As the afternoon quietly slipped away, an indescribable excitement drifted over the campsite like a tangible cloud, bathing every corner in celebration. By dusk, even the still summer air seemed to hold its breath, trembling faintly.
When night descended like a deep curtain over the eager gazes of thousands of wizards, the last barriers of concealment came crashing down. The Ministry of Magic seemed to have tacitly approved the revelry, no longer interfering with the campers' celebrations as magical sparks blossomed freely all around.
Now, every few steps, vendors Apparated into the campsite, carrying trays or pushing carts laden with all manner of merchandise for supporters. There were rosette badges shining with strange light, green for Ireland's vibrant spirit and red for Bulgaria's fiery passion. They could even shriek the names of the players on both teams.
Shamrocks swayed lightly atop tall green hats, while lifelike lions on Bulgarian ribbons occasionally let out majestic roars. The two countries' flags fluttered in the breeze, every wave accompanied by the lilting strains of their respective national anthems.
"Come on, Jerry!" Harry glanced back hurriedly and saw that Jerry and Hermione had been drawn to the strange merchandise on a vendor's cart. He urged them on, speaking faster. "We need to get into the stadium!"
"You go ahead." Jerry smiled and waved at Harry. "Hermione and I will be along in a moment. We'll find you!"
Harry glanced at Mr. Weasley and the others, who were already some distance ahead. With no other choice, he nodded and quickened his pace to catch up.
Once Harry had gone, Jerry and Hermione began browsing freely at the vendor's stall.
"Jerry, what do you think of these? Shall we try them together?" Hermione held two emerald-green Ireland rosettes and two matching tall hats, her eyes shining