The Quidditch season had reached its climax, and Ravenclaw was set to face Slytherin in the final match of the year. After a strong season, Ezekiel was determined to secure the Quidditch Cup before heading into summer.
---
The stands were packed, students and teachers alike eager for the final showdown between two of the strongest teams.
Madam Hooch blew her whistle, and the match began with Slytherin's aggressive tactics immediately in play.
Ezekiel, as Ravenclaw's star Chaser, quickly took control, weaving through defenders and scoring the first goal within minutes.
Adrian Pucey, Slytherin's own Chaser and Ezekiel's rival, wasn't about to make things easy.
"Not bad, Malverne," Pucey smirked as he flew past. "But let's see if you can keep up."
Ezekiel grinned. "Try me."
The game was intense—Slytherin's Beaters played aggressively, forcing Ravenclaw's Chasers to dodge Bludgers at every turn. But Ezekiel's speed and skill allowed him to counter every attack, scoring goal after goal.
As the match progressed, Ravenclaw was leading 140-90 when the Snitch finally appeared.
Both Seekers, Ravenclaw's Darren Montgomery and Slytherin's Terence Higgs, spotted it at the same time.
The race for the Snitch began.
Montgomery, smaller and quicker, managed to outmaneuver Higgs and, with a final lunge, caught the Snitch!
The crowd erupted into cheers.
Ravenclaw won the Quidditch Cup!
Ezekiel pumped his fist in victory before his teammates swarmed him in celebration.
---
After the game, while the team was still celebrating in the locker room, Ezekiel was approached by a group of professional Quidditch scouts.
"Ezekiel Malverne?" one of them, an older man with sharp eyes, called out.
Ezekiel turned, towel draped around his neck. "That's me."
The man extended his hand. "Leonard Grant, scout for the Montrose Magpies."
Ezekiel shook his hand, only to realize there were several other scouts behind him—representatives from teams like:
The Ballycastle Bats
The Kenmare Kestrels
The Wimbourne Wasps
The Falmouth Falcons
One scout, a man dressed in the black-and-red robes of the Ballycastle Bats, smirked. "We've been watching you all season, Malverne. You've got real talent."
Another, from the Wimbourne Wasps, crossed his arms. "We're offering you a spot on our reserve squad—immediately after you leave Hogwarts."
Ezekiel raised a brow. "Reserve squad?"
Grant from the Magpies nodded. "All teams are interested in bringing you in as a reserve, training you to eventually step into the first team."
Then, a scout from the Falmouth Falcons stepped forward, holding out a formal contract.
"We have an immediate opening on our first team," the man said. "One of our starting Chasers is out for the season due to injury. We want you to fill that spot—no reserves, no waiting."
Ezekiel blinked. "Straight to first team?"
The scout nodded. "You'll be playing in professional matches as soon as the season begins."
Ezekiel glanced at Adrian Selwyn, who was watching the exchange with a smirk.
"Looks like you're in demand, mate."
Daphne, who had arrived after hearing about the scouts, stood beside him, arms crossed. "So, are you considering it?"
Ezekiel exhaled, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I'll think about it. But first, I'm going to enjoy this victory."
As the scouts handed him letters of interest, Ezekiel realized—this was just the beginning of his professional Quidditch journey.
---