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Y/N's P.O.V. 

The blanket of one of the spare beds in Ginny's room was ripped from Y/N abruptly, flushing her body with sudden cold. 

"Get up, Trouble," Hermione said, neatly folding the blanket and setting it at the foot of the bed. 

Then, she moved on to harass Ginny. 

"No thanks, Herms," Y/N sighed, curling into a ball, trying to retrieve some of the warmth she previously had.

Ginny gave a loud groan when Hermione nudged her, throwing off her blanket, then immediately shivering. Hermione was already dressed - a light pink shirt covered by a grey zip up sweater, paired with dark-wash jeans. 

"Get up, you're going to miss the World Cup," Hermione said, practically pulling Y/N out of bed. 

"The World Cup is not as important as sleep," Y/N mumbled, swaying as she stood. 

Hermione caught her, heaved her upright and snapped in her face. "Well, that did the job," Y/N said sarcastically, her eyes already closing. 

Hands on Y/N's shoulders, Ginny roughly shook her, after changing into a black top, dark grey pullover hoodie and dark jeans. 

"Alright, alright," Y/N groaned. "I'm up, you gits," she said, stretching her arms and making her way to her trunk. 

Rummaging through, Y/N pulled out her favorite red tank top, a black, oversized zip up hoodie, and light-wash, baggy jeans. 

The girls waited for Y/N to change, stuffed their wands in their pockets, slung their rucksacks over their shoulders, then filed out of the room and downstairs to the kitchen. 

Harry, Ron, Fred and George were already downstairs, talking to Mister Weasley, who was dressed in a golfing sweater and a pair of trousers far too big, held up by a belt. 

Missus Weasley was stirring something in a large pot on the stove and smiled as the girls walked in.

"...I know you young people dress like muggles," Mister Weasley said as Y/N, Hermione and Ginny sat down at the table. "But do I look okay - we're supposed to go incognito," he turned to Harry. "Do I look like a Muggle?" 

Harry gave a thumbs from beside Y/N, "Perfect, Mister Weasley." 

The boy was wearing a fitted, maroon, long-sleeved shirt, deciding to go without a sweater, and dark jeans. His bag was set on his shoulder, his lips playing a smirk when he saw Y/N.

"Where're Earring and Dragon Boy?" Y/N asked, stifling a large yawn, leaning her head on Harry's shoulder. 

"And Perce," George added.

"They'll be coming to the Cup later today," Missus Weasley replied, pouring porridge from the pot into several bowls and distributing it around the table. "They'll be apparating - having a bit of a lie-in." 

"So they're still in bed?" Fred grumbled. "Why can't we apparate?" 

Y/N lightly smacked him on the arm, "Go for it, if you want to Splinch and lose your leg!" she reprimanded. "You haven't passed your test yet, idiot." 

"You have to take a test?" Harry asked, shifting a little so Y/N's head was more comfortable. She sighed. 

Apparation was something that Remus loved. He would sneak up on Y/N at ungodly hours of the night, when he knew she was awake reading, and scare her. She'd get him back by hiding all his cardigans, always huffing when he Accio'ed them.   

"Yeah," George said, grinning. "Charlie failed the first time, he had to retake it-" 

"Perfect Percy, though-" said Fred.

"Been apparating downstairs-" 

"Everyday-!" 

"Just to prove he can!" 

There was a loud groan from where Ginny was sitting. Rubbing her eyes, she asked, "Why do we have to be up so early?" 

"Tell me about it," Y/N said dramatically, flopping back into Harry's arms, knowing he'd catch her. His arms went around her torso, specifically her waist, and he laughed. The vibrations spread through Y/N, leaving her heart fluttering.

Mister Weasley sighed, "We've got a bit of a walk." 

Harry stiffened behind her, "We're walking to the Quidditch Cup?" he asked, panicked. 

With a laugh, Mister Weasley said, "Oh, Godric, no! We're meeting some of the other Wizarding families near us and taking a Portkey." 

"What's a Portkey?" 

"I'll explain later," Y/N said, still in his arms.

After a hasty breakfast, during which Harry stole several bites off Y/N's plate, the quartet, Ginny, Fred, George and Mister Weasley were at the door of the Burrow when-

"George!" Missus Weasley squealed. 

"What?" George said in an innocent tone that deceived nobody. 

"What's that in your pocket?" she narrowed her eyes. 

Busted. Absolutely and completely busted.

"Nothing!" said George, unconvincingly. Y/N winced at the terrible lie, why say that when he could've said his wand? 

