Chapter Three
The Icy Dawn of the Quidditch Season
The following week dawned upon Hogwarts, painting the sky with a brilliant, icy brightness that matched the biting cold in the air. Inside the majestic walls of the castle, the great hall buzzed with an irresistible aroma and a tantalising medley of sizzling sausages, crisp bacon, hash browns, and fluffy eggs. The lively atmosphere reverberated with the cheerful chatter of eager students, all eagerly anticipating a thrilling Quidditch match. Seated at the Ravenclaw table, Jugson exuded an air of renewed vitality, his health and fitness restored to their former glory. His gaze was fixed on the staff table, where Professor Willow graced the scene in a resplendent blue robe, seemingly lost in his own enchanting world. By his side, Gnu immersed herself in the pages of Quidditch through the Ages, seeking solace and distraction amidst the fluttering anticipation. Around them, the rest of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team gathered, their minds and hearts already soaring through the skies, envisioning the exhilarating game that lay ahead.
"Jugson!" Jackbuck's voice boomed across the bustling hall, effectively snapping Jugson out of his reverie. He followed Jackbuck's pointing finger, his gaze landing on Gnu.
"Gnu, you really should have some breakfast," Jugson insisted, concern etched on his face.
Gnu shook her head, her lack of appetite was apparent. "I just don't feel like eating anything," she replied, her voice tinged with a touch of despondency.
"Just a couple of sausages," Jugson persisted, attempting to coax her into eating something.
"And some bacon," Bramble chimed in, as he was filling his face with more hash browns.
"I'm not hungry," Gnu moaned, a feeling of uneasiness settling within her. In just a little over an hour, she would step onto the Quidditch pitch, exposing herself to the watchful eyes of the entire Hogwarts community, and she desperately hoped to avoid any potential embarrassments.
"Gnu, you need to keep up your strength," Nightingale interjected, her voice brimming with support and concern.
Bramble added, "Seekers are often the prime targets of the opposing team's attacks. You need to be prepared." He finished, filling his face with bacon.
Gnu mustered a grateful smile, acknowledging the genuine care from her teammates. Yet the thought of consuming food made her stomach churn with discomfort. She watched as Jugson liberally doused his breakfast butty with ketchup, taking hearty sips from his cup of tea, a sight that only served to exacerbate her queasiness.
As the clock neared eleven o'clock, a palpable air of excitement enveloped both Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, drawing the entire community towards the quidditch pitch. The stands teemed with eager students and professors, many of whom brandished binoculars, yearning for an up-close view of the impending match. Though the stands rose high into the air, offering a vantage point, there were still moments when the action on the field remained shrouded in mystery. Among the spectators, Professor Willow made her way up to the top row, joining the Ravenclaw contingent. Unbeknownst to Jugson and the team, a delightful surprise awaited them.
The Ravenclaw's had meticulously crafted a large banner that proudly declared, 'In Captain Notts We Trust,' embellished with a splendid depiction of a majestic blue and bronze Ravenclaw eagle. Professor Willow added her own touch of magic, enchanting the paint so that it shimmered and danced with a mesmerising display of ever-changing colours. Meanwhile, within the confines of the Ravenclaw changing room, Jugson and his teammates prepared themselves for battle, donning their vibrant blue and bronze Quidditch robes. As Jugson raised his voice, calling for silence, a hush fell over the room, intensifying the moment.
"Alright, men," Jugson began, his voice carrying authority and determination.
"And women," Chaser Cooper interjected.
Jugson nodded, a gesture of agreement. "Yes, and women. Thank you, Cooper," he acknowledged with a hint of gratitude. "This is it," he continued, his tone imbued with a sense of significance.
"The big one," Nightingale interjected, her voice brimming with excitement.
"The one we've all been eagerly anticipating," Felide added, his words directed at Gnu, their newest Ravenclaw beater.
Nightingale couldn't help but giggle. "He did the same speech last year too," she whispered, earning a stern reprimand from Jugson.
"Quiet, you two," Jugson snapped, his focus returning to the task at hand. "This is the strongest team Ravenclaw has seen in years. I have complete faith that we will emerge victorious. I can feel it, no, I know it," Jugson proclaimed to his teammates, instilling them with his unwavering belief. "But we must also prioritise the safety of our newest player, Gnu, the finest seeker Hogwarts has witnessed since the legendary Harry Potter himself. And our own head of house, Professor Willow. We must protect Gnu, and she will get us our victory," Jugson emphasised, pointing at each individual in turn. "Good luck to all of you. Hold your brooms tightly and fly with unwavering determination. Slytherin won't know what hit them," Jugson concluded, his voice filled with determination.
"Hit them hard," Felide said, turning to Nightingale.
"And hit them fast," Nightingale completed his sentence, the two Beaters simultaneously striking their bats together, creating a resounding sound that echoed with a promise of impending action.
