Today's Quidditch: Slytherin Vs. Hufflepuff
It was a rather subdued crowd who filled the stands for the fifth game of the season, Hufflepuff versus Slytherin. That wasn't allowed, however, to dampen the spirits of the competing teams. Captains Smith and Vaisey led their teams onto the field amid rather lackluster cheers, but once the game was started the sense of excitement that cannot help but come at Quidditch matches slowly filled the Pitch.
The Chaser teams of Moon, Smith and Cadwallader versus Vaisey, Zabini, and Bulstrode seemed evenly matched, both starting for the quaffles at Madame Hooch's whistle. The Slytherin team was a bit quicker, though, and, owing to perhaps a slight bit of distraction at the shock of seeing a woman playing in green and silver, Bulstrode was able to get hands on the quaffle for the first fast score of the game.
The stage was set for a quick paced battle, and that's exactly what spectators were treated to. Hufflepuff Beaters Hopkins and Cattermole worked as a well oiled machine to keep Slytherin Chasers from their goals, and those that were let through were rebuffed by Keeper Jones playing much better than the look of determination on her features could account for. However, twenty minutes into the game a low flying Cattermole was sent plummeting with one well aimed Bludger from a laughing Goyle, and things began looking decidely grim for Hufflepuff, with a mounting score of 40-0.
That isn't to say that the Hufflepuff Chasers were not doing their part for their team. Blocking six out of goals attempted in quick succession was no small feat for the Slytherin Keeper Urquhart, but a decisive move after Cattermole’s fall sent Beaters Crabbe and Goyle into action. The Hufflepuff Chasers were knocked back. Still, and amid the volley of bludgers Moon was able to move for Hufflepuff's first goal of the game.
High above the movement of the field, Seekers Summerby and Malfoy were staring one another down, each distractedly watching the movement below, but keeping eyes focused for a flitter of gold wings against the sky. Forty minutes into the game, with Hufflepuff surprisingly up by one shot and Slytherin still marked at 40, Summerby spotted it only a heartbeat before Malfoy’s eyes caught on the same flicker, and both Seekers moved toward that spec of gold. It was a breathtaking race, with the two Seekers neck to neck.
Summerby reached for the Snitch first, just in time for a well aimed Bludger from Goyle to hit the back of his broom, cracking the tail twigs and sending the young Seeker into a short spinning fall, giving Malfoy time to raise hishand, the Snitch clutched victoriously in her fingers.
Final score after 47 minutes of game play: Hufflepuff 50 - Slytherin 190.