ch 51 The annoying, The Friendly, and The Troublesome

Sept. 19, 1991, Thursday, Hogwarts Great Hall 7:47am

"This is rare, Marshall. You always had your breakfast early. What have you been doing in your suitcase?" Justin asked out of curiosity. I always have my breakfast around 6:30 in the morning.

I stretched my hands forward and explained, "I kind of got so into doing my morning workout that I didn't notice the time."

Kevin got curious, "Morning workout? You have a gym in that suitcase of yours?"

I nodded and said, "Yeah. A few weights, a treadmill and a mat for floor exercises. I also have a kitchen and the storage area for food. It also has a small herb garden. And finally, a bathtub."

"Damn… I heard that Newt Scamander had several habitats for his magical beasts in his suitcase, but you used such an expensive thing to bring your bachelor pad with you," said Wayne. I can't deny what he said, but I need the disguise of the suitcase, so I have an explanation for all the food I have in my mindscape.

"If you want, I'll give you a tour this weekend with the girls. I actually plan to have an outdoor barbecue with the rest of the 1st years. I'm just finding the right chance to ask for permission from the teachers." I said.

They were all on board with my plan for the barbecue. For some reason, our conflict with the Slytherins had stopped, so they don't have a problem with my plan.

Right this instance, an owl carrying a package entered the hall and flew above the Gryffindor table. It dropped the parcel and thin hands caught it.

Harry was surprised to received a parcel. Even with the wrappings, it was obviously a broom. I saw him read a note that came with it and immediately got up.

Suddenly, Draco snatched the package from Harry. They are having an argument and Malfoy tore the wrapping paper, revealing a sleek broom.

Ernie, who was by my side, nudged me and exclaimed,"Look! That's a Nimbus 2000. Harry got a broom and it's the latest Nimbus 2000!" He then looked at me and asked, "Marshall, do you have any idea why Potter got a broom?"

I nodded and said, "Well… he needs a broom if he will be playing as a seeker, right?"

"""""WHAT!!""""" Those who were nearby and know what a seeker is, shouted.

Susan then asked me, "But the school rules said that 1st years are not allowed to bring a broom. Can 1st years join a Quidditch team? Only 2nd years and above can. Right?"

"Eh... There is actually no rule stating that 1st years can't join the team. It was mostly for safety reasons why they don't recommend it. As for having a broom, there's always an exception to the rule. Look at me." I said that as I feed a ham to Naji while Bunta and Tania were eating on a separate plate.

My fellow Puffs just remembered that I also bent the rules by bringing three pets. The half-bloods and pureblood of the group are now wondering about my background.

I just smiled and remained silent. I just kept looking at Harry and Malfoy. Professor Flitwick came by and said something, and Draco just had a dumbfounded expression.

I calmly continued to eat my breakfast. We have History of Magic later with the lions. I can congratulate Harry, then.

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11:38 am, H of M classroom

"Congrats on being the new Gryffindor Seeker, Harry." I gave my congratulations. By now, the news had spread. The Ravenclaws kept inquiring about it earlier during our Potion and DADA class.

I could sense a mood change in both Snape and Quirrell during their class. Both showed an annoyed look. Snape kept nitpicking on everyone. Even I'm not spared.

Harry scratched his head and was embarrassed. He replied, "Thanks. I didn't know Professor McGonagall would make me a seeker. To be honest, I can't believe it. I'm not sure if I can meet their expectation."

I laughed, "Hahaha. Well, it's in your blood, so you could rest assured."

"Eh? What do you mean it's in my blood?" asked Harry.

I smiled and just said, "Wait, you don't know? Your dad played as a chaser. I saw his name in the Trophy room."

Harry's eye lit up hearing what I said about his dad. He made up his mind to look around the Trophy room later.

Hermione then cuts in on our conversation, "I suppose you think that's a reward for breaking rules? I never thought the school was so blatant in showing preferential treatment." She said that while looking straight at me and Harry.

I sighed and said to her, "I advise you to not say that in front of your fellow Gryffindors. You might alienate yourself from your house. Do remember, it was Professor McGonagall's decision to make Harry a seeker.

" And if you have a problem with me and my pets, you can go to the headmaster to file your complaint," I tried to be nice to everyone. I even have friends in Slytherin. But Hermione really has a knack for pushing everyone's button with her rude and bossy behavior.

I try to be understanding with her, but such comment can instigate others to raise a question as well. Which might revoke my pets' privileges.

Hermione became silent, but still raised her chin proudly. She knows she still had the moral high ground in this argument. Because it is the truth that the school was showing preferential treatment to me and Harry.

Harry frowned and was going to argue with Hermione, but I tapped his shoulder and signaled him to just be quiet. Him being a seeker is already set, and no amount of protest can change that.

Regarding my pets, I'm confident that Dumbledore won't revoke my privileges. His whole little play hinges on his deal with Nick regarding the 'stone'.

Good thing Professor Binns started his boring class and I just escaped into my mindscape and spent time with Jolly, Grace, and the others. I tried to brighten my soured mood.

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12:08 pm Forbidden Forest

-Third-person POV-

A herd of unicorns can be seen leisurely grazing in a clearing. Among them, a golden owl, a fairy and a floating toad are playing with a golden foal.

