Chapter 50: Harry vs Cedric
As they approached the stadium entrance, the Gryffindor team could feel the anticipation building in the air. Madam Hooch stood waiting for them, her no-nonsense demeanor adding to the seriousness of the upcoming match. The trunk containing the Quidditch balls lay at her feet, gleaming in the morning sunlight.
On the other end of the field, the Hufflepuff team approached, their green and yellow robes standing out against the emerald grass. Harry's eyes zeroed in on Cedric Diggory, Hufflepuff's renowned seeker. The thought of facing off against Cedric stirred a competitive fire within Harry, heightening his determination to succeed.
"Welcome, witches and wizards, to another thrilling Quidditch match here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!" Lee Jordan's voice boomed across the stadium, electrifying the air with excitement. "Today, we have Gryffindor facing off against Hufflepuff in what promises to be an epic showdown!"
The roar of the crowd filled the stadium, the cheers and applause echoing off the towering walls as Lee Jordan's voice carried over the excited throng.
"Without further ado, let's meet our Gryffindor team! Leading the charge as captain and keeper, we have the indomitable Oliver Wood, whose unwavering leadership and steadfast defense have steered Gryffindor to victory time and time again!"
As Lee's words reverberated through the stadium, the Gryffindor supporters erupted into cheers, waving banners and scarves in a show of unwavering loyalty to their team. "Chasing alongside him, we have the dynamic trio of Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, and Alicia Spinnet, whose speed, agility, and teamwork make them a force to be reckoned with on the Quidditch pitch!"
As Lee's announcement rang out, the Gryffindor fans erupted into cheers, their voices blending into a cacophony of excitement.
"And soaring above them all, we have the legendary seeker, none other than Harry Potter himself, who also happens to be the youngest seeker in Quidditch history!" Lee's voice boomed again.
The announcement was met with an explosion of cheers from the Gryffindor supporters, their voices rising in a wave of exhilaration. Flags waved, banners fluttered, and the stands shook with the thunderous applause of fans showing their unwavering support for their star seeker.
"Before we forget, let's not overlook the formidable duo of our Gryffindor team, the beaters who are like a pair of human bludgers themselves—Fred and George Weasley!" Lee's voice carried with it a hint of mischief, reflecting the twins' own reputation for pranks and antics. "These pranksters turned Quidditch stars are renowned for their precision, power, and penchant for mischief. With their expert skills and uncanny ability to wreak havoc on the opposing team, they're sure to keep Hufflepuff on their toes!"
The mention of Fred and George Weasley drew a raucous cheer from the Gryffindor supporters, who knew all too well the twins' penchant for stirring up trouble both on and off the Quidditch pitch. Their playful antics had earned them a special place in the hearts of Gryffindors everywhere, and today was no exception as they prepared to witness the dynamic duo in action once more.
"In the Hufflepuff corner," Lee Jordan's voice resonated through the stadium, his words carrying over the excited murmurs of the crowd like a wave crashing against the shore, "we have Edgar Mitts, their steadfast keeper and captain, ready to defend his goal with unwavering determination. Mitts is known for his unwavering focus and quick reflexes, traits that have made him a formidable opponent on the Quidditch pitch."
The Hufflepuff supporters erupted into cheers, their enthusiasm matching the Gryffindor fans as they cheered for their team's captain. Flags waved, banners fluttered, and the sound of thunderous applause filled the air, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation and excitement.
"And who could forget Cedric Diggory," Lee continued, his voice rising above the din of the crowd, "the formidable seeker whose skill and speed have earned him admiration throughout Hogwarts?"
The mention of Cedric Diggory elicited a roar of approval from the Hufflepuff supporters, their pride in their star seeker evident. Diggory was a name synonymous with excellence on the Quidditch field, his talent unmatched and his dedication unwavering. As he stepped forward, clad in his Hufflepuff robes, he was met with a chorus of cheers and applause, the admiration of his fellow students palpable in the air.
