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Chapter Nine The World Cup

Harry woke up to Hermione shaking him. "Time to get up Harry. Ron wake up. We're taking a Portkey in a little over an hour. Get up now."

Harry watched Hermione leave the room and looked over and saw Ron still asleep, snoring away. Luckily Swiftdeath gave him two days off of training with the understanding that he wouldn't have another day off until he left for Hogwarts. Downstairs found a sleepy set of twins, Ginny and Mr. Weasley around the kitchen table. Hermione and Mrs. Weasley were the only ones, other than Harry, who seemed completely awake.

"Good morning Harry dear."

"Good morning Mrs. Weasley."

"There's tea and toast on the table. There isn't time for a full breakfast before you leave. Where's Ron?"

Harry sat down, "He was still in bed when I came down."

"That lazy boy. Eat up Harry, I'll go get him." Mrs. Weasley went upstairs and Harry heard her yelling at Ron a minute later. Everyone at the table flinched.

Harry turned to Mr. Weasley, "Where are Bill, Charlie, and Percy?

"They are going to apparate later this afternoon, so they are sleeping in." Said Mr. Weasley.

After Mrs. Weasley's screaming at Ron, Harry doubted they were still asleep. "How are we getting there?"

"Were taking a Portkey from Stoats Head Hill. It's the only way to transport so many underage witches and wizards. We'll have to get going soon to make it on time. I wonder what's taking Ron so long?"

At that moment Ron ,followed by Mrs. Weasley, entered the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley said, "Harry dear, why don't you leave your school list and I will pick up supplies for you. There's no telling how long the match will last. Last time it lasted five days."

"I hope it lasts that long this time!" Said one of the twins. Most people seemed to agree.

All Harry could think was, 'It better not last five dsys, Swiftdeath would kill me making up the time missed. Dumbledore must have taken the money from my account. Mrs. Weasley never mentioned it to me.' Harry was angry but just smiled and gave his list to Mrs. Weasley. "Do you need any money Mrs. Weasley? I have a little but I haven't made it to the bank yet."

"That's OK dear. Don't you worry."

That confirmed it for Harry. 'Yup, dunb ass taking MY money again without telling me. I'll have to wait and see if Mrs. Weasley gives back any of the change. I hope so, I'd hate to think she was stealing from me.' Finishing his tea, Harry turned to Mr. Weasley and asked, "Where's the World Cup being held?"

"That was a pickle I tell you. The Ministry found a Moor far enough away from too many muggles that we were able to ward to keep any muggles away. It took a team of over 100 wizards over two months to get it ready. And the problem of coordinating so many foreign witches and wizards arriving… I'm just glad that it wasn't my department." Said Mr. Weasley with a relieved sigh. "OK boys… and girls, time to go."

It was a long walk to Stoats Head Hill. On the way Harry asked, "What are we going to do on a Moor until the game starts?"

"Oh, the Ministry set up a couple of campgrounds. There will also be vendors so you should all be entertained until game time." Said Mr. Weasley.

When they finally arrived there were two people already there, one that Harry recognized. "Over here Arthur!" shouted the man standing with the one Harry recognized as Cedric Diggory.

"Ah Amos, right." The group moved to the now identified Diggory's. "Good to see you, and you too Cedric. Any trouble finding the place?" Asked Mr. Weasley.

"Not a bit. These all yours? Must of cost you a fortune for tickets." Said Mr Diggory.

"No, just the redheads." Said Mr. Weasley. "I was able to help Ludo out of a tight spot and he hooked me up. These are my sons Fred, George, and Ron. My daughter Ginny, and Ron's friends, Hermione and Harry. Everyone, this is Amos Diggory, he works with me at the Ministry. And I think you know his son Cedric." Everyone said hi or nodded to the other.

"Harry? Harry Potter?" exclaimed Amos, looking Harry up and down. "Ced's told me about you. The only one to beat ya to the snitch." Mr Diggory looked extremely proud.

Cedric looked sheepish. "I told ya dad. There was an accident. That's why I got it first." The Weasley children started to throw dirty looks at the Diggory's. Harry just looked away. 'Prick.' He thought. 'At least Cedric doesn't seem to be gloating.'

Mr. Weasley butted in, "Right. Two Minutes till were off. Everyone gather round." They all surrounded Mr. Diggory who was holding a mangled old boot. "All you have to do is touch the Portkey."

Two minutes of silence later and Harry felt the familiar sensation of a hook pulling him from behind the navel. Mr. Weasley, Mr. Diggory, Cedric, and surprisingly Harry were the only ones not on the ground when they arrived. Harry knew that it was because he had gotten used to Portkey travel, taking two a day to and from Gringotts. At the surprised looks from everyone, he said. "What? "

"How are you standing?" asked Hermione.

