┏ ೋღ : 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐂. : ღೋ ┓

𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖗𝖙𝖞-𝖊𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙:

┗━━ ೋღ : ©-𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒄 : ღೋ ━━━┛

𝕿HE MOMENT YOU ARRIVED TO THE QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP GROUNDS, the sheer scale of it all was almost overwhelming. The massive stadium loomed ahead, its golden entrances gleaming in the sunlight. Thousands of witches and wizards bustled about, dressed in their respective team colors, some with enchanted banners waving above their heads, others with moving face paint that displayed the crests of their favorite teams.

Vendors lined the pathways, calling out to passersby as they sold souvenirs — tiny figurines of Quidditch players that zoomed around their display cases, enchanted scarves that changed colors depending on the wearer's mood, and omnioculars that allowed people to replay the game in slow motion. 

You followed closely behind your father, who was deep in conversation with a few Ministry officials. As always, he walked with purpose, his face unreadable as he exchanged pleasantries with men dressed in crisp suits. You recognized one of them as a high-ranking official from the Department of Magical Games and Sports, and another as a diplomat from the French Ministry. Their conversation was filled with words like 'policy', 'regulations', and 'international cooperation', topics that your father took seriously.

Walking beside you, Leon kept craning his neck to take everything in, his eyes practically sparkling with excitement. "This is amazing," he whispered under his breath, unable to contain his awe. "I think I just saw some Bulgarians setting off miniature dragon fireworks!"

You gave him a small smile but kept one arm firmly wrapped around your book, 'Dangerous Liaisons' by Choderlos De Laclos, which you had been reading during the journey here. While the world around you was fascinating, you knew better than to get too distracted. Your father's expectations loomed over you, and you needed something to ground yourself — hence the book clutched in your hands.

After being silent for most of the walk, your mother finally spoke as you approached the stadium. She glanced at Leon, then at you. "Make sure you keep an eye on him," she instructed, her tone firm but not unkind. "He wants to look around, and I don't want him wandering off too far."

"Mother, I'm not a little kid. I can look after myself," Leon groaned, struggling not to roll his eyes.

Your mother shot him a knowing look. "You say that, but I remember you nearly falling into a fountain at Diagon Alley last month because you were too busy staring at a floating wand display."

You stifled a laugh as Leon scowled. "That was one time."

"Mhm," your mother hummed, unconvinced. She turned to you, her eyes sharp. "Still, keep an eye on him, alright?"

You nodded, tucking your book under your arm. "Got it."

As your parents and the Ministry officials moved toward the entrance of the stadium, their conversation already shifted back to dull politics, and Leon exhaled dramatically. The moment they were out of earshot, he turned to you with an eager grin.

"Alright, babysitter," he groaned, rolling his eyes once more. "Where to first? We could check out the merchandise tents or— Oh! Did you see those people selling enchanted pastries? One of them made a guy float three feet off the ground!"

You rolled your eyes but couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at your lips. "And you want to eat something that unpredictable?"

"Absolutely," Leon confirmed.

Shaking your head, you let Leon take the lead as the two of you ventured deeper into the festival grounds. The air buzzed with energy — children darted past waving miniature broomsticks, enchanted banners shimmered with team mascots roaring to life, and a wizard in bright green robes was enthusiastically advertising collectible player cards.

You browsed the stands, absentmindedly running your fingers over a set of sleek, enchanted quills meant for signing autographs. At the next stall, a vendor demonstrated a set of omnioculars to an intrigued group of wizards, and further down, a Bulgarian supporter was waving a wand that shot sparks in the shape of Viktor Krum's face.

"Y'know," Leon mentioned, carving his way through the crowd. "This is the first time in a while I've seen you out and about without a book in front of your face. Feels like an event in itself."

You gave him a pointed look, holding up 'Dangerous Liaisons' as evidence. "I brought it with me."

"Yeah, yeah," he waved off your response, grinning. "But at least your face isn't stuck to the pages like always."

Before you could respond, a familiar voice called out over the hum of the crowd.

"(Y/n)!" You turned just in time to see Cho waving enthusiastically as she pushed her way through the bustling festival-goers, Marietta trailing close behind her. Cho was dressed in a green and gold Ireland jersey, her long dark hair tied up in a neat ponytail, while Marietta sported a more muted version of the same outfit, a skeptical look on her face as she dodged a passing wizard carrying an armful of screaming leprechaun hats.

"(Y/n), I knew we'd find you here!" Cho beamed as she reached you, her dark eyes shining with excitement. "I was just telling Marietta that we had to keep an eye out—"

"And I told her the odds of spotting you in this crowd were slim to none," Marietta added, crossing her arms but offering you a small, knowing smile. "Looks like I was wrong."

She sounded more amused than anything, and you huffed softly in response. Before you could reply, Leon shifted beside you, his stance slightly wary as he glanced between you and your friends.

Cho's eyes flickered to him curiously, her expression instantly warm and curious. "Oh, is this your brother?"

"Yeah, this is Leon," you confirmed, nudging your brother slightly in an attempt to silently encourage him to be polite. Leon exhaled through his nose but managed a tight-lipped smile and a curt nod.

