Chapter 17: You agree, right, Malfoy?

"Can someone please tell me what exactly is going on here?!" Madam Hooch scanned the group of young witches and wizards, then fixed her gaze on Malfoy and Harry.

Both Harry and Malfoy turned pale with fear, but before either could speak, Ivan stepped forward to answer.

"Professor Hooch, as you can see, they were just practicing their flying skills," Ivan explained.

A conflicted look passed over Malfoy's face as he opened his mouth, seemingly about to reveal that Ivan had used the Petrification Charm on him, but he quickly closed his mouth and kept silent. After all, Malfoy knew that if he said anything, Ivan would likely spill the beans about how he had snatched Neville's crystal ball and even taunted him. Malfoy was well aware of which of those actions would result in a worse punishment.

Wanting to avoid a trip to the detention room where Filch would hang him up and lash him, Malfoy reluctantly agreed to go along with the "friendly flying practice" explanation.

However, Malfoy was not going to let the annoying Ivan off the hook. He immediately added, "Yes, but we weren't the only ones flying just now."

As he spoke, Malfoy raised an eyebrow at Ivan, his face clearly threatening. Madam Hooch's attention shifted from Malfoy and Harry to Ivan.

"Alright, I admit it," Ivan said nonchalantly, shrugging. Internally, he was cursing Malfoy for dragging him into this mess.

Ivan and Malfoy exchanged a look of mutual disdain. However, as their eyes met, they subtly reached a silent agreement to temporarily cease hostilities and keep things under wraps for now.

Malfoy had been frightened by the punishment Ivan had mentioned, while Ivan was concerned about being sent to patrol the Forbidden Forest. Given his small stature, he wasn't eager to take that risk.

Meanwhile, Harry, who had been listening intently, wore a puzzled expression. Shouldn't the situation have been about Malfoy taking Neville's crystal ball, and then Harry retrieving it? When did it turn into this "friendly flying practice" with Ivan and Malfoy?

However, given the frequent hints in Ivan's eyes, Harry wisely chose to remain silent.

"I think I should have mentioned this earlier—no one is allowed to fly on broomsticks until I return!" Madam Hooch's voice cracked with anger upon discovering that three students had been flying on their own without permission.

Neville had just been sent to the hospital wing, and what if something had happened again?

"I'm terribly sorry, Professor!" Ivan immediately apologized politely, then quickly continued, "But I think it's hard for any young wizard to resist the temptation of flying on a broomstick. Who wouldn't want to become a proud member of the Quidditch team and represent their school after graduation?"

"As for the incident with Malfoy and Neville, it was just an accident. Luckily, our Levitation Charms worked well, and no one got hurt."

Ivan rambled on about his love for Quidditch, so much so that it was clear he was practically announcing his future dreams of becoming a Quidditch champion!

Madam Hooch's expression softened a little. As the Flying professor, she shared Ivan's passion for flying and Quidditch, and she could understand that yearning.

"Even so, you must face the consequences of breaking the rules," Madam Hooch said sternly.

Although she wasn't as angry as before, she still lowered her gaze, thinking of an appropriate punishment for the troublesome students. However, before she could decide, Professor McGonagall arrived just in time to interrupt.

"Professor Hooch, could I borrow Potter for a moment?"

"Of course," Madam Hooch replied, surprised at first but quickly nodding.

She hadn't seen Harry's flying earlier and had assumed that Harry had made some other mistake, which Professor McGonagall had come to address. So she simply mentioned that Harry had been flying on his broomstick without permission.

McGonagall gave a slight nod and motioned for Harry to follow her.

Harry, still bewildered, had no idea what was happening but followed McGonagall nervously.

After watching the two of them leave, Madam Hooch turned back to the students. "Ivan, Malfoy, your actions will cost your houses five points each. Now, continue with your lesson!"

Ivan's face fell. He wasn't too bothered about the points deduction, especially since he had already earned several for his house by answering questions in class. Losing five points wouldn't make much of a difference. However, continuing with the flying lesson was more bothersome. He silently hoped the class would end soon, or his cover would be blown.

For now, Ivan had no choice but to pretend to be engaged, holding his broom and assuming a flying posture, trying to stay as inconspicuous as possible.

Unfortunately, due to the earlier disruptions in the flying class, Madam Hooch couldn't afford to let the students fly unsupervised. She planned to assess them one by one. Sadly for Ivan, who had been caught by Malfoy, he was first in line.

Ivan stared at the broom in his hand and sighed, regretting not just admitting he was terrible at flying. Now, thanks to Malfoy's interference, he couldn't even claim he didn't know how to fly.

With a sense of inevitability, Ivan attempted to fly, and this time the broom gave him a little more respect, shakily lifting off the ground under his control.

Even so, Ivan was thrilled by the experience. As he accelerated, the wind whipped past him, and the rooftops of Hogwarts sped by. The sense of freedom was far more exhilarating than flying on an airplane.

After a short flight, Ivan landed smoothly.

Madam Hooch pursed her lips, clearly dissatisfied. She had hoped for more, especially after the expectations she had for Ivan based on his previous performance. But now he was flying wobbly.

Ivan cleared his throat awkwardly and tried to cover up his embarrassment. "Ahem, Professor, I think this broom might be a bit old and unstable. I've actually flown quite well before."

Malfoy, grinning slyly, couldn't believe how bad Ivan's flying was. No wonder he had stayed on the ground instead of flying up like Harry.

Just then, Ivan suddenly turned to him and said, "You agree, right, Malfoy? Or else, how would you explain suddenly falling off your broom?"

Malfoy, caught off guard, stopped laughing immediately. He glared at Ivan, and after a long pause, managed to mutter, "Of course, I think these brooms might be faulty."

What else could he say? Could he slap his own face?

Malfoy felt utterly helpless. To avoid punishment, the truth couldn't be told—otherwise, he would have to admit that his flying skills were to blame for his fall.