Disclaimer: I don't own or profit from my stories . . . if only. Then I'd be in castle in Scotland ;)
Author's Note: Thanks to everyone who continues to read Emma! Here is year 4, with lots of Irish Society, Cedric, and Draco goodies to come. As some have pointed out, I don't stray to much from JK's storyline, but you might find that I add more to this year than previously (meaning, there is stuff here that doesn't happen in GoF). Enjoy!
Chapter 1: My Hero
Emma walked off the train and her father quickly found her. "How was term, dear?" He asked as he hugged her.
"You just saw me a fortnight ago, da. But it was good, overall. Now if only the ministry knew the truth about Sirius," she said sadly.
"I told you I would do everything I can, Emma, and I will," he reminded her. "Now, let's go home." He had grabbed Emma's trunk and they apparated to their house.
That night they were talking about the upcoming World Cup over dinner. "We are just swamped in the office now with the Cup coming up. Fudge is horrid at foreign relations among everything else. James will be here to drive you around during the week," Riley told Emma over dinner. "I know you said you have practices Tuesday, Thursdays, and Fridays, so he will be here Mondays and Wednesdays," he said. "Why do you have to be at 3 practices?" He asked.
"That is my good news that I have to tell you," Emma said with a grin. "I have to be at all the practices, da, because I am on the Triad."
Pride and joy was emitting from her father. Something about happy emotions-they're just so . . .good. One could easily get addicted, Emma thought.
"Truly . . . well, you must be, no, you are the youngest Triad member in the 800 year history, Emma!" He said. "We must have a celebration. Tomorrow, we will go to London, get you some new, proper outfits for the society-- new shoes, yes, of course, new shoes,-- and we will eat out. Anywhere you wish," he said.
Emma was torn. She was happy her dad was happy, but sad over the fact that he showed it by buying her shoes. That night, she wrote to Draco; she didn't care if it was sad she wrote to him only hours after being out of school.
Draco,
As pathetic as it is to write to you only 5 hours after getting of the train, I've decided I miss you and being able to talk to you face to face. Especially now. Da, well, he's da. When he's happy, he buys me shoes. Guess what, he's buying me a new pair. I might be the only person to complain about a pair of shoes, but I wish he didn't think he had to buy them for me. He should know that I am happy with just his happiness and pride. Why can't he see that? I wont make him-it will cheapen it all.
I hope you have had a better 5 hours than I have.
Emma
Draco's letter made Emma laugh.
Em-
I was in the process of writing to you when your letter arrived. Basically, the first letter was a cry for help. My mum is driving me to insanity, and father is not here to hold her attentions.
Father, it seems, is going to be gone a lot (which is what worries my mother). I have a bad feeling– I know I am not an empath, but I know my father. He is up to something, and whatever it is, it is going to be big.
What is wrong with me? Did you do something to me? A year ago, I wouldn't have cared what my father was doing,I'd be hurt that I wasn't included. Now, I find myself glad not to hold any of this knowledge.
What did you do to me?
Draco
She wrote back saying she didn't do anything to him, not in the way he was thinking, she only just made him human, and for that, she wasn't sorry. She also promised to get him a pair of shoes because, after all, it is how O'Neills show affection. (Draco wrote back saying that Malfoy showed affection by not hexing you to smitherings).
Emma awoke Saturday morning, forgetting for a second school was out. Then she remembered that she would get to see people this summer, actually see fellow students for once. Summer might not be so lonely after all, Emma thought. Now, If only I could actually see Draco! Ugh! I wish we could talk in public for once, Emma thought.
After a day of shopping (where Emma also bought a few things for the rest of the society) Emma was glad to be back home. It felt odd to spend a whole day with her father. She knew it was awkward for him too. Especially now that she reminded him of the Emily he knew in school.
Darn the whole Potter resemblance gene! Why do I have to look like me mum, and Harry like his da? Emma thought.
The next day, she decided to put all other worries aside, and planned out how the Irish meeting was going to take place. The council would be meeting tomorrow before the practices actually began to talk about what they would do at the Cup. So, Emma made extra cakes, pies, and pastries for the organization meeting.
The next day, Emma decided to floo to Cillian's house. No sooner had she arrived in his fire place, she took a step out and found herself falling. For half a second she was sure she would fall flat on her face in front of the other 8 people.
"Emma," everyone yelled, a mixture of greeting and surprise.
Cedric, who had arrived right before her, was closest to the fireplace and caught her in time. "You okay, Emma?" he asked worriedly.
