Hey everyone,
So this chapter is probably going to be constantly commentated on by every known Quidditch lover in the books. The Gryffindor Quidditch team, the Weasleys, Draco and his team, Sirius and James, the Prewett twins, Cho and Cedric. I might throw in a few others, but it will be mostly them – and of course lots of cheering.
Have fun,

Venquine1990

Chapter 37
An Incredible Match

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

The time since Halloween has been one big crazy mess of events. From Harry finding out that I have a crush on him and his accepting my desire to see if we can make things work to him finding out that the supposed mass murderer that is after him is actually his father and that his mother is still alive and held captive by a right bastard.
Of course, my best friends haven't had it much easier. They found out that one of their youngest friends is suffering from a lot of mental and emotional issues, discovered that he has a group of friends that he kept secret, because of his unwanted fame and discovered that their family has been missing an actual member for years.
And I got to admit, Iris and Ron do look like they have a lot of things in common. Sure, their gender and some of their ways of acting are different, but by looking at the way they treat those closest to them, you can easily see that they really are twins, just not yet at the same level as Fred and George, their older brothers, are.
"Then again, one pair of those two nutjobs is more than enough. I don't think McGonagall or even Hogwarts in general can handle two pairs of twins like that." I think before I open the book on the page Percy bookmarked and while I can feel the excited stares of practically the entire hall, do I keep calm as I read the title.

The Quidditch World Cup

Yet while I made sure to keep my voice calm, does this title cause for the entire Great Hall to explode, the students and even quite a few of the adults cheering and screaming in their excitement. And while some other adults look either annoyed or ashamed, are none of them able to silence the racket. Yet I don't care and just loudly read on.

Clutching their purchases,

And right from those three words does the hall turn silent again, everyone excitedly wanting to hear the chapter and those that had tried to silence them looking shocked. "How do you best silence a crazy crowd? By giving them what they're going crazy about, of course." I think, snickering to myself as I happily continue.
Or so I want to, but then I hear the sound of footsteps approaching. I look up and notice that it's one of the people described in the last chapter, who walks into the Great Hall as I look up. "Barty! You're here! We were planning to invite you in a bit. What are you doing here?" Mr. Bagman then asks and the man's voice is exactly as described as he says:
"I needed you and Minister Fudge for some files I need signed so they can be properly sent over to - other parties involved." The man hesitates at the end as he says this, but the Headmaster steps in and says: "No need for secrecy, Barty. Most of the cat is already out of the bag and more will be revealed shortly. It's all for the sake of national safety."

And with help of Madam Bones, Mss. Jorkins, Mr. Bagman and the Minister, does the Headmaster get the man caught up. On the Time Sand, the travelers, Lord Black's innocence, the truth behind Pettigrew and Halloween, the revival of the Longbottoms and what really happened to Lord Potter, Lady Lupin, Mr. Black and the Prewett Twins.
And to my amazement and growing respect, does the man only twinge and cringe, but not show any actual shock, yet his eyes do seem to widen a little more the longer the explanation lasts. The Elementals also stand up, older first and younger second, to serve as evidence that everything that is being told is truth and Harry even plays with the man's shadow.
The man nods at the end and asks: "So, Hogwarts is now united with the Ministry, several Muggles and Elementals, are reading of the future and are of the desire to see both - him - and Pettigrew punished for all of their crimes respectively? Did I get all that right?" And when nods are received, does he take his seat with his colleagues as I read on.

Mr. Weasley … stop grinning.

And the same can be said for the Great Hall as even people like Snape, McGonagall and Madam Pince have trouble holding back their own excitement, though it's obvious they are trying just to make sure the others don't go crazy or start cheering like mad again. And while I feel amused at their failed attempts, do I read on.

They walked … and wizards.

"Though we really need to organize things better for the Muggles living in that vicinity, obviously." Madam Bones says and Professor Snape replies: "We'll discuss those matters after the chapter following this one." And while I wonder why he chose that time and not right after this one, do I just focus back on the book.

"Prime seats … Paris, Hogsmeade…

At this I notice Harry looking at the Weasley twins and he says: "I'm betting that will help you guys, as well. Having a board like that on the front of your store. Just imagine the advertisements you can make with such a thing." Yet to this Madam Bones smiles and says: "Sorry Mr. Potter, but I'm afraid that won't be possible."
"Why not? The twins are incredible. They'll be able to make something similar no problem." And while I agree with the lad, does the Head of the DMLE say: "I'm afraid the producer of that board has claimed copyright on it. He'd probably be willing to put their store in his list of advertisements, but he'd sue them if they tried that."
At this Harry winces and says: "Never mind. I just thought it would fit them. You know, big and bold. That's kind of their thing." At which the twins smile in personal pride and their father says: "A good idea, Harry, but maybe they need to focus on finishing their schooling first." At which all three boys turn red and cringe as I read on.

