Chapter 425: The Quidditch Final
The day of the match finally arrived. After breakfast, Kyle and the Hufflepuff team headed to the Quidditch Pitch together.
"Good luck, Kyle!" Kanna called out, waving from the stands. Kyle waved back before joining the rest of the team in the Changing Rooms.
When they stepped onto the Pitch, a roar of noise greeted them—louder than usual, as nearly everyone from the castle had come to watch the final match of the season. Even Dumbledore was there, seated in the center of the teachers' box, chatting and laughing with Professor McGonagall.
However, Professor Snape and Professor Sprout weren't in the teacher's box. Instead, they each sat at the front of their respective houses' sections, both visibly showing their loyalty.
"Hufflepuff are on the field!" Lee Jordan, the usual commentator, announced excitedly. "Leading the team is captain Cedric Diggory, along with Kyle... This team has a knack for surprises, and I've got a feeling they might just set a new record for fastest Snitch catch today!"
"Slytherin, led by captain Marcus Flint, is entering now..." Lee continued as the two teams reached the center of the Pitch.
"Captains, shake hands!" Madam Hooch instructed.
Cedric and Flint stepped forward, shaking hands firmly, their eyes locked. Then, with a sharp blast of the whistle, the game began, and fifteen broomsticks—including Madam Hooch's—soared into the sky.
"Hufflepuff takes early possession!" Lee Jordan's voice boomed. "Kyle gets the Quaffle—swift as always... Slytherin's Warrington attempts to intercept... Whoa, close call with a Bludger! But Warrington is blocked... Kyle dodges Montague with ease... And scores! Hufflepuff is up 10-0!"
The Hufflepuff supporters erupted in cheers as the Quaffle passed through the Slytherin hoop. Meanwhile, the Gryffindors clapped politely but somewhat reluctantly; they were hoping for a close game that would leave Gryffindor with a chance at the Cup if the points remained tight.
Back on the Pitch, Kyle turned to make his way back toward Hufflepuff's end, but he caught sight of Flint hurtling toward him at full speed. Swerving his broom, Kyle narrowly avoided a collision.