Chapter 281
"Behave!" Ginny threatened as she sat down and helped herself to food. "Lydia's our guest." Hermione rubbed her head. Was she getting a headache?
Harry entered the kitchen and froze at the sight of Lydia and Ginny. Hermionefelt a twinge of sympathy. It was probably his worst nightmare – well, beyondthe whole thing with Voldemort and even then she wasn't too sure that hewouldn't prefer to have another confrontation with the evil wizard rather thanface the two girls with the most obvious crushes on him ganging up together.
"Hi, Harry!" Lydia smiled at him widely.
"Hi, how are you doing, Lydia?" Harry asked politely as he quickly took upaposition by Hermione. She suspected he was intending to use her as a human shield. Lydia shot Hermione a disgruntled look. "I'm good. This food looks amazing."
"I didn't know you could cook, Harry." Ginny followed up, evidently takingcourage from Lydia's blatant flirting to actually talk with Harry.
"Hmmm, yeah," Harry pulled on Hermione's arm and sent a desperate looktoRon, "we should…"
"Check out the stalls while this lot finish breakfast and do clean-up." Hermionedeclared briskly. "You're very right, Harry. Let's go get Sirius and my parents. Ron?" Ron picked up a final slice of bread, swiped it across his plate and pushedthewhole thing in his mouth. He made a muffled sound which might have meant
'let's go.' Hermione shot Harry a look of exasperated fondness at Ron's behaviour andhe sent one back warm with affection and gratitude at her getting himaway
from the awkwardness of Lydia and Ginny. She felt a thrill of delight andhappiness, and ignored the heated looks of jealousy emanating fromthe girlsleft behind in the kitchen. o-O-o
Remus laughed at Bogdan's latest joke about Cornelius and turned to
translate something funny but not related to the British Minister to the maninquestion.
In part he didn't mind the change of plans. Madame Derry – 'call me Kate' –was a lovely astute woman with forthright opinions and the Bulgarian Minister
was a very intelligent and witty man. Both had expressed a deep appreciationof Cornelius's political acumen, but disappointment overall in the Britishforeign policy (which was effectively to ignore the rest of the world and
progress elsewhere for fear it might contaminate Britain – Remus was goingto have to discuss it with Sirius because politically they too had ignoredtheinternational arena for cleaning house at home first and it might be a mistaketo ignore it for long). Both had also expressed amusement over Cornelius'sattempts to engage Bogdan in conversation through mime and simply talkinglouder (as though volume would assist in understanding). Bogdan actually
spoke reasonable English but a translator helped to avoid the embarrassingerrors that neither Minister wanted to make on an international stage. Remus was content enough – he had good company and the Ministry Box
was resplendent. A very comfortable space with leather seats for comfort, asmuch drink and food as they could possibly want and a great viewof the pitchas they were at eye level with the players. Yet he couldn't quite shake his
worry about Harry.
He knew Sirius would never have agreed if he hadn't been OK in Remus
leaving protection duty for Harry to do something else but still Remus felt that
he'd let Sirius and Harry down in agreeing. Or rather his wolf felt he'd let them down. It was fairly screaming at himthat
he should be with his pack. Remus sighed and wrestled the wolf back once more with practiced patience. He could understand the wolf's unease. Harry had received death threats. Not just the one on his birthday but another
and the perpetrator remained at large and hiding behind a house elf of all
things. They knew it had to be someone on the list of party attendees but
nobody was ever going to give permission for the entire Wizengamot andthemost senior Ministry officials to be compelled to take veritaserumfor
questioning. What was more worrying was that whoever it was seemed to be operatinginisolation. Neither Severus nor Lucius nor Bertie's spy had gotten wind of aplot
to terrorise Harry – well, beyond the likely ritual they believed Voldemort wasplanning. But that ritual was to be performed on the eve of the Summer
solstice and terrorising Harry now made no sense. Then again, when hadanything to do with Voldemort ever made sense?
He rubbed his right temple thoughtfully.
"Is everything OK, my friend?" Bogdan asked concerned in Bulgarian.
"I'm just thinking about my friend's son." Remus said apologetically. "I amanxious given recent events."
