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Chapter 284: Ino's Promise
🕑 Added 2025-02-01 18:22:25 +0000 UTCThe match was still ongoing.
In just under half an hour, the Irish team had scored 70 points, while the Bulgarian team hadn't scored a single point, remaining at zero.
To someone who doesn't understand Quidditch, this might seem like a one-sided massacre.
However, many seasoned fans saw the strategy behind it. The Bulgarian team had opted for a five-man defense strategy right from the start.
In simple terms, aside from the goalkeeper, the five players on the field—three Chasers and two Beaters—were all supporting Krum. They would try to snatch the Quaffle when they could, but if not, they would abandon it, focusing entirely on Krum. Before the score gap reached 150 points, they aimed to catch the Golden Snitch and end the game with a lightning strike.
This strategy might work, but it depended on the opponent's strength. Against a top-tier team like Ireland, who were possibly even stronger, the five-man defense strategy seemed inadequate.
Clearly, the Irish team had decided to go along with the plan from the start. Since their Seeker couldn't outmatch Krum, they aimed to bridge the gap with points.
They, too, were employing a lightning strike strategy, trying to widen the score gap to over 150 before the Snitch was caught.
Both sides had their plans, but this was a treat for the 100,000 spectators present.
When two lightning bolts clash, the sparks are more than just a few. Moreover, there was the catalyst before the match.
...
The intense confrontation and tense atmosphere enveloped the entire stadium.
But there was one place unaffected.
"Professor! Do you have any plans for the start of the school year?" Ino casually asked from the box.
Although the story had changed significantly, the Goblet of Fire was still likely to happen, making him curious about Dumbledore's subsequent plans.
"For the start of the school year?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow in surprise, but soon seemed to remember something and smiled.
"The future is not set in stone; it depends on the choices of the seer."
"However, I'm happy to share my plans with you. The Goblet of Fire is a grand event, representing the honor of the three European wizarding schools..."
Dumbledore spoke softly, and Ino listened quietly throughout.
Meanwhile, the other main character in the room, Newt, was bent over his writing, seemingly recording something.
This master of magical creatures was completely immersed in his world, paying no attention to others.
Outside, the match was intense, but inside the box, it was peaceful and comfortable.
For a long while.
When Dumbledore finished speaking, Ino didn't immediately express his thoughts.
It was clear that the old headmaster didn't intend to give up on Harry, or rather, he didn't want to give up on anyone. He still wanted to give Harry a chance to face Voldemort one-on-one.
In the face of such great love, Ino couldn't stop him, nor would he.
This was like the famous Trolley Problem proposed by the English ethicist Philippa Foot in 1971, one of the world's top ten philosophical dilemmas.
A trolley is speeding down the track, with five people ahead. If you switch the track, you could save these five people. However, on the other track, there's one person.
Do you save one or five?
This question has troubled many.
At this moment, Dumbledore gave his answer. Knowing that Tom's resurrection would cause killings, he still chose to save Harry.
It's like the Trolley Problem. As the driver, Dumbledore didn't change the track to sacrifice the innocent person, but he also didn't give up on the five people ahead.
In this case, Dumbledore chose to jump off the trolley, using his own strength to stop it.
This might seem impossible to Muggles, but the existence of magic seems to make the impossible possible.
Understanding all this, Ino felt deeply moved.
"Professor! I may not be able to promise much, but as long as I'm at Hogwarts, I will do my best to ensure the safety of the castle."
"I've known that for a long time!" Dumbledore blinked, seemingly unsurprised by this promise.
Ino smiled nonchalantly.
Clearly, Dumbledore still had things he was hiding, but it didn't matter; everyone has their secrets.
...
Meanwhile, as time passed.
The match outside became even more intense and the confrontation more brutal.
The Bulgarian team seemed to have an innate tenacity. When the score reached 120:0, they realized their previous strategy had failed.
But even then, they didn't show any signs of negativity. They immediately changed their strategy, joining the scramble for the Quaffle.
Their efforts weren't in vain. After a fierce struggle, the score finally reached 130:10.
Although it broke their zero score, many believed Ireland had already secured the victory.
"The Bulgarian lads are brave and tenacious!" Fudge praised with a delighted expression.
Due to some historical issues, Ireland had always been a part of the English Ministry of Magic's jurisdiction.
Unlike Fudge's happiness, the Bulgarian Minister of Magic looked grim. He couldn't understand why they were being so indecisive.
If the Bulgarian team had changed their strategy when the score gap was 70 points, they might still have a chance.
But now, with a 130-point gap, it would be better to go all out and support Krum in capturing the Snitch rather than engaging in meaningless interference and defense.
This change seemed more like a desperate struggle to prolong the game rather than a genuine attempt to fight back.
Then, Ludo's voice rang out again throughout the stadium.
"Look! Lynch has spotted the Snitch! Ireland must have known about the Snitch from the start."
Actually, Ludo didn't need to comment; the Bulgarian players on the field knew they had been played.
...
Perhaps many things were predestined.
Unlike the original story, although this match was exciting, it still didn't end in a victory for the Bulgarian team.
Two hours into the match.
Krum performed a Wronski Feint, deceiving the Irish Seeker Lynch, and amidst cheers, caught the Golden Snitch.
The whistle blew, and the score froze at 170:160.
The Irish team won the 422nd Quidditch World Cup by a narrow margin of 10 points.
The ten-point gap dissatisfied many Bulgarian supporters.
Although it was clear to many that this was the best outcome—given the significant score gap, continuing the match would only widen the gap.
Rather than increasing the score gap, it was better to lose with dignity now.
But smart people are always in the minority.
The disgruntled fans seemed to be growing, and a sense of unrest was gradually spreading.
The situation seemed to be getting out of control.
The Bulgarian Minister of Magic turned in surprise. He didn't understand what Fudge was planning.
If measures weren't taken soon, any outbreak of chaos would be disastrous.
However, he was met with Fudge's smile, a confident smile.
While the Bulgarian Minister of Magic was puzzled, the door to the box was pushed open from the outside.