"Accompanying them are the talented chasers Prudence Everstone, Fiona Farrier, and Elara Elmwood," Lee announced, his voice carrying across the stadium, "poised and ready to rival Gryffindor's formidable offense. Everstone, Farrier, and Elmwood are a force to be reckoned with, their coordination and teamwork unmatched as they navigate the skies in pursuit of victory."
The Hufflepuff supporters cheered louder, showing their support for their entire team as they prepared for the exciting match ahead. Banners bearing the Hufflepuff crest waved proudly in the air, their colors shimmering in the sunlight as the anticipation built to a fever pitch. Today would be a day to remember, a clash of titans on the Quidditch field as Gryffindor and Hufflepuff battled for supremacy.
As Lee's voice faded, the crowd erupted into cheers, the excitement reaching a fever pitch.
The tension in the air was palpable as Madam Hooch called the captains to the center of the pitch to shake hands. Wood and Edgar exchanged firm grips, their eyes locking in a silent exchange of determination and resolve. Both captains were eager to lead their teams to victory, and their determination was evident in the steely glint of their eyes.
With the captains' handshake complete, Madam Hooch turned to address the rest of the players. "Mount your brooms and prepare to kick off at my whistle," she instructed, her voice carrying across the field.
The players wasted no time in complying, mounting their brooms with practiced ease as they awaited the signal to begin. The tension in the air was thick, the anticipation building with each passing moment.
Madam Hooch raised her whistle to her lips and began to count back from three. The crowd fell silent, their eyes fixed on the players poised on the pitch below.
"Three... two... one..." Madam Hooch blew her whistle sharply, and the players kicked off into the sky with a burst of speed and agility.
As the players soared into the air, Cedric and Harry shot upwards, their brooms cutting through the air with precision and grace. Their eyes met briefly, a silent acknowledgment passing between them as they prepared to face off in the pursuit of the Golden Snitch. In that fleeting moment, there was a fire to win burning brightly in both pairs of eyes, a determination to emerge victorious in the exhilarating clash that lay ahead.
Madam Hooch releases the Quaffle and the game starts.
Lee Jordan's voice filled the stadium once more as he provided a play-by-play commentary of the action unfolding before him. "And they're off, ladies and gentlemen! Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff in what promises to be an electrifying match! Both teams are giving it their all as they race across the pitch, each vying for control of the Quaffle!"
Harry and Cedric stayed above everyone looking at the game below and prying their eyes to see the golden glint of the snitch.
The Chasers from both teams showcased their skills, passing the Quaffle back and forth with lightning speed as they attempted to outmaneuver their opponents. Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, and Alicia Spinnet worked in perfect harmony, executing seamless passes and launching powerful shots towards the Hufflepuff hoops. No one had managed to score yet from either side.
"But wait! Here comes Prudence Everstone from Hufflepuff, swooping in to intercept the Quaffle! She's weaving through Gryffindor's defense with ease, determined to score the first goal of the match!"
Harry glances towards the Gryffindor end to see Prudence weave through the bludgers sent by the twins and take her shot at the goal.
As Prudence Everstone made her daring move towards the Gryffindor goalposts, Harry's heart raced with anticipation. He watched with baited breath as Oliver Wood, Gryffindor's Keeper, prepared himself for the incoming shot.
"Wood's ready, but Prudence Everstone is closing in fast! Can she break through Gryffindor's defense and score the first goal of the match?" Lee Jordan's voice boomed across the stadium, amplifying the tension in the air.
With a lightning-fast reflex, Wood dove towards the Quaffle, his fingers grazing the leather just in time to deflect Prudence's shot. The crowd erupted into cheers as Wood secured the save, his skill and agility on full display for all to see.
"But wait! Wood's got it! What a save by Gryffindor's Keeper! And he's wasted no time in passing the Quaffle to Katie Bell, Gryffindor's star Chaser! Can she turn this defensive play into an offensive opportunity?"