"Nice to meet you! I'm Cho, and this is Marietta," Cho beamed, obviously unfazed by Leon's lack of response.

Marietta gave Leon a quick once-over before nodding in return and turning back to you. "Are you enjoying the festival so far?" She asked, eyes flicking to the book still clutched in your arms. "Or have you been reading the whole time?"

"She brought it with her but hasn't actually been hiding behind it for once," Leon remarked with a scoff, causing you to glare at him.

You could feel the familiar heat rising to your cheeks as you considered the countless times you had nestled into a book, using it as a shield against the world. Your brother's teasing only amplified your self-consciousness, but you tried to brush it off.

"That's a miracle in itself," Cho giggled, her laughter light and melodic, cutting through the festive atmosphere around you. You rolled your eyes but couldn't help the small smirk tugging at your lips. "Well, we were just about to check out the Ireland team's fan tent. Marietta wants one of those enchanted rosettes."

Marietta scoffed, her arms crossing defensively across her chest. "I do not—"

"You do," Cho interrupted cheerfully, her voice filled with an endearing insistence. She turned back to you, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "We should meet up again after the match."

"If we'll even be able to find her after the match," Marietta corrected, her tone half-joking as she shot you a knowing glance. "See you later, (Y/n)." With that, she waved before the two of them melted back into the sea of people, Cho already chattering animatedly about the merchandise she wanted to buy.

With them gone, you and Leon resumed wandering further down the festival grounds, taking in the vibrant atmosphere. Stalls lined the path, each one bursting with magical trinkets and team memorabilia. One stand displayed enchanted team banners that shimmered in the air, shifting between Ireland's green and gold and Bulgaria's deep red. Another showcased scarves that whispered team chants when draped around a supporter's shoulders.

As you and Leon moved deeper into the crowd, you felt a sense of ease settling in. The energy of the festival was infectious, and despite his quiet demeanor, you could see Leon's curiosity piquing as he glanced around at the various attractions.

"Hey, look at that!" Leon pointed towards a stand where a wizard was demonstrating a new line of enchanted broomsticks that could perform loops and tricks in mid-air. His excitement, although subdued, was evident in his voice.

Before you could respond, a familiar figure approached through the crowd, his tall frame and bright smile unmistakable, cutting through the crowd like a beacon.

"(Y/n)!" Cedric called out, his voice warm and welcoming, echoing with genuine delight. "I didn't think I'd see you here!"

You couldn't help but return his smile, feeling a rush of warmth at his presence. "Ced! It's great to see you!"

As he stepped closer, the excitement in his grayish-blue eyes sparkled like sunlight dancing on water, making you feel instantly at ease. "I was just with the Weasleys, Hermione, and Harry," Cedric mentioned, the enthusiasm evident in his tone. "The twins are still as lively as ever."

You laughed, the sound bright and light. "Wouldn't expect anything else," you replied, glancing around at the bustling festival. As you noticed Leon's confused expression, you decided to introduce him. "This is my younger brother, Leon. He's starting his first year at Hogwarts soon."

Cedric's attention shifted to Leon, and he extended his hand in greeting with an easy smile. "Nice to meet you, Leon. I'm Cedric."

Leon looked a bit taken aback by the friendliness but shook Cedric's hand nonetheless, managing a small nod. "Hi."

"Are you enjoying the festival?" Cedric asked, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as he took in the vibrant atmosphere around them, where laughter and excitement filled the air.

"Yeah, it's pretty impressive," Leon replied, his tone still cautious but more engaged than before, curiosity beginning to outweigh his shyness.

You added, "We've just been wandering around. I think Leon's trying to decide if he wants any souvenirs."

Cedric chuckled, a sound that seemed to radiate warmth, and leaned slightly closer as if sharing a secret. "There's plenty to choose from. I was just checking out some of the new Quidditch gear. You should see the limited edition jerseys. Unbelievable."

Leon's interest piqued at the mention of jerseys, his eyes widening slightly. "Are they really that cool?"

"Absolutely," Cedric replied, his excitement contagious, lighting up the space around you. "I got one for myself earlier. You can even get your favorite player's name on the back."

Leon's gaze shifted to the nearby stalls, considering the idea, while you watched the two of them interact. "Which player did you get?" You asked, curiosity pooling in your eyes as you looked Cedric up and down.

"I went with Viktor Krum," Cedric answered, his smile widening at the mention of the famed seeker. "Can't go wrong with one of the best in the game, right?"

"Definitely not," Leon chuckled, his previous shyness melting away under Cedric's infectious enthusiasm. "He's brilliant."

"Right?" Cedric's eyes sparkled with shared passion. "And they've got some really creative designs for the jerseys this year. You might want to check it out."

"Maybe I will," Leon agreed, his tone brightening as he contemplated the idea of wearing the same colors as his favorite team.

Before the conversation could continue, Cedric's expression shifted slightly as he glanced around, scanning the bustling crowd. "Oh, I should probably head over to meet up with my dad before the match," he mentioned, his voice carrying a hint of urgency.

