"It was quite a thrilling match. If only 10 more points, Bulgaria would have taken the championship. Luck did play a role here. All in all, both teams performed admirably," Augustus remarked, clearly satisfied with this World Cup. It had been worth the journey to witness such an intense and exciting showdown.
Malfoy nodded heavily. "It's a shame, really. If Bulgaria's Chasers had been even slightly more effective, they wouldn't have lost. As a Seeker, the greatest tragedy is catching the Golden Snitch but still losing the game."
Lilian's deep crimson eyes reflected a hint of resignation. "Looks like Cho Chang will be overjoyed. I honestly didn't expect Ireland to win the World Cup."
"Let's give a warm round of applause to the valiant Bulgarian team!" Bagman's voice boomed.
The seven defeated Bulgarian players ascended to the VIP box. The crowd below burst into applause and cheers, expressing their admiration. One by one, the Bulgarian players walked through the box, shaking hands with their Minister and Fudge, as Bagman announced their names loudly. Krum was last, looking disheveled, his bloodied face and prominent black eyes drawing attention. He still clutched the Golden Snitch tightly in his hand.
Next came the Irish team. When Lynch hoisted the gleaming golden trophy high, the entire stadium erupted in thunderous applause.
After the ceremony, Augustus and his group returned to their campsite. As they walked along the lantern-lit paths, rough singing filled the night sky. Leprechauns darted above their heads, waving their lanterns and cackling with joy.
Parting ways with Lilian and Malfoy at their tent, Augustus entered his own. Walking along the garden path surrounded by violet blossoms, he went straight to his bedroom. Settling into the armchair by the floor-to-ceiling window, he gazed at the dappled starry sky outside. The gentle chirping of summer insects filled the air, accompanied by a soothing blue glow. A midsummer night's dream, like a lullaby, gradually lulled him into a light slumber.
"Mr. Augustus!"
Jolted awake, he saw Lilian at his bedroom door, her face pale with urgency. "Wake up! Something's happened!"
The distant sounds of chaos were unmistakable—screams, the thudding of running feet, and a cacophony of frightened voices filled the camp. Rising from his chair, Augustus's face remained calm. "What's going on outside?"
Lilian, catching her breath, seemed to regain some composure. "A group of Death Eaters is causing chaos—burning tents and attacking the camp. My father says we should leave and hide."
A cold smile formed on Augustus's lips. "Death Eaters causing a commotion at a time like this? How peculiar. A pack of dogs without a master, barking wildly. Why hide? Let's see what these so-called Death Eaters are capable of."
Augustus strolled out of his tent with Lilian following closely. They headed toward the fires, passing panicked people fleeing into the woods. It seemed they were avoiding something strange moving through the camp, flashing and emitting sounds like gunfire. Harsh laughter, drunken shouting, and taunts echoed ominously in the distance. Suddenly, a flash of green light lit up the surroundings.
A group of hooded wizards, faces concealed by masks, marched tightly together. Each pointed their wands upward, advancing slowly through the camp. More wizards joined the group, laughing loudly and pointing at several floating figures above them. As the parade grew, tents were crushed, and occasionally, someone would set fire to a tent with their wand. Screams grew louder.
When the floating figures were illuminated by the flames, Augustus recognized one as the campground manager, Mr. Roberts. The others appeared to be his wife and children. A Death Eater used their wand to dangle Mrs. Roberts upside down, causing her nightdress to fall and exposing her undergarments. The crowd erupted in jeering and laughter as she struggled to cover herself.
"Disgraceful," Lilian said, her face etched with anger.
A dangerous glint shone in Augustus's silver eyes. Slowly, he drew his wand from his robe and pointed it at the Death Eater controlling the Muggles. Without warning, a massive fireball streaked through the air and struck the unsuspecting wizard. The force sent him flying, his black robes catching fire as he rolled on the ground, screaming in agony.
The sudden attack stunned everyone. The fleeing crowd paused in disbelief, and the Death Eaters froze. Their reign of terror had gone unchallenged—until now. The shock quickly turned to rage as the Death Eaters raised their wands, hurling curses toward Augustus.
"Reducto!" "Stupefy!"
Red and green flashes filled the air, streaking toward him. Augustus, wearing an amused smirk, waved his wand casually. A fiery shield materialized before him, absorbing every curse hurled his way. Standing alone against the Death Eaters, the fiery glow of his shield illuminated his figure, exuding an aura of unshakable dominance.
"A pitiful lot. Even your master, with his frail, tattered existence, far surpasses you. At your level, all you're capable of is tormenting helpless Muggles. Pathetic." His voice dripped with contempt.
"That's Augustus," one Death Eater whispered to a taller companion.
The name sparked unease among them. Some lowered their wands, clearly contemplating retreat.
Shaking his head, Augustus sighed mockingly. "Leaving already? The weather is pleasant tonight. Why not stay and discuss your future? Groveling as masterless curs hardly seems fulfilling."
One Death Eater, unable to endure the insults, fired a curse. "Crucio!"
Augustus sighed as the curse was absorbed by his shield. Before the attacker could react, a fiery beam shot from Augustus's wand, engulfing the Death Eater in a blazing inferno. When the light subsided, nothing remained but ash.
"I told you—we should talk. Why must you be so disobedient?"
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