The holiday ended without any major incidents, except when Marie came to me, saying that the Mirror of Erised had disappeared.
Of course, I scolded her for trying to use the mirror to see me and for thinking of doing obscene things with it.
I understand that she wants to explore that kind of relationship, but I think she's rushing through some stages a little too quickly.
Anyway, the students returned, and classes started again, much to the dismay of certain students, especially those who had to endure Quirrell's boring lessons.
I'm sorry to say this for those who enjoy his classes, but it's clear that he has never truly fought the forces of darkness. I want to be taught by competent teachers, ones who know how to deliver lessons and give us practical training in counter-spells that could actually help us against these dark forces.
The week passed quietly, and it was time for the Ravenclaw vs. Hufflepuff Quidditch match that had been postponed due to a broomstick inspection following the incident at the previous match.
Of course, I watched the game—after all, it was Marie's first match, and I'm not so overwhelmed with work that I'd miss it.
I had attended two of her training sessions, and her style of flying as a Keeper was quite unique.
I noticed a blend of certain martial arts techniques in the way she prevented the Quaffle from passing through the goal hoops.
I was asked if I wanted to commentate on the match with Lee Jordan, but I declined because I preferred to focus on Marie's performance.
The players entered the field, greeted by cheers from the crowd. The cheers grew even louder when Marie stepped onto the pitch.
My parallel thoughts, which were in love with her, felt a pang of jealousy at all those who admired her.
Sometimes my thoughts would end up in conflict, mostly against the stubborn ones who either weren't in love with her or didn't realize their feelings.
While it's a blessing to have so many parallel thoughts, it often turns into chaos when there's discord between them.
Anyway, back to the game, the players mounted their brooms and took off.
The start was quite typical, with the Chasers passing the Quaffle back and forth or trying to steal it from the opposing team.
The first opportunity went to Ravenclaw, who rushed toward the Hufflepuff Keeper while making quick passes to distract him. It worked, and the Quaffle soared through the goal hoops.
I was analyzing the Ravenclaw team's strategy and passing on the information to Marie, so she could share with her team the areas that needed improvement.
The Quaffle was back with Hufflepuff, but they quickly lost possession to one of Ravenclaw's Chasers, who unfortunately dropped the Quaffle after being hit by a Bludger.
The Chasers didn't waste any time and rushed toward the goals Marie was defending.
Marie didn't move, keeping her eyes fixed on the Quaffle and its surroundings, ready to block any attack.
When the Chaser shot, Marie dashed forward, intercepting the Quaffle with one hand, catching it effortlessly.
The match went on, and I eagerly waited to see how Marie would block the next attempt.
Sometimes she even kicked the Quaffle, sending it flying toward her teammates.
But the highlight was when Marie misjudged the trajectory of the Quaffle, and she caught it with both hands, holding onto her broom with only the tips of her feet.
I promised myself I would scold Marie later because what she did was very reckless.
Fortunately, our Seeker caught the Golden Snitch before Marie did anything else like that again.
"You're crazy for pulling stunts like that."
"You were worried about me. Just admit it."
"Yes, I was. You could've gotten hurt."
"You care so much about me. Does that mean you love me?"
"Stop twisting every situation to make me confess accidentally. For now, the vast majority of my parallel thoughts consider you only as a very good friend, someone whose life I would trust."
This was a bit close to our conversation.