Entering the top box was unbelievable to Harry. His first Quidditch World Cup game and he was able to spend it with his friends and in the top box where only officials get to be, thanks to Ludo Bagman. He was really happy he couldn't contain himself, all smiles and laughs.
Harry stared wide-eyed, sweeping his gaze across the box. Chairs lined up over viewing the open air. Waves of colors filled the whole stadium, loud cheers for both teams and stomping feet and clapping hands ringing in his ears A constant beat and if he squinted, he could see some green and red colors fighting against each other across the stadium. He could only smile because the excitement was overwhelming. Simply unbelievable!
But what caught Harry's attention wa-
"WOO THE IRISH IS GOING TO BEAT THEM TO THE GROUND!"
"FRED GEORGE STOP YELLING!"
The twins laughed and high-fived each other, Ron was laughing his arse off and the girls were just rolling their eyes. Boys amirite? But amongst the wave of curious eyes that decided to look at them from the chairs, Harry saw those eyes.
Those green eyes.
It was him.
The man turned away quickly, sinking into his chair. Of all the places he could have met him, it was here and Harry didn't know how to feel at the moment.
Harry felt sad, angry but most of all, hurt.
"Harry, are you all right?" Hermione whispered in his ear.
Ron scooted over to the two while Ginny rushed to the twins, who continued their chanting THE IRISH WILL WIN. Ludo had walked to the man sitting in his chair.
"That's him Hermione, that's the man." Harry whispered, nodding his head to the blonde. He was dressed in casual clothes, a jacket, black shirt, pants and boots. It was entirely different than what Harry would have imagined seeing him in. You now like a suit since he seemed to be more of the… professional type guy.
Hermione's eyes grew in size and Ron dropped his mouth, looking at the man. That man?
"You mean him? Blimey you weren't joking about those eyebrows!"
Hermione smacked Ron's arm, "Shush I'm trying to listen to their conversation Ron!"
"Excuse me sir, are you by any chance the muggle inquisitor we've been hearing about?" Ludo asked loudly, towering over the man. The man inclined his head back, surprised at seeing such a tall man.
The man stood up and took his handshake, "Yes I am, and you are…?"
"Ludo Bagman!" Ludo replied cheerfully, shaking his hand roughly.
The man smiled, "Arthur Kirkland, pleasure meeting you Ludo Bagman."
Harry was surprised hearing this. Arthur Kirkland, such an ordinary name for the man but... Muggle Inquisitor?
"Hermione what's a Muggle Inquisitor?" asked Ron.
Hermione shook her head slightly, "I don't know but I think he's saying that he's form the muggle government, here to observe the game."
"What for?" Harry asked.
"No idea."
The golden trio watched to conversation, not really knowing what to do now that they met the man.
Promises get broken all the time so Harry didn't know what to expect now that he knew who he was.
Harry clenched his hands, well it didn't really matter. He now knew the man's name and knew what his job was. Before he may have wanted to know all about him, about the man who made him feel special and happy. But now all he wanted was to do was watch the game with his friends and be anywhere but near the man.
"Harry I don't think you should be mad at him."
"Why not Hermione? He said he'd come again when Harry's life changes entirely but instead he's here making friends with officials. What would you do if you here him then?"
"Well…"
Harry shook his head, "It doesn't matter now guys, I just want to forget about it and watch the game."
Hermione looked at him unsure and Ron nodded.
"So do I mate. We're here to see Viktor Krum anyways."
Harry watched the man laugh at Arthur Weasley's introduction and when the man tilted his head at Mr. Weasley's strange question. The man was just liked before, a smiling cheerful person who seemed to know when the laughing should stop.
Those green eyes that held their stories, emotions swimming in them, anger, happiness and, sadness?
"They… can but it is highly recommended not to be used as a throwing mechanism."
Arthur nodded and muttered something in response and turned to his family.
"Family! Gather over here I'd like you to meet someone-"
"Arthur please sit down the game is starting in 3 minutes!"
Mr. Weasley stopped and nodded and turned to the man again, shaking his hand excitedly again.
"Pleasure meeting you, let's talk after the game yes?"
The man smiled, "Of course, after I talk with the Minister."
Mr. Weasley pulled Percy and gathered his family. Harry was pushed around until finally he sat down in between Hermione and Ron, but Hermione being the little blockade between him and the man.
Hermione was irritated with Harry's response and it showed on her face but he didn't care. You'd think girls were dramatic but really, boys amirite?
The clearing of someone's throat sounded and the three of them looked to the man, who was smiling and holding out hand. Harry looked at the hand, remembering that hand ruffling his hair.
That warm hand.
"I'm Arthur Kirkland, I'm the Muggle Inquisitor."
