The month of July had been bittersweet for Draco and Harry. Their parents had managed to secure tickets to the Quidditch World Cup and had been personally invited by the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, to join his box. The prospect of witnessing Bulgaria and Ireland face off on the Quidditch pitch had left both young wizards ecstatic. However, as the event drew closer, they began to realize the void left by their strained friendships.
In an effort to mend the bridges they had burned, Harry and Draco decided it was time to apologize to their friends. They apparated to the Burrow, where the Weasley family resided, ready to make amends.
"We wanted to apologize for the way we treated you last year," Harry began, his embarrassment evident in his tone.
Ron and Neville, being the kind-hearted individuals they were, were quick to forgive their friends. Neville couldn't hold a grudge for long, and Ron missed the days of playing Quidditch with Harry more than he cared about past conflicts.
Blaise and Pansy, however, were not as quick to let bygones be bygones. Pansy, always blunt and to the point, didn't mince words. "I don't believe a word of it," she declared, her skepticism clear in her expression, and with that, she left, not giving them a chance to respond.
Blaise, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow, his demeanor more contemplative. "I forgive you," he eventually said, though his tone carried a weight of caution. "But know that nothing is going to be the same as before."
Harry and Draco exchanged glances, grateful for Blaise's willingness to give them another chance, even if it was under the condition of change. They nodded in understanding. For now, it wasn't a hard no; it was a cautious maybe. The possibility of rebuilding their friendships gave them hope as they looked forward to the Quidditch World Cup, a chance to share their excitement with old friends and, perhaps, start anew.
The morning of the Quidditch World Cup Final arrived with the promise of a brilliant day, as the first rays of the sun pierced through the tent flaps. It was an early start for everyone, but they couldn't contain their excitement. The reason for their early rise? Setting up the tents for two prominent wizarding families, the Weasleys and the Malfoy-Potter clan.
The moment they arrived at the designated campsite, the scene was nothing short of spectacular. Thousands of wizards and witches were busy setting up their respective tents, creating a colorful tapestry of shapes and sizes. There was an air of festivity in the atmosphere, and the buzz of anticipation was palpable.
Children darted about in excitement, their faces adorned with wide smiles and eyes sparkling with wonder. Many of them proudly wore the jerseys of their favorite Quidditch players, a colorful array of team colors dotting the landscape. However, one jersey seemed to dominate the crowd, and that was none other than Viktor Krum's. The Bulgarian Seeker's jersey was the best-selling item of the day, and it was worn with pride by fans of all ages.
Draco and Harry watched as a group of children passed by, each proudly sporting a Bulgarian team shirt. Draco's voice broke the silence between them, his gaze still on the kids. "Do you ever think about her?" he asked, a touch of melancholy in his tone
Harry turned to look at Draco, his expression pensive. "Sometimes," he admitted with a sigh, "I imagined it very differently."
"In what sense?" Draco inquired, curious to understand Harry's thoughts.
Harry scratched his neck, searching for the right words. "I don't know," he replied honestly. "I imagined she would want to come to Hogwarts with us."
Draco considered this for a moment before responding cautiously, "Harry, she has another family. She wasn't going to forget about them the moment she found out you were her brother."
Harry's voice carried a hint of frustration as he protested, "But they're not her family, Draco. We are."
Draco countered firmly, "But for her, they are. The Borgheses have taken care of raising her and guaranteeing her an education. They are her parents."
Harry's resignation was evident as he admitted, "I imagined it would be different."
Though Harry didn't say it aloud, he couldn't deny the sentimental attachment he had to the signed sweater and the Snitch that Mia had given him, both tucked away at the bottom of his trunk at Hogwarts. His parents and his godfather had repeatedly urged her to apologize to her sister, but Mia made no effort to reconcile either. A little voice in his head reminded him, She doesn't owe you anything; it's all your fault.
Amidst their contemplative conversation, the Quidditch World Cup festivities began to unfold around them. Ludo Bagman's booming voice captured their attention as he announced the start of the event.
"Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to the Forty-Twenty-Second Quidditch World Cup!" Ludo exclaimed through the microphone. "Take your seats; we're about to start. My name is Ludo Bagman, and I'll be your commentator this fine afternoon."
As Ludo's voice filled the air, the Weasley and Malfoy-Potter families gradually filled the Minister's box, eagerly awaiting the start of the final match. The spectators in the stands erupted in cheers and applause, with thousands of red and green flags waving proudly. The discordant anthems of Bulgaria and Ireland only added to the cacophony of excitement.
Ludo continued, building anticipation, "And now... without further ado, let me introduce you to... the mascots of the Bulgarian team!"