Fred gave a loud, disappointed groan, which again gave away whatever the twins were up to.

"Don't you lie to me!" she yelled, pulling her wand and pointing it at George's pockets. "Accio!" 

Several small, brightly colored objects flew out of George's pocket, dodging his frantic grabs at them, and zoomed into his mother's outstretched hand. 

She held out the Ton-Tongue Toffees and Y/N had to stuff her face in Hermione's shoulder to keep from laughing. 

"We told you to get rid of them!" Missus Weasley said. "The whole lot - destroy them!" 

It was awkward scene - Fred and George emptying their pockets of all the candies they attempted to smuggle out, presumably to sell at the World Cup. It was only by using her summoning charm that Missus Weasley found them all. 

"Accio, Accio, Accio! she screamed, pointing her wand. Candies sped from the most unlikely places - the inside of George's jackets, the upturns of Fred's jeans. Even one from the pockets of Y/N's sweater. 

Y/N gasped, "You gits! You planted evidence on me!" 

Hermione and Ginny gave her mocking pats on the shoulder.

The twins ignored her. "We spent months developing those!" Fred shouted at his mother as she threw the toffees away. 

"Well, what a waste of six months!" she shrieked. ""No wonder you didn't get more O.W.L.S!" 

Y/N winced at her tone, but Fred and George just rolled their eyes. Missus Weasley kissed her husband on the cheek, a glowering look plastered across her face. The twins barely spared a glance at her as they hoisted their rucksacks onto their backs and stormed out of the door. 

"Have a lovely time," Missus Weasley said to them - they all smiled back. "And behave yourselves!" she called to Fred and George, who didn't answer. 

"Thank you, Missus-" Y/N began, but the woman glared at her. "Molly," she corrected. 

Molly smiled at the girl and said, "Y/N, I know you go about their pranks with them, talk some sense into them, would you?" 

Y/N saluted with a bright smile. "Yes ma'am!" 

Hermione dragged her out of the Burrow, "We're getting late!" she said. 

It was chilly - making Y/N glad she wore a sweater - and the moon was still out. Only a dull, greenish tingle along the horizon indicated that sunrise would be upon them soon. Y/N, Harry, Ron and Hermione fell back to walk behind Fred, George, Ginny and Mister Weasley, 

Y/N assumed they were meeting with the Diggory's, since they lived near. The last time she had seen Cedric was only a couple days before, but she wouldn't mind annoying him again. Speaking of her time with Cedric...

"Guys," said Y/N. "I have something to tell you." 

The others hung back a little, letting the space between them and the rest of the Weasleys. The grass padded softly under their feet, a couple of rabbits scurried off into the morning. 

"Yeah?" Harry said, slipping a hand into hers - their bracelets clanged together, then Harry looked down to the bracelet Elijah gave her. He frowned. He was probably just tired.

Y/N began, "Okay, so, I was with Cedric a couple of days ago-" 

"Cedric?" Ron and Harry said sharply. "Why?" 

"Family friend," Y/N said firmly with a glare. "He's amazing - anyway, we went down to the village for a day out, you know?" 

"Alone? With Cedric Diggory - the handsome one?" Hermione said slyly. Y/N saw the girl's gaze flick to Harry and she smirked. "Did he...make any moves?" she continued. 

"If he did I'll hex him for messing with my sister," Ron grumbled. "And he's not that good-looking," he said to Hermione.

Hermione knew what she was doing. 

Harry's hand tightened it's grip on her own. She turned to face him - his face was set in a deep scowl. 

"Yes, the handsome one," you said, putting quotes around the last two words. Harry squeezed tighter. 

"Calm down, Harry," Hermione said, straight-faced. Y/N inwardly rolled her eyes at Hermione's jabs at trying to produce jealousy from Harry.

"I'm very calm, Hermione," Harry replied shortly. 

Evidently, he wasn't, but Y/N couldn't figure out why. "What's got your wand in a knot?" she demanded. Harry just shook his head and didn't answer.

Ron grunted in annoyance. 

"But anyway, he's strictly my friend. I think I'd puke if I liked him," Y/N said, giving Hermione a sharp look. Hermione just giggled. "We were down in the village and then we walked into this Muggle bookstore and you'll never believe what happened!" 

"What?" Ron said bitterly. 

Y/N gave him a look, but continued. "Ced asked the bookkeeper for the History section and she asked Muggle or Wizard! Then, she brought us to this hidden library with a bunch of wizarding encyclopedia." 

Hermione gasped, "Firstly, were there interesting books? Secondly, did you get any for me? Thirdly, what happened next?" 

