The Quidditch World Cup
The Quidditch World Cup
The day of the World Cup finally arrived. It began as usual with a family breakfast, the boys made an appearance just as the food was served. Harry sat next to Severus as he always did, leaving Draco to sit next to Lupin.
Narcissa explained they would be apparating to the site of the Cup at 3:00 pm. “Arrivals to the site are tightly scheduled to allow everyone to arrive on time, with as little attention drawn to them as possible,” she told them.
“What do you mean tightly scheduled? Harry asked. “Isn't apparating instant?”
“It is, yes, but tens of thousands of wixen want to attend the World Cup. It's been sold out for months, and the Departments of Magical Games and Sport and International Magical Cooperation have been planning this for almost a year. A specially built stadium has been raised somewhere in the Moorlands and the whole place is covered in muggle repelling and concealment charms so the Muggles don’t notice.” Lucius explained. “Arrivals must be staggered so we don't have too many people appearing out of nowhere at once. I believe muggles run the campsites we are staying at.”
“Staying? We’re staying overnight? Why can’t we just appparate home?” Draco demanded.
Harry and Severus rolled their eyes in unison, and Lupin smirked as Narcissa pierced her son with a look that could have sliced stone. “We are staying on site to give you both the experience of camping. I am sure there will be plenty of people you know from school in attendance, and it will be a good opportunity to learn something about how the departments in the Ministry work together to hold events such as these. It will also be an ideal opportunity to forge alliances with International Wixen,” she told her son sharply.
Draco stared down at his breakfast and replied, “Yes, mother,” before continuing to eat his food.
Harry wanted to ask about the camping. Try as he might, he could not see Narcissa and Lucius sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag. He looked sideways at Severus hoping he might understand the unspoken question, and his bethrothed did not let him down. “Come and see me in the lab when you have finished eating,” he murmured to Harry before thanking Narcissa for breakfast and excusing himself.
Harry sighed and finished his eggs without further comment.
As soon as he finished his breakfast, Harry hurried down to the lab to see Severus. The potions master was busy brewing pain potions for the hospital wing, as he worked he told Harry about Wizard camping. “It’s nothing like muggle camping, Harry. I assure you no one will be sleeping on the ground; I suggest you pack as if you are staying in a hotel.”
Harry was still confused, but Severus refused to elaborate; he did not want to spoil the surprise. Instead, he advised Harry to pack as if he were going to a hotel! It wasn't quite the information he'd hoped for, he mused as he walked back to room. Draco was packing his usual summer clothes into a backpack when Harry returned. He waved at a second backpack on the sofa. “Mum says to pack a few changes we don’t know how long the match will be.”
None of this made sense, but then in the three years he had lived in the Magical World, he had learned that things rarely made sense in the context of his Muggle upbringing, and it was generally best just to watch and see what happened.
The two entertained themselves until lunchtime by poring over Draco’s newest edition of ‘Quidditch Weekly’ and carefully studying the stats for each team and the players lists.
“Ireland will win,” Draco said confidently.
“Bulgaria have Krum,” Harry argued.
“Yeah, but the Irish chasers have been too good in every match. Ireland thrashed Scotland and France, and it was all down to their chasers,” Draco pointed out.
“Sure, but Krum won the games against Norway and Uganda by catching the snitch when Bulgaria were well behind in the points,” Harry said, tapping the page with the lead-up match scores.
“He did, but still, Krum is one good player. The whole Irish team is good,” Draco replied.
“Hummm,” Harry mused. “I guess that's true, but anything could happen. Krum could catch the snitch at the right time.”
Draco rolled his eyes “Yeah, it could happen, but it won't.”
Lunch was served in their rooms, delivered by Dobby. Who informed them that lunch was informal today as Narcissa was overseeing the preparation for their trip and Lucius had been called to the Ministry but would be back for their scheduled departure time.
At 2:30, there was a knock on the door of their sitting room, and both boys looked up as Narcissa stepped into the room. “Are you both packed and ready to go?” she asked.
They nodded, and Draco replied in the affirmative, pointing at the two backpacks near the door which had several changes of clothes and their spending money packed in them.
“Very good,” Narcissa told them. “Have you packed some things to do as well, perhaps a book to read or games to play? I am not sure how long we will be away.. I hope you will have time to mingle and meet people, but there might be some time when you need to stay in the tent,” she warned them.
