The aftermath of Ez's first Quidditch match was far more intense than he had expected. His performance as a first-year Chaser had already sent waves through the Hogwarts community. It wasn't just that he had played—first-years rarely got a spot on the team—but the fact that he had led Ravenclaw to victory with a level of skill that even upper years couldn't ignore.
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Walking through Hogwarts the next morning, Ez noticed how students would pause their conversations when he passed. Some shot him admiring looks, while others whispered behind their hands.
"Did you see how he dodged that last Bludger?"
"I heard he's been training since he was a kid!"
"He's from one of those old wizarding families, right? Maybe it's in his blood."
Ez sighed internally. He wasn't against attention, but he didn't particularly crave it either. This was only the beginning, and he already knew things would escalate if he continued proving himself.
"Elena, Adrian," Ez greeted his friends as he met them near the Great Hall.
Elena smirked, flipping her dark hair over her shoulder. "Ah, our resident Quidditch star has finally arrived. Tell me, Ez, how does it feel to have half the school talking about you?"
Adrian Selwyn rolled his eyes but grinned. "I'd say he's got it easy. The worst he'll have to deal with are a few overeager fan letters and some envious upper-years."
Ez gave them both a flat look. "You say that like it's a small thing."
Before either could respond, a familiar voice called out.
"Ez! There you are!"
Turning, Ez saw Cedric Diggory approaching, still dressed in his Hufflepuff robes. "Professor Sprout wants to see me, so I can't stay long, but I just wanted to say—that match was incredible. I knew you were good, but damn, you really took control of the game."
Ez gave a small chuckle. "High praise from someone who's already making waves as a Seeker."
Cedric grinned. "Just stating the truth. Keep this up, and I won't be surprised if you get scouted way before graduation."
Elena and Adrian exchanged knowing looks. Ez had never hidden his ambition to go pro, but hearing someone like Cedric say it aloud made it feel more real.
"Thanks, Cedric," Ez said, meaning it. "Though I don't think everyone's as happy about my win."
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As if on cue, a group of Slytherin players passed by, led by Adrian Pucey, who had been a key player on the opposing team. The moment their eyes met, Pucey sneered but didn't say a word.
Elena arched a brow. "Well, that's not ominous at all."
Adrian Selwyn chuckled. "Pucey's probably still salty about losing to a first-year. Can't really blame him."
Ez didn't react much—he had expected this. Rivalries were inevitable in Quidditch, and Pucey wouldn't be the last to take issue with him.
---
After finishing breakfast, Ez made his way toward the Owlery, where he had received a letter from home earlier that morning. His family had been present for the match, including Alys, Daphne, and little Astoria.
As he opened the letter, he could practically hear Alys' teasing tone in the writing:
"You were alright, I suppose. Nothing special. Just the entire school talking about you. Don't let it go to your head, big brother."
Daphne's message was more reserved but still held warmth:
"Well played, Ez. It was entertaining, at the very least. You might actually be worth watching in the future."
And then there was Astoria, who had practically scribbled in excitement:
"YOU WERE AMAZING, EZ! YOU FLEW SO FAST!! WHEN CAN YOU TEACH ME?!"
Ez chuckled. His little Tori was still young but already looking up to him in ways that made him feel incredibly protective of her.
His parents had also sent their congratulations, along with a reminder to focus on his studies just as much as his training.
Looking Ahead
The match had solidified his presence in Hogwarts—not just as a first-year, but as a rising talent in Quidditch. But Ez knew that Hogwarts wasn't just about Quidditch. He still had his studies, his grimoire, and his deeper goals to consider.
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