Disclaimer: I don't own anything. This is not meant to infringe upon copyrights.
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The next morning, before the Quidditch match began, Kyle met Cedric outside the Hufflepuff dressing room.
Compared to a week ago, he looked noticeably thinner and more exhausted, but his eyes shone brighter.
"We'll definitely win!"
Cedric, holding his Nimbus 1700, turned and resolutely walked into the dressing room.
Kyle could tell he was still a little nervous, as Cedric usually didn't walk with his legs crossed.
When Kyle arrived at the stands, they were already packed with people. As one of Hogwarts' most popular events, the Quidditch stadium was always overflowing, especially for a crucial match like today.
Kyle squeezed through the crowd and found himself in the first row, where Mikel and Ryan had already secured him a good spot.
Next to him, Kanna handed him a banner embroidered with a badger and the words "Hufflepuff Wins!" The little witch had made it herself, using developing potion; the badger on it was waving its paws incessantly.
Kyle took it and immediately used a levitation charm to place it in the most conspicuous spot nearby.
"We're going to win!" Mikel said excitedly. "I have a feeling Hufflepuff will bring home the Quidditch Cup this year!"
"Of course," Kyle agreed wholeheartedly. "Mikel, I'm sure you have a talent for prophecy."
"Haha, I think so too," Mikel grinned.
Just then, the players entered the field.
"Look, they're here!"
A seventh-year student with long blond hair shouted into a microphone from the stands, "First to enter is the Slytherin Quidditch team.
Although they lost many points in previous matches due to unforeseen circumstances, they didn't give up. Led by captain Rosier, they fought back fiercely, defeating Ravenclaw and the number one ranked Gryffindor team."
"Can they create a miracle and achieve a three-peat today...? Let's wait and see!"
"Oh! The Hufflepuff team has also appeared!"
The commentator raised his voice again, "First to enter is captain Harris, an excellent Chaser. His goal-scoring record remains unbroken. Harris's contribution to Hufflepuff's success is indispensable.
Following him are the Beaters..."
"Finally, there's the Seeker, Cedric Diggory, who fills Hufflepuff's only weakness!"
"The two teams are evenly matched; this is definitely a match everyone should look forward to." The commentator grew increasingly excited, almost leaning out of the stands.
Under his influence, the cheers from the stands never ceased, and yellow and green flags surged like waves.
However, the number of Hufflepuff supporters was relatively larger, roughly three-quarters of the crowd.
Gryffindor would certainly not support Slytherin.
Ravenclaw's stance wasn't as firm, but because the badgers were generally well-liked, and Harris would sometimes go easy on them in matches to prevent a humiliating defeat, most of the eagles also chose to support Hufflepuff.
"Both sides are in their positions, the match is about to begin!"
Madam Hooch, holding her flying broomstick, stepped to the center of the field as referee.
"Listen, I expect everyone to play fairly and honestly. Now, captains, shake hands."
Harris and Rosier each stepped forward, shook each other's hands firmly, then quickly released them and returned to their previous positions.
Once everyone was on their flying broomsticks, Madam Hooch blew her silver whistle with all her might.
Fifteen broomsticks soared into the sky.
The match began.
"The Quaffle was first caught by Harris of Hufflepuff, his performance as consistent as ever...
Marcus Flint went down to try and stop Harris's attack... Beautiful feint, Harris dodged it, and now he's right in front of the Slytherin goalpost.
Goalkeeper Blatch is diving... Can he hold it...? He missed, the Quaffle is in! Harris scores!
Ten to zero, Hufflepuff takes the lead!"
"Ohhhhhh!"
The cheers of the Hufflepuff supporters echoed in the cold air, mixed with the roars and groans of the Slytherins.
Kanna excitedly grabbed Kyle's arm and shook it.
It was just a normal gesture, except the little witch's strength was a bit ridiculous.
Kyle felt like his arm was being clamped by two vises, the pain making him grimace.
He couldn't understand how Kanna, who looked so thin and didn't eat much, had so much energy.
Fortunately, her attention quickly returned to the game.
Kyle rubbed his arm and subtly moved to the side.
In that brief moment of distraction, the situation on the field changed. Marcus successfully stole the Quaffle, and Slytherin, using their broomsticks, rushed to the Hufflepuff goalposts before Harris and the others.
"Marcus threw... no, it was a pass!
A beautiful feint! He fooled everyone, including the Hufflepuff goalkeeper! Rozier scored! Slytherin has won a set!
Ten to ten!"
This time, it was Slytherin's turn to cheer.
"Two goals in less than a minute, two near-perfect feints!"
The commentator's face flushed with excitement. "Fantastic! This match is absolutely fantastic!"
The game continued, with both sides exchanging goals, the score remaining close.
Especially in the first twenty minutes, Hufflepuff fought tooth and nail, only managing a narrow ten-point lead.
The Slytherin players seemed to be on steroids, playing with incredible ferocity. Marcus Flint even charged onto his broomstick when the goalkeeper missed, using his face to block the Quaffle.
Not only Slytherin players, but almost everyone cheered for him, even his opponents Harris and Gryffindor's Charlie, giving him a thumbs up.
Regardless of Marcus's past underhanded tactics, at this moment, his actions were admirable.
However, after thirty minutes, the situation changed.
Slytherin's speed visibly slowed, and they weren't as energetic in either attack or defense as before.
In just about ten minutes, Hufflepuff scored three goals, bringing the score to 90-50.
[End of the chapter]