The mastermind behind Hogwarts

Chapter 24 The Noble Sport of High-Quality Wizards

After Potions class, news spread like wildfire that Mr. Slytherin had earned Slytherin House a score of 60.

Students from all four houses now know about Professor Snape's bonus words. Some of the older Hawks even joked that with Moriarty around, Ravenclaw could only compete for second place in the House Cup.

At the heart of the whole affair, Moriarty remained remarkably calm, sitting on a sofa in the common room reading a book.

He was engrossed in reading "Quidditch," which he had just borrowed from the library.

On the other side of the sofa sat Jericho, also engrossed in a large book, occasionally letting out a sigh of admiration.

At that moment, Lilith walked in, and upon seeing her two companions on the sofa, she let out an exaggerated exclamation:

"I can't believe it, you two actually wasted the precious sunshine, spending the whole afternoon in the lounge! Today is a rare sunny day, and many people are out on the grass."

Moriarty replied without looking up, "Really? Then who was that person rummaging through the library for potion books? — I thought you were playing in the grass."

"Hehe, I knew I couldn't hide it from you," Lilith placed a stack of potion books on the sofa, then explained, "I want to learn more about potions so I can surpass you when we're making the potion to treat boils in the next class!"

Moriarty turned a page and said casually, "I heard Mr. Lockhart say that teenage girls always have unrealistic dreams. Are you talking about yourself?"

Lilith rolled her eyes, trying to change the subject: "I saw Leon and Prefect William on the grass. They were arguing again. I bet Prefect William will definitely resort to violence next time!"

However, Moriarty only gave a curt reply, which made Lilith want to knock the book out of his hand.

"Miss Pilivik, I don't expect you to fall in love with the sport, but you must learn to respect it." Jericho raised his head, now exuding elegance, even his posture was graceful.

Jericho raised the book in his hands so that Lilith could clearly see the title on the cover—"The Noble Sport of the Wizard."

However, Lilith was amused and asked why Jericho, a Quidditch player, had become so greasy.

"Come say that to me when you win the Quidditch Trophy!" Lilith shook her head and prepared to go back to her dorm.

Moriarty slammed the book shut. "The Quidditch Trophy? Sounds pretty good, Jericho. Interested in teaming up with me to win seven Quidditch Trophys?"

Jericho jumped up from the sofa: "Are you serious, Mr. Moriarty?"

"This is not a wise decision. Generally speaking, first-year students cannot join the team." Lilith looked at Moriarty in confusion. She didn't believe Moriarty didn't know this.

"That's not a problem," Moriarty patted Jericho on the shoulder, gesturing for him to sit down, and then calmly replied to Lilith, "I think as long as our skills are good enough, the academy and the headmaster will make an exception for us."

"Then what are we waiting for! We have flight lessons this afternoon, let's go early!" Jericho stood up excitedly again: "I mean, we can observe the terrain and familiarize ourselves with the stadium environment."

"Good idea, let's go."

This time, Moriarty didn't let him sit down. Moriarty could tell that the Jericho who talked about Quidditch with others was the gentleman, while the Jericho who played Quidditch or was about to play Quidditch was the fanatic Jericho.

"Wait for me, I need to put these books back in my dorm first." Lilith picked up the thick books on potions.

Moriarty and Jericho went outside to wait for Lilith. After they left, a tall, burly boy stood up from the sofa next to them, stared at Moriarty's back, and snorted several times in a sarcastic tone.

Unfortunately, Lilith happened to see this scene as she walked out of the dormitory.

A cold glint flashed in Lilith's dark, bright eyes, and she curled her lips into a meaningful smile. "Interesting, Marcus Flint?"

Ten minutes later, when Lilith told Moriarty everything she had seen, Moriarty laughed as if he had heard a joke.

"Yeah, yeah, of course Flint won't like us. He just went up to second year and is ambitiously trying to become a Chaser! I don't think he has a chance, unless Captain William's criteria for selecting players is big guys!"

Lilith abruptly stopped in her tracks: "Mr. Moriarty, are you really not worried at all? Those old-fashioned purebloods don't want to see a bloodline purer and more powerful than theirs rise above them!"

Moriarty turned to look at her, and the usually proud girl's eyes were now full of confusion and hidden worry.

"You yourself said they're a bunch of old fogies, why should I worry about them?" Moriarty naturally wouldn't reveal his plans.

"All the wizards in Britain know you possess powerful ancient magic, so do you think they'd be foolish enough to challenge you?" Lilith brushed her bangs aside with her right hand and said seriously, "They will, use some dirty tricks, underhanded tactics, to scheme against you, ambush you, plot against you..."

I can think of at least forty ways to persecute you that don't violate any school rules or laws!

"So I'm very glad that our Miss Pilivik is on my side," Moriarty said with a smile in his eyes. "Although she is also a pureblood, she is not rigid at all."

Lilith's face turned a rare red, and she abandoned her attempt to persuade Moriarty, reverting to her usual noble demeanor.

"How did your talks go? I mean Quidditch. As my companions, you'd better keep your word."

Jericho clicked his tongue and said, "Just wait and see, young lady, I won't let you down."

"In fact, we're planning to try out some Quidditch skills in our flight lessons," Moriarty explained.

"You're kidding me," Lilith shook her head. "Putting aside the fact that Madam Hooch would never let you fly away, what are you going to do with your professional skills?"

The Five-Star Sweep and Comet 260 from the school? Never mind then, I'll visit you at the school clinic.

However, I suggest you buy a Nimbus 1700 during the Christmas holidays.

Moriarty and Jericho exchanged a glance and smiled.

"You did say something similar to what I expected," Moriarty said. "Therefore, regarding the first point, we need your help."

"Hmm," Lilith slightly raised her chin, "Now you remember me, huh?"

"You're knowledgeable about the law; I think you can help us perfectly circumvent school rules."

Lilith exclaimed, "Merlin's flying broomstick! Do you want me fired?"

“Don’t say that,” Jericho laughed. “Merlin doesn’t use a flying broom.”

Lilith ignored him, shaking her head. "Unless something happens during flight class to distract Mrs. Hodge, I can't think of any other way."

"I see. Then we'll just have to improvise." Moriarty pondered. He couldn't possibly cause an accident just for the test flight; he wasn't that ruthless.

Jericho, however, rolled his eyes a few times and grinned mischievously, "I remember flying lessons are with Gryffindors? Maybe the lions will do something unexpected? That would give us a chance."

"Don't be so loud," Lilith frowned. "It's almost time for class, and the Gryffindors have already arrived."

"Oh, they're so impatient." Jericho's tone was strange.

Lilith said to Moriarty, "He's already gloating before the accident even happened. What a Slytherin!"

Jericho dismissed it: "I take that as a compliment, thank you."

The three of them talked as they walked toward the flight training area.

There are many types of flying brooms, not just the Seven Stars Sweep, Light Wheel 2000, and Fire Arrow.

(End of this chapter)