Chuckling, Y/N said, "I found this book, it was called, Your Own Hostiles - it had a bunch of names of people I know...with little descriptions." 

"What'd it say about me?" Ron asked curiously, readjusting his rucksack.

Shrugging, Y/N said, "I dunno, I couldn't read any of it. The lady snatched it out of my hands...like I wasn't supposed to be reading it." 

Hermione hummed thoughtfully as Y/N continued, "Then, she took the book away...when we went to go check on her, she was gone and the store was closed." She paused to take in their confused expressions. "We went back to the secret room - it wasn't there. The lady said her name was Arabella Figg...you know her, right, Harry?" 

"What?" Harry said, as though snapped out of a trance. "What was Missus Figg doing there?" 

"How do you know her?" Ron asked. 

"Dursleys left me in her care when they went places without me,. Crazy, cats everywhere" Harry explained, shuddering at the last few words. "What was she doing there?" 

"If I knew, I would've started with that," Y/N said thickly, removing her hand from his. 

She didn't know why she did it, almost guilty at his crestfallen face. But...he was being a git to Cedric, he was being sharpish with everyone!

Frowning, Hermione said, "Let's rewind to the Your Own Hostiles bit - I feel like I've heard that name before." 

"I dunno, it was kinda weird," said Y/N. "I opened it to the first page and it said, 'Eyes of One may read this text at once - Beware, keep watch for those you think to be kind.'" 

"What does that mean?" Harry asked. "Like, obviously it's a warning, but how would a book know?" 

Y/N shrugged again, "Dunno - not exactly an expert on the topic. I just wanted to tell you lot." 

In absolute confusion and wonder, Y/N, Harry, Ron and Hermione caught up to the others. They were approached an area with trees scattered about, near a large mound, which Y/N assumed to be Stoatstead Hill, the meeting spot for the Portkey. 

"Spread out and look for the Portkey," Mister Weasley instructed.

"What's a Portkey?" Harry asked Y/N desperately as everyone set off in search. She decided that deprivation of hand-holding was punishment enough for the boy.

"It's like, an enchanted object that can teleport you places at a specific time," Y/N explained. "They're usually items that look like rubbish, so Muggles don't pick them up." 

Harry nodded as they continued their scan of the area. Suddenly, they heard a shout cut through the stiff morning air. "Arthur, over here! Over here, old son! We've got it!" 

It was Amos Diggory.

"Uncle Mossy!" Y/N said, running over to the man, under a large tree, who had shouted. He brought her into a hug. "Where's Ced? Aunt Ettie?" she asked as everyone gathered around with them. 

Just then, a figure dropped from above and landed in front of Y/N. Cedric barely even stumble, even though he had jumped from the branches of the tree overhead. "Lookin' for me?" Cedric asked, giving Y/N a grin and brushing his dark hair from his eyes. 

"You and your dramatic entrances," she teased, bringing him down for a hug, since he was much taller than her. He protested, but eventually relaxed into her harassment.

"Mum stayed home," Cedric said. "Doesn't like Quidditch much, I begged her to come but she refused! Said she had Auror work." 

Mister Weasley shook Amos's hand. "This is Amos Diggory, everyone. He works for the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Evidently, Y/N knows Cedric, and I'm assuming you do as well." 

"Hi," Cedric said, looking at them all with a smile.

Y/N walked back to stand with Hermione and Ginny, who were ogling at Cedric - sure, he was handsome, but why stare at him when Harry Potter was right there? 

Everyone said "hi," back, except Fred and George, who were still salty that Hufflepuff beat Gryffindor in a Quidditch match last year. Harry and Ron only said "hi," when Y/N glared at them subtly.

Fred and George didn't give in to her threatening looks, probably because she didn't help them with their candy situation. She didn't really care.

They had no reason to hate Cedric just because Hufflepuff won one Quidditch game against Gryffindor. Gryffindor still won the Cup, so what's the issue? The thought of it made her anger rise, her palms tingling.

And then, there was a new sensation. Her eyes burned slightly, as though she'd been cutting raw onions. It was slight, but noticible. 

Maybe the sensation wasn't new...come to think of it, most of the times when Y/N was angry or overwhelmed with emotion, her palms would tingle and her eyes would sting - she never acknowledged the stinging, assuming it was tears of frustration oncoming.

"Long walk, Arthur?" Amos asked, pulling Y/N from her confusion. Her eyes rid themselves of the feeling.

"Not too bad," said Mister Weasley. "Just live on the other side of the village, there. You? Also, are there any more of us going?" 

