Chapter 424: I’m Training
After everyone finished their towering stacks of homework, the Easter holidays came to an end. This also marked the approach of the year's final and decisive Quidditch match: Hufflepuff versus Slytherin. The outcome of this match would determine the Quidditch Cup champion.
No one could remember a match with such a charged atmosphere. The tension between Hufflepuff and Slytherin had reached an all-time high, but fortunately, both houses had managed to avoid outright clashes.
True to their reputation for unity, the Hufflepuffs stuck together in tight-knit groups, never wandering alone. Cedric, in particular, had almost become a "protected species"; he was constantly flanked by at least five sixth-year students, whether in class or at meals in the Great Hall. Slytherin's captain, Marcus Flint, had led a few ambush attempts, but all had ended in failure due to Hufflepuff's numbers.
The rest of the Hufflepuff team received similar protection. While they weren't always surrounded by seniors, they traveled in groups of ten or so, which was still an intimidating presence, especially for younger students.
The only exception was Kyle, who typically walked around with just one companion—Kanna. However, no one from Slytherin dared to mess with him. Even when they passed him in the corridors, there was no sign of the usual underhanded tricks, like trying to trip him.
Most Slytherins from pure-blood families knew of the connection between Snape's family and the Prince name, and none wanted to take their chances. Besides, Kyle's accomplishments were hardly ignorable: his three Special Awards for Services to the School and a Second-Class Order of Merlin were prominently displayed in the Trophy Room. In an actual fight, it was anyone's guess who would come out on top.
In this tense climate, Kyle's days were actually quite peaceful, almost ordinary.
The day before the match, Kyle and Kanna were on their way to Herbology class. Just as they stepped out of the castle, they saw Malfoy suddenly leap out from behind a nearby doorway, brandishing a large bat. Positioned in front of him, crouched with legs outstretched to trip someone, were his loyal henchmen, Crabbe and Goyle.
"Malfoy, what do you think you're doing!" Kanna snapped, her voice furious.