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Walking out of Snape's office, Erwin contemplated the professor's parting words.
Just before dismissing him, Snape had instructed Erwin to visit his office every week after Potions class.
These sessions would serve dual purposes: Snape would evaluate his potion-making progress while also testing his mastery of the spells contained within the Half-Blood Prince's notebook.
Erwin didn't fully understand Snape's motivations, but the gesture of entrusting him with such precious notes carried significant weight.
After receiving this gift, Erwin resolved that he would ensure Snape survived until the very end, no matter what obstacles arose.
From online forums in his previous life, Erwin knew these notes held profound personal significance for Snape.
Some of the potion modifications had been developed jointly by Snape and Lily during their school years together.
When Snape had given the notebook to Harry in the original timeline, it hadn't seemed particularly remarkable.
But receiving it now, under these circumstances, genuinely moved Erwin.
'If someone shows you their heart, you respond in kind.'
Snape had treated him with such consideration; Erwin wasn't the type to forget such kindness.
When the time came, he would absolutely protect the Potions Master.
****
Time passed swiftly, and soon the weekend arrived.
Today marked Ravenclaw's Quidditch match against Hufflepuff.
Roger Davies had assembled all his players at the Quidditch pitch well before the scheduled start time for warm-up exercises.
His nervous energy was palpable; he clearly cared deeply about this game's outcome.
Gradually, other students began arriving and filling the stands.
Hufflepuff's team members emerged from their changing room as well, looking determined and ready.
****
At nine o'clock precisely, players from both sides took to the air and the match officially commenced.
Lee Jordan served as today's commentator.
Erwin had developed a solid friendship with him over the past weeks, frequently joining Lee and the twins for midnight kitchen raids.
Their rapport had grown quite naturally.
"Alright, both teams are airborne now. For Hufflepuff, we have their players... starting first with…"
He started to introduce the players.
"And now, let's look at Ravenclaw. First up, their captain serving as Chaser, Roger Davies… followed next by…"
"Next, we have Hogwarts' most talented young wizard in fifty years. Erwin Gaunt, who set a record alongside Gryffindor's Harry Potter as first-years joining their house Quidditch teams."
Lee Jordan praised Erwin enthusiastically, clearly intent on supporting his friend with maximum publicity.
Professor McGonagall, standing beside him, finally reached her limit of tolerance.
"Jordan. Remember your position as a neutral commentator."
Hearing Professor McGonagall's sharp reprimand, Lee visibly flinched and toned down his praise.
"Finally, Ravenclaw's Seeker, Ravenclaw's most adorable student. Cho Chang."
"What many don't know is that the two of them are destined to be a couple in the future!"
Both Erwin's and Cho's brooms wavered simultaneously in midair, and Cho nearly fell off.
"JORDAN!" Professor McGonagall's furious roar echoed throughout the stadium, amplified by her Sonorus Charm.
In the stands, Hermione glared daggers at Lee Jordan in the commentary box, looking every inch the fierce young lioness.
Many other girls shot him similarly angry looks.
However, a substantial number of students expressed audible disappointment.
Erwin had broken into a cold sweat.
Shaking off his embarrassment, Erwin swung his bat with considerable force, connecting solidly with an incoming Bludger.
The heavy ball shot toward a Hufflepuff Chaser like a cannonball.
The Chaser was clearly startled by the aggressive attack.
In his shock, the Quaffle slipped from his grasp and fell.
Roger Davies seized the opportunity immediately, swooping down to catch the dropped ball before racing toward Hufflepuff's goal posts.
Erwin intercepted another Bludger and sent it streaking toward a different Hufflepuff player.
Only then did he finally have a moment to check on Cho.
She was currently flying in graceful loops across the sky, her dark hair pulled back into a neat ponytail that gave her an air of capable efficiency.
This presented quite the contrast to the soft, sweet demeanor she showed when alone with Erwin.
But this version of Cho charmed him tremendously.
Hufflepuff's Seeker was also circling at high altitude, though Erwin noticed the boy would occasionally glance in Cho's direction.
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Erwin tried to recall the Seeker's name.
'What was it again?'
'Right! Cedric Diggory.'
'Wait...'
Wasn't this the same Cedric rumored to be Cho's boyfriend during the fourth year? The one who'd attended the Yule Ball with her?
The realization hit Erwin like a Bludger to the chest.
His eyes sharpened immediately, and he found himself tracking every instance of Cedric glancing toward Cho.
'This cannot stand.'
At that moment, Erwin wasn't thinking clearly enough to consider an obvious alternative explanation.
'Is there a possibility, just a possibility, that Cedric is watching to see if Cho spots the Snitch first?'
No, Erwin's thoughts had already taken firm hold.
His body leaned forward slightly, and the Nimbus 2000 beneath him, no longer a metaphorical red rabbit, but still his trusty steed, suddenly accelerated with impressive speed.
"Look. Ravenclaw's prodigy is accelerating. He's heading straight for a Bludger."
Lee Jordan noticed Erwin's movement with his characteristically sharp eyes and shouted with renewed excitement.
Erwin closed in on a Bludger, swung his bat with perfect form, and struck the ball directly toward Cedric, hovering high above.
He added significant spin to ensure it would curve unpredictably.
Cedric remained completely oblivious to the approaching danger.
Only when he heard the distinctive whistle of air did he instinctively duck his head, narrowly avoiding the Bludger's attack in a heart-stopping near-miss.
The heavy spin Erwin had imparted sent the Bludger arcing back around toward him in a wide loop.
Without hesitation, Erwin struck it again, sending it back toward Cedric once more.
Lee Jordan could barely contain himself at this point.
"The Bludger was sent flying toward Cedric by Erwin. Oh, what's this? It's coming back around. Erwin hits it again!"
"Merlin's beard. What kind of play is this? Is this something we get to watch without paying admission?"
"The Bludger keeps targeting Cedric relentlessly. He can't possibly search for the Snitch under these conditions."
The spectators sat frozen in astonishment.
They'd never witnessed such an outrageous display from a Beater, nor had they seen this particular tactical approach.
A surreal scene unfolded on the pitch.
Erwin continuously hammered the Bludger toward Cedric in an endless loop, completely ignoring every other player on the field.
Cho found the situation rather peculiar.
'Why is Erwin specifically targeting that guy?'
But she couldn't deny the advantage; without Cedric's interference, she could search for the Golden Snitch with complete focus and patience.
Ten minutes later, Cho successfully caught the Golden Snitch, ending this rather unusual match.
Ravenclaw defeated Hufflepuff decisively, 170 to 10.
Both teams descended to the ground.
Cho rushed over with a radiant smile and embraced Erwin warmly.
Then she asked with obvious curiosity, "Why did you keep attacking Diggory? You didn't pay attention to any other players the entire game."
"I thought he kept looking at you. The boy clearly has ulterior motives," Erwin replied, his tone carrying distinct displeasure.
"Pfft!" Cho burst into laughter, her entire body shaking with mirth.
She'd never seen Erwin jealous before, and the discovery made her find him utterly endearing.
"You silly guy! Of course, he was watching me; he was trying to prevent me from finding the Golden Snitch first."
"Really?" Erwin felt a wave of guilt wash over him.
'Why didn't I consider that explanation earlier?'