Disclaimer: I don't own anything. This is not meant to infringe upon copyrights.
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This year's Quidditch match had already caused two sensations before it even started.
First, Kyle's record of scoring 21 goals in ten minutes sparked a Quidditch craze.
Before that had even subsided, even more sensational news arrived… Harry Potter, the universally acknowledged savior of the wizarding world, who defeated the Dark Lord, had become the youngest Seeker in a century.
Harry Potter's name itself was incredibly popular, and coupled with his somewhat legendary experiences, this year's Quidditch match was destined to be even more exciting than before.
Half an hour before the match began, the surrounding stands were already packed, and even the biting cold wind couldn't dampen their enthusiasm.
"This thing is really useful…"
In the Slytherin stands, Malfoy looked at the blue-glowing "snake" wrapped around his arm, feeling a warm, indescribable comfort.
And every time he stretched out his arm, the snake would open its mouth and hiss towards the Gryffindor stands opposite.
The only drawback was that the sound was too soft; it was easily drowned out by even slightly louder cheers.
Unlike the opposing team, whose deafening lion's roar could be heard clearly even inside the castle.
"Why wasn't there a premium version this time!" Malfoy muttered under his breath.
Goyle, standing beside him, immediately chimed in, "Kyle said there wasn't enough time, no time to make it."
He also had a small snake wrapped around his arm.
"I heard you, you don't need to remind me," Malfoy glared at him, then said loudly, "And he promised me he'd bring what I want at the next Slytherin match."
It will be bigger and more flexible than it is now, and its colors will be the silver and green that symbolize Slytherin."
Many of the young wizards around immediately became interested upon hearing this.
They were all well-off and naturally wouldn't mind upgrading their support equipment.
"Draco, this thing should be much more complicated than a map…" someone asked skeptically. "Kyle is only a second-year student, can he really make it?"
"Definitely." Malfoy raised an eyebrow. "In fact, he's already agreed."
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Meanwhile, in the Hufflepuff stands not far away, Cedric raised the same question.
"Kyle, can you really make what Malfoy asked?"
"It is a bit troublesome…" Kyle frowned. "But it's not unsolvable, it just takes a little time." "
The things they sold before were just deformed glass bottles, with some added sound effects at most; they weren't too difficult to make.
But the series of demands Malfoy made couldn't be solved with a Transfiguration Charm.
Those were true magical items.
However, these troubles are minor issues compared to a hundred Galleons."
Cedric understood Kyle's meaning and clicked his tongue in amazement.
He could only say that the wealthy Malfoy family was indeed worthy of spending a hundred Galleons on a toy—more than his father's monthly salary.
After a while, the professors appeared.
Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape… even Professor Sprout, who usually stayed in the greenhouses, was there.
Aside from Headmaster Dumbledore, it seemed the entire school had gathered in the stands around the Quidditch pitch, many students even carrying binoculars.
Some of the back seats had been raised into the air, but even then, it was sometimes difficult to see clearly what was happening on the pitch.
Soon, both teams entered the Quidditch pitch through the tunnels.
Upon seeing Harry Potter in his team uniform, a burst of excited cheers erupted from the Gryffindor stands, followed by countless deafening roars.
"That thing is amazing…"
Ron glanced enviously at the blue lion heads in Neville and Seamus's hands, and said sourly to Hermione, "You really should have bought one too."
"No need, Ron," Hermione shook her head, "That's just a simple Bluebell Flame Charm and Transfiguration Charm, not worth fifteen Sickles at all.
Besides, didn't I already make one for you?"
"That's different."
Ron looked down at the transparent jar in his hand. Although it was warm, it couldn't roar like a lion.
Kyle had said it was a cheering prop, used to liven up the atmosphere. The warmth was just to make it easier for everyone to watch the game; it was an extra little function, and it wasn't even charged for.
Seeing Ron's disgusted expression, Hermione raised her eyebrows angrily and immediately took the jar from his hand.
"Give it back if you don't want it!"
A gust of wind blew by, making Ron, who hadn't even realized what was happening, shiver.
"Ouch, so cold!"
"Hermione..."
"Hmph!" Hermione snorted coldly and turned her head away, ignoring him.
Hermione knew in her heart that her handmade warmer was far inferior to the ones everyone else had.
On the way here, she had secretly tried several times, and although she could transform the can, it was nowhere near as refined as Kyle's, and she couldn't conjure up a lion's roar.
This huge difference was already frustrating for Hermione, but Ron's disdainful expression only made things worse, practically inviting trouble.
Reluctantly, Ron could only move closer to Neville and Seamus to feel a little warmer.
Meanwhile, with a whistle, the match began.
"Look, the Quaffle has been snatched by Gryffindor's Angelina Johnson..." came the voice of Li Jordan from the commentary booth. He had successfully passed the selection and become the new Quidditch commentator.
However... after only a serious sentence, Li Jordan veered off-topic.
"That girl is such an excellent Chaser, and she's also very attractive..."
"Jordan!" Professor McGonagall reminded him, displeased.
"Sorry, Professor."
A burst of laughter immediately followed.
Kanna glanced at the commentary booth and whispered, "This year's commentary feels a bit... well, special, doesn't it?"
"I understand," Kyle shrugged and chuckled. "Lee Jordan is Fred and George's friend, you'd better not expect him to be anything special."
Cedric next to him nodded in agreement, but then quickly froze.
Wait, isn't he also Fred and George's friend...?
In the stands, Lee Jordan continued his commentary.
To be fair, having gone through so many rounds of selection, Lee Jordan's professional skills were undeniable. Although he occasionally made a few witty remarks, his serious commentary never faltered.
The audience quickly adapted to his novel commentary style; it was less serious than before, but once they got used to it, it was quite entertaining.
[End of the chapter]