Chapter 80: The Fastest Match in History
Chapter 80: The Fastest Match in History
A Quidditch match consists of seven players: three Chasers, two Beaters, one Keeper, and one Seeker.
The three Chasers are responsible for competing for the Quaffle and scoring by throwing it through the opposing team’s Hoops, with each goal worth ten points.
The two Beaters are tasked with hitting the highly aggressive Bludgers away to protect their teammates. If they have the skill, they can also aim the Bludgers at the opposing team’s players for added advantage.
The Keeper’s job is to defend the three scoring Hoops and prevent the opposing team from scoring.
Most importantly, the Seeker is responsible for catching the Golden Snitch. Catching the Snitch ends the match and awards the team 150 points.
Therefore, in most cases, the team whose Seeker catches the Golden Snitch first usually wins the match.
After all, unless the players on one team are significantly weaker, it’s nearly impossible to have a 150-point gap.
However, catching the Golden Snitch isn’t that easy. Historically, there have been instances where matches lasted for days because neither Seeker could catch the Snitch.
Slytherin has consistently been able to dominate Gryffindor because Gryffindor’s Seeker has been weaker than their own. Every time, it’s been their Seeker who catches the Snitch first.
In fact, in previous matches, Gryffindor often led the score before Slytherin’s Seeker caught the Snitch, but the gap was never as large as 150 points.
After all, Gryffindor’s Chasers and Beaters are very strong, especially their former Captain, Charlie Weasley, who was one of the best Chasers.
It’s said that Charlie Weasley received an invitation to join the British national Quidditch team upon graduation, but he declined.
If Jerry doesn’t perform at his best and the opposing Seeker catches the Snitch first, this match against Gryffindor could be dangerous.
The record of defeating Gryffindor for seven consecutive years could end on Marcus’s watch as Captain.
This is why Marcus is even more nervous than Jerry himself.
“Now, let’s welcome the players from both teams to the pitch!”
Lee Jordan, a third-year Gryffindor wizard and the Quidditch match commentator, announced loudly using the Sonorus Charm.
As his voice echoed, the young wizards outside erupted in thunderous cheers and chants.
“Alright, it’s time. Good luck to everyone!”
Marcus kicked off the ground on his flying broom and was the first to fly out, followed by Jerry on his Nimbus 2000, and the other five teammates.
On the pitch, the Gryffindor team, dressed in bright red Quidditch robes, and the Slytherin team, in dark green robes, quickly flew from opposite ends of the pitch.
They then made a flamboyant circle in the sky before slowly landing on either side of Madam Hooch, who was standing in the center of the pitch.
The atmosphere at the scene reached a fever pitch.
“Gryffindor!”
“Slytherin!”
The cheers alternated, but it was clear that the support for Gryffindor was much louder than for Slytherin.
It’s no surprise, as the brave and enthusiastic Gryffindors are more popular than the proud and condescending Slytherins.
So, apart from their own houses, the cheers from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were mostly in favor of Gryffindor.
However, as they looked closely at the players on both sides of the pitch, they noticed something was off.
That was Slytherin's new Seeker, not the familiar Terence Higgs, who had held the position for four years. Instead, it was a new face, a young wizard who looked to be in either first or second year.
"That's Jerry! How did he become Slytherin's Seeker?"
At that moment, a gasp of surprise echoed from the Slytherin stands, where Daphne and all the other Slytherin wizards voiced their shock.
On the Gryffindor stands, Hermione, Harry, and Ron, who were familiar with Jerry, also let out similar exclamations.
"Jerry, it's Jerry! Hermione, did you know Jerry became the first-year Seeker?"
"I had no idea. This is impossible. He spends every weekend with me in the library studying. He's never been to the Quidditch pitch for practice!"
Hearing Harry and Ron's questions, Hermione shook her head in disbelief.
"Oh, Merlin's beard, it seems Slytherin has replaced their Seeker. They've boldly appointed a new one. Can anyone tell me the name of this new Seeker?"
At that moment, the commentator Lee Jordan's voice rang out from the tower stands.
"What, his name is Jerry Carmen? Is he the same Jerry who saved Professor Quirrell from the Troll? But if I'm not mistaken, he's still a first-year student.
Slytherin's bold move to appoint a first-year as their Seeker—whether it's a daring gamble or for a special reason—let's wait and see!"
Thanks to Lee Jordan's commentary, all the young wizards now knew that the new Seeker was the same Slytherin first-year who had saved Professor Quirrell from the Troll during Halloween.
Previously, they had only heard Jerry's name but hadn't all seen him. Now, the entire Hogwarts, including the wizards in Hogsmeade, recognized him.
However, most people were skeptical about the decision to replace Terence Higgs, a player with five years of experience, with a first-year for such a crucial position.
Especially the older Slytherin wizards, who mostly frowned at the decision.
On the field, Gryffindor's Captain, Wood, whispered excitedly to his teammates:
"Let's give it our all. We're going to win this!"
"Listen up, I want everyone to play fairly and honestly."
Madam Hooch held a silver whistle in one hand and a broom in the other, her gaze sweeping over both teams, particularly focusing on Slytherin's Captain, Marcus.
This guy often took advantage of his strength and size to commit fouls in previous matches.
After her words, she blew the silver whistle sharply.
Instantly, all the players from both teams shot up into the sky.
"The Quaffle was immediately seized by Gryffindor's Angelina Johnson—what an outstanding Chaser, and she's quite a sight to behold—"
Lee Jordan's commentary rang out again.
"The Golden Snitch has been released. Merlin, it's so fast, it vanished in a flash. Oh, our Slytherin Seeker is moving. Has he spotted the Golden Snitch?
Oh, Merlin's underwear, what am I seeing? I must be hallucinating. How is it possible? Slytherin's new Seeker, Jerry, has caught the Golden Snitch!
It's been less than a minute since the Golden Snitch was released. This might be the quickest game in Quidditch history!"
(End of Chapter)
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