Business was even better this time, and the student was grinning from ear to ear.
The most distinctive thing about Quidditch was that, barring extreme weather or other threats to safety, a match only ended when the Golden Snitch was caught.
Some matches continued through torrential rain until they were over.
There had even been matches that lasted half a month.
John also saw Neville preparing a blanket. Presumably, he could get some sleep if he grew tired.
A captain stepped forward to draw lots and determine the order of the matches.
Every team had to play every other team, and the competition would continue until the end of term.
Along the way, some seventh-year students would even need to revise for their N.E.W.T. exams.
Fortunately, outstanding performances in the Starry Sky Cup could earn them extra marks on their exams.
That kept the students from being overwhelmed by their exams.
This was also why Stephens had chosen to compete in his fourth year.
His end-of-term exams would not affect his performance, and he would not have the pressure of the N.E.W.T. exams hanging over him.
But the Starry Sky Cup was not solely about bringing glory to one's school. There had been plenty of outstanding students who moved straight into Quidditch clubs after the term ended.
The eleven captains finished drawing lots.
By a remarkable coincidence, the first match was between the host, Hogwarts, and its old rival, Beauxbatons.
It was as though fate was playing a cruel joke.
The fury in both sides' eyes was almost enough to set the Green Pitch ablaze.
The other teams left after drawing their lots, leaving the two teams behind.
Madam Hooch came out carrying the Quidditch balls.
"Captains, shake hands," she said.
Wood and Aude Ollie shook hands.
Their arms trembled,