Silver and the others got to their feet and found themselves in a deserted stretch of a misty moor. In front of them was a group of grumpy looking Mobians. Rob handed the boot to the nearest one, a chicken in a green sweater "Morning, Basil". Basil threw the boot into a box that held old newspapers, empty drink cans and a punctured football "Hello, Robert. Not on duty, eh? Well, you better get going. There's another group coming soon. Hang on, I'll find your campsite". He took out a list and looked for O'Hedge "About half a mile up that way. First field you come to. Site manager's a cat called Mr Roberts". Rob thanks him and the group set off as Basil went to help Jules and Sonic find their campsite. After about twenty minutes of walking the group saw through the fog the outline of a gate and behind it were hundreds of tents. They went to the cottage by the tend and Rob knocked. A blue cat walked out with a notebook to greet them. Silver wondered if this man was one of the few Muggles within miles. Rob greeted him "Morning, are you Mr Roberts" "I am. Have you reserved a spot?" "Yes. O'Hedge, two tents". Mr Roberts checked his list "Oh, yes, just one night. Will you be paying now then?" "Uh… yes". Rob retreated away and beckoned Silver over "Silver, which coin is which again".
Silver helped him pick out the right coins "That should be enough" "Are you foreign?" Mr Roberts said now standing behind them. Rob turned around "Wh-What makes you say that?" "You're not the first one who's had trouble with money. I had two men earlier try and pay with rings of all things" "Did they?" Rob said trying to hide his concern. Mr Roberts nodded as he took the money "Yes, never had so many visitors before. So many pre-bookings. People usually just turn up". Rob was getting very nervous now "Is that right?" "Loads of foreigners too. And they all know each other too. It's like some kind of party". At that moment a bear suddenly appeared "Obliviate!". Mr Robert's eyes went out of focus "A map of the campsite for you. And here's your change" he handed them to Rob who nodded "Thanks, very much". The bear walked with them into the campsite, he looked exhausted "Been having a lot of trouble with him. Needs a Memory Charm ten times a day to keep him happy. And Barker's not helping. Trotting around talking about Sky Chase at the top of his voice, not a worry about anti-Muggle security. Blimey, I'll be glad when this is over. See you later, Rob". As the bear left as Blaze caught up with her father "I thought Barker was Head of Magical Games and Sports. He should know better than to talk about Sky Chase near Muggles, shouldn't he?" "Yes, he should but Barker's always been a bit… well… lax about security. You couldn't wish for a more enthusiastic head of the sports department though. He played Sky Chase for Mercia himself, you know. And he was the best Beater we ever had". They trudged up the misty field between long rows of tents. Most looked almost ordinary; their owners had clearly tried to make them as Muggle-like as possible, but had slipped up by adding chimneys, or bellpulls, or weather vanes. However, here and there was a tent so obviously magical that Silver could hardly be surprised that Mr Roberts was getting suspicious.
Halfway up the field stood an extravagant confection of striped silk like a miniature palace, with several live peacocks tethered at the entrance. A little farther on they passed a tent that had three floors and several turrets and a short way beyond that was a tent that had a front garden attached, complete with birdbath, sundial, and fountain. Rob started chuckling "Always, the same. We can't resist showing off when we get together. This is us here". They reached a space with a small sign saying "O'Hedge" on it "Couldn't have picked a better spot. The field is just over that hill". Rob began unpacking his bag "Now, we're going to have to put these up by hand. No, Magic in case anyone sees. Shouldn't be too hard. Silver, where should we start?". Silver had never been camping in his life, his Aunt and Uncle had always left him with Mrs Rosie. Thankfully, him and Coral were able to figure out how everything worked. Rob however was more of a hindrance than help as the simple act of putting up a tent filled with childish glee. Eventually they all stood back to admire their handiwork. No one would have guessed these tents were made by wizards. Silver and Coral seemed to be the only ones noticing the problem. When Ash, Hamlin and Rotor arrived they'll be ten of them for two small tents. Rob looked satisfied "We'll be a bit cramped but we'll manage. Come and have a look". Silver followed him, crouched down into the first tent and he felt his jaw dropped. Silver had walked into what looked like an old-fashioned, three-room flat, complete with bathroom and kitchen. Oddly enough, it was furnished in exactly the same sort of style as Mrs Rosie's house: There were crocheted covers on the mismatched chairs and a strong smell of cats. Everyone made themselves at home in their tents, Rob had to remind them "It's for one night. I borrowed this tent from Bow the Sparrow". He then checked the map of the campsite "Right, Razor, you take Silver and Coral to get some water from this spot. The rest of us will get wood for the fire" "But we've got an oven" "Anti-Muggle security, Razor. When real Muggles camp, they cook on fires outdoors. I've seen them at it!".
