Chapter 109: Placing All Hope on Harry
Harry was inspired by Wood's firm resolve. On top of that, he already had his own countermeasures in mind, and Wood's plan happened to align perfectly with them. When everyone's fighting spirit and determination came together like this, what difficulty could possibly stand in their way?
That afternoon, the stadium was lush and green, with a gentle breeze blowing through. When the sunlight wasn't too harsh, the stadium always felt especially refreshing.
All the members of the Gryffindor team gathered in the locker room. Only after everyone had arrived did Wood begin explaining the strategy.
"In other words, my next task is to build an impenetrable defense and guard our goal like a fortress," Fred said excitedly. "I like this tactic. I'll sweep across the field faster than anyone. As long as I block them, they won't break through my line!"
"Our brooms may not be as good as theirs, but when it comes to defense, I won't lose," Angelina said, her face filled with determination and excitement.
"We've already wasted several days. Let's start training today," Alicia added impatiently. After resting for a few days, she was eager to take on the challenge.
"I'll make them understand that Quidditch isn't just about riding brooms," Katie said, clenching her fists. Even though Slytherin had better brooms and a clear advantage, they now had a countermeasure: turning Slytherin's strength into their weakness.
"Then," Wood said as he stepped forward and stopped in front of Harry, "we will all become your solid support—your iron wall. We won't let Slytherin score, and we won't let them interfere with you."
Fred and George, along with Angelina, Alicia, and Katie, gathered around Harry.
"Use our strength. Together, we'll defeat Slytherin and win the match."
Harry felt his eyes grow slightly moist. This was the Quidditch he loved—the game he truly cherished.
"We'll hold off Slytherin. I'll catch the Golden Snitch. We'll win."
The Gryffindor team finally stepped back onto the field. The last time they left, they had been in a sorry state—but now they returned full of fighting spirit.
Flint, Malfoy, and several Slytherin players were already there, waiting to watch Gryffindor make fools of themselves again.
"Aren't these the Gryffindor students who ran away last time without even finishing breakfast?" Flint sneered, his face full of Slytherin arrogance.
"It's not even dinner time yet. I suppose they'll soon be too hungry to play," Malfoy added mockingly. He had spent quite some time searching for Harry and the others without success, only hearing about them later and rushing to the field.
Wood stepped forward and stopped in front of Flint.
"I heard your tactic is called 'no tactic'?"
Wood was no longer the same as he had been a few days ago. Back then, he had no idea how to deal with Slytherin's seven Nimbus 2001 brooms. He didn't know how to compete against their speed, agility, and endurance.
But now, he had found a way.
Even if they were still at a disadvantage, they were no longer afraid.
Flint glared at him. "We're strong enough. We don't need countermeasures. We're destined to win—and our strategy is unbeatable."
"Our strategy is invincible!" the Slytherin players cheered. Over the past few days, they had fully experienced the power of their new brooms. They were faster, more agile, and more enduring than any other team.
"Their strategy is just 'broom strategy,'" Fred mocked, drawing laughter.
It wasn't just Gryffindor—Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw players had also grown resentful of Slytherin's superior brooms. Recently, they had all been "bullied" by this advantage.
"The whining of defeated dogs is nothing surprising. Maybe hugging your broom and crying into it will make you feel better," Malfoy sneered, tilting his chin upward. The Slytherins burst into laughter.
"At first, I thought there was no other way," Wood said firmly. "The only solution seemed to be getting better brooms. Only then could we defeat opponents who are faster, more agile, and more enduring. I even considered borrowing money to buy new brooms—for the sake of my teammates."
His words were sincere. He truly loved Quidditch and his team.
"That was your only option—but unfortunately, your reputation isn't enough to borrow that much money," Malfoy mocked again, provoking more laughter.
Players from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw looked at Wood in surprise. Ever since Slytherin obtained their Nimbus 2001 brooms, no one had seriously considered such an approach. The advantage of better equipment had always been there.
Everyone had complained about their old brooms—but no one had truly realized how overwhelming that advantage could be.
"But now, I don't think that way anymore," Wood said, his voice rising. "We don't need better brooms."
He was no longer afraid of revealing their strategy. He now understood where his team's true strength lay—just like Slytherin wasn't afraid to reveal theirs because their advantage was overwhelming.
Wood raised his voice, his face flushed, his tone hoarse but powerful:
"Our strategy is called the Cage Tactic! No matter how strong your 'snakes' are, we'll trap you in a cage! We won't compete in speed, agility, or endurance—we'll compete in defense! If you can't score, then you won't score at all! And in the end…"
"In the end, our Seeker, Harry Potter, will catch the Golden Snitch—and we will win the match!"
Don't compete in speed, agility, or endurance—compete in defense.If you can't score, neither can your opponent.And in the end, let the Seeker decide the victory.
Hearing this strategy, the players from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff lit up with realization and fell into deep thought.
With this approach, Slytherin's advantage from their seven Nimbus 2001 brooms would be neutralized.
The outcome of the match would ultimately come down to a duel between the Seekers.
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