As Katie Bell seized control of the Quaffle, the Gryffindor supporters erupted into cheers, their voices echoing throughout the stadium. With determination etched on her face, Katie streaked towards the Hufflepuff goalposts, her eyes fixed on the prize.
As Harry scanned the field, his eyes darting between the players and the glinting sunlight above, he couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that coursed through him. Cedric, too, was on the lookout for the snitch, his focused gaze mirroring Harry's determination.
"Incredible action on the field, folks!" Lee Jordan's voice crackled over the speakers, drawing the attention of the crowd. "Both seekers are still in hot pursuit of the elusive snitch, but it looks like they haven't had the chance to get involved just yet!"
"And here comes Alicia Spinnet, making a break for it! She's left the Hufflepuff defense in the dust and is lining up for a shot at the goal!"
The Gryffindor supporters erupted into cheers as Alicia took aim, her determination evident in every movement. With a swift flick of her wrist, she sent the Quaffle hurtling towards the Hufflepuff goal, her accuracy unmatched.
"Can she do it? Can Alicia Spinnet score for Gryffindor?"
As the Quaffle soared through the air, tension mounted in the stadium, all eyes fixed on the impending outcome. Then the Quaffle sailed through the goalposts, scoring a point for Gryffindor amidst a chorus of cheers from their supporters.
"And she scored! Alicia has scored the first goal of the game putting Gryffindor 10-0", Lee's voice shouted in the megaphone. The Gryffindor crowd's cheer almost deafened Lee's voice.
"The game has officially warmed up with Gryffindor scoring the first goal. Can Hufflepuff take back the advantage and score?"
Harry was still looking around for the snitch; roaming around above everyone, squinting for a glint of gold. It was getting frustrating now, should he just let out his magical energy and find the snitch that way? No that would be cheating, not to mention boring...
As Cedric observed Harry from across the field, a sense of admiration mingled with a hint of curiosity. Harry's skill as a flyer was undeniable, his movements fluid and precise, even at such a young age. Cedric couldn't help but marvel at the Gryffindor seeker's prowess, wondering what secrets lay behind his remarkable talent.
"He's quite the flyer, that Potter," Cedric mused to himself, his thoughts drifting as he circled above the stands. "With his agility and reflexes, he could easily hold his own on a professional Quidditch team. And he's only a first year!"
Recalling the last match, Cedric couldn't help but be impressed by Harry's daring move, the way he executed it with such finesse and confidence. Many had dismissed it as luck, but Cedric knew better. He had seen the subtle smile on Harry's face as he plummeted through the air, a telltale sign of someone in complete control of their actions.
"How does he do it?" Cedric wondered, his curiosity piqued. "How did he train to become so skilled at such a young age?"
Lost in his thoughts, Cedric's gaze lingered on Harry for a moment longer before he refocused his attention on the task at hand: finding the snitch and securing victory for his team.
As the match progressed, tensions ran high on both sides of the field. Gryffindor was trailing behind Hufflepuff, the score standing at 80-60 in favor of the badgers. Every goal was crucial now, and Gryffindor knew they needed to step up their game if they were to stand a chance at victory.
"With Gryffindor in dire need of a comeback, Angelina Johnson takes possession of the Quaffle and makes a daring move, weaving her way through the formidable Hufflepuff defenses with lightning speed! The Gryffindor supporters are on the edge of their seats, holding their breath as Angelina charges towards the goalposts," Lee Jordan's voice boomed across the stadium, his excitement palpable.
"But wait, what's this? Angelina Johnson with a stunning pass to Katie Bell, who's positioned perfectly to take the shot! It's a seamless exchange between teammates as Katie lines up her shot, her focus unwavering despite the pressure of the moment," Lee continued, his commentary intensifying with each passing second.
"The Hufflepuff keeper braces himself, ready to defend his goal, but Katie's shot is too fast, too precise! And she scores! Gryffindor closes the gap with another spectacular goal, bringing the score to 80-70 in favor of Hufflepuff. What a play by the Gryffindor chasers! They're keeping their team in the game with their incredible teamwork and skill!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as Gryffindor's relentless determination breathed new life into the match, setting the stage for a thrilling comeback attempt against their formidable opponents.
