Chapter 191 – Quidditch Match(Part 1)
Draco didn't say much—just nodded weakly, clearly displeased about losing points. In his view, he wasn't breaking any rules but trying to catch Gryffindor doing so. Therefore, he believed the deduction was unjust.
He failed to realize that Professor McGonagall was known for her fairness—often even stricter when dealing with her own House. Deducting only five points from him had actually been quite lenient.
Phineas, however, didn't mind losing points, even though he'd earned many of those currently gleaming in the hourglass. He understood better than anyone: the House Cup this year was already decided. Even if Gryffindor wasn't in the lead by year's end, Headmaster Dumbledore would find a way to tip the scale and ensure their victory.
This would be the year Slytherin's long-standing hold on the House Cup was finally broken.
Meanwhile, news of Harry, Ron, and Neville defeating the troll had spread across the school. Gryffindors, ever eager to boast, told the story with increasing embellishment. Phineas figured Ron would be the loudest of them all he was bound to exaggerate his role the most.
Yes, it was a tale worth telling: first-years taking down a mountain troll. But that was all it was—something worth telling. Young witches and wizards didn't hold attention for long.
Soon, everyone's focus had shifted to something far more exciting: the upcoming Quidditch match.
November had ushered in winter. The air was bitterly cold, turning the landscape around Hogwarts a dreary gray. Even the Black Lake had begun to freeze. Mornings brought frost, and after the season's first heavy snowfall, Hagrid rose early each day to clear the Quidditch pitch. Clad in a thick moleskin coat, rabbit-skin gloves, and towering beaver-fur boots, he worked tirelessly to ready the grounds.
The first match of the season was set for the first Saturday in November: Gryffindor versus Slytherin.
This would also be Harry's debut Quidditch match.
Yes—Harry's exceptional flying during their very first lesson had caught Professor McGonagall's eye. She'd immediately seen the potential he brought to Gryffindor's team.
Professor McGonagall had a deep love for Quidditch. She'd captained the Gryffindor team in her school days and even dreamt of joining the British National Team after graduation. Unfortunately, due to her mixed heritage and other circumstances, she never pursued a professional career. Instead, she entered the Ministry of Magic, weathered two loves and a tragic marriage, and eventually devoted herself entirely to teaching at Hogwarts.
Though rigid and strict in most matters, McGonagall shed all pretenses when it came to Quidditch. The moment she saw Harry fly, she knew he could revive Gryffindor's floundering team. She had no hesitation in bending the rules to place a first-year on the House team.
Since joining, Harry had been training in secret under the guidance of Wood, the team captain. He was considered Gryffindor's hidden ace.
Despite their efforts to keep Harry's position under wraps, word got out—thanks to Ron. But it didn't matter. The match was about to begin.
Phineas, unlike in previous years, made his way to the stands. He remembered this match well—something interesting was about to happen.
Quidditch wasn't really his thing. But at Hogwarts, it was one of the rare forms of entertainment. By the time the match began at eleven o'clock, nearly every student and professor had filled the stands. Many brought binoculars to better watch the action.
Phineas sat among the Slytherins, watching the sea of red across the pitch. He found it all slightly dull. If not for what he knew was coming, he wouldn't have bothered attending at all.
Before the game began, a commotion broke out on the Gryffindor side. A giant banner had been hoisted, emblazoned with "Potter Must Win!" and a roaring lion painted in gold and red. Someone had enchanted the colors to shimmer with magical hues.
Madam Hooch stood in the center of the field, broom in hand, waiting for both teams.
"I want a clean and fair game from all of you," she called, loud and clear.
Cheers erupted as Harry Potter stepped onto the pitch for the first time.
"Mount your brooms!" came the command.
With a shrill blast of the whistle, the match officially began.
Fifteen broomsticks shot into the sky, rising swiftly above the pitch.
"The Quaffle is immediately taken by Angelina Johnson—excellent Chaser, and might I add, quite stunning," boomed Lee Jordan from the commentator's podium, seated atop the tallest stand with a magical microphone in hand. His commentary was… spirited.
"Jordan!" came Professor McGonagall's sharp voice in warning.
"Sorry, Professor," he replied quickly. His apology echoed across the stadium, much to the delight of Fred and George, who hovered overhead laughing.
Phineas allowed himself a small smile. He remembered when Lee Jordan had first arrived—an honest, quiet boy. Two years with the Weasley twins had changed that.
"She's moving fast—what a pass to Alicia Spinnet! A real find by Oliver Wood—she was only a reserve last year. Back to Johnson—wait! No! Slytherin intercepts! Captain Marcus Flint snatches the Quaffle and breaks away! He's the one who picked a fight with Phineas Black last year—surprised he's still around after that!"
"Jordan!" McGonagall barked again.
"Right, right, I know—game commentary only!"
"Flint aims for the goal—but no! Gryffindor's Keeper, and captain, Oliver Wood blocks it with a brilliant save! Gryffindor regains possession!"