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Chapter 58 – You Will Become a True Superstar of the Wizarding World
Audrey flew off with unabashed enthusiasm.
She performed a series of astonishing aerial manoeuvres the first-years had never seen before—sharp turns, sudden dives, inverted loops, and impossible accelerations.
Meanwhile, under Madam Hooch's guidance, the other students were still practising how to rise three feet off the ground without falling.
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Headmaster's Office
"Severus," Dumbledore said gently, "I've already spoken to you about this. Audrey Astray is not a threat. She is a good child—I can assure you."
Snape's expression darkened.
"Are you senile?" he snapped. "I went to Rick Astray's hometown myself. There is no such person as Audrey Astray!"
"A sixteen-year-old Muggle-born transfer student? Ancient magic? All of it is nonsense!" Snape continued coldly. "She is from the wizarding world. This is either a conspiracy—or someone's carefully arranged scheme."
Dumbledore sighed inwardly.
Severus was far too obsessed with Harry's safety.
But he couldn't reveal Audrey's true background. Lestrange and Black were one thing—but if Snape learned who her real father was, the two of them might very well come to blows.
After all, Severus Snape truly hated Voldemort for killing Lily Potter.
"In any case," Dumbledore said calmly, "Audrey is now a member of Slytherin House. If you don't trust her, then you may keep an eye on her."
Snape stood abruptly. "I will. And if I catch her doing something suspicious, will you expel her?"
Dumbledore shook his head. "Only if she violates a rule serious enough to warrant expulsion."
"Hmph."
Snape looked thoroughly dissatisfied.
Just then—
"Whoooosh—"
A clear, silvery laugh echoed past the window.
Dumbledore and Snape both turned.
Outside, Audrey streaked across the sky in a thoroughly absurd posture.
She leaned forward, her body almost horizontal, while the broom itself was tilted awkwardly—its head raised, handle pointed down, as though it were being dragged along rather than ridden.
The broom was desperately trying to help her fly… and failing miserably, shedding bristles as it went.
Yet despite the ridiculous form, her speed was terrifying.
In the blink of an eye, she vanished.
"Remarkable flying skills," Dumbledore said lightly. "Wouldn't you agree, Severus?"
"She should be in Ancient Runes right now," Snape growled. "That is skipping class."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Her Ancient Runes were taught personally by Nicolas Flamel. Professor Babbling has nothing left to teach her."
"Hmph."
Dumbledore continued, "With talent like that, perhaps your Quidditch team could use her."
Snape hesitated, anger and uncertainty flickering across his face. With a sharp turn of his cloak, he headed for the door.
"I'll consider it after I confirm she's harmless."
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After the Flying Lesson
The lesson ended, and Audrey returned holding nothing but a stripped wooden stick between her legs.
"Madam Hooch," Audrey said apologetically, "I didn't realise the school brooms were this old. Do I need to pay for the damage?"
Madam Hooch examined the ruined remains.
"I can't say for certain," she muttered. "Perhaps some repair costs…"
She sighed heavily. "The brooms should have been replaced years ago. I've submitted requests to the Board of Governors countless times."
"They're a bunch of stubborn old men," Audrey said bluntly. "If they reject you again, just throw this broom at them."
Madam Hooch burst out laughing.
"You're absolutely right," she said, nodding. "If this finally forces them to replace the brooms, then it's done its duty."
She patted Audrey's shoulder warmly. "You don't need to pay, child. This wasn't your fault."
Then she studied Audrey with keen interest.
"Have you ever considered becoming a professional Quidditch player? I know several team managers—I could introduce you."
"You're destined to become a Quidditch superstar," Madam Hooch declared confidently. "I can see it."
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Halloween Eve
"You are destined to become a music superstar of the wizarding world."
That evening, Glenda Chittock appeared at Hogwarts.
She was the host of the Wizarding Wireless Network's famous programme Witching Hour—and the very first person to introduce Audrey's songs to the wizarding world.
Thanks to her immense influence, her likeness even appeared on Chocolate Frog Cards, placing her among the ranks of legendary figures.
Officially, Glenda was only twenty-seven years old.
She wore large-rimmed glasses and had pale skin, clearly someone who spent most of her time indoors. Her appearance resembled a more neatly dressed Professor Trelawney—eccentric, yet strangely elegant.
"Did you graduate from Ravenclaw?" Audrey asked casually.
"No," Glenda replied proudly. "Slytherin."
"Well then," Audrey smiled politely, all business. "You didn't come all this way just to tell me I'll be famous, did you?"
"Of course not," Glenda laughed. "I'm very busy. I came to bring the best music to the wizarding world."
She examined Audrey like a priceless artefact.
"I originally planned to introduce Michael Jackson's music," she sighed, "but the recordings made in the Muggle world lose too much magical resonance. They're almost indistinguishable from ordinary recordings."
"Wait," Audrey interrupted sharply. "You're saying Michael Jackson was a wizard?"
"Yes. Ilvermorny offered him admission," Glenda said regretfully. "But his family refused—he was already famous at seven. They couldn't let go of such a golden goose."
"What a waste," she added. "If MACUSA weren't such a headache, I would have gone to record him myself."
Audrey frowned thoughtfully. "If a magical child doesn't attend school, wouldn't uncontrolled magic become dangerous?"
Glenda smiled softly. "He was a true genius. His magic flowed into his voice—just like yours."
Audrey fell silent for a moment.
Then she looked up sharply.
"Miss Chittock," she said, "you still haven't told me why you came."
"Oh! Right," Glenda laughed apologetically. "I want to hold a concert at Hogwarts this Halloween—and broadcast it to the entire wizarding world."
She leaned forward eagerly.
"So… are you interested?"
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