Chapter 72: Golden Snitch, Come Here!
Chapter 72: Golden Snitch, Come Here!
Saturday morning, in the Great Hall on the first floor.
"Hermione, once you finish eating, go to the library first. You don’t have to wait for me. I have something to take care of and should be there in about half an hour!"
After breakfast, Jerry explained to Hermione as he passed by the Gryffindor table. They had planned to go to the library together to read books on Saturday morning, but due to the incident on Thursday, he needed to visit the Quidditch pitch to resolve some issues regarding his future Quidditch training.
However, if everything went according to plan, he wouldn’t have to spend too much time there.
Hogwarts' Quidditch pitch is located between the castle and the Forbidden Forest, spanning several football fields in area. The stands surrounding the pitch can comfortably seat thousands of spectators.
At each end of the pitch, there are three golden poles topped with hoops, each pole standing over ten meters tall.
Today, the Slytherin team had reserved the Quidditch pitch, so only the Slytherin wizards were present, conducting their daily training.
The tall and muscular Captain Marcus, along with two other Slytherin wizards, were practicing passing with a ball about thirty centimeters in diameter, which was a bright red color.
Occasionally, they would throw the ball towards the Keeper standing at the hoops.
On the other side, two Slytherin wizards were riding flying brooms and using short bats to continuously deflect two black iron balls that were smaller than the red ball.
Below, another Slytherin wizard sat in the stands, looking rather unhappy.
"Alright, take a break and gather around me!"
Captain Marcus, who was passing the ball, noticed Jerry and quickly waved to his teammates, shouting loudly.
A moment later, Marcus introduced Jerry to his six teammates:
"This is Jerry Carmen, a first-year student and our new Seeker. Everyone, welcome him!"
However, after Marcus finished speaking, none of the six teammates raised their hands to clap. Instead, they all wore looks of disdain.
To them, a first-year student who had never even flown a broom before becoming the most crucial position on their team, the Seeker, was simply a joke.
Even if it was their terrifying Head of House, Professor Snape, who made the decision, it didn’t earn their trust.
"Based on your skills, you think you can replace me as Seeker? I think the Head of House must be out of his mind!"
At this moment, the Slytherin wizard who had been sitting in the stands, looking gloomy, sneered at Jerry.
"I also think the Head of House went too far this time. Terence, though not the top Seeker, has won a lot of honor for Slytherin. We can't let a first-year student take his place just because of last year's mistake!"
Another Slytherin wizard chimed in.
"Moreover, Terence will graduate next year, so this is his last year of Quidditch matches!"
"Hah, you’re just talking without feeling the pressure. I know this is very inappropriate, but if you have the guts, go talk to the Head of House yourself and see if he doesn’t send your souls to hell with a Dark Magic spell!"
Marcus rolled his eyes at his teammates' complaints. Despite his imposing and intimidating appearance, he was still very intimidated by Snape.
It's not that he's truly afraid of Snape using Dark Magic to punish him; that has never actually happened. Snape has never used Dark Magic to punish students; it's just a psychological effect.
It's like when you're eleven or twelve and encounter a teacher who terrifies you. Even when you grow up and look back, you still have some lingering shadows in your mind.
Snape is just like that, always with a gloomy face, radiating an aura of darkness and fear. His potions classes are extremely strict, and he doesn't hold back when scolding young wizards.
For every first-year student, he is a nightmare.
So even when these young wizards reach sixth and seventh year, having grown into adults, they still tremble slightly when facing Snape.
This is a legacy of the past.
"Alright, since this is the Headmaster's decision, it can't be changed. What we need to do now is spend more time training to ensure that Jerry becomes a somewhat qualified Seeker by the first Quidditch match next month!"
Marcus knows that complaining won't help; they need to train more to win future matches.
"Sorry, Marcus, but I'm quite busy and might not be able to attend your training sessions!"
Just as Marcus was trying to calm the team, Jerry raised his hand with a smile.
"What did you say?"
The tall and imposing Marcus stood in front of Jerry, his face full of anger.
Good grief, I just said we need to train more, and you say you don't have time. You're a complete novice; where do you get your confidence?
"I said, I'm quite busy and might not have time to train with you guys."
Jerry smiled and repeated himself.
Immediately, he was met with a storm of protests from the seven original Slytherin team members.
"Wait, wait, wait, everyone! Listen to me!"
Jerry took a step back, dodging the barrage of complaints from his seniors, and then spoke calmly:
"Look, how about this: I know the rules of Quidditch well, and the Seeker's job is to catch the Golden Snitch no matter what.
Now, I propose a bet: if I can catch the Golden Snitch three times in a row within five minutes each time, I don't have to attend the training sessions.
If I fail, I'll talk to Headmaster Snape myself and quit the team."
Hearing Jerry's words, Marcus and the other seven Slytherin members were stunned.
Catching the Golden Snitch three times in a row within five minutes each time? Are you joking?
Even the best Seekers in international Quidditch matches can't catch the Golden Snitch within the first five minutes of a game.
It's only possible if you have extremely good luck.
"Deal or no deal?"
Jerry smiled again.
The seven of them replied in unison:
"Deal!"
In their view, this was probably Jerry's way of knowing he couldn't handle the position and finding an excuse to back out.
Five minutes later,
Jerry took the training broom and gave Marcus a thumbs-up from the center of the Quidditch pitch.
Marcus opened the box, took out the training Golden Snitch, and released it.
The walnut-sized Golden Snitch immediately unfolded its silver wings and darted around the entire pitch.
Jerry kicked off, activating the "Mind Enhancer" function, and charged after the Golden Snitch.
"Come here, you!"
With a few sharp turns, Jerry, in Superman Mode, grabbed the Golden Snitch in his hand.
(End of Chapter)
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