Harry got up and went to his room, gathering his newest book on divination and the book on dragons Lupin had given him for his birthday and shrank them to fit in his bag. Draco stuffed two books and a pack of exploding snap cards into his bag.
Finally, it was time to go. Harry and Draco made their way downstairs with their bags to the Entrance Hall where Lucius, Narcissa and Severus were waiting. Severus gave Harry a brief hug goodbye and assured him that he would arrange for their trunks to be taken to school if the match went on for more than a week, and then they were gone.
Severus stood looking at the door for several moments, contemplating several days without Harry. He would miss the boy. Slowly he turned to make his way back to his Lab only to find Lupin standing a few feet behind him.
“You and Harry are soulmates,” Lupin said softly, without accusation. “Lily knew, didn't she?”
Severus contemplated his reply for a moment then he gave a light shrug of his shoulders. “She may have I am not sure. All I know is that a contract was made between the Potter and Prince families just before Lily and James went into hiding. I have her journals, and one of them she left just for me, but it doesn't mention Harry and I being soulmates.” Severus replied, keeping his tone even.
Lupin nodded. “That must be what I am missing,” he said almost to himself. Then, in a louder voice, he said, “I think I must have known. My emotions around the idea of you and Harry being together are far too settled, but I can’t for the life of me remember her saying anything about it. It’s what you meant through isn't it? When you said I wouldn't like what I remembered.”
Severus nodded slowly, unsure where the conversation was headed. “Yes,” he replied carefully. “It is what I meant. Harry and I have been courting since his first year. We discovered the betrothal contract when Harry had an inheritance test, and then at Christmas, we inadvertently initiated an old Soulmate Courting Rite when we bought each other an animal.”
“You have exchanged familars?” Lupin asked with a raised eyebrow.
Severus nodded.
“And your Patronus’ match,” Remus observed.
“They do,” Severus answered.
The wolf said nothing for a moment, and then he asked, “I see,” he said. “I would still like to try and piece together my memories. Are you still willing to help me?”
“Yes, I have been doing some research, and I believe I can help. If you would like to come with me to the lab, I will show you what I have been working on,” Severus offered.
“Thank you, I’d appreciate it,” Remus said.
The two men made their way down the stairs to the cellar. Neither man saw the elf following them. Master Harry had asked Dobby to keep an eye on his betrothed while he was away, and Dobby was not going to let the Potions Master out of his sight.
Apparition was certainly convenient in terms of transport but Harry was still not a fan. When the squeezing sensation finally eased after what was only a minute in reality, Harry gasped and drew in a deep breath. Narcissa kept her arms around him until he found his footing. Lucius and Draco were standing a few feet away, and a man in a mismatched suit and wide 1970s-style tie called for them to move out of the way as the next arrivals were due any moment.
Taking Harry’s arm Narcissa guided Harry away just as three red-heads arrived on the spot they had just been standing on. Harry had expected Draco to make a smart remark about his landing, but nothing was forthcoming, and when he looked at his brother, he saw him staring at the new arrivals with an odd expression on his face.
Harry followed Draco’s gaze back to the group of red-heads, and he realised that one of them was Charlie Weasley. Percy was with him, and the third person was probably Bill Weasley, the older brother who had helped Ginny with her letter to him.
Harry grinned as Charlie turned towards them and gave them a cheery wave before following his brothers towards their campsite. Harry did not see Lucius' lip curl in disgust, but he did see Narcissa’s smirk when Draco failed to wave back to Charlie as Harry had done.
“I was not aware you knew the older Weasleys,” Lucius said coldly, drawing Harry’s attention. He faltered slightly at the look on his father’s face.
“Errr, yeah Percy only finished school last year and, well we met Charlie once in first year,” Harry answered.
Lucius sneered and Narcissa put a warning hand on his arm as Draco snapped out of his stupor and immediately pretended nothing had happened. The Malfoy Lord glared at his wife, her answering glare had him rethinking his intended rebuke of the boys for mixing with such wizards.
Narcissa was aware of her husband's dislike of the Weasley family; they were considered blood traitors by most purebloods, and Arthur Weasley was something of a laughingstock within the Ministry. She was not, however, going to have her son rebuked for his first crush. Weasely or not, she would support Draco.
Harry had no idea what had just happened, and without Severus to ask, he was at a loss, so he kept his mouth closed and followed his parents in the opposite direction to the Weaselys.
