As Wood's words fell, a smaller boy squeezed out from the Slytherin team.
With platinum blonde hair and a pale face bearing a faint smile, Draco had been waiting for this moment to appear under the spotlight.
He first scanned the crowd opposite him, locking onto two targets: Scarhead and his poor follower. As for Hermione, Draco chose to ignore her, having heard rumors about her closeness with Ino.
"I am Slytherin's new Seeker," Draco stated calmly, though he couldn't hide the gleam of pride in his eyes.
At the same time, Flint took over, "This is our new Seeker, Mr. Draco Malfoy. And we have also received a generous gift from Mr. Lucius Malfoy for the Slytherin team—the latest model brooms, just released last month."
As he spoke, Flint revealed the broomstick hidden by his cloak and gently dusted off the nonexistent dirt from its top. This action seemed like a signal, prompting other Quidditch team members to show off their broomsticks as well.
"The latest Nimbus 2001! To those still holding Cleansweeps or Comets, I suggest you stop wasting your time here and think about how to face the disappointed looks in the school."
Flint's words struck a nerve with Wood. He knew that, unlike others who played Quidditch for fun, Wood aspired to join a professional team. And the glory of the House Cup was often a significant factor in professional Quidditch team assessments.
After Flint's words, the training field fell silent.
Draco's smile grew broader; he loved seeing scenes like this, watching the Gryffindors with their distressed faces.
"At least we have the Nimbus 2000," Hermione suddenly spoke up, breaking the silence. "Even if its performance is slightly inferior, it won't be by much. I've read 'Quidditch Through the Ages.' For over a thousand years, since the 11th century, people have always competed on flying skills and teamwork, not on broomstick performance."
Perhaps it was because of the clarity that comes with being an observer. Unlike the Gryffindor team members who focused on broomstick specs, Hermione's macro-level analysis and argumentation acted like a shot of adrenaline, reviving the spirits of the Gryffindors present.
However, this move angered Draco. In a fit of rage, he ignored all restraint and began to insult her, "You...you bucktoothed rabbit, what business is this of yours? Why don't you go fix those big front teeth of yours?"
Draco had initially wanted to call her a Mudblood but managed to restrain himself at the last second, redirecting his insult to focus on Hermione's prominent front teeth instead.
"Oh! Merlin, I just noticed! You've had some work done, but why didn't you go all the way? And fix that messy hair of yours while you're at it, so you don't run around looking like a lion-dog. At least then you might be presentable enough to be friends with Ino."
Draco's insults grew more and more extreme, revealing his true feelings without realizing it.
Hermione, subjected to this barrage of attacks, stood there with tears welling up in her eyes, completely petrified.
Seeing Hermione brought to tears, the Gryffindors banded together in an unusual show of unity, all drawing their wands.
Likewise, the Slytherins, led by Flint, dropped their broomsticks and drew their own wands.
A brawl seemed inevitable.
At that moment, small snowflakes began to fall from the sky, covering the entire Quidditch field.
"Draco, since you know Hermione is my friend, why did you insult her?" Ino's voice was cold. He had initially come to enjoy the fun, but upon arriving at the Quidditch field, he encountered this unpleasant scene.
In a way, both Hermione and Draco were his friends, which made the situation even more frustrating.
Seeing Draco verbally attack Hermione and both sides drawing their wands ready to fight, Ino knew he needed to assert some authority to control the situation.
Ino used his ice magic to cover the field with snow as a precaution and also released the 40-foot-long Amazon python from his sanctuary.
The thick python slithered at his feet, moving slowly and occasionally glancing at the young wizards with its icy blue, pupil-less eyes.
This made everyone step aside as Ino walked into the center of the circle.
"Apologize, Draco! You shouldn't have insulted a girl, especially one who didn't provoke you," Ino said calmly.
As he stopped walking, the giant frost python coiled up, raising its head more than four meters off the ground, significantly increasing its intimidating presence.
Staring at the giant snake, Draco felt a wave of regret. He knew Hermione was connected to Ino, but his anger had driven him to insult her.
Facing Ino's serious demeanor for the first time, Draco, though frightened, shakily turned to Hermione.
"I... I'm sorry! It's my fault. I shouldn't have mocked you. I'm sorry!"
Seeing Draco apologize, Ino walked over to Hermione.
Looking at her tear-filled eyes, he gently brushed her hair back.
"He apologized, so don't be sad. If anyone bullies you again, just come to me."
As he spoke, Ino looked around. Both Slytherins and Gryffindors averted their gazes.
...
Snowflakes fell gently from the sky, and the enormous frost python coiled on the ground.
The anticipated fight seemed impossible, and just as everyone thought it was over, another cold voice came from the side.
"Potter! For attempting to incite conflict between houses, ten points from Gryffindor!"
Hearing the familiar voice, Harry closed his eyes in frustration. He wanted to cry more than Hermione because he hadn't said a single word—literally, not one!
Snape entered the crowd, looking at everyone expressionlessly, "And the rest of you? Do you want detention?"
Everyone dispersed towards the training field gate.
Seeing Snape, Ino quickly ended his spell, sending the python back to the sanctuary.
However, as he prepared to leave with Hermione, Snape appeared in front of him.
"Follow me to my office!" Snape said in his usual tone.
But unlike his earlier empty eyes, Snape's now held a curious gleam.
"Yes, Professor!" Eno smiled and nodded.
He patted Hermione on the shoulder, giving her a reassuring look, and mimed writing a note.
Then he stood still, watching Hermione walk away.
Meanwhile, Snape, unusually silent, waited.
Once Hermione was out of sight, Snape turned and walked towards the castle, his black cloak billowing behind him.
Ino followed closely.