The Ravenclaw Quidditch team emerged from the changing room, forming a tight formation as they made their way towards the pitch, their steps accompanied by resounding cheers from the crowd. Madam Rose, the referee, stood at the centre of the field, clutching her broom, patiently awaiting the arrival of both teams. Addressing the gathered players, she emphasised the need for a fair and sportsmanlike game, directing her words specifically towards Jugson, the Ravenclaw captain, and Hardy Bovin, the captain of Slytherin. Jugson and Professor Willow would often exchange playful jokes about Bovin's appearance, privately referring to him as having a trace of troll blood. The rivalry between Jugson and Bovin ran deep, their games usually ended with one of them hospitalized. In the periphery of Jugson's vision, the grand banner fluttered high above the crowd, casting its vibrant presence. It bore the striking message 'In Captain Notts, We Trust,' with a depiction of a majestic blue and bronze Ravenclaw eagle. Just beneath it, seated beneath its protective gaze, was Professor Willow. At the sight of both the banner and Professor Willow, Jugson's heart skipped a beat, imbuing him with a sense of courage and resolve.
"Mount your brooms, please!" Madam Rose's authoritative voice echoed across the field. Responding swiftly, both teams scrambled onto their brooms, their movements filled with a mix of anticipation and determination. Jugson gracefully positioned himself atop his new Nimbus 2005, a remarkable broomstick widely recognised as the finest on the market. A secret gift from Professor Willow, who had also bought his previous broomstick. Grateful for her unwavering support, Jugson cherished the thought as he prepared for the match. Madam Rose punctuated the air with a resounding blast from her bronze and black whistle, simultaneously launching a dazzling fireworks display into the sky. Fifteen brooms swiftly ascended, soaring high above the pitch with remarkable speed. The game had commenced, propelling the players into a whirlwind of intense competition.
"The Quaffle is swiftly seized by Jugson Notts, the remarkable captain and star chaser of Ravenclaw!" exclaimed Grace Passel, the announcer, with great enthusiasm, her voice resonating across the field. A touch of admiration crept into her tone as she added, "What an exceptional player he is, and, dare I say, quite handsome as well."
"Miss Passel!" Professor McGonagall's voice reverberated with reproach, interjecting swiftly to address the inappropriate remark.
"Apologies, Professor," Passel responded, her voice tinged with contrition. Aware of Professor McGonagall's watchful gaze.
"And he's soaring through the sky with incredible speed! A fantastic pass from Notts to Owelet, his loyal friend and former reserve player. Now back to Notts! Wait, Slytherin has intercepted the Quaffle! Bovin, the Slytherin captain, takes possession and zooms ahead like a hawk in flight. He's aiming to score no! Ravenclaw Keeper Jackbuck pulls off a world-class move, denying Slytherin's attempt. Ravenclaw regains control of the quaffle, and its chaser Cooper leads the charge. She skillfully evades Bovin's pursuit and advances up the field. Oh, a fierce hit to the back of her head from a Bludger! The Quaffle is snatched by Slytherin's Reva Crane, racing towards the goalposts, but another Bludger, expertly sent by Ravenclaw Beater Nightingale, thwarts his progress. Excellent play by the Ravenclaw Beater, indeed," Passel narrated, keeping the audience engaged with her energetic commentary.
"Back in possession of the Quaffle is Notts, who swiftly navigates the field, a clear path ahead. He's truly flying! Dodging a rapid Bludger, he sets his sights on the goalposts. Come on, Notts, you can do it! Slytherin Keeper Oleander Foxglove dives but misses, and RAVENCLAW SCORES!" Passel's voice reverberated with excitement as she announced the success of Ravenclaw's goal. The stands erupted in a chorus of jubilant cheers from the Ravenclaw supporters, while the Slytherins voiced their disappointment. Over the next twenty minutes of intense gameplay, Notts scored two more goals, with Cooper contributing another goal for Ravenclaw. Slytherin managed to secure two goals of their own, resulting in a score of forty to twenty in favour of Ravenclaw. The cold November air filled with a mix of celebration and frustration, creating a vibrant atmosphere on the pitch.
"Make some room, everyone. Move along," a deep voice commanded. It belonged to none other than Hagrid, whose towering presence drew attention and admiration. A wide grin adorned his face as he greeted Professor Willow, prompting cheers and applause from the surrounding spectators.
"Hagrid!" Professor Willow exclaimed joyfully, reciprocating his warm greeting with a heartfelt hug.
"I've been watchin' from me hut," Hagrid explained as he settled down beside the professor. "But it just ain't the same as bein' amid the crowd. How many goals has Jugson scored? And any sign of the snitch yet?" Hagrid's excitement was palpable, evident in the large pair of binoculars draped around his neck, ready to catch every thrilling moment of the game.
