Things were tense till nightfall - Harry had informed the Dursleys of the Weasley's new arrival time and he thought he had heard Vernon mutter - "The sooner, the better."

XxXxXxXxX

Zooming around in the Burrow's garden was amazing. Ron was chasing a watermelon through the air that had been chucked at him by Fred. That's when he was hit by an owl. Ron crashed down into the dirt below where he readjusted his shirt before unwrapping the letter tied to the owls leg - reading Harry's letter was rather crazy. He'd have to tell his parents that Harry had chosen to come to the Burrow at 10PM instead...

XxXxXxXxX

At 10pm, a rather robotic knock landed upon the door to number 4 Privet Drive. Harry swung open the door to be greeted by Mr Weasley in his ministry clothes, trying to look like a Muggle. Fred and George bundled in behind him.

"Hey Harr-"

"-Y long time,"

"No see."

"Old budd-"

"-y, old pal!!"

Harry succumbed to Gred and Feorge and laughed out loud for the first time that summer. "AH, my favourite set of twins!" Fred and George beamed at the compliment. As the twins edged their way into the house, Harry turned back to the door to be impacted by a messy set of curly hair into his chest. "Oh, hey." Harry exclaimed joyously. "Didn't see you there!" Harry continued trying to drain comedy out of the situation. He could tell he was successful as Hermione thumped him on the arm for 'being a prat!' Harry only smirked.

Vernon sat in the corner squinting at the group 'menacingly'. Fred had soon grabbed Harry's trunk and had thrown it into the ministry car outside when George 'dropped' a set of Wahcky Weasly Work-in-progresses. Dudley was quick to the scene; nicking the treats before George could stop him. Soon after, Dudley's tounge began to inexplicably grow at an alarming rate! To the point Dudley started chocking. Edging his way to the door, Harry whispered to the twins "So that's what happens when he tries to take 7 inches!" Promptly exploding with laughter was quite the queue to leave - which they did at a record time.

Harry, Fred and George had already dashed when a confused Hermione and a bewildered Arthur left the house as well. Clambering into the two ministry cars, Harry explained his summer to anyone that listened - the rather plain boringness, apart from the bits of homework he had and his new workout routine.

Harry quickly realised as a smart kid that he would probably be prophesied to take down the dark bastard that killed his parents and so used that to drive him. He used it as a reason to get up everyday at the crack of dawn and run till he felt death crawl at him. Something Lupin had said last year was sticking with him - "Dont waste them."

XxXxXxX

Entering The Burrow through a portkey once out of Muggle sight was easy, the difficult bit was the dodging of Mrs Weasley - Harry dashed into the house following the twins and made a b-line for the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs was Ginny, Ron and a thoroughly confused Hermione. Without thinking each of the twins and Harry grabbed another person and dragged them up the stairs with them.

Ron, Ginny and Hermione all found it very difficult to resist as the other they were being taken by, was either 2 years older than them - or absolutely ripped in Harry's case. Clustering into the joint room between the twins and Ginny's room left the group in quite the huddle - requiring an extremely embarrassed Ron from removing his head from where they were resting on Hermione's developing breasts.

Once untangled, the group of kids finally set about re-adjusting themselves before eventually speaking to one another. Conversation broke out about; pranks, homework, exams, Quidditch, more Quidditch and finally, the Quidditch World Cup! (That was happening in 2 weeks.)

Shortly after conversation started to shrivel, Molly Weasley virtually broke down the door and flung her temper across the room at the twins for their irresponsibleness and lack of etiquette at other's houses. Harry maybe would've agreed had it been anyone else's house: apart from maybe Snape, Voldermort, or another death eater... So Harry ended up starring at the intriquetly detailed ceiling throughout Mrs Weasley's rant... Being dragged out by their ears quickly undermined the twins - who gave up in excuses; although still refusing to work for the ministry like Percy, Ron's 3rd brother - working his way up in the minsitry.

"What's your owls name Ron?" Harry asked inquisitively.

"Oh him?" Ron asked vaguely pointing at Pigwidgeon. "He's-"

"PIG!!" Ginny squealed at seeing the owl into the window ledge.

"Can't say we thought of that." Ron continued gesturing between him and the rest of his family - "part from Ginny."

Arthur then stuck his head round the door, "c'mon you lot - Quidditch Semi Finals tomorrow - gotta wake up early! And you know what tha-"

"Go to bed early..." Ron answered depressingly. Warning a sympathetic smile from Arthur. "C'mon Ron. Up to bed. You two as well!" Arthur was pointing at Hermione and Ginny.

XxXxXxXxX

Harry sprung out of bed the next morning at the word Quidditch. He quickly threw on an outfit from his expanded wardrobe-esque trunk.

