Hey everyone,
So, I'm not going to lie; I don't hold much value in this chapter and I really hope it will wow me. Either that or inspire me to create some more solid backstory to important characters. Who knows, this chapter might even give me a good, solid chance to improve on the budding relationship between Harry and Oliver Wood.
Forgot that was there,

Venquine1990

Chapter 36
The Joys Of Camping

3rd of November 1993
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Percy's POV

It has been my dream to work for the Ministry for years and Hogwarts has always been something I have seen as a stepping stone in getting that career. Yet I never realized that my dreams gave me as much of an ego as the book about my younger brother's best friend have shown so far, yet that is not what currently worries me.
What worries me is one of the reasons I have always wanted to work at the Ministry; because I have always seen that place as the one organization dedicated to helping every aspect of the Wizarding World. "Yet the one Department that always embodied that belief for me the most – is the worst when it comes to new workers."
I think to myself as I move over to where Miranda Wicked is at with the book and this, combined with the ego and pride I get proven to have in the book makes me really worried about what my future career will be displayed as. Yet at the same time I try to draw comfort out of a few simple facts, one moreso than others.
"Harry's going back to Hogwarts in just a few chapters. I doubt – wait, that Goblet thing is a Ministerial event, I am probably going to be brought up more and more often the closer we get to it." And while this makes me sigh and while I mentally resign myself to another brotherly hazing from the twins, do I take the book.

Bagman and Crouch

This makes Mr. Bagman cheer and he asks: "I get to meet Mr. Potter? I get to be part of this story already? How exciting!" And his assistant, the woman that could have died in a few months' time, says: "Well, that does make sense. You are an organizer of this event, after all." At this her boss happily nods and I read on.

Harry disentangled … Mr. Payne."

At this Cedric turns to Harry and says: "I guess this is where we part ways." To which Harry shrugs and says: "Maybe, but I doubt the story would have gone into detail with this if it's not going to be important later on." At which the lad happily smiles and says: "I look forward to that." Making others smile as I read on.

"Thanks, Basil … every word.

At this I notice Mr. and Mrs. Granger share looks and then Mrs. Granger says: "It sounds like this is a Muggle that doesn't know about Magic. And considering how dangerous that is, maybe it would be better if, when this event starts, you send Mr. Roberts on a holiday and let us handle the registration. We can take care of it."
"And if they can't, why not offer the job to some other people? Say, the paycheck they would get for registration duty can go to a ticket for the match. That way, you have someone doing the work, you won't have to confuse wizards with Muggle money and you protect the Statute of Secrecy." Isaac then tells the Hall.
This shocks those at the Head Table and Madam Bones says: "That – is actually a really good idea. We will have to try and Confund the Muggle to make sure he takes that break, but otherwise, it would get rid of a lot of problems we have been trying to cover the last few weeks." And while his parents smile at Isaac, do I read on.

"Ah yes … Weasley, puzzled.

"Although that could work as well. If families that aren't used to Muggle money just speak in French, German or Spanish, they actually give themselves an excuse for not being used to the English currency. Then it's just a matter of knowing the currency difference between Galleons and Pounds and you're done."
Joshua mumbles and Ginny asks: "Why do Muggles have so many different kinds of currency?" And Hermione answers: "It has to do with Muggle History. There have been a lot of wars in the last two centuries and most of them were either about independence or about conquering other countries. None of them were pretty."
This shocks most of those around me and Harry nods as he says: "Europe alone faced two wars in the last 80 years. One in the 1910's and one in the 1930-1940's. And then there's the war in Vietnam, the war between America and Russia, the war for American Independence." And while I feel amazed at all this conflict, do I read on.

"You're not … memory modified.

"Wait, hold on a second!" Mr. Black snaps and his partner instantly asks: "How on earth do you know what that looks like?" And Harry cringes as he says: "Had a teacher who was a master with the spell. He used a broken wand, so it backfired on himself. Long story, it concerns last year." This concerns his parents and I read on.

"A map … him happy.