"Had to wake up at two in the morning, didn't we, Ced?" Amos said, patting his on on the back. "I'll be glad when he's done his Apparation test...still, wouldn't miss the Cup for a sack of Galleons! Mind you, it cost about that," he chuckled. "And no - the Fawcett's couldn't get tickets and the Lovegood's have been there for a week."

"Two in the morning?" Y/N said incredulously, trying to lighten the mood - Fred and George were still glaring. "And Ced actually got up? You're lying." 

"Shove off," Cedric muttered. 

Amos peered good-naturedly at them. "All these, save for Y/N, yours, Arthur?" 

"Oh, goodness no," Mister Weasley said, eyes wide. "The redheads, yes," he pointed out his children. "This is Hermione, very good friend of Ron's, and Harry, another friend-" 

"Merlin's beard," Amos said, eyes widening. "Harry? Harry Potter?" 

"Er, yeah," Harry said, stepping closer to Y/N.

Cedric looked around awkwardly, "Yes, dad. I told you earlier," he sighed. 

Amos beamed at Harry, "Ced's talked about you, of course - the Quidditch game, eh? I told him, you beat Harry Potter! That's something to tell your grandchildren!" 

Y/N internally groaned. How was Harry supposed to reply to that? She looked to Fred and George, who had matching scowls on their faces. 

"Harry fell of his broom, dad," Cedric muttered, embarrassed, eyes darting everywhere but Harry. "I told you...it was an accident."

"But you didn't fall off your broom, did you?" Amos laughed heartily and Y/N clenched her fists. "Always modest, Ced! But...the better man won! One falls off his broom, they other stays on, - it doesn't take a genius to figure which one is the better flyer!" 

Giving him a thin-lipped smile, Y/N said, "I think we're good, Uncle Amos. One wins the Quidditch Cup, one doesn't - doesn't take a genius to figure which team is better - no offense, Ced." 

Mister Weasley hurried indicated for them to walk and Cedric hung back around Y/N. "No offense taken, Egghead, you were defending your boyfriend!" 

"You can't be talking, Ced. How's Cho?" 

Cedric had told Y/N about his "little" crush when she'd been at his house - she loved relentlessly teasing him about it.

"Oh, shut up," Cedric grumbled. "You know I have no chance with her." 

Y/N scoffed playfully, "C'mon, you're Cedric Diggory. Just swish your hair and smile and she'll fall for you," Y/N recommended. It worked when Harry did it.

"Says Y/N Sterling," Cedric said. "Got half the guys from third year and up swooning for you! And at least a of the fifth of the girls!" 

Rolling her eyes, Y/N was about to scold him, when Cedric continued, "Harry looked really jealous when you were talking to me," Cedric gave her a brotherly pat on the back. "You should go kiss him to make him feel better!"

Before Y/N could retaliate, he ran back over the group, leaving her to huff, curse him out, and catch up as well. 

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After parting ways with Cedric and Amos and finding their camping spot, which was haphazardly pegged with a sign that read, Weezley, Y/N threw her bag on the ground. 

Since the morning had brought warmer weather, the sky cleared into a beautiful blue and Y/N laid down and rested her head against it. 

"Y/N, get up," Ginny said. "We're putting the tents up!" 

"I dunno how," Y/N replied. The warmth of the sun was basking through her sweater, giving an utterly comfortable temperature. 

"Harry has his sleeves rolled up-" 

The girl didn't even have to finish her sentence before Y/N jolted up. Ginny laughed at her, but helped her up. Y/N tried to ignore her, but the girl kept snickering. 

It had been a while since Y/N figured that she liked Harry, but it was multiplying every day. She didn't want to ruin their friendship by starting anything, so she'd settle for the affectionate gestures they made as friends. It was the closest she could get. 

Harry, in fact, was helping set the tent up, giving instructions to the others since he knew about Muggle things.

His maroon sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, showcasing his forearms and extremely attractive hands. He caught Y/N's eye and grinned - she hoped she wasn't red. 

"Y/N, mind helping me?" Harry asked her.

"I could help, I'm free at the moment," Fred called as Harry struggled to hold the tent string and peg a nail into the ground at the same time.

"Nah," Harry said. "Y/N can do it, she knows how I like it."

When Y/N blushed furiously, Harry realized what he had said. "Oh, no! Godric, no! I meant - er, I meant she knows how I like to work!" he said desperately as the others, excluding Y/N, burst into laughter. 

She went up to Harry, ignoring Fred and George's roaring laughter, and held the peg down for him to attach the string to. 