They made their way down a narrow path to an open field where another wizard dressed in a blue tarten kilt and blue and red crocheted poncho informed them that their elves had already arrived and had their tent set up. “Lord Malfoy, welcome to the World Cup. Your site number is 12, and you’ll find your tent at the end of the third row,” He informed Lucius.
Harry’s curiosity was piqued. Severus had said that wizard camping was nothing like muggle camping, and he had hinted that Harry would be surprised by the tent. The man’s description had not helped him at all with what to expect, but the odd assortment of tents that met his eyes as they approached the campsite was beyond anything he could have imagined.
Rising out of the moor was the biggest sporting stadium Harry had ever seen. Though to be fair, he had never seen any other stadium in person. This one, however, was massive and looked to be made of gold. There were hundreds of people moving around the base of it, going in and out of the many doors in the gold wall, all of them looking frazzled.
The tents which were pitched in the fields around the Stadium were the strangest assortment Harry had ever seen. Some looked like ordinary muggle tents, simple triangular prisms which looked like they could sleep one or two people; there were also a few tepee-style tents and some larger family-size tents, similar to the one Uncle Vernon had bought when his new boss had insisted on taking him fishing. However, some of the tents were not even remotely muggle. There was a castle with turrets, a pink sparkly three-storey tent, there was one which appeared to be made of blue stone and was solid enough that when a passing wizard stubbed his toe on the corner, he swore quite colourfully.
Harry suppressed his laughter as he looked around for where he would be staying. When they found their site, Harry was surprised at how ordinary their tent looked. It was fancy for a muggle tent, it was a green and dark grey dome tent made of the same material as Uncle Vernon’s. However, when they stepped inside, Harry’s jaw dropped. The inside was circular, but it was partitioned into five sections. In the middle was an enclosed fire pit with a chimney going up through the tent roof but which could not be seen from outside. There were five rooms around the edge of the circle: three were bedrooms and had doors, one for Lucius and Narcissa, one for Draco and one for Harry. There was also a dining room and kitchen; the sitting room was in the middle with five plush armchairs around the fire.
Well, this is not so bad, Narcissa said with a smile. Lucius and Draco snorted in unison, but Harry was beside himself with excitement. He looked at Narcissa and smiled. “It’s brilliant,” he told her and he ran over to one of the rooms and pulled the door open. Inside was a large bed, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers and a bedside table. There was also a small bathroom attached. The room looked a lot like his room at the manor, only smaller. On the wall of the tent was a window which should have looked out on the neighbours' tent, but instead showed a forest like the one they had walked through to get to the campsite.
Harry dumped his bag and rushed out of his room again. A house elf had placed a tray of hot chocolates and biscuits on the dining table, and Harry sat their to wait for his family to come back. Draco arrived first, appearing from the room next to Harry’s. He saw Harry’s smile and snorted. “You look happy,” he muttered.
“Yeah, this is brilliant. It looks like a muggle tent, but it’s so much better,” he enthused.
“Really, how could it be worse?” Draco asked.
“Well, the tent could actually be the size it looks from the outside, and we could all be squeezed in together sleeping on the ground in sleeping bags,” Harry replied, taking a biscuit from the plate.
Draco’s horrified expression was truly priceless, and Harry wished he had a camera. Maybe he could convince Severus to buy him one, he thought, then he remembered the all the gold in his own bank account and resolved to buy himself a camera at the first opportunity.
Lucius and Narcissa stepped out of their room, Luicus looking every bit as uncomfortable as Draco. Harry refrained from comment instead, he finished his hot chocolate and asked if he could go and explore the campsite. Narcissa agreed and suggested the two of them go and buy themselves a souvenir. Draco rolled his eyes, but he collected his money and left the tent with Harry.
They walked towards the crowds of people who were buying souvenirs at the stalls along the base of the stadium. There were scarves and hats, along with rosettes in the two teams' colours. A dancing shamrock hat caught Harry’s attention. He thought it was hilarious, so he bought one, but he also bought a Blugarian scarf, which had a lion similar to a Gryffindor lion embroidered in it. Draco rolled his eyes and went to look at the mini figures of the players. Harry was looking at a model of a firebolt when he heard a familiar voice behind him.
“Been saving my pocket money for this all summer,” Ron Weasley said to Hermione Granger as they fought their way past the people at the stands. Harry put down the model he was holding and stepped back, blending into the crowd so as not to be seen by the two Gryffindors.
