Chapter 458: Interrupting Spells (The Wheel of Fate's Prankster Leader Adds More, 55)
Chapter 458: Interrupting Spells (The Wheel of Fate's Prankster Leader Adds More, 55)
As more and more people gathered in the area, the tents gradually became less diverse.
After the first Bulgarian flag was printed on a tent, others couldn't sit still anymore. They began adding their team's emblems to their tents, and the area became increasingly divided.
Occasionally, there would be an Irish supporter's camp suddenly gaining an extra Bulgarian tent, but the next moment, the owner would pack up and move to the other side.
At this time, the Ministry of Magic members in charge of managing the area would turn a blind eye, pretending not to notice.
However, the Weasley family did not participate in this.
After all, with their large number, they had supporters for both teams, and their opinions couldn't be unified. Even if they wanted to take sides, they couldn't, so they had to remain neutral and enjoy the lively atmosphere from the sidelines.
"I've never seen so many foreign wizards before," Harry said, carrying a bucket of water back to the tent while waiting for lunch.
This was already his second trip to fetch water.
Harry really enjoyed this task because every time he went to get water, he would encounter many wizards he had never met before.
For example, not far from their tent, there were three African wizards with their faces painted in some kind of pigment. Harry had never seen them use wands... because they only needed to move their fingers to make the roasting meat on the stove turn over by itself.
"Those guys are really amazing," Harry whispered to Ron. "I remember Professor Flitwick mentioning wandless magic, a high-level technique that even seventh-year graduates might not master.
But they look like they're only fifteen or sixteen, not much older than us."
"No, Harry," Bill said, overhearing his words as he passed by. "Those people are from Vagadu School of Magic. They are not used to using wands and prefer the ancient gesture magic."
"Vagadu School of Magic...?" Harry repeated.
"Yes," Bill said. "It's located at Moon Mountain in Africa, as old as Hogwarts. There, wands are considered the least important."
Harry nodded, trying hard to appear less surprised.
Seeing so many wizards from different countries on the field, he suddenly felt foolish for never realizing that Hogwarts wasn't the only magical school.
Soon, Kreacher finished preparing lunch.
With their large number, it would be too crowded to eat inside the tent, so Mr. Weasley set up a large table outside.
Everyone gathered around, eating and discussing the upcoming match.
Ron enthusiastically introduced Viktor Krum's prowess, trying to persuade others to join the Bulgarian camp, but with little success.
Even Cedric pretended not to hear... He was the only Seeker in the group who supported the Irish team.
The other two Seekers, Harry and Charlie, were loyal fans of Bulgaria.
Just as Ron emphasized Krum's age for the third time, Mr. Weasley suddenly stood up and waved cheerfully at a man walking towards them with long strides.
"Haha!" he said. "The most important person at the moment, Ludo!"
Ludo Bagman, wearing the Former Wimbourne Wasps team uniform, stood out even more. But the uniform was a bit tight on his large belly, seemingly borrowed in a hurry without time to adjust the size.
"Ahaha, Arthur, what a wonderful aroma! I could smell it from afar," Bagman exclaimed happily, bouncing with each step as if there were springs under his feet, clearly in a state of extreme excitement.
"It's just a very ordinary lunch," Mr. Weasley said. "Feel free to join us if you don't mind."
"I'd love to, but unfortunately, I've promised Volcov to have lunch together.
Bagman chuckled and said, "This young Bulgarian Beater probably wants to learn a thing or two from me, what a sly kid, but I appreciate him."
Mr. Weasley followed with a few laughs.
At this time, Percy hurriedly stepped forward, extending his hand to give the Minister of Magical Games and Sports a good impression.
"Ah, I almost forgot to introduce," Mr. Weasley said with a smile, "this is my son Percy, who has just started working at the Ministry of Magic, and Bill, Charlie, they are working abroad and have just returned... and over there is Kyle, and Cedric..."
Mr. Weasley introduced each person one by one, but Bagman seemed to be not very interested, only slightly raising his head when he heard Kyle's name.
When Mr. Weasley introduced Harry, he immediately shifted his gaze to the scar on Harry's forehead.
"Let me introduce you," seeing Hermione's puzzled expression, he continued, "this is Ludo Bagman, the best Beater in the history of the Wimbourne Wasps, who has represented England in the Quidditch World Cup.
And thanks to him, we were able to get such good tickets."
Bagman smiled and waved his hand, as if to say it was no big deal.
"How about making a bet on the match, Arthur?"
After the pleasantries, he stated the purpose of his visit, "I've convinced Rodolphus to make a bet with me, he says Bulgaria will score the first goal... little Agatha Timms has bet half of her farm, saying the match will last a week."
"Oh, all right," Mr. Weasley said, "I'll bet a Galleon on Ireland winning, okay?"
He didn't originally want to participate, but considering Bagman had helped them get such good tickets, he decided to play along.
"A Galleon?" Bagman seemed a bit disappointed, but quickly regained his enthusiasm, "very well... does anyone else want to join in?"
"We... ow!"
Fred was about to speak when he suddenly cried out in pain and bent down.
Kyle moved his shoe away from Fred's foot, saying expressionlessly, "Sorry, Mr. Bagman, he was about to say we just bought a lot of souvenirs and don't have much pocket money left... can we bet five Knuts?"
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of taking all your pocket money," Bagman politely smiled and declined.
Then he looked at Mr. Weasley, "can you do me a favor, I've been looking for Bartemius Crouch, the Bulgarian Ministry official is being difficult with us, but I don't understand what he's saying. Barty can solve this problem, he speaks about one hundred and fifty languages."
"Mr. Crouch?" Upon hearing the name, Percy became excited and restless.
His behavior was the same as when Ron mentioned Krum earlier.
"Mr. Crouch can speak two hundred languages, including Merpeople, Turkeys, and Giants..."
"Wow!" Kyle exclaimed sincerely.
If it were just Merpeople and Giants, he could do the same, but Turkeys... he was all talk and no action.
However, who would normally want to talk to Turkeys?
"Ah, you're right," Bagman said, "Barty is indeed impressive in this regard... ah, speaking of him, he's here, Barty!"
A wizard suddenly Apparated beside them.
Upon seeing Crouch, Percy became excited and breathless, trembling like a Mandrake that had been pulled out of its pot.
"Ludo, I've been looking for you," Crouch's gaze quickly locked onto Bagman, saying, "the Bulgarians insist that we add twelve more seats in the Top Box, you'd better go and negotiate with them before the match starts."
(End of Chapter)
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