Quidditch: Aftermath

The final whistle blew, signaling the end of the match against the Gryffindors. I stood there, the weight of defeat sinking in. I couldn't help but question my choices, my decisions on the field. I had played the game with integrity, always following the rules and striving to make the right moves. Yet, it seemed that my commitment to fair play had come at a cost.

Deep down, I knew I had done the right thing, but it didn't soothe the sting of defeat. It's never easy to accept defeat, especially when you've given your all. The Gryffindors had emerged victorious, their celebrations filling the air, while my team and I were left contemplating what went wrong.

As I made my way off the pitch, my head bowed and my steps heavy, I yearned for solitude. I wanted to retreat from the prying eyes and the chatter of my fellow teammates. My pride had taken a blow, and I couldn't bear to face their sympathetic or pitying glances.

Just as I was on the verge of escaping the arena, a voice, soft yet determined, called out my name. I turned around to face the source of the interruption, and there stood Daphne Greengrass, a fellow Slytherin student...

"Arthur," she addressed me with a level gaze, her tone calm yet laced with a hint of understanding. "I observed your performance today. Your commitment to fair play is commendable. It takes a strong Slytherin to choose honor over victory."

I regarded her with a mixture of surprise and intrigue, momentarily taken aback by her unexpected support. Daphne's words cut through the bitterness that had settled within me, offering a glimmer of solace and validation.

"Daphne," I responded, my voice measured and tinged with appreciation. "I appreciate your acknowledgment. It's reassuring to find someone who recognizes the importance of upholding our integrity, even in the face of defeat."

Daphne nodded, "Indeed, Arthur. We Slytherins understand that true strength lies not only in winning, but in demonstrating our unwavering resolve and cunning, even when the odds are against us. Your commitment to fair play reflects the essence of our house. which unfortunately many have forgotten"

Her words resonated within me, fueling a renewed sense of pride in my Slytherin heritage. We were a house known for our ambition and resourcefulness, and by choosing to play fair, I had exemplified those traits in the most honorable way possible.

Together, we began to walk back towards the castle...

When the following day arrived, I was expecting to hear people criticizing me, but surprisingly, they didn't. When I met Flint, the squad captain, everything made sense, contrary to what I had anticipated.

Arthur:sighs` "That was a tough loss against the Gryffindors. I can't help but feel responsible for the outcome."

Flint: "Hey, I saw the match. You played your heart out there. It's not fair to put all the blame on yourself."

Arthur: "Thanks for saying that, but I can't shake this feeling that it was my choices on the field that cost us the game. I made sure to play correctly and follow the rules, but it seemed to work against us."

Flint: "I understand why you feel that way, but playing with integrity is never a mistake. It shows your character and sets a positive example for others."

I nodded, "But it's just frustrating to see the Gryffindors celebrating while we're left here pondering what went wrong."

Flint: "Winning isn't the only measure of success. You have to remember the bigger picture. By playing with honor, you've shown that you value fairness and sportsmanship. That's something to be proud of, regardless of the final score, but I get it. Losing is never easy. But remember, this is just one match in the grand scheme of things. It's through challenges and setbacks that we learn the most. Take some time to reflect on the match, identify areas for improvement, and come back even stronger."

Arthur: "Thank you, you have no idea how much what you said means, especially now"

Flint: "Of course! We're a team, and we support each other through the highs and lows. Remember, your choices on the field were a reflection of your values, and that's something to be proud of. Keep your head up, and let's continue working together to achieve our goals, You showed them that we are more than what they thought we were."

The following weekend, I had not been allowed to watch the Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff due to the fact that I had 'detention'. with Professor Flitwick, an activity that I had almost every day. after the lost match.

Because of the arrangement made by my aunt, I had the opportunity to learn many things that apparently I should not have known.

Professor Flitwick is one of the few people who know that I was the one who took down the troll,

As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the Hogwarts courtyard, I found myself standing outside the Charms classroom. Professor Flitwick had arranged detention for me, but this time it was different. Instead of the usual tedious tasks, he had something intriguing in store—a dueling lesson.

Professor Flitwick: Ah, there you are! Ready for your detention, my dear student?

Arthur: Yes, Professor Flitwick. I'm ready and eager to learn.

Professor Flitwick led me into the classroom, where he had set up a small dueling arena with enchanted dummies and safety precautions in place.

Professor Flitwick: Today, we'll be focusing on the art of dueling. It's important to learn defensive and offensive spells, as well as quick thinking on your feet.

Arthur: I'm excited, Professor. Dueling sounds exhilarating.

Professor Flitwick: Now, to start with, let's review the Expelliarmus charm. It's a handy spell that can disarm your opponent. Watch carefully.

The professor demonstrated the wand movement and incantation, and with a swift flick of his wand, the dummy's wand soared through the air, landing safely in a nearby crate.

Professor Flitwick: Your turn, my dear student. Give it a try.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I mimicked the wand movement and focused my concentration.

Arthur: Expelliarmus!

To my delight, the dummy's wand was flung out of its hand, just as Professor Flitwick had demonstrated.

Professor Flitwick: Excellent! You have a natural talent, my dear. Now, let's move on to the Protego charm. It's a defensive spell used to shield yourself from incoming spells.

He demonstrated the wand movement and the protective shield appeared around him, blocking an incoming spell from another dummy.

Professor Flitwick: Your turn, be ready to cast Protego when I send a spell your way.

As I stood in position, wand at the ready, Professor Flitwick unleashed a spell toward me. In a split second, I reacted, casting the Protego charm and creating a shimmering shield to block the spell.

Professor Flitwick: Wonderful reflexes! You're a natural duelist.

Arthur: Thank you, Professor. I'm learning a lot from you.

