Sunday, December 5th, the weather was exceptionally bad.
The cold wind howled, lashing every corner of Hogwarts like a whip. Trees swayed wildly, making whimpering sounds as if they could be uprooted at any moment.
Dark clouds in the sky were scattered by the wind, and dense raindrops poured down, making it almost impossible to see a few steps ahead.
Raindrops splattered on the muddy Quidditch Pitch, kicking up mud, and the sound of the wind mixed with the rushing water, filling the entire field with a sense of oppression.
However, even the worst weather could not extinguish the Little Wizards' fervent anticipation for Quidditch.
After breakfast, the Little Wizards, wearing raincoats and holding Wizarding binoculars, braved the biting cold rain and walked towards the Quidditch Pitch. No one flinched because of the terrible weather.
Today was the first match of the school year against Durmstrang, and everyone was enthusiastic, hoping the school team could defeat them and avenge their previous loss.
When Hermione and Ron arrived at the stands, they were packed with Little Wizards wearing Hogwarts school robes.
The stands were enveloped by the alchemy devices arranged by Sebastian, making them as warm as spring, completely immune to the biting cold wind outside.
The downpour was also blocked by the transparent magic barrier. Everyone sat comfortably in their seats, happily discussing the upcoming match.
"Hermione, sit here!" Ron shouted, quickly running to the seats Neville and Seamus had reserved for them. "Luckily, Neville and them saved us seats, how thoughtful."
"I have to say, in this awful weather, watching the match from the stands is truly a treat, though it's tough for Harry and them."
Hermione greeted Neville and them, smiling as she sat in the stands, listening to the laughter around her, feeling extremely relaxed.
Ever since she took Sebastian's advice, she had ensured enough sleep every day, and her overall condition had improved significantly.
In addition, she had successfully passed the interview assessments for Muggle Studies Class, History of Magic, and Astronomy Class, greatly reducing her academic pressure.
On Thursday and Friday of the past week, she even returned to a normal routine.
Compared to before, her complexion had regained its rosiness, the dark circles under her eyes had vanished, and her messy hair had become smooth. She looked radiant, no longer appearing tired and radiating a low mood as she had before.
Even Ron, the boisterous fellow, noticed Hermione's change.
He glanced at the radiant Hermione and couldn't help but blurt out, "Hermione, I've noticed you've been much more energetic lately, and not as busy as before, disappearing from sight. It's different after passing the exams!"
Hearing Ron's question, Hermione smiled with pursed lips: "Passing exams is a good remedy for stress. And the atmosphere of the Quidditch Pitch is especially relaxing."
She looked around the Quidditch Pitch environment and said with a slight worry, "However, the weather isn't great today. I wonder if it will affect Harry and their performance?"
"Don't worry!" Ron waved his hand dismissively, saying confidently, "This bit of wind and rain is nothing."
"Don't forget our training maniac Wood, as the Vice-Captain, he's already trained Harry and them for this kind of weather. There will definitely be no problem."
In the changing room, the players had already changed into their sleek black team uniforms and put on their waterproof goggles, listening to Vice-Captain Wood give his pre-match speech.
"We have a complete set of windproof and waterproof equipment; the harsh weather outside has no impact on us whatsoever."
"Look at the broomsticks in your hands. Professor Swan specially equipped the school team with these firebolts this year."
"We must win, and we absolutely cannot let down Professor's expectations."
Wood shouted loudly, somewhat incoherent due to nervousness; he really wanted to win.
"Our opponent, Viktor Krum, has been selected for Bulgaria's national team this year, which means he has become a world-class Seeker."
"Oliver, relax," Fred joked, easing the pre-match tension, "Judging from Durmstrang's match against Beauxbatons, besides Krum, Durmstrang's new players aren't really up to par."
"Exactly," George echoed, "They could lose to Beauxbatons even with Krum, so beating Durmstrang will be a breeze for us."
Hearing the twins' words, Wood frowned: "Don't be careless, we have to win no matter what!"
His gaze fell on Harry, and he said solemnly: "Harry, the task of marking Krum is yours. Marcus and Roger will try their best to help you knock him out of the sky."
Marcus patted Wood's shoulder, stepped forward, and shouted loudly.
"This year's trophy is definitely ours."
"Let's go! Under the witness of all Europe, let's go crush Durmstrang together."
"Crush Durmstrang x N!" The players left the changing room full of fighting spirit, flying out of the tunnel on their broomsticks.
A wave of noise surged forward, and enthusiastic shouts erupted from the surrounding stands.
Countless colorful flags fluttered in the air, and Little Wizards waved banners emblazoned with the Hogwarts crest or held up signs that read "Hogwarts Will Win!"
They followed the cheerleaders, chanting synchronized slogans, cheering on the Hogwarts players with all their might.
"Go, Hogwarts!"
"Hogwarts will win!"
"Diggory, the most handsome Chaser!"
"Wood, the most handsome Keeper!"
"Marcus, the most accurate Beater!"
...
"The Hogwarts team is on the field," a professional commentator's voice announced, "Potter, Diggory, Davies, the Weasley brothers, Flint, and Wood."
"Hogwarts students generally believe this is their best team, Hogwarts' dream team."
"The Durmstrang team has also entered, led by Captain Krum. Although they have many new players, they are still a team not to be underestimated."
"After all, with the talented SeekerKrum, no one can afford to be careless."
Hearing the commentator's voice, Harry couldn't help but grip his firebolt tightly, then secretly swallowed.
If there was anyone on the entire Quidditch Pitch under the most pressure, it was definitely him.
Although his flying skills were excellent, he truly had no confidence in catching the Golden Snitch before Krum.
Harry could only try his best to keep Krum occupied, allowing his teammates to widen the score difference to fifty points or more before Krum caught the Golden Snitch.
He stared intently at Krum, and after hearing the referee's whistle, he quickly maneuvered his firebolt, charging towards Krum with all his might.
"Krum, I'm coming for you!"
...
...