"That is just wrong! That will cause incredible mental damage. That poor man might never be able to work another day in his life if you keep that up." Mrs. Granger screeches and Madam Bones mutters: "We really need to make sure we can take care of young Mr. Granger's plan." Which calms Mrs. Granger down as I read on.

And Ludo … He Disapparated.

At this the man winces and he asks: "Well, what can I say? This is my favorite sport for a reason." "Maybe, Ludo, but perhaps it would have been better if you, at least, made sure not to speak like that while in the man's vicinity." Professor Dumbledore gently chides the man, who turns red and nods as I continue reading.

"I thought … the entrance.

And instantly I spot Mr. Black turning to Mr. Malfoy, who looks back at him with a raised eyebrow and Mr. Black says: "Don't give me that look, Lucius. I was there for most of your courtship with Narcissa, so I know all about what sets House Malfoy apart of the others. I know how much you love peacocks, so don't bother."
Yet at this Mr. Malfoy smirks and asks: "And how do you know that those memories aren't created by the MMB, Black?" Yet then he gets his answer as Mr. Black grunts: "Because I am holding back on how much this next attack on my psyche is hurting." And he winces at the end, shocking the blonde man sitting near him.
Yet a second later do Rosaline, Irma and Edena rush over to him, all three of the girls glaring at him for hiding his pain as they work their magic, Mr. Black sighing in relief at the end, only to yelp as Mr. Potter hits him over the head and says: "You know you didn't deserve that, right?" At which the man nods as I read on.

A little … old neighbor.

"You know, that's not entirely true. The Gang and I did go camping from time to time, but – well, I guess hanging a rag between a bunch of trees in a garden and putting sleeping bags under it doesn't really compare to the kind of camping that is going on here, so yeah." Harry mumbles in the end, a hand in the back of his neck.
"It might not, but I'm sure we can replicate a real camping experience when we get to the EEM. Maybe even more than one." Mr. Black happily tells his son and this makes me think: "I can only imagine how large the lands around that manor can be." Yet I don't let this thought bother me and just continue reading.

However, he … first tent.

"Wait, you didn't think you could all fit in those tents?" The younger of the two Black brothers asks and Harry answers: "That's why the Gang always used that cloth between the trees. We'd have needed five tents if we wanted to actually camp out." And while the younger of the two brothers looks amazed at this, do I read on.

"We'll be … inner proportions.

"Am I the only one who now wants to hold more than one camping trip and see which experience is better?" Mr. Black asks and while this makes the Malfoys grimace a little, do the other parents smile as Mrs. Granger says: "If you organize the Magical one, we will arrange the Muggle one." Mr. Black nods at this and I read on.

"It's on … at it!"

"You are one stubborn fool sometimes, Arthur. You saw an entire field throwing anti-Muggle security out the window, you are miles out of the sight of that Roberts guy and you still keep to the rules yourself. You're a good example to your kids." Madam Bones tells my father and I smile at him in pride before I read on.

After a … other countries.

"Not surprising, considering how Little Whinging practically considers itself a community of itself and only cares for those within their community. If you grow up there, you always run the risk of growing up in an isolated sense." Mrs. Rosie sighs, looking at the Gang, the Squad and Harry before I continue reading.

Their fellow … wand – yecchh! "

And at this do most of the adults, all the ones that are parents, smile and look at their respective kids, my brothers turning a little red at seeing this, but the kids in the Gang and Squad smiling back at their parents, proving they would love to hear tales of similar nature. Yet they keep quiet in their need and so I just continue reading.

She had … was excited.

At this I notice the Squad members share looks and then they turn to Mr. Bagman and Jeremy asks: "Mr. Bagman, would the Ministry be opposed to hiring volunteers? We'd be willing to use our powers to help you with your anti-muggle security issue." And instantly Mr. Bagman asks: "Are you sure? Really? That's great!"
And instantly the younger Black brother stands up and says: "Mr. Bagman, my partner and I will meet with you at our next break so we can discuss this matter. You know, volunteering salary, work time and who they will and won't work with, understand?" And while Mr. Bagman nods in great excitement, do I read on.

