The crisp autumn air filled the Hogwarts Quidditch stadium as students from all four houses poured into the stands, their voices blending into a symphony of cheers and anticipation. Banners fluttered in the wind, enchanted to flash the colors of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. The first Quidditch match of the season had arrived—Ravenclaw versus Hufflepuff.
Ez sat in the changing room, adjusting his gloves as Roger Davies, the newly appointed Ravenclaw captain, addressed the team.
"Alright, everyone, listen up! Hufflepuff might not have the flashiest tactics, but they're disciplined and relentless. Their Chasers are good at passing plays, so we need to intercept before they gain momentum. Ez, we're counting on you to break through their defense and rack up the goals."
Ez smirked, stretching his arms. "Don't worry, Captain. I'll make sure to keep them busy."
"Good. You're our best Chaser, so push the attack, but don't get reckless." Roger's eyes flickered to the rest of the team. "Everyone else, stick to the strategy. We win this, and we set the tone for the season."
With a final nod, they grabbed their brooms and marched onto the field. The moment Ez stepped out, a roar of cheers greeted them. He spotted familiar faces in the stands—Alys and Daphne sitting together, waving excitedly, along with Astoria and Celes, who clapped enthusiastically.
His father, Lord Thomas Malverne, was seated in the special guest area, composed as always, while his mother, Marissa, offered a small smile. Beside them sat Lord Greengrass, who had accompanied Daphne and Astoria.
Across the field, the Hufflepuff team stood in formation, their Seeker, Cedric Diggory, giving Ez a nod of respect. Ez returned it, knowing Cedric would be a major factor in this match.
Madam Hooch walked to the center of the pitch, holding the Quaffle under her arm.
"Players, mount your brooms!"
Ez gripped his Nimbus 2000 tightly, feeling the surge of adrenaline.
"Three… two… one… Blow!"
The whistle shrieked, and the game exploded into motion.
The Match Begins
Ez shot forward like a bolt of lightning, immediately snatching the Quaffle from midair before a Hufflepuff Chaser could react. He weaved through the field, ducking under a Bludger as one of the Hufflepuff Beaters aimed to knock him off balance.
Spotting an opening, Ez hurled the Quaffle towards the right goalpost, but the Hufflepuff Keeper deflected it at the last moment.
"Tsk," Ez muttered before looping around for another attack.
Hufflepuff countered aggressively, their three Chasers moving in sync. Ez recognized their strategy—quick passes to confuse the defense. He raced alongside them, intercepting their final pass just as they reached Ravenclaw's scoring area.
Ez twisted midair, flipping the Quaffle backward to Roger, who soared down the pitch like a hawk before firing a goal past the Keeper.
"Ravenclaw scores! 10-0!"
The stadium erupted into cheers.
Hufflepuff wasn't backing down. They ramped up their offensive, scoring two goals in quick succession. Their Beaters, especially a burly sixth-year, aimed Bludgers straight at Ez, trying to take him out of play.
Ez dodged one barely in time but felt the wind of another pass dangerously close to his shoulder. His grip tightened on his broom.
"Fine. If they want to play rough, let's play rough."
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The score was 20-30 in Hufflepuff's favor when Ravenclaw found their momentum again.
Ez intercepted another pass, weaving through two defenders before pulling off an insane midair barrel roll to avoid a Bludger. The crowd gasped as he flipped back upright and threw the Quaffle in one smooth motion—straight into the goal.
"That's another goal for Ravenclaw! 30-30!"
The game grew intense, both teams trading goals while Cedric Diggory and the Ravenclaw Seeker soared above, locked in a hunt for the Snitch.
Ez was in his element—spinning past defenders, predicting passes, scoring shot after shot. By the time the score hit 80-70 in Ravenclaw's favor, his name was being chanted across the stadium.
Then suddenly—
"Diggory's diving for the Snitch!"
Cedric plunged downward at insane speed, and Ravenclaw's Seeker followed. The entire stadium held its breath.
At the same time, Ez saw a chance for one final goal. He raced toward the Hufflepuff Keeper, feinting right before flipping backward midair and slamming the Quaffle through the left hoop.
"100-70! Ravenclaw extends their lead!"
A second later—
Cedric pulled out of his dive, the Snitch clutched in his hand.
The whistle blew.
Final Score: Ravenclaw 100 – Hufflepuff 220
Hufflepuff had won, but Ravenclaw had put up a fierce fight.
Ez landed, catching his breath. Though they lost, he was satisfied. He had played brilliantly, and the crowd chanted his name as he walked off the field.
As he reached the stands, Alys and Daphne rushed toward him.
"You were amazing!" Alys grinned.
"Even though you lost," Daphne added teasingly.
Ez ruffled Alys's hair and smirked at Daphne. "That's just round one. Next time, we win."
From the stands, his father nodded in approval, while Lord Greengrass clapped politely.
And in the distance, Ez caught a glimpse of Cedric, who gave him a respectful nod.
A rivalry had just begun.
The season was far from over.
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