Through The Veil「 The Veil Trilogy Part Ⅱ 」✔

[02] Ireland's Victory

When all was settled, we headed to the main stadium where a hoard of people had already clustered in.

Flags of participating countries including Ireland and Bulgaria were flying overhead. We were all supporting Ireland and Fred and George were pretty certain they would win the bet they had landed with Ludo Bagman.

I really hope they win because even if Ireland's chasers are great, there still is a thick chance of winning with a Seeker as efficient as Krum.

Viktor Krum, student of Durmstrang Institute. Yes, he's all over the news these days. And thankfully due to Krum's swift snitch catches, the news tornado has left Sirius Black related articles for good.

However, my attention was diverted when we reached the souvenir stalls. I remembered Mum had given me some money earlier saying she had forgotten to give my pocket money last month and honestly though I had been surprised at first, but obviously can't argue with her now, can I?

I knew Fred and George had decked up all their money on a foolish bet so I thought why not we distribute the surprise pocket money and buy souvenirs for ourselves?

There were luminous rosettes, green for Ireland and red for Bulgaria, collectible figures of players that walked on your palm, Bulgarian scarves decorated with red lions that actually roared and a device close to a binocular which was described as an Omniocular by the saleswoman since it had so many more features than an ordinary Muggle binocular.

We bought green hats as we were supporting Ireland and one Omniocular which we agreed to share, because as you know the money was sufficient for one person not three, but then a loud gong went off in the woods and all of a sudden red and green lanterns blazed to life in the trees, directing the path to the Quidditch field.

"It's time," Dad spoke, just as excited as the rest of us, "come on, let's go."

Clutching our belongings we followed the lantern trail until we reached the gigantic stadium with gold colored walls and space enough to fit ten huge castles in it. Dad told us that it could seat approximately 100,000 wizards at once and that in itself was rather a marvelous feat.

There were many different Muggle-Repelling Charms on it, such as causing the Muggles to suddenly remember urgent appointments when they got too near the site. 

We were lucky that our seats were at the top box, or more commonly known as the prime seats as we were told by the ministry witch who checked our tickets. Sharing the box with us was the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, the Bulgarian Minister, Ludo Bagman and last but definitely not the least, the Malfoys.

It was the first time I would be seeing Mrs. Malfoy though and she must have been really beautiful if not for her nose scrunched up in disgust at the sight of our family. And well that is quite understandable as well since both Mister Malfoy and our Dad had had a not so pleasant encounter in Diagon Alley just about two years ago.

I caught her looking at me and dropped my gaze on the far end of the stadium to a place where the team mascots were being aligned. I don't know what it was, but I felt uncomfortable. As if there was something she knew about me and I didn't.

But I shoved the thought away because it was quite a well known fact to me that the Malfoys considered it their priority to make others feel uncomfortable in their presence.

When the match started however, there was no time for me to ponder on previous actions. Everything was a blur; the crowd cheering loudly, the game going on with full force and Ludo Bagman commentating as effectively as he possibly could.

Ireland truly had a wonderful set of Chasers, their team work was worth admiring as it seemed all of them knew what was going in the other's mind as they effectively formed their positions and played.

Fred and George were in high spirits, knowing the Chasers were good enough to not let them lose such a heavy bet.

The Bulgarians seemed to be intent on winning by either hook or crook as there had been many fouls scored on their side due to which Ireland was awarded penalty thrice. 

The Bulgarian Veela mascots were in a furious rage as the Leprechauns from Ireland's side formed the words HA HA HA in the air. Those angry Veela had taken the form of harpies and had to be driven away from the stadium. And according to Dad, that hasn't happened in any match ever held in the World Cup.

Well, there's a start for everything.

Their Seeker, Krum, feigned to see the Snitch and dived twice causing the Irish Seeker Lynch an injury almost, much to the angered protests from Ireland's supporters. The team was given yet another penalty. 

The Chasers scored yet another goal and now Ireland was one hundred and thirty scores ahead from Bulgaria. Just twenty more scores and then even if Krum caught the Snitch, Ireland would win and Fred and George would win the bet.

Goal after goal was scored by the Irish Chasers and then suddenly, the Seeker Lynch went straight into a dive as if he had seen the snitch. And well of course he had, he wasn't doing the Wronski Feint. 

Krum was on his tail following keenly as both of them dashed towards the ground.

"He's going to crash," Ron remarked.

"Who, Krum?"

"No. Lynch, look."

And sure enough Lynch crashed to the ground in a horrible mess while Krum caught the snitch. Well that means the game was over. A red wave of Bulgarian supporters rose up to cheer but soon everyone's eyes were caught by the scoreboard.

Ireland was still ten points ahead of Bulgaria with a total of 170 points. That meant we had won.

"Krum caches the Snitch, but Ireland wins," Bagman's magnified voice boomed through the stadium though it was quite apparent he wasn't expecting the match to end thus, "quite unbelievable, I dare say."

Cheers erupted from the supporters of Ireland and the Leprechauns hovered just about everywhere doing cart wheels in the sky. The Quidditch Trophy was brought to the top box and the team members filed in as well with the crowd applauding them appreciatively.

Bagman revoked the Sonorus charm and spoke in a hoarse voice, "they'll be talking about this one for years, a really unexpected twist that... Shame it couldn't have lasted longer. Ah yes... Yes, I owe you. How much?"

For Fred and George were triumphantly standing in front of him with broad grins on their faces and their hands outstretched. Of course they were triumphant, after all they had won the bet.

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