The afternoon sun slanted across the grounds of Hogwarts, bathing the Quidditch pitch in warm gold as the final moments of practice came to an end. Brooms slowed and descended toward the grass, the players laughing and shouting to one another as they landed.
High above the field, Mira Silverthorne’s invention—the Snitch Camera—glided in a wide, graceful arc before descending gently toward her outstretched hand.
The tiny golden sphere landed softly in her palm.
Its wings fluttered once, then folded neatly against its sides.
The faint blue runes carved across its surface dimmed to a quiet glow.
Draco Malfoy leaned closer, peering at it with undisguised admiration.
“I still can’t believe it kept up with the Ravenclaw Seeker,” he muttered.
Mira smiled slightly, “It was designed to.”
Nearby, Madam Hooch finished instructing the players as they dismounted from their brooms. Several of them were still glancing toward Mira and the small device she held, whispering among themselves.
Word about the flying camera had already begun to spread.
Madam Hooch approached them again, her sharp yellow eyes still bright with interest.
“Well, Miss Silverthorne,” she said, folding her arms thoughtfully. “Your device performs even better than I expected.”
Draco smirked, “That’s Mira for you.”
Mira gently placed the Snitch Camera back into her pocket, “I’m glad it worked.”
Madam Hooch gave a short laugh, “Worked? It performed flawlessly.” She gestured toward the pitch, “That little thing flew faster than half my Seekers.”
Draco chuckled, “That’s not hard.”
Madam Hooch shot him a sharp look, “Careful, Mr. Malfoy.”
Draco lifted his hands defensively, “Just an observation.”
Mira remained quiet, her thoughts drifting elsewhere.
Because while the test had been successful—more successful than she had dared hope—something deeper had begun forming in her mind.
A possibility.
An idea.
One that made her heart beat a little faster.
That evening, Mira sat at the long Slytherin table in the Great Hall.
The enchanted ceiling above reflected the soft colors of sunset, blending deep oranges and purples across the sky.
Students filled the Hall with the familiar noise of dinner: clattering plates, laughter, excited conversation.
But Mira was unusually quiet.
Draco noticed immediately.
He leaned closer, “You’re thinking again.”
Mira blinked slightly, “What?”
Draco gestured toward her untouched pumpkin soup, “You haven’t eaten.”
Mira looked down at the bowl as if seeing it for the first time, “Oh.”
She picked up her spoon absently.
Draco tilted his head, “What’s on your mind?”
Mira hesitated.
Then she said quietly:
“The Snitch Camera.”
Draco smirked.
“I thought you’d be pleased about that.”
“I am.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
Mira looked around the Great Hall.
Hundreds of students filled the long tables.
Laughing.
Talking.
Enjoying their evening together.
Then she said softly:
“Not everyone can come here.”
Draco frowned slightly.
“What do you mean?”
Mira lowered her voice.
“There are children at St. Mungo’s.”
Draco blinked.
The wizarding hospital.
Mira continued.
“Some of them are sick.”
“Some can’t attend Hogwarts.”
Her voice softened.
“Some can’t even leave their beds.”
Draco was quiet for a moment.
Then he slowly understood.
“You want them to see Hogwarts.”
Mira nodded.
“And Quidditch.”
Draco leaned back slightly.
“That’s… actually brilliant.”
Mira looked hopeful.
“You think so?”
Draco gave a small grin.
“I think it’s exactly the sort of idea Dumbledore would love.”
The spiral staircase moved slowly upward beneath Mira and Draco as they ascended toward the Headmaster’s office.
The stone gargoyle had allowed them passage without question.
Apparently, Dumbledore had expected them.
The door at the top opened gently as they approached.
Warm candlelight spilled into the stairwell.
“Ah,” came the familiar voice, “Miss Silverthorne. Mr. Malfoy.”
Albus Dumbledore stood beside his desk, smiling warmly.
Behind him, the portraits of former Headmasters murmured quietly among themselves.
Fawkes the phoenix perched gracefully on his golden stand nearby.
The office smelled faintly of parchment, lemon drops, and old magic.
Professor McGonagall was already present.
So were several other professors.
Professor Flitwick stood atop a stack of books to see better.
Professor Sprout sat comfortably in a chair near the window.
Professor Snape stood near the fireplace, his arms folded as usual.
Madam Pomfrey was also present.
Draco leaned toward Mira, “…You invited the entire staff?”
“I thought they should hear.” Mira whispered back.
Dumbledore gestured gently, “Please, come in.”
Once everyone had gathered, Mira placed the Snitch Camera carefully on the desk.
The tiny device gleamed under the candlelight.
