Chapter 42: The Gift

Chapter 42: The Gift

Both of them flew at high speeds while chasing the Golden Snitch, but in Madam Hooch's eyes, Chu Yang, who was trailing Harry by a body length, flew with even greater ease and mastery.

Her eyes were filled with wonder.

For a beginner to reach Harry's level on their first flight was already considered genius-level, but the talent Chu Yang displayed was even more exaggerated.

Because he was flying standing up...

Flying brooms require exquisite control; at high speeds, every movement made on the broom could cause a massive deviation in direction.

Secondly, there was the matter of observation. The faster the speed, the more blurred the surroundings became, requiring excellent dynamic vision to track the positions of teammates and opponents.

Most importantly, it was the mindset!

Only with sufficient composure and calmness can one make the right decisions in a fierce match.

And in these three aspects, Chu Yang was not just slightly better than Harry; he was leagues ahead.

"If Harry Potter were to represent Gryffindor in a Quidditch match, he would certainly bring the trophy back to the house," Professor McGonagall, who had been watching Harry intently, couldn't help but say.

"Professor McGonagall, I mean no offense, but if Chu Yang were to participate in a Quidditch match, he would undoubtedly be even more outstanding than Mr. Potter," Madam Hooch said, lifting her head proudly. "I am a professional in this field."

Professor McGonagall was speechless.

Madam Hooch was not only the referee for Hogwarts Quidditch matches but also occasionally served as a referee for official Quidditch matches.

So, when she said she was a professional, she wasn't boasting.

Professor McGonagall muttered under her breath, "Headmaster Dumbledore shouldn't have sent Chu Yang to Slytherin. If he could come to Gryffindor, he and Harry Potter would surely allow us to defend our Quidditch championship for many years."

While Madam Hooch and Professor McGonagall were arguing, Harry, being too focused on chasing the Golden Snitch, had flown off the pitch and was speeding toward the Whomping Willow.

"Hey! Harry, you can't go there, it's dangerous!"

Realizing something was wrong, Chu Yang hurriedly shouted for Harry to stop.

In Harry's highly focused state, his eyes saw nothing but the Golden Snitch; he couldn't hear Chu Yang's voice at all!

Receiving no response, Chu Yang had no choice but to follow Harry off the pitch.

Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch were still debating whether Chu Yang or Harry would perform better in a Quidditch match.

Finally, Hermione couldn't stand it anymore and shouted, "Chu Yang and Harry are gone, Professors! They flew toward the Whomping Willow!"

Professor McGonagall looked up in surprise. After confirming that the two students were no longer visible in the sky above the pitch, her expression changed. Grabbing her dark green robes, she ran outside.

Madam Hooch did the same, and she was even more panicked than Professor McGonagall. If something happened to these two, it would have happened during her lesson, and she wouldn't be able to escape responsibility.

The Whomping Willow was not a gentle magical plant; many students over the years had been injured by it, and the school strictly forbade students from approaching the area.

No one expected that Harry would actually approach there just to chase the Golden Snitch.

Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch led the charge in a desperate run, followed by a large group of students. The scene was quite spectacular; anyone who didn't know better might have thought Hogwarts was hosting some kind of sporting event!

By the time Professor McGonagall arrived, Harry, Chu Yang, and the Golden Snitch were circling the Whomping Willow like flies, while the tree acted like the relentless Monkey King from *A Chinese Odyssey*, frantically swinging its branches in an attempt to swat these annoying "flies" to death!

The Whomping Willow was as tall as a three-story building, and any single branch it whipped out was thicker than an adult man's thigh.

As it swung wildly, the whistling sound of the branches cutting through the air was enough to make one's head spin.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Chu Yang, get down immediately! Stop chasing the Golden Snitch, it's too dangerous!" Professor McGonagall shouted loudly, her expression extremely tense. Harry was the Seeker she had just selected.

"You are being too reckless, get down now!" Madam Hooch's face was pale. She held her broom, wanting to fly up, but the Whomping Willow swung its branches so densely that it was impossible to approach.

"It's not my decision, Madam Hooch!" Harry replied in a terrified tone as he continuously dodged the branches attacking from all directions.

Where was the Golden Snitch now?

It had most likely been smashed to pieces by the Whomping Willow!

The more Harry thought about it, the worse he felt. This wasn't the result he wanted; he had simply wanted to catch that little flying golden ball.

Professor McGonagall seemed to remember something and shouted, "The knot!! If you stroke the knot on the Whomping Willow, it will calm down immediately!"

Hermione was on the verge of tears from anxiety. "Professor, we can't get near that tree at all, let alone touch its knot."

Professor McGonagall looked at the twenty-year-old Whomping Willow and sighed. If this continued, she would have to use magic to burn the tree down; she had to prioritize the safety of the students.

Just as Professor McGonagall was hesitating, Harry, whose magic and stamina were depleted, began to slow down. Ultimately, the broom beneath him was struck hard by the Whomping Willow.

With a scream, Harry was thrown straight out into the air!

Witnessing this, Hermione covered her eyes and screamed, while Ron shouted Harry's name in desperation.

The other students also instinctively covered their eyes amidst the gasps!

The hearts of Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch leapt into their throats!

Another figure in mid-air looped around from the opposite direction, narrowly grabbing Harry's clothes and saving him.

"Hold on tight!"

Harry looked up and saw Chu Yang holding onto him. The latter was looking at him with a smile. Harry breathed a sigh of relief, and then he saw a small golden ball clutched in Chu Yang's hand.

"You caught it?!" Harry was first surprised, then a bit disappointed. He was surprised because Chu Yang was his friend and he was happy for him, but disappointed because, in the end, he wasn't the one who caught it.

"It's yours! Consider it a supplement to your birthday gift." Chu Yang tossed the Golden Snitch to Harry and encouraged him, "You will definitely become an excellent Seeker. Once you win a championship, give me one exactly like it."

Holding the Golden Snitch, a light seemed to flash in Harry's eyes.

The broom slowly descended onto the grass, and Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch led the students to surround them.

"This was far too reckless! Mr. Chu Yang, Mr. Potter, you both completely failed to realize how serious this was!" Professor McGonagall scolded them with a stern face, though her eyes appeared exceptionally gentle.

Madam Hooch, finally able to breathe a sigh of relief, looked at Chu Yang with burning eyes. She was certain that based on the level Chu Yang had just displayed, he was fully capable of participating in official matches!

And Harry Potter possessed extraordinary potential as well.

Whichever one it was, they would both become the new star players of Hogwarts in the future!