"Ah, yes. I read the article in the International Wizarding Herald. It is shockingthat someone so young can be targeted so horrifically." Bogdan smiled at him. "If you wish to take a break and check on young Lord Potter I will cope for afew minutes alone."
"You may but others will not." Remus turned to Cornelius who had startedanxiously as the two had exchanged words. "Nothing to worry about, Minister, we were just commenting about the article in the Herald on Harry."
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"Kurt is a good reporter." Kate said briskly.
"I'm afraid I didn't get a chance to read the Herald this morning but the articlein the Prophet was well done by Rita as always." Cornelius said. "I was
thinking perhaps we should have a day of remembrance for the Potters."
"It's a nice thought but I'm not sure it's what Harry had in mind." Remus saiddiplomatically. "We were actually discussing the death threats."
"A terrible business but I have confidence Amelia will get to the bottomof it." Cornelius said forcefully.
Bogdan nodded. "Eet is good to hear. Child should not be target." Kate nodded her agreement. "It is a shame for the lad." Cornelius smiled at them. "I couldn't agree with you more. Unfortunately, Harry's unique status makes him more of a target than I think any of us wouldwish on the poor boy." Remus checked his watch. The match was about to start. He glanced over thebox and was surprised at the empty seats. He guessed some of the
Wizengamot and eligible Ministry staff hadn't taken up their tickets. Crouchwas missing too which was a surprise since he had helped secure the WorldCup as an event for Britain. Bagman was commentating so that wasn't asurprise. A sudden sound at the door had them all turning and he wasn't surprisedwhen the Weasleys, excepting Ron and Bill, hurried into the box and took their
seats. He noticed Percy frowned at the absent Crouch's seat before takinghisown. Arthur hurried over and was introduced to the foreign Ministers by Cornelius, assisted by Remus. Kate smiled warmly. "I would be happy to meet with you and discuss howwedeal with muggles in Ireland."
Arthur smiled. "I'd like that." Bogdan turned to Remus and switched back to Bulgarian. "Please informhimthat we have a good relationship with our muggle counterparts and we wouldbe happy to share how we have built trust and share information." Remus translated for Arthur who said he would be delighted to meet themboth at the first opportunity. A soft clearing of the throat behind Remus hadhim turning to look in surprise at Percy.
"I'm sorry, Mister Lupin, I couldn't help noticing you're translating," Percy said, with a frown, "Mister Crouch was insistent that he would translate."
"Well, if Barty wanted to translate he should be here!" Cornelius said sharply. "Mister Lupin has stepped in at short notice after his services were kindly
offered by Lord Black. I'm sure I speak for Kate, Bogdan and myself that weare very happy with him." Remus made a show of translating for the Bulgarian Minister but he hadafeeling from the gleam in Bogdan's eye that he understood what had beensaid.
"Very happy." Bogdan said firmly.
"Mister Lupin has been a welcome addition to our party." Kate stated bluntly. Percy immediately nodded subserviently. "Of course, my apologies. I was just
concerned…"
"And so you should be, young Percy." Amos Diggory interrupted briskly havingarrived in the box during Percy's approach. He gestured at Remus. "Cornelius, you are aware that Lupin is a registered werewolf? What are you doing lettingsuch a creature near to any Heads of State?" Cornelius drew himself up in the face of the criticism. "Amos, that is
completely out of line. We are nowhere near the full moon. Remus is hereat
my request and he has been a complete boon to our discussions all day."
"Registered werewolves cannot be employed in the Ministry." Amos statedfirmly, obviously believing the Bulgarian Minister couldn't understand himandapparently unaware that the dark haired lady next to him was the Irish
Minister. "You know the law, Cornelius. I should have Lupin arrested but asyou and Minister Oblansk are involved, I'll settle for Lupin making himself
scarce." Cornelius gaped in shock.
"Amos!" Arthur snapped. "You do realise you're insulting the Bulgarian Minister, our Minister, and the steward of two Ancient and Noble Houses! Lord Blackand Lord Potter could challenge you on what you've said!"
"He's a werewolf!" Amos said firmly. Remus felt the usual sick feeling in his gut from the immediate rejectionandthe look of disgust. It had happened to him often enough in his life. His nosescented alcohol on Amos's breath; the man had been drinking. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 283
Amos glowered at Remus. "I don't want this creature in the same box as myson." Remus sighed. "Perhaps it would be better if I left."
