Moriarty won three matches, completed the system-issued task "Preparing for the World Cup (1)," and gained 100,000 points along with ten years' worth of magic.
He also received a letter from Ludo.
> "Dear Mr. Moriarty,
After watching the three Slytherin matches, Captain Roman was full of praise for you. He spoke highly of both you and Jericho Blanche, as well as your leadership of the Slytherin team!
Roman even had a bold idea: he said Hogwarts has an abundance of talented players, and with a bit of experience, you could all hold your own.
So, why not form a team?
Roman claims he can find the perfect opponent for you. Yes, that's right—you guessed it. How about the England National Team?
Pros led by Roman taking on the Hogwarts Deluxe Dream Team!
What do you think, Mr. Moriarty?
Your loyal partner,
Ludo Bagman"
Moriarty set down the letter and smiled.
A Quidditch match against the national team had only upsides, with no real risk, and it allowed his star-making strategy to begin early.
He agreed to Roman's proposal and wrote back, setting the fantasy matchup for Friday afternoon.
Little did he know, Ludo was thrilled upon receiving the letter and immediately picked up his quill to write to Roman.
> "Dear Roman, our Captain,
Moriarty Slytherin offers his compliments following the Slytherin match!
He told me that he has purposely assembled a Hogwarts Luxury Dream Team.
He's gathered four of the academy's finest players and claims he's had a grand idea:
Before the World Cup begins, he's arranged a high-quality warm-up opponent for the England National Team.
Yes, you surely see it now—what about the Hogwarts Dream Team?
What say you, Captain Roman?
Your loyal partner,
Ludo Bagman"
After writing the final word, Ludo set down his quill, confident Roman would agree—Roman was a conceited wizard, after all.
Ludo beamed at his own work, a sly smile curling on his lips, revealing the cunning nature of a seasoned gambler.
"Two letters with nearly identical content—settled a fantasy duel. Easy!
Haha, Moriarty, Roman, it's not as hard as you think. It's all sleight of hand.
Alright, I've got to hurry to the Daily Prophet office and get them to work overtime printing this news!"
Still grinning, Ludo sent the letter, grabbed a handful of Floo Powder, and vanished into Diagon Alley.
As twilight settled outside his window, he muttered about not having a house-elf to run errands for him.
"I'm going to make a fortune this time! I'll open the betting tables first—and once I earn the first bit of gold, I'm buying a house-elf, ha!"
Upon arriving in Diagon Alley, Ludo received a reply from Roman. As expected, Roman agreed to the match.
However, his letter stated that the national team players would not return for another week and requested the game be postponed to the following Friday.
Ludo acted as the intermediary once more, this time actually explaining the situation to Moriarty and helping finalize the match details.
Friday, November 11, 1989, at 9:00 a.m.
Once the announcement was made, the British wizarding community erupted with excitement.
In the hearts of wizards, Quidditch held the same exalted status as football did in the Muggle world.
If the national team represented the dreams of most wizards, then the Hogwarts Academy Team represented youthful passion.
News of the match rekindled a nostalgic flame in their hearts—one deeply tied to Hogwarts.
Many noted that Moriarty's charges from the French Ministry of Magic had just died down, and now his name graced the pages of the Daily Prophet again.
But Merlin be praised—
It was far better to report on Moriarty playing Quidditch than to report on Moriarty being played.
So naturally, the conversation shifted to the match—covering players, spectators, referees, venue, and even brooms.
In truth, Ludo had lost count of how many times he'd run back and forth between Hogwarts and the Ministry recently. He had been negotiating every detail with both the school and government officials.
After countless discussions, and with agreement from both teams, Ludo finally announced the official match rules in the Daily Prophet.
Wizards crowded Diagon Alley, eagerly snapping up the latest issue to read it:
> "1. Match Time: 9:00 a.m., November 11, 1989.
2. Venue: Hogwarts Stadium.
3. Referee: Peter Ris, the esteemed British official renowned throughout Europe and currently called up for the World Cup.
3. Given the nature of the game as a warm-up and guidance match, it will not be open to outside spectators.
Hogwarts students may use their wands to access the stands.
The match will be recorded in real time by the Daily Prophet.
4…"
But upon reading clause 3, wizards crumpled up their newspapers in outrage, exclaiming their frustration at being barred from attending the game in person.
The Ministry did not respond.
At Hogwarts, when the news reached Moriarty, he sneered.
He was holding a team meeting in the Quidditch Club's commandeered classroom, and his players looked up upon hearing the sneer.
"The Ministry's terrified of me. They don't even dare let the public see the match—afraid news of the national team losing will get out."
Moriarty addressed his players—Jericho, Leon, Tonks, Marcus, Charlie—each among the finest players Hogwarts had produced.
Now, gathered under his leadership, with their talent and his strategy, Moriarty was confident they could defeat Roman's national team.
His players clearly agreed.
They lounged comfortably in their soft chairs. Jericho, chewing a pudding popsicle, spoke lazily: "Why wouldn't the Ministry be scared? Just look at everything you've done the past two years.
Last year's book with Lockhart, the Chamber of Secrets, this year it's V.E.T.S., the Wand Set, and even the Eiffel Tower!
Which of those didn't give the Ministry nightmares? Of course the politicians are wary of you!"
Leon and Marcus laughed. The more afraid the Ministry was of Moriarty, the more stable their family's standing became.
Tonks smacked the table. "Alright, alright—let's stop talking about the Ministry and focus on the national team, okay?
Has anyone noticed that the rosters for both sides haven't been released?
That means we don't know who Roman will field!"
"Well, that's unfortunate," Charlie said with a grin, "But there's good news too."
He paused for dramatic effect, drawing the team's attention. When they all looked at him, Charlie cleared his throat.
"Roman's definitely going to play himself. That only leaves six open slots."
Tonks rolled her eyes and hurled The Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland into Charlie's face with a loud pop.
"Absolute rubbish," she scoffed, brushing off her hands.
Jericho and Marcus chuckled. "Big sis Tonks is savage."
Charlie rubbed his nose and looked at Moriarty. "Sir, I suggest you think carefully about your romantic pursuits. At least steer clear of someone like Tonks—she's not dating material."
"Who says I'm not suitable?" Tonks glared at Charlie, then turned toward Moriarty with a sugary smile. "Little brother~ You…"
But before she could finish, the classroom door burst open, and a stack of thick parchments floated in. Lilith followed, walking briskly inside.
Seeing the scene, she blinked and said innocently, "Did I come at a bad time?"
Tonks narrowed her eyes. Not just bad timing. I bet she was eavesdropping and barged in at the juiciest moment!
"It's fine. What are you doing?" Moriarty asked Lilith. He tapped the stack of parchment, eyeing her curiously.
Lilith lifted her chin proudly. "Ahem. Listen up~
Since the Ministry hasn't released your opponents, I asked Uncle Barty to help me find intel on the national team players! It's a full dossier on each of them~
Hey! What are you doing?!"
Jericho had waited only until she finished her sentence before rushing over, snatching the documents and poring over them.
Lilith pouted and sighed toward Moriarty. "Seems I'm not welcome. I'm leaving now. But remember—when you win, don't forget to invite me to the celebration party."
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