Butterbeer and Broomsticks

Hogsmeade was blanketed in a heavy snow, with the rooftops deep in frost. From various windows and wafting under the floorboards came the cinnamon smell of fresh Honeydukes and Cauldron Cakes. Warm light radiating from the windows.

Otto trailed behind his two housemates, hands stuffed into his coat pockets and a heavy black and yellow scarf wrapped around his neck and face.

Oaklynn wore a large beanie that sat well past her ears, her face rosy from the cold. Her hands were covered in soft wool mittens, and her fluffy jacket puffed out to make her seem twice her size.

Ciaran led the trio, talking in an animated fashion, hands waving wildly as he spoke and dramatized. He wore only quidditch paraphernalia (mostly for the Falmouth Falcons), a jersey instead of a coat, an oversized grey foam hand with a black falcon imprinted on it that squawked occasionally, and a bright yellow-black hat with a badger riding a broomstick, paw outstretched reaching for a star.

"Look" Oaklynn said in a low voice, but serious "you fly like you're dodging bludgers when there aren't any. Its a right pain to watch but that can be your strength. Its evasion, unlike anything the other houses will be training for."

"I don't think I can fit in the training, I am already so busy with Firethorns extra homework, not to mention McCreedy and Travers. My last potions assignment was this close to failing" Otto make a pinching motion as he explained. "Besides, I am better on my feet. I run track, I'm not ready to be flying around like a bird"

"You're too hard on yourself Otto, yesterday you flew through those trees like Abel Clarkwell in the 1926 World Cup! That sort of maneuver is hard for most people, it took me two whole tries before I was able to do that." Ciaran cut in from ahead.

"That was not intentional" Otto peeped as he looked away.

"All the more reason! Natural skill they call it" Oaklynn said with a big smile. "I have a plan for the upcoming season and we could really use your help for it"

Ciaran stopped in front the Three Broomsticks. "We're not asking you to replace anyone. We're asking you to join an attack pattern Oaklynn is confident you're the guy for the job so I think you should give it a try, whats the worst that can happen"

"I'm more comfortable hitting things than flying around" Otto said flatly.

"We can look at making you a beater if you are more comfortable with that, but truth be told they need more coordination than Chasers, it might look like a role that needs power, but they need good aim, tight broom control, and the ability to predict the bludger and intercept at speed." Ciaran rattled off as if he was reading from an almanac.

"You think I am good enough to follow your plays?" Otto said to Oaklynn as they entered the store, shaking off the flakes of snow.

"Hmm, no. Well not yet at least. Thats what the training is for."

"Its the perfect role for your talents!" Ciaran added cheerfully as he slapped Otto on the back.

Otto turned away, back towards the darkened edge of the village. Beside the newly opened Broomstick Shop a flicker of pale green light cracked from the alleyway for just a moment. A pale figure in a long black coat emerged from the alley, a black mist trailing him.

"What is that?" Otto started, as he turned to his friends.

Ciaran and Oaklynn turned to look, but the figure had disappeared.

Before Otto could continue a server had approached to lead them to a table.

"Come on" Ciaran called, "One butterbeer. You say no after that and I'll drop it." He smiled as he spoke then muttered in so quietly only he could hear "for today"

Ciaran held up three fingers and the server nodded and disappeared.

"Let us discuss the terms of your surrender Bramwell" Ciaran said cheerfully. "As Gwenog Jones always as the start of every Harpies game to the other coach'You've already lost, I just haven't shown you yet'"

Otto sighed and Oaklynn beamed.

"Then we need to pop over to the new Broom retailer. My Father asked me to check them out, apparently they have been quite strange in their dealings with him. When they first talked, the proprieter seemed eager to be apart of our Spring launch. But stopped returning his letters some days ago."

Oaklynn frowned, "Why would a brand new shop not jump at the chance to be apart of the Spring launch of a New Nimbus line? How bizarre"

"That's my fathers question exactly."