Professor Flitwick: Now, let's move on to offensive spells. The Stupefy charm is a basic stunning spell that can temporarily immobilize your opponent. Watch closely.

He demonstrated the wand movement and incantation, sending a jet of red light toward a dummy. It froze in place for a moment before falling backward.

Professor Flitwick: Your turn. Remember, aim carefully and focus on your intention.

With determination, I pointed my wand and channeled my energy.

Arthur: Stupefy!

A burst of red light shot out from my wand, hitting the dummy square in the chest. It stumbled backward before collapsing onto the ground.

Professor Flitwick: Excellent job! You're a talented duelist, my dear student. As always Your wandwork is precise and your spellcasting is commendable.

Arthur: Thank you, Professor. I'm grateful for this opportunity to learn from you.

Professor Flitwick: It's my pleasure, my dear. Dueling is an art that requires both skill and strategy. Remember to practice regularly and stay vigilant. I have no doubt that you'll become a formidable duelist in due time.

As the detention session drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Professor Flitwick's guidance and expertise opened up a world of possibilities, igniting my passion for dueling. With newfound confidence, I left the classroom, eager to continue honing my skills and embracing the exciting challenges that awaited me.

Over dinner, Theodore told me that the match lasted well over two hours since neither Seeker had caught sight of the Snitch and that the Hufflepuffs had suffered a humiliating defeat.

Soon it was mid-December and Hogwarts students were planning their Christmas Holiday. Every single one of my year-mates offered their home to me, but I politely refused them. Hogwarts was my home now. It'd feel strange if Id went anywhere else.

Nevertheless, in our last Potions class before the break, Malfoy was lamenting the dilemma of those poor people who had to stay at Hogwarts...Nevertheless, Malfoy was lamenting the situation of those unfortunate individuals who had to remain at Hogwarts during our final Potions class before the break... He seemed to be under the impression that we were missing out on all the fun and excitement of the holiday season. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his narrow-mindedness. After all, there were plenty of activities and events happening right here at Hogwarts that could keep anyone entertained. From the Yule Ball to the snowball fights on the grounds, there was no shortage of festive cheer to be had. Plus, being surrounded by friends and loved ones was more important than any fancy vacation or exotic destination. As I watched Malfoy continue to grumble and complain, I couldn't help but feel grateful for everything I had right here in this magical place we called home.

I am aware of his good intentions because he was among the first to invite me to spend the holidays with him and his family.

Theodore found the entire situation amusing. "Arthur, Malfoy is not accustomed to the N-O word. He is persistent, as expected."

Theodore found the entire situation amusing. "Arthur, Malfoy is not accustomed to the N-O word. He is persistent, as expected."

Theodore Ouright laughed as I sighed in response to what he said...

Elias and I have opted to stay here since September after my aunt asked whether I wanted to do anything special for the holidays this year. Speaking of Elias, I don't know why he avoided me after the event with the Troll. I mean, we've been best friends since kindergarten, and he just started avoiding me without a word. It's been weighing on me, but I try not to dwell on it too much. Instead, I've been keeping busy with my studies and exploring the castle.

Heading towards the room where it had become my base and my place when I need quiet, the Room of Requirement, I saw Elias walking towards the Gryffindor common room, still sweating, and he looked tired as if he hadn't slept for a long time, I approached him, but he didn't seem to have seen me...

Arthur: Elias, can we talk? I've noticed that you've been avoiding me lately, and I can't help but wonder why.

Elias: looking uncomfortable Uh, yeah, sure. What's up?

Arthur: It's just that we used to be really close, and now it feels like you're deliberately keeping your distance. Did I do something to upset you?

Elias: No, it's not that. It's just... things have changed, you know? We're growing up, and I guess I've been trying to find my own path.

Arthur: I understand that we're growing up and our interests might diverge, but that doesn't mean we have to drift apart completely. We've been friends for so long, Elias.

Elias: I know, and I value our friendship. It's just that lately, I've been feeling a bit overshadowed by you.

Arthur: Overshadowed? What do you mean?

Elias: I was scared Arthur, I was there that night when I saw what you did... I wanted to come and help you but I was scared... I couldn't move, and when the Troll - yelled your name, I was stuck...

I'm weak Arthur, I thought we were equaled... that I could sit next to you, the brother next to brother, until now, he looked at his hands, I'm trying hard to reach you...you're always so talented and successful in everything you do. It's like you effortlessly excel in academics, sports, and even your hobbies. I can't help but feel like I'm constantly in your shadow.

Arthur: Elias, I never intended for you to feel that way. I've always admired your unique qualities and talents. Just because I excel in certain areas doesn't mean I think any less of you.

Elias: I know, but it's hard not to compare myself to you. Sometimes it feels like I'm always playing catch-up, and I started to withdraw because of it.

Arthur: I'm sorry, Elias. I never wanted you to feel that pressure. Our friendship should be about support, not competition. We should celebrate each other's successes and help each other grow.

Elias: You're right, and I've come to realize that. I miss our friendship, and I don't want to lose it because of my own insecurities.

Arthur: I miss it too, Elias. Let's make a pact to be open and honest with each other from now on. Instead of letting jealousy or comparison drive a wedge between us, let's lift each other up and celebrate our individual journeys.

Elias: That sounds like a plan. I'm glad we're having this conversation, and I appreciate your understanding. Our friendship means a lot to me.

Arthur: It means a lot to me too, Elias. Friends are supposed to be there for each other through the ups and downs. We'll navigate this journey together, supporting and encouraging one another.

As they shared a sincere smile, the weight of the unspoken tension began to lift, making room for the renewed bond of friendship to flourish once again.

You know something Elias, I said with a confident smile, I've learned a few things in these weeks, and I have the perfect place where I can teach you too, follow me.