Chapter 52 - Invitation to the National team (2/2)
Neal thought for a while and said, ”we'll go with the match”. Draco replied, ”but my arm. How can I even catch the snitch with this condition in such weather”. Neal nodded, ”I know but believe me. you don't need to play, Draco. Just sit on the broom and enjoy the match.
There is a certain disadvantage on both teams but not for me. It is more of an advantage. In such weather, they can't concentrate on my lightning cut. Before Harry catches the snitch, I'll give the team a lead of at least 160. You guys try your best to obstruct Harry's vision and defend me”.
As everyone seated in the stands wearing raincoats and cheering for the teams, the match started. The Gryffindors focused completely On Neal, the wall which is stopping Gryffindor's victory. Since they studied him closely, they were able to stop his movements successfully a few times but still wasn't able to stop Slytherin's lead because of the heavy rain which made their vision blurry from time to time.
As Slytherin began to lead them 170-30, Harry spotted the snitch and rigorously chased it to catch it as he was determined to win this time. As the snitch flew upwards, Harry began to follow it. McGonagall stood up and said, ”we've to stop Harry. You know there are dementors up there”. Dumbledore stopped her, ”no, we can't stop him. It is against the rules to intervene in the match. You just have to wait for Neal to score two more goals, then we can stop Harry with an excuse”.
Neal scored two more goals giving a 160 lead for the Slytherin team, meanwhile, Harry flew upwards too much and faced a dementor who attacked him. Harry fell from the broom from a great height and was saved by Dumbledore.
A few days later, while the Hufflepuff members are discussing with Cedric Diggory, their new seeker, and captain, how to stop Neal like Gryffindors did a few times, Slytherins were excited with Neal's new record opening the season with 16 goals and the first years who are mostly his fans are wondering what will be Neal's total score at the end of the year.
Just then, his owl flew and dropped an envelope on him. Malfoy asked, ”who sent it? Is it Mr.Edward?”. Neal replied, ”no, it says Ireland Quidditch ȧssociation”. While Malfoy was surprised, Neal opened the envelope and read,
”Dear Mr. Slytherin, We're pleased to inform you that you have been selected as a member of the National Quidditch team of Ireland.
We await your owl by no later than 31 December.
Yours Sincerely,
Kylan Twigs,
Head of the Quidditch Association of Ireland”.
Hearing that, Malfoy almost screamed in excitement, ”you've been selected for the National team? They're the favorites to win the World Cup next year”. As the Slytherins began to whisper, it reached to all of the houses shocking them.
Then, Daphne said, ”but isn't the minimum age, 14 years to play for the team?”. Neal replied, ”no, it's not necessary. Quidditch Associations have their own rules. They can make exceptions just how Prof. McGonagall made an exception for Harry and Prof. Snape made an exception for Malfoy”.
As everyone was discussing, the whispers reached the High table where the teachers sat. Dumbledore said, ”Prof. Snape. Congratulations. One of the members in your House made it to the Nationals”. After that, every teacher congratulated Snape to which he smiled in return. Although everyone found it creepy to look at.