December had arrived, and with it, the much-anticipated Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.
Early Saturday morning, Arsenal—the team captain—was already fussing over every detail.
"Don't get nervous! We've practiced this strategy for ages!"
"Cho Chang, just relax—there are two more rounds after this! Plenty of chances!"
"If anyone's broomstick acts up, call for a timeout right away! Staying safe is our top priority!"
…
The team hadn't been especially anxious at first, but after Arsenal's relentless pep talk, a ripple of unease crept through the changing room.
Wyzett, however, remained unfazed. He was busy reviewing his notes, barely registering a word Arsenal said. There would be another tactics briefing in the locker room anyway, and with all his experience from past exams, he knew that nerves only got in the way of performance. He had his own way of keeping calm—like going over his notes one more time.
With so few wizarding pastimes, a Quidditch match was a rare treat. The students flocked to the stadium early, brimming with energy and anticipation.
As Wyzett stepped onto the pitch, a thunderous boom echoed overhead—a fireworks eagle soared across the sky, wings ablaze. It was the handiwork of Fred and George; he could see them waving at him from the stands.
In fact, the stands were packed with people waving and shouting, though the game was still half an hour away. Looking at the electric atmosphere, Wyzett couldn't help but think of the football leagues from his previous life—the World Cup, the Champions League.
Arsenal led the team into the locker room, where they donned sky-blue Quidditch robes, then strapped on knee guards, gloves, and chest protectors. Though made of leather, each piece gleamed with a coating of deep bronze polish, giving the team the look of warriors clad in ancient armor.
One last tactics review, one last speech from Arsenal: "We've got a lot of new players, and Hufflepuff is usually friendly—this is the perfect match to help you settle in."
"But don't forget, only Hufflepuff is that nice. Next time we face Slytherin, you'd better be on your guard. They're full of dirty tricks!"
Roger grinned and chimed in, "But don't stress about that now. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
"Exactly!" Arsenal set down his strategy board. "Make your final adjustments! The bell will sound when it's time."
While they waited, Cho Chang produced a box of Chocolate Frogs and passed them around. "Penelope sent these for you all. She says if you're nervous, eat some chocolate—it'll help settle your nerves."
At eleven sharp, Wyzett and his teammates left the changing room and headed to the center of the pitch.
The air was alive with cheers.
"Go Ravenclaw!"
"Hufflepuff will win!"
"Just try not to lose too badly! Our house mascot is an eagle, you know!"
"Oi! Don't jinx us!"
"We have to win! Ravenclaw can't lose again!"
…
The voices were a mix of hope and anxiety. With so many new faces on the team, even the Ravenclaw supporters seemed uncertain.
"Don't let them get to you!" Arsenal called out, his tone steely. "Today, we show them what Ravenclaw is made of!"
"Yeah!" the team replied, just as determined.
Another deafening roar erupted as a magical firework soared skyward. The fireworks eagle let out a piercing cry, wings spread wide as it circled higher and higher before vanishing.
Fred and George had envisioned their house fireworks flying a full lap around the pitch before fading away—though judging by today's display, it might take a bit more tweaking to get it perfect. Not that it stopped them from making a tidy profit.
No sooner had the eagle vanished than a huge, cuddly fireworks badger exploded into view.
"More fireworks! Both kinds for sale!" came the twins' excited cries from the stands.
"Two small house fireworks, that's two Galleons!"
"Watch closely! Here's your badger-eagle combo!"
Twin booms resounded as the fireworks badger and eagle appeared together, vying for attention with their dazzling displays.
With just a minute to go before eleven, Madam Hooch swept onto the pitch atop her broomstick.
"Mount your brooms!" she called, whistle clenched between her teeth, her manner brisk and confident.
Refereeing Quidditch was her true calling, and nowhere did she look more at home than out on the pitch.
"Mount up and wait for my whistle…" She released the Bludgers, holding the Quaffle in her hand. Keeping an eye on the clock, she counted down: "Three… two… one—begin!"
Her whistle shrieked. The Beaters shot skyward, ready to wrangle the Bludgers.
Wyzett tore his gaze from the stands and threw himself into the game.
At the sound of "Begin!" he rocketed upwards, snatching the Quaffle as it arced through the air.
"What a burst of speed!" shouted commentator Lee Jordan. "For a first-year, Wyzett's already claimed the Quaffle!"
"He's lightning fast! Let's see what broom he's riding… A Cleansweep Five?"
He turned to the commentary box. "Professor Flitwick, I thought you'd have got this rookie a brand-new broom!"
Professor Flitwick stood on a platform of ebony wood, beaming with pride as he watched Wyzett take possession of the Quaffle.
"If we're lucky enough to win the Quidditch Cup this year," he replied, "I'll see to it the whole team gets new brooms!"
As they spoke, Wyzett seized his chance—before the opposing Chasers could react, he streaked toward Hufflepuff's goalposts.
The Hufflepuff Keeper was caught off guard, darting frantically between the three hoops to defend.
Without hesitation, Wyzett hurled the Quaffle with all his might. The scarlet ball traced a perfect arc, grazing the Keeper's nose and whistling through the hoop.
The Ravenclaw stands erupted in wild celebration.
"Ravenclaw scores ten points!" Lee Jordan crowed. "Less than a minute in!"
"Wyzett's already put the first points on the board! I've been commentating for years and I've never seen a goal scored so quickly!"
The Hufflepuff team was just as stunned—the game had barely begun, and they were already behind.
Seizing the moment, Arsenal bellowed, "Formation! Stick to the plan!"
Madam Hooch released the ball again. Wyzett surged ahead, a fraction faster than the other Chasers, and once more snatched the Quaffle from midair…
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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