Chapter 351: Nimbus 2000 – Everyone Has Their Glorious Moments
The Leaky Cauldron, and the entrance to Diagon Alley, serve as the Wizarding world's bustling gateway. Kyle comes here once a year to buy school supplies like books, ink, and parchment. But despite the passing years, little changes; the same dim lighting, tables worn smooth with age, and the familiar noise of the crowd make the place feel timeless.
After Newt's Apparition back to Dorset, Kyle steps into the Leaky Cauldron's backyard, unlocking the path to Diagon Alley. First, he visits the Quill Shop to stock up on parchment and ink before heading to Flourish and Blotts. He doesn't need many textbooks this year—just The Monster Book of Monsters and Intermediate Explanations of Runic Symbols.
As he passes Quality Quidditch Supplies, a crowd catches his attention. People are pushing and straining to get closer to the display window, and among them, Kyle spots a familiar face: Harry Potter. A large wizard's arm is wrapped around Harry's head, nearly squashing his face, but Harry seems entirely unbothered. His intense green eyes are glued to the window display, and he occasionally wipes his mouth, looking disturbingly mesmerized.
"Harry, what are you doing here!" Kyle calls, repeating himself three times before Harry finally snaps out of it.
"Kyle!" Harry grins, looking pleased. "Great to see you here!"
"What were you staring at?" Kyle asks.
"Firebolt!" Harry's excitement is palpable as he gushes about the latest broomstick model. "Streamlined design, ash handle, and birch twigs that's been meticulously polished... And did you know it accelerates from zero to 150 miles per hour in just ten seconds? It's the fastest broom in the world!"
Harry could probably rave about the Firebolt all day, but Kyle is less enthusiastic. The Firebolt is impressive, sure, but his Nimbus 2000 is still a fine broom. Back when it was released, it was also the world's fastest, just like the Cleansweep Eleven before it. Every broom has its heyday, he muses; everyone gets their moment in the spotlight.
"I'm headed to Flourish and Blotts to grab a few new books," Kyle says. "Do you want to stay and stare at the Firebolt some more? If so, you could go inside and have a closer look—it's free just to browse."