Chapter 65 - World cup Finals (1/2)
As Ireland won against France, then, they moved to the Quarterfinals where they faced Egypt. Neal once again proved his ability by scoring 7 goals against them. Then, in the semi-finals, Ireland crushed Peru with a score of 450-20, Neal alone scoring 19 goals moving to the finals.
Every newspaper in their respective nations had headlines about Neal. While some go like ”Flashcutter Slytherin”, ”The Quidditch child of the century”, ”Neal Slytherin vs Viktor Krum. Who is the real genius?”, etc...
A few others say ”Who is Neal Slytherin?”, ”is he the real heir to the House of Slytherin?”, ”Ministry refuses to divulge about Neal Slytherin's parents?”, ”Who is Berry Slytherin?”, ”Who is Dewy Avery?”, ”Leon Avery kills Berry Slytherin and Dewy Avery?”.
There are a lot of reporters who also wanted to cover his past especially Rita Skeeter but the British Ministry and Quidditch Association strongly disapproved of it. Still, a few reporters ug up some information about him being an Orphan but no one has the dare to visit Tagues village and ask Oakley, ”why didn't Avery family left him in the Orphanage for 11 years?” or their recent acquisition of 30 sq.km large-area from the muggle government.
Meanwhile, as the day of the finals coming near, Weasleys brought away from the Dursleys to their home. In their house, Ron and the twin Weasleys were arguing about who's going to win. While Ron said, ”Of course Bulgaria. They have Krum” while the twin Weasleys argued, ”please, Ireland team have 7 great players, unlike Bulgaria. Didn't you see how they crush Peru in the semi-finals?”.
Everyone packed their necessary luggage before the sun rose. Harry whispered Ron, ”where's Bill, Charlie, and Percy?”, Ron shrugged his shoulders, ”Merlin knows”.
Fred who heard it replied with a wide grin, ”of course they are going to apparate”. Ginny who woke yawned while rubbing her eyes, ”why do you wake up me this early, Mom?”, Mrs. Weasley replied, ”we need to walk to see the finals”. Then Harry asked in a surprise, ”and we have to walk to the stadium?”.
Mr. Weasley replied, ”no, of course not. It's miles away. We only need to walk a short way. It's just that it's very difficult for a large number of wizards to congregate without attracting Muggle's attention. We have to be very careful about how we travel at the best of times, and on a huge occasion like the Quidditch World Cup”.
While they met Amos Diggory and Cedric Diggory and used a Portkey to teleport to nearby the stadium, At the campsite outside the stadium, lots of Ireland team supporters bought the green tents to show their support which attracted other people.
In the evening, in one of those tents, Oakley, Neal and his friends and their families are just talking with the rest of his teammates who were a bit overwhelmed seeing lots of important people before them.
As the sunset and the sky got dark, the team made their way into the waiting room. Aidan looked at everyone, ”this is it guys, one last match. Neal, are you sure you mastered the new technique”. Neal nodded with a smile, ”no problem. I only hope Krum doesn't catch the snitch very fast”.
Quigley waved his hand, ”Oh please. You don't need to worry about him. That's us, beaters job to make sure he's distracted”. Meanwhile, on the Bulgarian side, Alexi Leviski, the team captain said, ”Krum, you have to catch the snitch as soon as you can.
There's no team in the world that can stop their offensive for long. With the addition of that Slytherin, they became even more unstoppable. I'm sure that I told you Aidan Lynch, their team seeker's weakness. Make proper use of it”.
Ludo Bagman, the head of the Department of Magical Game sand sports, whipped out his wand, directed it at his own throat, and said ”Sonorus!” and then spoke over the roar of sound that was now filling the packed stadium; his voice echoed over them, booming into every corner of the stand they entered the stadium riding on their brooms painted in red leaving the trails with fireworks.
”Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the final of four hundred and twenty-second Quidditch World Cup”. As the spectators clapped, he continued, ”And now without further ado, let me introduce Bulgarian National Team Mascots”.
A hundred Veela glided out onto the field and started dancing along with the music started in the background. Every male in the stadium erupted with cheers and angry yells filled the stadium when their performance stopped.