Hogwarts: I Am Such a Model Wizard

Chapter 374: A New Team

In early October, the Quidditch season loomed closer, and Cedric had been noticeably more nervous than usual. Everywhere he went, he clutched a notebook, scribbling furiously. Even his reading material had shifted from books like The Development and Change of Medieval Charms to A Detailed Explanation of One Hundred Quidditch Tactics.

“When Harris was captain, the team never lost a match,” he’d say, almost to himself. “I’ve got to keep the Quidditch Cup in Hufflepuff.”

On the second weekend of October, Kyle had hoped to sleep in. But early in the morning, Cedric burst into his room, dragging him out of bed and all the way to the Great Hall without giving him a chance to protest.

“Training, Kyle! You’ve already missed three sessions!”

As they ate their beef sandwiches, Cedric gave him a stern look. “And don’t tell me you’ve got something else going on again this time…”

“Er… no, I don’t think so,” Kyle replied, trying to sound sincere under Cedric’s disapproving gaze.

The truth was that, until recently, Kyle had been preoccupied with something else. The mandrakes he’d planted in the Room of Requirement had finally started to show signs of activity—a clear indication they were about to mature. Although it was a few months later than expected, they were finally ready. Kyle had been going to the Room of Requirement constantly to monitor them, ensuring everything went smoothly. He’d even skipped training and cut his breaks short during class, constantly busy.

Fortunately, his dedication had paid off. Every mandrake had reached full maturity, their cries now powerful and healthy. Although Kyle had worn earplugs the whole time, the vigor of their cries and their appearance confirmed it.

“You’re sure you’re okay?” Cedric asked, casting him a skeptical glance.

“Positive!” Kyle replied, nodding firmly.

The Venomous Tentacula he was also tending to would still need some time to fully recover—probably not until the end of the year—but that was still far off. Meanwhile, now that Cedric was team captain, missing too many practices in a row was starting to seem unreasonable. If anyone got the wrong impression, they might think he was ignoring Cedric’s leadership, and Kyle didn’t want that kind of reputation.

After becoming team captain, Cedric had taken on responsibility for recruiting new players, organizing training plans, and developing game strategies. With his hands full, he had left most of it up to Cedric.

“That’s for the best,” Cedric said, taking a sip of pumpkin juice. “The competition is coming up soon, so no matter how busy you are, you’ll need to attend training regularly. At the very least, you should meet the new players… we have four this time.”

With seven players on a team, having four newcomers would understandably make Cedric nervous.

“Wait…” Kyle looked up, something suddenly dawning on him. “How many did you say?”

“Four!” Cedric confirmed.

“Wasn’t it three?” Kyle asked doubtfully. “Two Chasers and a Keeper… I remember there were only three from that year.”

“So, you really haven’t been paying attention to the team at all…” Cedric’s eyes narrowed slightly, but after a moment’s hesitation, he explained. “Our seventh-year Beater, Wright, wants to join the Aurors after graduation. But his grades are barely making the cut, and Quidditch practice takes up too much of his time. Just yesterday, he submitted his resignation.”

“Yesterday?” Kyle frowned. “It’s so close to the season. Do you think Madam Hooch will let us replace him?”

“She agreed,” Cedric replied. “Graduation is approaching, and a lot of students are torn between Quidditch and their studies. In cases like Wright’s, where students don’t want to delay their future plans, seventh-years are allowed to withdraw, even right before the final match.”

Kyle nodded. He hadn’t realized that was possible. “So, have you found someone to replace him?” he asked.

“I have a few candidates in mind,” Cedric said thoughtfully. “I think your roommate, Mikel, would be a good fit.”

“Mikel?” Kyle echoed, a little surprised.

“Yes,” Cedric said. “Remember back in second year, when he carried a Bludger halfway across the pitch? That takes serious arm strength. I think he’d make a natural Beater… with a bit of training, of course.”

They called Mikel, who had just finished breakfast, along with two other students, and all headed to the Quidditch Pitch. But as soon as they arrived, they spotted another group on the field, dressed in red robes and carrying broomsticks.

“Cedric?” Oliver Wood strode over. “Isn’t your training session scheduled for the afternoon?”

“It is,” Cedric replied, “but Madam Hooch granted us special permission to use the pitch today to select new players.”

“New players? But it’s already…” Oliver began, then realization struck him. “Your seventh-year Beater?”

“Yes,” Cedric confirmed. “He decided to quit so he’d have more time to study, so we need to find a new Beater as soon as possible. Sorry, looks like you’ll have to reschedule.”

Oliver’s face betrayed a flicker of a grin, though he quickly suppressed it. “That’s perfectly fine. Obviously, this is more important,” he said, acting unbothered by the setback.

“I bet Oliver’s heart is singing right now,” Fred whispered to Harry as they walked off. “He’s always seen Hufflepuff as our biggest threat.”

“But they’re in trouble this year,” George pointed out. “Three of their seniors graduated, and now Wright quit.”

“So that means…” Harry thought it through. “The Hufflepuff team we’re up against this year is mostly inexperienced?”

“You got it!” Fred said with a grin.

Oliver, overhearing, turned back to the group. “For us, this is the best opportunity we’ll get. Hufflepuff’s glory days are over; we can absolutely take the Quidditch Cup back this time!”

Clenching his fists, he added, “Ever since Harry joined, I thought winning the Quidditch Cup was a certainty, but things didn’t go as planned. This is our last chance…”

As a seventh-year, this was Wood’s final season, and he desperately wanted to leave with a victory to his name.

…

Watching the Gryffindors leave the pitch, Kyle muttered, “I bet Gryffindor’s positively gloating right now. But they’re wrong if they think we can’t replace experienced players.”

“They’ve got one thing wrong,” Cedric added with a grin. “New players don’t mean weak players. Experience will come as they play.”

“And…” He glanced at Kyle, “we still have Hogwarts’ best Chaser.”

“Well, you’re not wrong there,” Kyle replied with a grin, without a hint of modesty.

Cedric was certainly proving himself to be a fitting captain. At the very least, he had excellent judgment.