A week after Gryffindor's victory over Slytherin, the second Quidditch match began.
Normally, the matches between Gryffindor and Slytherin attracted the largest audience in the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup. The rivalry between these two houses always led to intense and captivating games.
However, this time, tradition was overturned.
The match was between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, yet the attendance surpassed the previous one. Many girls who usually weren't interested in Quidditch eagerly joined in, turning the Quidditch stands into a much livelier scene.
This was because the Hogwarts heartthrob, Alaric, was participating in his first Quidditch match.
Looking around, the stands were almost entirely covered in blue and bronze, with girls holding banners bearing Alaric's name. Thanks to Alaric, the Ravenclaw team received an unprecedented level of attention—except for some Hufflepuff and Slytherin students. The former supported their house, while the latter exhibited pure-blood disdain toward Muggles.
Regardless, the Ravenclaw players basked in the glory, joining Alaric as they entered the pitch, waving to the crowd and receiving wave after wave of cheers.
"It feels like participating in the Quidditch World Cup," Cho Chang murmured in Alaric's ear, sounding somewhat resentful. In her mind, she probably thought, "Alaric is mine alone. You bunch of flirtatious bitches, stop shouting."
Cedric Diggory, the Hufflepuff captain and seeker, served as the opposition.
This tall and handsome boy also held the position of Hufflepuff's Prefect and was one of the most popular students at Hogwarts, excelling in looks, academics, and sports before Alaric's arrival.
Of course, in the original story, Cedric became Cho Chang's boyfriend during Harry's fourth year. Ironically, Cho Chang was now opposing him as Ravenclaw's seeker. However, it was unlikely that this plotline would repeat itself.
After Madam Hooch's whistle, both teams soared into the air, marking the official start of the match.
With lightning-fast reflexes, Alaric immediately seized the Quaffle tossed high in the air, skillfully evading the opposing Chasers.
In the next moment, like lightning, he accelerated to the maximum speed. Before the Hufflepuff players could react, Alaric darted into the scoring area.
Only the goalkeeper instinctively flew forward to intercept, but it was already too late.
Under the combined influence of momentum and arm strength, the Quaffle whizzed into the center goal post.
Alaric gracefully turned away, leaving behind a bewildered goalkeeper.
From the stands, Lee Jordan's rhythmic commentary resounded.
"A beautiful fast break—Ravenclaw scores—scoring is Ravenclaw's new Chaser, our heartthrob Alaric—his speed is unmatched—I wonder why he isn't a Seeker —Hufflepuff's goalkeeper hasn't reacted yet—he must be thinking, 'What just happened? Am I still asleep?'
Oh! Even more wonderful, until Ravenclaw scored, not even ten seconds had passed since the start of the match. This is the fastest goal I've ever seen."
A goal within the first ten seconds ignited the spectators. Screams, cheers, and shouts of "Alaric" filled the air, threatening to overturn the entire spectator stand.
Alaric could see Hermione, accompanied by Penelope, cheering loudly from the Ravenclaw stands. In the Gryffindor section, Harry, Ron, and Hagrid also applauded him—they had developed a favorable opinion of him since Alaric saved Harry during a match.
"His speed is too fast. We need someone to focus on marking him," Diggory's expression darkened. Alaric had just given them a warning, catching them off guard. They had to adjust their tactics on the fly.
However, soon they realized that merely marking one person was insufficient against a true expert.
After Hufflepuff's serve, the Quaffle circulated rapidly between their Chasers. The team aimed to attract the opponent's attention through passing, creating openings in their defense.
This passing tactic was effective but demanded a high level of teamwork and communication, as frequent passes increased the risk of mistakes.
Despite Hufflepuff having some level of cooperation among their players, they were not professional Quidditch players. Alaric soon exploited their weaknesses.
When one of the Chasers intended to pass the Quaffle to another player, a slight miscoordination in their movements created a bit more distance between them, presenting an opportunity for Alaric.
Lee Jordan continued his lively commentary.
"Hufflepuff's team is smoothly passing the ball, seeking an offensive chance. Oh! They passed the roaming ball straight to Ravenclaw's Alaric—exquisite—barely tilting his head, he effortlessly dodged the floating ball.
So stylish! Oh my, what did I just see?
Intercepted—Hufflepuff was intercepted——Who did it? Again Alaric! He easily snatched the Quaffle from Hufflepuff, and I've never seen such a straightforward and decisive interception."
At this point, Lee Jordan's strained voice wasn't even necessary. The young wizards and witches in the stands gasped in amazement, their attention fixated on the streak of black and blue lightning.
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