way to go, tiger | Lorenzo Berkshire

࣪𖤐 Y4 | 2 . The World Cup 2/2

THE CUT THAT ALWAYS BLEEDS — CONAN GRAY
'The cut that always bleeds.'

"Blimey, dad, how far up are we?" Ron exclaims as they climb the black metal stairs. They've been on the stairs for what feels like hours, Cassie thinks. As soon as you think you've made it to the top, there's another flight of stairs.

Cassie looks over the railing to a very familiar face. "Well... let's put it this way. If it rains, you'll be the first to know." Lucius spits, his voice cold. Cassie hates him.

Draco leans against the railing beside his father, a sneer on his face. "Hi, Draco." Cassie calls down, hoping to defuse the awkwardness on her level.

"Cassiopeia. Lorenzo." Draco nods. Cassie's gut wrenches. Cassiopeia. Seriously?

Cassie leans into Enzo's shoulder behind her, "Full naming us is mental." she whispers, earning a snort from Enzo.

"Father and I are in the Minister's box! By personal invitation of Cornelius Fudge himself!" Draco brags, matter-of-factly. Cassie and Enzo already know this, so they don't even pretend to be shocked.

Draco is so different around his father it actually sends goosebumps on a mission around Cassie's body. His posture is tighter and he watches his every move and every word that comes out of his mouth. He's more spiteful, that's for sure. Cassie knows he only does it to impress his father; show him that he can be the man Lucius has always wanted him to be, but it never fails to upset her. He could be a good person if it weren't for his father.

"Don't boast, Draco." Lucius growls, hitting Draco in the stomach with his snake-headed wand. Cassie and Enzo share a look. Draco's silver eyes flash a notion of regret for a split second, but he quickly goes back into proper Malfoy mode. "There's no need for these people." Lucius scowls.

Cassie looks at Harry beside her, who displays no apparent emotion on his face. Lucius catches his hand on the railing with his wand, "Do enjoy yourself, won't you?" he says eerily. "Whilst you can."

Hermione grabs Harry's shoulder and tugs him back up the stairs. Lucius flicks his locks of white hair before taking off ahead of Draco. Cassie and Enzo wait behind everyone else. "You alright, Draco?" Cassie asks quietly, wary of Senior Malfoy.

"Fine." Draco says, a scowl on his face as if she'd just insulted his whole bloodline. He shakes his head, "I'll see you later. Enjoy the match." he nods.

Cassie sighs and turns to Enzo. He parts his lips in utter confusion, shaking his head. "Come on, we better go up." Enzo sighs.

"Yeah." Cassie replies. As they climb the steps just that little bit more, Cassie wonders about Draco.

However, her brain distracts itself completely when they reach the top of the stairs. Her senses overload with different sights and sounds as she scans the humongous crowd. Cassie scoffs in disbelief, her smile wide. The stadium is way bigger than she could've ever imagined— much bigger than the Falcons game in Cornwall.

The stands road with patriotism, pride and adrenaline. Cassie stands in between Harry and Cedric. Cedric cackles with excitement and chucks an arm around his sister, looking down at the crowds. "Oh my god." Cassie exasperates.

"That's the Irish!" one of the twins exclaim. Cassie's jaw drops as the green fireworks transform into a gigantic leprechaun Irish dancing. The vibrant green lights reflect onto the crowd. Pretty impressive, Cassie has to admit. The crowds cheer louder as the Irish players soar around the stadium.

"Here come the Bulgarians!" George exclaims— or it might've been Fred. Cassie can't tell the difference over the top of the crowd.

Cassie's face lights up with excitement when the Bulgarians burst through the leprechaun, killing off the upbeat, Irish music. Huge fireworks go off like Cassie's never seen, and heavy drummed, suspenseful music begins. On the side of the stadium is the camera on Krum, which makes the crowd roar. He lifts his fist in the air and Cassie almost scratches her vocal cords from cheering.