England’s World Cup Team Announcement

Hogwarts was abuzz with Quidditch fever.

The Quidditch World Cup was approaching, and every student—Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff alike—was talking about who would make the England national team.

Ezekiel hadn't been expecting much. He was still young, only in his fifth year, and while he had already made waves in the professional league with the Falmouth Falcons, the World Cup was a whole different level.

But when the official list was released in the Daily Prophet…

ENGLAND NATIONAL TEAM – 1994 QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP

Chasers: Ezekiel Malverne, Roger Davies, Gwenog Jones

Beaters: Andrew Smith, Kevin Trowbridge

Keeper: Oliver Wood

Seeker: Alistair Moore

The Great Hall erupted into chaos.

"No way! Malverne got in?!"

"A fifth-year playing for England? That's insane!"

"He's already a pro, but the national team? That's legendary!"

Even the professors seemed taken aback. McGonagall gave a small approving nod, while Snape's expression was unreadable.

Alys grinned like a Cheshire cat. "Well, looks like I have the most famous brother at Hogwarts."

Daphne squeezed Ezekiel's hand under the table, whispering, "I knew you'd make it."

Ezekiel allowed himself a smirk, but inside, he was already thinking ahead.

England's expectations would be sky-high. The competition would be brutal. And the whole wizarding world would be watching.

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The very next day, Ezekiel received an owl from the Daily Prophet, requesting an exclusive interview.

It was held in the Three Broomsticks, where Rita Skeeter—her Quick-Quotes Quill at the ready—was already waiting.

"Ezekiel Malverne, the youngest player ever selected for England's national team! Tell me, how does it feel?"

Ezekiel leaned back, giving a calm, confident smile. "It's an honor. Playing for England has always been a dream of mine."

Rita's eyes gleamed. "At only seventeen, you're juggling Hogwarts, professional Quidditch, the Wizengamot, and now the World Cup. Some say that's impossible."

"Impossible is just another word for untested," Ezekiel replied smoothly.

"Fascinating!" The quill scribbled furiously. "And what do you say to critics who claim that a student shouldn't be taking a spot on the national team?"

Ezekiel's smile never wavered. "I say they should watch the matches. I let my performance speak for itself."

Rita chuckled. "A confident answer! Now, let's talk about your personal life. Everyone knows you're married to Daphne Greengrass—"

Ezekiel cut her off smoothly. "I believe this interview is about Quidditch, not my personal life."

Rita's lips twitched in amusement and frustration, but she moved on.

After a few more strategically vague answers, Ezekiel wrapped up the interview.

The next morning, the front page of the Daily Prophet read:

"The Youngest Star: Ezekiel Malverne Joins England's World Cup Team!"

Inside: Exclusive Interview with the Rising Prodigy!

The world had officially taken notice.

And Ezekiel was ready to prove he belonged.

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