Summoned to Professor Sprout's Office
The next morning, Keith and Helena were quietly pulled aside after breakfast by a Hufflepuff prefect.
Prefect:
"Professor Sprout would like to see both of you in her office."
Keith and Helena exchanged glances—then followed.
Inside the cozy, plant-filled office, Professor Sprout sat behind her wooden desk, smiling warmly.
Sprout:
"Keith, Helena, thank you for coming. I'll get straight to the point… I'd like both of you to become chasers for the Hufflepuff Quidditch team."
Helena blinked in surprise, then looked at Keith.
Keith thought for a moment, his expression calm.
Helena was the first to speak.
Helena:
"…I'll join. I like flying."
Sprout clapped her hands happily.
Keith sighed lightly.
Keith:
"I'll do it. But only for this year."
A voice from the corner made them jump—Professor McGonagall had apparently been passing by and overheard, peeking through the open door.
McGonagall:
"That is acceptable, Mr. Runcandel."
Sprout chuckled, and McGonagall disappeared down the hall.
Both Keith and Helena bowed slightly and left the office.
Preparations & Notifications
Once the students were gone, Sprout exhaled, pleased.
She reached for a parchment and sent a quick message through the Floo network.
Sprout:
"To Professor Snape — Helena Prince accepted the position of Hufflepuff Chaser."
She sealed it and sent it off.
Then she turned to a passing student.
Sprout:
"Please fetch the Quidditch captain—David Hawthorne."
A few minutes later, a tall, sandy-haired boy in Hufflepuff robes arrived.
David Hawthorne, fifth year, polite and steady—the perfect Quidditch captain.
He knocked lightly.
David:
"You wanted to see me, Professor?"
Sprout nodded with a wide smile.
Sprout:
"Yes. I've selected two new chasers for the team:
Keith Argus Runcandel and Helena Prince.
Keith will only play for this year, but Helena is a long-term addition."
David's eyes widened.
David:
"Runcandel and Prince? But they're first-years!"
Sprout:
"Yes—and before you question it, Madam Hooch herself praised their skill. Perfect control, sharp instincts, natural technique."
David's jaw literally dropped.
David:
"Both of them… chasers? Brilliant!"
The excitement was obvious—Hufflepuff hadn't had star chasers in years.
David:
"When can I meet them?"
Sprout:
"This evening. Schedule a briefing for practice."
David nodded eagerly.
David:
"Understood, Professor. This year's cup might actually be within reach."
He left the office practically glowing with excitement.