Harry hung back and observed his two schoolmates; they looked as excited as he was to be at the World Cup. Harry watched Ron buy a dancing shamrock hat and a small figurine of Viktor Krum while Hermione bought an Irish scarf. He scanned the crowds for Draco, hoping he had finished his shopping and would not run into Ron and Hermione.
Finally, he caught sight of his brother’s white blond hair and started towards it. As he got closer, he realised Draco was talking to someone who was blocked from Harry’s view by a merchandise stall. Draco was slightly flushed, Harry noticed, so he slowed his steps as he approached.
“The ridgeback is doing well, only we figured out it wasn’t Norbert after all,” a warm, friendly voice said.
“I am not sure what you mean,” Draco replied, sounding as if he was fascinated by the conversation.
“We’re calling her Norbeta now,” the voice replied, and Harry realised who it was that Draco was looking at with stars in his eyes - Charlie Weasely.
“Oh, right,” Draco said with a huge smile.
Harry was about to speak to his brother when something which looked like muggle binoculars was shoved in his face. “Omnioculars,” the smiling sales wizard said. “Slows down the play and gives a play-by-play breakdown if you need it, only ten galleons,” he pressed.
Harry reached into his pocket and took out his money bag. “Two pairs he said, looking at his brother.” At least he would have a reason to be here now rather than just spying on Draco. Manoeuvring his purchases so he had a free hand, he stepped behind his brother and tapped him on the back.
“Hey, Draco, look at these things they…oh hi, Charlie,” Harry said, looking surprised to see the older Weasely brother.
Draco flushed an even deeper red.
“Hey, Harry, good to see you. This is quite an event, isn't it?” Charlie said.
“I already bought a pair of those,” Draco informed Harry.
Before Harry could reply, he heard Ron complaining that he did not have enough money to buy a pair of the Ominocluars. Hermione offered to share hers, but Ron did not seem happy about it. Harry looked down at his purchases. “Here, loan these to Ron, but don’t tell him I gave them to you,” he said to Charlie, holding out his spare pair.
Charlie frowned. “Why…” he started to say when he was cut off by his younger brother.
“Bloody snakes,” Ron spat, looking at Harry with two pairs of Omiocluars in his hands. “Throwing your money around, I see, Potter. One pair not enough for you?” he snarled.
“On second thought, keep them for yourself,” Harry told Charlie, thrusting the ominiculars at man and stalking off.
Harry did not hear Charlie telling Ron off or Draco chasing after him, calling his name. He stormed off back to their tent, his mind in a rage. By the time he got there, he had calmed down, but he still threw himself into one of the chairs. Narcissa, who was sitting in another chair, looked up at him, but before she could speak, Draco skidded into the tent.
“Are you alright?” Narcissa asked with a concerned frown, looking between the boys.
“I am fine,” Harry told her.
Narcissa raised an eyebrow at Draco. “We had a run-in with the Weaselys,” Draco said.
“Oh, you didn’t get into a fight, did you?” The blonde woman asked with a sigh.
“No, Harry was trying to be nice but the weasel can’t keep a civil tongue in his head. Charlie told Ron off, and he said to give these back to you.” Draco held out the ominoculars. “He said Ron didn’t deserve to borrow them, and Charlie already bought some,” Draco told them.
“Thanks,” Harry mumbled, taking his extra pair back.
“I am sorry, Harry,” Narcissa said, moving over to rub Harry’s back. “Unfortunately, sometimes our friendly gestures are misinterpreted or rejected. It says more about the other person than you, though.”
Harry sighed. “I get the feeling Ron is jealous of anyone with more money than him. I have heard him speaking rudely to Hermione and Neville about it, too.”
Draco snorted. “I don't understand why they are still friends with him,” he muttered.
Harry shugged, “I am not sure either, not that it matters...tell me about Charlie,” he said to Draco with a smirk.
Draco flushed a deep red, and Narcissa decided to go and see the house-elves about dinner and left them to their conversation.
Luicus returned about an hour later, and they had dinner together before heading to the stadium for the game. It was dusk when a loud gong sounded, and people started to flood towards the stadium. Lucius led his family around to a smaller door marked for VIP tickets. The line was much shorter here, and they got inside quickly. Once inside, they made their way up a wide staircase to the VIP suites. They climbed the stairs for almost ten minutes before they reached the top box. Outside the box was a bar stall selling food. Harry bought some hot chips, and Narcissa raised her eyebrow.