"Er – is … too happy."

"Please know when it's time to defend one against the other. Beliefs are not always worth turning your back on either party." Irma says, reading off another note before she, to our shock, turns to Seamus who asks: "What the heck does that mean?" And apparently future Harry expected this as Irma turns back and reads:
"You will receive hints at chapters 10, 18, 24, 31 and 37. Please get the hints before the next book." This makes Seamus frown and he says: "Well, that didn't help much." But I say: "Don't worry, we're already on chapter seven, only three chapters left." And the younger Gryffindor nods, yet still frowns as I continue reading.

"Ah, why … at them.

"Look out for him. Your first impression was 100% correct." Irma actually reads, looking at Hermione, but Ron interrupts her and asks: "Wait, we – we – we get to – to – to meet Krum?" Yet to this Edena hits him over the head and asks: "Did you not hear that warning? He's bad news." And Ron looks shocked as I read on.

"Really grumpy … privates, thanks."

This is one part I actually have trouble reading out loud as I realize the hidden meaning behind that statement even before I finish reading and while most of the older boys snicker and chortle to hold back their laughter, do most of the girls all around either shudder or let out sounds of disgust. And I shudder myself before I read on.

Hermione was … reserve team.

"That is so awesome!" Oliver himself exclaims and his entire team happily crowds around him, cheering and congratulating him. Yet then it happens as, out of nowhere, Harry actually gives Oliver a strong, loving kiss on the cheek, shocking the people around him, yet earning him a grateful, loving smile as I continue reading.

Next they … shrivel up."

"That is just so petty. Surely Bill told him that it was due to money issues." Edena mutters angrily and her mother says: "Ron didn't remember that right. We used Errol, but the journey was almost too much for him and so he came in way late. That was actually why the pen friend was angry, he felt like he had been left waiting."
"That's still no good excuse. How old were they when this happened?" Edena asks and Molly grimaces as she says: "Fifteen, that's why Bill cut all ties. He thought his friend was too old to react so childishly to something that wasn't even his fault." And Edena nods in agreement with our older brother before I read on.

Harry laughed … greatly interested.

"May I just voice my amazement that you even know anyone, Arthur. Considering how far back your office is at the Ministry and all that." Mss. Jorkins actually says and I look at her shocked as her voice proves that she is working hard to keep a condescending tone out, yet is failing. Yet dad seems unperturbed and says:
"That may be so, but my work demands that I work with other stations, Bertha, as Ludo, Amelia and even Cornelius himself can vouch for." And the woman looks shocked, yet I think: "Did my dad just – burn someone trying to belittle him – and compliment her office at the same time?" And with pride in my voice, do I read on.

"That was … they're Unspeakables…"

"There were actually Unspeakables at the World Cup?" I ask in shock and Mr. Bagman smiles excitedly as he says: "Oh yes, the Unspeakables send members to every international event. They are always searching for new mysteries to unravel within their Department." This does sound reasonable and I continue reading.

"They're what … moment! Ludo!"

"YES! It's my turn now! Oh, this is so exciting!" Mr. Bagman exclaims and yet Mr. Potter laughs and says: "Careful there, Ludo. The descriptions this book gives to others haven't sound the most complementary so far." Yet the Ministerial official seems not to care for this as he is just hopping in his seat and so I just read on.

Ludo Bagman … overgrown schoolboy.

By now Mr. Bagman is laughing and making exclamations of how much he is actually enjoying his description, which has shocked Mss. Jorkins, who had started glaring at Harry when I read about the man's rotund form. Others are also enjoying the man's laughter and I happily wait for him to be done before I continue reading.

"Ahoy there … good impression.

At this I turn bright red, yet Mr. Bagman shrugs and says: "Hey, as long as you work hard, have fun and do good work for the Ministry, I don't care two Knuts what you think of your co-workers. As long as you treat everyone with at least some decent respect, of course." At this I nod, vowing to take this to heart as I read on.

