The Noble Sport of High-Quality Wizards

After Potions class, the news that Mr. Slytherin had earned sixty points for Slytherin House spread like wildfire.

Students from all four houses learned of Professor Snape's point additions. Some older Slytherins even joked that with Moriarty around, Ravenclaw could only aim for second place in the House Cup.

At the center of it all, Moriarty remained remarkably calm. He was currently sitting on a sofa in the common room, engrossed in a book.

It was "Quidditch Through the Ages," which he had just borrowed from the library, and he was reading it with great interest.

On the other side of the sofa sat Jericho, also with a large book in his hands, occasionally letting out an exclamation of admiration.

Just then, Lilith walked in. Upon seeing her two companions on the sofa, she let out an exaggerated sigh:

"I can't believe you two wasted precious sunlight, staying in the common room all afternoon! It's a rare, beautiful sunny day, and so many people are out on the lawns."

Moriarty replied without looking up, "Oh, really? Then who was it I saw scouring the library for Potions books? From your tone, I thought you were out playing on the lawns."

"Heh heh, I knew I couldn't fool you," Lilith said, placing a stack of Potions books she was holding onto the sofa. She then explained, "I want to learn more about Potions so I can surpass you when we brew the boil-curing potion in the next class!"

Moriarty turned a page, saying casually, "I heard Mr. Lockhart say that teenage girls always have unrealistic dreams. Is he talking about you?"

Lilith rolled her eyes, trying to change the subject. "I saw Leon and Prefect William on the lawn. They were arguing again. I bet Prefect William will definitely resort to violence next time!"

However, Moriarty merely gave a faint acknowledgment, making Lilith want to knock the book out of his hands.

"Miss Peverell, I don't expect you to fall in love with this sport, but you must learn to respect it." Jericho looked up from his book. He now appeared quite dashing, even his posture exuded an air of elegance.

Jericho raised his book so Lilith could clearly see the title on the cover—"The Noble Art of Wizardry."

Lilith, however, was amused. Why did Jericho become so smarmy when Quidditch was mentioned?

"Say things like that after you've won the Quidditch Cup!" Lilith shook her head, preparing to return to her dormitory.

Moriarty, however, closed his book with a "thump." "The Quidditch Cup? That sounds excellent. Jericho, are you interested in joining forces with me to win seven Quidditch Cups?"

Jericho jumped up from the sofa, "Are you serious, Mr. Moriarty?"

"That's not a wise decision. Generally, first-year students aren't allowed on the team." Lilith looked at Moriarty with confusion, not believing he didn't know this.

"That's not a problem," Moriarty patted Jericho's shoulder, gesturing for him to sit down, and then calmly replied to Lilith, "As long as our skills are sufficiently advanced, the House and the Headmaster will make an exception for us."

"Then what are we waiting for! We have flying class this afternoon, let's go early!" Jericho excitedly stood up again. "I mean, we can scout the terrain and familiarize ourselves with the stadium environment."

"Good idea, let's go."

This time, Moriarty didn't ask him to sit down. Moriarty realized that when discussing Quidditch with others, Jericho was a gentleman; but when playing Quidditch or about to play Quidditch, Jericho was an enthusiast.

"Wait for me, I need to put these books back in the dormitory first." Lilith picked up the thick Potions books.

Moriarty and Jericho went outside to wait for Lilith. After they left, a tall, burly boy stood up from a nearby sofa and stared at Moriarty's retreating back, letting out several cold, sarcastic snorts.

As fate would have it, Lilith, who had just emerged from the dormitory, witnessed this scene.

A hint of coldness flashed in her dark, bright eyes, and Lilith curled her lips in a way that was full of meaning, "How interesting, Marcus Flint?"

Ten minutes later, after Lilith recounted everything she had seen to Moriarty, Moriarty burst into laughter as if he had heard a joke.

"Yes, yes, Flint is bound to hold a grudge against us. He just moved up to second year and is ambitiously aiming to become a Chaser! I don't think he stands a chance, unless Captain William's criteria for selecting team members is sheer size!"

Lilith abruptly stopped walking. "Mr. Moriarty, aren't you worried at all? Those old-fashioned pure-bloods won't stand for someone with a purer, stronger bloodline than theirs to be above them!"

Moriarty turned to look at her. The usually proud young girl's eyes were now filled with confusion and underlying concern.

"You yourself said they are a bunch of old fogies, so why should I worry?" Moriarty naturally didn't reveal his plans.

"All the wizards in Britain know that you've mastered powerful ancient magic, so do you think they'll foolishly challenge you?" Lilith brushed her bangs aside with her right hand and said seriously, "They will. They'll use underhanded tactics, sneaky moves, plot against you, ambush you, set traps for you... I can think of at least forty ways to persecute you that wouldn't violate any school rules or laws!"

"That's why I'm so glad our Miss Peverell is on my side," Moriarty said with a smile in his eyes. "Even though she's also a pure-blood, she's not old-fashioned at all."

Lilith's face turned a rare shade of red. She gave up trying to persuade Moriarty and resumed her usual noble demeanor.

"How did your discussion go? I mean about Quidditch. As my companions, you'd better be able to follow through."

Jericho tutted, "Keep your eyes peeled, young lady. We won't embarrass you."

"In fact, we plan to try out some professional Quidditch techniques during flying class," Moriarty explained.

"You're joking," Lilith shook her head. "Let's not even talk about Madam Hooch not letting you fly off. As for professional techniques, what do you plan to use? The school's Cleansweep Fives and Comet 260s? If that's the case, forget it. I'll be visiting you in the hospital wing. However, I suggest you'd better buy a Nimbus 1700 during the Christmas holidays."

Moriarty and Jericho exchanged a look and smiled.

"You've said something very similar to what I imagined," Moriarty said. "Therefore, regarding the first point, we need your help."

"Mmm-hmm," Lilith raised her chin slightly. "You remember me now, do you?"

"You're well-versed in the law. I think you can help us perfectly avoid the school rules."

Lilith exclaimed, "Merlin's Flying Broomstick! Do you want me to get expelled?"

"Don't say that," Jericho chuckled. "Merlin didn't use a Flying Broomstick."

Lilith ignored him, shaking her head. "Unless some accident happens during flying class to distract Madam Hooch, I can't think of any other way."

"Is that so? Then we'll have to improvise." Moriarty mused. He couldn't create an accident just for a test flight; he wasn't that unscrupulous yet.

Jericho, however, rolled his eyes and said with a wicked grin, "I remember flying class is with Gryffindor, right? Maybe the lions will do something unexpected? Then we'll have a chance."

"Don't be so loud," Lilith frowned. "It's almost time for class, and the Gryffindors have already arrived."

"Oh~ they're that impatient," Jericho said in a strange tone.

Lilith said to Moriarty, "He's already gloating before the accident even happens. He's such a Slytherin."

Jericho shrugged it off, "I'll take that as a compliment, thank you."

The three of them chatted as they walked towards the flying class grounds.

There were many types of Flying Broomsticks, not just the Cleansweep Seven, Nimbus 2000, and Firebolt.