After Potions class, news spread like wildfire throughout Hogwarts—Moriarty Slytherin had won sixty points for Slytherin House in a single lesson.
Even among the upper years, it became a popular topic of discussion. Some older Slytherins joked that with Moriarty around, the only competition left for the House Cup was for second place.
Moriarty, however, remained indifferent to the commotion. At that moment, he was seated comfortably in the Slytherin common room, absorbed in a book.
He had borrowed Quidditch Through the Ages from the library and was reading it with great interest.
On the opposite sofa, Jericho was also engrossed in a large tome, occasionally exclaiming in surprise.
Just then, Lilith strolled in and, upon seeing them, let out a dramatic sigh.
"I can't believe it! Two of the most promising first-years, wasting a rare sunny day inside the common room! Most of the students are out on the grounds enjoying themselves."
Moriarty didn't look up. "Is that so? I was under the impression that a certain someone was holed up in the library, scouring the shelves for Potions books. From the way you're talking, I assumed you were rolling in the grass."
Lilith smirked, placing a stack of books onto the sofa. "I knew I couldn't fool you. But I wasn't just wasting time—I'm studying more advanced potion-making so I can brew the Boil-Cure Potion faster than you in our next class."
Moriarty turned another page, his voice casual. "I once read in Voyages with Vampires that teenage girls tend to indulge in unrealistic dreams. Is that you, Miss Piliwick?"
Lilith rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Don't lump me in with Lockhart's fan club."
Rather than continuing the argument, she changed the subject. "Speaking of interesting things, I saw Leon and Prefect William arguing on the lawn again. If this keeps up, I'd bet Prefect William will lose patience and hex him next time."
Moriarty merely hummed in response, making Lilith want to snatch the book from his hands.
"Miss Piliwick, you don't have to love the sport, but at the very least, you should respect it," Jericho interjected, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with something more refined.
He lifted his book so Lilith could read the title—The Noble Sport of Warlocks.
Lilith stared at him, then burst into laughter. "Why do you sound so pompous when you talk about Quidditch?"
Jericho didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he simply said, "Talk to me again after I win the Quidditch Cup."
Lilith shook her head. "I'll believe it when I see it."
Moriarty suddenly snapped his book shut with a decisive thud. "Winning the Quidditch Cup, you say? Not a bad idea. Jericho, are you interested in winning all seven of them with me?"
Jericho nearly jumped out of his seat. "Are you serious, Mr. Moriarty?"
Lilith looked skeptical. "That's not a wise plan. Normally, first-years aren't allowed to join the team."
Moriarty waved a hand dismissively. "That's hardly a problem. If our skills are good enough, both the House and the Headmaster might make an exception for us."
Jericho practically vibrated with excitement. "Then what are we waiting for? We have our first flying lesson this afternoon! Let's go early—I want to check out the pitch."
"Good idea," Moriarty agreed.
This time, he didn't ask Jericho to sit back down. He could see it—Jericho the gentleman was gone. The moment Quidditch was mentioned, the fanatic Quidditch player had taken over.
Lilith sighed. "Wait for me. I need to put these books away first."
Moriarty and Jericho stepped outside to wait for her. As they left, a tall second-year boy sitting nearby watched Moriarty's back and snorted quietly several times.
Unfortunately for him, Lilith caught sight of the boy just as she stepped out of the dormitory.
A cold glint flashed in her dark eyes, and she smirked. "Marcus Flint?"
Ten minutes later, when Lilith relayed what she had seen, Moriarty chuckled as if she had told a particularly amusing joke.
"Of course Flint wouldn't be happy with us," Jericho scoffed. "He only just made it into second year, and he's been trying to secure a spot as a Chaser. If Captain William chooses players based on size rather than skill, then maybe he has a chance."
Lilith, however, was not as amused. She narrowed her eyes at Moriarty. "Mr. Moriarty, are you really not concerned? The old-fashioned purebloods won't be thrilled to see someone with a stronger, purer bloodline overshadowing them."
Moriarty glanced at her. The usual arrogant and confident girl looked unusually serious, even a little worried.
"You said it yourself—they're old-fashioned," he replied smoothly. "Why should I be concerned?"
Lilith didn't seem convinced. "You might be powerful, but you're also a first-year. They won't challenge you outright. Instead, they'll use underhanded tricks—schemes, setups, ambushes… I can think of at least forty ways they could try to take you down, all without breaking a single school rule."
Moriarty smiled. "Which is exactly why I'm glad that our Miss Piliwick is on my side. Despite being a pure-blood herself, she's not old-fashioned at all."
For once, Lilith blushed slightly. She quickly regained her composure, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Enough talking. Let's focus on Quidditch instead. As my companions, you'd better follow through with your words."
Jericho grinned. "Oh, you'll see, Miss Piliwick. You won't be disappointed."
"In fact," Moriarty added, "we'll be testing out some Quidditch skills during our flying lesson today."
Lilith crossed her arms. "You two are ridiculous. First of all, Madam Hooch won't let you go flying off. And second, what exactly are you planning to fly on? The school's old Shooting Stars? The Cleansweep Fives and Comet 260s? I hope you're prepared to spend some time in the hospital wing."
Moriarty and Jericho exchanged knowing smiles.
"You do bring up a valid point," Moriarty admitted. "Which is why we need your help."
Lilith raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You suddenly remember me now?"
"You know the school rules better than anyone," Moriarty pointed out. "I'm sure you can find us a loophole."
Lilith gave him a long look before sighing. "Merlin's beard, do you want me to get expelled?"
Jericho laughed. "Don't worry, Merlin doesn't need a broom."
Lilith ignored him, tapping her fingers against her arm in thought. "Unless something distracts Madam Hooch during the lesson, I can't think of a way for you to get away with it."
"That's that, then. We'll have to improvise," Moriarty mused. He wasn't reckless enough to cause an incident just for a test flight.
But Jericho's eyes gleamed with mischief. "We have flying lessons with Gryffindor, right? Maybe those lions will do something unexpected. That would give us the perfect chance."
Lilith smirked. "Gloating before the accident even happens? You're a true Slytherin."
Jericho gave her a mock bow. "I take that as a compliment. Thank you."
The three of them made their way to the Quidditch pitch, excitement growing as their first flying lesson drew closer.