Chapter 41: A Once-in-a-Millennium Prodigy

Indeed, the thin iron wire was George's secret weapon for mastering the flying broomstick.

The key to skillful broomstick flight lies in the wizard's ability to maneuver it with precision. By wrapping a thin iron wire around the broomstick, George added an additional layer of control. Beyond the usual magical manipulation of the broomstick, the wire enabled him to fine-tune movements through magnetism, providing dual assurance.

In truth, with his duplicate body's weight of only a few dozen pounds, George could fly purely with magnetism. However, it wouldn't be as fast as using a broomstick.

This tactic wasn't limited to the broomstick; he had also applied it to his wand. A coil of iron wire wrapped around the base of his wand allowed him to instantly summon it back if it was ever disarmed.

"Hold your broomsticks steady, rise a few feet, then tilt your body slightly forward and return to the ground vertically. Listen for my whistle: 3-2-1!"

As Madam Hooch's whistle blew, the young wizards simultaneously kicked off the ground, ascending on their broomsticks.

Most hovered unsteadily, cautiously maintaining their balance. A few, who already had experience, flew smoothly, including Ginny.

"Excellent, Ginny! That's some impressive flying!"

Ginny's outstanding performance immediately caught Madam Hooch's attention, earning her enthusiastic praise. She was about to award Gryffindor some points when a collective gasp interrupted her.

Turning toward the Slytherin students, Madam Hooch's face displayed sheer astonishment.

"Oh, Merlin! That's the Starfish and Stick, Wronski Feint, Sloth Grip Roll, and Zig-Zag Maneuver! This is impossible!"

What she saw left her speechless: George, Slytherin's rising star, was executing flying techniques only world-class Quidditch players could master.

For instance, the Starfish and Stick was a defensive move where keepers hang upside down from their brooms with one leg, stretching out their arms to block incoming shots.

The Wronski Feint was a high-speed dive meant to deceive an opponent into crashing.

The Sloth Grip Roll, used to deflect incoming Bludgers, involved hanging onto the broomstick and spinning rapidly like a drill.

The Zig-Zag Maneuver, meanwhile, was a high-speed zig-zagging flight pattern to confuse opponents.

Each of these moves was exceptionally difficult to master, requiring extraordinary control over one's broomstick. To witness a first-year student flawlessly perform all four was nothing short of a miracle.

Even more astonishing was that George accomplished this using the school's outdated "Cleansweep" series broomsticks, which were notorious for instability at high speeds.

"Slytherin gets 20 points! Everyone else, practice freely. George, come with me!"

As George landed smoothly, Madam Hooch, visibly excited, called out and led him toward the castle.

"This is truly your first time flying a broomstick?"

As they walked, Madam Hooch questioned him incredulously.

George feigned a shy nod.

"Where I live, it's hard to find opportunities to ride one, but I've read a lot about Quidditch techniques in books."

He knew his plan had worked.

With the strength of his body and the magnetic control stabilizing his broomstick, performing those four advanced moves was child's play. If necessary, he could even perform ballet or gymnastic flips on a broomstick.

"Oh, you're truly… this is just unbelievable!"

Madam Hooch was nearly speechless as she marveled at his performance.

In the Slytherin Head's office, Snape was writing notes on his latest potion research when a sudden knock interrupted him. With a wave of his wand, he opened the door, his expression darkening slightly.

"Madam Hooch, what brings you here in such haste?"

Seeing the Flying instructor and Slytherin's most promising student, his brows relaxed a little.

Madam Hooch enthusiastically pushed George forward.

"Professor Snape, Slytherin has a once-in-a-millennium Quidditch prodigy! You won't believe it—he executed…"

Madam Hooch explained what George did.

"Are you certain about this?"

Snape's normally stoic demeanor faltered.

As the Head of Slytherin, he cared deeply about the house's reputation. Last year's loss to Gryffindor—especially with Harry Potter on the team—still stung. If George truly possessed such talent, Slytherin's Quidditch team would dominate for years.

"I'm not senile yet, Professor Snape. Many of your house students saw it as well."

Madam Hooch, clearly annoyed by Snape's skepticism, retorted firmly.

Snape quickly reassured her, "I don't doubt you; I'm just… surprised."

Turning to George, Snape attempted a rare, albeit awkward, smile.

"George, you've always been exceptional. On Saturday, I will personally ensure your place on the Slytherin Quidditch team. If Gryffindor can make exceptions, so can we!"

"Uh… Professor, I'm not really interested in joining the Quidditch team."

George pretended to hesitate, delivering his response sheepishly.

Both Madam Hooch and Snape froze in disbelief before blurting out simultaneously, "Why?"

Joining the Quidditch team was every young wizard's dream, and George had shown unparalleled talent.

Looking at Snape, George coughed lightly.

"Well, Professor, I prefer studying magic—especially Defense Against the Dark Arts. Since Professor Lockhart's classes are… lacking, I need more time for self-study. Joining the Quidditch team would take away from that time. And… self-studying is difficult."

"Hmm, you do have a point. Compared to Quidditch, mastering magic is fundamental. And Lockhart… is indeed a fool."

Snape seemed lost in thought.

In his mind, magic was always more important than sports, though as Slytherin's Head, he also wished to see his house win the Quidditch Cup.

"Here's a compromise: you join the team, but I'll make sure the practice schedule doesn't interfere with your studies. Additionally, I'll personally tutor you in Defense Against the Dark Arts every weekend."