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Chapter 165: A Brawl
Chapter 165: A Brawl
As one of the most popular sports at Hogwarts, enthusiasm for Quidditch always ran high.
Not long after the tryouts ended, news of Kyle scoring twenty-one goals in just ten minutes spread like wildfire.
For the next few days, everyone was talking about it.
Some were shocked, some excited, and others skeptical.
"This is too far-fetched," Zabini scoffed at the Slytherin table. "I admit that Kyle is somewhat talented, and the map he made is passable in my eyes, but when it comes to Quidditch, he's far from impressive.
Scoring twenty-one goals in ten minutes is something even I can't achieve. How could he possibly manage it?"
"Are you saying you're better than Kyle, then?" Malfoy narrowed his eyes at him.
"Don't you doubt it," Zabini said proudly. "My fifth father was a professional Quidditch player, and he told me I'm a once-in-a-century Quidditch genius. He said that as soon as I graduate, countless professional teams will be vying for me to join them."
Hearing this, many people around them subconsciously twitched their lips.
Mrs. Zabini was a very beautiful witch in the wizarding world, known for her seven marriages, each of which ended with the mysterious death of her husband, leaving her with a substantial inheritance.
"I've heard that line before, and not just once," Malfoy snorted.
He had known for a long time that such words were nothing but insincere flattery, and he never expected someone to take them seriously.
"It's true! He wouldn't lie to me!" Zabini insisted, his neck stiff with indignation.
"In that case..." Malfoy glanced at him, "why don't you try out for the House team?"
"What nonsense are you spouting, Draco? I'm only in my first year, so I can't play Quidditch yet."
"But what about Po..."
Malfoy started to argue, but then abruptly shut his mouth.
He was well aware of Harry Potter's inclusion on the team, and the mere memory of it always left a bitter taste in his mouth.
What made it even more unbearable was that this outcome was a result of his own actions.
Just thinking about the smug faces of Potter and Weasley that morning made Malfoy feel sick, as if he had swallowed a mouthful of fake cockroaches.
If he had known things would turn out this way, he would never have snatched the Remembrall from that clumsy oaf, no matter what.
But Zabini didn't know about this, and he thought Malfoy was conceding to his earlier statement. His expression immediately changed, and he vowed, "Just you wait and see. Next year, I'll definitely join the team and show that Kyle a thing or two."
"But, Draco... there's no way you'll make it onto the team."
Zabini suddenly turned to Malfoy and sneered, "I've seen you on a broomstick before. How should I put it... your speed is slower than that of my grandmother."
Malfoy's face turned red. He was a Quidditch genius who had narrowly dodged Muggle helicopters on numerous occasions. He had never been subjected to such an insult.
"Well..."
Malfoy turned his head and drawled, "Which grandmother are you referring to? The third? Or the seventh...?"
This time, Zabini's face also began to redden. He hated it when people brought this up.
"How dare you! I'll make you pay for this!"
Enraged, he raised his fist and punched Malfoy in the face.
"Bang!"
"Ah..."
Malfoy, who had just been punched, covered his face and screamed in disbelief, "Damn you! How dare you hit me! Even my father has never hit me!
What are you all standing there for? Get him! I want him dead!"
At Malfoy's command, his two lackeys, Crabbe and Goyle, immediately rushed forward.
"A brawl?"
Professor McGonagall's expression was stern as she swiftly used her wand to separate the three boys who were rolling around on the ground.
"Hogwarts has never seen such a deplorable incident."
"Professor, it was Malfoy who insulted me first!" Zabini tried to explain, his words slurred due to his swollen face and the loss of several teeth from the beating.
"Save that explanation for Professor Snape. He will be the one deciding your punishment." Professor McGonagall said sternly. "Now, all four of you, follow me!"
"I'm sorry, Professor... Did I hear you correctly? You said four people?"
Malfoy stepped forward, his face still covered, feigning innocence. "Everyone here can testify that I did not participate in the fight, and in fact, I was a victim."
"You heard correctly, Mr. Malfoy." Professor McGonagall looked at him calmly. "Come with me... I won't repeat myself."
Malfoy dared not say another word and followed Professor McGonagall out of the Great Hall, his head hung low.
Seeing Malfoy's disheveled state, Harry Potter could barely contain his excitement.
"Look, Ron, Malfoy's in trouble!"
Ron, holding a chicken leg, joined in the celebration. "Serves him right! It's about time he got what he deserved!"
The two of them danced with joy, seemingly finding Malfoy's misfortune even more worthy of celebration than earning points for their house.
Nevertheless, the Slytherin incident did little to dampen the enthusiasm for Quidditch.
Especially among the Hufflepuffs.
Recently, Harris had been acting like he'd consumed expired potion, bursting into random fits of laughter in the common room and even during classes, startling those around him.
One day, while on his way to class, he ran into Gryffindor's Oliver Wood in the corridor, and coincidentally, they were both grinning foolishly when they met.
"Wood, good day to you!"
"The pleasure is mine, Harris."
They greeted each other warmly, as if they were long-lost friends.
"What class are you off to?"
"History of Magic. You?"
"Dark Arts Defense, so not too far off."
"Indeed."
After a brief exchange, they suddenly asked each other simultaneously, "What were you laughing about just now?"
After asking, they both fell silent again.
"Well, you know..."
After a brief silence, Wood spoke first. "My owl gave birth to a second batch of owlets. New life... it's truly a wonderful thing. Every time I think about it, I feel a joy that warms my heart."
"I'm in a similar situation."
Harris replied nonchalantly, "My owl found its soulmate here at school. That beautiful love... I'm truly happy for them."
"Oh?" Wood was surprised. "Well, congratulations then."
"Thanks, and the same to you!" Harris quickly replied.
After that, the two fell silent once more, each thinking the other was shameless.
(End of Chapter)
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