Ch 125
The match between Slytherin and Hufflepuff was scheduled for after Easter. It would also be the final match of the season. Once it ended, the points of each House would be tallied and the Quidditch Cup champion decided.
Gryffindor was temporarily in first place and held a significant lead. Although they had lost their opening match, the team had clawed its way back through relentless training and Harry's outstanding performance, leaping straight to the top.
The Hufflepuff common room was filled with a faint, earthy scent. It was a circular space with a low ceiling, warm spring sunlight spilling through the windows. Green plants hung along the walls and from the ceiling. Objectively speaking, it was the most peaceful common room in the castle.
Yet today, every student inside wore a solemn expression.
"Tomorrow is our match against Slytherin," Cedric Diggory said.
Cedric was tall and handsome, with black hair and dark eyes. As a fifth-year Seeker—and Hufflepuff's captain—he was the core of the team. His performance often decided the outcome of a match.
Because of the scoring system, even a victory did not guarantee the Cup. Winning how mattered just as much as winning itself. That was why their tactical discussion was so tense.
"I find it strange," said a short, stocky, sun-tanned girl hesitantly.
"What do you mean?" someone asked.
"Slytherin hasn't provoked anyone these past few days. Before every match, they always try to get under the other team's skin."
"That's a good thing," Cedric replied calmly. "We believe in fair competition. Maybe they've finally realized that strength is what truly matters."
Reality proved him wrong.
On the day of the match, when Slytherin's seven players entered the pitch in their green uniforms, the stadium fell into stunned silence.
Then it exploded.
"Oh Merlin—!"
"How is that even possible?!"
The spectators could hardly believe their eyes.
All seven Slytherin players were holding Firebolts.
Ron and Harry sat frozen in the stands. Ron's mouth hung open so wide it looked like he could swallow a toad whole.
"This—this is insane!" Lee Jordan yelled, clawing at his hair. "Seven Firebolts? Did they rob a national team?!"
Professor McGonagall shot him a sharp look, and Lee immediately toned it down.
"Ahem—perhaps some of you don't fully understand what a Firebolt represents," Lee said hurriedly. "In earlier matches, Gryffindor's Harry Potter used one, and it gave his team a decisive edge."
"This is currently the most advanced broom in the wizarding world," he continued stiffly. "Unmatched craftsmanship, top-tier materials, and goblin-made stabilizers. Even in bad weather, it maintains perfect balance."
Lee paused, then added weakly, "Production is extremely limited. The goblins responsible for key components are… temperamental."
The crowd didn't need the explanation. They already understood one thing: Firebolts were terrifying.
Seven of them at once meant the result was almost obvious.
"Don't panic," Cedric said firmly. "Calm down."
As captain and Seeker, he had to remain steady.
"Equipment alone doesn't decide a match," he said. "This is their first time using Firebolts in competition. Can they really control them perfectly? Trust the brooms you've flown for years. Trust each other."
His words steadied the team.
Even Madam Hooch looked momentarily stunned, but she quickly recovered. Students were allowed to use any broom they owned.
"Captains, shake hands."
Flint and Cedric stepped forward. Cedric even offered a polite smile, which made Flint feel oddly uncomfortable.
"Mount your brooms!"
"Three… two… one!"
Fourteen brooms shot into the air.
Slytherin surged upward instantly, their acceleration far outstripping Hufflepuff's.
"And the match begins!" Lee shouted. "The Firebolts are giving Slytherin a huge advantage—look at how easily they evade Bludgers!"
"Slytherin takes the Quaffle—Montague dives—AND SCORES! Hufflepuff's Keeper didn't even react!"
Green erupted in the stands.
"Hufflepuff's only hope now is the Snitch," Lee said urgently. "If Cedric catches it in time, they can still win!"
Cedric stayed focused. But suddenly, a shrill rush of air screamed behind him. He twisted upward just in time—only to be smashed in the back by a Bludger. Pain shot through him, and he nearly fell.
Pansy Parkinson circled him relentlessly, coordinating with the Beaters.
"What kind of tactic is this?!" Lee shouted. "Two Beaters and the Seeker—all targeting Cedric!"
Then realization hit him.
"They're using their superior speed to suppress the Seeker completely! As long as Cedric can't move freely, Slytherin can rack up Quaffle points without risk!"
Lee's face went pale.
"If that's true… Gryffindor's in danger."
"We're in danger?" Ron muttered.
"I think he's right," Harry said quietly, dread settling in his chest.
The score climbed mercilessly.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Hufflepuff still had zero.
Their Keeper simply couldn't react fast enough. Even when he saw the Firebolt, his body lagged behind.
Cedric spotted a flash of gold.
"The Snitch!" Lee roared. "Cedric's going for it—wait! Two Bludgers are closing in! If he doesn't dodge, his skull will be shattered!"
Cedric swerved away at the last moment.
The Snitch darted on.
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat sharply.
"Sorry—continuing," Lee said quickly.
The match became brutally one-sided. Slytherin attacked in coordinated waves, while Hufflepuff struggled just to stay airborne.
Even Cedric felt numb. Three opponents, all faster, all better equipped. Helplessness crept in—but he refused to give up.
Then, suddenly, the pressure vanished.
The harassment stopped.
Cedric surged forward without hesitation.
The Snitch flashed ahead.
He reached out—
—and caught it.
Silence.
No cheers.
Cedric frowned and turned to the scoreboard.
500 : 150
Understanding dawned instantly.
Slytherin had let him go on purpose.
He landed, took a steadying breath, and forced himself to smile. They had lost—but he had nothing to regret. Fighting under such pressure had pushed him further than ever before.
The captains shook hands again.
"Well played," Cedric said sincerely.
Flint blinked, caught off guard.
Cedric turned to his teammates and joked, "Looks like we should get summer jobs and buy seven Firebolts."
Laughter broke the gloom.
The entire stadium rose in applause—for Hufflepuff's sportsmanship, Slytherin's victory, and a match that would be remembered for years.