The cheers lingered for a long time before Madam Hooch blew her whistle again, signaling the team to prepare to leave.
The audience in the stands gradually dispersed.
A tense silence fell over the Slytherin quarter. Someone stubbornly retorted, "Pshaw, so what if he has a weird broom? What's so special about that?"
"He was just lucky. If he really ran into us Slytherin, he'd still fight back." Someone chimed in.
Some people, watching the score, quietly felt a sense of crisis:
"Those two brooms are ridiculous... It'll be tough to compete in the House Cup from now on."
" Malfoy is in Gryffindor now, and he's tied to Hermione Granger. This is a huge problem."
Another person calmly analyzed the situation, saying in a sinister tone:
"What's there to be afraid of? They're still weak overall, relying solely on Draco. In the next game, just keep a close eye on Malfoy and lock him down, and Gryffindor Second Team will collapse."
Pansy stood there, staring intently at Draco and Hermione, who were still embracing in mid-air. Her nails were digging into her palms. She stomped her foot angrily, turned around, and left, her face extremely ugly.
On the other side, the Ravenclaw students walked along, heads bowed in discussion, their eyes full of analysis:
"The steering, acceleration, and stability of those two custom-made brooms completely surpass those of the Nimbus 2000."
"This isn't just talent anymore, it's overwhelming equipment superiority... I must remember this."
Hufflepuff, on the other hand, offered gentle praise throughout:
"That was amazing! A comeback from just one point is incredible."
"I'm happy to watch either team win!"
The crowd slowly dispersed, Quidditch Pitch gradually quieted down, leaving only the lingering warmth of the comeback victory.
Draco held Hermione's hand tightly as they rode together for a distance.
The crimson and platinum brooms glided side by side in the sunlight, their sight eliciting good-natured cheers from the remaining crowd once again.
Draco's teasing voice, carried on the wind, reached her ears. "Look at the atmosphere right now—it seems like the perfect time for a kiss."
Hermione's cheeks flushed bright red, and she gripped his sleeve tightly. "No! There are so many people watching!"
"Okay, let's talk about it when we get back!"
He glanced down at Hermione's slightly flushed cheeks and couldn't help but smile.
The members of the second team huddled together, each with their faces still etched with excitement and elation.
George and Fred were whistling with their arms around each other's shoulders, while Ron skipped along beside them.
The tension and breakdown from before had long since vanished, leaving only the elation of winning the game.
Olivia and Sam supported each other, their smiles radiant despite their exhaustion.
The group landed slowly, and were immediately surrounded by their roommates.
Lavender and Parvati rushed up and hugged Hermione tightly, chattering excitedly. Neville stood to the side, smiling shyly and clapping.
On the other side, the Gryffindor First Team.
Everyone wore an obvious expression of frustration.
Harry kept his head down, his fingers unconsciously gripping the handle of the Nimbus 2000, still immersed in the guilt of failing to catch the Golden Snitch.
Wood patted each player on the shoulder, offering quiet encouragement, but no amount of comfort could mask the lingering regret of their narrow defeat.
Angelina, Katie, and Alicia sighed softly and silently packed their gear.
The noise hadn't subsided yet when Professor McGonagall slowly walked over.
Her expression remained serious, but without a trace of reproach. Her gaze first swept over the dejected first team, then landed on the excited second team.
She first looked at one of the teams:
" Oliver, and all of you, lift your heads. Losing one point doesn't mean defeat."
"Your tactics were clear, your teamwork was skillful, and your offense was fierce throughout the game, delivering the level expected of Gryffindor. It's a pity, but there's no need to be discouraged."
She then looked at Harry:
" Potter, you don't need to blame yourself. Malfoy's broom had the advantage to begin with, and you already gave it your all."
After speaking, Professor McGonagall turned to Team Two, a rare hint of gentle smile appearing in her eyes:
"As for you— Gryffindor Second Team —I must say, I am very pleasantly surprised."
"Despite falling behind at the start, exhaustion, and a significant point difference, not a single person gave up. With resilience and courage, you secured a well-deserved victory."
Her gaze fell lightly on Draco and Hermione, her tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible teasing:
"Especially you two... It seems that not only are your brains and brooms outstanding, but your teamwork is also quite remarkable."
Hermione blushed instantly, and Draco, unusually, didn't show it.
Professor McGonagall looked around at everyone one last time and said seriously:
"For Gryffindor, today's match wasn't about winning or losing, but about gaining something."
"Team One has established a solid foundation, and Team Two has found its rhythm. I hope you all remember today—whether you're leading or trailing, never give up; that's what Gryffindor is all about."
After he finished speaking, the entire room was silent for a second, then burst into heartfelt applause.
Professor McGonagall nodded slightly, turned and left, not forgetting to turn back and add a casual remark before she went:
"Oh, right... those two brooms, remember to report them in advance for the next competition."
Draco shielded Hermione as they weaved through the noisy crowd, his fingers never letting go.
"I said I would win." He lowered his head slightly, his voice audible only to the two of them.
Hermione gently pinched his wrist, but couldn't help but smile.
The setting sun cast long shadows of the two people, and the two brooms, engraved with each other's names, leaned quietly together.
This thrilling comeback, ending in a single point, became one of the most dazzling victories of their youth.
After packing up their gear, everyone quietly returned to the castle.
There were no boisterous cheers, nor any unnecessary celebrations.
After all, regardless of whether it's Team One or Team Two, everyone is Gryffindor.
As he reached the stadium exit, Wood suddenly stopped and called out to Draco.
Several senior players on the first team.
Angelina, Katie, Alicia, Gu, Andrew also turned around.
Wood looked at Draco, his eyes filled with a heavy sense of entrustment:
" Draco, we accept our defeat today. Everyone can see your potential and that of the reserve team."
"With the House Cup approaching, I'm officially handing the reins of Gryffindor to you. I hope you can lead the second team and help Gryffindor win the House Cup."
Draco nodded slightly, neither arrogant nor deferential. "Rest assured, Captain Wood! Since I'm staying in Gryffindor, I won't let the House down."
Wood nodded. "The first team will fully cooperate with your training, providing all the experience and tactics we can."
Draco's gaze swept over everyone present, and he said in a firm tone, "From now on, the second team will not consider today a victory, but only a trial run."
"Our only goal is the House Cup. Every training session and every team play must be approached like a real match."
Without saying anything more, the group went their separate ways to the Great Hall.
As the sun set, the Gryffindor team sat around a long table, the atmosphere quiet yet tense, everyone in a state of readiness.