He just shrugged. "Don't know? Just lucky."

"Alright let's move on. Don't want to be here when the next Portkey arrives." Said Mr. Weasley and they left the arrival zone to look for their spot. A few minutes later the Diggory's veered off.

"We're this way Arthur. See you later. Nice to meet you all." Said Mr. Diggory. Cedric just waved bye.

A chorus of "Byes." and a "See ya Ced." Later found the group looking for their assigned spot. The whole area had a carnival like atmosphere. At least it's what Harry assumed a carnival would be like, having never been to one. There were witches and wizards in an wild assortment of extravagant and brightly colored robes all over. Most of the tents seemed to match the exuberance of the wizards. Harry thought, 'Dumbledore would be jealous of some of the robes I've seen.' People were traveling up and down the aisles of tents selling all manner of things, from pennants, hats, programs, to food of all types and smells.

"Here we are." Said Mr. Weasley stopping an a clear spot between a purple tent and an orange tent with green polka dots that were moving around. Setting up the two tents he brought with a flick of his wand. "Thank merlin that the ministry decided to make this a completely muggle free zone. Could you imagine trying to keep all this quiet with muggles around?" Harry had to agree. "Well, everyone, drop off your things inside and then you can go exploring, as long as you stay together in groups. Or you can lie down for a while. Boys on the right and girls on the left."

Everyone was too excited to lie down so they followed Mr. Weasley into the tent to drop off their bags. Harry was amazed, but not too surprised when he entered the tent and found that it was bigger on the inside. There was a living room area with a couch and dining table, a kitchen, a bathroom, and what looked like three bedrooms. The area was slightly smaller than the space in his trunk but it was still nice.

"We're off." Said the twins. "Going to find Lee. He's been here two days already."

"Fred, George wait." Mr. Weasley said, stopping the twins before they could escape. "Take Ginny with you. I don't want her wandering around alone."

Ginny looked a little offended at this, and the twins looked like this was going to be a great imposition on them. "Do we have to?" asked Fred.

"Yes." Was Mr. Weasley's simple reply. "Bill, Charlie, and Percy will be here in a few hours. I'm sure they can watch her when they get here."

Ginny huffed, "I don't need to be watched. I'm not a baby."

"I know you're not sweetheart. It's not that I don't trust you, it's that I don't trust the other people. It's so crowded that anything could happen and we wouldn't know." Said Mr. Weasley in an apologetic tone.

"Crossing her arms over her chest, Ginny said, "Fine. Fred, George, let's go." And she followed them out of the tent.

"The game starts at seven, be back by six so we can all leave together!" Mr. Weasley shouted out the tent. Turning to Ron, Hermione and Harry, he said. "You can all go exploring if you like, but stick together you three. I'll have an early lunch ready in a few hours. Go, have fun." Harry, Hermione, and Ron all left after that.

They were having a grand time, wandering all over. Harry found himself greeting a lot of people he knew and a few he shouldn't know. After the third person he greeted that he shouldn't have, Hermione confronted him. "Harry, how do you know those people? They don't go to school with us and most are adults."

Harry cringed inside but didn't let it show. He thought, 'Damnit! I met them as Sam in Diagon Alley. Stupid, stupid! Think!' Aloud he said, "Umm… I met them… in Diagon Alley. Remember when I stayed there after I blew up my aunt last year?" This seemed to mollify Hermione but Harry knew he would have to watch himself more closely.

They all had a great time and before they knew it, it was six. Back at the tent, Harry found the twins, each with an Ireland team hat and a Shamrock pin that shouted the Ireland team players names. Bill, Charlie and Mr. Weasley each had an Ireland team scarf on. Ginny had all three, the hat, scarf, and pin. On their wanderings Ron had picked up an animated action figure of Victor Krum that walked around and scowled at everyone. Hermione had picked up a Bulgarian team scarf, but only because she liked the color and was cold. She also got a program. Harry spent his money on an Ireland pin like the twins and Ginny had. He also bought three Omnioculars for himself, Ron and Hermione. When they complained about the cost, mostly Hermione, he said it was an early Christmas present.

Everyone had a bite to eat and then they all started for the stadium. They traveled a short way through a small wood following a lighted path, and when they emerged they saw it. It was an amazing site, a fifteen story tall, gold and white stadium was before them. "Oohs." And "Aahs." Were heard all around.

"Tickets." A man in a gold uniform asked when they reached the stadium entrance.

"Here you go." Said Mr. Weasley, while handing over a stack of tickets.