"He's got two more goals, making it three in total. Cooper added one as well. Slytherin managed to score two, so we're currently leading forty to twenty," Professor Willow explained, her smile reflecting her satisfaction with the team's performance. She glanced at Gnu, the Ravenclaw Seeker, and continued, "No sign of the Snitch yet, Gnu hasn't had much involvement thus far." Hagrid nodded in agreement, sharing the anticipation for the Seeker's crucial role in the game. "Come on, Jugson! Come on, Ravenclaw!" Professor Willow couldn't contain her enthusiasm, her voice ringing out in support of her team.
Meanwhile, Passel continued her commentary. "Ravenclaw retains possession," she announced. "Captain Notts skillfully evades two Bludgers, two Slytherin Chasers, and a Beater as he speeds forward. Wait a moment. Could that be the snitch?" Passel's words sparked a murmur of excitement among the crowd. Slytherin captain Bovin, catching a glimpse of the fleeting flash of gold near his left ear, momentarily diverted his attention. Taking advantage of the confusion, Notts swiftly manoeuvred around the keeper, securing another goal for Ravenclaw, extending their lead to fifty to twenty. Gnu's eyes caught sight of the elusive Snitch, igniting a surge of exhilaration within her. She immediately gave chase, diving and climbing after the streak of gold, closely pursued by Slytherin Seeker Polly Crow, who had also spotted the snitch and was determined to seize the opportunity.
"Slytherin gains possession of the quaffle, with Bovin leading the charge. He passes to Cooper and Owelet. Oh, a forceful Bludger strike to the face! Let's hope it didn't cause any serious harm, Professor, just a joke," Passel remarked, offering a lighthearted comment to Professor McGonagall. "Slytherin scores! Oh no," she sighed, sensing the disappointment among the Ravenclaw supporters. The Slytherins erupted in cheers, narrowing the score to a twenty-point difference.
"Ravenclaw regains control of the quaffle. Cooper is in possession, evading an opponent. She passes it to Felide, who swiftly returns it to Cooper. A long pass to Nightingale, wait! Cooper has been taken out late by Bovin! The foul play from that dirty, cheating." Passel's voice trailed off abruptly as Cooper tumbled from her broom, crashing to the ground and effectively exiting the match.
"Miss Passel, that's your final warning!" Professor McGonagall's stern voice cut through the air, reprimanding the commentator for her inappropriate outburst.
"Apologies, Professor," Passel quickly responded, acknowledging her mistake. "Slytherin has now gained possession of the quaffle and is swiftly advancing towards the Ravenclaw goalposts. Oh, dear... Jackbuck, the Ravenclaw keeper, has been struck by two Bludgers consecutively, rendering him unable to continue. Slytherin scores another goal," Passel relayed with a tinge of disappointment in her voice. Professor Willow watched on, feeling frustrated by the turn of events. In the following twenty minutes, Slytherin capitalised on their numerical advantage, securing four additional goals. The score now stood at eighty to fifty in favour of Slytherin, further fueling Professor Willow's annoyance.
"Ravenclaw's captain, Notts, determined to rally his team, zooms past Bovin and Crane, executing a skillful manoeuvre. He passes it on to Owelet, who swiftly returns it to Notts. Notts takes a wide turn around the stands, eluding Charlie Hare and Reuben Talpin of Slytherin. He then passes back to Owelet, who finds herself unmarked in front of the goal. Foxglove, the Slytherin keeper, can't reach it! It's a goal for Ravenclaw! The score now stands at Slytherin eighty, Ravenclaw sixty," Passel exclaimed excitedly. Professor Willow leaped to her feet, caught up in the exhilaration of Owelet's successful goal. She joined the jubilant celebration among the Ravenclaw supporters, even embracing Hagrid in the shared joy of the moment.
"Slytherin, led by Trudie Locks, regains possession of the quaffle and launches an aggressive attack with multiple players. Locks manages to evade Felide and passes to Crane. Oh my, that looked quite painful! Crane takes a powerful hit from a Bludger delivered by Nightingale. Nevertheless, Locks maintains possession and takes a shot. But it's a fantastic save by Captain Notts! However, the rebound falls to Hare, who takes another shot. And yet again, Notts is there with an incredible save! Notts is truly dominating the pitch at the moment," Passel exclaimed enthusiastically. Her commentary was met with resounding cheers from the Ravenclaw supporters and disappointed groans from the Slytherin fans.
"Come on, Jugson!" Professor Willow shouted with unwavering enthusiasm. "That was an incredible double save," she exclaimed, turning to Hagrid and embracing him once more. The excitement and admiration in her voice were evident as she expressed her appreciation for Jugson's exceptional performance as they shared the exhilaration of the game, celebrating each remarkable moment together. Hagrid chimed in, his admiration was evident in his voice. He continued to embrace Professor Willow.