The stands on the right side erupted in cheers and approval. A hundred veela had just taken to the playing field, captivating the audience. The veela, ethereal and beautiful women, held Harry spellbound with their graceful dance. His mind went blank, and in that moment, nothing else in the world mattered except watching the veela. If they stopped dancing, he felt that something terrible would happen.
As the veela's dance increased in speed, wild thoughts raced through Harry's dazed mind. He felt an overwhelming urge to do something impressive, something that had to be done right at that very moment. The idea of jumping from the stands into the stadium crossed his mind.
Suddenly, Pansy's voice snapped him back to reality. "Harry, what are you doing?" she called out from somewhere far away.
The music stopped abruptly, and Harry closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to collect himself. He realized he had risen from his seat, with one foot resting on the wall of the main stand. Beside him, Draco remained motionless, frozen in a posture that mimicked someone about to leap off a diving board.
"And now," announced the excited voice of Ludo Bagman, "kindly raise your wands to welcome... the mascots of the Irish national team!"
At that very moment, what looked like a green and gold-colored kite shot into the stadium, thrilling the spectators. It gracefully circled the pitch before splitting into two smaller kites that sped toward the goalposts. The audience marveled at the spectacle, their eyes locked on the smaller comets heading for the goal.
In an instant, a vivid rainbow formed, stretching from one side of the pitch to the other, linking the two dazzling balls of light. The crowd collectively gasped, "ooooooooh!" and then erupted into an enthusiastic "aaaaaaaaaah!" It was as if they were witnessing a breathtaking fireworks display. As the rainbow began to fade away, the two balls of light merged once more, opening up to create a massive, glittering clover. It rose gracefully into the air, soaring above the stands. From this clover rained down something that resembled a shower of gold.
"Wonderful!" exclaimed Ron, his eyes wide with wonder, as the shamrock floated above the stadium. Heavy gold coins fell from it, bouncing off the seats and occasionally landing on the heads of the excited crowd. Harry squinted to get a better view and realized that the shamrock was made up of thousands of tiny, bearded men in red waistcoats, each carrying a tiny gold or green lamp.
"Attention, attention, everyone," Ludo Bagman called out, waiting for the enthusiastic crowd to quiet down. "I've just been told that Her Royal Highness Mia Borghese is in the house."
As he spoke, the enormous screen projected an image of Mia, smiling radiantly as she posed for photographers on the carpet. The moment the audience caught sight of Mia on the screen, the entire stadium erupted in applause and excited shouts.
"And if my eyes do not deceive me," Bagman continued excitedly, "Her Royal Highness is wearing the colors of the Bulgarian flag and heading towards the Bulgarian national team box!"
The screen shifted its focus to where Mia was taking her seat alongside her family, Jace and Theo. The cameras captured several people giving her respectful bows, to which Mia responded with warm hugs.
"From what I hear," Ludo added in a mysterious tone, "it was Viktor Krum, Bulgaria's newest Seeker, himself who invited Her Royal Highness to the match. Could this be the confirmation of the love affair we've all been waiting for?"
Blaise and Pansy were engaged in hushed conversation, while Ron and Neville whistled with excitement. Draco and Harry, on the other hand, wore scowls as they watched the screen. James grumbled about his daughter having a boyfriend to Lily, who was amusedly observing the screen. Sirius let out a whistle, proudly declaring that his niece had a Quidditch player eating out of her hand. Narcissa and Lucius exchanged amused glances as they observed the unfolding drama on the screen.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen," the enthusiastic voice of Ludo Bagman echoed through the stadium, "a warm welcome to the Bulgarian national Quidditch team! With you... Dimitrov!"
A scarlet-clad figure shot into view so quickly on his broomstick that all that could be seen was a blur in the air. The fans of the Bulgarian team erupted into wild cheers.
"Ivanova!" Bagman called out next, and another scarlet-robed figure streaked through the air. "Zograf, Levski, Vulchanov, Volkov, and... Krum!"
As Viktor Krum's name was announced, the crowd's cheers reached a deafening crescendo. Viktor was a tall, thin figure with dark, sallow skin, a large curved nose, and bushy black eyebrows. His appearance gave him a striking resemblance to a formidable bird of prey, and it was hard to believe he was just eighteen years old.
"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Bagman asked excitedly. "Krum is heading towards the Bulgarian box and seems to be having a conversation with Her Royal Highness."