As the cheers echoed through the stadium, both Harry and Cedric's attention was drawn to a glint of gold near the Hufflepuff goalposts. With determination blazing in their eyes, they veered sharply in its direction, their brooms slicing through the air with precision.
"Look at that, folks! It seems the snitch has finally made an appearance, and both Gryffindor's Harry Potter and Hufflepuff's Cedric Diggory are in hot pursuit!" Lee Jordan's voice crackled with excitement as he provided the commentary, his words carrying across the stadium.
"The stakes couldn't be higher as both seekers race towards the elusive snitch. It's neck and neck between these two talented flyers, each determined to be the one to catch it and secure victory for their team," Lee's commentary continued, his words heightening the tension in the air.
The crowd erupted into cheers as they watched the thrilling chase unfold, their eyes glued to the spectacle in the sky. With the outcome of the match hanging in the balance, every movement of the seekers was met with bated breath, anticipation building with each passing moment.
With their hearts pounding and adrenaline coursing through their veins, Harry and Cedric raced towards the elusive snitch, their brooms cutting through the air with unparalleled speed and agility. They maneuvered through the twists and turns of the Quidditch pitch, their focus singularly on the glimmering golden ball that danced just out of reach.
"Potter and Diggory are neck and neck in this heart-stopping pursuit! The snitch darts and weaves, challenging the skills of these two remarkable seekers," Lee Jordan's voice echoed across the stadium, the tension palpable in his commentary.
The spectators held their breath as they watched the thrilling chase unfold, their eyes darting between Harry and Cedric as they soared through the sky with breathtaking speed. Every twist and turn brought them closer to the snitch, their determination unwavering despite the fierce competition.
"Just inches away now! Potter and Diggory are closing in on the snitch with lightning-fast reflexes and unparalleled precision. Who will be the first to seize victory for their team?" Lee's commentary intensified, mirroring the electrifying atmosphere in the stadium.
As Harry and Cedric pushed their brooms to the limit, their focus solely on the snitch, disaster struck in a split second of miscalculation. In their fervent pursuit, they failed to anticipate each other's movements, resulting in a collision that sent them spiraling off course.
"The seekers collide in a dramatic twist of fate! Potter and Diggory have crashed mid-air, their pursuit interrupted by a shocking collision!" Lee Jordan's voice crackled over the stadium speakers, the gasps of the crowd echoing his disbelief.
The Gryffindor and Hufflepuff supporters held their breath as they watched the aftermath of the collision unfold, the tension thick in the air as Harry and Cedric struggled to regain control of their brooms. But as they righted themselves and scanned the sky for any sign of the snitch, they were met with disappointment.
"The snitch has vanished from sight! After that collision, it seems to have disappeared into thin air, leaving our seekers empty-handed!" Lee's commentary reflected the collective frustration of the spectators, who watched anxiously as the match hung in the balance.
Amidst the chaos and frustration of their collision, Harry and Cedric cursed under their breaths, their determination unyielding as they resumed their search for the elusive snitch. Meanwhile, the Quidditch match continued with fervor, each team striving to outmaneuver the other and seize victory.
"Hufflepuff extends their lead with a spectacular goal from Prudence Everstone! The Gryffindor defense caught off guard as Everstone swoops in with precision and finesse increasing the lead!" Lee Jordan's voice echoed through the stadium, punctuated by cheers from the Hufflepuff supporters.
But the lions weren't about to let the badgers run away with the match. With a swift counterattack, Alicia led the charge, expertly maneuvering past the Hufflepuff defense to score another goal for Gryffindor.
"And Gryffindor responds! Katie Bell with an incredible display of skill and determination, bringing the score to 110-90 in favor of Hufflepuff! The game is far from over, folks, as Gryffindor fights tooth and nail to narrow the gap!"