You nodded in understanding, clutching your book to your chest like a comforting shield. "No problem. It was good to see you, Ced."

He smiled at you both, his demeanor friendly and relaxed, and you could see how easily he fit into the vibrant atmosphere of the festival. "You too! Enjoy the game, yeah?" His gaze sparkled with excitement, reflecting the thrill that buzzed around you.

"Definitely," you agreed, waving as he turned to leave, watching as he weaved back into the crowd, effortlessly blending into the sea of colorful robes and animated conversations.

Once Cedric disappeared from view, you turned back to Leon, who was still looking around, his eyes wide with wonder as they darted from stall to stall. The festival was alive with energy and the air was filled with the sweet scent of enchanted treats, the sounds of laughter and cheers echoing, and the bright colors of banners fluttering in the gentle breeze.

"Want to keep exploring?" You asked, falling into step beside him.

"Sure," he replied, glancing at a nearby tent that was decorated with shimmering banners displaying the names of various teams, their vibrant colors glinting under the sun. "What's that one?"

You followed his gaze, noticing a line of excited fans outside the tent, their chatter blending into a lively hum. "That looks like the merchandise tent for Ireland. They probably have all kinds of jerseys and other stuff."

Leon hesitated for a moment, clearly intrigued but also slightly overwhelmed by the festival's intensity. "Do you think we should check it out?"

"Sure," you encouraged with a slight nod of your head.

As you approached the tent, the buzz of the crowd became more pronounced, filled with shouts of excitement and laughter. You could see fans waving banners and wearing colorful hats, and the smell of enchanted pastries wafted through the air.

Inside the tent, rows of jerseys hung neatly, each one adorned with the names of players and their respective numbers. Leon's eyes widened as he took in the vibrant colors and designs. "These are actually really cool," he murmured, running his fingers over a bright green jersey with a golden crest.

A sudden commotion near the entrance caught your attention. Before you could react, someone bumped into you, causing you to stumble slightly, your heart racing as you braced yourself for the impact.

"Oh, my bad," the boy muttered, moving swiftly to steady you with a firm yet gentle hand. The warmth of his touch sent a jolt through you, grounding you amidst the chaos.

As you turned to face him, you found yourself looking up at Adrian, his tall frame looming over you. His expression was flustered yet surprised, a slight furrow in his brow as he registered the situation. "I didn't see you there," he stated, his voice tinged with genuine concern, and you could hear the faint hint of embarrassment in his tone.

"It's alright," you replied, a bit awkwardly, feeling the heat rise in your cheeks. You weren't particularly close with Adrian as your interactions had mostly been limited to classwork and passing glances in the corridors. This unexpected encounter left you feeling a mix of surprise and nervousness, as you struggled to find your footing both literally and figuratively.

As he got a good look at you, his expression shifted to one of recognition. "Oh, (Y/n), it's good to see you," he greeted, a small smile spreading across his face. The warmth of his friendly demeanor eased some of your tension, and you found yourself returning the smile, albeit shyly.

"Yeah, it's good to see you too," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper.

Standing beside you, Leon glanced between you and Adrian, his curiosity evident as he tilted his head slightly. "You two know each other too?" He asked, seemingly confused about how you knew just about everyone.

"Yeah, we were partners for a Charms project," you explained, trying to sound casual despite the awkwardness bubbling inside you.

"Yeah," Adrian chimed in, his eyes brightening as he recalled the memory. "That was quite the presentation," he laughed lightly, the sound infectious, and you found yourself chuckling along, the embarrassment slowly dissipating.

"It was a team effort," you replied. "I think I just stood there while you did all the hard work of having to dodge and blast rocks," you joked, and his laughter echoed yours, making the air between you feel lighter.

"Well, it was good to see you, (Y/n)," Adrian mentioned before sidestepping around you and Leon to continue further into the tent.

As you and Leon exited the tent, Leon's gaze darted toward another colorful tent nearby, the banner fluttering in the breeze. "Let's check that one out?" He inquired, his eyes bright with curiosity.

"Sure," you replied with a slight hum. "We can take a look."

As you approached the game stall, the sound of cheers and playful banter caught your attention. You glanced around, taking in the festive sights, when suddenly you spotted a familiar trio just a few feet away.

"Seamus! Dean! Neville!" You called out, waving enthusiastically as you spotted them. Their heads turned at the sound of your voice, and in an instant, their faces lit up with wide smiles. Dean was the first to react, stepping forward with an easygoing grin.

"Hey, (Y/n)!" Dean greeted warmly, his deep voice bright with excitement. For a moment, his eyes flickered to yours, a certain softness lingering there before his gaze darted away, a hint of color rising to his cheeks. You brushed it off, assuming it was just the festival's buzzing energy affecting everyone.

"Fancy seeing you here!" Seamus chimed in, his usual exuberance shining through. He bounded up beside Dean, his eyes practically glowing with excitement. "We were just trying to win some prizes. Want to join us?"

"Definitely!" You replied, feeling a surge of happiness at their enthusiasm. "Leon and I were just checking out the games too."

Neville blinked in confusion at the unfamiliar name. "Leon?"

You