Sometimes, Allen truly did not know how he was supposed to complete the tasks assigned by the system, because Roger forced them to spend every minute training for Quidditch.
"Big news, big news! Harry Potter has become the Seeker for the Gryffindor Quidditch Team." Roger ran breathlessly into the Ravenclaw Quidditch Team's changing room and announced the news to everyone.
"Whoa, that makes him the youngest Seeker in history!"
"I wonder how good he is?"
"If he weren't skilled, they wouldn't have recruited him specially."
"Could it be because he's famous?"
"If that's the case, the Gryffindors will have to carry mattresses and run beneath him to keep him from falling!"
Everyone chimed in with their opinions, breaking into laughter from time to time.
Allen's expression did not change in the slightest. He naturally knew that Potter would be a formidable opponent. Although he did not know exactly how powerful Potter was, Allen would give everything he had to help Ravenclaw claim victory.
Quiet Allen seemed out of place in the changing room, yet he looked especially steady and dependable. Roger could not help asking for his opinion. "Allen, what do you think about Potter becoming a Seeker?"
"No matter how strong our opponents are, victory can only belong to Ravenclaw!" Allen's gaze was resolute, revealing his thirst for victory.
"That's right, victory will only be ours." Inspired by Allen's bearing, the team's spirits soared. They picked up their Broomsticks and headed for the pitch.
Early the next morning, the weather was clear and cold. The Great Hall was filled with the tempting aroma of grilled sausages, and everyone eagerly anticipated an exciting Quidditch match, chatting cheerfully without pause.
When the Owls flooded into the Great Hall as usual, everyone's attention was drawn to a long, slender package carried by six long-eared Owls. With Harry setting a precedent, nearly everyone guessed that it was a Flying Broomstick—but who could its owner be?
Allen hurriedly moved the food in front of him away. Fortunately, he had done so. Several Owls swooped down and landed directly before Allen, and the end of the package knocked over Edward's milk. Anna quickly handed him a napkin, while Edward frantically wiped himself clean.
"Oh, oh... this must be yours..." Though milk stains still remained on him, Edward was extremely excited. He had guessed what was inside, but before he could finish, he clapped a hand over his mouth and reminded Allen, "Allen, don't open it here. Let's go back to the dormitory."
Allen readily agreed. Eating too much before exercising was hardly a good idea.
Roger, who had seen this from not far away, immediately jumped to his feet. He had completely lost the maturity and composure expected of an older student and quickly followed Allen and Edward.
Back in the dormitory, they opened the package. Its smooth lines, distinct tail bristles, careful maintenance, and soft, comfortable handle—it was Allen's Neptune!
In order to bring the broomstick into Hogwarts by legal and proper means, Allen had no choice but to sneak through a secret passage to Hogsmeade and use the public owl post to mail it back openly.
"Oh my god, Allen, you own a Neptune! A limited-edition Neptune!" Roger stared eagerly at the broom.
"I have never been more certain than I am now that victory will belong to Ravenclaw." Roger's tone was more confident than ever before.
"Allen, can I borrow it for a ride after the match?" Edward asked cautiously.
"Of course. Once my match is over, you can ride it for as long as you want." Allen agreed without hesitation.
By eleven o'clock, it seemed that the entire school had gathered in the stands surrounding the Quidditch Pitch. Many students had even brought binoculars. The seats had practically been raised into the air, yet it was still sometimes difficult to see what was happening in the match.
Carrying Neptune, Allen walked toward the changing room surrounded by Roger and the other team members. Everyone felt it was necessary to protect Neptune before the match; it was their trump card!
"Hey, guys, Ravenclaw's glory is about to arrive. We're the best Ravenclaw team in history, and we have Neptune!"
Roger cast an eager glance at Allen's broomstick and continued, "Victory will definitely belong to us. It's almost time. Let's go embrace victory together. Good luck to us!"
Allen followed Roger out of the changing room and headed toward the roaring pitch. He was not afraid in the slightest; instead, his blood was boiling. At a glance, he spotted Edward in the stands. Somehow, Edward had acquired an enormous banner reading, "Ravenclaw Will Win," with the seven team members' names painted in colorful dye around Ravenclaw's house emblem—the eagle.
As expected of a house headed by a Charms professor, clever Ravenclaws did not foolishly hold the banner themselves. Instead, they used a Levitation Charm to suspend it high above the Ravenclaw stands. Fully unfurled, the banner rippled gently in the cool breeze. Against its pale blue background, it seemed to blend into the azure sky, while the eagle and the seven players' names took on an almost three-dimensional effect. The eagle in particular looked as if it were about to burst through the sky and spread its wings into flight.
"Listen, I hope everyone competes fairly and honestly." Madam Hooch was serving as referee. Standing in the center of the pitch with her Flying Broomstick in hand, she spoke as soon as both teams gathered around her.
"Mount your Flying Broomsticks."
Allen swung onto his Neptune.
Madam Hooch blew her silver whistle with all her strength.
Fifteen Flying Broomsticks shot up from the ground and soared high into the sky. The match had begun.
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