The whole while, her gaze was fixed on Harry, the way the muscles in his arms flexed as he stretched the string to to the peg. 

"Hold it still," he muttered to Y/N, who was brick red. 

"Right..." 

In the end, they got the tent set up. It took them a little while, since Mister Weasley kept playing around with the materials. The girls had been told they had their own tent, but they forgot it back at the Burrow, so everyone was together. 

Pulling back the flap, Mister Weasley led them inside, "We'll be a bit cramped...but there's space for everyone," he said brightly.

Y/N bent down and ducked under the flap with Hermione and Ginny, looking around. It looked like an apartment flat, Remus had shown her once. It was complete with a bathroom and kitchen - pretty standard, Charmed, tent. There were mismatched chairs scattered everyone and the strong smell of cats.

"I love magic," she heard Harry whisper beside her, also entering the tent. 

✦

Mister Weasley had introduced the children to some Ministry officials, then sent Y/N, Harry, Ron and Hermione on an expedition to retrieve water from a tap on the other side of the campsite. They couldn't use magic, since they were supposed to remain low-profile. 

Now, with the faded morning mist and the glow of the rising sun, they could make out the city of tents littered across the extremely large clearing. 

Their fellow campers were coming out of their tents and Y/N saw a mother chasing her child, yelling, "Kevin! How many times? You don't touch daddy's wand - yeuch!" 

The child had trodden on a giant slug, sending slime everywhere. 

"Er - is it my eyes, or has everything gone green?" Ron asked, nudging Y/N. 

"Nah, Ronnie, you're right," Y/N said, eyes wide. "I think a Leprechaun puked on this bit of the campsite." 

Green shamrocks and Irish flags adorned the tents, sprouting from every crevice possible. The faces of the Irish National Quidditch team were plastered on banners, flag-posts, you name it. 

"Y/N! Harry! Ron! Hermione!" said a voice behind them. 

It was Seamus, sitting under the shade of a tree near his tent with a sandy-haired woman (Who Y/N presumed to be his mother) and his...best friend, Dean Thomas. 

"Like the decorations?" Seamus asked with a grin, walking over and slinging an arm around Dean, who blushed. "Ministry's been on our arses about them. 

"They're certainly very..." Harry said. "Green," he decided. 

Y/N smirked, "So, are you and Dean-" she was cut off by Dean slapping a hand over her mouth. "Aff yeuw an' Deaf tohetfer get?" Y/N said, voice muffled. 

She stuck her tongue out and licked Dean's hand, causing him to jump away with a yelp.

Seamus shot her a confused look, "Come again?" 

"Are you-" 

"She just asked if Dean came with you to the World Cup?" Hermione cut in hastily. Y/N rolled her eyes. Nice save...or whatever. 

"Yeah," Seamus grinned. "Been at my house the whole summer, too," she added. Dean blushed red, which gave Y/N the idea that maybe...things had happened. She'd get it out of him later. 

"You are cheering fore Ireland, yes?" Seamus's mum interrogated. When they had informed her that they were, indeed, supporting Ireland, they set off once more. 

"Like we would say anything else, surrounded by that lot," Ron muttered. 

"I wonder what the Bulgarians have hanging all over their tents?" Hermione wondered aloud as they trudged past a pair of women who were heartily gossiping. 

Harry shrugged, "Let's go find out," he said. 

Happily clapping, Y/N exclaimed, "Yeah! I think Elijah's in that section...he has some Bulgarian family." She couldn't wait to see him again, since she hadn't in a little while. 

"On second thought-" Harry began. 

"No, let's go that way," Y/N said firmly. She wanted to see Elijah. 

Harry groaned. 

Why was he being so difficult today? Why was Y/N so angry today? 

The tents in the Bulgarian section had been bedecked with plant life, surrounding a large Bulgarian flag (Red, white and green). Posters were put up everywhere, each one bearing the same thing - a surly face with heavy eyebrows, the face of Viktor Krum, Bulgarian Seeker. Y/N had done her research. 

"It's Krum!" Ron exclaimed. 

"Krum?" Hermione and Harry asked. 

"Bulgarian Seeker," Y/N explained.

Hermione scoffed, "He looks really grumpy," she said disdainfully. 

Eyebrows shooting into his hair, Ron repeated, "Really grumpy?" he closed his eyes and sighed. "Who cares what he looks like? He's unbelievable! Really young, too - only just eighteen, or something!" 

A voice of agreement came from behind the group, "Amazing, isn't he?" 