The stadium screen switched to the Bulgarian team's box, where Viktor was on his broom, engaged in a conversation with Mia. She wore a radiant smile as she nodded at whatever Viktor was saying. Enzo, Mia's father, couldn't contain his excitement as he jumped up and down, pointing toward the pitch. The entire crowd watched in awe as Mia leaned over the railing and planted a kiss on Viktor's cheek, causing him to blush like a tomato before turning his attention back to the pitch.
"If this isn't confirmation, I don't know what is," Ludo exclaimed excitedly. "Viktor Krum, if you don't win this match after that kiss, I don't know what will!"
Then, making his entrance onto the pitch, a wizard dressed in a golden robe that perfectly matched the stadium's colors appeared. He was thin, small, and completely bald, except for a grandiose mustache that would give Uncle Vernon a run for his money. Beneath that impressive mustache dangled a silver whistle, while one arm held a wooden box, and the other cradled a flying broom.
"And finally, from Egypt, our referee, the acclaimed Presymagus of the International Quidditch Association: Hassan Mustafa!" announced Ludo.
Harry adjusted his headphones and observed Mustafa closely as he mounted his broom and opened the wooden box. Four balls emerged: the scarlet Quaffle, the two menacing black Bludgers, and the winged, golden, minuscule Snitch. Mustafa blew his whistle, and with the sound of it, he took off after the balls, signaling the start of the match.
"The match is on!" shouted Bagman enthusiastically. "Mullet has the Quaffle, Troy, Moran, Dimitrov, Mullet again! Troy! Levski! Moran!"
The Quidditch match unfolding before Harry's eyes was unlike anything he had ever seen. He was so engrossed in the action that he was pressing his headphones against the lenses of his glasses, and the bridge of his nose began to ache. The players' speed was nothing short of astonishing; the chasers moved so quickly that even Bagman had trouble keeping up with their passes.
"Levski... Dimitrov... Moran... Troy... Mullet... Ivanova... Again, Moran... Moran... And MORAN GETS TO SCORE!" Bagman's voice boomed through the stadium.
Suddenly, Quigley, the Irish beater, hit a Bludger with all his might, sending it hurtling toward , unable to dodge the Bludger in time, was struck full in the face. The crowd erupted in a deafening roar, and it was evident that Krum's nose was broken, as his face was now covered in blood. However, Mustafa, the referee, didn't blow his whistle to halt play.
"This has to be a time-out! He can't play in that condition, look at him..." Blaise exclaimed in concern.
"Look at Lynch!" Ron countered, pointing upward.
Indeed, the Irish Seeker, Lynch, was in trouble. He had suddenly started to fall from his broom, and it became apparent that this wasn't a 'Wronski Feint' maneuver – this was the real deal.
"He's seen the snitch!" Draco exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "He's seen it! Look at him!"
Only about half of the spectators seemed to have realized what was happening, and the Irish fans, wearing their distinctive green colors, surged to their feet, shouting and cheering for their Seeker, Lynch. However, Krum was right behind them, closing in on the elusive Golden Snitch.
"They're going to crash!" Pansy exclaimed in alarm.
"No way!" Blaise countered, his eyes glued to the aerial chase.
"Lynch did!" Ron shouted, his voice filled with concern.
Ron's words were chillingly accurate. Lynch hit the ground with tremendous force, a sickening thud that echoed through the stadium. To make matters worse, a horde of angry veelas began to swoop down and kick him while he was down.
"The snitch, where's the snitch?" Draco demanded, his heart pounding with anticipation.
"He's got it...! Krum's got it...! It's over!" Harry shouted, his eyes fixed on the dramatic conclusion of the match.
Krum, his red Quidditch robe stained with blood from his broken nose, rose smoothly into the air, his fist raised high, a flash of gold gleaming in his hand.
The scoreboard overhead announced the final result: "BULGARIA: 160; IRELAND: 170."
"IRELAND HAS WON!" cried Bagman, his voice filled with astonishment, "KRUM HAS CAUGHT THE SNITCH, BUT IRELAND WON! Good God, I don't think anyone expected that!"
At that moment, with leprechauns buzzing back and forth across the pitch, it was hard to discern what was going on. However, Harry managed to spot Krum among the wizards. The Bulgarian Seeker looked more sullen than ever, and he wouldn't even let anyone wipe his blood away. His teammates surrounded him, their heads shaking from side to side, their expressions dejected. Nearby, the Irish players were celebrating exuberantly, dancing for joy under a shower of gold coins thrown at them by their jubilant leprechaun mascots.
"Look at that, ladies and gentlemen!" Bagman's voice carried over the tumultuous scene. "Her Royal Highness Mia Borghese has just apparated on the field and is making her way through the Bulgarian team and the mediwitches."