The trio were now making their way through the crowded campsite. Now that the sun was out the place looked like a city. It was dawning on Silver just how many wizards there must be in the world. He had never seen so many in one place before. He spotted a small Mongoose poking a blade of grass with his finger. The grass was growing to the size of A4 paper until finally the boy's mother ran out and stopped him "Kevin, how many times have I told you not to take daddy's Talisman". She pointed a crossbow at him "Expelliarmus". A blue emerald phased out of the boys chest and flew to the mother's hand. Not far away two little mole girls were riding on toy boards. One of the Ministry Security members spotted them and was making his way over. He hurried past the trio muttering "In broad daylight. Parents having a lie in, suppose". Most of the wizards starting to get their breakfast ready. Some carelessly used magic to get fires started while others used matches with sceptical faces. Eventually they reached what was undoubtably the Starfall tents as they the place was a wash of green. As they walked through they heard a familiar voice "Silver! Razor! Coral!". They turned around to find Larry Lynx standing at his tent that was decorated with his team colours. With him was a grey female lynx with glasses and a white shirt, she had to be his mother. If Silver remembered correctly, he thinks Larry said her name was Nikki. The other was Marcos who Larry seemed to have invited. Larry gestured to the tent "Like the decorations? Ministry's not too happy". Nikki scoffed "Why shouldn't we show our colours. You should see what the people from Sunset Hill have. You lot will be supporting Starfall, of course?" she eyed the trio with beady eyes. They assured her that they are supporting Starfall which they were but "Like we'd say anything else around that lot" Razor said as they continued their journey. They took a detour to see in person what the Sunset Hill fans were doing in their section. The tents were all a sea of red. A poster of the same orange teenage wolf "Reynard" Razor said. The other two stared at him "What?" "Reynard, the Sunset Seeker". Coral looked over at the multiple moving pictures of Reynard scowling "He looks really grumpy" "Grumpy? Who cares what he looks like? He's unbelievable. He's really young too. Only just seventeen or something. He's a genius, you wait until tonight, you'll see".
Eventually after much exploring they collected their water from the tap and headed back much slower because of the weight of the water. They met a few familiar faces along the way. Silver met Monkey Khan who happily introduced him to his parents and told him how he's signed up for the Mercia reserve team. Then further down they met Void who gave them a quick greeting before having to get back to his own tent. Then they saw Amy Rose who waved at them causing Silver to slop a lot of water down himself before he waved back. Razor and Coral both laughed at his expense. At one point they spotted a group of people who looked to be around their age but Silver could swear he'd never seen them at Soleanna "Where do you reckon they're from" "Probably a foreign school" Razor said as if it was obvious. Silver realised it was stupid to think that Soleanna was the only wizarding school in the world. Finally they got back to the tents where Ray was waiting "You've been gone for ages" "We met some people. Have you not got the fire started yet?" "Dad's having fun with the matches". Splintered matches surrounded the kneeling Rob who was trying to get the fire started. Every time a match sparked he got a fright and dropped it. This made him laugh "Oh, the things these Muggles come up with". Coral decided to help and almost immediately the fire finally got going. They enjoyed a nice breakfast outside and since their tent was on the path to the stadium they met many Ministry members making their way through. They would all greet Rob on the way. He would tell Coral and Silver who they were (His own children knew too much about the Ministry already to be interested) "That one's the liaison to the Goblin community. That rat over there, he's part of the Committee on Experimental Charms; he's had those horns for a while now. That one there, Merlynx, an unspeakable". Silver spotted the old lynx in a colourful robe "What's an unspeakable?" "Works for the Department of Mysterious. Secret stuff. Barely anyone knows what they get up to". Rob saved a few eggs and sausages as Ash, Rob and Hamlin arrived and joined in the breakfast. Silver and Coral asked them what it was like to Chaos Control and if it was the same as using a Warp Gate.