Whipping around, Y/N's eyes landed on Elijah Collins. It was almost as though the bracelet he got her was thrumming against her wrist. She walked forward and gave him a hug, "Ellie!"

"Pretty rascal," he greeted, arms around her waist. "How've you been?" 

"Mmm, good," Y/N replied happily, almost glowing. "I loved the bracelet," she added. 

Harry's P.O.V. 

Harry grit his teeth when he saw Elijah Collin's arms go around Y/N's waist as he greeted her. 

Y/N's waist was reserved for Harry's arms- 

He couldn't do that to himself. He and Y/N weren't dating, as much as Harry would love that. Y/N couldn't control if people liked her, she was smart and beautiful and funny. If she liked Elijah, Harry couldn't complain, she was at perfect liberty to like whomever she wanted. 

But Harry felt his blood boil knowing it wasn't him. 

And it could never be him - he was her friend, he would ruin everything. 

However, Harry wouldn't stop his endless flirting unless Y/N asked him too. He just...he needed a way to scratch the "itch," of the crush without ruining everything between him and Y/N.

Sure, she flirted back sometimes, but it was all playful, not meaning anything. 

"Harry?" Y/N's voice cut across his thoughts. 

"Hm?" he replied absently. Realizing they had progressed from the Bulgarian area, he laced his fingers through Y/N's - Elijah was gone. 

"You've been zoned out since Elijah showed up," Hermione said. Harry didn't catch the sly hint in her voice. 

Ron added, "Been scowling - are you okay, mate?" 

They walked on through the campsite for a couple seconds before Harry answered. "Oh, yeah. 'M alright." 

"Ugh," Y/N groaned, pointing. "There's a line at the tap - I'm going to pitch myself off the astronomy tower." 

"You'd have to wait til we get to Hogwarts," Ron reasoned. 

"Fine," Y/N said. "I'm going to throw myself out of the Top Box and onto the Quidditch Pitch when we watch the game." 

"That's more like it!" Hermione said brightly. 

There was, in fact, a small queue at the corner of the field. The quartet joined it behind two men who seemed to be in a heated argument. One of them was a very old wizard wearing a flowery nightgown. The other was very clearly a Ministry wizard, holding a pair of trousers, almost crying in exasperation. 

"Just put them on, Archie, that's a good chap! You can't walk around like that, the Muggle at the ticket booth-" 

"I bought this at a Muggle shop," Archie argued. "Muggles wear them." 

"Muggle women wear them, Archie!" the Ministry wizard said tiredly. "Muggle men wear these," he continued, waving the trousers in front of his face. 

"I'm not putting them on," Archie said with finality. "I like a nice breeze around my private parts." 

At this, Harry watched Y/N and Hermione become overwhelmed by a fit of giggles, needing to duck out of the queue. They only returned when Archie had collected his water and left the line. 

"You alright?" Harry asked, nudging Y/N's side when she came back. "Haven't seen you laugh that hard since I made a joke." 

"You don't make good jokes," said Y/N, rolling her eyes, turning the tap and letting water pour into the provided buckets. 

Harry chuckled, "You know who makes the best jokes? My Aunt Petunia." 

"Yeah, I guess that checks out," Y/N said simply.  "She made Dudley."

Weighed down by the weight of the water, the four of them made their way back through the campsite. Here and there, they saw many familiar faces such as Oliver Wood, the old Captain of Gryffindor Quidditch Team. He informed Harry that he had been signed to the Puddlemere United reserve team. They were hailed by Cedric Diggory, who Y/N chatted with for a little bit and hugged, and Ernie Macmillan. 

Getting thirsty, Harry borrowed a cup from Ernie and went on his way, pouring some water from his bucket into it. A long sheet of black hair caught his eye as he raised the cup to his lips - the girl turned around and Harry was met with a smiling Cho Chang, the very pretty Ravenclaw Seeker. 

Choking slightly on his water, he sloshed it down the front of his shirt, grinning back. 

Y/N gave him a weird look.

Cho was very pretty...and nice...

Not as pretty and nice as Y/N, though. 

But if Y/N didn't like Harry... 

No, was he insane? Maybe liking Cho should've been the logical choice, but Harry didn't want that. He would do anything to be with Y/N, even if that meant waiting for a chance that would never come. 

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

When they returned, they saw that Bill, Charlie and Percy had arrived. Mister Weasley introduced them to Barty Crouch and Ludo Bagman, the latter of which struck up a gamble with Fred and George. The twins bet thirty-seven Galleons, fifteen Sickles and three Knuts, which was all their money, that Ireland would win, but Krum would get the Snitch. 