The camera focused on Mia, her expression a mix of concern and determination, with Theo and Jace following closely behind her. The entire stadium watched in rapt attention as Mia embraced the saddened Seeker asking for a first aid kit. As she carefully wiped the blood from Viktor's face, the crowd watched in silence.
"I wish I had a nurse like that,man" Ludo Bagman commented with amusement as the cameras captured the intimate moment between Mia and Viktor.
On the field, Mia's expression remained troubled as she continued to clean Viktor's face. She couldn't hide her concern as she softly asked, "Does it hurt a lot?"
"I'm fine," Viktor reassured her, taking her hand. "These things happen."
Mia's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she confessed, "I was very scared when I saw how she hit you with the Bludger."
"Don't cry," Viktor said in a gentle, soothing voice. "I don't like to see you cry."
Mia managed a small smile and told him, "You did very well. My father couldn't stop saying how well you played."
"But we haven't won," Viktor lamented with a slight pout.
"It was your first time," Mia reassured him, placing a hand on his cheek. "You did great."
Just then, Clara Ivanova, one of the Chasers of the Bulgarian team, approached Mia. "Mia, the team is going to have some beers, and we would be very excited if you and your two friends accompanied us."
Mia considered the invitation for a moment before nodding and saying, "That sounds like a good idea. We'll be waiting outside the stadium in about half an hour."
"Princess is right," Jace said to Viktor as he stood up, a supportive smile on his face. "You did very well."
Theo chimed in, adding, "Besides Vicky, you didn't fall off the broom, and I owe Jace 20 galleons."
Viktor couldn't help but laugh, and Mia rolled her eyes at her friends. Theo and Jace had a knack for teasing Viktor endlessly, but they also understood just how much Quidditch meant to him, and more importantly, how much Mia meant to Viktor.
"Thank you all very much for coming today," Viktor expressed his gratitude sincerely.
Suddenly, Viktor found himself engulfed in a mass of disheveled dark hair—it was Enzo.
"You did great, Viktor," Enzo told him with shining eyes. "What a way to fly, man."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Borghese," Viktor responded, blushing slightly.
"No need to call me 'Sir,' call me Enzo," Mia's father insisted. "I wish I could fly like that."
"Well, let's go," Mia interjected, giving her father a gentle nudge. "Before my father starts remembering his old glories on the field."
Enzo looked at his daughter in mock offense. "I'll have you know that I was an excellent soccer player, and I still am!"
"Whatever you say, Dad," Mia teased, a playful glint in her eye.
Theo looked at Viktor and bid him farewell. "See you in September. You played great. Don't be disappointed."
Jace, on the other hand, stood silently, observing Viktor as the crowd began to disperse.
"You haven't told her, have you?" Jace asked Viktor, tilting his head inquisitively.
"What are you talking about?" Viktor replied, his cheeks flushing slightly before he sighed and admitted, "No."
"Mia," Jace clarified. "You haven't told Mia how you feel about her."
"How do you know?" Viktor asked, a mixture of embarrassment and curiosity in his tone.
"Because I've been where you are now," Jace replied sympathetically. "I know what it's like to be in love with Mia."
"When?" Viktor inquired, intrigued.
"During our second year," Jace answered, his mind drifting back to that time. "I acted like an asshole to her."
"And did you confess what you felt?" Viktor asked, eager for advice.
"I did," Jace admitted.
"But you're not a couple," Viktor observed, surprised.
"I care too much about Mia to risk ruining our friendship," Jace explained.
"So, you're over her now?" Viktor probed, scratching his neck nervously.
"I'll always be in love with Mia to some extent," Jace confessed. "A girl like Mia isn't easy to get over."
"Does Mia know?" Viktor asked.
"Mia knows how I feel about her,yes" Jace conceded.
"And it doesn't make you angry to know you'll never have more than friendship with her?" Viktor asked, genuinely curious.
"No," Jace replied firmly. "Mia is more than my best friend; she's my soulmate, my Parabatai."
"I would be furious in your shoes," Viktor admitted.
"I've learned to live with it," Jace said with a shrug.
"I don't have the courage to ask her out on a date," Viktor confessed, his vulnerability on full display.
"Maybe you'll find the courage to ask Mia to be your date at the Yule Ball this year," Jace suggested, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"I thought you'd be her date," Viktor remarked.
"I'm already her partner at most official events," Jace explained casually. "And I think you deserve it. Mia is a wonderful person, and you're going to have a great time."
"Thank you very much," Viktor said sincerely. "I'll make sure she has a good time."
"Anyway, Theo and I will steal her from you for some dances that night," Jace added with a playful grin as he bid Viktor farewell.
