Stephens struggled to break free of the interference, unable to pick up speed.
Gritting his teeth, Stephens made a bold decision.
Instead of accelerating, he slowed down!
His broom lost its thrust in an instant, catching even Ollie off guard.
The blockade was broken.
Stephens surged after him, his earlier deceleration having lowered his flying altitude.
He accelerated and flew beneath Ollie.
Ollie accelerated again.
The two chased each other through the sky.
Like a mischievous child, the Golden Snitch turned abruptly, leaving its original position and flying farther away.
It passed through the stands and entered the maze of supports beneath them.
Both riders pursued it without hesitation.
A space the tiny Golden Snitch could navigate with ease became a challenge full of difficulties and obstacles for two fully grown people.
The wind in their wake sent the curtains beneath the stands billowing.
It was like opening a mystery box; no one knew who would emerge holding the Golden Snitch.
And with the referee unable to see them, they could push the limits of foul play.
Ollie immediately rammed Stephens hard, nearly sending him into a protruding support.
Refusing to back down, Stephens moved up and struck back hard, leaving Ollie smarting too.
The Golden Snitch was playing tricks again.
After flying out from beneath the stands, it headed into the sky.
The Chasers fighting over the Quaffle felt a chill down their backs.
The two swept across the pitch.
The Golden Snitch descended again.
Ollie judged that flying so low could easily send a broom out of control and cause a crash.
Stephens did not care. He had already fallen once; at worst, he would fall a second time.
His recklessness was nothing like a Hufflepuff's.
He accelerated, then accelerated again.
No one was watching the tense, thrilling