Excitement rose over the crowd of hundreds of thousands of wizards as dusk approached. The Ministry had obviously lost control of the "No-Magic" rule, since Salesmen were Apparating in many available spots, advertising their goods. 

"I've been saving all summer for this!" Ron said happily as the group approached a Salesman. 

"I've been waiting all summer to see you lot," said Y/N said, a bag of galleons jingling in one hand, the other holding Harry's. 

Y/N purchased a green shamrock hat and shoved on his head, messing his hair up. "There you go, Ronnie - absolutely dashing," she said with a grin. 

"Thanks, I hate it." 

Hermione giggled and rolled her eyes as Harry laughed and patted his best mate on the back.

Ron bought a mini figurine of Viktor Krum, which strode around on his palm, looking grumpy as ever, scowling at the green hat on his head. 

"Look at these," Harry said, approaching a wizard who was selling something that looked like binoculars. 

"Omnioculars," the wizard said eagerly. "You can do replays, play-by-plays! Bargain - all for ten galleons apiece!"  

"Wish I hadn't bought this, now," Ron said glumly, looking at his purchases. 

Harry paused for a moment, then he and Y/N said at the same time, "Four pairs." 

"No - don't bother," Ron muttered. Harry knew he was rather insecure about his family's wealth...

Y/N's head whipped around to face him, eyes full of adorable determination. "No! I wanna pay!" she said, already pulling Galleons from her pouch. 

"No," Harry argued. He wasn't going to let Y/N pay for anything. "Come off it, I'm paying." 

"Fuck you!" Y/N said, brandishing the money at the wizard, who looked thoroughly concerned. Harry knew she didn't mean it. 

"You wish," Harry retorted, smirking in satisfaction when Y/N went red and faltered her movement. 

He didn't know why he said it, he just knew that it worked. 

With her hesitation, Harry took the opportunity and emptied one of his many sacks of Galleons into the Salesmen's hands. The man traded that for four pairs of Omnioculars. As Harry took them, the man sad, "Nice going, kid. Never let your girlfriend pay - you know what say, happy wife, happy life!" 

Before Harry could stutter out a, "She's not my girlfriend!" the man Apparated away. 

"Yeah, Harry," Hermione teased, ignoring Y/N's face shoved in her shoulder. Y/N was cute when flustered. "Never let your girlfriend pay, no matter how rich she is-" 

"Do you want your Omnioculars or not?" 

"I'm sorry!" 

"You lot won't be getting anything for Christmas," Harry said jokingly. "For ten years, mind you."

Ron said, grinning, "That's fair, thanks, mate!" He cradled all his items, like a mother cradling her newborn child. What a weirdo.  

Y/N scoffed, still mad at him, "That's fine," she said. "I'll just steal a hoodie...or seven." 

"Thank you, Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. "Ooohh, look! I'll get us some Programmes!" 

They mucked around for a little while longer, observing the rest of the merchandise. Y/N bought some Ireland hats for Ginny, Fred and George, knowing the twins had gambled away all their money. It was so thoughtful, Harry wouldn't be surprised if his heart melted.

Money bags significantly lighter, the quartet made their way back to the tent. Ducking under the flap, they were met with the rest of the Weasley's all of whom were sporting Irish merchandise, save for Fred and George. 

"Oi, dipshi...dimwits," Y/N said, calling to them. They trotted over and she stuck the hats on their ginger heads, said nothing, then walked away deeper into the tent.

"She got them for you," Hermione supplied with a bright smile. "Wouldn't leave the crowd without doing so." 

Fred and George 'awe-'d,' then ran over to Y/N to hug her. 

"Mate," Ron said to Harry. "What do you suppose we do to pass the time - Game isn't til later." 

Harry shrugged, they could probably play a game of Exploding Snap, or something. Just then, Hermione and Y/n snuck up behind them. Y/N tapped Harry on the shoulder while Hermione tapped Ron. 

The boys turned around to see the girls holding pallets of face-paint. Y/N gave Harry an almost evil smile. "We have a way to pass the time," Hermione said. 

"And what would that be...?" Harry asked slowly, backing up from Y/N. 

"Face paint!" Y/N exclaimed. "Just...you know, painting Irish stuff. Gotta support, y'know?" she asked, getting closer. 

"Right..." Ron said. "It's for you...right...?" 

"It's for all of us!" Hermione said brightly. 

✦

First, Y/N and Hermione dealt with painting Ginny, Fred and George's faces while Ron and Harry mentally prepared themselves for the horrors that would befoul them.

