Oliver and the Magic Academy

The week following their forest adventure was a whirlwind of classes, homework, and whispered conversations about the bone amulet. Oliver kept the relic hidden in his subspace ring, its faint glow a constant reminder of the mystery they had uncovered. But as the weekend approached, a new excitement took over the academy: Quidditch tryouts.

Quidditch was more than just a sport at Eastford Academy—it was a way of life. The towering Quidditch pitch, with its golden hoops and enchanted stands, was the heart of the school's competitive spirit. Every house had its own team, and Ignis House was determined to reclaim the championship after a disappointing season the previous year.

On Saturday morning, Oliver, Lily, and Ethan made their way to the pitch, where a crowd of students had gathered. The air was filled with the buzz of excitement, and the smell of freshly cut grass mingled with the crisp autumn breeze.

"I still don't get why people are so obsessed with this sport," Lily said, adjusting the strap of her bag. "It's just a bunch of people flying around on broomsticks, chasing a ball."

Ethan grinned, his broomstick slung over his shoulder. "That's like saying magic is just waving a stick and saying funny words. Quidditch is an art, Lily. An art."

Oliver chuckled. "I'm just hoping I don't make a fool of myself. I've never played before."

"Relax, mate," Ethan said, clapping him on the back. "You've got natural talent. Just don't fall off your broom, and you'll be fine."

The trio joined the group of students gathered on the pitch, where Coach Adrian Blackthorn stood, his piercing blue eyes scanning the crowd. He was dressed in his usual tailored black blazer, his presence commanding attention.

"Alright, listen up!" Coach Blackthorn called, his voice carrying across the pitch. "Today's tryouts will determine who makes the Ignis House team. We're looking for skill, speed, and teamwork. If you've got what it takes, step up and show me."

The tryouts began with a series of drills: flying through hoops, dodging Bludgers, and practicing passes. Oliver watched nervously as Ethan took to the air, his broomstick cutting through the sky with ease. Ethan's confidence was infectious, and he quickly impressed the coach with his agility and precision.

"Reed!" Coach Blackthorn shouted, pointing at Ethan. "You're on the team. Beater position."

Ethan pumped his fist in the air, grinning from ear to ear. "Told you I'd make it!"

Oliver's turn came next. He mounted his broomstick, his heart pounding as he kicked off from the ground. The wind rushed past his face, and for a moment, he forgot his nerves. He flew through the hoops, his movements smooth and controlled. When it came time to practice passes, he surprised himself with how well he handled the Quaffle.

"Hall!" Coach Blackthorn called, his voice sharp. "You've got potential. Reserve Chaser. We'll see how you do in practice."

Oliver's chest swelled with pride. He hadn't made the starting lineup, but being a reserve was a start. He landed beside Ethan, who gave him a thumbs-up.

"Nice flying, Oliver," Lily said, her tone teasing. "I didn't think you had it in you."

Oliver grinned. "Neither did I."

---

As the tryouts continued, the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the pitch. Lily, who had no interest in playing, sat in the stands with Midnight, watching the action unfold. Her attention, however, was drawn to something strange happening on the far side of the pitch.

"Oliver," she called, her voice urgent. "Look over there."

Oliver followed her gaze and saw a figure hovering in the air, just beyond the stands. It was a ghostly figure, translucent and shimmering in the sunlight. It wore tattered robes and held a broomstick in one hand. Its eyes glowed a faint blue, and its expression was one of deep sadness.

"Is that… a ghost?" Ethan asked, his voice tinged with awe.

"I think so," Oliver said, his curiosity piqued. "But why is it here?"

The ghostly figure turned its head, its glowing eyes locking onto Oliver's. For a moment, it seemed to study him, its expression unreadable. Then, with a swift motion, it flew off into the distance, disappearing into the forest.

"Did anyone else see that?" Lily asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I saw it," Ethan said, his usual bravado replaced by unease. "But what was it doing here?"

Oliver's mind raced. The ghost had seemed almost… familiar, as though it had been waiting for something—or someone. He glanced at the bone amulet hidden in his pocket, its faint glow pulsing in time with his heartbeat.

---

That evening, the trio gathered in the common room, their minds still reeling from the day's events. Ethan sprawled on the couch, his broomstick leaning against the wall beside him. Lily sat cross-legged on the floor, her Herbology textbook open in front of her. Oliver sat by the fireplace, the bone amulet resting in his palm.

"Do you think the ghost has something to do with the amulet?" Lily asked, her green eyes filled with curiosity.

"Maybe," Oliver said, his voice thoughtful. "It felt like it was trying to tell us something."

Ethan groaned, running a hand through his messy blonde hair. "Great. Just what we need—another mystery to solve. Can't we just focus on Quidditch for once?"

Oliver smiled, though his mind was already racing with possibilities. "We'll figure it out. But for now, let's enjoy the fact that we made the team."

Ethan grinned, his usual confidence returning. "Yeah, you're right. Ignis House is going to crush Umbra this year. Just wait and see."

As the fire crackled in the hearth, Oliver felt a sense of excitement for the challenges ahead. Quidditch, ghosts, and the mystery of the bone amulet—it was all part of the adventure. And with his friends by his side, he knew they could handle anything.

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