Harry shugged. “Dudley always got hot chips when Uncle Vernon took him to the football. I just…” Harry spoke in a low voice before he trailed off, looking embarrassed. Narcissa pressed her lips together and purchased another bag of chips and two bottles of pumpkin juice.
They arrived in the box to find it full of redheads and Draco let out a soft groan. There were two seats left in the front row, and Charlie Weasely was in the seat next to the empty one. Harry grinned at Draco and pushed him towards the seat. Draco glared at him, so Harry whispered that he would sit there if Draco didn't want to. The blond boy pressed his lips together, then turned and walked up to the seat and sat down as if he owned it.
Harry sat on the other side of Draco and greeted Charlie with a happy smile. Charlie returned the smile and introduced Harry to his older Bill. Bill was, Harry had to admit, very good-looking. His long red hair was pulled back in a ponytail at the nape of his neck, he had the same pale skin as Ron and Charlie but fewer freckles. His clothes were very cool; his leather trousers were rather tight, as was the white tee-shirt, he had an Irish Rosette pinned on his black jacket and a fang hanging from his pierced ear.
Lucius was at the back of the box talking to Cornelieus Fudge and the Bulgarian Minister for Magic. Harry heard his name and turned around to see who had called him. He stood up and moved to the back of the box when his father beckoned him.
“Har-ry Pot-ttah,” He heard Fudge saying loudly and slowly to the Bulgarian Minister. Harry stood in front of the man and held out his hand. The stranger's eyes flicked to his forehead, and suddenly he understood and he shook Harry’s hand enthusiastically. Fudge mopped his brow. “...knew we’d get there in the end,” he muttered before greeting Harry himself.
Harry was introduced to several more important wizards, including Ludo Bagman, Head of Magical Games and Sport and Bartimus Crouch, Head of the Department for International Magical Cooperation. When he was finally allowed to return to his seat, he noticed Percy Weasely glaring at him.
He had just sat down when he was accosted by Fred and George. “Howdy Harrrkins,” they said in unison. “I see you’re quite the VIP.” George went on.
“Indeed, how did you get on such friendly terms with our Minister?” Fred asked.
“I didn't know you two were interested in politics, Fred, George,” Charlie observed with a suspicious look at his brothers.
“We’re not,” George told his brother.
“...but Percy is, almost had coniptions when Harry got an introduction to the Bulgarian Minister,” Fred said jovially.
“Poor Percy, he just started work on the Department of International Magical Co-operation,” George said, sounding melancholy despite his grin.
“His boss is Barty Crouch,” Fred said in a low voice.
“He doesn’t actually know Perce’s name…” said George
“...calls him Wetherby,” Fred added.
“Looked like he wanted to scratch your eyes out when Crouch got your name right the first time,” George confided.
“Fred, George,” Charlie said in a warning tone. “Leave Percy alone.”
“We wouldn’t dream of upsetting Percy,” Fred objected.
Percy heard him and scowled. “He’s still upset about the dragon dung he got in the mail,” George stage-whispered to Harry.
Charlie frowned “Dragon dung?” he asked.
“It wasn’t dragon dung, it was a sample of fertiliser from Norway, it was not personal,” Percy objected loudly, glaring at his brothers.
“It was Fred,” whispered in Harry’s ear.
“We sent it,” George said on the other ear.
Charlie snorted, and the twins grinned and returned to their seats.
Harry settled back in his seat to take in the spectacle of the World Cup. Advertisements were flashing all around the ground like they did at the muggle football. Harry had been allowed to watch it on TV whenever Uncle Vernon had taken Dudley to a match. Aunt Petunia didn't like football, but she promised to watch in case her husband or son managed to get their heads on the telly. Instead, she made Harry watch while she knitted or baked. Harry had strict instructions to call out if he saw them, but he never saw them.
“There’s a display of team mascots before the game starts,” Harry heard Hermione say.
“Oh, that's always worth watching,” said Arthur Weasely, taking off his glasses and cleaning them.
Suddenly suddenly the sound of the crowd changed, and Harry looked at the pitch and saw a group of women gliding into the ground. There was a moment of silence, and Harry heard Charlie mutter something about seeing who was gay.
“Who are they?” Harry asked.
“They are Veela, each team bring creatures from their country for a display, keep your eye on the men in the room,” Draco said with a smirk.