"Felide carries the quaffle forward, bypassing Crane with a wide manoeuvre. He then passes to Owelet, who charges down the centre, enduring a forceful impact from Bovin but managing to retain possession. Owelet swiftly passes it to Notts, who zooms past Talpin and Hare, even though he's struck by a Bludger unleashed by Talpin. Notts successfully delivers the Quaffle to Nightingale," Passel described.
Amid the intense Quidditch match, the players battled fiercely in pursuit of the Quaffle, with Bludgers whizzing through the air. However, amidst the chaos, Gnu and Crow soared through the heart of the action, descending rapidly towards the ground. They were locked in a thrilling chase, their eyes fixed on the mesmerising golden blur drawing nearer as they approached the pitch.
"Is that the snitch? IT IS!" Passel exclaimed with increasing excitement. The crowd held their breath as Gnu and Crow hurtled towards the ground, their speed unabated. The challenge of pulling up in time seemed insurmountable. However, in a sudden turn of events, Crow made a decision and veered away from the descent, leaving Gnu as the sole seeker pursuing the elusive Snitch.
Gnu hurtled towards the ground, her heart pounding with adrenaline, as she fought to control her broom and decelerate. With a determined effort, she managed to pull up just three feet above the ground, the intense speed leaving her breathless. Then, in a bold move that surprised everyone, Gnu extended her arm and leaped off her broom, rolling several times upon landing. The entire crowd held their breath in anticipation, their eyes fixed on the young seeker. Silence enveloped the stadium, tension thick in the air, until a triumphant roar erupted from the spectators. Gnu, clutching her arm aloft, displayed the gleaming golden snitch for all to see. The realisation of her victory washed over the crowd, and the cheers and applause thundered throughout the grounds, celebrating her remarkable achievement.
"Zena Gnu has caught the Golden Snitch! One hundred points to Ravenclaw! Ravenclaw wins!" Madam Rose's proclamation boomed through the stadium, her whistle resounding with finality. The game had reached its thrilling conclusion. In an instant, the Ravenclaw team erupted with uncontainable joy, abandoning their brooms and rushing towards Gnu. They surrounded her, their cheers and congratulations filling the air as they embraced her in a victorious embrace.
"Ravenclaw wins! Ravenclaw wins!" Grace's voice echoed with exhilaration. "One hundred and fifty points for Zena Gnu! Ravenclaw has emerged victorious, with a final score of two hundred and ten to eighty!" Her words carried a surge of passion, fueling the already electrifying atmosphere within the stadium.
The Ravenclaw fans erupted into a frenzy of celebration, their cheers and shouts resounding through every stand. Professor Willow and Hagrid were swept up in the euphoria, leaped to their feet, and joined the jubilant chorus. Their smiles beamed with pride as they revelled in the triumph of their team. The Ravenclaw players, brimming with exhilaration, surrounded Gnu. Jugson hoisted her up onto his shoulders, their faces illuminated by unadulterated joy. In front of the exultant Ravenclaw students, including a beaming Professor Willow and Hagrid, they celebrated their hard-fought victory. The chant of "Gnu! Gnu! Gnu!" resonated throughout the Ravenclaw crowd, a testament to Gnu's remarkable achievement and the team's unwavering support.
The Ravenclaw common room buzzed with elation and excitement, the victory still fresh in everyone's minds. Gnu, basking in the adoration of her fellow students, found herself at the centre of attention. Applause and cheers erupted each time her name was mentioned, a testament to her incredible achievement. During the celebrations, Professor Willow and Professor McGonagall arrived, their presence signalling the end of the festivities.
"Good evening, Headmistress McGonagall," Jugson began with a slight nod, his expression respectful. He turned towards Professor Willow, unable to hide his smile. "And hello, Professor Willow."
"Good evening, Mr. Notts," Professor Willow responded, making an effort to maintain a professional demeanor.
"Have the two of you come to join in the celebrations?" Jugson inquired with a mischievous tone in his voice.
"Mr. Notts," Professor McGonagall started, her tone carrying its customary authority. "It's time for this celebration to conclude and for all of you to head to bed."
"Absolutely, professor," Jugson replied, fully aware not to test the boundaries set by Professor McGonagall.
The students gradually settled down, reluctantly preparing to bid farewell to the joyous night and head to bed. As Professor Willow passed Jugson, she discreetly slipped a note into his pocket. Excitement and curiosity coursed through him as he read the contents of the note. "Tonight, in the room of many needs, at eleven, don't be late. I love you, W." Jugson's smile widened, his mind racing with anticipation. He couldn't help but feel a surge of love, warmth, and longing for Professor Willow. The prospect of their rendezvous in the room of requirement sparked a delightful sense of adventure within him. With newfound energy, he bid his friends and fellow Ravenclaw students goodnight and eagerly counted down the minutes until eleven, eagerly awaiting the secret meeting with Professor Willow.