An ever so slightly worn RAF jacket he bought at a Muggle shopping centre in London. Underneath a muscle fit grey shirt - showing off all the right places. White jeans with those slight rips along the side and knee caps. Perfect for all occasions. On his feet a comfortable pair of Timberland shoes he had found in another Muggle shoe store. Snuggly over his toes. And to top it all off - literally - was Harry untamable hair, which after multiple trips to the barbers was now a manic set of curls - shaved at the back and sides.

Harry was the last one up - he knew due to the lack of noise in the Burrow, and the fact that the rest of everyone was staring up toward the house with a vague look of excitement, worry, annoyance and happyness. Bundling down the stairs at a freakish pace, Harry came skidding to a halt as the door swung open - here stood Mrs Weasley no doubt just to berate him for making everyone late.

"HaRrY jAmEs PoTtEr!!"

Mrs Weasley's temper evaporated as she saw Harry slide out the door as she blinked. She spun round and left the house, closing the door. Eagle eyeing Harry's retreating form.

Harry strode on ahead toward Fred and George but before he got to them, Harry was interrupted by a confident sounding boy - Charlie Weasley. "Hello Harry, I don't suppose we've met before... I'm Charlie - Charlie Weasley. I've heared plenty about you" (he nudged him with his fist to Harry's shoulder.) Harry smiled.

"Are you sure Charlie - I've heard quite the deal about you as well. Dragon tamer, Quidditch Captain, Head Boy, Prefect, Quidditch Cup winner 3 times, House Cup winner twice! I could go on..."

Charlie seemed to stagger as he realised his list of achievements. 'Well I suppose when you put it like that...' He thought. "Fair enough Harry. Fair enough." Charlie turned to Bill and began chatting animatedly with him. So Harry used the opportunity to edge his way closer to the twins.

"George!" Harry whispered violently. "Fred!" He half coughed. The twins broke apart for a moment and Harry slid right in-between the two.

"Hello H-"

"Arrykins!"

Harry chuckled slight - then started to talk to them about what they planned to do at the World Cup .

XxXxXxXxX

Hermione shot nervous glances at Ron as she saw the jealousy on his face "stealing my brother's. I'll show him!" Ron kept muttering. Malevolence leaked from his eyes as he saw Harry thwack Fred on the arm and smack George round the head - playfully of course. However Ron felt like it should be him doing that with his brothers, he was the one related to them after all!!! Ron continued to half storm his way up the hill into the spaced out forest by the Lovegood's house. About halfway along the walk Harry dropped back to talk to Bill, Ron could've sworn they were talking about Gringotts. The group drew toward a clearing, and Harry drifted back to talk to him.

Ron wasn't exactly the best at multitasking which is exactly why he and Hermione hadn't spoken since Harry walked away from Charlie. Ron was too busy looking envious and jealous to talk. A fact which Hermione picked up pretty quickly.

"Hey Ron."

"What d'you want Potter." Ron replied shortly.

"Ooh, calm it matey" Harry shifted into an Australian accent as he said 'matey.' Tension rose between the two - and as Harry opened his mouth to continue conversation, Ron turned away and walked over to Hermione - chatting with Ginny near the back of the pack.. "Not feelin' playful today then..' Australian rung through in his voice again.

XxXxXxXxX

Hermione had heard Ron's vague grunts at parts during him and Ginny's conversations - they seemed so absentminded that you could've sworn he'd be more accurate when asleep... Hermione continued to talk with Ginny until the Weasleys entered an empty area. A man who reminded Hermione of Mr Weasley stood in the clearing with a hiking stick. "Amos!" Hermione heard Mr Weasley call out at the man.

"Arthur!" Came the haughty reply.

"Where's your boy, Cedric?" Arthur quizzed.

'Cedric? He can't possibly be talking about-' Hermione thoughts interrupted by a strapping kid- no man! landing on the ground next to Mr Diggory. There he was. Cedric Diggory. Hermione fancied him - three years difference isn't much - besides every girl at least liked him...

XxXxXxXxX

"Ced!" Harry called out. Jogging up to Cedric - "Didn't realise you were coming with us!"

"Oh, about that - we didn't get minister box tickets, so we'll be with you till then at least."

"Dont be ridiculous mate, I'll drop in a word for you - I'll make Fudge let you in."

"Are you sure Harry? I mean it isn't that big a deal, besides I've never done anything for you."

"You have done plenty - not in actions but in physchological support. Always there to practise Quidditch against - always there to help if I needed it. You've been amazing mate! Now it's time I repayed part of it."

"Stop the chatter Harry, anyway what do you mean Quidditch practise?"