"Nonsense," Cornelius said, pinning Amos with a hard stare, "Mister Lupinisn't
being employed by the Ministry and he isn't getting paid; he provided his
services at the behest of Lord Black as a personal favour to me. There arenogrounds for an arrest and, on the contrary, the only person I see causingadisturbance is you, Amos."
"I agree." Bogdan said gruffly. "Vou are about to cause an international
incident. Ve do not have the same laws on verevolves and von of my guardsisalso verevolf." He gestured at the Bulgarian security detail behind him. Amos paled.
"If you don't feel you can stay in the same box then you are welcome tofindseats elsewhere." Kate said sternly. "We also don't have the same laws
against werewolves and I am quite happy with Mister Lupin's presence
whereas I begin to find yours unacceptable."
"What is going on?" Crouch said, interrupting. He must have entered whileAmos had been denigrating him, Remus thought absently.
"Ah, there you are, Barty," Cornelius said, "Amos was just about to apologisetomy guests and Mister Lupin for a misunderstanding." Amos flushed but gave a short nod. "My apologies, Ministers." He said stiffly. "Mister Lupin, my apologies to the Houses of Black and Potter." Kate simply glowered at Amos but Bogdan nodded an acknowledgement andRemus followed his example. Amos darted away just in time for his wife andson to enter and join him unaware of the hullabaloo he had caused.
"Well, I'm sure there's no harm done." Barty said officiously and pointedtothepitch where the mascots were being announced. "Shall we watch?"
"Would you prefer to take over translation duties?" Remus asked politely, remembering Percy's comment. Barty shook his head. "If the Ministers don't mind I will leave themin your
hands." He wiped his brow with a handkerchief. "I'm afraid I haven't been
feeling all that well." A whiff of something drifted over to Remus. His nose wrinkled and he
frowned unable to place the scent because of the overlay of alcohol fromAmos that lingered.
"Vou are still recovering after Vizard flu?" Bogdan frowned.
"You should see a new Healer." Kate advised.
"I quite agree, Barty." Cornelius said. "Or take some more time off. You knowwe need you in tip top shape for the…the thing at the end of October."
"Thank you all. I may just do that." Barty sat down in his seat and the Ministerstook theirs. Remus sat down off to the side with the Bulgarian security detail. He sighed and turned his attention to the antics of the younger men tryingtoclimb over the railings to get to the Bulgarian Veelas. He wondered if Harry
was attempting the same…
o-O-o
The Black box was situated at playing level across the field fromthe Ministrybox and it was probably only second to the Ministry box in its interior décor. The colours of the Black family crest of green and black dominated the wallsbut they were accented by Sirius's preferred Gryffindor red and gold on thecomfortable seating – no plastic that made a bum go numb in seconds.
Ron was impressed. He lifted up his brand omniculars (and he fully intendedto pay Harry back regardless of Harry's 'consider it your Christmas and
birthday gift') and felt himself sway at the sight of the Veelas. He took a steptoward the railing…
"Easy there, Ron." Bill grasped his shoulder and pulled himback. "I don't want
to have to explain you diving over the edge to Mum and Dad." Ron shook himself. He watched amused as Lucius Malfoy pulled his sonawayfrom the railing, Zabini was holding back Nott. Beside him, Harry had placedahand on Neville's shoulder and was quietly talking to him seemingly holdinghim back but Harry himself seemed unaffected. Hermione nudged Ron. "Harry must have some natural immunity." She
sounded unusually pleased. Jealousy stirred in Ron's gut and he hated it; hated himself for feeling jealous. Since the Flying Incident and his talk with Bill, Ron had made a conscious
effort not to be jealous of Harry. He knew in many respects Harry wouldhaveloved to have had Ron's life; two parents, a houseful of siblings and morelovethan Ron himself sometimes knew what to do with. But he couldn't quite helpthe envy at Harry's new clothes, the money, the fame, and the lifestyle Harryenjoyed.
