Chapter 115: Tracing the Origin of Quidditch
It was noon. After lunch, Alexander Smith and his group headed quickly toward the Ravenclaw common room lounge.
Along the way, they ran into Seamus Finnigan. After a brief greeting, Seamus mentioned that Gryffindor had no special lectures or group activities this week. In fact, the same was true for Hufflepuff and Slytherin.
"Brilliant," Ron muttered. "So it's just us Ravenclaws getting these weekend seminars?"
In the lounge, a group of Ravenclaws had already gathered. Hermione Granger, Lisa Turpin, and several other girls were seated in a corner. At the center of the gathering stood Roger Davies, captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team.
He had acquired a blackboard from Merlin-knows-where and had written several points in bold chalk strokes:
1. The Evolution of the Broomstick
2. Ancient Broom Games
3. Games from the Quidditch Marsh
When Harry arrived, Roger greeted him cheerfully before turning back to the group. "If any of you have read Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp — yes, The Origins of Quidditch section — you'll recognize those points. They're straight out of that chapter."
He clapped his hands. "So! Can anyone tell me something about Kennilworthy Whisp?"
"I know!" Anthony Goldstein raised his hand. "He's a well-known Quidditch historian and enthusiast. He wrote Miracle at Wigtown, He Flies Like a Madman, The Dangerous Life of Dai Llewellyn, and Beating the Bludgers: A Study of Quidditch Defensive Strategies."
"He also collected antique broomsticks — the Oakshaft 79, the Moontrimmer, the Silver Arrow. He's a loyal supporter of the Wigtown Wanderers — he follows their matches religiously."
"Well said," Roger grinned. "Shame I'm not a professor — no House points from me."
He turned back to the board. "Now, speaking of the Wigtown Wanderers, we have to mention the infamous Parkin's Pincer — a tactic where two Chasers box in an opponent from both flanks while a third rushes head-on."
"Effective, yes. Legal, barely. Brutal? Absolutely. A Slytherin classic," Roger added dryly.
"That sounds vicious," Hermione whispered, wrinkling her nose.
"That kind of play should be banned," Lisa muttered.
"Alright, alright," Roger said, laughing. "Anyone here a Wigtown fan? How about someone introduces the team?"
A younger Ravenclaw eagerly stepped forward. "Hi everyone, I'm Michael Corner, first-year."
"The Wigtown Wanderers were founded in 1422 by Walter Parkin and his seven children. All of them were originally butchers — which is why they famously carried meat cleavers in one hand and wands in the other. Obviously not while flying — that would be madness."
"They're known for their blood-red robes with a silver meat cleaver emblem on the chest. The Parkin family has remained involved with the team ever since."
He nodded and took a seat again, to polite applause.
"Very good, Michael," Roger said. "But today's main topic is the evolution of broomsticks. So let's dive in."
"European witches and wizards have used flying brooms since at least 962 A.D. Practically every magical household had one. Unlike our Eastern counterparts who preferred flying carpets, chairs, or even bathtubs, we in the West stuck with brooms — simple, portable, and easy to hide from Muggles."
"But those early broomsticks?" Roger made a face. "Terrible. Unpolished ash wood, uneven branches tied on with twine, and no cushioning whatsoever."
"Back then, brooms were for transport only — no tricks, no dives, no loops. Just fly in a straight line, often painfully."
"Try asking Guttridge Lochrin, the Scottish wizard who attempted a cross-country trip on one — he reported splinters in places best not mentioned."
A few first-years winced in sympathy.
"Because of the discomfort, early wizards often rode side-saddle. Even then, cotton padding was a must — unless you enjoyed bruises."
Roger looked around. "Now, what changed that? What made flying comfortable?"
"I know this one!" Kevin Entwhistle said. "Early flying brooms only flew forward, no lift or hover options."
Roger nodded. "Correct. Next?"
"After the International Statute of Secrecy was signed," Terry Boot added, "wizards started adding cushions and enchantments. Flying carpets also gained popularity."
"Close," Roger said. "But the real breakthrough was thanks to Elladora Ketteridge—wait, no—Elio Smethwick."
"The Cushioning Charm," Alexander corrected gently.
"Yes! Thank you, Alexander," Roger snapped his fingers. "Elio Smethwick invented the Cushioning Charm, making brooms not only tolerable but enjoyable. Thanks to him, Quidditch as a sport became feasible — without violating the Secrecy Laws."
"But that wasn't the end. Craftsmanship mattered, too. Before the 20th century, high-end broomsticks like the Oakshaft 79 or Silver Arrow were handcrafted. Expensive, beautiful, but not accessible."
"The real change came in 1926 when the brothers Bob, Bill, and Barnaby Ollerton founded the Smoothing Broom Company. Their standardized models led to true competition brooms."
"And let me be clear —" Roger raised his voice, "the Comet Trading Company and the Nimbus Racing Broom Company that came later? Rubbish!"
A few students chuckled, unsure if he was joking.
Finally, Roger handed out several worn copies of Quidditch Through the Ages to the students who had answered questions — though he reminded them to return the books later.
To Harry's surprise, he also received one. He hadn't spoken at all during the session.
"Consider it a loan," Roger said with a wink.
The small seminar ended shortly after that. Roger mentioned they might continue after dinner depending on interest.
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