SABAISM | H. POTTER

TWO. | THE QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP

Salesmen were apparating every few feet in the bustling festival atmosphere, their trays overflowing with extraordinary merchandise that seemed to pulse with life. Luminous rosettes—emerald green for Ireland and vibrant red for Bulgaria—squealed the names of legendary players, while pointed green hats, adorned with jubilant dancing shamrocks, bobbed energetically atop the heads of eager fans. Scarves emblazoned with fierce lions roared to life, and flags fluttered with pride, playing their nations' anthems proudly as they were waved in celebration. Tiny models of Firebolts zipped through the air, their miniature magic captivating onlookers, while collectible figures of famous players marched regally across the palm of your hand, preening as if in front of a mighty crowd.

"Been saving my pocket money all summer for this," Ron told his fellow Gryffindors as they meandered away from the rest of their group, who had found the Lupin-Black tent and were happily resting. Ron, with excitement shimmering in his eyes, purchased a dancing shamrock hat and a large green rosette, but his greatest treasure was a small figure of Viktor Krum, the famed Bulgarian Seeker. The miniature Krum strutted back and forth on Ron's hand, scowling rebelliously up at the rosette above.

"Wow, look at these!" Harry exclaimed, a spark of enthusiasm igniting his voice as he rushed over to a cart piled high with what appeared to be brass binoculars. However, the objects were unlike anything he'd ever seen—outfitted with an array of peculiar knobs and dials.

"Omnioculars," the saleswizard exclaimed eagerly, practically bouncing on his heels. "You can replay action, slow everything down, and they even flash up a play-by-play breakdown if you need it! Bargain—ten Galleons each!"

"Wish I hadn't bought this now," Ron muttered, gesturing towards his shamrock hat and gazing longingly at the alluring Omnioculars.

"Five pairs," said Draco firmly and casually to the vendor, his tone dismissive.

"No—don't bother," Ron replied, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. He always felt self-conscious about the fact that his wizarding friends had considerably deeper pockets than he did.

"Please do shut up," Draco huffed, rolling his amber eyes dramatically. "We're practically going to be brothers-in-law if my ten-year plan goes smoothly. Consider this advanced compensation for the delightful prospect that you might walk in on me making out with your brother."

"Fair enough," Ron muttered, grimacing at the thought.

"Oooh, thanks, Draco!" Hermione chirped, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "And I'll grab us some programs—look!"

With their money bags considerably lighter, they returned to the tents, spotting Bill, Charlie, and Ginny all sporting green rosettes with delighted grins. Mr. Weasley proudly waved an Irish flag, and nearby, Remus and Sirius were engaged in a heated game of exploding snap. Fred and George, however, had nothing to show from the day's escapades, having given all their gold to Bagman in a quirky gamble.

"Nothing for me, darling?" Fred quirked an amused brow, watching Draco enter the tent with a smirk.

The newest member of the Lupin-Black clan huffed in good-natured annoyance, exclaiming with a mischevious smirk, "I'll give you something later."

"OKAY," Sirius interjected, stepping between the two sharing their teasing publicly. "Remus, how in the hell did you make it this far without a heart attack? Our offsprings are psychotic, and he's only blood-adopted! Can you imagine how unhinged he'd be if he were full-fledged?" Everyone exchanged a sly and knowing glance at Gemini, who was spinning in delighted circles, chanting, "Quidditch!"

"Honestly, I—"

Just then, a deep, booming gong reverberated through the air, cutting through Sirius's vociferated worries like a knife. At once, green and red lanterns ignited in the trees, illuminating a shimmering path that led to the field, beckoning the excited crowd.