"Who's that commentator? Why is everyone reacting so strangely?" Sirius Black asked in confusion, putting an arm around Harry and pulling him close so Harry's ear was near his mouth.
"That's Ravenclaw's crazy gi—Ravenclaw's Luna Lovegood..." Harry gave a brief introduction. He could hardly explain anything more to Sirius Black in front of the Harrises; that would have been too rude.
After saying that, Harry himself looked toward the commentary box in disbelief. What sane person would let the school's famous Crazy Girl do the commentary? But even from high up, he could not mistake that pale-gold hair or the necklace made of Butterbeer corks... Professor McGonagall, sitting beside Luna, looked rather uncomfortable, as if she really had begun to regret this appointment.
The captains shook hands, then shot into the air at Madam Hooch's whistle.
The Quaffle was immediately seized by Slytherin's Draco Malfoy, who relied on attributes a cut above everyone else's. Then, clutching the ball, Draco Malfoy sped straight toward the goalposts.
Ravenclaw Beater Terry Boot, however, reached a Bludger before Pansy and Goyle. Following their usual training, he passed it once to the other Beater to adjust its direction, then after a fierce exchange between them, they struck it straight out, sending it hurtling right for the back of Draco Malfoy's head. At the same time, their two Beaters quickly flew toward the area ahead of Draco, preparing to intercept him.
Draco Malfoy, who had started brilliantly, nimbly ducked his head to dodge the Bludger, then steered his Flying Broomstick around the interception by Ravenclaw's Michael and another Chaser.
Ravenclaw directly used the Porskoff Ploy—Anthony Goldstein and Michael Corner closed in on Draco from both flanks, while the other Chaser circled around behind Draco, trying to intercept Slytherin's other attacking players. This was the best defensive