As April arrived, the more diligent students had already begun their exam preparations. Tom, meanwhile, was contentedly gnawing on a wand-shaped teething stick, a failed creation of John's. Rather than discarding it, John had repurposed it into a chew toy for Tom. Remarkably, despite over a year of relentless biting, the teething stick remained intact.
John glanced at the two-month-old dog before picking up his book to leave. Tom eagerly wagged his tail, ready to follow, but Basil dramatically retracted his wings just as he was about to spread them. As John stepped outside, Daphne approached him, a hint of concern in her voice. "Why haven't you let Tom out lately?" she asked. John had always allowed the dog to roam freely, but now, having kept him confined for two months, it was clear John was upset. "He lost a wand and must learn to take responsibility for his actions," John explained.
They made their way to the auditorium, where upon settling down, Daphne eagerly presented her latest culinary endeavor. "I've been experimenting with oriental cuisine," she announced, revealing a set of equipment acquired from overseas wizards. "This is called rice rolls, a traditional Chinese breakfast." Daphne was visibly proud of her achievement, confident in her success.
John's interest was piqued. After a string of unconventional meals like strawberry pizza, he was curious about the rice rolls, hopeful for a taste of something familiar. Daphne lifted the lid with a flourish, revealing a plate of chocolate-filled rice rolls. John was taken aback. "Daphne, who exactly taught you to cook?" he asked, struggling to hide his disappointment.
Daphne, puzzled, assured him the rice rolls were delicious. "I bought the recipe from a wizard named Chen. Is something wrong?" she inquired.
John, half-jokingly, expressed a desire to visit this wizard Chen with some "special products." Inwardly, he resolved to have Tang Mi deal with the charlatan, humorously thinking of sending a message to Old Tang about wanting to eat fish. Daphne, however, admitted she didn't know where Chen lived, thwarting John's plans for retribution.
Their conversation was interrupted by Malfoy, who approached with an uneasy look. "John, I heard about Tom and your wand," he said, his discomfort evident. John was surprised by Malfoy's concern for his dog, wondering if Malfoy had grown attached to Tom during their recent walks.
John responded coolly, emphasizing the importance of accountability. Malfoy quickly excused himself, leaving John to ponder his odd behavior.
Turning to Heinrich, who had been quietly observing, John inquired about Malfoy's sudden departure. Heinrich, distracted, mentioned the upcoming Quidditch final between Slytherin and Gryffindor, explaining Malfoy's preoccupation.
John then noticed the Weasley twins looking uneasy under Heinrich's intense gaze. "You're not planning to send someone to the hospital before the game, are you?" John asked, recognizing the violent intent in Heinrich's eyes.
Heinrich, unabashed, confirmed his intentions, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous fervor. John, however, reminded him of the consequences, especially considering the twins were Percy's brothers. In the end, it was the honor of the Stars Club that reined in Heinrich's impulses, ensuring Percy remained unaware of the potential conflict.
This chapter highlights the complexities of friendship, responsibility, and the thin line between justice and vengeance within the magical world, all while weaving in elements of humor and culinary misadventures. The tension was palpable as the two teams prepared for the match, under the watchful eye of a sunny sky with just a hint of a breeze. In the locker room, strategies were being laid out when John noticed Cedric's troubled expression. "Cho Chang is going to cheer for Gryffindor," he said, his voice tinged with embarrassment. John understood Cedric's concern; after all, Cho had been on the receiving end of Malfoy's aggressive tactics during the Slytherin match, being bumped and dragged multiple times. It was understandable that she wouldn't be eager to support Slytherin now. "We should respect her choice. It's just a game, and it won't impact your friendship," John said, emphasizing 'friendship' with a half-smile. Cedric nodded, though his ears turned red with embarrassment.
Moments before the match, Daphne and Pansy approached. Pansy, in particular, was fuming about the Gryffindor commentator, fearing bias could demoralize their team. John, seeing the concern, asked Blaise Zabini to fetch Ernie MacMillan from Hufflepuff. Together, they approached Professor Snape to suggest having a commentator from another house to ensure fairness. Snape, after a moment's consideration, agreed to discuss the matter with Professor McGonagall.
As the teams emerged from the locker room, Harry's Firebolt was the center of attention, a symbol of his slight vanity but also his commitment to the game. Ron's boast about the superiority of the Firebolt over Malfoy's Nimbus 2001 was cut short when the Slytherin team appeared, with Malfoy brandishing a Firebolt of his own. The sight of it silenced Gryffindor supporters; the match was no longer a one-sided affair but a true competition of equals.
The game began with an air of intense rivalry, especially between Harry and Malfoy. Malfoy taunted Harry, hinting at the unfair advantages he believed Harry had received since joining the Quidditch team. Malfoy's resentment was clear; he felt overshadowed despite his own efforts and the support from his father. The match was not just a game but a battle for recognition and respect, with both sides determined to prove their worth.
As broomsticks soared into the air, the focus was on Harry and Malfoy, each on a Firebolt, circling each other with competitive fire in their eyes. The match was more than just a game; it was a clash of ambitions, efforts, and the desire to emerge victorious, not just for themselves but for their houses. The outcome would depend on skill, determination, and perhaps a bit of luck, as both teams vied for the coveted victory. If it weren't for John, Slytherin's nine-game winning streak, a source of immense pride, might have been a thing of the past. In a world without Dumbledore to guide them, Slytherin found its beacon in John. Reflecting on his daily training, Malfoy realized he couldn't afford to slack off, even during the holidays. He took a deep breath, his determination steeling in his gaze. Harry noticed a change in Malfoy, a transformation that had been gradual yet profound. Malfoy had grown stronger, his flying skills sharper, and his overall performance significantly enhanced. Without much fanfare, Malfoy had evolved.
The competition between the two teams was intense, marked by fierce determination on both sides. A particularly dirty play by Slytherin clashed with Weasley's cunning, bringing the teams to the brink of a brawl. Gryffindor's goalkeeper, Wood, showcased exceptional skills, making it a challenge for even the sleek Nimbus 2001 to score. In a blatant foul, Slytherin's Chaser Montague targeted Katie, aiming to prevent her from intercepting the Quaffle.
Lee Jordan's commentary was filled with excitement, so much so that he seemed to forget the presence of the Slytherin head behind him, unleashing a tirade of biased remarks. Professor McGonagall's expression soured at the display, and Snape intervened with a cold efficiency, pulling Jordan away and seating Ernie McMillan in his place. Snape's icy glare was a clear warning: fairness and impartiality were non-negotiable. "If you can't make a fair and just evaluation, then find someone else," he stated sharply.
Lee Jordan attempted to return to his post, but was effectively blocked by the imposing figures of Goyle and Crabbe. His slight frame stood no chance against their bulk. Ernie, initially taken aback by the sudden responsibility, quickly adapted. With a penchant for the spotlight and a sharp tongue, he dove into the role of commentator. Being neither a Gryffindor nor a Slytherin, he offered a more balanced perspective on the game.
As the match reached its climax, the Golden Snitch finally made its appearance, capturing the focused attention of both seekers.
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Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge