"Roar!"
"Harry Potter—he's caught the Golden Snitch!"
"Merlin's beard! The Golden Snitch was caught less than five minutes after it appeared! This is a new record!"
Deafening cheers surged across the Quidditch pitch, rolling like thunder.
Hearing the Gryffindor students cheering, Jerry said to Hermione, "See? I told you there was nothing wrong with Snape! Look how smoothly the match went!"
Hermione nodded, still half doubtful, then followed Jerry onto the pitch.
Professor Dumbledore had already reached Harry's side, and the two seemed to be talking quietly. Jerry didn't even need to guess. He was surely feeding Harry another pep talk.
As Jerry and Hermione approached, Professor Dumbledore raised his head and glanced at them. His eyes were full of warmth and affection, and he wore a faint, mysterious smile. He gave Jerry a discreet wink, as though hinting at something.
Jerry ignored the mischievous old man, that old bumblebee who was plotting who knew what this time.
The pitch was packed with Gryffindor students, waving their arms excitedly and cheering at the top of their lungs. The victory had everyone ecstatic—except Snape. He spat bitterly on the ground, gave Harry a dark look, then turned and left the pitch.
It wasn't until after dinner that Harry hurried in from outside and approached the others, looking rather flustered.
"Harry, where have you been?" Ron asked curiously when he saw how agitated Harry looked.
"Neville and I really gave those Slytherins a lesson this afternoon. I gave Malfoy a black eye," Ron said proudly. "Neville took on Crabbe and Goyle all by himself! He's still unconscious, but don't worry. Madam Pomfrey said he'd be all right soon."
Harry cut Ron off, a note of urgency in his voice. "Never mind that for now. Let's find an empty room. I