area51novel Chapter 26 Competition in the Sky
Chapter 26 Competition in the Sky
Sunlight streamed onto the Quidditch pitch, turning the grass a golden-green. Cullen and her roommates had just finished their flying practice, and the stands were gradually filling up. Hufflepuff and Gryffindor students poured in in small groups, their red and yellow scarves weaving into vibrant patterns on the stands.
The spectators in the stands took their seats in their respective houses. The Hufflepuff and Gryffindor seats were the most crowded, while the other two houses had fewer people, especially the Slytherin stand, which had only a few dark green figures.
"There are more and more people here." Fabian pushed up his glasses, a hint of surprise flashing across his bronze face. "I thought it was just a regular practice match, and not many people would come to watch."
Ernesto gracefully straightened his wind-blown robes, his grey eyes fixed on the sky: "Charlie Weasley's matches never lack an audience; he's the best Seeker Hogwarts has had in the last decade."
Just then, a familiar figure flew towards them on a broomstick. Cedric Diggory landed in front of them, his brown hair gleaming golden in the sunlight, a gentle smile on his face.
"Karen! I didn't expect to see you here." His gaze swept over the brooms in the four men's hands. "Practicing flying?"
Wesley waved his arms excitedly: "Cedric! You're a Hufflepuff player?"
"I'm our team's Seeker," Cedric said modestly, but his eyes gleamed with confidence. "This is my first time officially being the Seeker, and the captain told me to practice a bit more before the official game starts."
He then looked at Karen and Wesley's awkward broom-holding posture, "Relax your wrists a bit more, don't grip the broom handle too tightly... Yes, that's it."
Under Cedric's guidance, Karen was surprised to find that she could control the broom more steadily. Her grey-blue eyes gazed at the sky, and the dizziness she used to feel seemed to have lessened considerably.
Cedric then bid farewell to the four of them, including Karen, and returned to Hufflepuff's group.
"The match is about to begin!" Ernesto suddenly shouted, pointing to the stadium entrance. The players from both teams lined up to enter the field, the crimson of Gryffindor and the bright yellow of Hufflepuff standing out vividly in the sunlight.
Karen and her roommates hurriedly climbed into the stands and found a good spot near the front. On the commentary platform, a dark-skinned boy with dreadlocks was adjusting a magical megaphone; it was none other than Lee Jordan of Gryffindor.
"Merlin's beard!" Wesley exclaimed, eyes wide. "That commentator looks about our age!"
"Lee Jordan, a sophomore, seems to be roommates with George and the others," Fabian explained in a low voice.
Mrs. Hodge flew to the center of the field on her broomstick. She tapped her throat with her wand, and her voice instantly resonated throughout the entire field:
"Welcome to the practice match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff! The rules are the same as in the official match: dangerous actions are prohibited, and friendship is the priority."
The two team captains, Charlie Weasley and Hufflepuff's fifth-generation student Albert Spencer, shook hands in mid-air. Fourteen brooms simultaneously rose into the air, forming two neat squares above the field.
"The match begins!" Mrs. Hooch's whistle pierced the sky.
Lee Jordan's passionate voice rang out: "The Quaffle has been caught by Gryffindor's Chaser, Arya Spinnet! She makes a quick break and delivers a beautiful pass to Angelina Jensen! The Hufflepuff defense has an opening—"
Karen's "True Sight" activated unconsciously. In his vision, the Quaffle trailed a blue magical trajectory as it flew rapidly between the players. The two black wandering balls were being hit back and forth by the batters.
"Look! The Golden Snitch!" Ernesto suddenly pointed to the northeast corner of the field. A flash of gold streaked past, and Charlie and Cedric had obviously spotted the Golden Snitch as well. The two of them simultaneously turned their brooms and dashed off like two arrows released from a bow.
"Gryffindor leads 10-0!" Lee Jordan continued his commentary. "Oh! Brilliant interception! Hufflepuff's goalkeeper Heinrich has saved a sure goal!"
The match proceeded smoothly, unlike what Cullen had imagined. It was more like an elegant aerial ballet than a brutal battle. The Gryffindor Chasers coordinated perfectly, scoring repeatedly; while the Hufflepuff defense gradually solidified, and they began to organize counterattacks.
It seems the intensity of the match will depend on the relationship between the two sides. I wonder what the match between Slytherin and Gryffindor will actually be like? Cullen thought to herself.
"70 to 40, Gryffindor is in the lead!" Lee Jordan's voice trembled slightly with excitement. "Wait—the Golden Snitch has reappeared! Near the Slytherin stands!"
The entire audience gasped simultaneously. Charlie and Cedric spotted their target almost at the same time, their brooms hurtling towards the same direction at astonishing speed. Charlie, with his experience, followed a more direct trajectory; while Cedric's turning skills were astonishing, maintaining agility even at top speed.
"They're going to crash!" Wesley grabbed Karen's arm nervously.
Both rushed towards the Golden Snitch, but it was clear that Charlie was ahead of Cedric. However, given the current situation, even if Charlie grabbed the Golden Snitch first, he would still be run over by Cedric, who was rushing in from behind. At the last second, Cedric suddenly pulled up his broom and swept over Charlie. This skillful dodge won cheers from the crowd, but it also cost him the best angle to pursue.
"Charlie Weasley's diving!" Lee Jordan screamed. "Is he going to catch him? -- He caught him! Gryffindor wins!"
A deafening roar erupted from the crowd. Charlie held the struggling Golden Snitch aloft, tracing a victorious arc through the air. Cedric, though defeated, still smiled and gave his opponent a thumbs-up.
The two teams landed in the center of the field and shook hands. Charlie strode over to Cedric and patted him hard on the shoulder:
"That last dodge was brilliant! Even though you're only a second-year student, it won't be long before you surpass me."
Cedric smiled shyly: "You're still far from it. Your dive angle is simply incredible..."
In the stands, all the students were still immersed in the excitement of the competition.
"That was amazing!" Wesley exclaimed, gesturing wildly. "That turn! That dive! A hundred times more exciting than football!"
Ernesto, unusually ignoring Wesley's Muggle references, gleamed in his grey eyes: "Charlie's flight path is perfect... Wait, they're coming!"
Charlie and Cedric walked toward the stands together, followed by the Weasley brothers and other players.
"How about it, future Ravenclaw players?" Charlie laughed heartily, beads of sweat glistening in the sunlight on his forehead.
"I want to join the Quidditch team!" Ernesto announced immediately, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.
"Count me in!" Wesley jumped up. "I want to be the hitter! Hitting the ball with a bat is so cool!"
Fabian, abandoning his usual mild demeanor, excitedly expressed his desire to join Quidditch as well.
Looking at his excited companions, Karen couldn't help but marvel at the allure of Quidditch.