The near-discovery during his first night-time excursion did little to deter Moriarty's exploration of Peeves. However, he became more cautious and secretive in his movements.
Jericho remained silent about their nighttime escapade but hoped that Moriarty would eventually teach him the illusion magic he had demonstrated.
At breakfast, Jericho was devouring a plate stacked with Lincolnshire sausages while his face was nearly buried in a large bowl of Scotch porridge.
Moriarty, on the other hand, ate a balanced meal of bacon and fried mushrooms, ensuring both health and nutrition.
Seated next to him, William gulped down oatmeal, stuffing pieces of bread into his mouth between bites.
Leon, watching them with disapproval, shook his head before returning to his own meal of baked beans and cheese.
Each Slytherin Quidditch player had their own preferred breakfast, enjoying it with evident satisfaction.
"Thank Sister Tonks for arranging such delicious food for us!" Jericho mumbled through a mouthful.
"Indeed, Mr. Moriarty, be sure to thank Tonks on our behalf," William added with a grin. "Thanks to her asking the house-elves to prepare this for us, we can eat well before the match. Oh, Merlin's beard, Hufflepuff's food is like a mother's embrace~"
Moriarty nodded in acknowledgment, but Leon frowned and gave the team a stern warning. "Don't eat too much. You don't want to end up vomiting mid-game."
"Relax, Captain," William shrugged. Then he smirked, adding, "With Mr. Moriarty on our team, do we really have anything to worry about?"
The team laughed in agreement, but a voice from behind disrupted the moment.
"Don't get too cocky. Gryffindor is a lion, not a sick cat!"
The Slytherin players turned to see who had spoken, only to spot Tonks approaching. Her hair had turned a stormy gray.
William stood up and formally expressed his gratitude, to which Tonks merely winked at Moriarty playfully.
"It's nothing," she said with a grin. "Just a little support from the fan club for Moriarty!"
The Slytherins let out a knowing chuckle, but their attention was quickly drawn elsewhere when a snow-white owl flew into the Great Hall, clutching a long package in its talons.
"Poseidon!" Moriarty called out, and the owl swooped gracefully toward the Slytherin table, dropping the package before flying off.
Jericho's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Open it up! Let's see what's inside!"
Tonks rubbed her chin thoughtfully before grinning. "I'd bet anything that it's a broomstick."
Moriarty unwrapped the package, revealing a brand-new Nimbus 1700.
Gasps of admiration spread across the Slytherin table, their anticipation for the match growing even stronger.
Tonks bid Moriarty farewell but promised a surprise before she left.
By eight o'clock, the entire school had gathered at the Quidditch pitch.
The stands were divided among the four Hogwarts houses, along with a separate tower and platform for the faculty.
Students wore scarves in their house colors, with Gryffindors holding up massive banners painted with "Gryffindor Will Win!" in bold lettering.
Slytherin supporters waved silver flags, each depicting a serpent entwined with a lion.
Most students had brought binoculars, and some even used magic to elevate their seats, though the game would still be difficult to follow at times.
Inside the Slytherin locker room, the players changed into their dark green Quidditch robes. Moriarty glanced at his uniform, considering whether to request a different color for future matches.
"Gather around!" William called out, addressing the team. "This year, we have Moriarty with us. Frankly, I don't see how we can lose! But we must not let our guard down."
He turned to the Beaters and Keeper. "Charlie Weasley is our main threat. Take every chance to shut him down!"
"And don't forget Oliver Wood!" William continued. "Their new second-year Keeper. I'd bet my broomstick that Charlie is grooming him to be the next Gryffindor captain. Chasers?"
"Yes, Captain!" Jericho puffed out his chest.
"You're new, too," William reminded him. "So? Make Wood's life miserable. Send that Quaffle past him so many times he forgets what blocking feels like!"
Jericho grinned. "No problem, Captain!"
"Good. Anyone else have something to add?" William scanned the room.
No one spoke, but Moriarty cleared his throat. "No intentional fouls. I won't stain my matches—or any matches—with cheap tricks."
Though his words were arrogant, the team accepted them as an unshakable truth.
William nodded in agreement. "With Moriarty, we don't need to stoop that low. Alright, boys, let's go out there and win!"
The seven Slytherin players strode confidently onto the field, greeted by roaring cheers.
Jericho muttered under his breath, "Merlin, I hope my legs don't give out."
"It's just another match," Moriarty replied, his calm demeanor exuding confidence. His composure spread through the team, reinforcing their focus.
"Look! The Slytherin team is entering!" Tonks' voice boomed across the stadium, and the Slytherin supporters erupted in cheers.
Jericho nudged Moriarty. "Tonks-senpai is the commentator? Is this the surprise she mentioned?"
Moriarty glanced toward the Hufflepuff section, where Tonks flashed him a cheeky smile before resuming her announcement.
"Leading the team is veteran Captain William Romot! Next, we have Leon Minchum…
The team that claimed three consecutive championships remains a force to be reckoned with, despite the departure of senior players. On the contrary, the addition of two incredibly talented newcomers makes them even more dangerous!
At the end of the lineup, we have Jericho Blanche, and taking center stage—the one who forever shines—Moriarty! Sly—therin!"
Tonks' voice rose dramatically, and the stands erupted in a frenzy. The girls' screams nearly drowned out the cheers.
As if timing their entrance for dramatic effect, the Gryffindor team strode onto the pitch. The Gryffindor supporters stood, clapping wildly.
Several older students enchanted banners to display roaring lions, the sound echoing across the field.
"Oh-ho! And here comes Gryffindor!" Tonks' voice rang out. "This is widely considered their strongest lineup in recent years!
Captain and Seeker, Charlie Weasley! A familiar name to us all—the unstoppable redhead, nicknamed 'King Weasley' by his housemates!
Since Gryffindor's crushing defeat in the 1986-87 season, Charlie has transformed the team into serious contenders. They've held second place for years, growing stronger with every season.
And—let's be honest—the Gryffindor team has a much better reputation than Slytherin. We all know that the Slytherins have a history of relying on fouls. Perhaps Moriarty's presence will change that?"
Tonks grinned as she waved to the crowd. "Both teams are fielding new players this year! Keep your eyes on Gryffindor's young Keeper, Oliver Wood!
This match will be an intense battle of offense and defense between two rising stars!
And, of course, the main event—the duel between Seekers! The prodigious rookie, Moriarty, against the seasoned leader, King Weasley! Who will triumph?!"
Tonks' passionate narration fueled the excitement in the stadium. The professors clapped along, even Dumbledore, Snape, and Flitwick nodding in approval.
Professor McGonagall stood, lips pursed in concentration.
The students chanted in unison:
"Forever shining! Forever shining!"
"King Weasley! King Weasley!"
"Gryffindor! Gryffindor!"
"Slytherin! Slytherin!"
The fiery atmosphere seemed to melt away the autumn chill as Madam Hooch stepped forward.
A shrill whistle blew, and fifteen broomsticks shot into the sky. The match had begun.