Masquerade (Hermione x Female OC)

Chapter 2 - Anticipation

Total Words - 1771

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*The Day of the Finals*

In the heart of late August, Dartmoor, England unfolded like a masterpiece painted by nature's brush. The rolling hills seemed to embrace the horizon, as if reaching out to touch the sky, while ancient granite tors rose like sentinels, weathered by time, their surfaces bearing the marks of a thousand stories etched by nature's hand.

The Quidditch World Cup stadium emerged on the landscape as a monumental tribute to the place's grandeur and magic. The structure rose with imposing grandeur, its massive tiers of seating curving like a colossal amphitheater, reaching towards the sky. The stadium's façade was adorned with enchanting symbols and intricate designs, a visual testament to the rich history of Quidditch and the cultures it represented. Multicolored flags fluttered in the breeze, each bearing the emblem of a different nation, creating a vibrant tapestry that celebrated the diversity of the magical world.

Gathered at the base, then entering the rickety wooden elevator, a small group of individuals exchanged excited glances, their faces lit with anticipation. The contraption, worn with age yet seemingly sturdy enough for its purpose, promised to carry them to the upper echelons of the colossal stadium. As they shuffled inside, the creaking of wood and the jolt of ascent added an extra layer of exhilaration to their journey.

The sheer enormity of the stadium stretched before their eyes, a sprawling expanse of seats, platforms, and stands, each section teeming with enthusiastic fans adorned in the colors of their respective teams. As Bulgaria faced off against Ireland in the 422nd final, the air was thick with the pulsating energy of competition and camaraderie. The anticipation was palpable, the stakes high, and the crowd's fervor lent an almost tangible intensity to the atmosphere.

The group included a band of teenagers, including Draco, Blaise, and René, a dynamic mix of people. Their eyes were alight with the prospect of witnessing the grand World Cup final. Accompanying them were the Malfoys, their presence exuding an air of reserved elegance even in the midst of the boisterous crowd. Lucius Malfoy's demeanor held a hint of detached interest, while Narcissa Malfoy appeared somewhat more engaged, her eyes occasionally flitting across the stadium as if assessing her surroundings.

A figure known as Vincent Lior, or as René liked to called him (only to herself), the French-pressed-man, her father, wore an expression that was a blend of paternal concern and concealed uncertainty.

The elevator abruptly halted midway, prompting the group to exit. Groans and complaints filled the air as they begrudgingly embarked on the upward climb of the stadium's stairways. René, undeterred by the inconvenience, couldn't help but exude an aura of excitement. "This has to be the best day of my life!" she proclaimed. Draco, ever the provocateur, couldn't resist questioning her enthusiasm in a tone that bordered on rudeness, his words punctuated with a hint of mocking. "Why are you so pumped? The French didn't even make it to the quater finals!"

The girl's eye rolled. With a fervor that contained the disappointment of her home team's performance, she shared her true reason for attending the event—the Irish chaser, Richie Golds. Her description of his prowess and skill on the field spilled from her lips, despite the apparent disinterest of her companions, leaving no doubt that her admiration for the player was boundless.

Amidst their banter, the teenagers' attention shifted towards Lucius Malfoy, who was engaged in conversation with a group of individuals. As the teens continued their ascent up the stairways, they closed the gap between themselves and the parents' group. And then they saw them. The Weasleys. They were accompanied by a few more heads. Among them, the striking figure of Cedric Diggory, his Hufflepuff pride evident even from a distance. His presence was accompanied by a mature and dignified-looking man who could easily be assumed to be his father. With them, Hermione, a prominent student with an unmistakable aura and Harry Potter himself. A constellation of well-known personalities to say the least.