The sky was clear, white clouds drifting lazily across it.
The usually quiet Quidditch pitch was packed today, with fluffy little heads filling the stands of all four Houses.
When Vaughan and his teammates entered the pitch, enthusiastic cheers immediately erupted from the Slytherin stands. Several older students conjured a serpent-shaped firework that hissed as it coiled and circled overhead.
Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw had plenty of people holding banners too, embroidered with glittering golden words:
"Vaughan will win!"
Vaughan spotted Cedric in the distance, along with several of the Ravenclaw girls he knew best. Smiling, he waved to them, immediately setting off another wave of cheers.
"Hello, everyone, this is Lee Jordan, and I'll be your commentator today. Our dear Professor McGonagall is supervising. First to enter is the Slytherin team. Look, Vaughan Weasley—this handsome fellow has the little witches practically swooning..."
"Ahem!"
"Sorry, Professor. Next is the Gryffindor team..."
Once both teams had entered in turn, Madam Hooch, the referee standing at the center of the pitch, carried her broom over between them.
"I expect everyone to 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.
Vaughan looked at Harry across from him and blinked. Harry answered with a smile full of fighting spirit.
Poor kid. You had no idea what you were about to go through.
"...All right, mount your brooms."
Madam Hooch took out her silver whistle. At its sharp blast, fifteen broomsticks shot into the air.
The match had begun!
The red Quaffle was tossed high into the air, and both teams immediately began fighting for it.
Lee Jordan's commentary boomed across the entire pitch through an enchanted microphone.
"...Now