Hermione shook his hand.
"I'm Hermione Granger, this is Ronald Weasley," Hermione motioned to Ron, "and this is Harry, Harry Potter." She said finally, waving to Harry, almost as if she were trying to see his response when she says his name.
The man's eyes flashed with something but his smile never wavered.
"Well I'm very glad to have met you all."
Harry spoke up, plastering on a fake smile.
"To meet again, not really glad sir."
The man blinked in surprise. Hermione threw her head to Harry, eyes brimming with irritation, while Ron covered his mouth, stifling back a laugh.
The man set his hand on his lap but smiled.
"Well, it's a pleasure meeting you again, Harry Potter."
The man turned face forward, crossing his legs and watching the players come out.
Hermione shook her head and looked forward too, folding her arms. She simply could not believe the way Harry acted sometimes, actually most times. Ron's smile lingered on his face, proud of his best friend for taking a stand. Ron started cheering when the players came out.
"Barty isn't back yet, Winky?"
Harry curiously tilted his head to the man.
The man was looking to his right, watching a little house elf that sat in the chair. Harry, Ron and Hermione leaned over a bit, curious to see what was happening.
The house elf, Winky, shook her head, looking up at the man.
"No, after he brought you here Arthur, he hasn't showed up."
The man raised an eyebrow. "Hmm."
The man faced forward and watched the game. He looked to be in deep thought.
Harry shook his head and focused on the game too, cheering with Ron and Hermione and not thinking about the man.
It was his time to enjoy himself and not worry about promises. But minutes into the game, another guest arrived in the top box, jumping and almost strangling the man- Arthur he meant- with their tiny little arms. Actually, Harry thought the newcomer was really trying to strangle the man.
"The stupid jerk is here!"
Hermione and Ron both turned their attention to the man, intrigued and confused (and Ron annoyed by the distraction).
"P-Peter get off of me!" the man growled. He wrestled until he grabbed the arms and actually flipped the stranger, well not so stranger to him, over, making the- kid?- fall promptly on his rear. The man held the kids arms up and turned the boy around, grabbing his chin and eyeing him bitterly.
"What did I tell you about attacking me Peter?"
The boy, who had the same thick brows as the man, only turned his head away.
"Hmph! Until you recognize me for the great person that I am that's when I'll stop stupid jerk!"
It was pretty obvious the man was really irked by the boy.
"And why are you here anyways? Didn't they all forget about you E-?"
The man covered Peter's mouth, smiling to the trio, trying so desperately it seemed to stop the boy form talking.
"I'm sorry about all this. This is my little brother, Peter Kirkland. Peter, be nice and say hello to-"
Peter quickly threw his tiny leg back then threw it forward, kicking the man in the shin.
The man yelped and let go of the boys wrists and grabbed his leg. Peter hastily passed the trio and rounded the chairs, making his way back to the exit. The trio watched him run. Peter, stuck his tongue out at his brother and laughed. The man turned and pointed his finger.
"I'm calling Berwald and Tino you damned brat!"
Peter was no longer laughing.
"S-Stupid jerk! If they ground me at least I'll eat real food!" and with that, the boy ran out the exit, leaving the trio wondering if they might see him again.
"Why you little!" and the man jumped out of his chair, running after the boy.
Ron shook his head, "Harry are you sure this is the guy you were telling us about? He doesn't seem so, cool like you made him out to be."
Harry shrugged and faced forward, "I don't know and I don't care so let's just watch the game alright?"
And what seemed like forever (actually about 20 minutes) the man returned, sitting casually into his chair and looking very pleased with himself. Wasn't he supposed to be the adult?
Oh whatever.
"WOOOOOOOO THE IRISH WOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!" The twins hollered, jumping and bumping chests with each other when the game finally was over
The man laughed softly, watching their excitement. Ron had a look of defeat on his face and he held his head in his hands. Harry patted his shoulder and Hermione rolled her eyes at his dramatic behavior.
Harry could feel the man's eyes on him and he turned back, only to see him rushing over to the Minister of Magic.
Even if he tried denying himself, he could not help it. He was so confused about, well, the man of course.
What on Earth was he doing? If he remembered correctly, the man used magic so, why was he passing himself off as a Muggle inquisitor?
Harry shook his head and stood up, following his group out the door. Well it didn't really matter; it was time to get back to the tent.
With that Harry and his friends exited the top box, going down the steps and leaving the man. He had no idea if he'd see the man again and he didn't really know if he wanted to or not.
Author's Note:
Ah how I missed writing about loser arthur and harry 3 actually I've written up to chapter 18 but now I'm going back and revising it so yup.
Maybe more quick updates in the near future but now it's time to eat so thank you all for the reviews I really love them and have a lovely night!