The sky was clear, white clouds drifting lazily by.
The usually quiet Quidditch Pitch was packed today, with fluffy little heads filling the stands of all four houses.
When Vaughn and his teammates entered the pitch, Slytherin immediately erupted in enthusiastic cheers. Several older students conjured a snake-shaped firework that hissed as it slithered and coiled through the air.
Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw also had many people holding up banners embroidered with glittering golden words:
"Vaughn Will Win!"
Vaughn spotted Cedric in the distance, along with several of the Ravenclaw girls he knew best. Smiling, he waved to them, instantly drawing another wave of cheers.
"Hello, everyone. This is Lee Jordan, and I'll be today's commentator. Our dear Professor McGonagall is in charge of supervision. Now entering the pitch is the Slytherin Team. Look, Vaughn Weasley—this handsome fellow is driving all the little witches crazy..."
"Ahem!"
"Sorry, Professor. Next is the Gryffindor team..."
After the two teams entered one after another, Madam Hooch, the referee standing in the center of the pitch, carried her Flying Broomstick over between them.
"I hope everyone will compete fairly, honestly, and with good sportsmanship..." Madam Hooch glanced at the Slytherin Team. Flint bared his buck teeth in a stupid grin, and Madam Hooch quickly turned away and began explaining the prohibited actions.
Vaughn looked at Harry across from him and blinked. Harry answered with a smile full of fighting spirit.
Poor kid. You don't even know what you're about to go through.
"...All right, mount your Flying Broomsticks."
Madam Hooch took out her silver whistle. At its shrill blast, fifteen flying broomsticks shot up from the ground.
The match had begun!
The red Quidditch ball was tossed high into the air, and the two teams immediately began fighting for it.
Lee Jordan's commentary was amplified