======Minister Oblansk======
=====Introduction=====
Minister Oblansk was the **Bulgarian Minister for Magic** during the mid-1990s. His most notable appearance was at the 1994 [[Quidditch World Cup]] final between [[Bulgaria National Quidditch team|Bulgaria]] and [[Ireland National Quidditch team|Ireland]]. He is depicted as a jovial and fiercely patriotic individual who enjoyed a slightly mischievous professional rivalry with his British counterpart, [[Cornelius Fudge]].
=====Biography=====
Minister Oblansk's life and career outside of his single appearance in the series are unknown. His entire known history takes place during the final match of the 422nd [[Quidditch World Cup]].
He attended the match in the [[Top Box]] at the stadium, seated with high-ranking officials and guests, including [[Cornelius Fudge]], [[Ludo Bagman]], the [[Malfoy family|Malfoy family]], the [[Weasley family]], [[Harry Potter]], and [[Hermione Granger]]. [[Cornelius Fudge]], when introducing him, expressed uncertainty about his name, muttering that it was either "Oblansk" or "Obalonsk." Throughout the event, Minister Oblansk deliberately pretended not to understand English to annoy Fudge, despite being fluent.
During the match, he showed immense national pride. He roared with laughter and pounded the side of the box when the Bulgarian team's mascots, a group of [[Veela]], successfully distracted the referee. Despite Bulgaria's loss, he was exultant that his team's Seeker, [[Viktor Krum]], had caught the [[Golden Snitch]], declaring Krum a "genius" and delighting in the Irish supporters' unhappiness over the manner of their victory.
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
The only detail of Oblansk's physical appearance is his attire at the [[Quidditch World Cup]], where he wore "magnificent, furlined robes of black velvet."
His personality is shown to be boisterous, proud, and slightly provocative. His choice to feign ignorance of the English language suggests a playful or difficult nature in his diplomatic relations with [[Cornelius Fudge]]. He is an enthusiastic and vocal supporter of his national [[Quidditch]] team, taking more pride in the individual brilliance of [[Viktor Krum]] than he showed disappointment in the team's overall loss.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
As the head of the [[Bulgarian Ministry of Magic]], Minister Oblansk was presumably a highly skilled and powerful [[wizard]]. However, no specific magical abilities or skills are demonstrated or mentioned in the novels.
=====Possessions=====
  * **Velvet Robes:** He owned a set of magnificent, black, fur-lined robes, which he wore to the [[Quidditch World Cup]].
=====Relationships=====
His primary on-page relationship is with [[Cornelius Fudge]], the British [[Minister for Magic]]. Their interaction is one of professional counterparts engaged in a friendly but pointed rivalry, highlighted by Oblansk's pretense of a language barrier and their differing reactions to the match's outcome. He also interacted cordially with [[Ludo Bagman]], Head of the [[Department of Magical Games and Sports]].
=====Etymology=====
The name **Oblansk** is of Slavic origin, appropriate for the Bulgarian Minister. The "-sk" suffix is common in Slavic surnames. [[Cornelius Fudge]]'s confusion between "Oblansk" and "Obalonsk" may be a simple joke about his slight incompetence or the perceived obscurity of foreign names to him.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
In the film adaptation of //[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]//, the Bulgarian Minister is present in the [[Top Box]] during the [[Quidditch World Cup]] scene. However, he is an unnamed, non-speaking character who does not interact with [[Cornelius Fudge]] in the manner described in the book. (film)