Quidditch Training

"Someone sent Potter a broomstick, Professor," Malfoy said, unable to contain himself.

"Yes, yes, that's right," Professor Flitwick said, beaming at Harry. "Professor McGonagall told me all about the special circumstances, Potter. What model is it?"

"A Nimbus 2000, sir," Harry said. Seeing the look of horror on Malfoy's face, he fought hard to keep from laughing. "I have this Malfoy to thank for it, too," he added.

Allen couldn't help but chuckle; Malfoy's expression right now was truly spectacular, a picture of pure disbelief.

"Allen, come to the Quidditch Pitch after classes this afternoon; Roger Davies will be waiting for you there," Professor Flitwick said kindly, a smile on his face.

"Very well, Professor." Allen bowed to bid Professor Flitwick farewell, while Harry and Ron were waving vigorously at him from behind a pillar up ahead!

Allen hurried to catch up. Ron was saying as they walked, looking pleased, "Look at Malfoy's face—he never expected that our misfortune would turn into a blessing. Allen, Harry got a Nimbus 2000 and even became an official member of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. It's so cool!"

"That's fantastic. I have some good news for you both, too. Thanks to Harry, I've also become a member of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. We might even have a chance to face each other in the future," Allen said, feeling very happy as well.

"It's not thanks to me. If Malfoy hadn't thrown away Neville's Remembrall, I wouldn't have made the team," Harry laughed.

"So you think this is a reward for breaking school rules?" An angry voice came from behind them. Hermione stomped up the stairs, looking disapprovingly at the package in Harry's hands.

"I thought you weren't talking to us," Harry said.

"Yes, don't talk to us now," Ron said. "It makes us feel so comfortable." Hermione marched away, her nose held high in the air.

"That's inexplicable. Where does she get that sense of superiority?" Harry scratched his head, puzzled.

"Probably from that 'know-it-all' title of hers. Oh, Allen, I didn't mean you." Ron looked at Allen apologetically.

Allen wouldn't hold a grudge against an angry teenager, so he just smiled and shook his head.

Allen remained steady throughout the afternoon classes, patiently listening and taking notes. Although he was looking forward to the Quidditch training after school, he knew the importance of seizing the moment. He was like a sapling planted in strange soil, desperately rooting itself, absorbing nutrients and water, striving to grow into a towering tree as soon as possible to withstand the wind and rain of the outside world.

When his focus was intense, time slipped away unnoticed. After class, contrary to his usual routine, Allen quickly packed his bag and, instead of heading to the library, went straight to the Quidditch Pitch.

Roger Davies was already waiting for Allen on the field. His lean torso and sturdy limbs were all signs of a top-tier athlete. The soft sunlight filtered through the green leaves of the trees, painting dappled, gentle circles of light, both large and small, on the ground. Roger looked particularly charming in this setting, and Allen actually felt a twinge of jealousy!

"Hi, Allen, over here!" Roger waved at Allen in the sunlight.

Allen took two steps in one, quickening his pace, as he could see Roger was in a bit of a hurry.

Roger bent down to open a large wooden trunk at his feet, which contained the various pieces of equipment needed for a Quidditch match. He introduced the Quaffle, the Bludgers, and other gear to Allen one by one.

"Allen, do you know the rules of Quidditch?" Roger asked.

"Of course, I have some understanding." Seeing Roger's skeptical look, Allen paused. "The red ball is the Quaffle. Chasers pass the Quaffle to each other and try to throw it through the opposing hoops; each goal is worth 10 points. The Keeper is responsible for guarding their team's hoops..."

Allen claiming to know "some" was truly an understatement; ever since he had obtained Neptune, he had already thoroughly mastered all knowledge regarding Quidditch. His fluent and detailed introduction caused Roger's expression to shift from shock to disbelief, and finally to pure ecstasy.

"That's absolutely brilliant! As expected of Ravenclaw's Score Controller—I couldn't have explained it more clearly or thoroughly myself. Now, let me test your skills." As he spoke, Roger tossed Allen a small wooden bat, somewhat like a baseball bat.

Immediately after, he released a jet-black Bludger that had been struggling violently inside the trunk. The moment it was free, the Bludger zoomed toward Allen's face. Allen swung backhand, and the Bludger was sent flying high and far, passing through one of the iron hoops standing high above the pitch.

"Ha, what did I just see? You hit the Bludger through the hoop, and it was so fast and... oh..." Before Roger could finish, the fierce Bludger came crashing down from the sky toward him. Roger desperately grabbed the Bludger and shoved it back into the trunk, where it continued to squirm reluctantly.

"It looks like you're perfectly suited to be a Chaser, Allen!" Roger shouted excitedly.

Next, they took turns having Allen experience the roles of Chaser, Keeper, and Seeker. Allen succeeded in every single one. His outstanding reflexes, agile movements, and keen observation left Roger clicking his tongue in wonder and excitement. "Allen, you're practically an all-rounder! I think this year's Quidditch Cup is very promising."

"So, what position can I play?" Allen was also excited; he enjoyed the feeling of controlling the field and flying against the wind.

"I think you can start as a Chaser. We really need strong players to support our scoring. As for Seeker—" It was clear Roger was hesitating, weighing where Allen would be most advantageous.

"We recruited a very talented Seeker this year. She is very—uh—cute. We might as well let her have a try first." Roger looked a bit dazed, and Allen felt that the new Seeker must be a very beautiful and impressive girl.

Allen was even busier now. In addition to completing his increasingly heavy coursework, he had to study Alchemy and the Basic Body Refining Technique. He still spent long hours in the library during his spare time and had to handle Quidditch training three times a week.

He also finally found out who the Seeker was: a second-year Asian girl named Cho Chang.