Hogwarts buzzed with excitement as the Quidditch Cup final approached. Ravenclaw vs. Slytherin—the most anticipated match of the season.
For Ezekiel, this was more than just another game. It was his chance to cement Ravenclaw's dominance and prove himself as one of the best Chasers in the school.
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Ravenclaw had been dominant all season, thanks to a well-balanced team and Ezekiel's incredible plays.
Their second match had been against Gryffindor—a thrilling, high-scoring game where Ezekiel had outmaneuvered Oliver Wood's defensive tactics and secured a win with a perfectly executed feint that led to a last-second goal.
Their third match, against Hufflepuff, had been tougher. Cedric Diggory was an exceptional Seeker, and the game had dragged on for hours. But Ezekiel's precise coordination with his fellow Chasers had kept Ravenclaw ahead in points, forcing Hufflepuff to take risks. In the end, Ravenclaw's Seeker had caught the Snitch just before Cedric, sealing their place in the finals.
Slytherin, on the other hand, had bulldozed their way through the competition. Their strategy relied on brute force, and their Beaters played aggressively, often skirting the edge of the rules. With Adrian Pucey leading their Chasers and their Seeker, Terence Higgs, showing surprising improvement, they were a formidable team.
Now, the two teams stood at the top.
And it was time to see who would claim victory.
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The stands were packed. Banners waved, students cheered, and the colors of blue and silver clashed against green and silver. Even some professors seemed eager to watch the showdown.
From the Ravenclaw locker room, Ezekiel adjusted his gear, exhaling slowly.
A teammate nudged him. "You ready?"
He smirked. "Always."
Their Captain, clapped his hands. "We've beaten Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. Slytherin is just another obstacle. Stick to the plan—tight formations, quick passes, and don't let them dictate the pace."
The team nodded, determination in their eyes.
As they walked onto the field, Ezekiel's gaze locked onto Pucey, who stood across from him, smirking.
"Let's settle this, Pucey."
"Oh, we will."
The whistle blew.
The final had begun.
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The Quaffle was released, and immediately, Ezekiel surged forward. He snatched the ball midair, weaving through the chaos.
Slytherin's Beaters launched a Bludger straight at him, but he barrel-rolled just in time, passing the Quaffle to Elena.
She dodged an intercepting Slytherin and hurled the ball straight through the goalposts—10-0, Ravenclaw.
Cheers erupted.
Slytherin countered immediately, Pucey leading their offensive charge. Ezekiel shadowed him, reading his movements. Just as Pucey went for a shot, Ezekiel dived in, stealing the Quaffle mid-pass and reversing the play.
The game turned brutal. Bludgers were flying aggressively, players collided midair, and the score was neck and neck—50-50.
Then Slytherin started playing dirty.
A sharp elbow from a Slytherin Chaser sent Elena spinning, forcing her to drop the Quaffle. Ezekiel caught it, but a Bludger came straight at his ribs.
He twisted—barely avoiding a direct hit.
"They're getting desperate."
With gritted teeth, Ezekiel signaled his teammates—time to turn up the pressure.
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The score had climbed—80-80.
Both teams were exhausted. The Snitch was still nowhere to be seen.
Pucey made his move, feinting left before attempting a backhanded goal. Ezekiel was already there.
Instead of stealing the Quaffle, he reached out, knocking it off course just enough for the Keeper to block it.
Slytherin's frustration grew.
Then, suddenly—movement near the stands.
The Snitch.
Both Seekers dived. Ravenclaw's Seeker was slightly ahead, but Higgs was gaining fast.
Ezekiel's mind raced.
"We need to buy him a few more seconds."
Pucey, sensing the shift, rushed toward Ezekiel, aiming to take him out of the play.
Bad move.
Ezekiel dodged at the last second, causing Pucey to overshoot—and crash straight into his own teammate.
That split second was all Ravenclaw's Seeker needed.
With a final stretch, he snatched the Snitch.
The whistle blew.
Ravenclaw wins—230 to 80!
The stands erupted in cheers.
Ezekiel let out a breath, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. They had done it.
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After the match, the celebration was wild.
Ezekiel spotted familiar faces in the crowd—his father, Thomas, his mother, Marissa, Alys, and even Celeste, who was bouncing excitedly in their mother's arms.
Daphne and Astoria were there as well, both clapping enthusiastically.
Alys ran up first, smirking. "Not bad, Ez. I almost thought you'd let Pucey win."
He rolled his eyes. "Please, I'd rather duel a dragon than let that happen."
Daphne, standing nearby, gave him an approving nod. "That was impressive."
Astoria, or "Tori" as she preferred, ran straight to him and hugged him tightly. "You were amazing, Ez!"
He chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Glad you think so, Tori."
His father approached, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. There was pride in his green eyes. "You continue to prove yourself, son."
Marissa smiled warmly. "Just don't let the fame go to your head."
Ezekiel smirked. "No promises."
That night, Ravenclaw celebrated their victory, but Ezekiel knew this was just another step forward.
There were bigger challenges ahead.
And he was ready for them.
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