Gryffindor's Quidditch Cup Journey

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

The Gryffindor Quidditch team's season, from the loss against Hufflepuff to the triumphant final against Slytherin.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
Loss against HufflepuffLoss against Hufflepuff
The First Setback The Weather Gryffindor's first match is against Hufflepuff, played in a violent thunderstorm. Harry struggles to see and is distracted by the sight of the Grim in the stands. He also falls off his broom when Dementors appear, and Cedric Diggory catches the Snitch, giving Hufflepuff the win. The Aftermath Harry wakes in the hospital wing, devastated. His Nimbus 2000 is destroyed by the Whomping Willow. He feels responsible for the loss. The team is disheartened, but Oliver Wood refuses to give up hope. They still have a chance if they win remaining matches. The Turning Point Harry receives a mysterious Firebolt for Christmas, which is later confiscated for jinx checking. Once it is cleared, he uses it to train. The team regains confidence, and they prepare for the crucial matches against Ravenclaw and Slytherin.
Victory against RavenclawVictory against Ravenclaw
The Redemption The Match Gryffindor faces Ravenclaw. Harry, now on the Firebolt, performs brilliantly. He catches the Snitch after dispersing fake Dementors with a Patronus. The win is decisive, and Gryffindor stays in the running for the Cup. The Party After the match, the Gryffindor common room hosts a massive party. Fred and George bring sweets and butterbeer. Even Percy is happy. Harry feels elated; he has overcome his fear of Dementors and proven his skill. The Rivalry The victory intensifies the rivalry with Slytherin. Malfoy is furious and tries to sabotage Harry's broom during the match. The tension builds toward the final game.
Final against SlytherinFinal against Slytherin
The Cup Decider The High Stakes Gryffindor must win by more than two hundred points to take the Cup. The match is the dirtiest of the year, with Slytherin fouling constantly. Malfoy pulls Harry's broom tail, but Harry still manages to catch the Snitch after a spectacular dive. The Victory Gryffindor wins the Quidditch Cup for the first time in seven years. The team is carried on shoulders. Wood is in tears. Hagrid is there with a rosette. The entire school celebrates, except Slytherin. The Celebration Harry feels a sense of achievement and belonging. He is praised by Dumbledore and his friends. The Quidditch Cup is a highlight of the year, giving him joy despite the darker events.
November, stormy weather
February
First Saturday after Easter holidays