Chapter 2: The World Cup

"The World Cup?" Allysia gasped, staring at the field of tents that they had apparated to.

"Indeed. This should be quite entertaining, don't you think?" he asked, eyes twinkling at her apparent awe.

"Grandfather... how can I say..."

He glanced down at her over his half-moon spectacles. "Say what? I wanted to go as well you know. However, I'm afraid that I did not book spots for us to sleep. We'll just have to apparate back to Hogwarts after the match. How does that sound?"

"Wonderful," Allysia breathed. She had been taught patience from her studies, but she could hardly keep the excitement from showing in her face. The day passed rather slowly, but at last the lamps in the fields began to light up as the sun went down. Allysia and her grandfather waited until most of the seats had been filled before they took their place...

The end of the match came so much quicker than Allysia wanted. She had done her best not to scream herself hoarse, but couldn't help cheering when Ireland won, but Krum caught the snitch. Allysia had known the moment she saw Viktor Krum fly that he would catch the snitch, no matter how good the Irish team was. Laughing happily, she and her grandfather hurried down the stairs, just in front of the masses.

The moment they were far enough away, they disapparated. They appeared just outside of the Hogwarts grounds and within a moment, Dumbledore put two fingers in his mouth and let out a strange whistle. Confused, Allysia looked at him. He smiled back at her and motioned to the skies. Looking up, just in time, she saw a huge mass shoot out of the trees of the Forbidden Forest. Swooping towards them, were two thestrals and Allysia wanted to cry she was so happy.

"Tame thestrals?" she whispered.

Dumbledore smiled fondly at her. "Yes, Hagrid has done rather a marvelous job on them."

She shook her head. "They're wonderful! Grandfather, this is going to be the best year ever!"

He chuckled. "I am going to enjoy having you here with me, Allysia. You never cease to make me laugh."

She smiled at him innocently then clambered onto the waiting winged horse. As they flew off towards the castle, Allysia had something on her mind and she questioned her grandfather. "How did you know that I'd be able to see them?"

Dumbledore's gaze turned sad. The headmistress of your school contacted me and informed me about the accident in the Healer's Lab."

Allysia's gaze hardened. "She told you about that? She promised she wouldn't!"

"Dear, would you like to talk about this?"

"No."

"I think we ought to."

"Why? I didn't save him. I couldn't save him. Now he's dead."

They had landed at the castle doors. "It wasn't your fault."

"Then whose fault was it? Jeff's? What did he do to deserve it?"

Dumbledore frowned slightly. "Certainly not." He rummaged in his robes and pulled out package of lemon drops, selected one and offered the package to Allysia. This time, she took one and entered Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Sorry, it's a short chapter, but the next one's gonna be even better! Write a review! Akima