"Well Hufflepuff is so shi-.."

"Portkey everyone!!" Shouted Amos over the rest of Harry's insult. Harry and Cedric slid their way between people to get to the Portkey. Each grabbing hold of it was easy - but keeping hold of it was a nightmare. Eventually as the Portkey left, no one was left in the small opening - successful...

XxXxXxXxX

'Does Harry have to know him as well? This happened with that Ravenclaw as well. Elijah Malik - another fourth year.' Hermione grew annoyed as she realised Harry knew basically everyone - maybe she should get closer to him then - maybe Harry could help her find someone nice, not to mention good looking... That was always a huge benefit. Harry knowing someone turned them off for Hermione,it felt like sloppy seconds - even if it was first..

Hermione landed roughly from the Portkey sprawling across the floor next to Ron and Ginny. She looked around for Harry only noticing; Her, Fred, George, Ginny and Ron. Then she looked up. To see him walking in the air - as if in slow motion, doing bloody pirouettes and other ballet moves as if he was dancing - he was a right prick at times. Funny but a prick.

XxXxXxXxX

Ron snorted as he saw Harry dancing down to the ground - he may be annoying from time to time - but Harry was Harry. And you can't replace that.

XxXxXxXxX

Everyone was soon on their feet, dragging their suddenly tired limbs across the ground toward their section for the tents. Arthur soon found the area - 'situated 6 tents down from Cedric and Amos'. Entering the tent was amazing for Harry - unique smells coming from the corners - light vibrations and glows coming from the tents canvas. Everyone seemed impressed by the tent. "I must say it came out way better than I thought it would!" Arthur was the first to speak.

"Well I'm hitting the floor." Announced Harry pointing at his bed with his wand, silently casting a spell at it to arrange all his stuff. Harry stripped to nothing but a light pair of shorts - showing his etched physique to the tent for a quick power nap. Nearly instantly he was out, the others still unpacking and one or two looking at him when he spoke.

XxXxXxX

A round an hour and a half later, Harry sprung out of bed. Instantaneously, before his clothes were even back on he was bombarded by Molly. "Ooh, Harry, would you be able to try and find some water for us back at the tent - perhaps take someone with you, that way you won't get lost. Good idea?" Harry couldn't exactly object to Mrs Weasley's question, so he ventured out after picking Hermione to go with.

"I have to ask Harry, why me?" Hermione continued as the look of confusion and slight panicked crossed Harry's face. "I mean, like why go with me and not Ron or the twins?" Her gaze turned soft as she saw Harry, look down nervously - "Ya see, well- Ron and Me, we aren't exactly seeing eye to eye. He keeps refering to me as 'Potter' and not Harry - and he's really hostile. It just gets to me." Hermione stopped at the explanation - she was expecting some kind of exclamation of love or something - definitely not that.

Navigating through the Irish tents was rather easy due to Harry being built like an absolute unit. He just seemed to carve a path around him. Hermione followed closely behind - sliding between the gaps Harry left in his wake. A while later as they drew close to the Bulgarian section of the camp.

"Hey Harry!" A distinct Irish voice called out in their general direction.

"Seamus, my man!" Harry called back spinning round. As Seamus jogged up to the two he started speaking.. "And who's this ya got wit cha'? Ooh, Miss Granger.." Seamus mock bowed. Hermione replied with her standard 'im unimpressed' look - the raised eyebrows and the ever so slightly frown.

"So Seamus, what's your prediction?"

"OH, that's all people keep on asking me. And I always reply with the same thing! England knocked out in the semis by Ireland, Bulgaria to smash France.. 180-220 and 310-170." Harry and Seamus quickly divulged into Quidditch and how Harry thought England would put up a fight but be out snitched and therefore look like a landslide loss... With his prediction 130-290. And Bulgaria to win with a different score of 200-240. Only winning because of Viktor Krum.

"Ey, Seamus! Wha- what d'ya recon the colour of the tent should be" Dean Thomas shouted over the bustle of families between Seamus, Harry, Hermione and him.

"Brown n' blue like the colour of that Muggle team ya suppor'.. That'll make ya happy.." Dean flashed a triumphant smile and was about to speak before Harry but in.

"Where are the hammers now Dean? I can't see down past the top 2!" Harry smirked at Dean to show he was joking,

"Shut your mouth, Kopp!" Dean replied smirking as well. "Walk with us, we'll show you the tent." Hermione spoke up finally. Dean seemed to redden slightly when Hermione spoke to him directly. Dean them started to stutter his reply.

"Uhh, ye-yeah sure! Sounding a bit too excited and looking a tad bit to relieved at being able to shut up.

