After a quiet discussion with Hermione, the two spent some time reading before bidding each other goodnight and heading off to their respective dormitories.
The following morning, as breakfast was underway, Albert received a note from Harry just before the food was served. Hermione, who had taken a seat beside him, glanced at the paper in his hand and asked curiously.
"What's that you've got there? Is it... an expulsion notice?" she inquired with a hint of alarm.
Albert chuckled. "Do you remember when Professor McGonagall took Harry and me aside on the day we had our first flying lesson?"
Hermione nodded. "Of course, I remember that day clearly."
"Well," Albert continued, "that day, she introduced us to the Gryffindor Quidditch captain. She wanted us to try out for the team."
Hermione's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait—but isn't it against school rules for a first-year to join the house Quidditch team? I swear I read that in the handbook!"
Albert shrugged. "That's what I thought too. But apparently, two of the team's key players—one Chaser and one Seeker—graduated last year, and they needed replacements before the upcoming match."
"Oh, I see. So, which position did you choose? Chaser or Seeker?"
"Well, Professor McGonagall asked Harry first, and he chose to be the Seeker. That left me with the Chaser position. Not that I mind—I didn't really have a choice."
As they talked, Harry and Ron appeared at the table, plates in hand.
"Albert," Harry said, "the captain wants us to head out to practice. You coming?"
Albert set down his fork. "Yeah, I'll be there—go on ahead, I'll catch up."
Harry nodded and left with Ron.
Albert quickly finished his breakfast and returned to the dormitory to change into the Gryffindor Quidditch uniform that the team captain had given him. Once dressed, he made his way straight to the Quidditch pitch.
Upon arriving, he saw Harry talking with a student he instantly recognized—the Gryffindor team captain, Oliver Wood. Oliver was not just the team's goalkeeper; he was also one of the youngest captains in the school's recent history, having taken on the role in 1988 during his third year. Now in his fifth year at Hogwarts, Oliver had earned a reputation as an exceptional goalkeeper, allowing Gryffindor to win the Quidditch Cup three years in a row.
Harry turned to see Albert approaching. "Hey, there you are!"
"Good," Oliver said. "Now that you're here, I need to explain the basics of the game."
He spoke with a commanding tone. "Each team has three tall goalposts—hoops suspended fifty feet in the air. A team consists of seven players: three Chasers, two Beaters, one Keeper, and one Seeker."
Oliver pointed to an imaginary pitch as he explained.
"The Keeper guards the hoops and tries to block incoming goals. The Seeker's job is to catch a small, golden ball called the Snitch. It's lightning-fast, has wings, and is nearly impossible to catch. Catching it earns your team 150 points and ends the game."
He continued, "Then there are the two Beaters. Their job is to protect their teammates by hitting enchanted iron balls—called Bludgers—at opposing Chasers to throw them off. If a Chaser is hit while holding the Quaffle, they must return to their starting position without the ball, which then goes to the opposing team."
"And finally, there are the three Chasers," Oliver added, nodding at Albert. "They pass the Quaffle around and try to score by throwing it through one of the opposing team's hoops. They have to dodge Bludgers and outmaneuver the Keeper to get it through."
"Alright," he said briskly, "now that you understand the rules, it's time for practice. Harry, go train with Alexander to work on your Seeker skills. Albert, stay with me—I need to talk to you."
Harry gave Albert a puzzled look before heading off as instructed. Albert remained with Oliver, curious about what more he had to say.
"Now that you're a Chaser," Oliver said, grabbing his broom, "we need to practice some drills. As a Keeper myself, I can help you understand how to find a goalkeeper's weak spots. The more goals you score, the better your instincts will become. Sound good?"
Albert nodded. "Absolutely!"
The pitch was soon alive with activity. Harry was busy learning how to track and catch the Snitch, while the Beaters worked on controlling the Bludgers. Meanwhile, Albert listened intently to Oliver's advice.
"When you approach the hoops," Oliver said, "always note where the Keeper is positioned—center, left, or right. If he's in the center, it's much harder to score—especially if he's tall, like me. You'll need to use feints and misdirection. Make it look like you're aiming for one hoop, then switch at the last second."
"There's another trick," Oliver added. "You can lure the Keeper out of position—tempt them to leave their post. If you're quick, you can score before they recover. But you have to act fast—opponents will close in quickly."
Albert gave a confident nod. "Got it!"
"Alright," Oliver said with a grin, "time to put what you've learned to the test. Let's see what you've got."
Albert soared back on his broom, sizing up the goalposts. Oliver was already hovering, alert and centered between the three hoops. This wasn't going to be easy.
He's in the center, Albert thought. That means feinting won't work. And he's the best Keeper in the school—there's no way a rookie like me is going to score... unless I cheat a little.
He took a deep breath, then flew at Oliver at full speed. Gripping the Quaffle in his right hand, he aimed for the right hoop.
As expected, Oliver easily blocked the shot.
"Try again!" Oliver called out.
Albert caught the Quaffle, a sly smile curling on his lips.
It's impossible to score without magic. He thought. Technically, wands aren't allowed in the game—but who says I need a wand?
He reached his empty left hand to his broom and whispered, "Featherlight."
The charm reduced the broom's weight until it was nearly weightless, granting him even greater speed. Then, he pointed at the Quaffle and muttered, "Wingardium Leviosa." The ball hovered and responded to his will.
"Alright!" Oliver shouted. "Come at me!"
Albert darted forward—this time moving with astonishing speed. Oliver's eyes widened.
He raised his hand to block what he thought was a straight shot toward the left hoop—but in the final second, the Quaffle veered to the right and soared cleanly through.
Score.
Gasps echoed across the pitch.
The other players stared, stunned, before breaking into applause.
"Nice shot, newbie!" someone shouted. "Didn't think anyone could score on Oliver!"
"Yeah! With Albert on the team, we've got a real chance at the Cup!"
"Can't wait for the tournament!"
Even Harry, who had just managed to catch the Snitch after an exhausting chase, looked over in surprise.
Oliver floated over, still in disbelief. "That... was incredible. How did you get the Quaffle to change direction like that?"
Albert hesitated, unsure of what to say—but before he could answer, a voice rang out across the pitch.
"Alright, students! That's enough practice for today. Return to your dormitories!"
Everyone descended toward the ground, chattering excitedly.
As they walked back, Albert and Harry exchanged stories about their practice. Harry was proud to have caught the Snitch, while Albert shared how he had managed to score on Oliver.
Time passed slowly as they spoke, and eventually, the sky turned completely dark. Hermione and Ron had been waiting for them. Once they'd all changed back into their school robes, they retrieved their Astronomy books and made their way to the Astronomy Tower for t
heir next class.
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