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    Chapter 57: The Quidditch Match and the Approaching Christmas

    November arrived, the weather turning colder. Andy received a package of new clothes from home, supposedly picked out by his little sister, Isabel.

    *He actually has a conscience!*

    Andy decided to make the most of his Christmas break at home and spend quality time with Isabel.

    He wondered if the little girl had become estranged from him after months apart.

    In early November, Hogwarts’ first Quidditch match was about to begin. According to the schedule, the first game was Gryffindor versus Slytherin.

    *The rivals meet!*

    Even before the match, sparks flew between the two houses.

    Gryffindor and Slytherin were already at odds, and rumors that Harry and Ron had used dark magic against Malfoy only heightened the tension.

    Just yesterday, the two houses nearly erupted into an all-out house war in the Great Hall.

    If not for Professors McGonagall and Snape’s timely intervention, Gryffindor and Slytherin would have been at each other’s throats.

    The first-year witches and wizards were understandably nervous, but the older students were unfazed.

    After all, this kind of thing happened several times a year.

    “Is Quidditch really that much fun?” Hermione flipped through a book about Quidditch, but couldn’t muster any enthusiasm.

    “You’ll see,” Andy said. “I’m not a huge fan. It’s okay occasionally, but I’m not as crazy about it as some people.”

    Actually, wizards like Andy, who disliked Quidditch, were considered outliers in the magical world. Wizards had very few entertainment options; the wizarding world didn’t even have television.

    Let alone video games and computers.

    “Let’s go!” Andy stood up. “The match is about to begin. Let’s go and take a look!”

    “Okay!” Hermione nodded.

    Arriving at the Quidditch pitch, they found a scene of joyous chaos.

    Even before the match started, the younger witches and wizards were already excited, with banners supporting their houses everywhere.

    Andy and Hermione found a spot with a good view on the Ravenclaw side and waited for the match to begin.

    With the entry of both teams, the match quickly started.

    Eleven-year-old Harry Potter seemed small among the older students, but he flew exceptionally well – better than Andy, at least.

    Watching the match live was completely different from reading about it in the newspaper. Surrounded by the excitement, Andy gradually began to enjoy it.

    Hermione was also delighted, clapping and cheering every time a goal was scored.

    “Here, Hermione, want some snacks?” Andy offered Hermione some treats.

    “When did you buy these?” Hermione looked suspicious. “You didn’t sneak off to Hogsmeade, did you?”

    *Pop!*

    Andy lightly flicked Hermione’s forehead. “I bought them with an owl. Who goes out to buy things? It’s so tiring!”

    To be fair, the wizarding world’s online shopping was better than the Muggle world of that time.

    After all, owls were a wizard’s best friend.

    “Oh!” Hermione mumbled, clutching her forehead, her snack failing to soothe her confused mind.

    The match intensified.

    Gryffindor’s overall strength was superior to Slytherin’s. Within twenty minutes of the match, Gryffindor had already scored several goals.

    However, Slytherin displayed a ruthless determination.

    When Gryffindor’s Angelina Johnson caught the Quaffle, two Slytherin Chasers ganged up on her, forcing her to crash into the stands.

    “Foul! Slytherin used a despicable gang-tackle tactic! That’s a foul!” Jordan Lee, the commentator, yelled excitedly, though whether it was a tactic or a foul was unclear.

    As the match continued, Gryffindor’s keeper, Oliver Wood, was knocked unconscious by a Bludger.

    Without a keeper, Slytherin quickly overtook Gryffindor.

    Andy glanced at Harry.

    Harry’s Firebolt was the latest model, inherently imbued with protective magic.

    In the original story, Quirrell could secretly and silently interfere with Harry’s broom without being noticed.

    Clearly, Quirrell wasn’t as incompetent as he appeared.

    Fortunately, Quirrell had been expelled from Hogwarts, and Harry’s Firebolt showed no problems. He quickly caught the Golden Snitch, ending the match.

    “It looks like Gryffindor won,” Andy said, smiling at Hermione. “So, what did you think? Did you find the Quidditch match interesting?”

    “I thought it was quite interesting,” Hermione said, still visibly excited. “The match was intense, and I’ve never seen this kind of flying-based game before.”

    “Our next match is Ravenclaw versus Hufflepuff. We’ll watch that one together!” Andy said.

    “Okay!” Hermione replied happily.

    The following weeks, Andy returned to his normal studies.

    Classes, the library, and magic practice became his routine.

    Occasionally, late at night, Andy would sneak into the Restricted Section and read a few books.

    Dumbledore hadn’t appeared again, perhaps having given up on stopping Andy’s behaviour.

    Of course, Andy hadn’t used the Summoning Charm again.

    Repeatedly pushing boundaries seemed a bit silly.

    Although Andy wanted to discuss the Obscurus problem with Dumbledore, it wasn’t urgent.

    Even if Dumbledore did say something, Andy’s current abilities wouldn’t allow him to research it effectively.

    Besides occasionally contemplating his future path in magic, Andy focused on strengthening his present self. He learned more magical knowledge and mastered more spellcasting techniques.

    December arrived, and the weather grew even colder.

    It snowed a few days ago, and Andy added a sweater under his robes.

    “Time flies!” Hermione said with a sigh, sitting by the fireplace in the common room. “Andy, how do you wizards celebrate Christmas?”

    “Probably much like you Muggles,” Andy replied.

    Tomorrow was the holiday break. Andy wasn’t sure whether he wanted to go home more or stay at Hogwarts’ library longer.

    But thinking of his parents and his little sister, Andy felt a surge of anticipation.

    “Don’t forget to write to me during the break!” Hermione said before asking, “By the way, would you like to read some Muggle books?”

    “I think I’ll pass,” Andy quickly shook his head.

    This time back home, Andy wanted to ask Kyle and Helen about some magic not taught at Hogwarts. He had no time to read Muggle books.

    He had read enough of those in his past life.

    (End of Chapter)

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