Harry tore … Malfoy family.

This shocks practically 90% of the Great Hall as only Ron, Hermione, Harry, Professor Dumbledore and the Malfoy Lord himself seem aware of this. Yet Harry looks at the man in defiance and says: "He deserved his freedom. How you were treating him, kicking him and forcing him to abuse himself, it was wrong. No discussion."
And while Mr. Malfoy wants to angrily retort, does he then gasp and turn to his daughter, who has snapped her fingers, obviously having used her incredible power over ice as she quotes Harry and says: "No discussion." And looking around, I can tell that both the Gang and the Squad agree with their two members.
All of them are glaring at the Malfoy Lord and with each of them do their eyes and the expressions on their faces prove one thing. They know how it feels to be abused and hate anyone who tries to defend themselves from abusing others. And these looks silence the Malfoy Lord and make him look wary and even a little guilty as I read on.

"Did sir … be paid?"

"I hate saying it, but that poor little thing is right." Mrs. Lupin says, shocking a lot of the Muggleborns around her before she says: "I'll explain later. It's a matter of give and take and balance of magic. Kind of complicated and – I think I'll annoy a lot of others if I go into details now." The Muggleborns nod and I read on.

Winky looked … common goblin."

This shocks me as I never knew that there was trouble between the Goblins and the House-Elves and Mrs. Malfoy smiles as she says: "Ah yes, the age old question that neither side has an answer for. Are House Elves better than Goblins or Goblins better than House Elves. They just can't agree on that." at which I read on, slightly amused.

"Well, it's … good house-elf."

At this Elena angrily looks around and asks: "Who owns this poor creature? Surely you have others, why send her and not them? Can't you at least respect that, in return for her servitude, you adhere to her likes and fears? Is that really too much to ask?" And it seems that this humbles a lot of Purebloods as I continue reading.

She gave … and shattered.

At this my dorm mate and close friend turns highly red and his father seems to take pity on him as he says: "How about we use next winter break for me to get you a tour of the Ministry? Give you a bit of a vibe of what you can expect when you start working and get you caught up with people that can help you forward the right way."
Yet this confuses both of us and Mr. Weasley lies a hand on his son's shoulder and says: "Please Percy. I recognize a lot of what you are doing here, because it is exactly what my younger brother did when he was your age. It – it didn't end well for him. He never dared to work again." This shocks us all and Percy asks:
"What happened?" But Mr. Weasley shakes his head and his wife says: "It's like with my squib cousin, dear. There are just some things that are best left unsaid, unless in the most dire and extreme cases. If your father permits me, I'll give you some details at our next break." Both men nod and I read on, wanting to cheer them up again.

Highly embarrassed … of him.

Yet the mention of the venerable wizard and the way he treats Harry seems to, again, spark pain with Mss. Rosie, which is instantly responded to be Edena, Rosaline and Irma, who are sitting on either side of her – Edena and Irma – and opposite her respectively. The woman sighs in relief and while we worry for her, do I read on.

"Harry Potter … a seat…

And this instantly causes for me to feel as if I am caught in the crossfire as the entire Gang and Squad turn their furious glares on the man, who is unfortunately enough sitting behind me to the side. "Why?" Harry asks furiously and the man sweats a little as he says: "I have – specific uses of Winky – and very, very specific needs."
Yet this instantly seems to set the senses of Harry, Hermione and Ron on sharp as Ron says: "You don't seem willing to explain those needs." At which the man snaps: "No, I am not." Yet Hermione asks: "Then why do I get the feeling we will find out anyway?" And I think: "Probably because you're you." Before I read on.

Good job … I daresay?"

At this a lot of the adults roll their eyes as Madam Bones says: "Cornelius, no offense, but pointing out to Lucius that Arthur is there is like holding a red rag up to a bull. It's just asking for a confrontation. Those two are too unlike each other for any other outcome." At this Fudge cringes, obviously realizing that she's right as I read on.

It was … this much?"

And this shocks the Minister, who looks at his closest friend as he snaps: "Lucius, that was just low." Yet Madam Bones proves she thinks otherwise as she just rolls her eyes and says: "Called it." And while Mr. Malfoy doesn't look the least bit guilty, does the Minister keep looking at him in shock, at least until I continue reading.