The game continued at a breakneck pace, with both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff relentlessly battling for control of the Quaffle. As Fiona Farrier of Hufflepuff seized possession and sped towards the Gryffindor goal, it seemed like another scoring opportunity for the badgers. However, Fred Weasley had other plans.
"Farrier with a clear path to the Gryffindor goal, but wait! Fred Weasley sends a bludger hurtling towards her with pinpoint accuracy! Or was it George? Can't tell!" Lee Jordan's voice crackled over the roar of the crowd as Fred's bludger struck true, causing Farrier to fumble the Quaffle.
Quick as lightning, Angelina Johnson swooped in to seize the opportunity, snatching up the Quaffle and streaking towards the Hufflepuff goal with determination in her eyes. With a swift and precise shot, she sent the Quaffle soaring through the goal hoops, narrowing the gap once again.
"And Gryffindor strikes back! Angelina Johnson with an impressive display of skill and resilience, bringing the score to 110-100 in favor of Hufflepuff! What a turnaround for Gryffindor as they refuse to back down in the face of adversity!"
With the score now at 110-100, Gryffindor's spirits were soaring high as they fought tooth and nail to close the gap. But amidst the chaos of the Quaffle exchange, Cedric Diggory's keen eyes caught a glint of gold near the teachers' stand.
"And what's this? Cedric Diggory of Hufflepuff spots the snitch near the teachers' stand! He's diving towards it with lightning speed, determined to seize the golden opportunity!"
As Cedric surged ahead, Harry caught sight of the snitch at the last moment, his heart pounding with adrenaline. With a burst of speed, he veered off in pursuit, his broom cutting through the air like a streak of lightning.
"Wait a minute! Harry Potter of Gryffindor has spotted the snitch as well! It's a race to the finish between Potter and Diggory, folks! Who will emerge victorious in this thrilling pursuit?"
The crowd held its breath as the two seekers engaged in a breakneck chase, their brooms weaving through the air with unparalleled agility. Gryffindor and Hufflepuff supporters alike watched in rapt anticipation, knowing that the outcome of the match hung in the balance. Harry was still behind Cedric by about 10 inches. He was constantly urging his broom to go faster.
As the snitch darted across the pitch, Harry and Cedric remained in hot pursuit, their determination unwavering despite the snitch's erratic movements. Cedric maintained a slight lead, his focus solely on capturing the elusive golden ball. The snitch dived towards the field and then sharply cut up towards the staff stands.
"The snitch is putting up quite the chase, but Diggory seems to have the upper hand at the moment!" Lee Jordan's voice crackled over the speakers, his excitement palpable. "Potter is trailing behind, but he's not giving up just yet!"
As Cedric closed in on the snitch, Harry's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing with a daring idea born from the heat of the moment. Adrenaline surged through his veins, igniting a fire of determination within him. With a sharp intake of breath, he made a split-second decision, knowing it was his only chance to seize victory for Gryffindor.
Summoning every ounce of courage he possessed, Harry propelled his broom forward with a fierce determination, the wind whipping against his face as he built up speed. With each passing second, the distance between him and the snitch seemed to shrink, fueling his resolve.
"I am mad. Hopefully I don't end up dead".
With that thought, Harry leaped from his broom towards the stands, his heart pounding in his ears as he stretched his arms outstretched towards the golden glimmer of the snitch. He felt the rush of air against his skin as he hurtled through the sky, the world around him a blur of motion and anticipation.
"And wait! Potter is making a daring move here, folks! He's propelling his broom with incredible force... and he's... he's jumping off towards the stands!"
The crowd erupted into gasps of disbelief as Harry soared through the air, propelled by the sheer momentum of his broom. Gryffindor and Hufflepuff supporters alike watched in stunned silence, their eyes wide with shock and awe at the audacity of Harry's maneuver.
"Unbelievable! Potter is by far the craziest seeker Hogwarts has ever seen!" Lee's voice cracked with astonishment, the intensity of the moment palpable in his tone. "I've never witnessed anything like this in all my years of commentating! Will he be able to pull it off?"
