Chapter 20: The First Match

The following week passed quickly, the days filled with classes, study sessions, and strategic discussions with his Slytherin housemates. Alaric continued to excel in his studies, his reputation as a top student growing with each passing day. He was careful to maintain a low profile, however, avoiding any unnecessary attention that might draw suspicion from the other houses.

By the time Saturday arrived, the entire school was buzzing with excitement for the first Quidditch match of the season: Slytherin versus Gryffindor. The rivalry between the two houses was legendary, and the match promised to be a fierce battle for dominance.

As the students made their way to the Quidditch pitch, Alaric joined the rest of the Slytherins in the stands, their green and silver banners waving proudly in the crisp autumn air. The atmosphere was electric, the cheers and jeers of the crowd creating a cacophony of sound that echoed across the pitch.

Draco, now officially a member of the Slytherin Quidditch team, took his place among the other players, his Nimbus 2001 gleaming in the sunlight. Alaric watched with interest as Flint gave the team a final pep talk, his voice barely audible over the roar of the crowd.

The Gryffindor team, led by Oliver Wood, took to the skies with equal determination, their red and gold robes a striking contrast to Slytherin's green and silver. Harry Potter, the Gryffindor Seeker, hovered slightly apart from his teammates, his expression focused and serious.

Madam Hooch, the Quidditch referee, blew her whistle, and the match began. The players shot into the air, the Bludgers immediately coming to life as they zoomed across the pitch, looking for their next target. The Quaffle was in play, and the Chasers from both teams began their rapid pursuit of the goalposts.

The game was fast-paced and brutal, the Slytherin team playing with their characteristic aggression and cunning. Flint was relentless in his pursuit of the Quaffle, using every dirty trick in the book to gain the upper hand. Draco, who had been placed as a Seeker alongside Harry, kept a close eye on his opponent, determined not to let him out of his sight.

Alaric watched the match intently, his eyes flicking between the players as they executed their strategies. It was clear that both teams were evenly matched, and the score remained close as the game progressed. The Slytherin crowd cheered every time their team scored, their voices rising in a chorus of triumph.

But Alaric's attention was primarily focused on Draco and Harry. The two Seekers were locked in a battle of wits and reflexes, each trying to outmaneuver the other in their search for the elusive Golden Snitch. Alaric could see the tension in Draco's posture, the way his eyes darted around the pitch, searching for any sign of the Snitch.

Then, suddenly, Harry dove. Draco was right on his tail, the two of them plummeting toward the ground at breakneck speed. The crowd held its breath, watching as the two Seekers raced toward the earth, neck and neck.

But just as it seemed that Draco might catch up, Harry pulled out of the dive at the last second, his hand outstretched as he snatched the Golden Snitch from the air. The Gryffindor crowd erupted in cheers as Madam Hooch blew the final whistle, signaling the end of the match.

Gryffindor had won.

The Slytherin crowd fell silent, their cheers replaced by murmurs of disappointment and frustration. Alaric felt a pang of annoyance but quickly suppressed it. It was only the first match of the season, and there would be plenty of opportunities for Slytherin to recover.

Draco landed on the pitch, his expression a mixture of anger and disappointment. He had come so close, but in the end, Harry had managed to outmaneuver him and catch the Snitch. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow, especially for someone like Draco, who was used to being on top.

As the Gryffindors celebrated their victory, Alaric made his way down from the stands to join the rest of the Slytherin team on the pitch. He could see the frustration etched on the faces of his housemates, their pride wounded by the loss. Flint was speaking in low, harsh tones to the team, his disappointment palpable.

"That was a close one, Malfoy," Alaric said as he approached Draco. His tone was calm, devoid of the disappointment that others might have expected.

Draco scowled, his fists clenched tightly around his broomstick. "I had him, Peverell. I was right on his tail, but he pulled that dive... I couldn't keep up."

Alaric placed a hand on Draco's shoulder, his voice firm but reassuring. "You did well, Draco. Potter might have won this time, but it's only the first match. We have the whole season ahead of us. What matters is how we respond. Let this drive you to be better, faster. Next time, we'll be ready."

Draco looked at him, his expression softening slightly as he absorbed Alaric's words. After a moment, he nodded. "You're right. This isn't over. We'll get them next time."

"Exactly," Alaric said with a small smile. "And remember, Quidditch is just one aspect of Slytherin's strength. We have many ways to ensure our house comes out on top."

