Lunch Gossip Chaos & Flying Class Surprises
Lunch at the Hufflepuff table was louder than usual.
Keith sat with Rias, Helena, Susan, Tonks, and Cedric, all chatting casually. The moment Keith looked toward the Slytherin table, he lifted his hand politely.
Keith:
"Good afternoon, Daphne. Cassandra."
Both girls froze for half a second—then blushed lightly and nodded back.
From the Ravenclaw table, Penelope Clearwater waved.
Penelope:
"Hello, Keith."
Keith returned the greeting calmly.
Tonks smirked.
Tonks:
"Keith, you're collecting fans like they're Chocolate Frog cards."
Keith ignored her. Rias didn't.
Rias:
"He's just popular. Can't help it."
Helena snorted softly. Susan looked embarrassed for him.
Tonks Drops the Flying Class Bomb
Tonks leaned in conspiratorially, grinning like she had stolen Filch's cat.
Tonks:
"I've got the BEST gossip."
Everyone immediately paused.
Tonks:
"During the Gryffindor–Slytherin flying class, Neville shot straight up into the air by accident, then fell—"
Susan gasped.
Rias tilted her head.
Keith kept listening calmly.
Tonks:
"He's fine! Totally safe! But the funny part is—he landed on Ron and Draco!"
Cedric choked on his pumpkin juice.
Tonks:
"Both of them got flattened! Straight to the Hospital Wing. Now everyone calls them—"
She held up her hands like she was presenting a grand prize.
Tonks:
"The Shield Brothers: Protectors of Neville Longbottom."
Rias burst out laughing.
Helena covered her mouth, failing to hide her smile.
Even Susan giggled.
Keith glanced sideways at Daphne and Cassandra, who were clearly listening.
A subtle signal—a slight narrowing of his eyes.
Both girls looked away immediately… and nodded.
No spreading trouble.
Tonks caught none of that, of course.
Hufflepuff–Ravenclaw Flying Class
That afternoon, the students gathered on the grassy field.
Madam Hooch strode forward, sharp-eyed as ever.
Madam Hooch:
"Welcome! First lesson—extend your hand and say 'Up!'"
Everyone obeyed.
Keith casually stretched his hand.
Keith & Rias:
"Up."
Their brooms snapped into their palms instantly.
Helena did the same—her broom jumped obediently.
Hermione's broom shook violently left and right.
Susan's broom jittered in tiny circles like a nervous puppy.
Keith, Rias, and Helena couldn't help it—they laughed.
Even Hermione cracked a sheepish smile once she finally got hers under control.
Then the class took off.
In the Air
Keith flew lazily, like he was lounging rather than riding.
Helena flew with elegant precision—smooth arcs, perfect turns.
Rias flew fast and sharp, competitive as always.
Susan stayed steady, but cautious.
Hermione looked terrified for the first ten seconds, then slowly gained confidence.
Madam Hooch watched one person more than anyone:
Keith.
And Helena.
After Class — Staff Room Discussion
Madam Hooch marched straight to the staff room.
Inside sat Professor Sprout, Professor Snape, and Professor McGonagall.
Madam Hooch:
"Pomona! You didn't tell me your first-years came with Quidditch-grade chasers!"
Sprout blinked.
McGonagall raised an eyebrow.
Snape pretended not to care, even though he listened.
Hooch:
"Keith Runcandel and Helena—they fly like second-years. Perfect control. Natural instincts."
Sprout beamed with pride.
Sprout:
"Oh, that's wonderful!"
Snape finally spoke, voice low and smooth.
Snape:
"Pomona… if Helena joins the Hufflepuff team, inform me."
Sprout nodded instantly.
Sprout:
"Of course, Severus."
McGonagall hid a small smile behind her teacup.
It wasn't every day Snape showed interest in anything outside Potions.