Chapter 668: The Ministry’s Assistant
In recent days, the most noticeable change at Hogwarts was the increased difficulty of the lessons. Professors seemed eager to teach as much as possible, pushing their students harder than ever. At the same time, they were clearly trying to ease the pervasive fear of Voldemort. The upcoming second Quidditch match provided the perfect distraction.
During a match, everyone's focus would be on the pitch, their cheers and screams for each goal offering a temporary escape from fear. As the game approached, the castle's atmosphere began to feel noticeably less gloomy.
"So, are you confident? If we win the Quidditch Cup again this year, it would mark an unprecedented fifth consecutive championship," Professor Sprout said excitedly to Kyle during Herbology class.
"Other houses have achieved five consecutive championships, but Hufflepuff hasn't had such a dazzling run in nearly two centuries. This year is the closest we've ever been to making history."
"Before this, when Minerva and the others talked about Quidditch, I always felt too embarrassed to join in."
Her enthusiasm was evident, though Kyle thought she was exaggerating a little. Surely, the professors didn't only talk about Quidditch when they gathered. Besides, only Professor McGonagall was a true Quidditch fan; the others were mostly indifferent.
Still, Kyle understood why Professor Sprout was making such a show of it. Saying this in front of everyone was her way of emphasizing the importance of the upcoming match and steering attention away from You-Know-Who and the escaped Death Eaters.
"Of course we're confident, Professor," Kyle replied with a cooperative grin. "We have no intention of giving up the Quidditch Cup."
His words stirred two distinct reactions.
The Hufflepuffs cheered loudly, full of pride and excitement, while the Ravenclaws, who shared the class, responded with a chorus of boos. As Hufflepuff's opponents in the upcoming match, the Ravenclaws were adamant they wouldn't lose.
For a moment, the small greenhouse bristled with tension. Fortunately, Professor Sprout quickly diffused it by turning the focus back to their lesson.