Well, didn't so much enjoy as had. Ron knew Harry would have preferredtohave dumped the fame and his status entirely if he could. And it wasn't asthough Harry had an easy life what with the death threats and the ever present
threat of something happening
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The trip to the basilisk had been horrible. Ginny had refused to see the mindhealer despite her hysterics during the return visit to the Chamber. Their Dadand Bill had tried and failed to convince her to go and after the one and onlysession their Dad had dragged Ginny to, kicking and screaming all the way, themind healer had said that forcing her wouldn't work. Ron himself had triedtotalk Ginny into it, pointing out that he'd been scared down in the Chamber
himself remembering how Lockhart had almost obliviated himand the
horrible, horrible wait for Harry to come back; that if Ginny went to a session, maybe he'd go to one too. She hadn't gone for it. Ron had quietly thought that
they should ask Harry to have a word. He was fairly certain only Harry wouldbe able to get her to go. At least, Ron mused, Ginny hadn't been caught up in the drama of Ron's thirdyear. She'd actually settled into Gryffindor. All of the male Weasleys at
Hogwarts had been under strict instructions to watch her and make surethat
nothing similar to the Chamber happened again. Ron would be quite happy if
nothing similar to the Chamber happened to him either – and he could dowithout a repeat of being dragged into the Shrieking Shack by a Grim. Maybe Harry was right about the animagus training. If Ron had been abletoturn into a lion, he could have gotten away or scared the pants off Sirius
anyway. He would try anyway for Harry. He felt very happy that Harry wantedto include him and Hermione in something like that since there was a lot
going on that Harry couldn't talk about – or at least, Ron and Hermione
suspected that there was a lot going on that Harry couldn't talk about. They'dboth confided their worries about Harry to each other in brief conversationsbut Ron knew if Harry was keeping quiet it was because Sirius had madehim
promise and Ron wouldn't try to get Harry into trouble with his newDadjust tosatisfy Ron's curiosity. He smiled at the thought as the leprechauns came out in support of Ireland. They were flinging gold up into the stands and for a long moment Ron wastempted to go and grab some…
"Oooh! It almost looks real, doesn't it?" Hermione said out loud. And that was a good reason why he shouldn't. Leprechaun gold was nothingbut an illusion. Ron's lips firmed. If he wanted money, fame and status hewould have to work for it as Bill had said in their discussions. He felt a rush of happiness at the thought of his oldest brother and he glancedup behind him where Bill stood sentry ensuring Harry couldn't be attackedfrom the back of the box. His relationship with Bill had changed since their
talk in Ron's room. Bill had taken time every couple of days to come over andchat specifically with Ron; sometimes they'd play chess or they'd fly but most
times they ended up like the first time – just sat on Ron's bed, talking. Ronhad found himself listening to more stories of Bill and Charlie as kids as well
as Bill's time at Hogwarts. Instead of switching off thinking it was Bill lordingit over him for doing something first, Ron really listened and had gotten toknow his brother much better. He'd sought Charlie out himself a couple of times after that to check Bill'sversion of events sometimes or to ask Charlie his advice about Quidditch. He'd even confided his Quidditch dreams and Charlie was helping train Ronfor the try-outs. Ron was thrilled with his brother's support.
"Here come the teams!" Harry said excitedly, elbowing Ron and drawinghisattention back to the game. Ron grinned at him, and raised the omniculars again. For long minutes they murmured 'ooh's' and 'aah's' as the professional teamstook to the skies and play began. Harry shook his head. "They're so fast!"
"So are you on that Firebolt." Sirius pointed out.
"He's right though, they're playing very fast – it's obviously Ireland's strategy. The Bulgarian Beaters have issues with speed." Ron said authoritatively. "See?" He nudged Harry. "They can't get the bludgers anywhere near on
target."
"As much as I hate to admit it he's right." Draco Malfoy said. All of the Gryffindors turned to look at the Slytherin in shock.
"Are you feeling alright, Malfoy?" asked Neville. "You do realise you've just
complimented Ron?" Nott snorted in the background.
"I agreed with his surmising of the Irish strategy, I didn't compliment him." Malfoy snapped. Neville huffed and returned to the action. Ron gave the back of Malfoy's heada searching look before returning his attention to the game. He'd been toldvery strictly by everyone that he needed to be on his best behaviour withtheSlytherins. The Malfoys were part of the House of Black, as much as Ronmight hate it, and he was only in the box because he was a guest of Harry's. He didn't like the snakes but he guessed he could put up with themfor thelength of a Quidditch match. Hermione sighed, sat back down and pulled a book out of her backpack. Ron stared at her. "What are you doing?"
