Harry spotted the Golden Snitch.
It was in a tricky spot. Even spectators with binoculars would have struggled to spot it there, and Harry might not have noticed it either if not for the light reflected by that flash of lightning.
The Golden Snitch was much closer to Cedric than to Harry, but it was currently in Cedric's blind spot.
If Harry flew straight toward it and Cedric noticed, Harry could not be certain he would get there first.
Countless thoughts flashed through Harry's mind, and he made his decision in an instant. He tilted his broomstick upward and shot into the sky with a whoosh.
Cedric clearly had not spotted the Golden Snitch yet.
But even as he searched for the Golden Snitch, he had been keeping an eye on Harry's movements. Seeing Harry suddenly shoot upward, he immediately followed without hesitation.
They were heading upward this time. No need to worry about a Wronski Feint! Cedric accelerated with all his might, catching up behind Harry within a few breaths.
Something was wrong!
Cedric realized something was off.
There was no sign of the Golden Snitch anywhere in sight! Even with the rain affecting visibility, it should not have made that much difference up in the air.
Besides, having competed against Harry before, he knew all too well how outstanding Harry's broomstick was.
There was absolutely no way he could have closed the distance between them so much in such a short time.
Unless...
Although Cedric had realized something was wrong, he was already too late.
Sensing Cedric catch up behind him, Harry abruptly turned, tracing an enormous arc through the air as he changed direction and plunged downward without losing any speed.
Rapid changes of direction were Harry's best flying skill. They were nothing sophisticated, but they were