Chapter 73: Mark's Feint
Chapter 73: Mark's Feint
Charlie used a lot of common terms when explaining Quidditch tactics to the team, such as the "Eagle Head Offensive Formation" and "Bokoff's Luring Technique." Albert only understood half of what he said, feeling like he was back in his previous life, sitting in an English class.
However, the tactic that intrigued Albert the most was the "Transylvania Feint."
He first heard this term from Charlie, as he forbade Mark from using it during matches.
Albert had to ask Wood, who was standing next to him, to explain what it meant.
According to Wood, the Transylvania Feint involved feigning an attack on an opponent, such as pretending to punch them in the face, elbow them in the chest, or even poke their eyes, as long as no actual contact was made. All such feints were considered legal moves.
Mark's specialty was the Transylvania Feint. Sometimes, he would wave his club as if to hit someone, elbow an opponent in the chest, or even ride his broomstick in a threatening manner, feigning a collision.
No one could tell if Mark's next Transylvania Feint was real or fake. After all, no one wanted to be hit head-on by his club; it was more annoying than being targeted by a Bludger.
At least if you were targeted by a Bludger, you had your teammates to help you out. If Mark singled you out, you were on your own.
This put a lot of pressure on whoever Mark chose to target.
What if he actually made contact, though?
Of course, he would be penalized for foul play. But Mark always had a valid excuse ready—he would claim that his Transylvania Feint had failed and that he was sincerely sorry for his mistake...which was hardly the truth.
In any case, the penalty wasn't too severe; the worst that could happen was that the other team would get possession of the Quaffle. The unfortunate player on the receiving end of Mark's elbow or club, however, would be out of luck.
"So, it's all about deception?" Albert mumbled.
"Haha, look, Charlie, Albert understands the essence of the Transylvania Feint, why can't you?" Mark said as he made an exaggerated batting motion with his hand. "Now, whenever I raise my club, everyone has to dodge and keep their distance."
"Don't try to weasel your way out of this," Charlie warned sternly. "You know exactly what happened last semester. Just know that you are not allowed to use the Transylvania Feint in matches anymore, understood?"
"Okay," Mark said, blinking innocently.
"What happened last year?" Albert asked curiously, and the other newcomers perked up their ears to listen in.
"Last year...before the match with Slytherin, there was a bit of a scuffle outside the pitch. Jack was unable to compete due to the other team, so Mark..." Danny struggled to hold back his laughter as he raised his hand and mimed a batting motion. "...used the Transylvania Feint and knocked Slytherin's Seeker out of the game with his club. Even though he claimed it was a tactical mistake, Professor Hoqi was furious and banned Mark from playing Quidditch for an entire semester."
However, without their Seeker, Slytherin lost the match.
Subsequently, Slytherin students labeled Mark as treacherous, but the Gryffindors didn't seem to mind. They were happy to see Slytherin lose, even if the means were a bit unsportsmanlike. After all, the other team had started it.
After half an hour of tactical explanations, the official players returned to the pitch to practice Charlie's tactics, while Albert and the other newcomers continued flying in circles on their brooms.
Along the way, a minor accident occurred. Fred, who had swapped brooms with Albert, had to get off his broom not long after taking off.
This time, Fred had to admit that there was indeed something wrong with the broom.
The Quidditch training lasted until half-past ten. With only three training sessions per week, there was no choice but to make the most of the time if they wanted to become Quidditch champions.
Of course, the strict training regimen only applied to the official players. Charlie's training for the newcomers was much more relaxed, focusing primarily on improving their flying skills and fostering a passion for Quidditch.
Without that passion, it would be challenging to endure the rigorous Quidditch training. After all, training continued regardless of rain, snow, or thunder.
After the training session ended, everyone gathered in the changing room, where Charlie reviewed the issues that had come up during practice and recorded them. He planned to address these problems specifically in the next Quidditch training session.
"Albert flew well," Wood said as he took off his protective gear, glancing at Charlie. "He'd make a good Seeker."
"Are you going to give up your position as Seeker next year, Charlie?" Jack asked exaggeratedly. He, of course, knew that this was impossible, as the team captain always played.
The others agreed with Albert's natural talent, or Wood wouldn't have said what he did.
"Your younger brother is pretty good, too," Eileen suddenly said. "If we can't find anyone more suitable next year, they can take over our positions."
"How about making Albert a Chaser?" Danny suggested. "I think he'd be good at that, too."
"I think Angelina would be a good choice to replace you," Mario added. "If she can stand out in the selection next year."
"As long as she trains with us, that won't be a problem," Jack said.
"Ahem." Charlie coughed, interrupting the discussion. "Due to certain reasons, Albert hasn't been focusing on Quidditch. He joined Professor McGonagall's...um, Transformation Club."
"Transformation Club?" Wood asked, puzzled. "What's that?"
"Did you watch 'Today's Transformation'?" Eileen asked.
"No," Wood answered honestly.
Eileen was speechless for a moment before explaining, "You can think of it as a club for wizards and witches who are talented in transformation spells."
"But he's just a first-year student," the others exclaimed, surprised.
Well, everyone could now guess Charlie's good intentions. He was preparing a substitute Seeker for the team.
If Albert knew what they were thinking, he would surely shake his head and scoff: "Don't worry, once Charlie graduates, there will be a main character named Harry Potter to take over the position of Seeker."
(End of Chapter)
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