Chapter 64: Nifflers v Acromantulas
The third weekend of November would be an interesting spectacle. The first match of the Speed Quidditch tournament will be held on Saturday. My friends and I got invited to the teacher's box to watch, seeing we created the game. Dean was going to be the commentator for these games instead of Lee Jordan because Dean volunteered to manage the tournament. He came up with a double elimination style tournament, so a total of Six games. Matches will be played this year. Basically, each team had to lose twice to be out of the tournament.
The Nifflers and Acromantulas would play the winner against the winner of the match between the Threstals and Hypogryphs. and the losers of those first matches would be versus each other, creating the losers bracket.
But Saturday, just after lunch, we went down to the pitch; I was travelling with my friends and Luna, who wore a huge paper mache Niffler head and holding about twenty little purple and gold flags, which were the Niffler team colours she was handing them out to people. I saw that another Ravenclaw student was handing out crimson and white flags the colours of the Acromantulas. According to Dean, there had been a huge argument between the Thestrals and Acromantulas. They both wanted black as their colour, but only one could have that colour. Eventually, the Thestrals won the right to have black, and the Acromantulas chose white to represent their spider silk.
As we entered the pitch, we saw it had been changed. One half was now in purple and gold, and the other was in Crimson and white. I had to smile as the school was divided again, but not by house, just by sports team. we saw all the houses mingling around the stands.
My friends and I headed up to the teacher's box to watch.
--Pov 3rd--
On the field, the Nifflers and Acromantulas took their positions. Among the Nifflers, Seamus Finnigan stood out as a beater, bat in hand, a look of fierce determination on his face. A focused intensity replaced his usual jovial demeanour; he was ready to defend his team and take on the Acromantulas.
As Madam Hooch released the quaffle, bludgers, and the slightly slower snitch into the air, the game kicked off with a burst of energy. The players zoomed after the balls, and the clash of competition was immediately intense. The rule changes for Speed Quidditch, especially the modified role of the snitch, added a fresh dynamic. It was now worth only 30 points and did not end the match; instead, a new snitch was released a minute after each catch, keeping the seekers in constant, frantic motion.
The Nifflers took an early lead, with their chasers executing a series of precise passes and scoring several goals in quick succession. However, the Acromantulas, undeterred, responded with agility and strategy, their seeker keeping a keen eye on the snitch while their beaters aimed to disrupt the Nifflers' rhythm.
Seamus Finnigan was a force on the field, swinging his bat with expert precision, sending bludgers hurtling away from his teammates and towards the Acromantulas. His efforts were instrumental in maintaining the Nifflers' lead, as he protected their chasers and sought to give their seeker the space needed to chase the snitch.
The match's pace was relentless, the excitement palpable among the spectators. Cheers and gasps filled the air with every close call, goal, and bludger deflection. The camaraderie among the mixed-house teams was a heartening sight, embodying the spirit of unity that the tournament aimed to promote.
Dean Thomas's commentary added to the atmosphere, his voice filled with enthusiasm as he narrated the unfolding drama. "And Finnigan sends a bludger straight back at the Acromantulas! What a hit! The Nifflers are not letting up, folks!"
The Snitch appeared sooner than expected, its slightly reduced speed making its movements more predictable, yet capturing it remained a challenge. Eleanor Bristow, the seeker for the Nifflers, and Jamie Parkes, the Acromantulars seeker, were soon locked in a high-speed chase, weaving through players and avoiding Bludgers as they pursued the golden prize. Their duel drew gasps and cheers from the crowd, each near-catch followed by a collective sigh.
Meanwhile, Seamus Finnigan showcased his skills as a Beater, sending Bludgers towards the Acromantulas with pinpoint accuracy, disrupting their plays and protecting his teammates. His counterpart, Hannah Abbott, wasn't far behind, her Bludgers forcing the Nifflers to adapt quickly, creating a dynamic and fluid game where strategy and reflexes were key.
The match continued with intense competition, the Quaffle changing hands repeatedly, and goals scored with impressive skill from both sides. The innovative rule of releasing a new Snitch after each catch kept the Seekers on constant alert, contributing to the game's unrelenting pace and excitement.
As the afternoon wore on, the scoreline grew closer, with each team showcasing the best of their abilities, their mixed-house composition allowing for unexpected alliances and friendships to bloom on the pitch. The game exemplified not just the thrill of Quidditch, but the unity and diversity of Hogwarts, a fitting backdrop to the magical world's most beloved sport, reimagined.
When the final whistle blew at the 90-minute mark, the Nifflers emerged victorious, but not without acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by the Acromantulas. The match was a testament to the skill, courage, and sportsmanship of all players involved, setting a high standard for the rest of the Speed Quidditch tournament. As Dean Thomas summed up the game, his voice filled with admiration, "What a match! A true showcase of the spirit of Hogwarts. Well played to both teams!" The tournament, despite its backdrop of mystery and danger, provided a much-needed distraction and a celebration of unity and talent among the students.
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