The Quidditch Match between Slytherin and Gryffindor, delayed for nearly two months, finally began the next day.
The sun hid behind a veil, its light gentle. A cold wind swept through the stands, whipping Gryffindor's scarlet and Slytherin's silver-green scarves and banners into the air. Nearly every student from all four houses had come, packing the circular stands.
The Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch was freezing. Sylvia, wrapped in a silver-green scarf, went to the pitch with Will. Dumbledore had hoped watching the match would help Will relax and get out more lately—and that he would keep an eye on Sirius so he didn't cause trouble.
Neville waved to Will and Sylvia. "Over here! Will!"
Their friends had saved them seats near the professors' box. Hermione sat beside them, writing furiously.
"Merlin's quill, Hermione, what are you doing?" Sylvia asked, pulling out a length of her scarf to wrap around Will.
"I have too much homework. I need to use every minute, Sylvia. At least the homework Lupin assigned yesterday was easy." Bundled in a thick cloak, Hermione shifted the glass jar of blue flames to one side as she spoke.
Will didn't sit with Slytherin. He sat near Hagrid instead, with a big black dog between them.
"This weather is awful." Not far away, Ron rubbed his hands together as his breath dissolved into the air. "Hope Harry doesn't freeze stiff."
In the changing room, Wood gave his final pep talk, his voice hoarse with excitement. "Listen up! We've waited two months for this match because of an accident! I know Flint likes playing when the weather's at its worst. He thinks our broomsticks aren't as good as theirs. He thinks our resolve will freeze solid up there! But he's wrong. We have to win today!"
The Gryffindor players stood in