"It's not any old broomstick, it's a Nimbus Two Thousand. What did you say you've got at home, Malfoy, a Comet Two Sixty? Comets look flashy, but they're not in the same league as the Nimbus."
-- Ron Weasley gloating to Malfoy (PS10)
When Professor McGonagall saw Harry fly for the first time, she knew he would be a natural Seeker for the Gryffindor team. On the day of his first practice with Gryffindor Captain Oliver Wood, a brand new Nimbus 2000 arrives for Harry, courtesy of McGonagall. It is accompanied by a note which reads:
DO NOT OPEN THE PARCEL AT THE TABLE.
It contains your new Nimbus Two Thousand, but I don’t want everybody knowing you’ve got a broomstick or they’ll all want one. Oliver Wood will meet you tonight on the Quidditch field at seven o’clock for your first training session (PS10).
Draco Malfoy is incensed and tries to get Harry into trouble when Flitwick comes by:
“Not arguing, I hope, boys?” he squeaked.
“Potter’s been sent a broomstick, Professor,” said Malfoy quickly.
“Yes, yes, that’s right,” said Professor Flitwick, beaming at Harry. “Professor McGonagall told me all about the special circumstances, Potter. And what model is it?”
Hermione Granger, who had decided she wasn’t talking to either Harry or Ron, broke her silence to say:
“So I suppose you think that’s a reward for breaking rules?” came an angry voice from just behind them. Hermione was stomping up the stairs, looking disapprovingly at the package in Harry’s hand.
“I thought you weren’t speaking to us?” said Harry.
“Yes, don’t stop now,” said Ron, “it’s doing us so much good.”
Hermione marched away with her nose in the air.
While the animosity between Harry and Draco would continue for many years to come, the dislike between the boys and Hermione was destined to end in about a month and a half, on Hallowe’en night.
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