Then Silver had a fun conversation with Rotor who was interested in how the Shinobi Sky Chase Team was getting on without him.. Rob suddenly jumped to his feet and waved at a man striding towards them "The man of the moment! Good to see you, Barker". T.W Barker was one of the most noticeable people Silver had ever seen. A dog in a white shirt, a bright red jacket and a top hat "Ahoy, there!". He was practically skipping towards them clearly filled with excitement. He shook Rob's hand "Rob, good to see you. What a day! Could we have asked for more perfect weather? A cloudless night coming and hardly a hiccough in the arrangements. Not much for me to do!". Hamlin rushed forward and shook his hand as well, apparently him disapproving of how Barker ran his Department didn't stop him from wanting to make a good impression. Rob grinned "Well, let me introduce you to the family. That's Hamlin, he's just started at the Ministry. That's Mighty, Ray, Ash, Rotor, Razor. My daughter Blaze. And those two are my son's friends, Coral and Silver". Barker did the predictable double take at hearing Silver name with the familiar staring into his eyes. Thankfully Rob continued talking "Everyone, this is T.W Barker. We owe him a lot, he's the one who got us the tickets". Barker shook his head humbly "Oh, it was no trouble, Rob. I owe you quite a few myself". He took out a box and a notepad "Fancy making a bet. Starfall's got the better Chaser's, best I've seen in years. But that Reynard from Sunset. I've seen him play, odds are good for him catching the Ga" "Oh, very well. Mm… A gold ring on Starfall winning". Barker looked disappointed "One gold ring? Oh, very well. Anyone else?" "Oh, they're too young for gambling. Mari would-". Before he could finish Ray and Mighty pushed their way forward "We bet thirty seven gold rings, fifteen silver and three bronze that Starfall wins but Reynard catches the Ga". Mighty was holding one of those white cubes behind his back. He clicked something on it and it transformed into a ringmaster cane identical to the one on his belt "And we'll throw in a fake Talisman" "You don't want to show Mr Barker rubbish like that" Hamlin hissed. Barker didn't seem to think it was rubbish at all. He had a look of boyish excitement as he took the cane.
He examined it looking for imperfections and then waved it to perform a speel. With a squeak the cane turned into a rubber chicken. Barker roared with laughter "Wonderful! Haven't seen one that convincing in years. I'll add five gold rings for that", Hamlin gave a look of stunned disapproval. Rob looked concerned "Boys, I don't think you should be betting. Your mother-" "Oh, don't be a spoil sport, Rob. They're old enough. Although, I can't speak good of their chances. Starfall wis but Reynard catches the Ga, not a chance". Barker wrote down their names in his notebooks and handed them a ticket with their bet on it "Here you go" "Cheers". Barker wiped his head and gave a tired breath "Don't suppose I could ask for a drink, Rob? I've been arguing with my Sunset opposite, and I can't understand a word he's saying. I need to find Puff" "Haven't see him yet. He should come down this way" Rob brought out another chair allowing Barker to sit down. He poured him some tea "Any news on Agnes, Barker?" "Oh, nothing yet. But she'll turn up. Got a mind like a leaky cauldron. Lost, that's what it'll be. She'll show up in October thinking it's still July. Puff thinks I should send someone to look for her, but I can't spare anyone right now. Oh, speak of the devil". An indigo puffer fish just Chaos Controlled next to their campsite. He wore a yellow cape and a gold crown "Ah, Barker. I've been looking for you everywhere. The Sunset fans are insisting we add another twelve seats to the top box" "Oh, that's what he was saying. I thought he wanted tweezers. Well, I'll sort it out. I think we've got the space". Hamlin might as well have appeared from nowhere next to Puff "Sir, would you like some tea". Puff had mild surprise at seeing him "Oh, yes, thank you, Hampshire".