"Ah – yes … black robes.

Yet to everyone's shock does this actually cause Mss. Rosie to groan and reach for her temple, the same way Mr. Black has been doing several times now and instantly the three girls are onto her. "What – what just happened? Don't those pains usually happen after someone breaks through the MMB?" Mr. Bagman asks.
"I can only assume, Ludo, that this time, it's the topic that Mr. Weasley read about that caused the reaction. Meaning that Mss. Rosie has some suppressed memories about something that involves gambling.""But – but what could that be?" The man asks and Mss. Rosie answers: "I don't know, but it – it felt – horrible."
She almost whispers with a horrified tone of voice and everyone looks at her in great concern, yet then she looks up and says: "And – for – for reasons I just don't understand, the – the memory – as vague as it is – I know it concerns you, Mr. Bagman, but – also – you, Minister." And this shocks the man in question and he asks:
"Wait, me?" And when the woman nods, does he ask: "Why?" Yet she shakes her head and says: "I – I don't know. I just know that it's a bad memory, one that caused me a lot of pain, but – for some reason, I feel as if it did the same – for you." And while the Minister looks at her befuddled, do I turn back to the book.

"I've already … weeklong match."

Yet this actually makes the twins glare at Mr. Bagman and one of them says: "That is so not fair." Everyone looks at him and the other says: "Ireland is known to end matches nice and fast. That latter bet is totally unfair and taken from someone who obviously isn't interested in the teams." And Mr. Bagman winces as I read on.

"Oh… go … the Snitch.

Now the man looks at the boys with a raised eyebrow, his look proving he thinks he got them at their own game, but then Harry says: "Sorry, Mr. Bagman, but if I know one thing about these two it's this. The crazier their claim, the more they did their research into said claim." And this startles the man before I continue reading.
And while I know others would have expected mum to start ranting at the two, did I notice dad lie a hand on hers and motion for her to look at Harry before she can. And I also know that the problems caused by the chapter before previous are making her cautious to cause a scene or anything and so I just continue reading.

Oh and … stunned disapproval.

At this I notice my brothers share a glance before they turn to me and ask: "Brothercode?" And I look shocked as they rarely to ever enforce the Brothercode, yet I instantly answer: "Brothercode." To which they nod and Fred says: "We'll show you our notes later." And while this makes me feel really honored, do I read on.

"Boys," said … shall we…"

And yet again does Mss. Rosie groan and reach for her forehead, yet the girls hadn't left their spots near her and instantly help her feel better before Professor Dumbledore says: "I think we can clear a bit of the haze. It seems good or positive odds that concern you, Ludo, are what are causing Mss. Rosie to get her attacks."
And the way that the girls need to attach a new wave of their powers right after this is said proves the man's point. Mr. Bagman whitens and he asks: "But – but that means that – that I made a – a bet on –." But then Edena snaps: "Discuss it away from Aunt Rosie, will you?" And the man turns red and nods before I hurry on reading.

Mr. Weasley … and Troll…"

"Bertha, be a dear and make sure that Barty comes here for when we start the Tournament chapters, will you? I don't think he'll be interested in the other ones, but he'll definitely want to hear about the Tournament." Mr. Bagman tells his assistant and the woman nods and writes it down on a notepad as I continue reading.

"Anyone can … them all.

This actually stops the woman in her writing and makes her look up shocked, yet Headmaster Dumbledore sighs and says: "I'm afraid you will have to get used to this, Bertha. Until it is confirmed in the story, you will be mentioned quite often during Ministerial-based chapters." The woman nods and I continue reading.

"Not a … devil! Barty!"

This both excites me and makes Mss. Jorkins grimace and she mumbles: "If I didn't know by personal experience how much we have been working to prepare for the Tournament, I would have been really hurt by that, Mr. Bagman sir." And the rotund man cringes and mumbles an apology back at her before I read on.

A wizard … really was.

