Gift

Gift

The flying speeds Chu Yang and Harry reached as they chased the Golden Snitch were both incredibly fast, but in Madam Hooch's eyes, Chu Yang, who was one body length behind Harry, flew with far greater ease.

Her eyes were filled with amazement.

For a beginner to fly at Harry's level on his first attempt was already genius-level, but the talent Chu Yang displayed was even more astonishing.

Because he was flying while standing...

A Flying Broomstick required delicate control. At high speed, every movement made on the broom could cause a major change in direction.

Then there was observation. The faster one flew, the blurrier the surrounding scenery became. Only exceptional dynamic vision allowed one to track the positions of teammates and opponents.

Most importantly, there was mentality!

Only by remaining sufficiently calm and composed could one make the right choices in an intense match.

And in all three aspects, Chu Yang was far superior to Harry.

"If Harry Potter represented Gryffindor in a Quidditch match, he would definitely bring the trophy back to the House," Professor McGonagall said, unable to hold herself back as she continued watching Harry.

"Professor McGonagall, I mean no offense, but if Chu Yang participated in Quidditch, he would certainly be even better than Mr. Potter." Madam Hooch proudly lifted her chin. "I'm the professional here."

Professor McGonagall was left speechless.

Madam Hooch was not only a Hogwarts Quidditch referee; she also occasionally officiated official Quidditch matches.

So when she said she was a professional, she was not bragging.

Professor McGonagall muttered softly, "Headmaster Dumbledore should not have sent Chu Yang to Slytherin. If he could come to Gryffindor too, he and Harry Potter would surely help us win the Quidditch championship for many years in a row."

While Madam Hooch and Professor McGonagall argued, Harry became so focused on chasing the Golden Snitch that he flew out of the field and sped toward the Whomping Willow.

"Hey! Harry, you can't go over there! It's dangerous!"

Realizing something was wrong, Chu Yang hurriedly shouted for Harry to stop.

With all his attention fixed on the Golden Snitch, Harry could no longer hear Chu Yang's voice!

When he received no response, Chu Yang could only helplessly follow Harry out of the field.

Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch were still arguing over who would perform better in a Quidditch match, Chu Yang or Harry.

At last, Hermione could not stand it any longer and shouted, "Chu Yang and Harry are both gone, Professors! They flew toward the Whomping Willow!"

Professor McGonagall raised her head in surprise. Once she confirmed that neither student could be seen above the field, her expression changed, and she grabbed up her dark green robes as she ran outside.

Madam Hooch did the same, though she was even more panicked than Professor McGonagall. If something happened to those two, it would have happened during her lesson. She would not escape responsibility.

The Whomping Willow was no mild-tempered magical plant. Over the years, many Hogwarts students had been injured by it, which was why the school strictly forbade students from approaching it.

No one had expected Harry to come near it just to chase the Golden Snitch.

Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch took the lead in running desperately, followed by a huge crowd of students. The sight was so spectacular that anyone unaware of the situation might have thought Hogwarts was holding some sort of athletic competition!

By the time Professor McGonagall arrived, Harry, Chu Yang, and the Golden Snitch—two people and one ball—were circling the Whomping Willow like flies. The Whomping Willow, like the tireless Great Sage Equaling Heaven from A Chinese Odyssey, wildly swung its branches, trying to swat those annoying "flies" to death!

The Whomping Willow was as tall as a three-story building, and any one of its branches was thicker than an adult man's thigh.

As it swung wildly, the shrieking sound of its branches cutting through the air made everyone's scalp tingle.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Chu Yang, come down at once! Stop chasing the Golden Snitch—it's far too dangerous!" Professor McGonagall called loudly, her expression extremely tense. Harry was the Seeker she had just chosen.

"This is too dangerous! Get down now!" Madam Hooch's face had gone pale. She held her broom, wanting to fly up, but the Whomping Willow's branches formed an impenetrable barrier, leaving no way to get close.

"This isn't something I can decide, Madam Hooch!" Harry replied fearfully as he continuously dodged branches attacking from all directions.

At this point, where was there any sign of the Golden Snitch?

It had probably been smashed to pieces by the Whomping Willow!

The more Harry thought about it, the worse he felt. This was not the outcome he wanted. He had only wanted to catch that little golden ball that could fly.

Professor McGonagall seemed to remember something and shouted, "The knot! As long as you touch the Whomping Willow's knot, it will calm down immediately!"

Hermione was so anxious she was nearly crying. "Professor, we can't get anywhere near that tree, much less touch its knot."

Professor McGonagall looked toward the Whomping Willow, which had already stood for twenty years, and sighed. If this continued, she would have to use magic to burn the tree down. She had to prioritize the students' safety.

Just as Professor McGonagall hesitated, Harry's Magic Power and stamina were both depleted. His flying speed gradually slowed until the Flying Broomstick beneath him was viciously struck by the Whomping Willow.

Harry screamed as his whole body was sent flying!

Witnessing this, Hermione covered her eyes and screamed, while Ron anxiously shouted Harry's name.

The other students also instinctively covered their eyes amid cries of alarm!

Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch's hearts leaped into their throats!

Another figure in midair circled around from the opposite direction and, by a hair's breadth, grabbed Harry by his clothes and saved him.

"Hold on tight!"

Harry looked up and saw Chu Yang holding him. Chu Yang looked at him with a smile, and Harry immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Then he saw that Chu Yang was holding a small golden ball in his hand.

"You caught it?!" Harry was delighted at first, then felt somewhat disappointed. He was happy because Chu Yang was his friend, and he was glad for him. But he was disappointed because he had not caught it himself after all.

"It's for you! Consider it a belated birthday present." Chu Yang tossed the Golden Snitch to Harry and encouraged him, "You'll definitely become an excellent Seeker. When you win the championship, give me an identical one."

Harry held the Golden Snitch in his palms, and something seemed to shine in his eyes.

The Flying Broomstick slowly descended onto the grass as Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch led the students over.

"That was utterly reckless! Mr. Chu Yang, Mr. Potter, you have no idea how serious this was!" Professor McGonagall scolded them with a stern face, though her gaze was exceptionally gentle.

Having finally relaxed, Madam Hooch stared intently at Chu Yang. She was certain that, based on the level Chu Yang had displayed just now, he was fully qualified to compete in official matches!

And Harry Potter possessed extraordinary potential as well.

No matter which of them it was, he would become a new star player at Hogwarts in the future!