Chapter 56: Quidditch Final
As the school year neared its end, anticipation gripped Hogwarts. With final exams on the horizon, most students buried themselves in studies—but for the Quidditch teams, one thing overshadowed everything else: the Quidditch Cup Final.
This year's showdown was a rematch between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, a game filled with tension and expectation. Their last encounter had ended in a devastating loss for Ravenclaw, the only defeat they suffered this season. Now, they had a chance at redemption.
For Ezekiel, this wasn't just another match. It was a test—a chance to prove that Ravenclaw was the superior team and that he wouldn't let a single loss define their season.
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The week leading up to the final was filled with grueling practice sessions. Ravenclaw's Captain, Roger Davies, pushed the team harder than ever.
"We're not losing to them again," he declared after yet another exhausting training session. "Hufflepuff relies on discipline and teamwork, but we have more raw skill. We just need to play smarter and break their rhythm before they can establish control."
Ezekiel already knew the biggest threats:
Hufflepuff's defense was tight and difficult to break. They didn't have a flashy offense, but they were consistent.
Cedric Diggory, their Seeker, was a game-changer. If he caught the Snitch early, Ravenclaw's efforts would be wasted.
To counter this, Ezekiel and his fellow Chasers worked tirelessly on new passing strategies, making their movements less predictable. They also coordinated with the Beaters, ensuring that Diggory and the Hufflepuff Chasers would face more pressure throughout the match.
With each passing day, confidence grew. They were ready.
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The stadium was packed. Students from all houses filled the stands, eager to witness the final battle for the Quidditch Cup.
Banners of blue and bronze clashed with the yellow and black of Hufflepuff, and the cheers were deafening as the two teams took to the air.
Ezekiel felt the adrenaline rush through him as he mounted his broom. He locked eyes with Cedric Diggory, who gave him a determined nod. They both knew what was at stake.
Madam Hooch blew the whistle, and the match began.
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The Quaffle soared into the air, and instantly, Ezekiel dived forward, outmaneuvering a Hufflepuff Chaser to seize possession.
Ravenclaw dominated the early game, breaking through Hufflepuff's defenses and scoring twice in the opening minutes. But Hufflepuff fought back fiercely, refusing to let the game slip away.
Cedric was constantly scanning for the Snitch, knowing that the longer the match dragged on, the more control Ravenclaw would gain.
Meanwhile, Ezekiel led his team with precision and aggression.
He weaved through Hufflepuff's defenders, executing sharp feints and no-look passes that left the opposing Keeper scrambling.
He coordinated perfectly with his fellow Chasers, setting up devastating plays that racked up the score.
Every time Hufflepuff tried to counterattack, Ravenclaw's Beaters sent Bludgers flying their way, breaking their momentum.
Despite the high-pressure game, Hufflepuff refused to back down. Their Chasers exploited small openings, and their strategy of patient, steady scoring kept the game tight.
The score climbed:
Ravenclaw 140 – Hufflepuff 120
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Suddenly, the crowd gasped—both Cho Chang (Ravenclaw's Seeker) and Cedric Diggory had spotted the Snitch.
They dived.
The golden Snitch flitted through the sky, a blur of light against the backdrop of the setting sun.
Cho and Cedric were neck and neck, both stretching desperately forward, their fingers inches away.
The crowd held its breath.
Diggory leaned forward, pushing his broom to the limit—
But Cho cut him off with a brilliant maneuver, forcing him to pull back for a fraction of a second—
And she caught the Snitch!
Final Score: Ravenclaw 270 – Hufflepuff 180.
The stadium erupted. Ravenclaw had won the Quidditch Cup!
Ezekiel barely had time to react before he was swarmed by his teammates, their shouts of victory echoing through the air.
"WE DID IT!" Roger Davies roared, hoisting the Cup into the air.
Ezekiel grinned, exhausted but exhilarated. They had fought hard, and it had paid off.
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Back in the Ravenclaw Common Room, the celebration was wild.
Fireworks exploded outside the windows, courtesy of some mischievous upper-year students.
Tables were stacked with butterbeer, sweets, and cakes, brought in through various connections.
Music filled the room as students cheered, toasted, and relived the best moments of the match.
Ezekiel found himself at the center of attention, his teammates clapping him on the back and congratulating him.
Roger raised a goblet high, calling for silence.
"To Ravenclaw! And to the best damn team we've had in years!"
The entire room erupted with cheers, voices chanting Ravenclaw's name.
Ezekiel sat back, watching the chaos unfold with a satisfied smirk. They had worked for this, and they had earned it.
This victory was only the beginning.
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Later that night, after the celebrations had died down, Ezekiel found himself standing near the large Ravenclaw window, gazing at the moonlit Hogwarts grounds.
The Quidditch Cup gleamed beside him, a symbol of their triumph.
But Ezekiel's mind was already drifting to the future.
This year had been full of growth—he had strengthened friendships, expanded his knowledge, and experienced both success and failure.
And next year… would be even bigger.
With a final glance at the Cup, he smirked.
Ravenclaw would defend their title next year.
And he would be ready.
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