Fudge, who … World Cup!"

And this makes a wave of cheers and screams be mixed with a lot of students shocked and amazed at the number and I notice Hermione looking deep in thought as she says: "That – that would mean that – that the first ever Finals were in –." But then Ron snaps: "Who cares? The match is beginning!" And as she glares at him, do I read on.

The spectators … robes. "Veela!"

And while a lot of those that know what Veela are, especially the older men and teens, are now sharing excited and even kinky grins, do some of the mothers in the Great Hall frown and Mrs. Lupin says: "That is highly dangerous, especially with so many men high up in the Top Box." At which Mr. Bagman winces as I read on.

"What are … at all.

This however, for reasons I really don't get, seems to really worry Harry's parents and Mr. Black mutters: "No one should have their hormones start acting up like that. Being brought to the forefront like that, it's just not healthy." And this makes me wince as I realize that the man is right to be worried before I read on.

The veela … a springboard.

"My point exactly. Minister, I would appreciate if you make sure that the Top Box and other high spots at the stadium are enchanted to keep such forms of magic from affecting the ones seated there. It's too dangerous and can cause horrible accidents to happen." Mrs. Lupin tells the man, who nods while looking red as I read on.

Angry yells … she said.

"Hermione, I'm sorry, but you have no reason to behave like that. It's obvious that the older men were expecting this and that they had experience with this, so you have no reason to berate Harry for something he has no experience with." Isaac tells his younger sister and Hermione looks a little berated as she nods.
Yet then Rosaline shocks us all as she rolls her eyes and says: "And besides, I would love to see you try and fight off my aphrodisiac.""You have such a thing?" Others ask shocked and Rosaline says: "Of course I do. After Dudley and his horrible behavior, I started developing it. It addles his mind and makes him putty in my hands.
I've been using it to keep him and other boys – and even a few sick tourist girls that sometimes visit the community – at bay. And so far, there has been no one who is able to resist my power. Not even Isaac here." And while I again feel confused that she's using Isaac as an example instead of the others, do I continue reading.

"And now … present, ha!"

Yet while Harry rolls his eyes and says: "As if I wasn't going to already." Does Mr. Weasley laugh and say: "Sorry Ron, but that gold is not going to pay back that debt you think you owe Harry. That's Leprechaun Gold, it vanishes after a few hours." Shocking his youngest son and making his frown in annoyance as I read on.

The great … only eighteen.

"And Harry's horrible descriptions strike again!" The twins yell, but Harry shrugs as he says: "I wouldn't call it that. A Seeker does hunt down the weakest ball in the team, so I'd say that description proves Krum has perfect build for his position." And while a lot of the Great Hall looks amazed at this analogy, do I read on.

"And now … Golden Snitch.

"You actually saw it?" Cedric asks in shock and Harry answers: "Apparently, I will. Future, remember?" At this Cedric nods, but then he says: "That's still incredibly amazing. The World Cup Snitch is ten times faster than a regular school Snitch and even two dozen times faster than the regular store-bought Snitches."
This amazes Harry and he asks: "Has – has that been – proven?" And Cedric nods as he says: "It's why the length rumors are as they are. Snitches vanish from sight, neither Seeker sees it leave the crate and they just lose it for the rest of the game. And that happens to a lot of professional games." And with pride in my voice, do I read on.

With a … play resumed.

"Trust me, the half of every crowd makes that mistake at every match and has been doing so ever since the Omnioculars were first developed. Heck, a few years ago, someone made a skit in the Daily Prophet about it, if I remember correctly." Mr. Weasley laughs as he says this and others who know he's right laugh too as I read on.

Harry knew … greenclad supporters.

"Is it wrong to say that our matches have nothing on this?" Harry suddenly asks, yet none of the teams are offended and I say: "Not really, though I do hope to one day play for the English team." And Harry makes my day as he says: "If you will, I will come to every match." And I send my boyfriend a huge loving smile before I read on.

The match … and weightless.

"Have you ever seen yourself? You're really not much different, you know? Especially when you pull your usual crazy stunts. And even more especially when you do a dive, it looks as if you lost your broom and are just plummeting on your own. It's seriously scary to watch." Katie tells the boy, who cringes in guilt as I read on.

Harry turned … said, giggling.

"Hermione, please don't. You could have easily done that just by pointing at the guy and Veela really aren't safe around young wizards who still have to have their hormones activated. It can cause magical issues that just aren't safe for kids the same age as you and your friends." Mrs. Lupin tells the girl, who nods as I read on.

Harry looked … their shoulders –

Yet at this Mrs. Lupin sighs in relief and says: "You're not affected. Thank goodness.""How do you know that?" Hermione asks and Mrs. Lupin answers: "Because most boys who get their hormones activated by Veela magic – practically become their sex toys by taking a look at their actual forms and finding those even more gorgeous."
"But those descriptions sounded horrible – and they were actually complementary of how full-grown Veela usually look." A Sixth Year Slytherin says in shock, yet Mrs. Lupin says: "That's how the Veela magic works. It's the effect it can have on teenage boys who grow into their hormones only after meeting them."
"Why only boys though?" Harry asks, clearly sounding insulted, but his former-believed mother laughs and says: "Trust me, they are not the only ones. You should hear some of the stories that are being told about what the Fae and the Merepeople were like before the Ministry was formed. And that was in regards to human girls."
"How – how bad are they?" Hermione asks and Mrs. Lupin asks: "Ever heard of those Greek myths about the Siren?" And when the girl nods, does Mrs, Lupin shock her as she says: "Those are tame compared to the tales of the Fae and the Merepeople. And those have been confirmed." At which I read on, feeling awkward.

"And that … shouted Harry.

"In all that, even with all that, with your concern over Krum and the constant distractions from the fight on the ground; you were still the first to spot that Krum had gotten that thing. How good are those eyes of yours? I mean, you're wearing glasses, at least in the book." Lee asks, yet Harry has no answer and so I read on.

Krum, his … expecting that!"

Yet while I had my eyes wide and while my voice started rising with the sound of my shock and amazement, have more and more eyes turned from me, turned wider like my own and turned to the Weasley twins, who shrug and chorus: "We do our research." At which even their mother has no comment as I just read on.

"What did … minister, shrugging.

Yet this seems to worry Madam Bones as she says: "That is not a good sign. It proves that England has a bad reputation with the rest of Magical Europe. Looks like we need to work on or international PR before the Finals." And Fudge, who seems just as concerned, nods while Crouch grumbles at all this and I read on.

"And as … their direction.

"I can only imagine how many of them were taking a picture of the fact that two internationally famous people were in the same space." Malfoy junior seems to sneer, but Harry rolls his eyes as he says: "I'm not famous anymore, Draco. My fame was based on me being an orphan. I am one no more, so my title's invalid."
"But you're a bloody hero!" Someone in the crowd says, yet Harry glares at the person as he says: "Oh really, cause the Wizarding World has a bloody lousy way of showing that. Face the fact and call the beast by its name, Richards. I'm not a hero, I have a title people love using without excuse or proper signs of having a conscience.
Cause if I was a hero, why was I left with Muggles? If I was a hero, why did no one search me out? If I was a hero, why does no one care for who I actually am? If I was a hero, why are you okay with loving me one minute and calling me Voldemort's son the next? Is that really how people treat their so-called hero?"

At this the boy named Richards seem to have no reply and Harry growls: "No, I'm no hero. I'm a person who needs to endure everyone else using him as a personal scapegoat for their oh-so precious grapevine, because they have been fed lies and tall tales their entire lives about a title, without respect for the meaning behind it."
By now most of the Great Hall is looking really guilty and Harry sighs, crosses his arms and says: "And with both of these upcoming international events, I can only imagine how much worse that is going to get." Making those that are in charge of those events wince before their faces prove they want to prove him wrong as I read on.

One by … hands outstretched.

And while I actually expected it, do I still look up startled when Mss. Rosie hisses in pain, yet this time it seems much worse as she actually bends herself over the Gryffindor Table and has both hands pressed against both of her temples. And she also seems to be in too much pain to allow the girls to actually do their work.
At this Jeffrey and Jessie move over and actually used their powers combined to lift the three girls and the woman off their seat, encasing them in a bubble of air before Jeffrey says: "Give us a few. Aunt Rosie needs to be away from the reading for the pain to leave, or so it seems." At this I nod and we all watch them leave, greatly concerned.

And with good reason.
Poor Rosie. Is she going to be alright? Is she going to actually get all of her memory back? Will she remember why Bagman's betting is causing her so much pain? Unfortunately not as I am going to use this book and another character to slowly bring out her actual memory, the same way I did it last book with Sirius.
And that, to me, is a good thing as that will make this book a little more relevant. I said it quite a few times before and I will probably keep saying it several times more; Goblet is irrelevant to me and I usually forget most of what happened during it. To me, only a few facts of importance were established in this book.
Sorry, not sorry,

Venquine1990