Just before hitting the stands Harry felt his hand close around the snitch and with his other hand he did a cushioning charm.
With a split-second reflex, Harry's hand closed around the fluttering golden snitch, his fingers tightening around its tiny form. As he felt the rush of wind against his face and the stands looming closer, he knew he had to act fast. With his other hand, he swiftly cast a cushioning charm, creating a protective barrier to soften the impact. Although it didn't do much it certainly prevented him from dying.
As Harry crashed into the stands, a collective gasp swept through the stadium, followed by a deafening silence. The professors and spectators alike stared in shock as they witnessed the unexpected turn of events. McGonagall's face went pale as she watched Harry's form tumble through the air, landing with a thud just beside her. She placed a hand on her chest, her expression a mix of concern and disbelief.
The stadium fell eerily silent as everyone held their breath, waiting anxiously to see if Harry was alright. The air was thick with tension as the gravity of the situation sank in. Would Harry be okay? Was this the end of the match? The uncertainty hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over the once jubilant atmosphere of the Quidditch stadium.
...
Cedric POV
As Cedric's hand reached out, inches away from grasping the elusive snitch, he watched in disbelief as Harry shot forward from his side. In a split-second, Harry's hands closed around the snitch, but what shocked Cedric the most was seeing Harry hurtling towards the staff stand without his broom.
For a moment, Cedric's mind went blank with shock. He had been so focused on the snitch that he hadn't noticed Harry's daring maneuver until it was too late. As Harry crashed into the stands, Cedric's heart clenched with concern. He knew the match was momentarily forgotten as everyone's attention turned to the fallen seeker.
"Why did he do that?", Cedric's mind racing through this as he saw Harry crash
....
Despite the pain coursing through his body, Harry gritted his teeth and attempted to rise to his feet. Each movement sent waves of agony shooting through him, confirming his suspicions of several broken ribs, dislocated shoulder, torn muscles, fractured collar bone and surprisingly a bad sprain. But determination burned in his eyes as he steadied himself, refusing to let the pain defeat him.
As Harry surveyed his surroundings, he noticed the shocked expressions on the faces of the professors, particularly McGonagall, whose face had gone ghastly pale. With a smirk, Harry held up the golden snitch, his tone nonchalant as he addressed his professor.
"Look, Professor McGonagall, we won!" he exclaimed, his voice betraying none of the pain he was feeling. The audacity of his statement left everyone momentarily stunned, as if questioning whether Harry was still sane.
Lee Jordan's voice echoed through the stadium with a mix of disbelief and awe, his usual exuberance amplified to a whole new level.
"Unbelievable! Harry Potter, the boy who lived, has caught the snitch!" Lee exclaimed, his voice reaching a crescendo of excitement. "Merlin's pants! This guy is absolutely bonkers! I've never seen anything like it in all my years of Quidditch commentary! Gryffindor wins in the most spectacular fashion imaginable!"
As the crowd erupted into thunderous applause and cheers, Lee quickly announced the final scores, his excitement palpable.
"And with that incredible catch, Gryffindor secures victory with a final score of 250 to 110!" Lee declared, his voice echoing across the stadium. "What a match, what a comeback! Congratulations to Gryffindor on a truly remarkable win!"
As the cheers of victory engulfed the stadium, Harry struggled to rise from the ground, his body protesting against the pain. His injuries, too severe to ignore, rendered his attempts futile. With a grim determination, Harry channeled his magical energy to heal his battered body, the familiar sensation of his magic coursing through him in a desperate attempt to mend his wounds.
But as the strain of his injuries took its toll, Harry's vision blurred and his limbs grew heavy. With a weary sigh, he felt the pull of exhaustion dragging him into the darkness. His eyelids drooped, his body succumbing to the overwhelming fatigue.
With a final, resigned breath, Harry muttered under his breath, "Ahh, bloody hell...Mum's gonna kill me!" And with that, he collapsed, the weight of his injuries finally overcoming him as darkness enveloped his senses.