Chapter 641: Three Against One, Again
Chapter 641: Three Against One, Again
Cedric wasn't wrong; the Slytherin team was probably the only one unhappy about the new broomstick change.
What was once their greatest advantage was now gone, and Gryffindor was gaining momentum.
Not long after the start of the game, they were already leading by 20 points.
To turn the tide, Graham Prentiss, the Slytherin captain, wanted Crabbe to knock Angelina off her broom... As long as their biggest threat was out of the game, they still had a chance.
However, Crabbe's intention was too obvious, and Angelina didn't give him a chance to get close to her.
Moreover, Madam Hooch had noticed his blatant foul play and immediately awarded Gryffindor a penalty.
Angelina took the penalty shot. She first faked out the Slytherin goalkeeper with a feint and then threw her hand, sending the Quaffle cleanly through the goal post.
30-0.
The Gryffindors in the stands cheered immediately.
"Gryffindor has it in the bag," Mickel said with a smile. "Montague is no match for Angelina, and his ape-like teammates are useless. Now, it's just a matter of when Harry catches the Golden Snitch."
Cedric nodded. "Yeah... Wait, am I imagining things? I feel like someone is singing."
"No, it's not your imagination," Kyle replied.
Indeed, someone was singing, and the voice was coming from the opposing Slytherin team. Everyone else heard it too.
"Weasley is our King,
He won't do anything,
"Slytherins sing out loud,
Weasley, win us proud,
Weasley, our noble king."
...
It felt like someone was conducting them, as the singing was unified and powerful.
The Slytherins must have planned this, knowing that the rest of the Gryffindor team were veterans with ample game experience who wouldn't be distracted by the audience.
So, they targeted Ron, who had just joined the team this year.
Ron's nervousness these past few days, including his flustered response to Slytherin provocations, was well-known.
Thus, this strategy worked like a charm.
Upon hearing the surrounding singing, Ron, who was already tense, suddenly panicked, and his body became sluggish.
At the same time, Warrington of Slytherin got hold of the Quaffle and rushed towards the goal post.
As expected, the Quaffle flew right under Ron's outstretched arms and straight into the center goal post.
30-10
"That's despicable!" Mickel shouted angrily. "They know this is Ron's first match. If this continues, having a Gryffindor goalkeeper will be meaningless."
Everyone knew this, and Mickel wasn't the only one protesting. Jordan Lee, the commentator, also voiced his condemnation of Slytherin's behavior.
But it was of no use; it wasn't a foul, and even Professor McGonagall couldn't say anything... Ron being affected only showed that he lacked mental fortitude.
The game continued.
However, the singing on the field didn't stop, especially when the Slytherin players got hold of the Quaffle; they sang with extra enthusiasm.
"Gryffindor needs to change their strategy," said Cedric. "They can't rely on their goalkeeper anymore. They must keep attacking Slytherin and force them to defend, buying time for Harry."
...
On the field, Angelina also chose the same tactic as Cedric.
The three Chasers lined up in the Eagle's Head offensive formation and rushed towards the Slytherin goal post together.
Fred and George took on the defensive task. Whenever a Slytherin player got hold of the Quaffle, they would immediately hit the Bludger towards them.
However, this strategy couldn't work forever, and Slytherin seized their opportunity... Pucey passed the Quaffle to Montague, and Goyle blocked the Bludger, allowing Montague to head straight for the goal post.
30-20
The Gryffindors groaned in pain, while the Slytherins erupted in cheers and applause.
"This is too much," Cedric said with a grave expression. "Gryffindor only has one new player, while we have three, and we have newcomers in every position.
"If Slytherin continues with the same trick when it's our turn, we'll be in trouble."
Kyle frowned as well.
"Don't worry. If that happens, we can prepare some loud horns in advance to drown out that annoying singing.
Harry and Malfoy were both diving downwards at the same time.
"That's the Golden Snitch!"
"They've both spotted it..."
The two boys' speeds increased, but Harry's Firebolt was even faster. Just a few feet from the ground, he abruptly pulled up, his outstretched hand clenching into a fist, and a golden glint flickered between his fingers.
Harry had caught the Golden Snitch.
Madam Hooch's sharp whistle blew once more, signaling the end of the game.
Gryffindor wins with 180 points to 20.
The stands erupted into chaos as the Gryffindors began to mock the Slytherins who had been singing earlier.
On the pitch, aside from Ron, who was still dazed and sitting on his broom, the other players had landed. Madam Hooch angrily intercepted Crabbe, loudly reprimanding him for his foul play... Despite her whistle, he had hit the Bludger towards Harry.
"Looks like we've found another way to deal with distractions," Cedric said with a smile. "Just catch the Golden Snitch as quickly as possible."
"But catching the Snitch isn't always that easy," Kyle said. "I still think talking to them is the best option. After all, both Montague and Malfoy seem reasonable enough."
"They're... reasonable?" Cedric looked baffled. "Are you serious?"
"Yes," Kyle nodded. "And I'm quite good at reasoning with people. Usually, they're willing to listen."
Cedric was still skeptical; the Montague he knew didn't seem like the reasonable type.
Before he could say anything else, however, a commotion on the pitch interrupted him.
The two teams had started brawling.
To be precise, Fred, George, and Harry were charging towards Malfoy, punching and kicking him.
In an instant, the entire Quidditch pitch descended into chaos.
The sounds of fists connecting with bodies, Malfoy's screams, and the surrounding spectators' shouts intermingled in a cacophonous tumult.
"Malfoy's big mouth has gotten him into trouble again," Kyle thought.
Indeed, Malfoy had said something just before the brawl, but Kyle couldn't make out the words from the stands due to the distance... and then Malfoy was pummeled.
"Stop it, Fred, George..." Cedric leaned forward over the stands, shouting towards the pitch. "The professors are still here! Stop it right now!"
But the three of them were like enraged bulls, deaf to the surrounding voices. They swung their fists at Malfoy relentlessly.
Until...
"Impediment Jinx!"
A force pushed the trio away.
"What are you doing?" Madam Hooch bellowed. "I've never seen such behavior... You three, to the Headmaster's office, now!"
Fred, George, and Harry left the pitch without a backward glance, striding towards the castle.
The Slytherins rushed forward to help Malfoy, who was curled up on the ground, moaning.
His mouth was bleeding, there were shoe prints all over his body, and his face was noticeably swollen.
Pansy Parkinson rushed over and began shrieking upon seeing Malfoy's state, while Crabbe stood behind her, cackling at the departing trio... Montague was also laughing.
Kyle turned to the commentary box. Jordan Lee had been led away, and Professor McGonagall, who had been standing behind him, had left with a grim face as Fred and the others departed.
"Should we go and take a look?" Conner asked.
Things had happened so quickly that she didn't fully understand what had transpired, but from what she could gather, Gryffindor was in big trouble.
"I'll go and find out what happened," Mickel said.
"Okay." Kyle nodded. "But let's hurry. More people will be leaving soon."
With that, they left the stands together.
Kyle, Cedric, and Conner ran towards the castle, while Mickel headed towards the remaining Gryffindor players on the pitch.
...
(End of Chapter)
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