Mighty and Ray choked on their coffee, Hamlin went pinker than usual and hurried to the kettle. Puff sat down looking very tired "Oh, Robert, I've been needing to talk to you as well. Spike the Porcupine has been pestering me about you, something about flying carpets". Rob rolled his eyes "Ah, he's still mad about the embargo. I've told him a hundred times. Carpets are defined as a Muggle artefact and therefore prohibited from being charmed. Never listens" "Well, he won't give up. He's desperate to export here" Puff said accepting a cup of tea from Hamlin. Barker scoffed "He's wasting his time. They won't replace Extreme Gear in Mercia" "He thinks there's a market for them as a family vehicle. I can't say he's wrong. I remember my grandfather had one. Could seat twelve… That was before they were banned of course" he spoke as though he wanted to leave nobody in any doubt that all his ancestors had abided strictly by the law. Rob watched the other Ministry members running around trying to stop a fire that got out "I suspect you'll both be happy when this is over". Barker looked shocked "Happy? I've never had so much fun and this isn't even the end of it. Still got the… Uh, other thing, eh, Puff?". Puff raised his eyebrows "That's not been announced yet, Barker. The details-" "Oh, details. They've signed, haven't they? You've told your kids, haven't you, Rob". Rob shook his head "I don't want to in the surprise". Puff got to his feet clearly wanting to end this conversation "Barker, we need to talk to the Sunset Hill Minister. Thank you for the tea, Robert". Barker nodded "See you all later tonight. You'll be in the top box with me. I'm commenting". They both Chaos Controlled out and immediately the kids were all looking at their father "What's happening next, Dad". Before Rob could answer Hamlin said "It is classified information until such time as the Ministry wishes to release it" "Oh, shut up, Hampshire" Mighty said.
By dusk the whole campsite was shaking with anticipation. The Ministry seemed to have given up trying to stop uses of magic now as there were blatant signs everywhere. Salesman started coming around to sell merchandise like glowing rosettes in the colour of both teams, flags that played the national anthems of their countries, model boards "Been saving up my pocket money all summer for this" Razor said. He bought a bright green hat and a small figure of Reynard who strolled around the palm of his hand and scowled at the sight of Razor's hat. Silver was staring at a headset with a single lens. The salesman spotted his interest "Treasure Scopes. Rewind, slow motion, play-by-play breakdown if you need it. Ten Gold Rings each". Razor frowned "Wish I hadn't bought this now" he looked at his hat. Silver took out his bag "Three scopes please". Razor turned red "No… Don't bother, it's fine". Silver bought them and held out one to Razor who didn't take it. Silver rolled his eyes "I won't get you a Christmas present this year". Razor now being able to keep his pride happily took the scope "Fair enough" "Oh, thanks Silver. I'll get the programs" Coral said. Once their money bags were much lighter, they returned to the tent. Blaze, Ash and Rotor were wearing green hats like Razor, Rob was holding a large Starfall flag, Mighty and Ray didn't have any souvenirs though, they had given all their money to Barker. There was a sound like a gong from over the hill and suddenly green and red lanterns lit up across the path guiding them to the stadium "It's time".