The next morning, before the Quidditch match, Kyle met Cedric in front of the Hufflepuff changing room.
Compared to a week ago, this boy had lost weight and looked exhausted, yet his eyes shone brighter than ever.
"We're definitely going to win!" Cedric grabbed his Nimbus 1700 and turned decisively to enter the changing room.
Yet Kyle noticed his nervousness — Cedric never usually limped when he walked.
When he reached the stands, they were already packed. The Quidditch stadium was always crowded during matches, especially crucial ones like today's.
Kyle squeezed through the crowd to find Michael and Ryan had saved him a prime spot in the front row.
Beside them, Kanna handed him a banner with "Hufflepuff for the Win!" embroidered alongside a small badger. She'd crafted it herself, using revealing potion to make the badger wave its paws continuously.
Kyle used the Levitation Charm to place the banner in the most visible spot nearby.
"We're definitely going to win!" Michael exclaimed, "I have a feeling Hufflepuff will take home the Quidditch Cup this year!"
"Of course we will." Kyle agreed wholeheartedly, "Michael, you must have the makings of a true Seer."
"Haha, I think so too." Michael grinned.
Just then, the players entered the field.
"Look, they're here!"
In the stands, a seventh-year student with golden hair raised a microphone.
"First to enter is the Slytherin Quidditch team. Despite losing points from an unfortunate incident in their previous matches, they've persevered. Under Captain Rosier's leadership, they've made an impressive comeback, defeating both Ravenclaw and the first-ranked Gryffindor.
Can they create a miracle today and achieve their third consecutive championship? Let's wait and see!"
"Oh! The Hufflepuff team has appeared!" The commentator's voice rose with excitement. "Leading the way is Captain Harris, an exceptional Chaser with an unbroken scoring record. Hufflepuff owes its current success to Harris. Following him are the Beaters...
And finally, we have Seeker Cedric Diggory, who has strengthened what was once Hufflepuff's only weakness!
With both teams so evenly matched, this promises to be a thrilling match for everyone."
The commentator leaned forward eagerly in the stands.
The crowd responded with endless cheers as yellow and green flags rippled like waves across the stadium.
Hufflepuff supporters dominated the crowd, making up about three-quarters of the spectators. Gryffindor, as expected, stood firmly against Slytherin.
Ravenclaw's allegiance was more flexible, but the generally well-liked Hufflepuffs — whose Captain Harris was known to show mercy during regular matches — had won over most of the Eagles' support.
"Both teams are in position — let the match begin!" Madam Hooch strode to the center of the field, broomstick in hand, "I want a fair and clean game from everyone. Captains, shake hands."
Harris and Rosier stepped forward, exchanged a firm handshake, then quickly returned to their positions.
As the players mounted their broomsticks, Madam Hooch gave her silver whistle a sharp blow.
WHISTLE!
Fifteen broomsticks shot into the air, and the match began.
"Hufflepuff's Harris immediately takes possession of the Quaffle, showing his characteristic precision...
Marcus Flint dives to block Harris's attack... Magnificent feint by Harris, he's past Flint and facing the Slytherin goal posts.
Keeper Bletchley dives... but can't make the save... the Quaffle's through, Harris scores!
10-0, Hufflepuff leads!"
"Ohhh..."
Hufflepuff cheers echoed through the cold air, mingling with Slytherin groans and roars.
Kanna grabbed Kyle's arm in excitement.
What should have been a casual gesture turned painful — the young witch's surprising strength felt like a vise grip, making Kyle wince.
He wondered how someone so small and slight could possess such strength. Thankfully, her attention quickly returned to the match.
Kyle rubbed his arm and discreetly moved aside.
In that brief moment of distraction, the game had shifted. Marcus had seized the Quaffle, and thanks to their superior brooms, the Slytherin team reached Hufflepuff's goal posts ahead of Harris and his teammates.
"Marcus throws—no, it's a pass!
Beautiful feint! He's fooled everyone, including Hufflepuff's keeper. Rosier scores, and Slytherin ties it up!
Ten-all!"
This time, it was Slytherin's turn to cheer.
"Two goals in less than a minute, two perfect feints." The commentator's face was flushed with excitement, "Brilliant — this match is absolutely brilliant!"
The game continued with both sides scoring in turn, keeping the score close.
In the first twenty minutes, despite giving it their all, Hufflepuff only managed to maintain a narrow ten-point lead.
The Slytherin players moved with extraordinary intensity, as if powered by some magical potion. When the keeper missed, Marcus Flint even charged forward on his broom and blocked a certain goal with his face.
The crowd erupted in cheers — not just Slytherin, but nearly everyone. Even his opponents, Harris and Charlie from Gryffindor, gave him thumbs up. Whatever questionable tactics Marcus had used in previous matches, his actions in this moment were truly admirable.
However, after thirty minutes, things changed.
Slytherin's speed visibly decreased, their offensive and defensive plays losing their earlier aggression. Within just ten minutes, Hufflepuff scored three consecutive goals, stretching their lead to ninety-fifty.
✭✭✭
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