Music began to play and and the women began to dance, except they weren't women. Harry tried to study them through his omnioculars; they were pale skined and had white blonde hair their robes and hair flowed behind them as they moved. Harry could not work out exactly what it was about them that had the entire crowd almost silent.
Harry lowered the omnioculars and glanced at Draco and Charlie, who were not even looking at the dancers; instead, they were looking at the rest of the Weaselys. Ron was standing up like he was about to dive over the edge of the box. Bill Weasely was gripping his seat with both hands his knuckles were white. Percy was leaning over the edge of the box, Fred and George each had a hand on his shoulders holding him back, and Mr Weasely was cleaning his glasses again. Hermione was sitting with her arms crossed over her chest, looking annoyed.
Then the noise changed, the music had stopped, and the Veela were leaving the pitch. The crowd was furious; no one wanted the women to go. Ron was shredding his hat mattering about something, Mr Weasely tugged the hat out of his hands. Percy had sagged over the rail, and Fred pulled him back. Charlie had a hand on Bill, which could have been brotherly affection or might have been keeping the oldest Weasely in his seat.
Harry frowned “I don't understand,” he whispered to Draco.
“That’s because you're gay, Harry,” Draco explained.
“Oh, right,” Harry mumbled. “So, why weren’t you affected or Charlie?” Harry asked.
Draco rolled his eyes. “Idiot, we're attracted to men too,” he told Harry.
Harry frowned. “I thought you were…I mean I thought…oh never mind,” Harry said as Draco glared at him.
Charlie smirked at the boy's conversation as he checked that his brothers were all still in the box.
Next, Ireland had their say and soon everyone had forgotten about the Veela as the pitch was lit up with a huge rainbow and Leprachans appeared throwing gold from a shimmering shamrock. Charlie bent down and picked up one of the gold coins, which he examined closely. It’s leprechaun gold Bill told his brother. “Yeah,” Charlie replied, “I’ve never seen it before. How long does it last?”
“Up to a week, usually,” Bill answered.
Harry looked at the coin in his hand and shoved it in his pocket. he wasn’t sure what the older Weaselys meant about it only lasting for a week, but he was curious. He intended to ask Severus about it when he got home.
Finally the scoreboard lit up showing Ireland 0 and Blugaria 0 and Ludo Bagman stood up and casting a sonorus on his throat and welcomed everyone to the World Cup and announced the arrival of the Bulgarian Team.
The gates at the left side of the stadium opened and the Bulgarian Team flew into the stadium to the roar of the Blugarians in the crowd. The seven players zoomed around the stadium, moving together into different flying formations. The Chasers broke away and began to fly faster than the rest of the team. Then, the player at the back flew high above the rest of the team before diving down through the middle of the Chasers and Beaters.
“Krum,” Harry breathed his eyes, trained on the Bulgarian Seeker.
“He’s incredible,” Charlie said, sounding awed.
“Were you a seeker?” Draco asked.
“Yep, Gryffindor Seeker for five years,” the redhead replied, his eyes still on Krum.
Bagman thanked the Bulgarain team and announced the Irish team. The crowd roared again as the Irish team flew into the Stadium and showed off their flying skills. Finally, Ludo Bagman called the crowd's attention to the match referee and the coin toss.
Ireland won the toss and chose the goals on Harry’s left. Then the teams were in place, and the balls were released. Harry saw the golden snitch fly straight up. It flitted towards Krum and then swerved and headed to the Irish Seeker. Harry watched it until it finally vanished, blending into the colours of the crowd.
The game was played hard and fast. The Irish Chasers were unstoppable, and soon, the score was creeping up. Harry tried to focus on the commentary, but Bagman was talking so fast he couldn't make out more than the players' names.
The score was in Ireland's favour, and Lynch, the Irish Chaser, was tagging Krum; everywhere the Bulgarian moved, Lynch was on his tail. It clearly irritated the man. Suddenly, Krum dived towards the ground at an alaming pace, Lynch on his tail. Then, seconds before he would have hit the ground, Krum pulled out if the dive and rolled away, leaving Lynch to slam into the ground.
Harry, who had been screaming the whole time the two seekers were diving, was left hanging over the edge of the box, exhausted. Krum had been feinting; Harry could not believe the nerve of the man who was back in the air and using the time it took Lynch to recover to look for the snitch in peace.
“Wronski Feint,” Draco said weakly beside Harry.
“Yeah, bloody brilliant,” Charlie replied.
