Chapter 513: The Golden Snidget and the Bludgers
From the start of the match until now, the Quidditch Pitch had never been quiet. The crowd was a sea of cheering voices, punctuated by the rhythmic waving of colorful flags.
Looking down from the stands, the original Quidditch Pitch had been divided into three equal sections. There were no walls or visible barriers separating these areas, yet they remained distinct, as if magically insulated from one another.
At this moment, an unusual scene was unfolding on the pitch.
Krum's section was a flurry of movement, drawing attention as five identical Matagots chased him relentlessly. Their pursuit turned his area into a spectacle, with countless eyes riveted to the chaos.
Fleur's section was equally captivating, though in a different way. She seemed to be performing a peculiar, graceful dance, circling the Matagot near her. The creature made no immediate moves to attack but watched her intently. Occasionally, Fleur would stretch out her hand toward the golden key hanging around the Matagot's neck. Each time, it would spring to the side, adopting a defensive posture. Yet, when Fleur resumed her hypnotic dance, the Matagot would once again relax.
Some in the crowd began to notice that the Matagot's reactions were slowing. It was becoming evident that if this continued, Fleur would eventually succeed in snatching the key. While her section was quieter than Krum's, her unique approach held its own allure, keeping many spectators focused on her graceful movements.
In stark contrast, Kyle's section was eerily still. There was no dramatic chase, no spellbinding dance—just Kyle and his Matagot, locked in an unmoving face-off on the ground, as if both were petrified. The initial attention directed at him had long since dwindled to near silence.
"What on earth is Kyle doing?" Fred Weasley exclaimed, lowering his flag, which read, Support Kyle, the Hogwarts Champion. He flexed his aching arms after waving it for so long.
"Can Matagots cast Petrification Spells?" George asked, his tone laced with confusion.