Chapter 2

The walk towards the Top Box at the Quidditch World Cup was a demonstration of pureblood modesty for Victoria Ollivander and her parents. The air was filled with the hushed whispers of esteemed witches and wizards as they strolled, the anticipation of the approaching match lingering like a magical current.

Amidst the sea of robes and influential figures, a familiar face emerged. Lucius Malfoy, a prominent figure among the Sacred Twenty-Eight, approached them accompanied by his wife and son. Lucius greeted them with a nod. "Ah, the Ollivander family. A delightful day for Quidditch, wouldn't you say?"

Victoria's parents engaged in the usual banter of pureblood formalities with the Malfoys, discussing the intricacies of magical politics and the upcoming game. In the midst of the conversation, Lucius turned his attention to Victoria. "And what about the future of Ollivanders? I've heard rumours. Will you be taking over the wand shop or perhaps joining the Ministry?"

Victoria, trying to brush off the question politely, replied, "Mr. Malfoy, while the wand shop has a rich legacy, there's much to explore beyond the shelves. The future holds uncertainties, and at this moment, I can't exclude any options.”

Her father acknowledged the delicate nature of the conversation with a friendly nod towards Lucius. However, when his gaze shifted towards Victoria, there was a piercing look, a silent warning that conveyed his disapproval. In response, he said with an air of aristocratic arrogance. “It's still early in the year to say. While Victoria explores her own ambitions, we must ensure that her endeavours complement the steadfast values that have meticulously guided our family's legacy for generations.”

Lucius, ever astute, replied smoothly, “Regardless, given her academic record, she would be of high value to the Ministry. Her intelligence and skills are commendable, a testament to the Ollivander lineage.'"

As they continued towards the stadium, the group expanded with the arrival of the Nott and Bulstrode families. Nott, known for their ties to the Ministry, and Bulstrode, recognized for their contributions to magical law, exchanged greetings with the Ollivander family. As Victoria's parents engaged in conversation with the two families, discussing Ministry matters and pureblood formalities, Victoria's attention waned.

Then, a welcome diversion captured her gaze. She spotted Eleanor and Marcus standing not too far away. Seizing the opportunity, Victoria discreetly excused herself and made her way towards her friends.

"Victoria!" Eleanor exclaimed with genuine delight embracing her, Marcus, engrossed in observing every detail around him, was momentarily pulled out of his trance as he noticed Victoria. With a similar enthusiasm, he greeted her before swiftly returning his attention to the stadium. The contrast between the stifling conversations of pureblood etiquette and the warmth of her friends was palpable.

"I couldn't bear another moment of that," Victoria admitted, a playful smile touching her lips. "Let's find our seats and escape the formalities, shall we?"
Her heart pounding with excitement, she took her seat in the Top Box of the Quidditch World Cup stadium, flanked by her friends Eleanor and Marcus, the latter seemed completely in his element. The air buzzed with anticipation as the crowd roared, eager for the final match between Ireland and Bulgaria to unfold. The vibrant colours of the Irish and Bulgarian flags painted the stadium, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The atmosphere was electric, and Victoria couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. The players soared through the air, executing incredible manoeuvres on their broomsticks. The intensity of the match was heightened by the presence of the Veela, their enchanting allure causing a stir among the spectators.

Amidst the cheers and gasps, Marcus couldn't contain his enthusiasm as he took in the spectacle of the Quidditch World Cup. "Did you see that move? Pure Quidditch brilliance!" he exclaimed, his eyes glued to the game.
Victoria, always the more composed of the trio, chuckled at his enthusiasm. "It's quite a spectacle, indeed.” Eleanor, on the other hand, was bubbling with excitement. She turned to Victoria, with a gleam in her eyes. "Can you believe we're here? The Quidditch World Cup! It's absolutely thrilling!"
Victoria smiled serenely, her gaze focused on the players darting across the field.

As the match unfolded, Marcus's excitement reached new heights. "Look at that manoeuvre! Did you see that?" he exclaimed, gesturing animatedly.
Eleanor, swept up in the intensity of the game, chimed in , seemingly lost all her usual indifference towards the game, "This is the best match I've ever seen!“

"In a few years, you'll be flying with them, Marcus, showing off your Quidditch skills." Victoria said with a smile, gesturing towards the skilled Quidditch players on the field. Eleanor added, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "And then, of course, we'll be there for every match, cheering you on from the stands!” He grinned at the thought, nodding hopefully. "That would be a dream come true."

As the match reached its pinnacle, the tension was broken by a sudden commotion in the stadium. Victoria, Eleanor, and Marcus turned their attention to the source of the disturbance, only to see a heated altercation between the mascots of the two teams. The Veela, angered by the numerous penalty shots awarded to Ireland, unleashed their fury, causing a chaotic brawl between the mascots.

As the match concluded with Ireland emerging victorious, the trio descended from the Top Box, joining the hordes of jubilant fans making their way to the campsite.

After the night finally fell to conclude an afternoon of celebration, silence finally returned to the field. This, however, turned out to be only temporary, as in the middle of the night the campsite was abruptly thrust into chaos. Victoria was startled awake by the loud noise. “We have to go”, shouted her father. She quickly gathered her things and ran outside. Fire had spread and was consuming the tents one by one, while dark-clothed figures with masks were wreaking havoc.

Victoria deftly deflected a stray spell, her instincts honed from years of magical training. As she glanced at her attacker, a flicker of recognition crossed her mind, but the chaos prevented her from dwelling on it. In the midst of the turmoil, she lost sight of her parents.

Her wand at the ready, she tried to see a way out through all the smoke. Panic tinged her usually composed demeanour as a familiar voice pierced through the tumult. "Help!" Eleanor's cry echoed in the chaos.

Victoria's attention shifted instantly. Her safety became a secondary concern as she darted towards the source of the distress. In the dim light, she found Eleanor, struggling to free Marcus from an obstruction caused by fallen tents. The fallen structures had ensnared him in their splintered embrace, leaving him vulnerable amidst the chaos. “I can’t get him out”, she yelled, panicked, trying to evade the chaos of misfiring spells. “I’ll cover you“, Victoria screamed, as adrenaline soared through her body “Mobilicorpus!”, Eleanor shrieked, while Victoria put a shield around her friends. “I got him”, she yelled. “Marcus, Marcus! You alright?” She tried to wake the boy out of his unconsciousness.

Victoria deflected another spell as her eyes darted to the sky. A guttural gasp escaped her lips, and her hands trembled involuntarily. “Grab his hand, we have to leave now!”, her voice urgent and commanding, “Marcus isn’t awake yet”, pleaded Eleanor. “NOW!” Victoria yelled, as she witnessed the sinister Dark Mark taking form in the night sky. "By Merlin's beard, apparate!” Eleanor exclaimed. As soon as Victoria felt Eleanor’s hand, she apparated to the first place she thought of.

“The cursed wand shop,” she murmured exhausted. “Never thought I'd be so relieved to be back here."