Ireland pulled further ahead after Lynch got back on his broom. The Irish Chases determined to avenge their Seeker. A penalty awarded to Ireland caused the Veela to become angry. Harry fell back in his seat as the beautiful women turned into terrifying bird-like creatures and started throwing fireballs.
One set the referee’s broom on fire, at the same time one of the Irish Beaters hit the bludger towards Krum breaking his nose. Harry cried out, yelling at the referee to notice that Krum was hurt. However, the referee was distracted by his burning broom.
While all this was happening, Lynch actually spotted the snitch and dived towards it. “He’s seen it; Lynch has seen the snitch,” Bagman screamed behind them.
Krum was immediately on his tail, diving right behind the Irishman. The two seekers were headed towards the ground again.
“They're going to crash,” Ron yelled.
“No, Lynch is,” Harry screamed in reply, and sure enough, the Irish seeker hit the ground again. Viktor Krum rose in the air with the snitch in his hand.
It was not enough; Ireland had been too far ahead, and Bagman was yelling the final score: Bulgaria 160 points, Ireland 170.
Harry was wrung as the result sunk in “He caught the snitch when Ireland were too far ahead,” Ron said in confusion.
“They were never going to win,” Harry said automatically.
“The Irish Chasers were too good,” Charlie added.
“He ended it on his own terms,” Harry declared.
Draco put his hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Come on,” he whispered. “It’s time to go.”
The two boys bid farewell to the Weaselys and followed their parents out of the box and back down the many, many stairs. The crowd was flowing out of the stadium The Irish fans were all celebrating the Bulgarians somewhat deflated. They four made their way to the tent and collapsed into the soft chairs around the fire. The elves brought more hot chocolate out for the boy and something stronger for the adults.
When the drinks were finished, Narcissa sent the boys off to bed, and Harry sank into the soft mattress and snuggled under the soft, warm blankets. He was emotionally wrung out from the energy of the match and those dives. Krum was incredible, and Harry knew he was going to try out the Wroski Feint as soon as he had the opportunity. Harry fell asleep listening to the sounds of the Irish celebrating their victory.
It seemed as if he had just fallen asleep when he was woken up by his mother whispering urgently for him to get up.
Harry looked up at Narcissa. She looked scared, and Harry was instantly alert. The sounds outside the tent had changed. The crowds were still loud, but they sounded angry now that there was an explosion, and Harry flinched. “Get up! Now, Harry,” Narcissa said urgently. You need to get out and into the forest. Something is wrong, and Lucius has gone to find out what is going on.”
Harry did not ask questions he got up, pulled on his robe and shoved his feet into his shoes. Draco was waiting at the entrance of the tent. Narcissa kissed each of them on the head and bid them be safe, and they took off running towards the trees.
They ran until the sounds of the crowds faded, and then they stopped to catch their breath. “We need to move a bit closer,” Harry said when he had his breath back. “We need to know what's happening,” he told Draco.
The blond nodded, and they slowly made their way back to where they could hear again. Harry peered through the trees, trying to see what was happening.
“Did you see that?” a voice spat nearby. “They were levitating those muggles.” Harry recognised the voice of Hermione Granger. He felt sick.
“Yeah, I saw,” Ron replied, sounding as ill as Harry felt.
Harry saw the shape of the two Gryffindors moving the way he and Draco had come and he pulled his brother down out of sight. The last thing they needed was another argument or to draw attention to themselves. Draco sat on the ground behind Harry, and the two of them watched what was happening at the campsite through the gap in the trees.
A bright burst of light lit up the crowd, and Harry saw people in black robes, their faces hidden by hoods. Above them, four figures struggled while they hung in the air. Harry could not see their faces, but it was clear they were a family; the mother was holding her nightdress, trying to stop it from falling over her head. The children were crying, and the father was yelling at the wizards below to let his family down.
Draco froze, and Harry turned to look at him.”What?” Harry demanded. “What is it?”
“Death Eaters,” Draco whispered.
“Oh, bloody hell,” Harry said.
A scuffle broke out behind them, and someone screamed. Harry ran towards the sound, but he tripped over an exposed root and fell face-first onto the ground, his wand flying out of his hand as he hit the ground. “My wand,” he said in panic.
“It can't have gone far,” Draco said calmly, and they began to search the area.
