Chapter 87: 87
Chapter 87: Conflict, Gossip
The weekend brought an unusual calm over Hogwarts—most students flocked to the Quidditch pitch for the Ravenclaw vs. Slytherin match.
As a Ravenclaw, Wade joined his classmates in the stands, though he harbored little interest in Quidditch. Flying on broomsticks might offer freedom, but risking one's neck fifty feet in the air seemed foolish.
Even as a spectator, Wade found the experience underwhelming. The Golden Snitch, barely visible save for occasional flashes, made it hard to follow. The Seeker's pursuit often seemed aimless, darting high above the field. Quaffles and Bludgers sped past too swiftly for clarity. Most relied on commentary to know when to cheer.
Despite this, students adored the sport—perhaps any respite from relentless study pleased them, be it Quidditch or menial chores like gardening or street-cleaning.
Wade stood apart; his fulfillment derived from mastering magic surpassed mere competition.
The stands erupted in cheers. Wade hesitated, then joined his peers in polite applause—
Ravenclaw had triumphed.
The Seeker, a senior, brandished the Golden Snitch triumphantly, soaring around the pitch. Many reached out, eager to congratulate him like a star.
"Ravenclaw! Ravenclaw! Ravenclaw!"
Even Gryffindor students cheered; seeing Slytherin lose delighted them most.
Sullen, Slytherins left the field.
"With scores tied to Hufflepuff and a victory over Slytherin again—" Michael excitedly calculated as they returned to the castle, "Ravenclaw might clinch the Quidditch Cup this time!"
"You're unusually invested in the House Cup!" Wade remarked.
"How can you compare?" Michael retorted, disdainful. "Shuraya, a third-year, claims winning the House Cup merely changes the dining hall décor to her House's colors—meaningless."
Many Ravenclaws shared Michael's indifferent attitude toward the House Cup. High rankings were fine; low, acceptable. They wouldn't strive excessively, not even for the House.
"The Quidditch Cup holds no greater reward!" Wade argued.
"But it's Quidditch!" Michael exclaimed. "Winning it is the ultimate honor."
Laughter interrupted.
Malfoy approached with two cronies, sneering softly. "Proud of a single victory? Remember, Ravenclaw—"
He glared at Wade, his voice dripping venom. "—Mudblood."
Michael drew his wand, seething. "How dare you—"
Malfoy recoiled. "Watch your step; the professor's behind you. What do you think you're doing?"
"What won't I do!" Michael snapped. "Letting the professor hear what you said!"
He readied a curse but Wade restrained him.
"Malfoy," Wade spoke calmly, "take a good look in the mirror. See how ugly and despicable you appear now."
Malfoy faltered, at a loss for words, attempting to attack Wade's lineage. "You—filthy—"
Ignoring Malfoy, Wade and Michael continued past as if he were roadside weeds.
Malfoy heard Wade add, "Michael, when a vicious dog bites, you just push it away. You don't lie there and bite back, right?"
Amused, Michael chuckled, imagining the scene. Passersby joined in, mocking Slytherins.
Malfoy bristled at the laughter, feeling as though a knife scraped his pride. Tempted to curse, the nearby professor's presence held him back.
He stalked toward the castle, simmering with hatred over Wade's twice-inflicted humiliation. Crabbe and Goyle trailed, oblivious.
Hearing whispers, Malfoy thought they mocked him. Then—
"Malfoy and Wade had another clash... He must despise Wade now, right?" A girl's concerned voice.
Malfoy recognized Ravenclaw's Padma, friendly with Wade. He eavesdropped behind a pillar, motioning Crabbe and Goyle to hide.
The two bulky boys complied, huddled like clustered sweets.
Another voice, Parvati: "Of course. After all, he's a pure-blood Malfoy!"
"You think Malfoy still uses Wade's Friend Book?" Padma mused.
"Huh?" Parvati faltered. "I think..."
"I doubt it," Padma smirked. "He'd look quite foolish, denouncing Wade while using his invention, don't you think?"
"Y-yes," Parvati stuttered, unsure. Who'd relinquish such a useful tool for a feud? And the Friend Book wasn't cheap...
Observing Padma's resolve, recalling her unfinished potion homework, Parvati held her tongue.
Padma then spotted figures behind the pillar, grinning slyly.
...
Hand in hand, the girls departed.
Malfoy emerged, face reddened. He tore Wade's Friend Book to shreds, tossing it aside.
"Monitor Wade Grey!" Malfoy snarled. "Watch when he enters the potion classroom. I'll get him yet!"
In his mind, he mulled over the most potent, vile spells—
Killing Curse... Cruciatus Curse... Entrails-Expelling Curse... No, none fitting... Bat-Bogey Hex... Leg-Locker Curse... Fiendfyre...
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone