Chapter 230: Kyle’s Career
Hermione was right. By the time she and Ron reached the Hospital Wing, it was packed with students who had come to see Harry. His friends, members of the Quidditch team, and those simply curious were all crowded around. And, of course, there were a few who came to gloat, such as a certain first-year Slytherin who would rather remain unnamed.
Everyone had some excuse for Madam Pomfrey to let them in.
"Please, Madam Pomfrey, just let me in... The Quidditch match is tomorrow, and I really need to see Harry. It's important," Oliver Wood pleaded from the front of the line.
If anyone was desperate to see Harry, it was Oliver. Gryffindor was more than 500 points behind Hufflepuff, but until the last match, there was still a sliver of hope. Miracles did happen, after all... But without Harry, their key Seeker, they had no chance. They might even end up in last place, setting a record for Gryffindor's lowest score in a decade. The thought alone made Wood shiver. If they lost, Professor McGonagall would probably have him hanging from the Astronomy Tower.
So, despite Madam Pomfrey's refusals, Wood clung to his request, refusing to budge.
Nearby, Dumbledore, who had just exited the Hospital Wing, watched the scene with a faint smile. "It seems that Harry is quite popular, with so many people concerned about him."
Standing beside him was another figure—Snape. Surprisingly, he refrained from his usual snide remarks, instead gazing at Dumbledore with a troubled look.
"Is this your plan?" he muttered. "Letting Potter face the Dark Lord alone? He could die..."
"Trust me, Severus..." Dumbledore replied gravely, "Harry will have to face Voldemort one day. It is unavoidable. He must learn to overcome his fear."