A Conversation with Tykros

Players from both teams sprinted across the field, their bats colliding with Bludgers in dull thuds.

Gryffindor had enjoyed outstanding results in recent years, but most of its veteran players had graduated. This newly recruited group was highly talented with tremendous potential, yet the team had only been together for half a year and had not fully developed their coordination or gained enough major-match experience. Although Katie Bell directed the team from the middle, making their attacks swift and fierce, they could never match the Twins' effortless understanding, where a single glance told them how to cooperate next. Their pressure was insufficient, their transitions and defensive retreats lacked flexibility, and they constantly had to rely on their keeper's saves.

Most of Hufflepuff's active players had been trained by Cedric over the previous two years. Their cohesion and willpower were remarkably tenacious. Though they knew their chances of winning were extremely slim, their Beaters still swung with all their strength, their Chasers sprinted without regard for themselves, and their keeper threw himself at every Quaffle flying toward the hoops.

The score never opened into a significant gap. For a time, the battle became tense as both sides entered a deadlock.

Bludgers whistled into the players' protective gear, while the Quaffle darted back and forth between the two teams.

The players maneuvered with difficulty across the field. Hufflepuff's Seeker, Summerby, had eyes only for Harry. He flattened himself over his broom and followed closely behind him. No matter how Harry performed dangerous feints such as vertical spirals, high-speed abrupt stops, or dives followed by sharp climbs, Summerby remained relentless, clinging tightly to him.

It was a pure contest of pursuit and struggle, thrilling to watch. Even Muggle first years who did not understand the rules of Quidditch watched without blinking. Whenever either