#40 - Chapter 40: Snape, Cold-Faced and Warm-Hearted
In the days that followed, Sebastian's life was uneventful. He focused on his role as a Muggle Studies professor and led the Quidditch team in preparation for the upcoming inter-school competition.
Time slipped away quietly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the first Sunday in October.
The European Inter-School Quidditch Tournament began, much to the anticipation of the young wizards.
The Beauxbatons Quidditch team, led by Madame Maxime, arrived at Hogwarts a day early in their magical carriage.
To welcome these guests from afar, Hogwarts hosted a grand banquet.
Sebastian arrived at the Quidditch pitch early Sunday morning.
The Quidditch pitch had been transformed, with many additional spectator stands, making it both beautiful and grand.
To ensure the safety of the spectators in the stands, especially to prevent Bludgers from hitting the audience and causing injuries, Sebastian spent a large sum of Galleons installing numerous alchemical protective items on each stand, striving for absolute safety.
After all, today's match would be broadcast live throughout Europe, and every detail represented Hogwarts' reputation.
Snape also got up early and went to the Quidditch pitch, where he found the busy Sebastian.
Sebastian was currently directing the staff of Swan Media, making final adjustments to the live broadcast equipment.
Seeing Snape standing aside, he stood up and greeted him.
"Severus, good morning! I didn't expect you to be so interested in Quidditch."
Snape stood by the railing, looking at the Quidditch pitch, and said calmly, "I am a professor at Hogwarts and the Head of Slytherin, so naturally I pay attention to important school matters."
"I just wanted to ask you, what are our chances of winning today's match?"
"Chances of winning..." Sebastian stroked his chin, "If Charlie can quickly catch the Golden Snitch, we can win."
"If?" Snape turned to look at Sebastian, "Are you saying that we are likely to lose! Is that right?"
Sebastian nodded and said helplessly, "There's no way around it, the students' individual skills are excellent."
"But their teamwork is still a bit lacking."
"And the Beauxbatons students are also very strong. Once Charlie fails to catch the Golden Snitch quickly, losing the match is a certainty."
"Then why are you so calm?" Snape's pace quickened, "If you ask me, you should have been stricter a long time ago."
"The Minister for Magic will also be attending the match today."
"If we lose the match, do you think he will be unhappy?"
"If we lose the match, will the viewers watching the live broadcast have opinions about you?"
"If we lose the match, I'm afraid you will no longer be the beloved Professor Swan of the young wizards."
"When you are drowned in Howlers, I hope you won't regret it!!"
Sebastian looked at his old friend beside him, feeling warm inside.
What a tsundere!
Although his words weren't very pleasant.
Every word revealed his concern for him.
He patted Snape on the shoulder, "Don't worry."
"Fudge is a pure politician. The resumption of exchanges between the three magic schools has already added a lot to his resume."
"Even if we lose the match, given that he just took office this year, he wouldn't dare to offend me."
"As far as I'm concerned, even if they have opinions, they have to keep them to themselves."
"After all, Swan Alchemy is a major financial backer of the Ministry of Magic."
"I only hope that the students won't be discouraged, and even if they lose the match, they can adjust their mentality! As long as they win it back in the future."
"As for the bad reputation, a Slytherin like me has never cared about such things."
"Thank you for your concern, Severus."
"Concern?" Snape gave Sebastian a disgusted look, "I only care about Hogwarts' reputation."
With that, he flicked his robes and turned to leave.
After taking two steps, he turned his head and said to Sebastian, "I've saved you a seat at the faculty table."
"Remember to come over after you've arranged everything. I can give you some advice."
Watching Snape leave, Sebastian felt a little touched.
This tsundere doesn't even know how to make excuses.
Giving himself advice...
This guy has always been uninterested in Quidditch.
Is he worried that he'll be in a bad mood if he loses the match?
Thank you!
Severus!
......
The young wizards entered the stadium one after another and took their seats in the stands.
In the distance, one of the stands was filled with members of the school cheerleading squad.
Sixty young wizards, wearing the same school uniforms, under the command of cheerleading captain Penelope, were putting all their effort into cheering for the Hogwarts team!
After completing the final equipment adjustments, Sebastian looked at the now lively pitch and got up to go to the players' preparation room.
Charlie was giving a passionate pre-match speech.
"Today, wizards all over Europe are watching us!"
"Give it your all and let everyone see our strength!"
"Hogwarts is the strongest!"
"Go!"
After Charlie finished speaking, Sebastian stepped forward and asked with concern, "How is it? Are you all ready?"
"Are you all nervous?"
"Not nervous at all," Marcus patted his chest, "Little Beauxbatons, we'll take them down!"
Wood also stepped forward to express his determination, "Don't worry, Professor, I won't miss any Quaffles!"
"We will do our best!" Charlie's tone was full of determination, "I believe we can win!"
Although the slogans were loud and resounding.
Charlie sighed inwardly.
To be honest.
He didn't have much confidence in today's match.
After all, he had been watching the players' performance all along.
He silently cheered himself on.
Come on, Charlie!
Catch the Golden Snitch early and win today's victory.
Unlike the others, Cedric's hands were trembling nervously.
After all, he was only a second-year student this year.
Participating in such a high-level event right from the start, with zero match experience, was indeed a test for him.
Hearing his teammates' words, he tried to make his voice heard, "I call not nervous."
As soon as the words left his mouth, he blushed and tried to correct himself, "I mean, I will try to cooperate with the seniors."
"Professor, don't worry, I won't hold you back!"
Sebastian smiled and rubbed his head, then looked into his eyes and said gently, "Don't worry, just go for it, Professor believes in your strength!"
Alas...
What a good kid!
If all the team members were like Cedric, there would be no worry about not winning the match.
He looked around and said loudly, "Very good! Very spirited!"
"I only have one request—pay attention to teamwork!"
"Go!"
"You are the best!"
