Inside the Quidditch Pitch, waves of noise surged through the air, stirring the heart of every spectator.
One look at the stands was enough to show just how unpopular Slytherin was with the other three houses.
As far as the eye could see, bright red roses filled three-quarters of the stands like a sea. Red flags and banners bearing the Gryffindor lion fluttered in the wind, emblazoned with stirring slogans such as "Gryffindor will win!" and "Gryffindor takes the cup!" All of them proclaimed their passionate support for Gryffindor House.
By contrast, Slytherin's supporters were gathered in the stands behind the goalposts. They wore green accessories, and the silver snakes on their flags gleamed beneath the lights, symbols of their honor and pride.
Professor Snape sat upright in the front row, also wearing green accessories, with an inscrutable smile on his face.
There had never been a better start!
How could they lose with a five-goal lead going in?
"Here comes the Gryffindor Quidditch Team!" commentator Lee Jordan's ringing voice echoed across the pitch. "This Gryffindor lineup has been hailed as the finest Hogwarts has seen in years. Their skill and teamwork are outstanding!"
Before Lee Jordan had even finished, however, deafening boos erupted from the Slytherin spectators.
Lee's commentary was drowned out by the chorus of boos from the Slytherin stands.
"Next, the Slytherin players take the field, led by their captain, Flint. He seems to have made some changes to the lineup, though, putting more emphasis on height than skill," Lee Jordan continued.
His words prompted another wave of boos from the Slytherin spectators, but Jerry thought he had a point. Apart from the comparatively short Malfoy, every player on the Slytherin team was burly and powerfully built.
Slytherin might not win at Quidditch, but if they changed