Chapter 462: Veelas and the Gold Coins
As Ludo Bagman's voice echoed to every corner of the stadium, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, with thousands of flags waving in unison, creating a vibrant, electrifying atmosphere. Kyle barely paid attention to Bagman's well-worn opening speech, his eyes drifting back toward Winky, the House-elf.
The Top Box was now fully occupied, except for the seat beside her, which was still empty... He had checked it earlier, and it had been just an empty seat. Could Winky have saved it for Barty Crouch? But if that were true, where was he now, with the match about to start? It didn't seem like Barty Crouch to hold a reserved seat and not show up. Could he really be capable of such an oversight?
"Oh!" A thunderous cheer came from the right side of the stadium, drawing everyone's attention. Kyle turned his gaze back to the field.
"Please allow me to introduce...the mascot of the Bulgarian national team!" Ludo's voice boomed.
Mr. Weasley craned his neck in curiosity. "I wonder what they've brought...Ah...Veelas!"
"What are Ve..." Harry began, but his question trailed off as a hundred Veelas glided onto the field. The moment he saw them, he fell silent. They were breathtaking, their skin glowing softly like moonlight, with their long hair flowing behind them as if lifted by an unseen breeze. Harry's gaze went hazy.
He had wanted to keep his composure, hoping to appear mature in front of Cho, but that resolve vanished. As the music began and the Veelas started to dance, his mind went completely blank. Their movements grew faster and more entrancing, and, without realizing it, Harry stood up, threw one leg over the partition wall, as if preparing to leap.
Hermione, unable to stand it any longer, shouted, "Harry, what are you doing!" Just then, the music stopped.
Harry snapped back to his senses, suddenly aware of his leg draped over the wall. Realizing what he'd almost done, he heard the girls behind him laughing. Their laughter felt like a dozen Bludgers, striking him repeatedly. Shame flooded over him, and his face turned crimson, so much so he felt like leaping off for real just to escape the embarrassment.