RIVARLY

The year was 1994, and the Quidditch World Cup was about to begin. John Ryan was ready for this. He had being training for the past ten years for this opportunity. Him, his best friend Aiden Lynch and five other players were about to represent Ireland in the cup. This would be their year. They swore it would be their year. The first group game was against Montenegro, and Ireland were the hot favourites. This was their strongest squad in years and they were all equipped with Firebolts. James DaLuke, the Irish coach pulled him to the side before the game and told him.

'It doesn't matter what happens today, but show they what you can do.' He smiled at Ryan and walked off, leaving Ryan fired up to win this thing for Ireland. He mounted his broom and kicked off into the air, watching the terrified faces of the Montenegrins as Ireland quickly took control of the game. Ryan caught the Quaffle and sped forwards, smashing the Quaffle through the air and through the flailing arms of the Montenegrin Keeper, through the middle hoop. 10-0 to Ireland!

Ireland quickly settled into a tempo, with Ryan passing to Mullet, who quickly made it 20-0, within minutes it was all over. It ended 350-10 to Ireland, scoring fifteen times in the space of five minutes before conceding one to Montenegro, before Lynch caught the Snitch and ended the suffering of Montenegro. The team landed on the pitch to rapturous applause from their fans, this just might well be their year after all.

Ryan and Lynch headed off towards the showers together, the rest of the team still celebrating on the pitch. When they got there however, someone was already there. A teenager, with dark hair, thick eyebrows and a brooding expression. He looked a bit broad-shouldered and duck footed.

'Hello.' He said, in poor English. 'I am Victor Krum.'

'I know who you are!' Lynch cried, looking at Krum. 'You're the best Seeker in the world! Only 18 as well!'

'Yes I am thank you.' Victor replied. 'I was wondering whether you would like to hang out later, at a bar for drinks? To celebrate the wins of Ireland and Bulgaria? I feel you have real potential.'

'Sure.' Ryan and Lynch replied.