cast one, his own wasn't perfect. After receiving some tips from Harry about visualizing happy thoughts, Sirius also perfected the spell, conjuring a silvery dog that bounded around the castle grounds.
As Sirius prepared to leave, the demands of his job calling him back, he bid farewell to Arcturus and Harry. The Auror department was working overtime in their search for the escaped convicts, leaving little time for leisure.
For the remaining days of summer, Harry spent every free moment on his Firebolt, honing his flying skills and reveling in the sheer joy of it. With the pressure of immediate threats temporarily lifted, he allowed himself this simple pleasure.
As he carefully packed the Firebolt in his trunk for Hogwarts, Harry reflected on the coming year. OWLs and the looming threat of escaped Death Eaters awaited him at school, but Harry was ready for anything.
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