"Top box. Nice. To the right and straight up the middle." Replied the ticket taker.

"How'd you get such great seats dad?" Bill asked. "I know you did Bagman a favor… but top box?"

"I'm not quite sure Bill. When I told him how many I needed, he seemed a little squeamish. But when I mentioned Harry and Hermione, everything was OK."

Harry thought "Figures. Everyone wants a piece of The-Boy-Who-Lived." Harry also saw a look on Ron's face that he couldn't easily identify. Entering the top box, Harry saw the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge. Around him were wizards, by whose colored robes, Harry assumed were from the Bulgarian Ministry. Fudge was talking loudly and slowly to one of the Bulgarians who apparently couldn't understand him. Fudge looked like a fool. There were other people that Harry didn't recognize around the box.

Deciding to avoid the scene that Fudge was making, Mr. Weasley led his group over to the seats where Harry spotted an elf sitting down. Aloud he said. "Dobby?"

The elf turned around and Harry saw right away that it wasn't Dobby. "No sir, I is not Dobby. I is Winky." The elf said.

"Oh, sorry." Said Harry. The conversation had gotten the Wesley's and Hermione's attention.

"Your Barty Crouch's elf aren't you?" said Mr. Weasley.

"Yes sir." Said Winky.

At Crouches name being said, the Minister noticed and joined the Weasley's group. "Crouch? Is he here yet? I need him to translate for the Bulgarians. No idea what they're saying. Oh Hello Harry." Fudge shook Harrys hand and ignored the Weasley's completely. "Looking forward to the match? I know I shouldn't pick favorites… but I hope Ireland wins. How about you Harry?"

Before Harry could answer, someone else entered the top box and Fudge was off. "That was rude." Said an indignant Hermione.

Percy replied. "Minister Fudge is a busy man. He is responsible for all this and his time is valuable."

"It was still rude." Huffed Hermione.

"Let's take our seats." Said Mr. Weasley, so they all sat down. The queer look on Ron's face was back, Harry noticed.

Harry pulled out his Omnioculars and started to look around the crowd. He played with the zoom feature, much better than the ones on his new glasses, and tried out the record and playback feature on a spectator who just spilled his drink on the person in front of him. He was enjoying himself until he heard an annoying voice.

"Hey Scarhead. What are you doing in the top box? And what are the Weasley's doing here? Did you sell your house for the tickets?" came the voice of Draco Malfoy.

"Now, now Draco," Drawled Lucius Malfoy. 'No need to be rude to these… people. But yes Arthur, how did you afford such prime seats?"

Turning around Harry saw Draco, Lucius, and who Harry could only assume was Draco's mother. She was dressed elegantly in a fine set of robes, but the expression on her face ruined the look. She had a haughty and pinched expression all over her face that practically screamed 'I'm better than you!' All the Weasley's sent angry looks to the Malfoys and Ron replied with a "Bugger off Draco."

Mr. Weasley just responded with a head nod and a, "Lucius." And sat down. Taking the seats behind the Weasley's, the Malfoys also sat down. Harry couldn't help but think, 'Your sitting behind me, the Weasley's and Hermione aren't you Draco.' There was a smirk on his face after that. 'I wonder how's Dobby doing?' he also thought.

The game was excellent. It lasted for only a few hours but it was very exciting. Krum was the best seeker Harry had ever seen, of course he was the only professional seeker he had ever seen, and had caught the snitch even though Ireland ended up winning the match. The only concern he had, other than an annoying Draco sitting behind him, was when the Bulgarian mascots came out. They were Veela and the magic detection ring and the Legilamancy protection necklace warmed up slightly when they started to dance. This warning along with his Oclumancy practice, allowed him to sense and fight off the (almost) false attraction he felt toward them.

Back in the tent, everyone was celebrating an Ireland win. Even Ron was happy because Krum caught the snitch. Mr. Crouch never showed up and Winky was sitting there when they all left after the game. Outside there was a tremendous celebration going on, again Mr. Weasley said. "I sure am glad I'm not on duty tonight." They celebrated along with the crowd, but inside the tent until around midnight when Mr. Weasley sent Ginny and Hermione to the other tent. "Bedtime. Bill, you're in charge here. See to it they get to sleep. I'll be in the girls tent. Behave." He said looking right at the twins. Everyone was too tired to argue.

After what felt like a minute after falling asleep, Harry was violently shaken awake by Mr. Weasley. "Wake up Harry."

"Whaa.." was all Harry could get out.