The group now meandered through the Hubba-bub of people - being able to pay attention to their surroundings a bit more as they now had water. Thousands of frail tents lined along the grassy fields - stretching for miles in each direction on the Muggle countryside. Hundreds of Ministry workers ran around to make everything look inconspicuous. Huge areas were reserved for the minsitry workers stationed at the camp - whilst other, larger, tents were normal Muggle ones (looking more like a gazibo,) that were open with the slight summery breeze dancing through the enchanted material. These larger tents were designed for the main officials to look busy and for others to maintain the wards, the notice-me-not charms and the countless other spells to maintain a normal looking gathering to muggles. They decided to pass it off as a music festival every year - making the Quidditch stadium look like a stage to unwary muggles.

As they drew closer to the Weasley's tent, Harry noticed Hermione was eyeing the France supporters on the other side of the fence. "Honestly, keeping all these different country supporters so close together, when they're all so, barbaric. It's stupid." Hermione paused for a moment as she turned toward the tent to see how much further they had to walk.

"I suspect we'll be seeing them this year.." Harry said pointing out the group of giggling girls wrapped in a blue uniform, the group eying Harry hungrily from afar.

"What makes you say that Harry?" Hermione looked skeptical.

"I have a hunch..."

Hermione giggled slightly before elaborating - "You mean Sirius told you." Harry smiled brightly before replying sarcastically..

"So what if he did?"

"Blimey Seamus, see that bird over there?" Dean whispered a bit too loudly. "Coor blimey mat-" Seamus began; interrupted by a not impressed Hermione.

"It's rude, to point by the way. Besides, I doubt either of you will be asking her anytime soon."

"Sick burn there 'Mione!" Harry laughed softly "I see you didn't include me in that.." Harry finished by wiggling his eyebrows.

"Oh, shut it Potter." Seamus grinned along with Dean as Hermione spoke again. Quick to seize the moment Harry replied, sarcasm flowing,

"Aww, I love you too Mione.."

The small group arrived at the tent to see Ludo Bagman slide into the entrance infront of them. "Oh, trouble called, they requested a Harry James Potter?" Seamus spoke up in his female 'receptionist' voice. Harry only flashed a Sirius smirk and sped off in front of the group.

"What have you done?" Moaned a exasperated Hermione.

"Well I've only released a source of entertainment for the next few moments. That's all. Thank me later." The trio soon entered the tent to see Ludo speaking to Mr Weasley about betting.

"I do say Arthur, this bet is rather extraordinary! Ireland to win, Krum to catch the snitch! Rather adventurous don't you say! What do you two rapscallions have to say about your father's interesting gambling techniques?" Bagman had approached Fred and George.

"We think he's ab-"

"-solutely brilliant!"

"Has never lost a b-"

"-et before! Hasn't p-"

"-assed that skill onto u-"

"-s though!" Fred and George flipped.

"What's your prediction Mr. Ludo?" Came their joint question. "Ireland to smash England and France to edge past Bulgaria!" Harry decided now was when to sweep into the tent...

"Who does this cabbage think he is! France are looking awful this year - it's only because of that Goalkeeper 'Bastien Janvier' thats keeping them in." At this specific time Barty Crouch Sr ask decided to drop by - wanting a quick word with Arthur Weasley. However he also over heard Harry's exclamation and decided to object.

"It's their two beaters - 'Ninon Saucet' and 'Alain Lacroix' that have allowed their chasers time on the quaffle.." Harry channeled his inner marauder -

"You boob! You royal boob! Lacroix has missed over 3/4 of her bludgers, Fred here hadn't missed more than two all year!" He walked over in-between Ludo and Barty - tapping in their heads with his knuckles. "Just as I suspected. HOLLOW!!"

Dean and Hermione were currently holding their stomachs trying their hardest not to keel over laughing sharing a look of multiple emotions. Barty quickly swatted away the minor insults as childish antics and saw Percy over in the corner of the tent.

"Weatherby! My protege!" Barty walked over to Percy commandingly, gripping his hand firmly to Percy's quivering one. "I expect to see you in my box at the France game! 17th staircase; 193rd floor!" And with that he walked out.

As the excitement grew, the prices dropped and Harry just outside the stadium bought 11 pairs of Omnioculars for 89 Galleons: basically robbery!! Handing a pair to everyone was easy - but getting them to keep them was a different story - all of the Weasley's kept on wanting to just give them back. Harry tried to subdue to complaints though. "Think of them as a secondary Christmas gift ey?" Promptly shutting up the Weasley's immature moaning.

"ITS TIME FAMILY AND FRIENDS!" Arthur called out about 5 minutes after the mild dispute, "it's beginning!"