Tania, Bunta and Naji became frequent visitors of the unicorn herd. The three enjoy playing with the golden foal.

They also heal the wounded unicorns. It must be noted that unicorns have a strong healing magic. But the wounds they can get, especially from the venomous inhabitants of the forest, can't be healed easily. For such wounds, they need to ask for assistance from the centaurs.

There was a movement in the forest and the herd noticed it. They became alert and huddled together. The stallion stood between the herd and the direction of the noise.

"It's just me! Nephele! " A graceful figure emerged from the bushes. A female centaur with long blond hair walked forward with her hands raised in surrender.

The herd immediately calmed down. Nephele was a friend of the herd. She takes care of the wounded when they ask the centaur tribe for help.

Nephele had a sigh of relief when she saw that the herd was alright. She said, "Your herd haven't visited the tribe for more than a week now. I thought something happened to you all....huh?" She then noticed the owl, toad and the small fairy hovering above the unicorn herd.

"Neighhhh..neigh..Neighh!" The Stallion introduced the trio to Nephele. He also explained that they were the one healing their wounds.

"Pets of someone from the castle? And they can cure the venom of the spiders? ...such thing?!" Nephele was full of questions.

🔔"Ting!..ting..ting..Ting!🔔 Tania approach the female centaur and introduce themselves.

Their 'father' had told them about the centaurs. He also said that if they ever meet one, they need to be polite. Marshall also said that if it's a female, that Tania should be the one to approach first. If it were males, either Bunta and Naji can make the introduction.

Marshall never would have thought that his "golden trio" made contact with the centaurs that day.

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3:40 pm Herbology Classroom near the Greenhouse

"A barbecue party for all the first years of all the houses. That is a wonderful idea, Mr. Witcherly." praised Professor Sprout, but she said, "You have to ask for the other heads of house for their opinion, but I don't see any reason for them to refuse. When and where do you plan to have it?"

I'm glad that Professor Sprout agreed, but I dread asking Snape for permission. Especially how his mood is right now. I answered her inquiry, "Probably in the first or second weekend of October. By that time, everyone had already adopted to the school life and acquainted with other students from other houses. For the venue, I'm thinking somewhere overlooking the lake. Uhm... do I need to ask permission from the Headmaster as well?"

She giggles and nodded and said, "Yes, ...so that no one can voice their protest. You also have to give a heads-up to Filch and Hagrid."

I took note and already plan how I'm going to ask everyone's permission.

The Professor remembered something and asked, "I'm guessing that you already heard about Mr. Potter being allowed to play Quidditch. Do you also plan to play Quidditch?"

'Eh? What's this now?' I just asked, "You want me to play as well, Ma'am?"

"Only if you'd like to. Minerva is not the only one who wants to win, you know!" She paused and continued, "And from what I heard from Rolanda and Silvanus, you have skills in flying."

"I think I have to decline, Professor," I said, shaking my head. I don't think it is fair if I played. Besides, I'm not really a fan of flying in brooms.

Professor Sprout looked at me with regret, but she respected my decision. She just said , "Ok, I understand, but if you change your mind, just tell me."

But I still got curious and asked, "Is that offer just for me or to all my fellow first years?"

"Hmmm... It's more for you, Dear. Harry was allowed because he has some skill and the Gryffindors really need a seeker." she gave me the surface reason. She looked at me and asked, "Why? Do you want to recommend a friend?"

I shook my head and explained, "Not really. Quidditch is a dangerous sport. Even if I see potential in some of my friends, I won't push them into it. If they themselves asked you for permission, then I hope you could give them a chance to at least try out."

She agreed with what I said. If any of the 1st years wants to be on a team, then they can just ask to be given a chance. But if they don't have the courage to even ask then, it's better to not push them into it.

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4:03 pm Hogwarts, Slytherin 1st year Boy's dormitory

-POV Draco Malfoy-

*BAM**Crash!* "Agh! I can't believe this! Potter became a seeker! And I helped him become one! " I threw a stool across the room.

Ever since coming to Hogwarts, I have been made fun of by everyone again and again.

It started with that Witcherly back in the train. I was going to instill fear into "The Harry Potter" and make him one of my lackeys. But instead, I became the butt of jokes when that Witcherly began shouting and accused me of peeking at them. Now everyone is questioning my 'preference.'

Even my fellow Slytherins don't give me respect and kept calling me a pervert behind my back.

I've been tutored for a year in all subjects so that I can shine in class and bring honor to the Malfoy name. But all of it was for naught when I couldn't even receive a single point or praise for my house. Always coming behind the Ravenclaws or from Witcherly, Granger, Greengrass and now Potter as well!!!

I thought, "This can't continue! I'm from the Great House of Malfoy! I need to do something to standout!"

I took the old book from my trunk. It was something I found in our Charms classroom. The front of the book is already worn-out, but I can still make out the title..."Folio of Fortinbras."

I started reading it. Though some writings had already faded, I can still understand its content, albeit partially. I smiled when I read a word 'vault' on one of the pages. I thought, 'Yes. This will do...'

~end chapter ~