“Huh! Slytherin scum,” Ron said pointing his wand at Harry and Draco. “Where are your parent’s Malfoy? Out there levitating innocent muggles?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know, Weasel?” Draco sneered.
Before Harry could step in, a voice to their right yelled a spell, and something erupted in the sky. A giant skull with a snake moving around and through it. The crowd responded immediately; the people in black robes vanished, and the ministry workers moved quickly to prevent the muggle family from hitting the ground. There was terrified screaming, and the four students suddenly found themselves surrounded by people.
“Who did it?” Fudge screeched. “Who cast it?”
“I found a wand, sir,” an Auror in red robes said
“That’s mine,” Harry said
The Auror cast a spell on the wand, and the image of the skull appeared, and Fudge rounded on Harry. “You,” he blustered. “You cast it!” he roared
“Cast what?” Harry asked.
“The Dark Mark,” Fudge bleated.
“It wasn't Harry,” Hermione said derisively. “He lost his wand.”
“Lost his wand, huh? A likely story,” Crouch said with a slightly crazed expression on his face as he looked down at Harry.
“Seriously?” Bill Weasely said, crossly stepping into the clearing. “Think about what you’re saying, he’s Harry Potter.”
“Do you really think Harry Potter would cast the Dark Mark, Barty?” Arthur Weasley asked quietly as he came to stand beside his son.
Fudge deflated, and Crouch disappeared without further comment. “Give the boy his wand back,” Arthur told the Auror. Who looked at Harry in his Slytherin green robe and sneered, but he handed the wand over.
“Back to your tent, boys,” Arthur told Harry and Draco. “Bill, Charlie, walk them back, please.”
“Sure,” Bill said, stepping over to Harry while Charlie walked over to Draco. The four of them made their way back to their tent. Harry looked around at the ruined campsite; tents had been blasted apart, and some had caught fire. People were searching for family members; others were apparating away without bothering to take their belongings.
Narcissa was standing in the entrance of the tent, watching for the boys. She ran out when she caught sight of them and drew them both into her arms, thanking the Weaselys profusely for bringing them back safely. When Bill and Charlie had gone, Nacissa called for Dobby and instructed him to take Harry home.
Dobby grabbed Harry’s hand, and he found himself in the Entrance Hall of Malfoy Manor moments later. Severus was pacing as if he had been waiting for their arrival.
The moment he saw Harry, he moved towards him, breathing an audible sigh of relief. “You’re alright,” he whispered as he pulled Harry into a tight hug.
“How did you know?” Harry asked as he wrapped his arms around his betrothed.
“I received a Patronus message from Albus asking me if I knew where you were. I had no idea why he was asking so I floo called him, and he told me about the…”
“The Death Eaters,” Harry whispered. “Did you hear about the Dark Mark?” Harry asked.
Severus sucked in a breath “No,” he said.
“It was my wand, Sev. Someone took my wand and used it?” Harry told him. He leaned back to look at his betrothed, hoping for an explanation. He still did not understand exactly what had happened.
The man pulled Harry back against him as Narcissa and Draco appeared in the Entrance Hall. Severus met Narcissa’s eyes; the usually calm and collected woman looked dishevelled and scared. “Narcissa,” he said softly.
Tears welled in the woman's eyes. “Oh, Sev,” she whispered, still holding onto Draco. The woman kissed her son's head. “Take Harry upstairs,” she told him. “I will come up after I talk to Severus.”
Draco nodded. Severus released Harry with a kiss on his hair, and the two adults went to the study. Lupin, who had been watching from a distance, followed them.
Harry went with Draco to their room, where they both sat on the couch. Harry looked at his brother, who was even paler than usual. “Do you have any idea what just happened?” he asked.
Draco pressed his lips together. “Have you ever seen the Dark Mark on Uncle Sev’s arm?”
Harry shook his head. “Yeah, I guess. Why?”
“It’s the Dark Lord’s symbol. Those people in masks were Death Eaters, and that spell…that was the Dark Mark,” Draco explained.
“I figured all that out, but who cast it, and why did all the Death Eaters disapparate when it was cast?” Harry asked.
Draco shrugged “I don’t think they were expecting it. I mean no one knows he’s back. Unless tonight was supposed to be some kind of announcement of his return but then Father and Uncle Sev would have known about it.”
Harry sighed and threw himself back on the couch. They would just have to wait and hope Narcissa could tell him what had happened. If she couldn’t, well then Harry would be demanding an explanation from Tom Riddle.