Summer 1974, The Quidditch World Cup
August 2nd, 1974
The atmosphere was hectic among the group when they finally arrived at their destination. The fields were filled with wizards from all over the world, and all sorts of festive decorations and magic spells had been casted onto the place.
The Syrian delegation was way more important than what they had expected, and the organization team was busy trying to find enough space for everyone. The synergy among people's enthusiasm was such, that Agnes could feel the excitement from miles away. All kinds of people had made it to watch the finals. Joshua and Jimmy were unstoppable and had already went to meet up with some of their friends from school.
After she had helped Cosmey to look for their reserved space, Jimmy had come back to the luxurious tent they had prepared. Cosmey, unpleased with someone helping with her job, gently pushed Agnes towards Jimmy, encouraging her to enjoy her time. "Go play with the young master, Miss! Cosmey feels terrible when miss does Cosmey's chores" she'd admitted.
Jimmy led the young witch to a small group of teenagers who were talking excitedly together.
- Agnes! said Joshua, a big smile on his face. Please, meet my new sister, Agnes Lenoir (he turned to his friends).
- Nice to meet you, I'm James! and this is Sirius.
Agnes recognized the latter. It was Sirius Black, the son of Mrs Black. She had seen his face on a tapestry once, back at their house. He looked different from what she had imagined. Bolder? More excentric? She couldn't find the word. On the other hand, James (she was most certain was the Potters' kid) had a clean-cut look and looked more conventionaly charming. He would have been quite popular at Beauxbatons, she thought to herself.
The little group wandered around the festival and bought some sweets to keep their energy up. Through their conversations, she had caught on a few details regarding Joshua's friend. Sirius Black had come with some members of his family, but had left them to meet James, who was also here with his parents.
- I should go back to my tent, James. The stadium is about to open its gate. I think we are one floor up your seats!
- Sure mate, try not to frick with Regulus, or he'll tell your mother you were with me.
Sirius waved at the group before disappearing in the crowd. James went back to his parents and the rest met with the Dunbar parents who were waiting for the kids.
The stadium was huge and went tall up the sky. Their seats somehow high, and they had to climb up a few hundred stairs before they'd reach it. Agnes had left her wand in the tent, as they were banned inside. Protests against this rule had been the subject of all kinds of critics among the quidditch fans, and the World Cup had face a boycott in its early matches. But now, the stadium was back to be filled with excited wizards.
Joshua seemed excited, and was holding tighly his dissimulator, the new tool all fans could bring instead of their wand. Mr Dunbar and his wife were calmly clapping as the match began. The crowd, on the other hand, went crazy. The Madagascan team seemed to have a large fan base, and their entrance brought goosebumps to the young witch. It was unbelievable. So many wizards reunited in one staidum to support a sport their firmly defended.
Pierre and Antoine would have loved it, Agnes thought. She swore to take some pictures to send them during the match. The Syrian team was impressive too, and the players seemed so enthusiastic to be here.
The young witch had never seen someone fly so fast and make such sharp turns. They were truly incredible Quidditch players.
The game was going smoothly, and no jinx were casted into the players. For the first time, the fans were only supporting verbally and through their dissimulators, a strange-looking musical instrument.
But, suddenly, out of nowhere, someone had jinxed the chaser from Syria. It was impossible, though Agnes. No one was supposed to have their wand inside the stadium! All at once, the dissimulators made a loud sound. Around her, people were laughing and screaming in excitement, as their dissimulators transformed into wands. They had tricked the law and had used a disguising spell to bring their wand into the game.
The crowd was going crazy, but the game kept going. Even Mr Dunbar seemed amused by the turn of events. Idlewind, high in his premium seat, was looking flabbergasted. He had not expected to be fooled so easily.
Joshua and Jimmy were laughing with tears in their eyes, wand in hand. Agnes felt stupid she hadn't brought hers.
In the end, it is Syria who'd won the final. It was beautiful and even the Madagascans seemed happy to celebrate the fooling of the law by the fans. This is what Quidditch is about, had said the young Dunbar.
Outside the stadium, people were partying. The Dunbars had been invited by the Potters to enjoy some late evening Butterbeers with some other families. The Crouch were there too, and Agnes had talked a bit with Barty Jr. He had grown a few centimeters since the last time they had seen each other a few months prior. He was with a friend, who he introduced as his dormmate and best friend.
_ Evan, this is Agnes Lenoir. She's coming to Hogwarts in september.
- How do you do? I am Evan Rosier, It's nice to meet you. Said the second boy.
Agnes had gracefully shook the young boy's hand. They both looked quite out of place among the other wizards. They seemed to be scheming about something, chatting mischieviously to each other. Agnes had lost sight of them a few minutes later, assuming they had left the party to play somewhere else.
She felt someone tap on her shoulder. When she turned around, a familiar silhouette was standing right in front of her.
- Blimey! Jean! She called, in shock.
Jean Delacour looked so much more adult and mature, since the last time she'd seen him. Jeanne had told Agnes he'd work in Britain for the summer, but she hadn't thought it could be linked to the Quidditch World Cup. The young man were starting to grow some beard and his hair had been well combed on the side. The two friends hugged in joy. It felt so good to finally see a familiar face.
- Jeanne has told me you were coming today, and we thought we'd make it a surprise! How are you? My, my, you look the same! Oh, let me introduce myself to the Dunbars!
Jean was the same, always all over the place, especially when it came to Quidditch.
The Dunbars politely saluted the young man and the two friends started talking. Jean had just finished his shift at the organization team and had finally some time to tell someone about his incredible experience. Agnes had listened to him the whole time, surprised herself she had the patience to. But she had missed him, and enduring his long speeches weren't so bad.
- Jeanne could not make it... Our parents did not allow her to travel. She is as sorry as I am. I hoped you could meet again this summer, before you leave for Hogwarts.
- I see. I understand, the situation has been constantly unstable here. I am even surprised the World Cup was sustained this year. Answered Agnes, fidgetting her wand who was lying on the table.
The rest of the night went smoothly, and Agnes had slept very little, but felt refreshed by her fullfiling day.