Professor Flitwick leaned forward eagerly, “Ah! The marvelous invention Madam Hooch mentioned!”
Draco grinned, “Word travels quickly.”
Dumbledore looked intrigued, “And what brings this remarkable creation to my office tonight?”
Mira took a breath, “There’s something I would like to do with it.”
Dumbledore nodded encouragingly, “Go on.”
Mira glanced briefly at Draco.
Then she spoke.
“The Snitch Camera can transmit images and sound in real time.”
Flitwick nodded excitedly, “Yes, yes! Fascinating enchantment work!”
Mira continued, “It can project holographic images.”
Professor Sprout leaned forward, “Holographic?”
“Yes.”
“Clear enough to feel like you’re standing beside the players.”
Professor McGonagall’s eyebrows lifted, “That would make spectators feel as if they were truly present.”
Mira nodded, “Yes.”
Then she said quietly: “I thought… maybe children at St. Mungo’s could watch the Quidditch matches.”
The room fell silent.
Dumbledore’s expression softened instantly.
Mira continued.
“They could see the game.”
“Hear the crowd.”
“Watch the players flying.”
“Like they were there in the stands.”
Her voice grew quieter.
“Even if they’re confined to hospital beds.”
For a moment—
No one spoke.
Professor Sprout was the first to respond.
Her face lit with warmth, “Oh, Mira…That’s a beautiful idea.”
Flitwick clapped his tiny hands excitedly, “Splendid! Absolutely splendid!”
Madam Pomfrey looked deeply moved, “There are many children in St. Mungo’s long-term wards.” She spoke softly, “Some stay there for months. Even years.”
Professor McGonagall adjusted her glasses.
Her voice was unusually gentle, “They would love something like this.”
Snape remained silent for a long moment.
Then he said quietly: “An innovative use of enchantment.”
Everyone turned slightly in surprise.
Draco raised an eyebrow, “That’s practically praise.”
Snape ignored him.
Dumbledore, meanwhile, looked profoundly pleased.
His blue eyes shone behind his half-moon spectacles, “My dear Miss Silverthorne…” He rested his hands lightly on the desk, “That is one of the kindest proposals I have heard in many years.”
Mira’s shoulders relaxed slightly, “You think it could work?”
Dumbledore smiled, “Oh yes.”
Flitwick was already pacing excitedly across the desk, “We could place the receiving Snitch in the hospital ward!”
Madam Pomfrey nodded, “Yes! The children could see the projection right above their beds!”
Sprout clasped her hands happily, “It would feel like they’re sitting in the stadium!”
McGonagall smiled faintly, “Even the cheering.”
Draco added thoughtfully, “And the sound of the broomsticks.”
Mira nodded, “The Snitch Camera records audio too.”
Flitwick nearly fell off his stack of books in excitement, “Marvelous!”
Snape spoke quietly again, “This could be expanded.”
Everyone looked at him.
He continued:
“Ceremonies.”
“Concerts.”
“Graduations.”
Draco blinked, “…You’re helping her plan this?”
Snape gave him a cold look, “I am acknowledging its potential.”
Dumbledore chuckled softly. Then he stepped closer to Mira.
“My dear child,” he said gently, “Your inventions do more than demonstrate brilliance. They demonstrate compassion.”
Mira lowered her gaze slightly.
Dumbledore gestured toward the Snitch Camera, “This small device could bring joy to many children who have known far too little of it.”
Fawkes the phoenix gave a soft musical trill from his perch.
Even the portraits murmured approvingly.
Professor McGonagall nodded, “I believe Hogwarts would be proud to host such a broadcast.”
Madam Pomfrey smiled warmly, “And St. Mungo’s will be thrilled.”
Draco leaned toward Mira and whispered, “You just turned Quidditch into a hospital event.”
Mira smiled quietly. “I hope the children like it.”
Dumbledore lifted the Snitch Camera gently.
The runes glowed faintly in the candlelight.
“I believe,” he said thoughtfully, “that the next Hogwarts Quidditch match will be very special indeed.”
Mira looked up, “You mean—?”
“Yes.” Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled, “We shall arrange the first live broadcast to St. Mungo’s.”
Flitwick nearly bounced with excitement.
Sprout beamed.
McGonagall looked proud.
Even Snape’s expression softened slightly.
Draco grinned, “Well, Mira. You’ve done it again.”
Mira looked at the tiny golden device.
Then she imagined children in hospital beds—
Watching the sky.
Watching broomsticks race across the air.
Hearing the roar of the crowd.
Feeling, for a little while—
Like they were part of the world again.
And she smiled.
ns216.73.217.119da2

