By three in the afternoon, the match had already lasted four hours.
Groups of students sat in the stands, munching on snacks as they watched with great interest.
The offensive and defensive struggle between the two teams had eased considerably. It was difficult to sustain such fierce attacks for so long, and with hunger and thirst wearing them down, the players on both sides were beginning to run out of strength. Their attacks became less frequent and slower, and the competition was no longer particularly intense. They only repositioned themselves for defense when the opposing side organized an attack. Honestly, the match was starting to look a little boring.
The score gap had not widened, and the outcome of the match rested on the two Seekers.
Many seats in the stands had emptied out. Some spectators could not hold on any longer and had left early to eat in the Great Hall, not yet returning.
The front rows were occupied by Hogwarts professors and staff. Students could quietly slip away for a meal, but the professors could hardly leave under the children's watchful eyes. The smiles on Flitwick and Professor Sprout's faces were somewhat forced. This year's final had nothing to do with them in the first place, and they had not been especially interested. Now, trapped here for four hours, they only wanted this torment to end sooner.
Even the two Deputy Headmasters had temporarily called a truce, their words carrying a little more collegial warmth.
"These two teams are truly tenacious..."
"I wonder whether it will end before sunset."
"Draco's search direction half an hour ago was correct. If they had gathered on the right side of the pitch then, they should have forced out the Golden Snitch and ended the match already."
"Harry's decision an hour ago