"There's…trouble. We have to go." Mr. Weasley said than went over to Ron and woke him up. Harry could hear what he thought was the celebration still going on outside, then he heard the difference. Instead of happy cheers, there were terrified screams. Harry immediately got dressed and put on his glasses, and left the bedroom and joined the rest of the Weasley's and Hermione in the living room of the tent.

"What's going on dad?" asked Charlie. He was looking nervous. So was everyone else, including Mr. Weasley.

"I'm not sure yet. There are… people in masks burning tents. Bill, Charlie, Percy, your with me. Fred, George, take Ginny, Ron, Harry, and Hermione and get them to somewhere safe. Let's go."

Everyone piled out of the tent. The older Weasley's went toward the screaming and the rest the opposite direction. It was a madhouse. People were running in all directions hysterically. Right before they entered the woods Harry tripped. Ron and Hermione stopped to help him up but the twins and Ginny didn't notice so they kept going. The three were alone in the crowd so they headed for the forest hoping to find Fred, George and Ginny again. Five minutes later found them alone in a clearing; they decided to wait there for a while. Screams could still be heard far away in the distance, and then they heard a rustling of leaves. All of a sudden a voice shouted, "Mosmordre!" and a green light shot up to the sky from their right. The screams got louder and all of a sudden there was a 'Pop, pop, pop, poppimg' all around them. Harry instinctually ducked, Pulling Ron and Hermione down with him. A chorus of 'Stupify's' were heard and a volley of spell fire flew over their head, missing them by inches.

"Stop!" those are my kids!" shouted Mr. Weasley, and he rushed to Ron's side to check to see if he was OK.

A tall, thin man with a pencil moustache then grabbed Harry and with his wand pointing in Harrys face, practically screamed. "Which one of you conjured it? Tell me now!"

"There just kids Barty. They couldn't have done it." Said a witch Harry didn't recognize.

Harry asked, "Conjured what?

"The Dark Mark Harry." Hermione said pointing to the sky. Floating in the sky was a skull with a snake slithering out of the mouth. Harry gasped.

"And how do you know about the Dark Mark missy?" Barty said while turning his wand on Hermione.

"Calm down Barty. Do you know who you're talking to? That's Harry Potter and his muggleborn friend Hermione Granger. Do you think they would be followers of You-Know-Who?" said Mr. Weasley.

Mr. Crouch lowered his wand but his expression didn't change. "So who conjured it then?"

Ron spoke up then. "There was a rustling of leaves and a voice over there." He pointed to the group's right. Immediately four witches and wizards went to explore where Ron pointed. There was an excited shout and when they came back Mr. Diggory was carrying something small in his hands. It turned out to be a stunned Winky and Mr. Crouch's eyes got huge and he left to where they had found her. He came back a few minutes later to find Mr. Diggory questioning a revived Winky.

"I is not doing it! I is not knowing how!" cried out Winky.

"It wasn't her!" shouted Hermione. "The voice was deeper. Winky has a much higher voice." Nobody seemed to be paying attention to her.

"Amos." Mr. Crouch said when he rejoined the group. "I know this would fall under your department, but would you mind if I take care of this?" Mr. Diggory didn't seem like he wanted to do it but he just nodded at Mr. Crouch. Harry thought that Mr. Crouch must be pretty high up in the Ministry for Mr. Diggory to back down. Barty said, "Winky, for disobeying my orders and conjuring that vile piece of magic,"

Winky shouted, "I is not doing it! I is not knowing how!" Interrupting Mr. Crouch.

Mr. Crouch continued on as if not hearing Winky. "This Means Clothes!" and he handed Winky the tie from around his neck.

"Noooo!" cried Winky.

Harry and Hermione had a confused look on their faces. 'Clothes?' they each thought. Ron and all the adults had a mixture of surprise and resigned acceptance on their faces. "Well, we'll be off." Said Mr. Weasley, and he led Harry, Ron and Hermione away. They could still hear Winky crying as they walked off.

"Why did clothes make Winky cry?" Hermione asked Mr. Weasley as they walked back t the tent.

"When you give a house elf clothes, it breaks the bond between them and their master."

Master!? Do you mean to tell me that Winky…all house elves are slaves?" Practically shouted Hermione. She stopped dead in her tracks and was looking furious.

"Calm Down Hermione." Said Mr. Weasley, stopping and turning around to talk to her. "Yes it is a form of slavery, but…"

"But what?" Hermione snarled.

"But… The house elves would die without a bond."

"What? They'd die? So Winky will… Mr. Crouch just killed her!" Hermione shouted. This made Harry think about Dobby again.

"Not necessarily." Said Mr. Weasley calmly. "They won't die right away, and if the can bond with another person, family or place soon enough, they will be fine." It was a quiet walk back to the tent after that