Flint finished his stern lecture to the rest of the team, reminding them that Slytherin did not tolerate failure lightly. However, even he had to acknowledge that Draco's performance had been commendable for a first-year, and that the game had been lost by the narrowest of margins.

As the Slytherin team made their way back to the changing rooms, the crowd in the stands began to disperse. Alaric stayed behind for a few moments, watching as the Gryffindors continued their celebrations on the other side of the pitch. Harry was being hoisted onto the shoulders of his teammates, the Golden Snitch still clutched in his hand, his face beaming with pride.

Alaric studied him with a calculating gaze. Harry Potter was more than just a rival on the Quidditch pitch—he was a key figure in whatever larger forces were at play at Hogwarts. It was becoming increasingly clear that Harry's presence at the school was significant, and that understanding him might be crucial to navigating the mysteries that surrounded them.

But for now, Alaric set those thoughts aside. There would be time enough to delve into the secrets of Hogwarts and figure out how best to leverage them. Right now, his focus was on regrouping, supporting his housemates, and preparing for the challenges ahead.

As he turned to leave the pitch, Daphne fell into step beside him, her expression thoughtful. "You handled that well," she remarked. "Draco needed to hear those words from someone he respects. You're good at that—keeping everyone focused on the bigger picture."

Alaric shrugged slightly. "We're all in this together. Slytherin is strongest when we support each other and stay united, especially after a setback. Besides, Draco's valuable. He has the potential to be a great asset to the house."

Daphne nodded in agreement. "True. And you're right—this is only the first match. There will be plenty of opportunities for Slytherin to prove itself."

They walked back to the castle in comfortable silence, both of them lost in their own thoughts. The defeat stung, but it had also been a learning experience. Alaric knew that setbacks were inevitable in any battle, but how one responded to those setbacks was what truly mattered.

When they returned to the common room, they found the atmosphere subdued but not defeated. The older students were already discussing strategies for the next match, while the younger ones exchanged words of encouragement and support. There was a strong sense of resilience in the air, a determination to come back stronger.

Draco rejoined the group by the fireplace, his mood already improved after the pep talk from Alaric and the rest of the team. He sat down heavily in one of the leather armchairs, his eyes still flickering with the intensity of the match.

"We'll win the next one," Draco said with conviction. "Gryffindor might have had their moment, but we'll show them that Slytherin doesn't stay down for long."

"That's the spirit," Blaise said with a nod. "We've got the skills, the strategy, and the drive. All we need to do is keep pushing forward."

Tracey leaned forward, her voice low but firm. "And we can't let them get too comfortable. Gryffindor might think they have the upper hand now, but we can turn that against them. They'll get overconfident, and that's when we strike."

Alaric listened to the conversation, pleased to see that the group's resolve was as strong as ever. Despite the setback, they were focused and determined to succeed. It was a testament to the strength of Slytherin's values—ambition, cunning, and resilience.

As the evening wore on, the group continued to discuss their plans, not just for Quidditch, but for their studies and their future at Hogwarts. Alaric contributed his insights, offering advice and suggestions where needed, but he also listened carefully to the others. He knew that leadership in Slytherin was not about commanding, but about guiding and influencing, about knowing when to speak and when to let others take the lead.

When the night grew late and the common room began to empty, Alaric excused himself and returned to his room. The day had been eventful, and there was much to reflect on. As he sat at his desk, he opened his journal and began to write:

---

**Day Nine:**

The first Quidditch match of the season ended in defeat, but it was a narrow loss. Draco performed admirably, and his potential as a Seeker is undeniable. While Gryffindor's victory was well-deserved, I am confident that Slytherin will come back stronger in the next match.

The most important lesson from today is resilience. Slytherin does not crumble in the face of setbacks. Instead, we regroup, strategize, and return with renewed determination. The support and unity within our house are crucial, and I will continue to foster that among my peers.

Potter continues to be a key figure in the unfolding events at Hogwarts. His role in today's match only reinforces the need to keep a close watch on him. There is more to him than meets the eye, and understanding that will be essential as we move forward.

---

With his thoughts recorded, Alaric closed the journal and set it aside. He felt a sense of calm as he prepared for bed, his mind already turning to the challenges of the coming week. The road ahead would not be easy, but Alaric was ready to face whatever came his way.

As he drifted off to sleep, he knew that this was only the beginning. The real game was just starting, and he was determined to play it to win.