The Mahoutokoro students noticed Harry and Cedric's arrival and deliberately sent two people to intercept them.
The other students were circling the Whomping Willow, looking for an opportunity to break through.
But the constant harassment had already angered the Whomping Willow.
The Whomping Willow became exceptionally active, countless branches flailing wildly through the air.
"Harry, shake them off!" Cedric shouted.
Harry immediately understood. She changed direction, accelerating toward Cedric.
The Mahoutokoro students sent to intercept her followed closely behind, intending to block her path.
On the other side, Cedric controlled his speed, keeping only a single body length between himself and the Mahoutokoro student intercepting him.
Harry glanced at the interceptor behind her, made a slight adjustment to her direction, and positioned herself so that she could just block his line of sight.
Harry sped toward Cedric.
The two exchanged a glance. Just before they collided, they both pulled up on their brooms and shot upward.
Only after the two of them flew up did the interceptors realize they were about to crash into their teammates. Their faces greatly changed.
But they had no time to react and slammed straight into each other.
Bang!
The two interceptors collided and plummeted toward the ground.
After shaking off their interceptors, Harry and Cedric swiftly flew toward the Whomping Willow.
The enraged Whomping Willow was truly formidable. The Mahoutokoro students still had not broken through the branches' blockade.
One student even had his broom snapped by a branch and fell toward the ground.
One of Mahoutokoro's Champions was there as well. He had a vicious-looking face, dark skin, and thick body hair; his beard and hair were almost indistinguishable. He also wore a pure gold robe.
When the Mahoutokoro Champion saw another person sent flying, he flew into a rage and ordered the