Entitled

Chapter 59*

As you walk down the corridor with Lucius, you decide to address the daunting task ahead. "How am I supposed to position myself into the Minister's office?" you ask, your voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

Lucius looks at you regretfully. "By whatever means necessary."

You feel a pang of insecurity and ask, "Do I look terrible?" The words from Severus this morning still sting.

Lucius studies you for a moment. "You did this morning. But you will not be drinking today. I need you to stay clear-headed."

"Which of us is in charge?" you ask, feeling the need to assert some control.

He raises an eyebrow. "I know how to manage this better than you do," he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.

You are in no mood to argue, so you let it drop. Lucius apparates you both to Malfoy Manor to pick up Draco, who is waiting impatiently. From there, Lucius uses a portkey given to him by the Minister to transport all of you to the Quidditch World Cup.

You arrive in a bustling, vibrant scene. The sun is high, and the atmosphere is charged with excitement. The match isn't until later, so you are taken to a grand gathering where the Minister and various dignitaries, as well as the Bulgarian and Irish Quidditch team members, are mingling.

The extravaganza is a spectacle of good-looking, athletic men, and you immediately start mingling, using the opportunity to charm and make connections. The air is filled with laughter and conversation, and you immerse yourself in the crowd, determined to make the most of the situation.

As you move through the crowd, you notice Lucius keeping a watchful eye on you, his presence a constant reminder of the stakes. You engage in light conversation with various team members, officials, and other guests, using your wit and charm to leave a lasting impression.

At one point, you catch the eye of the Bulgarian Seeker, Viktor Krum. He approaches you with a reserved smile. "You are... different," he says in his thick accent, clearly intrigued.

You raise an eyebrow, amused. "Different how?"

Krum's dark eyes study you, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "There is something about you I cannot put my finger on."

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" you ask, leaning in slightly.

"A very good thing," he replies, his smile widening. "How old are you?"

"19," you say, returning his smile. "And you?"

"18," he says. "But I feel much older sometimes."

You laugh softly. "I know the feeling."

He leans in, his voice dropping slightly. "What are you doing after the match?"

You shrug, playing coy. "I'm not sure yet. What do you have in mind?"

He grins, clearly enjoying the banter. "Perhaps you will let me show you around the campgrounds. There is a lot to see."

You tilt your head, considering. "Are you really as good as everyone says you are?"

Krum's grin turns into a modest smile. "I suppose you will have to watch the match and decide for yourself."

You laugh, admitting, "I have to confess, I don't watch Quidditch much."

Krum looks genuinely surprised. "You do not? How do you spend your time then?"

"Let's just say I have other interests," you reply, your tone teasing.

Krum's eyes light up with curiosity. "I would like to know more about these other interests."

Before you can respond, Lucius appears, his expression carefully neutral but his eyes betraying his disapproval. "The match is about to begin," he says, his voice firm.