This entire description makes me feel really excited, but then Amelia says: "That does sound like Barty, but please remember what he is like to new employees, Mr. Weasley. His Department, I believe, is better to be left for later on in your career." At which I nod at her, grateful for her advice and I happily read on.

"Pull up … you, Weatherby."

"My point exactly." Madam Bones groans and then turns to me as she says: "In fact, that is friendly. I think he did that, because you were with family at an official event. I doubt Barty would even address you by name if you were at work." At which I wince and think: "And I thought this was humiliating." As I continue reading.

Fred and … flying carpets."

"Wait, why would Mr. Bashir want to talk to you about that? Isn't that something for Magical Transport?" Mss. Jorkins asks and I feel astounded at her tone again, yet dad calmly says: "You can thank what others say about my love for Muggles for that, Bertha." And yet again I feel my pride for him growing as I read on.

Mr. Weasley … the law.

Yet at this the elder set of Lupin twins share a look and Jack mutters: "He is trying to convince teens he will rarely see again that his family follows the law." And the other growls: "He's hiding something. A crime that he or his family committed that he could get in trouble for." And everyone looks shocked before Mss. Jorkins asks:
"How could you possibly say that?" And yet it's Harry that coldly answers: "Because as much as Little Whinging was a closed off community, it was mostly our guardians that tried to impress anyone who came to visit the community." And that alone proves exactly why the boys believe this and I feel concerned as I continue reading.

"So, been … organize, eh?"

"And thanks to this book we can make 100% sure that everything will go according to plan." Professor Dumbledore happily says and to this Professor Flitwick stands up and asks: "Could all those that desire to do so, please make notes on all three tasks?" And several students grab hold of their bags as I continue reading.

Mr. Crouch … said Fred.

At this the twins share a look and then turn to me as Fred says: "As fun as that sounds.""Do we not feel.""Like lowering ourselves.""To Crouch's level.""So we'll never call you that." And the two chorus: "We promise." Making me send them both a grateful smile and they nod at me before I turn back to my reading.

A sense … Galleons each."

"That's not a bargain! They're only seven Galleons at the store in Hogsmeade and only three at the pawn shop in Diagon Alley." Fred actually exclaims, but then dad says: "It was an event-based bargain. They usually go out for twenty to twenty-four Galleons." And this seems to appease my brother as I continue reading.

"Wish I … their gold.

"I can only imagine what you boys are going to use your winnings on." Katie smirks as she looks at the twins and mum asks: "You – you're really sure they'll win?" And Katie nods as she says: "It's like Harry said. The crazier their claim, their better their research." And mum seems to feel glad to be reminded of this as I read on.

And then … let's go!"

Yet while I finally feel as if I am in the twins' shoes, do I smirk up at the entire Great Hall, slowly lick my finger and bookmark the page before closing the book, making sure to let the pages close on each other with a loud resounding noise. And the way that students start to groan and let out exclamations of annoyance makes me snicker.
"Well done there, big brother." One of the twins then says and the other goes on: "Now get out of there so Ollie can read the chapter." And while I wonder when it was decided that Oliver would read the next chapter, am I just too used to my brother's making sudden decisions like that and so I just shrug and move over.
Oliver himself needs a little more to get over his shock, yet he shakes his head, happily turns his face to Harry and gives him another kiss on the cheek before he stands up. And as we pass each other at the steps leading up to the Head Table, do I say: "The twins." And my dorm mate replies: "I know, right." Both of us grinning.

Yeah, I know, right.
So this chapter, as short as it was, took me the better part of a Sunday morning, yet all the same I am happy with it. Like I said, at first I didn't care much for this chapter as both GoF and HBP are just nothing special to me, yet I still think I brought up some nice points and created some nice character growth here.
So Rosie is having attacks just like Sirius sometimes does and Ludo seems to have made some kind of bet that was supposed to go great, but that went terribly wrong and that brought pain to both Rosie and Minister Fudge. But what is the connection between these two? Trust me, they will know before the Third Task.
Hope you enjoyed,

Venquine1990