On this rare week off, Luke found himself waking up close to noon, alone in his dormitory. He decided to use a quick cleaning spell to freshen up and then headed to the restaurant for a late brunch.
With the last morsel of bread and butter in his mouth, Luke prepared for the afternoon Quidditch match. Today, Ravenclaw and Slytherin were scheduled for a small training session, and many curious young wizards were eager to watch the excitement unfold.
As Luke made his way to the Quidditch pitch, he noticed something unusual. The entire lawn was surrounded by water, and most of the students present were first-years he had never seen before. However, among the unfamiliar faces, he spotted a few familiar ones.
Ronald and Harry were there, along with Cedric, whom he had met recently. Hermione, on the other hand, had chosen to spend her day in the library, diligently adding to her knowledge. Luke couldn't help but think that students like Hermione were a different breed altogether.
As he made his way through the lively crowd, his distinctive appearance drew a lot of attention, especially from the girls. The questions and comments from the curious onlookers filled the air.
Even Ronald and Harry, standing on the Gryffindor side, couldn't help but notice the commotion. Ronald expressed his envy with a tinge of bitterness, saying, "Damn, I wish I were like Luke."
Harry nodded in agreement. "Luke is very handsome."
Though Harry might be the chosen one in the wizarding world, when it came to attracting attention from the opposite sex, Luke's looks were hard to beat.
Navigating through the bustling crowd, Luke took a moment to adjust his slightly disheveled attire.
"It's about time," he greeted the Slytherin team captain, Max Flint.
Max Flint, a pure-blood wizard, was somewhat lacking in the looks department, perhaps due to generations of inbreeding. He also had a rather aggressive playing style, always ready to pounce on any opportunity to knock down his opponents.
Slytherin's captain waved indifferently, acknowledging that he had witnessed Luke's exceptional skills the previous day. In fact, he might not even be able to match some of Luke's moves.
Talented individuals had a way of enjoying certain privileges, regardless of where they were.
Their opponents for today's practice match were the Ravenclaw team, led by Roger Davis, a formidable Chaser.
Luke couldn't help but notice Cho Chang, Ravenclaw's Seeker.
"Today, you'll be the Seeker, and we'll let Malfoy practice his hitting," Flint instructed Luke.
Having witnessed Luke's prowess the previous day, Flint knew he was a skilled Seeker. He was also aware of another wizard from the Malfoy family who had joined the team.
"Sounds good," Luke agreed with a nod. As the Seeker, his role was relatively easier when the rest of the team worked hard to maintain control of the game. The Seeker's primary focus was on finding the elusive Golden Snitch.
Malfoy seemed content with Flint's decision. As the whistle signaled the start of the practice match, both teams took to the air, expertly performing flying spells on their brooms.
Luke and Cho Chang ascended to the highest point, the best position to observe the Golden Snitch's movements.
The match below was already underway and players keeping a vigilant eye on their respective goals.
In official Quidditch games, there were professional commentators, and it so happened that Gryffindor had their own commentator for the match.
Lee Jordan from Gryffindor!
"Ladies and gentlemen, the match between Slytherin and Ravenclaw is officially underway!"
"This commentary will be brought to you by the soon-to-be commentator, Lee Jordan of Gryffindor!"
"Also, Angelina, I will always love you!"
The next match commentator from Gryffindor is here.
"Now, let's see what's happening. Slytherin's Flint has had enough of the gridlock; his style is as rough as ever. I don't know how they managed to score five straight goals."
....
The game grew increasingly intense. Flint's bold and aggressive playing style didn't resemble a student from the Snake Academy at all, and he scored 50 points right from the start.
Clearly, Luke could sense the panic in Cho Chang, who was next to him, as they both sought the Golden Snitch.
At that moment, a glint of gold pierced through the sky and descended onto the field.
"Oh, here comes the Golden Snitch!"
"Let's focus on the Seekers from both teams!"
"The familiar Ravenclaw Seeker, Cho Chang!"
"And the first-year Seeker, a friend of the Weasleys, Luke Geralt!"
Luke was taken aback; he didn't expect his name to be known by Jordan.
"I really don't understand why first-year wizards are allowed to join Quidditch. I heard it was Malfoy's old school manager's idea."
Lee Jordan's commentary continued.
The moment the Golden Snitch was spotted, Luke and Cho Chang rapidly closed in.
"The chase between the two has begun!"
"It's clear that Luke is faster than Cho Chang, who's struggling to keep up!"
"..."
The strong wind made it impossible for Luke to hear Lee Jordan's commentary. The Golden Snitch was incredibly swift and agile.
Behind him, Cho Chang was in hot pursuit.
The speed and distance between the two sides momentarily froze.
Cho Chang gritted her teeth and glared at the figure in front of her, feeling frustrated.
What is this first-year student doing? How is he so skilled at flying on a broomstick? Back in her first year, she couldn't even control a broom properly. Some people have all the luck.
The Golden Snitch darted around the entire arena, now high in the sky, now skimming the ground, testing the players' flying skills.
For Luke, who had exceptional control, this was a minor challenge. It was only a matter of time before he caught the Golden Snitch.
However, Cho Chang at the back was far from comfortable. The area on the lawn was smaller than the Quidditch field, and it was filled with spectators and buildings. The Golden Snitch made a beeline for Gryffindor's area, where Lee Jordan was stationed.
"Hey, what's happening!?"
Lee Jordan's eyes widened as he watched the two players closing in on Gryffindor territory. The Golden Snitch brushed past his cheek and flew by. Luke narrowed his eyes and, just as he was about to collide with Lee Jordan, shot up into the sky.
"Don't come any closer!"
Lee Jordan was taken aback by Luke's daring move and quickly scrambled to the side with his wand.
Cho Chang, who was right behind, wasn't as lucky. Because Luke had blocked her line of sight, she was met with an unexpected 90-degree climb.
Without time to react, she let out a scream and crashed straight into the Gryffindor crowd. And right behind Lee Jordan stood the bewildered Harry Potter. At that moment, Luke, who was climbing, managed to catch the Golden Snitch, which was also ascending.
At the end of the practice game, three people were injured. Harry, Cho Chang, and Ronald. Ronald had been hit by a broom, and Cho Chang collided with Harry.
"Don't mention it, Harry!" Luke quipped, his mouth twitching.
.....
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