Moriarty soared into the sky on his broomstick when the system's voice echoed in his ears:
"Mission issued: Lead the Slytherin team to victory against Gryffindor! Reward: 200 points. Time limit: one hour. Failure penalty: The host must publicly ask Filch's cat, Mrs. Norris, if she is in heat in front of all Hogwarts students and staff!"
"Bloody hell—!"
Moriarty wobbled on his broom, nearly tumbling off. Every time he got on a broom, something bizarre had to happen.
Last time it was Lockhart; this time, it was the system.
Steadying himself, he regained control just as the broom wavered midair. Below, the match had already begun.
Tonks' enthusiastic voice rang through the stadium:
"Oh~ Moriarty takes action at the start of the match! That's rare for a Seeker! I thought he might be faking, but look—Charlie Weasley isn't buying it. The seasoned Gryffindor captain remains still, scanning the field for the Snitch."
The crowd gasped as a scarlet blur shot through the air. From the corner of his eye, Moriarty saw Charlie Weasley darting toward the Slytherin formation.
That's not where the Snitch is!
Charlie wasn't chasing the Golden Snitch—he was attacking like a lion hunting prey, slicing through Slytherin's formation with practiced ease.
Chaser Leon bellowed, signaling the Beaters to take action. They responded immediately, launching twin Bludgers at Charlie.
Tonks exclaimed:
"While we were focused on the clash between 'King Weasley' and 'Eternal Shine,' Weasley demonstrated another side—his role as captain! He boldly charges into Slytherin's defense, drawing their fire away to create openings for Gryffindor's Chasers!"
The audience roared in excitement.
Moriarty's sharp gaze caught the Quaffle speeding toward Gryffindor's Mandy Finney. She was closing in on the hoops, but Jericho was already moving to intercept.
"Jericho! Attack formation—Eagle Head!" Moriarty commanded.
"I can't! They've locked me down!"
Jericho was boxed in—Gryffindor's Chasers flanked him on both sides while Bludgers zoomed dangerously close. Above, Gryffindor's Beaters hovered, ready to strike.
Moriarty made a split-second decision.
"Drop down! I'll take your spot!"
Jericho obeyed instantly, diving toward the pitch. Moriarty surged into his place, flipping to face the incoming Bludgers.
Tonks gasped:
"Oh no! Moriarty is in a tight spot! There's no time to dodge!"
"I don't need to."
Moriarty tucked his knees against the broom, flattened his body, and streamlined himself with the broomstick. He shot through the gap between the Bludgers in a breathtaking maneuver.
The crowd erupted in cheers, and the Slytherin stands chanted:
"Forever Shine! Moriarty! Forever Shine! Moriarty!"
Tonks was in awe:
"How did he do that?! That kind of movement—impossible!"
Before the Gryffindor Beaters could strike again, Moriarty shouted:
"Leon! Parkin's Pincer!"
Leon instantly understood and lunged at Mandy Finney, who still held the Quaffle.
Moriarty circled wide, avoiding the Bludgers' second strike. Mandy was too focused on him, leaving an opening—Jericho seized it.
Three Slytherin players closed in. Mandy was trapped from all sides.
"Jericho's the threat!" she thought, moving to block him.
But in that moment of distraction, Leon struck. His hand shot forward, slapping the Quaffle out of her grip.
"Bang!"
The ball tumbled downward—two Gryffindor Chasers lunged for it, but Jericho was faster.
He snatched the Quaffle midair, weaving through the defense in a zigzag pattern, heading straight for the Gryffindor goal.
Tonks shouted:
"Moriarty initiated the Parkin's Pincer, baited Gryffindor's attention, and now—look at their formation! This is the Eagle Head Attack! Slytherin is relentless!"
Slytherin's Chasers formed a spearhead, charging toward Oliver Wood.
"Oliver Wood is in trouble! Can he block this shot?"
Charlie noticed something. He wasn't focusing on the Quaffle—his eyes were darting around.
"Is he searching for the Snitch?"** Leon asked.
Moriarty's gaze never left the pitch.
"No, it's a feint. Keep going!"
He flew in an unpredictable S-pattern, further confusing Wood.
Wood's focus split between Moriarty and Jericho.
That was his mistake.
Jericho used a sloth roll, mirroring Moriarty's earlier move, and shot forward like a dagger. He hurled the Quaffle—
Wood reacted too late.
"Goal!"
Slytherin's stands exploded with cheers.
"What a stunning goal! In just 20 minutes, Slytherin leads 10-0! How will Charlie respond?"
The match resumed—Leon gained possession of the Quaffle, but Charlie ignored him. Instead, he shadowed Moriarty, never letting him out of his sight.
Moriarty smirked.
"Interesting."
He soared upward, Charlie right behind him.
"He's trying to block my path," Moriarty realized.
The two Seekers dived—wind roared in Moriarty's ears as he sped downward, Charlie close behind.
Then—
"WHAM!"
Twin Bludgers rocketed toward them.
"Damn!" Moriarty twisted out of the way, climbing high to dodge.
Charlie's heart pounded—he had to keep up.
But suddenly, Moriarty's movements changed.
"Wait—how is he appearing in front of our Chasers every time?!" Charlie muttered.
Then—
A glimmer of gold.
Moriarty's pupils shrank.
"The Snitch!"
It darted toward the stands, reflecting the sunlight.
Moriarty dived like a comet.
Charlie hesitated, thinking it was another feint. By the time he realized the truth, Moriarty had gained five broom lengths on him.
"No!" Charlie groaned.
Moriarty surged forward, reaching out—
"LOOK! LOOK! THAT'S MORIARTY'S SIGNATURE MOVE!" Tonks screamed.
Charlie closed in—but it was too late.
Moriarty's fingers closed around the Snitch.
"GAME OVER! Slytherin wins 160-0! In just 35 minutes, Moriarty ENDS the game!"
The Slytherin stands erupted. Lilith conjured a massive silver serpent that soared through the sky.
Moriarty and his teammates were hoisted into the air, their names chanted across the stadium.
Tonks grinned.
"And now, let's call out the MVP of the match! Who is it?!"
The whole stadium roared:
"FOREVER SHINE! MORIARTY! FOREVER SHINE! MORIARTY!"
The chant thundered through Hogwarts for five full minutes.
Tonks beamed.
"While we celebrate the victors, let's also acknowledge Gryffindor! Charlie Weasley led his team bravely and gave us an unforgettable match!"
She took a deep breath.
"That's it for the Slytherin vs. Gryffindor showdown! I'm Tonks—until next time!"