On Saturday, the opening match of this school year's Quidditch Cup was about to begin.
Both teams were considered strong contenders for this year's Quidditch Cup.
Gryffindor went without saying. Ever since Harry had joined the year before last, they had been favorites to win, and last year they had even held a commanding lead in both wins and points for a time.
If the arrival of that Divine Offspring monster at the end of the year had not caused both the Quidditch Cup and the House Cup to be canceled, Gryffindor might even have claimed both by winning the Quidditch Cup.
Hufflepuff, meanwhile, had assembled an almost entirely new team after Cedric took over as their new captain. No fewer than four new players had joined.
But the new players had not made them any less competitive. Hufflepuff had performed very well in their previous practice matches.
The clash between the two teams promised to be a collision of titans, sparking widespread discussion throughout the school.
Interest ran so high that even today's rather chilly, gloomy weather, brought on by the persistent rain, seemed a little warmer.
Oliver gave no further pre-match pep talk, having already given more than enough over the past few days. For this year's first match, he had pleaded repeatedly as captain and secured a chance to play. Now he was beside himself with excitement.
Every Gryffindor player put on waterproof, windproof goggles, which were permitted during matches. The Hufflepuff players opposite them would probably be wearing them too.
As the time for the match arrived, both teams came out onto the Quidditch pitch.
Madam Hooch had not used magic to keep off the rain, and her gray hair was completely soaked. Yet she still looked full of energy, even a little exhilarated, just as