Quidditch is an exhilarating sport, perhaps made even more so by the unique physical capabilities of wizards compared to Muggles. The game has no set time limit and continues until the Golden Snitch is caught. Legend has it that the longest Quidditch match lasted an astounding three months. As John watched the green and blue figures of the Slytherin and Ravenclaw teams clash in the sky, he understood the relentless nature of the game. Despite Ravenclaw's often understated presence, their strength and strategic minds have always made them formidable opponents. However, against a Slytherin team bolstered by considerable resources, they faced a tough challenge.
Ravenclaw's Seeker, Qiu Zhang, a fourth-year student, showcased impressive skills. Yet, she struggled to match Draco Malfoy's pace, despite her adept flying keeping her in the game. John, observing Qiu Zhang's grace and beauty, couldn't help but notice Cedric Diggory's concern for her, especially after Malfoy's aggressive maneuver nearly caused her to fall. Cedric's admiration for Qiu Zhang was evident, his gaze lingering on her with a mix of concern and fascination.
The Quidditch teams of Hogwarts each had their distinct styles. Gryffindor was known for their straightforward approach, Hufflepuff for their technical and enduring gameplay, Ravenclaw for their meticulous strategies, and Slytherin for their aggressive tactics and not shying away from bending the rules. Slytherin players, like Flint and Malfoy, were notorious for their ruthless plays, which often bordered on foul play.
In the end, Slytherin narrowly defeated Ravenclaw. Malfoy approached with arrogance, only to be ignored by Cedric, who rushed to comfort Qiu Zhang. Cedric's words were filled with disdain for Malfoy's unsportsmanlike conduct, calling him out for his dirty and despicable tactics. John, witnessing this, teasingly confronted Malfoy about his style of play, hinting at the influence of his father's own questionable tactics during his time at Hogwarts.
As February approached, John found himself contemplating the future, particularly Nagini's. Having spent an extended period as a snake, Nagini's transformation back into a human left her with significant injuries that would take over a year to heal fully. Through her letters, John sensed Nagini's gratitude for regaining her humanity, despite the physical toll her transformation had taken. John recognized the need to consider Nagini's future, given her unique circumstances. Not quite a Muggle but also not a wizard in the traditional sense, Nagini's past reliance on a blood curse for her abilities left her without formal magical education. While she might not fit into conventional roles within the wizarding world, John began to ponder alternative paths that could utilize Nagini's unique talents and experiences. John's expression soften, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "You're learning to make chocolate?" he asked, his tone unexpectedly gentle. The tension in Daphne's shoulders eased slightly, and she nodded, her blush deepening. "Yes, I thought... maybe I could make some for you, if you'd like."
John considered this for a moment, the idea of homemade chocolate from Daphne intriguing him. Last year's Valentine's Day had left a sour taste in his mouth, thanks to Gilderoy Lockhart's over-the-top antics. The thought of a quieter, more personal gesture appealed to him. "I'd like that," he finally said, offering her a small, encouraging smile. "Thank you, Daphne."
Relief washed over Daphne's face, her smile brightening. "I'll do my best to make them delicious," she promised, her voice filled with newfound confidence.
Changing the subject, John's thoughts returned to the more pressing matters at hand. The expansion of his business ventures in both Knockturn Alley and Diagon Alley required careful management, and the idea of forming a Knockturn Alley strike team lingered in his mind. The recent attack on his store by Fudge had only highlighted the need for such a team, especially with the Ministry's increased wariness towards him. Rufus Scrimgeour's temporary position as Minister of Magic added another layer of complexity to the situation. John knew he needed to tread carefully, maintaining his network of support while also preparing for any potential threats.
The mystery of Sirius Black's whereabouts also occupied his thoughts. John couldn't shake the feeling that Black was hiding somewhere within Hogwarts, possibly utilizing secret passages unknown even to the Marauder's Map. The idea that Black might be targeting Harry Potter added urgency to his concerns. Despite his efforts, including spells placed in the Shrieking Shack, Black remained elusive.
As Valentine's Day approached, the atmosphere within Hogwarts shifted, with hints of romance in the air. John's conversation with Daphne was a welcome distraction from his worries, offering a moment of lightness amidst the ongoing challenges. However, the reality of his responsibilities, both to his business and to the safety of those around him, remained ever-present in his mind. Catching a glimpse of John's frightened expression, she held her breath so tightly she nearly choked. In a fit of anger, she stomped on John's foot before storming off. John, rubbing his sore right foot, felt a surge of relief that he had never had to endure Daphne's cooking. He mused that even an iron stomach couldn't withstand her culinary attempts for long. Daphne's dishes, lacking in color, aroma, and taste, often left much to be desired. Sometimes, the ingredients were barely edible, a fact that sent shivers down his spine. Watching Daphne's retreating figure, he sighed, "Daphne is a wonderful person, as long as she stays away from the kitchen."
His attention then shifted to the courtyard, where Cedric and Cho Chang were engaged in a lively conversation, their relationship seemingly flourishing. The air was thick with the sweet scent of budding romance. On the other side, Draco Malfoy's relentless pursuit of Harry Potter was evident in his constant provocations and taunts, especially aimed at Ron Weasley for his fondness for chicken legs. John observed all this with a detached air, remarking, "That kid has quite the crush on him," wondering whether Harry had wronged Draco in some way to warrant such persistent attention.
The following day, Harry's performance on the Firebolt during the match against Ravenclaw was nothing short of spectacular, earning him cheers and adulation from the crowd. Cedric, meanwhile, was there to console Cho, showcasing the depth of their connection.
In these moments, the dynamics between the students of Hogwarts were as complex as they were fascinating, with each interaction revealing more about their characters and relationships.
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If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge