Song for this Chapter: 'Til Kingdom Come by Coldplay

World Cup Performer Chosen

-Rita Skeeter

In a somewhat shocking reveal, Luda Bagman announced at the most recent press conference that the witch to perform the national anthems at this year's Quidditch World Cup will be none other than England's own Bianca Potter. With no public performances to her name it was questioned whether or not such a young witch is ready for such a big responsibility. At the press conference both Ludo Bagman and Barty Crouch vouched for the talent of the teenager.

Our esteemed paper was able to reach out to Ms. Potter for a comment, though her adopted father, Albus Dumbledore, declined this reporter the right for a fully-fledged interview. One wonders if her intends to kill her musical career before it even gets started, but at least she was allowed to speak for herself when giving her statement.

"I'm so very excited to have been chosen for such an opportunity," Ms. Potter told this reporter. "I didn't think I had a real shot at being chosen when I auditioned. I feel very lucky."

When interviewed a few other artists indicated that they thought she may have gotten the job because of her adoptive father's name as well as her own. While many of them indicated that they thought this spelled future embarrassment for our great nation, on particular musical mistress spoke out in support of the young woman. The famous, and quite kind, Celestina Warbeck who in fact had gone out for the same job removed her application upon hearing that the young woman was also auditioning. She was gracious enough to offer up an explanation to this writer.

"I was actually present in the atrium at the ministry when she came in," Warbeck explains with a motherly smile on her face. "The girl was so nervous she was practically vibrating, but I could see that hunger in her eyes that I had when I was her age. I might not have gotten the opportunity to meet her, but I wanted to do my part in launching what could be the next big musical sensation in our country. I think Bianca Potter will do England proud this summer."

When asked if she thought the fame around the Potter family was the reason Ms. Potter was chosen Warbeck, Crouch, and Bagman all vehemently disagreed. This writer can only conclude that she must be quite the talented young singer, and urges any and all who see her at the World Cup to send in their reviews for a follow up piece.

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Seeing my own face smiling softly up from the morning paper was quite strange. I had known after the somewhat off putting reporter had shown up at our house that I would be in the paper, but I hadn't quite realized it would be a front page piece, nor that she would have such a sharp quill as it were. Albus had explained to me that he refused a full interview because she tended to warp people's words to suit whatever her theme might be, and I was glad that I hadn't said anything else. Surely she would have spun a story about how I was hungry for fame and would do anything to get my name out there. It didn't quite feel right to think such mean things about someone I didn't truly know, but my gut told me I had the proper measure of her. I was however very flattered that an actual well known singer seemed to be so supportive of me. I felt a little overwhelmed by that actually, as I was used to hearing people like Mrs. Weasley talk about how amazing she was and now here she was talking about me.

After the article, the week before my birthday was fairly uneventful. I received post from Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They told me they would all be going to the World Cup and couldn't wait to see me there. Their letters had also come with birthday presents but I held off opening them until my actual birthday. It was surprisingly difficult to avoid their temptation when they sat on my desk waiting.

On the day of my birthday the entire Diggory family came over. We had a BBQ in the back yard and enjoyed cake together on chairs in the garden before I opened presents. Hermione had gotten me a Weird Sisters t-shirt. Ron sent me a package of guitar strings and some blank parchment. Harry sent me a variety pack of Zonko's joke shop products, and I had to laugh because it was the exact same thing I had sent him. Albus had purchased me an encyclopedia of the world's greatest wand woods, and a one-hour session on proper carving techniques with Olivander. Mr. and Mrs. Diggory bought me a scrapbook and a wizarding camera. Cedric gave me his present last, and it was in a little silver pouch that was soft to the touch. He handed it to me and moved to stand in front of me to watch me open it, and it was not lost on me that he seemed to be trying to block the parents from seeing me open it.

I pulled the bag open and saw a small back box sitting inside of it. I looked at him and then looked back at the box in my hand with my breath coming a little more quickly of its own accord. I wondered if it could possibly be… was it an engagement ring? Did I want it to be?

I took it completely out of the bag with a slightly trembling hand and I pushed on the top of the box until it popped open. Set into the velvet cushion was a beautiful ring. It was lit two silver vines had been braided together with a ruby heart set in the center where they connected.

"Oh Cedric," I gasped, looking up at him. "It's so beautiful."

"It's a promise ring," he said quietly as he kneeled down in front of me and reached out so he could put it on me. "It's a promise of my future intentions."

I stared into his eyes for a long time, vaguely aware of the ring sliding into place on my finger, as I let what he had said sink in. I felt something swelling up inside of me at the idea of eventually becoming his wife and it made my heart thud in my chest. My chest rose quicker with each breath but it was not in panic. He started to look nervous when I hadn't said anything and I realized that he might mistake my silence for something else.

"Thank you," I breathed reverently. "I very much like the idea of becoming your wife."

He leaned in a kissed me fiercely, his fingers threading into my hair and holding me tightly.

"I know that I will be leaving Hogwarts at the end of this year," he whispered to me when he back away from my face just enough to be able to see my eyes. "But I will never truly be very far from you. As soon as you have you're N.E.W.T.S. I intend to propose to you properly."

"Four years cannot go by quick enough," I whispered through a girly giggled. "I love you so much."

"I cannot put into words how much I love you," he murmured to me and then he was kissing me again.

It wasn't exactly chaste, but I heard no clearing of throats from the parents. Finally Cedric did break away, but he took a moment to lovingly career my cheek before he broke away from me fully. When we pulled apart we saw that all three of the adults were pretending not to notice what we were doing. Cedric sat back down and took my hand in his, rubbing his thumb over the ring on my finger with a smile on his face. We enjoyed the rest of the evening together and then the Diggorys went home.

The rest of the time leading up to the Quidditch World Cup was a whirlwind. I had to go to several rehearsals, which were always very early in the morning. My annoyance at being so tired was staved off by the fact that I got to meet so many different people while I was there. I had met both Ministers from Ireland and Bulgaria, and they both assured me that my pronouncing was very good. I was of course required to sing for them during a rehearsal so they could verify that I would be good enough to technically represent their country.

Cornelius Fudge always seemed to be present and beaming in the background when I was shuttled around to meet dignitaries and the two Quidditch teams. I met him at the first rehearsal, and he made a point from then on to always be present if I was going to do anything other than sing on the every changing pitch. After the first time hearing me sing he had blushed and then disappeared, never to return for a vocal rehearsal again. I wasn't sure what I should think of that.

I saw a lot of Bagman and Crouch and I got to know them a bit better. I liked Bagman, though I was starting to notice that he was not very responsible, or very organized to be honest. Crouch was very responsible, but he was not much fun to be around. Bagman was the one would be cracking jokes when I had to wait for some of the paneling on the platform to be adjusted to reflect the sonorous charm just right, and Crouch would be the one making sure that no matter what was going on that day I did not miss a fitting for the dress I would be wearing or that I was shuffled off to somewhere else when a report came calling. Albus had been very adamant that I not give interviews and Crouch was backing it up. Even if they never really seemed to get along, Bagman and Crouch did balance each other out rather nicely.

As I met more influential people, and Fudge kept up with that proud smile, I started to suspect that I really had gotten the job more for my name than for any talent I might posses. I tried to keep that out of my head while I worked because it upset me, but it was starting to look more and more like the British Ministry was using me like a show pony. More and more pictures of me were showing up in publications like Witch Weekly, the Quibbler, and numerous publications I had never even heard of further supported this. I stopped reading them after awhile as they all seemed to mostly be a rehash of the first article, or some fluff speculation about my dress, or whether or not I would be sporting jewelry from one of the renowned jewelers in Britain.

By the time the match was a few days away I was practically living in the stadium. They had set up a tent for me to use during long breaks, and when I wasn't there I was in the stadium working on my performance. There was apparently going to be a magical light show while I sung and it all had to be perfectly coordinated. Merlin forbid I accidentally step to far to the right at some point and destroy hours of careful spell work. It was decided that I would not use my guitar, mostly because it would hide my very expensive dress, and so some witch named Clara was in charge of carefully choreographing my every move right down to how pronounced my breathing was. Some of the impressiveness of the golden stands had worn off along with my excitement of a musical career after spending so much time in on the pitch creating the performance from scratch. It was still exciting of course, but I knew before the actually event that this was not the future for me.

Bagman probably would have preferred to just teach me the sonorous charm so he didn't have to cast it for me each time, but I wasn't allowed to do magic, and if they gave me permission to do so in such a public situation it would cause quite a few problems. I was pretty sure I'd be able to cast it on my own just from how many times I had seen it done now, but I didn't dare try. I also had to remind myself that the quietus spell needed to be cast afterward. I tended to forget that, and then I would hear myself chattering about water or something equally inane for the entire world to hear in my amplified voice.

The day of the match Cedric had to leave early to go with his father so they could get their tent set up, and I didn't get a chance to see them before he left. They were going to take a portkey with the Weasleys, so I told him to say hello for me, and made plans to meet up with him after the match. I was staying in the VIP section at the campground, alongside the two teams as well as the important government officials from all three countries. Our tents were nearest to the muggle home of the landowner because we were considered the group least likely to give away the use of magic.

Albus had been planning to stay with me and attend the match, but something had come up at Hogwarts so he was going to have to go to the school. He agreed to stay and apparate me to the grounds like we had planned, but then he was going to leave. He said he had already made arrangements for me to travel back with Cedric and his father so I just had to make sure to meet up with them when everything was said and done.

I slept in a bit, but after I showered we had a quick breakfast and then it was time to go. He took my hand and apparated me right to the front of my tent. I still couldn't believe how small the tent looked from the outside. I never would have believed we could both fit inside if I hadn't already seen it for myself. I hugged Albus goodbye and he wished me luck before apparating away.

I pushed back the flap of the tent and stepped inside, glad that my things were already there waiting for me. It was still weird even after using it for days to see that the tent looked like a two bedroom flat inside. There were two beds at the back, and they each had a flap that would be zipped closed for privacy. There was a full bathroom behind another privacy flap and a cozy little living room with a small kitchen off to the side. On the coffee table there was a vase full of stargazer lilies and a note. I went over to the table to see who had written a not to me.

Ms. Bianca Potter,

You're outfit for the evening is hanging in your bedroom. A stylist will be along shortly after your arrival to see to your hair and makeup preparations. Please be dressed and ready by one hours before the sunset. An official will be by to escort you into the arena. As you know, after your performance you will be seated in the top box next to Cornelius Fudge. The same official will help you find your seat while the mascots from each country perform. Payment for tonight's performance has been deposited directly into your vault at Gringotts. Thank you for your services.

Barty Crouch

I read the note again and then checked the sky outside. It didn't look like the sun would set too soon, so I decided to duck out and check out the vendors before getting dressed. I grabbed my bag and headed out to explore. There were all sorts of witches and wizards about, attempting to look like muggles. I noticed that the people camped nearest to me seemed to be doing the best job, and I thought that might be because they worked for the government and were required to do a good job.

As I passed out of my section I saw some people who weren't really even trying to appear to be muggles and it made me giggle. I saw an old man in a flowered nightgown carrying water in a pail back to his camp and I had to stifle a laugh. I saw a mother engorging and shrinking a worm to entertain her young son as he sat in the grass laughing. I saw two witches cook a strongly shaped animal on a purple fire and I wondered if they would get into trouble for being too conspicuous.

I finally made it to the vendors and it was hard to choose from all of the different items that were up for sale. I had to be very blunt with a man trying to sell me a flying carpet to get the fact that I was not interested across. In the end I bought a pair of omnoculars, a miniature of a Firebolt that flew around a few inches above your hand if you held your palm flat, and a pair of four leaf clover earrings. I wasn't supposed to pick sides too publicly as I was technically part of the staff, but I couldn't help but show support for Cedric's and my team.

I took my treasures and I hurried back to my tent when I saw that the sky was starting to subtly grow darker. There was a woman with her hair pulled back into a half pony tail in bright red, with black hair hanging down below it staring pointedly at her watch standing inside my tent when I got back. I hurriedly put my tiny Firebolt, my omnoculars, and my earrings into my purse so I would have access to them after singing and then I turned myself over to the stylist. She was no nonsense about sending me to put on the dress first.

I hurried into the bathroom where it was hanging up and quickly changed out of my clothes to put on the electric blue dress that matched my eyes so well. The skirt was full even if it stopped at my knees, and it was somewhat low cut as per the design that was approved by the dressmaker as well as Bagman and Crouch, I was informed somewhat delicately by Fudge that my charms would be glamoured away for the match and I wasn't really sure how I felt about that. I was happy that the dress had sleeves down past my elbow to make up for the lack of fabric in other places. The material was a little heavy and covered in intricate embroidered patterns with a satin bow wrapped around my waist and tied at the front. I had been given a black pair of peep toes heels to wear with it, and while they looked quite nice I was not looking forward to traversing the space between the tent and the arena in them.

When I joined the stylist in the main room of the tent she immediately frown at me and turned her wand on me. I felt a tingly on my throat and I looked down to see that all of my scars had faded from view even if I did detect a faint shimmer on my skin to give away the charm work. She then pushed me down into the blue chair in the room and turned her wand on my face and hair. I sat very still as she charmed my hair to move about and makeup to appear on my face. She even charmed my nails to look different, and I had to admit the French manicure looked nice. She allowed me to have a quick look in a mirror before when she finished and with my smoky eye and mussed curls I looked a bit like a sexpot.

Our preparations were momentarily interrupted when a photographer showed up with three reporters in tow. One of them was Rita Skeeter, who I recognized, and the other two I had no idea. When they spoke it was not in English so I assumed that they were leading reporters for Bulgaria and Ireland. I was directed into different poses for each of them. For Rita I was put on the back of the chair and posed in such a way as to expose quite a bit of one of my legs. I knew without seeing the image that it would be a little too provocative, but I didn't seem to have much choice in the matter. The Bulgarian reporter put me in front of a mirror and took the picture from behind me, standing in such a way that the full back of my dress was seen, but my face was present in the mirror that was magically not showing the reflection of the camera. Honestly it was a picture I'd like to have a copy of. The Irish reporter hand me simply stand in front of the opening to the tent with my hands on my hips and a smile on my face.

When the pictures were taken they all disappeared as quickly as they had come, taking the stylist with them. I took a deep breath, smoothed my hands nervously over my dress, and went in search of my little purse once more. Just as I took it in hand I heard a man's voice outside the tent call out my name.

"Just a second," I called, checking my reflection one more time before hurrying out to meet him.

"Are you ready to head up to the stadium Ms. Potter?" he asked.

"Yes," I agreed quickly, taking another deep breath to school my nerves, wondering if I should have asked for a calming draught.

"Do you have a cloak?" he asked looking around as people started gawking at me. "We have a bit of a way to walk and people will stare. Not to mention that it may get cold this evening."

"Um, I think Albus put my cloak in there, let me go check," I said as I ducked back into the tent. Sure enough it was there, and I grabbed it quickly before joining him once more. "Alright now I am ready."

"Let's go shall we?" he said, offering me his arm once I had my cloak latched in place.

He was probably worried about me tripping, assuming that I would have trouble with the heels. I chuckled at the very real possibility and folded my arm securely in his. He was quick as he walked through the crowed but he didn't go to quickly for me to keep up.

"So what is your name?" I asked, trying to make conversation as we headed to the stadium on a different path than the masses were following to get to their seats.

"My name is John Dawlish," he said plainly.

"I think I've heard your name before," I mused as we walked on. "Are you an auror?"

"I am indeed," he said with a polite nod.

"I suppose I am in very good hands then," I laughed. "Not that I am likely to have to worry about it at such a jovial event."

"Hopefully not," he said a bit more seriously than I would have liked. "You just never know with some people."

We didn't talk much more after that. He led me through a hidden door in the elaborate golden wall. There was a corridor for us to follow out to the pitch, and I saw that there were several openings along the way that led up to the staircases full of spectators. I started to get more nervous as we drew closer, but I took a deep breath and tried to keep calm.

He walked me all the way up to the opening where we were just out of view. Then he let go of my arm and he helped me to take off my cloak. He offered his hand to take my bag, and told me he would keep them both safe while I was performing. I nodded stiffly feeling my nerves get the better of me, and then he wished me luck and cast the sonorous charm on me.

He slid back into the shadows to wait and I stood just inside the opening of the tunnel waiting. I focused on breathing evenly, but quietly, as I listened to the muffled sounds of people moving in the seats above me. They echoed in the somewhat dark tunnel and created an eerie yet exciting environment and I felt my nerves slowly dissipate.

"And now, ladies and gentleman, the national anthems for Ireland and Bulgaria will be sung for you by England's very own Bianca Potter," I heard Bagman's' voice say before the stands exploded with clapping and cheering.

It was a surreal moment as I stepped out into the spotlight. It was strangely easy to forget that the applause was due to my famous name, and feel very special indeed. I walked out onto the bit of ground that was temporarily charmed white so it would stand out against the vibrant green grass. I stepped onto it very carefully, knowing it would start to rise up into the air once both of my feet were on it.

I was struck by just how many people were here as it began to rise. There must have been hundred of thousands. They blurred into seas of red and green and it was mildly disorienting. When the platform was fifty feet into the air the music for the Irish national anthem began to play, and I started to sing even as the platform continued rising and the flashing lights began their intricate designs and flickers. I was glad to hear that none of my nerves showed in my voice as it rang out across the stadium. I could make out the green clad fans growing more and more enthused and bouncing in the stands as I sand their song and it made me feel amazing.

There was deafening applause when I finished their anthem. From where I stood on the magically hovering stage I could see the Irish team waiting to fly out onto the pitch and they were cheering like mad as well. I waited patiently, and when the applause died down the music for the Bulgarian national anthem started to play. I focused on getting all of the pronunciations perfect so as not to offend anyone. I watched as this time the red clad fans got worked up, and I could see that quite a few of them were singing along as they swayed back and forth.

There was intense applause again when I stopped singing. My platform lowered itself back down as they applauded, and I fought the urge to wave to people. I didn't want to appear childish. As soon as I was back on solid ground the bright white stage disappeared and I was walking on pristine green grass again. I walked as calmly as I could back to the tunnel I had come from, and I thought this might be what it felt like to be incredibly drunk. I was so happy I might be able to fly without a broom. Dawlish took a moment to remove the sonorous spell when I was out of sight of the crow and I released a loud puff of breath.

"You have a very beautiful voice," he told me as he helped me to fasten my cloak once more and handed me my purse. "Shall we go find our seats?"

"That sounds like a great plan to me," I smiled as I took his arm. "Lead the way."

We moved quickly through the stands now that everyone was seated. We had to climb many sets of stairs and traverse a quarter of the distance around the pitch to get to the top box, but I could tell it would be worth it the second I stepped into the box. You could see the entire pitch perfectly. They might as well have played the match in my lap. I hurried over to my seat next to Fudge and slid into place without drawing too much attention to Dawlish or myself when he took the seat beside me that had originally been for Albus.

Fudge clapped his hands together and congratulated me on a job well done before focusing back on the pitch where the two teams were being introduced. I tried to focus on them but I suddenly became very aware of the fact that I was seated next to the Malfoy family. I was very glad to have Dawlish at my side because he was the only thing sitting between Draco and then Lucius and myself. I kept my hands under my cloak none-the-less and fought to keep my breathing regulated. The three of them gave me icy glares, all at different points, but then preceded to pretend I was not seated there, which was fine by me.

When I looked forward I saw that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the other Weasleys were all seated in the top box as well. I wanted to tell them hello but they were focused on the pitch. I decided it would be easier to catch up with them later and instead pulled out my omnoculars. I also quickly put on my earrings, noticing with some guilt that the Bulgarian minister frowned at me when I did so.

It was the most intense game of Quidditch I had ever seen played. The players moved so quickly that without the omnoculars there were a lot of things I would have missed. It felt as if the players could read each other's minds, as they moved so perfectly with one another. I could imagine Cedric practically losing his mind over how well the Irish chasers were playing. Viktor Krum was clearly the better seeker however. The Irish seeker kept crashing into the ground.

In the end Bulgaria caught the snitch but Ireland won the match. The stands were in complete pandemonium as they went wild with cheers and the like. The two teams marched up to the top box and the Irish team was given the Quidditch World Cup before they flew out to do a victory lap. The Bulgarian team was very cordial about their loss and exited quietly.

After the stands had settled down a bit, and some of the people had already left, including the Malfoys, Dawlish and I got up to head back to my tent. I hurried to catch Harry, Ron, and Hermione before they left our booth and gave them all hugs. They were as excited as everyone else in the crowd and practically shouted their congratulations at me before they were headed off by Mr. Weasley.

Dawlish dutifully lead me through the madness of the crowd and kept a tight hold on my arm so he could not lose me. I would have like to try and find Cedric or his father but Dawlish led me swiftly through the many paths that took me back to my tent. I decided to simply meet up with the Diggory's in the morning, and did not put up a fight when Dawlish directed be into my tent and told me to be safe before departing. I was feeling a bit tired, but I ignored it and stripped out of my fancy dress to take a shower. Once I was clean and warm I dressed in my nightgown and climbed into bed. I drifted to sleep with thoughts of quaffles and snitches.