Chapter 424: My Training
Chapter 424: My Training
After everyone had finished their assignments, which were several feet thick, the Easter holiday quietly came to an end.
This also marked the beginning of the final Quidditch match of the year, with Hufflepuff facing Slytherin, and the outcome of this match would determine the championship.
In everyone's memory, there had never been a match that arrived in such a tense and explosive atmosphere.
Everyone could sense that the relationship between the two houses had reached a critical point, but fortunately, both sides were still restrained, and no conflicts or brawls had occurred yet.
The main reason was that Hufflepuff was known for its unity, and they always moved in large groups, never alone.
Especially Cedric, who was almost treated like a protected animal. Whether it was during classes or meals in the Great Hall, he was always accompanied by at least five students from the sixth year or above.
Flint had attempted to ambush them a few times, but all in vain.
The other team members received similar treatment. Although not as luxurious as Cedric, they had the advantage of numbers, and even though they were not from the higher years, a group of over ten people still carried a formidable presence.
The only exception was Kyle, who had only one person by his side... Conna.
But surprisingly, no Slytherin dared to cause trouble for Kyle. Even when they occasionally met in the corridors, they showed no intention of sneak attacks or tripping.
Those from pure-blood families generally knew about the connection between Professor Snape and the surname Prince from their families, so they naturally wouldn't seek trouble.
Additionally, Kyle wasn't as easy to deal with as the others.
With three Special Contribution Awards to the School and a Second Class Order of Merlin on display in the trophy room, it was uncertain who would win in a physical fight.
Thus, in this tense atmosphere, Kyle's days were particularly calm, no different from usual.
The day before the match.
Kyle and Conna went to Herbology class together.
As they walked out of the castle, they saw Malfoy leaping out from behind the door, holding a large stick.
Two legs were stretched out in front of him, seemingly trying to trip him... Crabbe and Goyle, Malfoy's lackeys.
"Malfoy, what are you doing!" Conna exclaimed angrily.
Upon recognizing the person, Malfoy paused mid-swing, looking bewildered.
Why was it Kyle and Conna... Monta had said the person coming was the Seeker.
"Damn, that bastard tricked me!" Malfoy realized he had been deceived, feeling furious.
Even now, Malfoy remembered the experience on the Hogwarts Express three years ago, and he didn't want to cause trouble for Kyle.
And there was Prince... If she went to Professor Snape to inform on him, no matter the reason or who was right or wrong, he would be finished.
"I, I... was training..." Malfoy quickly changed his story, waving the stick in the air a few times, "Besides the Seeker, I found that I can also play the role of a Beater. Look..."
As he spoke, he waved the stick a few more times... surprisingly, he looked quite convincing.
At this moment, Crabbe and Goyle silently retracted their legs and turned their faces away, pretending they knew nothing.
"Then practice well..." Kyle didn't say much. When the path ahead was clear, he and Conna left the Entrance Hall and headed towards the greenhouses.
Malfoy and his two lackeys also hurriedly left the Entrance Hall... to settle accounts with Monta.
However, Kyle didn't witness this scene. He and Conna continued on their way to the third greenhouse.
It was just before class, and everyone was waiting at the entrance. After about five minutes, Professor Sprout finally arrived and opened the greenhouse door, allowing all the students to enter.
However, she stopped Kyle.
"How are you feeling about tomorrow's match?" Professor Sprout asked nervously.
"Of course, Professor," Kyle replied with a smile. "The Quidditch Cup will definitely belong to Hufflepuff this year."
"I believe in you," said Professor Sprout. "You must win, right?"
Kyle was a little surprised. If these words had come from Professor McGonagall, he wouldn't have found it strange at all. As a seasoned Quidditch fan, she valued the Quidditch Cup even more than the House Cup.
Fred and George had said that only when Hufflepuff lost a match would Professor McGonagall show disappointment. Otherwise, even if Gryffindor lost a hundred points, her expression wouldn't change at all.
But Professor Sprout... to be honest, Kyle always thought she only cared about her greenhouse.
However, his thoughts weren't wrong.
Professor Sprout had previously shown little interest in Quidditch until Hufflepuff won the Three-In-A-Row Championship. It was then that she gradually started watching the matches.
No mistakes in the 69th chapter! Read the book at 6=9+ Book Bar.
And when Hufflepuff transformed from a two-time champion to a three-time champion last year, she watched the matches even more frequently.
The main reason was that it felt different.
She had been at Hogwarts for over a decade, and in all those years, Hufflepuff rarely had a chance at the two major events of Hogwarts, the Quidditch Cup and the House Cup. They only occasionally won.
But now, it's different. After Hufflepuff's three consecutive championships, Professor McGonagall couldn't hide her envy when talking to Professor Sprout.
This feeling was too fresh. Before, she didn't think it was a big deal, but after experiencing it, she realized it was indeed different. It seemed like her words carried more confidence.
And most importantly, she always felt that the variety of plants in the greenhouse was too limited. They should add more, but previously, it was just a thought, and she never dared to bring it up.
After all, the rarer and more precious the plant, the higher the price. Some seeds could even sell for hundreds of Galleons each, and the school greenhouse, being for educational purposes, naturally couldn't afford to buy just one.
She felt a bit uneasy every time she thought of discussing this with Professor McGonagall.
However, she decided to wait until Hufflepuff won the Quidditch Four-In-A-Row Championship before approaching Professor McGonagall about this matter.
Just like Professor Snape... When Slytherin won the House Cup five times in a row, he applied for a large number of precious potion ingredients, and even Dumbledore approved.
If Professor Snape could do it, there's no reason she couldn't... not to mention that Hufflepuff had also won the House Cup three times in a row.
Today's lesson was about the Venomous Tentacula, a dangerous plant with sharp teeth. Although not as venomous as the Tentacle, getting bitten was still unpleasant.
The wound would remain swollen and numb, only healing after a week.
"Everyone, put on your gloves."
Professor Sprout reminded them, "And be extra careful later. These little things are teething, always wanting to bite something. Be careful not to get entangled by their branches."
As she spoke, she reached out and patted away a thin branch near her shoulder.
(End of Chapter)
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