The person who had suddenly appeared, sternly calling out "Harry Potter," was none other than Professor Minerva McGonagall.
Just moments ago, she had been in her office discussing Animagus studies with Callister, when she witnessed Harry and Malfoy fighting over a Remembrall. What caught her attention most was the scene of Harry chasing after it. The daring display had impressed McGonagall, yet the uncontrollable broomstick had filled her with both worry and fury.
Only now did she realize that these two young students had, without Madam Hooch's guidance, recklessly taken it upon themselves to ride broomsticks—indulging in such a dangerous stunt.
Harry's precarious situation had especially infuriated McGonagall.
He hadn't even fully mastered the basics of flying. If it hadn't been for Professor Callister's timely intervention, Harry might not have survived. He could have gone down in Hogwarts history as the first student to perish during their first flying lesson.
"Harry Potter!"
"In all my years at Hogwarts, I have never seen someone as reckless as you."
"The Gryffindor spirit may be courageous and daring, but you're just a first-year student, and this was merely your first flying lesson."
"Do you even understand what you just experienced? You could have broken your neck. You could have been the first student to die during a flying lesson—it would be a disgrace!"
"Do you want to become a laughingstock even after your death?"
The more McGonagall spoke, the angrier she became. Harry's face grew paler with each word, while Hermione and Ron became increasingly worried.
"This wasn't Harry's fault, Professor!"
"Silence, Miss Granger."
Hermione tried to defend Harry but was immediately scolded by the furious professor.
"But Malfoy, he—"
"Enough, Mr. Weasley. I saw everything that happened just now," McGonagall interrupted, shifting her gaze to Malfoy.
Malfoy's expression changed slightly when McGonagall looked at him.
"Mr. Draco Malfoy, you have caused significant trouble. Slytherin will lose ten points," McGonagall said sternly.
"Mr. Potter, your behavior and its impact were also terrible. Gryffindor will lose ten points."
Malfoy's face turned even paler. Today, because of him, Slytherin had already lost fifteen points. Harry's face didn't look any better, but he dared not argue.
"Potter, you're coming with me!"
"Don't even think about disappearing on me."
Without another word, McGonagall turned and strode away, leaving no room for explanation.
A sinking feeling settled in Harry's stomach as he glanced at Callister.
Callister reached out, ruffling Harry's hair with a smile. "Go on, don't worry too much!"
Callister knew this wasn't a bad thing for Harry, but seeing the boy's nervous expression, he decided not to explain further.
Harry hurried to catch up with McGonagall, afraid that if she looked back and didn't see him, Gryffindor might lose more points.
As Harry left, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle exchanged smug grins.
They were certain Harry was about to be expelled.
Clenching his lips, Harry followed McGonagall, his throat still sore from the frantic flight. Even with Callister's reassurance, his heart was filled with dread.
Was this the end?
He had only been at Hogwarts for two weeks. Now, in just ten minutes, he might be packing his bags and leaving.
Being expelled would be awful.
If the Dursleys saw him standing on their doorstep, they'd be overjoyed.
McGonagall walked in silence, her expression unreadable. The longer she stayed quiet, the more anxious Harry became. He wanted to explain but couldn't muster the courage. All he could do was trail behind her pitifully.
Was she taking him to see Dumbledore?
Would Dumbledore's forgiving nature save him?
If he were expelled, could he stay at Hogwarts like Hagrid and become a caretaker?
The thought of working alongside Hagrid in the Forbidden Forest while enviously watching Ron and Hermione continue their magical education flashed through Harry's mind.
These thoughts weighed heavily on him, making his young face look far older than his years.
"Excuse me, Professor Flitwick, could I borrow Wood for a moment?" McGonagall's voice broke through Harry's thoughts.
Startled, Harry realized they were outside a classroom. He had followed her here without noticing. But why did McGonagall need Oliver Wood?
Wood, the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team and a strong fifth-year student, stepped out at Flitwick's approval. His curious gaze landed on Harry.
"Follow me, both of you," McGonagall instructed.
When they entered the room, Peeves was scrawling rude messages on the blackboard. Upon seeing McGonagall, he let out a cackling laugh and bolted.
McGonagall ignored him, gesturing for Harry and Wood to follow. Her expression turned serious as she spoke.
"Harry, this is Oliver Wood. Wood, this is the Seeker I've found for you."
Wood's expression shifted from confusion to excitement.
"Are you certain, Professor?"
"Absolutely," McGonagall replied gravely. "Harry is a natural. Despite unforeseen circumstances, his performance during today's lesson was exceptional."
She recounted the events involving Harry and Malfoy.
When she finished, Wood enthusiastically shook Harry's hand.
"Harry, welcome to the Gryffindor Quidditch team as our Seeker!"
Wood turned back to McGonagall, already planning. "Professor, his build is perfect for a Seeker. We'll need to get him a broomstick—maybe a Nimbus 2000 or a Comet Two-Sixty."
While Wood brimmed with excitement, Harry stood there, utterly bewildered.
What?
Wasn't I about to be expelled? How did I just become a Seeker?
McGonagall, noticing his confusion, added, "I'll need to speak with Dumbledore about an exception for a first-year to join the team."
She turned back to Wood. "If he's approved, I expect rigorous training. I don't want another loss to Slytherin. It's been weeks since I could look Snape in the eye."
Finally, she fixed her stern gaze on Harry.
"Potter, I expect you to work hard. Don't let me down, or I'll revisit today's misdeeds."
Harry shivered at her tone but felt a wave of relief.
For now, he wasn't getting expelled.
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