Cedric has been acting more and more nervous lately. Wherever he goes, he always carries a notebook and writes and draws on it.

Moreover, the book he usually read changed from "The Development and Changes of Medieval Spells" to "Detailed Explanation of One Hundred Quidditch Tactics".

In Cedric's words, "When Harris was the captain, the team never lost once. I have to keep the Quidditch Cup in Hufflepuff."

The second weekend in October.

Kyle wanted to sleep in, but Cedric came running over early in the morning and dragged him to the auditorium without saying a word.

"Practice, Kyle, you've missed three times!"

As the two of them were eating beef sandwiches, Cedric said seriously, "Is there anything wrong with you this time?"

"Uh... I guess there isn't any left." Looking at Cedric's unfriendly eyes, Kyle said guiltily.

Mainly because some time ago, the mandrakes he planted in the Room of Requirement began to become active, which was also a sign that they were about to mature.

It’s a few months later than expected, but it’s finally coming of age.

To make sure nothing went wrong in the end, Kyle would go to the Room of Requirement whenever he had time.

Not to mention training, he even did not miss breaks and was extremely busy.

The good news is that his efforts were not in vain...all the mandrakes are mature and healthy, and their calls can be said to be full of energy.

Although Kyle was wearing earmuffs the entire time, judging from their behavior and expressions, this should be the case.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Cedric gave him a suspicious look.

"Sure!" Kyle nodded.

The poisonous tentacles will probably take some time to develop, probably by the end of this year.

But it was still early.

Moreover, it is indeed a bit unreasonable that he missed so many training sessions in a row after Cedric became captain.

Those who don't know might think that he is dissatisfied with Cedric as the captain.

Kyle didn't want to give others this illusion.

After becoming the captain, I have to be responsible for recruiting new players, formulating training plans and game tactics. I'm so busy, so I'd better leave it to Cedric.

"That's best."

Cedric took a sip of pumpkin juice and said, "The competition is about to start. No matter how busy you are, you still have to participate in training as much as possible. At the very least, you have to cooperate with the new players... We have four new players this time."

There are seven people in a team, four of whom are new players, which means more than half of the team has been replaced. No wonder Cedric was really nervous.

"Wait..." Kyle suddenly realized something and looked up and asked, "How many did you say just now?"

"Four!"

"Aren't there three?" Kyle looked at him in confusion. "Two chasers and a keeper... I remember that there seemed to be only three of them from the same class."

"So, you don't care about the team at all..." Cedric's eyes turned unfriendly again.

But after hesitating for a moment, he explained: "Seventh-year beater Wright wants to join the Auror Army after graduation, but his grades are not outstanding and he just meets the minimum requirements.

Quidditch training takes up too much time, and in order to get a few more certificates after graduation...just yesterday, he submitted his application to me for withdrawal from the team."

"Yesterday?" Kyle frowned. "It's been so long. Will Madam Hooch agree to let us change people?"

"She agreed."

Cedric said, "Because graduation is approaching, many people will hesitate between Quidditch and the certificate, and Wright's situation is not uncommon.

Kyle nodded. He really didn't know this before.

"Have you found someone to replace him?" Kyle asked.

"There are several candidates." Cedric lowered his voice and said, "I think your roommate is good, the one called Mikel."

"Mikel?" Kyle was a little surprised.

"Yes." Cedric said, "Remember when he was in second grade, he carried a Bludger across half the court. This is not something that most people can do. It requires a lot of arm strength.

Now that I think about it, he seems to have a natural talent as a hitter... Of course, he needs a little training."

Afterwards, the two called Mikel, who had just finished breakfast, and two other students, and went to the Quidditch field together.

But just as they arrived, another group of people in red robes walked into the stadium, all holding broomsticks in their hands.

"Cedric?" Oliver Wood strode over. "Shouldn't your training be in the afternoon?"

"That's right," Cedric explained, "but something unexpected happened. Madam Hooch allowed us to book the court today to select new players."

"New player? But now...oh..." Wood suddenly realized in the middle of his sentence and asked tentatively: "Your seventh-grade batsman?"

"Ah, yes." Cedric did not hide it, "He withdrew in order to have more time to study...so we have to hurry up and select a new batsman.

Sorry, you may have to make a wasted trip. "

An unconscious smile appeared on Oliver Wood's face, but he quickly suppressed it.

"It doesn't matter. Your things are obviously more important." He said in a light tone, as if he didn't care at all about taking up his training time.

"I guess Oliver is delighted."

On the way back, Fred whispered to Harry: "He always thinks Hufflepuff is our biggest rival."

"But they ran into some trouble this year," George said. "Three of their veteran players graduated, plus Wright withdrew."

"That means..." Harry thought for a moment and said, "More than half of the Hufflepuff team we're facing this year are new players with no competition experience?"

"You're right!"

At this time, Oliver Wood turned around and said, "This is a great opportunity for us... The glory days of Hufflepuff are over. We will definitely be able to take the Quidditch Cup back from them this time!"

He clenched his fists. "Ever since Harry joined the team, I've always thought that winning the Quidditch Cup was a sure thing, but it has never happened. This is the last chance..."

Wood is in seventh grade this year and will graduate next year. After that, all the achievements the team has made will have nothing to do with him... He desperately wants to win a victory.

…

"I guess Gryffindor must be laughing at this moment." On the court, Kyle watched their backs as they left and whispered, "But there's nothing we can do about replacing so many experienced old players at once."

“But they were wrong about one thing.”

Cedric smiled and said, "Being a new player doesn't mean they are weak. They can slowly accumulate experience during the competition."

"Besides..." He glanced at Kyle, "We also have the best Chaser in Hogwarts."

"Well, you're right." Kyle didn't feel embarrassed at all and admitted it directly.

Cedric is indeed suitable to be the captain...at least he has good vision.

…

(End of this chapter)