CHAPTER ONE

"Bloody hell, Black! How many times do I have to tell you? This field is mine today!" Fred shouted, his frustration evident as he glared at the woman hovering on her broom a few feet away. His voice carried across the field, but the mischievous grin on her face showed she wasn't the least bit fazed.

"Relax, Weasley," Nimah replied, her tone dripping with amusement as she waved a dismissive hand. "The field is plenty big enough for all of us, don't you think? Besides, what's wrong with having a little friendly competition every now and then? Keeps things interesting."

Fred's expression hardened, and he shook his head firmly. "Absolutely not. I'd rather not risk one of my teammates getting hurt during my practice session. We've got enough on the line without adding unnecessary injuries to the mix." His voice left no room for argument, but Nimah only chuckled, clearly unbothered by his stern refusal.

When the two captains inevitably started bickering, the members of their respective teams exchanged knowing glances, each silently conveying the same sentiment: Here we go again. It was almost a tradition by now, one they had grown used to.

The arguments, as predictable as they were, often led to impromptu matches between Slytherin and Gryffindor during practice sessions. Despite the tension between their captains, these matches were wildly entertaining, drawing in students who relished the drama and energy on display. Fred Weasley II and Nimah Black had a knack for embodying the essence of their roles, their competitive spirits electrifying the field without ever crossing into genuine animosity.

In fact, their rivalry had become something of a school legend, often referred to with fondness as a "match made in heaven." It wasn't just their skill or leadership that captivated the audience—it was the dynamic between them. They may have argued incessantly, but both captains were undeniably brilliant at what they did.

Initially, their teams worried the constant bickering might create rifts, but the opposite proved true. Fred and Nimah's drive to outperform each other motivated their players to push harder, uniting them under their captains' shared intensity. Their competitive nature seemed to exist in perfect balance, a fact reflected in the standings: neither team had been defeated by any other house, with each managing to defeat the other just enough times to keep the score tied.

Their last game, however, had ended in an unexpected draw. The match had gone on far longer than expected, and Headmistress McGonagall, prioritizing academics as always, had reluctantly instructed Coach Hooch to call it off. Though disappointed, both captains were too proud to admit they were secretly relieved to have another reason to outdo each other next time.

That morning's practice eventually wrapped up with a lighthearted scrimmage, which, to everyone's surprise, ended without any injuries. As the teams parted ways, Fred tried to maintain his composure as he extended a hand to his rival. "Good match, Black," he said, attempting to sound nonchalant, though his expression betrayed his frustration.

"Say that when you actually win, Weasley," Nimah shot back with a smirk, crossing her arms in defiance.

Fred huffed, rolling his eyes at the Slytherin captain, though the exchange had become almost routine. Their rivalry wasn't just a Hogwarts phenomenon—it stretched back to their childhood, where it had all begun during a family gathering. A spirited Quidditch match back then had sparked their unyielding competitive streak, one that only intensified when they were named captains of their respective teams at Hogwarts.

If anyone was to blame for their rivalry, it was probably James, who had inadvertently pitted them against each other in that long-ago game. But neither Fred nor Nimah held any grudges; if anything, they secretly enjoyed the constant challenge of facing each other.

"So, Captain," one of Nimah's teammates teased as they walked off the pitch, a mischievous grin on his face. "When's the wedding?"

Nimah narrowed her eyes at him, her voice dangerously calm. "Fawley, don't make me assign you cleaning duty all on your own next time."

Her teammate chuckled, giving an exaggerated bow of mock apology. He knew full well she wouldn't follow through with her threat, and that only made the teasing all the more fun. Both teams had long grown used to this playful banter, often using the captains' infamous rivalry as a source of endless amusement.

Over time, their competitive bond had evolved into something almost legendary—a dynamic that went beyond mere rivalry. It wasn't just about winning or proving themselves; their back-and-forth seemed to drive not only their teams but the entire school. Students flocked to the matches, not just for the sport but for the drama and excitement their fiery exchanges brought to the pitch.

Despite the relentless competition, Fred and Nimah's rivalry had a way of inspiring their teams to be better. Whether through the determination to prove their captain right—or simply to outdo the other—they grew stronger, faster, and more unified. It was hard to deny that, at its core, this rivalry brought out the best in everyone involved.

Thus, as practices wrapped up and the excitement of matches took over, there was one constant that never failed to captivate the entire school: the next showdown between Fred Weasley and Nimah Black. Their fiery determination, sharp wit, and unparalleled skills ensured that every game they played was nothing short of legendary.

Students eagerly counted down the days to their next clash, knowing it would bring a mix of thrilling competition and spirited banter that no other matchup could replicate. For Hogwarts, these two captains weren't just athletes—they were the heart of the sport, turning every match into a spectacle of passion, strategy, and pure, unbridled energy. Their rivalry didn't just define the games; it defined an era of Quidditch that no one would forget.