"Reading." Hermione said slowly as though he was the odd one.
"But…" Ron waved his arms out towards the pitch and the action.
"I only came to experience the atmosphere of a professional game." Hermioneexplained rather snootily in Ron's opinion. "I don't really enjoy Quidditch."
"But…" Ron stuttered out. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 285
"You watch all the Gryffindor matches." Harry said, lowering his own
omniculars to look at her with faint surprise. Hermione squirmed in her seat, her fingers tightening around the book. "That'sbecause you play and you're my friend so I support you." She'd gone redintheface as though she was embarrassed. Ron exchanged a look with Harry over Hermione's head. Mental, Ron thought
with horror; absolutely mental. How could she not enjoy Quidditch? He
returned to watching the game.
"I wish our Chasers could play like that." Malfoy said with a sigh as Irelandscored again.
"They have too much muscle on them." Ron said without thinking. "Uh…"
"Too much muscle and they're too focused on blocking rather than scoring." Zabini agreed sliding in as though Ron hadn't paused in stupefied realisationthat he'd just talked to Malfoy.
"I don't understand why Flint chose them when there are better fliers in
Slytherin." Nott said.
"He wanted people who could intimidate others in the air." Malfoy said shortly. "Obviously."
"You don't," Nott said, "but there again you didn't exactly try-out, did you?"
"I'm a Seeker, I don't need to intimidate anyone." Malfoy retorted. "And I thinkI've earned my place on the team after the last two years, thank you very
much."
"When you beat Potter we'll talk." Zabini said, throwing Malfoy a teasingwinkthat simply infuriated the other boy. The Gryffindors exchanged a look at the Slytherins' exchange and Ron couldsee Sirius's lips twitching like he wanted to grin. Ron shook himself and returned to the match. It was a beautiful display of
aerial acrobatics. Suddenly Krum moved, diving for the ground.
"He's seen the Snitch!" said Ron excitedly.
"No, he hasn't," Harry said, "the Snitch is up by the hoop. He's feinting." Harry was right. Another minute later and Lynch, the Irish Seeker, was beinghelped off the ground as Krum floated back to the air.
"How the bloody hell did you see the Snitch?" demanded Nott.
"Because he's the best Seeker at Hogwarts." Ron said proudly. Malfoy gave a loud snort but he didn't argue the point. Maybe, Ron mused, thefabled truce Harry had talked about was actually in effect. The match wore on. Ron explained some of the more professional plays andmoves to Harry and got used to the Slytherins chiming in. After half an hour, Neville had gotten comfortable enough to add his thoughts and all of themaleteenagers soon congregated together, house rivalries mostly forgotten intheir
discussion although there was the occasional jab. Ron slowly realised that all of the Slytherins – Malfoy included which boggledhis mind – were vying to build better relationships with Harry. He was almost
amused but mostly concerned. He shot Neville a look (Ron was willing toadmit that Neville was much better at the political stuff) and they noddedat
each other in understanding; Harry would need to be protected. He was far tooforgiving and innocent sometimes.
"There's no way the Bulgarians can win this now." Harry commented. "TheIrish have scored too many for them to catch up."
"Krum will end it." Ron said convinced he was right. Five minutes later, he cheered with glee as Krum did exactly what Ron thought
he would; he caught the Snitch and put the Bulgarians out of their misery. A silvery shape swept into the room and Ron realised it was a wolf patronus. It
stopped in front of Sirius.
"Minister Oblansk and Minister Derry would like to invite you all to meet theteams in the Ministry box." Remus's voice sounded out fromthe wolf's mouth. Everyone except Hermione turned to Sirius hopefully. Sirius glanced at Harry. "It's risky. We haven't vetted them."
"Please, Padfoot?!" Harry pleaded softly. Simeon cleared his throat. "Maybe a compromise, Sirius? Bring themontoour
territory?" Sirius raised his wand and a Grim patronus emerged. "Moony, we'll be happyto host the teams and the Ministers in the Potter alliance tent. Due to securityreasons Lord Potter is restricted in his movements. I'm sure the Ministerswill
understand the necessity."