Sure enough, the Bludger merely swept over his head, ruffling his Platinum Hair.
It then struck Cedric as he lunged from behind. The fiercely spinning Bludger did not hit very hard, only leaving Cedric momentarily suspended in midair.
Cedric watched Draco scoop the Golden Snitch into his hand ahead of him. He closed his eyes in disappointment and let himself fall, without the slightest fear.
He only hoped the fall would leave him half dead. Once he was in the hospital wing, he would not have to face the disappointed looks of his friends.
But a moment later, he heard an impact behind him, and a broomstick appeared beneath him.
Cedric instinctively gripped its handle, opened his eyes, and looked back at the Bludger flying off course, then at Shawn smiling gently at him in the distance.
Cedric did not know whether to laugh or cry.
Was he supposed to be grateful, or what?
Meanwhile, deafening cheers and applause erupted around the pitch.
"Chief!"
"Chief!"
"Shawn!"
"Shawn!"
Draco had caught the Golden Snitch and ended the match, but none of the cheers were directed at him.
He knew that if Shawn had not intercepted Cedric just now, both of them would probably have crashed to the ground and been seriously injured.
Holding the Golden Snitch, Draco hovered awkwardly in the air.
Fortunately, seeing Shawn's approving smile brightened his mood. He held up the Golden Snitch and flew around the stands to show off his prize.
After getting off his broomstick, he and an equally delighted Harry hugged each other, laughing and crying.
The commentator's dreamy voice rang out again.
"That was a truly wonderful match. Hufflepuff showed me their determination. I just hope they won't sleepwalk through the next one.
"And those last two Bludgers Shawn hit looked like the