"My hero" she teased, "I'm fine. Go Raibth Maith agat, Cedric," she said with a smile (a/n: Gaelic for "thank you"). "I didn't even twist an ankle! Can you believe my luck!" She said.
"That is lucky, can you imagine missing the cup," he said as he helped her to her feet.
"Emma! I"m so sorry! I didn't realize that my ma put the grate in the fireplace until this morning," Cillian explained. "Actually, I didn't realize it until Cedric pointed it out-no one else had a problem with it."
"Way to make her feel better, Cillian," Brigit said.
"That's all right, Cillian. No harm, no foul." Emma said reassuring him. "Now, what have I missed?"
When the meeting was over-which didn't happen until everyone had eaten all of the desserts Emma brought-Sean offered to take her home. "I just passed my apparition test," He added.
"I'll be okay you guys. No grate in my house," Emma said, but Sean insisted so she finally gave in.
"See you tomorrow," he said after they arrived to her house. He gave her a peck on the cheek and then dissaparated.
The next day was exciting as everyone arrived at Emma's house. Some apparated, but most flooed.
"Em!" Seamus said as he came in, followed by Ginny.
"Tell me you have more cookies," Sean said as he apparated in. "The ones you brought yesterday were delicious," he added with a smile.
Emma smiled back. "Of course. I couldn't let you starve now could I?"
After everyone had arrived she led them to the ballroom that was in her house. "You have a ballroom?" Seamus asked in awe.
Emma was embarrassed. "Yes, it was one reason my father took the house. I think he hoped I would one day join the society and have an excuse to have people over. Not to mention, entertaining is a large part of my da's business."
"Well, lets just jump into it." Cedric said, trying to get the attention off of Emma.
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The cup was quickly approaching. Emma couldn't wait. The practices kept her busy so that she actually enjoyed her summer.
About two weeks before the Cup, her father had some interesting news over dinner.
"Emma, do you remember the Bulgarian Prime Minister? He was in the parliament when we last visited. He has a son a few years older than you," Riley said.
Emma nodded. "Yes I remember them both– isn't his son named Ivan?"
"Yes, very good. Well, it seems they have run into a problem with their lodgings and I have offered them to stay with us through the games," Riley explained.
"What happened?" Emma asked. "Should I have the practices somewhere else?"
"Perhaps that would be a good idea. I confess, I forgot about the practices when I offered. We wouldn't want them to get a preview of what to expect at the cup, now would we?" he said, laughing.
Emma smiled. "No, they would consider me betraying our secrets-and we are so good now, too, da. What was their problem with the Bulgarian embassy?" Emma asked. When her father explained it to her, she couldn't help but laugh.
After dinner she fire-called everyone to tell them they couldn't have the final practices at her house. After promising a good story explaining why, they all said okay.
Later that night, the Prime Minister and his son arrived. "Welcome, Prime Minister," Riley said.
"Thank you for your hospitality," The Prime Minister said. "This is my son, Ivan," Ivan gave a bow as he was introduced.
"Thank you for inviting us," he said.
"Not at all. Do you remember my daughter Emma?" Riley asked, gesturing to Emma, who gave a small curtsey.
"Of course, although she was but a child the last time I saw her. No one would be able to call her a child now-she has grown up quite splendidly," the Prime Minister said and Ivan nodded.
Emma and a house elf showed them to their rooms. "I hope we have not caused you any inconvenience, Miss O'Neill" Ivan said.
"Of course not, and please call me Emma. We got along very well when I was in Bulgaria, so why should we not now that you are in England?" She said.
"Especially since I will be in England for quite some time," Ivan said.
"Yes, I know about the tournament too," Emma said with a grin.
"There are some benefits to being a, what did you call it? A political brat, I believe," Ivan said with a laugh.
"Yes, well, it was a phrase that Jane said they used in America, only they said military brats. I figured it was a good term for us."
Ivan nodded. "Yes, I would have to agree. Would you mind if I had a friend over during the week? Most of the time my father will be at meetings-here or in London-and I will be gone as well, but I did say that a friend could come here the day before the cup to get some quiet relaxation."
"Of course. I have a favor to ask of you, if you don't mind. Could you help me with my Bulgarian? I'm afraid I only remember the basic stuff elementary scholars know," Emma asked.
"Of course, it would be my pleasure. Good night, Emma"
"Good night, Ivan."
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Yay! First chapter of year 4! My favorite year so far. Much more fun to come! -- WEASLEYxISxMYxKING (beta)
