Chapter 458: Interrupting the Spell (End of Chapter, with an extra chapter sponsored by the mischiev
Chapter 458: Interrupting the Spell (End of Chapter, with an extra chapter sponsored by the mischievous Master of the Wheel of Fortune)
As more and more people gathered in the area, the tents became less varied.
Once the first Bulgarian flag was printed on a tent, others followed suit, adding their chosen team's emblem to their tents, clearly marking their allegiances.
Occasionally, there would be an Irish supporter's camp with a sudden addition of Bulgarian symbols, but the next second, the owner would quickly pack up and move to the other side.
At times like these, the Ministry of Magic officials in charge of managing the grounds would turn a blind eye, pretending not to notice the shifting allegiances.
However, the Weasley family remained uninvolved.
With their large number and diverse preferences, it was impossible to unite under a single team, so they had no choice but to remain neutral and enjoy the lively atmosphere from the sidelines.
"I've never seen so many foreign wizards in one place," Harry commented as he returned to the tent with a bucket of water while waiting for lunch.
This was his second trip to fetch water.
Harry enjoyed this task as it gave him a chance to encounter wizards he had never met before on his walks to the water source.
For instance, not far from their tent, there were three African wizards with their faces painted in a peculiar manner. Harry had never seen them use wands... as they merely had to wiggle their fingers to turn the meat roasting over the fire.
"They're amazing," Harry whispered to Ron. "I remember Professor Flitwick mentioning wandless magic, a very advanced technique that even seventh-year students might not be able to master. Yet, they look around the same age as us."
"Not exactly, Harry," Bill, who happened to be passing by, interjected softly. "They're from the Wagardu School of Magic, and they're not accustomed to using wands. They favor the ancient art of gesture magic."
"Wagardu School of Magic...?" Harry repeated.
"Yes," Bill confirmed. "It's located in the Mountains of the Moon in Africa, as ancient as Hogwarts itself, where wands are considered the least important of magical tools."
Harry nodded, trying to conceal his astonishment.
Seeing wizards from so many nations gathered in one place made him realize how narrow his perspective had been, never considering that there could be other magical schools beyond Hogwarts.
Soon, Kreacher had lunch ready.
With their large number, it was too crowded to eat inside the tent, so Mr. Weasley set up a large table outside.
They gathered around the table, enjoying their meal while discussing the upcoming match.
The other two Seekers, Harry and Charlie, were both loyal fans of Bulgaria.
Just as Ron emphasized Krum's age for the third time, Mr. Weasley suddenly stood up and waved enthusiastically at a man approaching with long strides.
"Ha!" he said, "Ludo, the most important person at the moment!"
Ludo Bagman stood out in his old Wigtown Wanderers robes, which were a bit tight on his large belly, apparently retrieved at the last moment without time to adjust the size.
"Ah, Arthur, what are you having for lunch? I could smell the delicious aroma from afar," Bagman exclaimed happily, walking as if he had springs under his feet, clearly in a state of extreme excitement.
"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 Volkov to have lunch with him," Bagman said.
"This young Bulgarian Beater probably wants to learn a trick or two from me. He's a cunning one, but I quite like him," Bagman added with a laugh.
Mr. Weasley joined in the laughter.
At this moment, Percy quickly stepped forward and extended his hand, eager to make a good impression on the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports.
"Oh, almost forgot the introductions," Mr. Weasley said with a smile. "This is my son Percy, who just started working at the Ministry, and Bill, Charlie, they're both working abroad and just returned recently... Over there is Kyle, and Cedric..."
Mr. Weasley introduced each of them, but Bagman didn't seem very interested. He only glanced up briefly when he heard Kyle's name.
When Mr. Weasley introduced Harry, Bagman's gaze immediately shifted to the scar on his forehead.
"Allow me to introduce him," seeing Hermione's puzzled expression, he continued, "This is Ludo Bagman, the best Beater the Wigtown Wanderers have ever had, and he even represented England in the Quidditch World Cup.
We have him to thank for getting such great seats."
Bagman waved his hand, his face wreathed in smiles, as if to downplay the gesture.
"Oh, all right then," Mr. Weasley said. "I'll bet one Galleon on Ireland, how about that?"
He hadn't intended to get involved, but considering Bagman's help in getting them such great tickets, he decided to play along.
"One Galleon?" Bagman looked a bit disappointed, but he soon recovered his enthusiasm. "Very well... Anyone else?"
"We... Ouch!"
Fred had just opened his mouth when he suddenly cried out and bent over, clutching his foot.
Kyle casually removed his shoe from Fred's foot and said, "Sorry, Mr. Bagman, he was just about to say that we've spent most of our allowance on souvenirs... How about five Knuts?"
"Oh, I wouldn't want to take all your spending money." Bagman smiled politely, declining the offer.
He then turned to Mr. Weasley. "Could you do me a favor? I've been looking for Barty Crouch. The Bulgarian Ministry officials are giving us a hard time, and I can't understand a word they're saying. Barty can handle this; he speaks about a hundred and fifty languages."
"Mr. Crouch?" Hearing this name, Percy suddenly became excited, his whole body buzzing like a Mandrake that had just been pulled out of its pot.
His reaction now was just like Ron's when he had mentioned Krum.
"Mr. Crouch can speak two hundred languages, including Mermish, Gobbledegook, and Troll..."
"Wow!" Kyle exclaimed sincerely.
He could manage Mermish and Troll, but Gobbledegook... he was willing but unable.
Then again, who in their right mind would want to speak to a turkey?
"Yes, you're right." Bagman drawled. "Barty is impressive in that regard... Ah, speak of the devil, here he comes, Barty!"
A wizard suddenly Apparated next to them.
Upon seeing the newcomer, Percy became so excited that he could barely breathe, his whole body shaking like a leaf.
"Ludo, I've been looking for you." Crouch's gaze immediately locked onto Bagman. "The Bulgarians insist that we add twelve more seats to the top box. It would be best if you could discuss this with them before the game starts."
(End of Chapter)
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