"Ow, woman!" Fred exclaimed in the distance, the sound trapped in the tent. "You almost poked me in the eye!" 

"You're fine," Y/N said, finishing the last brush stroke, then moving on to paint George with the same vigor.

Hermione was working on Ginny, and once the two girls were finished, they moved on to Ron and Harry respectfully. The boys backed up, tripping on the edges of the frayed carpet, before finally giving in.

And that's how Harry ended up in an armchair, Y/N leaning over him, painting on his face delicately with a small paintbrush. 

"Why and how do you even have this?" Harry grumbled as she dragged the tip of the brush over his brow line, mapping something out. 

"I bought it, and I wanted to use it! You're gonna paint my face after," she said simply. 

Harry nodded, gaze fixed on her. At the angle she was trying to paint at, it would be better if she..."Y'know," Harry said, unknowing where he was getting the confidence. "You look pretty uncomfortable, you could just take a seat..." he lightly patted his lap. 

Y/N turned bright red. "I...what...I mean, huh?" 

Harry just smirked at her. 

"I'll...you're...move it, Potter," she huffed. "This chair is big enough for two - scoot!" 

Deflating slightly, but respecting that, Harry shifted so there was room on the armchair. 

Y/N sat down - these position was much better for painting purposes. She was still blushing, but her eyes dared him to bring it up - he didn't. 

"Your Quidditch number is seven, right?" she asked casually. Well, as casually as she could, given how fast her breath was. Harry could feel it in the air.

"Mhm," he said as she painted GO IRELAND! in emerald green on his left cheek. "Been paying attention?" 

"Shut the bloody hell up," she mumbled. Harry barked a laugh. 

Bringing the brush back over his brow, Harry felt her trace, 07 with black face paint. Pulling back, she nodded, satisfied. Then, she took a very fine-tipped brush and leaned forward to his cheek, painting the Irish flag. 

Y/N was so incredibly close, her lips just inches from Harry's. He was having a hard time resisting...it would be so easy to lean in. 

"Done!" she exclaimed, pulling a small hand-mirror out of Godric-Knows-Where. 

Harry examined himself: above his right eyebrow was his own Quidditch number. On his left cheek was was the GO IRELAND! script and a small four-leafed clover. His right cheek bore the orange, white and green Irish flag.

"Thanks," he grinned. 

"Don't mention it," Y/N mumbled. Her face was still slightly pink. 

"My turn," Harry said slyly. She handed him the supplies and he surveyed the brushes, deciding he would go for a curly sort of lettering with a Ireland for the Cup! on her left cheek. It was going to take him a little while, since he didn't have the best handwriting, but he'd try.

He had to lean in fairly close, since the long phrase called for smaller writing. Harry looked into Y/N's eyes, his breath almost hitching at their proximity. 

Y/N smirked, "Getting flustered, Potter?" 

Shaking his head weakly, Harry continued his administrations until he was done the phrase. He painted three dashes of color - orange, white and green, for the Irish flag. "No," he mumbled. 

"Are you sure?" Y/N teased. "I see a little blush on your cheeks...just from being near me," she tutted, leaning back as far as she could. 

His stomach was doing weird flips, and Harry internally groaned. How could this girl affect him so much? 

"Come closer," Harry muttered shyly. "Why are you so far away," he complained. 

"You're such a baby," she teased, cuddling closer. This was normal, this was the affection they shared on the daily. 

"I hate you," Harry announced.

Y/N raised a brow and gave him a smile. "Well, then, I guess you don't mind if I leave," she said with a shrug. Before Harry could protest, she lifted herself from the armchair and disappeared into the girls' section of the tent. 

Harry's head fell against the back of the chair, watching Y/N's form as she left him all flustered. 

Mister Weasley poked his head into the flap of the tent. "You lot! It's time!" he said excitedly, waving the gigantic Irish flag that was draped over his shoulders. "Let's go watch the four-hundred and twenty-second Quidditch World Cup!" 

─── ☆: *.⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ .* :☆ ───

ok so! so like...wait what was i saying oh right so jealous harry!! 

ngl i love fred and george gambling it's so...fred and george, yk? 

i skipped over all the conversation with barty crouch and ludo bagman bc it's boring but i kept how the twins made the bet 

hehehehe jealous harry :) 

and rolled-up sleeves harry... 

ALSO OH MY GODS?? it's been four days since my last update and the reads went up by 1100?! 

words cannot describe how grateful i am, so here: 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏

okokok, as always, remember to vote n comment if u liked it and point out any mistakes!! 

bye pookies <3 

- dizzy