The next morning, before the Quidditch match began, Kyle caught up with Cedric outside the Hufflepuff changing room. Cedric looked noticeably thinner and exhausted compared to just a week ago, but his eyes shone with determination.
"We're going to win for sure!" he said confidently, gripping his Nimbus 1700 before resolutely turning toward the changing room. Kyle could tell Cedric was still a bit nervous; he could tell by the slight limp in his usually steady walk.
When Kyle made it to the stands, they were already packed with students. Quidditch matches were some of the most anticipated events at Hogwarts, and today's decisive game was no exception. Kyle squeezed through the crowd to the front row, where Mikel and Ryan had saved him a prime spot. Next to him, Kanna handed him a homemade banner embroidered with a small badger and the words "Hufflepuff Forever," crafted with Developing Solution. The badger stitched on the banner waved its front paws cheerfully. Kyle smiled, charmed it to float in the most visible spot nearby, and propped it up.
"We're going to win for sure!" Mikel said, his voice bursting with excitement. "I can just feel it—Hufflepuff's going to take the Quidditch Cup this year!"
"Of course," Kyle replied, grinning. "With intuition like that, maybe you have a future as a Seer, Mikel."
"Haha, I think so too," Mikel chuckled.
Just then, the teams entered the stadium.
"Look, here they come!" announced a seventh-year student with long blonde hair, holding a microphone charm-enhanced for the whole stadium to hear. "First to enter is the Slytherin Quidditch team! After suffering a big point loss due to an accident last game, they didn't let it crush them. Instead, under the leadership of their captain, Rosier, they rallied and defeated both Ravenclaw and the top-seeded Gryffindor. Will they manage a miracle and pull off the triple win? We're about to find out!"
The commentator's voice climbed in excitement. "Oh, and here come the Hufflepuffs!"
The stands burst into cheers as he continued. "Leading the team is the captain, Harris! He's an outstanding Chaser, holding the record for the most goals scored, and has been instrumental in Hufflepuff's rise. Following him are the Beaters... and last but not least, there's Cedric Diggory, their Seeker, who's strengthened Hufflepuff's only weak spot!"
The two teams were well-matched, and the commentator's excitement was infectious as he leaned out of the commentator's box. Energized by his enthusiasm, the crowd's cheering grew even louder, with yellow and green flags waving like ocean waves across the stands.
About three-quarters of the stadium seemed to be cheering for Hufflepuff. Gryffindor students had little interest in supporting Slytherin, and while Ravenclaw's loyalty wasn't as decided, the Hufflepuff team was generally well-liked. Harris's sportsmanship and restraint in matches had made a favorable impression on many Ravenclaws, so a majority of the Eagles also joined in supporting Hufflepuff today.
"Both sides have taken their positions, the game is about to begin!"
Madam Hooch, mounted on her broomstick, flew to the center of the pitch as the referee. "Listen up, I expect everyone to play fairly and honestly. Now, captains, shake hands."
Harris and Rosier stepped forward, each giving a firm handshake before promptly returning to their positions. Then, with everyone on their broomsticks, Madam Hooch blew her silver whistle loud and clear.
Fifteen broomsticks shot into the air—the game had begun.
"The Quaffle is first claimed by Harris of Hufflepuff, demonstrating his usual consistency…" the commentator called out. "Marcus Flint is closing in, trying to intercept… Harris with a fantastic feint, avoids him and heads straight for the Slytherin goalpost. Keeper Black dives… can he hold it? No, he's missed! The Quaffle is in, and Harris scores! Ten to zero, Hufflepuff leads!"
A wave of cheers erupted. Kanna, in her excitement, squeezed Kyle's arm with surprising force, making him grit his teeth at the unexpected pain. How was it that someone as slender and unassuming as Kanna could have such a strong grip? He rubbed his arm and edged slightly away as her attention returned to the match.
On the pitch, the play shifted rapidly. Marcus Flint seized the Quaffle, and with the superior speed of their brooms, the Slytherin players surged toward the Hufflepuff goal before Harris and his teammates could catch up.
"Marcus goes for the shot… no, it's a pass! A brilliant feint, he's fooled everyone, even the Hufflepuff Keeper! Rosier scores, and Slytherin evens it up! Ten to ten!"
Now, the Slytherin supporters roared in celebration.
"Two goals in under a minute, each with an impressive feint," the commentator said, his voice brimming with excitement. "Absolutely amazing! This game is fantastic!"
The match intensified, with both teams keeping the score tight and trading goals. During the first twenty minutes, Hufflepuff managed to maintain a slim ten-point lead despite their best efforts. Meanwhile, the Slytherin players charged around as if possessed. Marcus Flint, in particular, was relentless—even diving at the Hufflepuff Keeper when he missed a save, blocking a potential goal with his face. The crowd roared in appreciation, with even the Gryffindors, including Charlie, giving him a thumbs-up for his sheer grit. For a moment, whatever dirty tactics Marcus might have used in prior games were forgotten; his commitment was undeniable.
But thirty minutes into the game, the tide began to turn. The Slytherin team's speed visibly slowed, and they started to falter, both offensively and defensively. In a matter of minutes, Hufflepuff scored three successive goals, widening the lead to 90-50.