Preparing

As december arrived, the weather around Hogwarts grew increasingly dreadful. The castle was often shrouded in wind and snow, and the howling gale lashed painfully at people's cheeks. Outdoor Herbology class and Care of Magical Creatures became everyone's two least favorite classes.

The castle corridors were cold and damp. Bitter winds blew in through loose windowpanes, and people hurried along without wanting to linger in the hallways. Even the Common Room was freezing, making the empty seats by the fireplace the most coveted spots of all.

Albert had no choice but to put on a thick sweater, wrap himself in a scarf, wear gloves, and stuff specially made warming items and hot drinks into his pockets. He strongly suspected the worsening weather was a chain reaction caused by the large number of Dementors active around Hogwarts.

If anyone in their dormitory hated the terrible weather most, it was undoubtedly Fred and George.

At the end of November, Ravenclaw Team defeated Hufflepuff Team, which meant Gryffindor Team still had a chance to win the competition. Wood, in high spirits, transformed back into a training maniac and led his team through relentless practice in the wind and snow.

After all, they could not afford to lose another match.

The Weasley Twins were likewise forced to train hard amid the freezing wind and snow. Every time they returned from practice, they looked particularly miserable.

Albert and Lee Jordan both deeply sympathized with Fred and George's plight.

Not joining the Quidditch team really had been the wisest choice. Otherwise, he would have had to suffer on the pitch alongside the Twins.

Albert could not endure that kind of ordeal, nor did he have that much energy to waste on Quidditch training. Every week, he had a mountain of things to do: homework, clubs, practicing