The Gryffindor Quidditch team strode down the castle corridor, Harry in his red Quidditch robes, along his teammates—Oliver Wood, Fred and George Weasley, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, and Katie Bell.
“I spent the summer devising a whole new Quidditch program,” Oliver said, his tone serious and determined. “We’re going to train earlier, harder, and longer.” He glanced to his left, and the rest of the team instinctively followed his gaze as he came to an abrupt halt.
“What…?” he murmured, staring ahead in disbelief. “I don’t believe it.”
The Gryffindors had barely stepped into the courtyard when they saw the Slytherin Quidditch team assembled there, also dressed in their green robes.
“Here comes the trouble.”
Just beside them, Ron and Hermione were seated on a stone bench, looking just as surprised. With a furrowed brow, Oliver stepped forward, directing his attention to the Slytherin team captain, Marcus Flint.
“Where do you think you’re going, Flint?” Oliver demanded.
Marcus turned, smirking as he replied, “Quidditch practice.”
Oliver crossed his arms. “I booked the pitch for Gryffindor today.”
Marcus’s grin widened, his tone dripping with mockery. “Easy, Wood,” he said, reaching into his robes and pulling out a rolled-up scroll. “I’ve got a note.” He held it out, and Oliver snatched it, unfurling it to read the official-looking parchment.
Ron, sensing trouble, leaned over to Hermione. “Uh-oh. I smell trouble.” The two of them stood up, edging closer to the Quidditch teams.
Oliver’s eyes skimmed the parchment, his brows knitting in frustration. “‘I, Professor Severus Snape, do hereby give the Slytherin team permission to practice today, owing to the need to train their new Seeker,’” he read aloud, the irritation thick in his voice.
“Of course, it’s Snivellus. He can’t help his nature.”
Lowering the scroll, he looked back up. “You’ve got a new Seeker. Who?”
At this, Marcus stepped aside, revealing Draco Malfoy, who strolled forward with an air of smugness.
Harry’s stomach lurched. “Malfoy?” he blurted out, unable to mask his astonishment.
Draco smirked, clearly reveling in the attention. “That’s right. And that’s not all that’s new this year.” He positioned his broom at his side, the glint of polished wood catching the light. The Gryffindor team’s eyes drifted to the rest of the Slytherin players, who each held sleek Nimbus 2001s.
Ron’s mouth fell open. “Those are Nimbus 2001s! How did you get those?”
“A gift from Draco’s father,” Marcus replied smoothly.
Draco seized the moment, directing his sneer at Ron. “You see, Weasley,” he drawled, his tone dripping with malice, “unlike some, my father can afford the best.”
"I dunno... What does he get from it, though? You know putting people down." he muttered, half to himself. "I mean... it's not like it benefits him. Does he think it's gonna help him?" His voice trailed off, as though he were still trying to make sense of it all.
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SOLSTICE
Fanfiction"My lord," Cyril hummed in reply. Theo always preferred this title. Theo asked, referring to the future they all would be witnessing, "Are you okay with what tomorrow brings? It's like privacy being snatched away, and secrets won't be secrets anymo...
