A/N: Not mine, the Harry Potter Universe as always belongs to J.K. Rowling

Chapter Twenty – Before the World Cup

Dudley and Harry waved goodbye to Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. It had taken a few hours of persuasion on Dudley's part, but after hearing about Quidditch from Harry, he was set on going to the World Cup to see the Wizarding sport for himself. Harry had no objections, he and Dudley had become rather good friends through letters during the previous school year and the summer holidays at Privet Drive, and he was happy that his cousin was taking an interest. It was Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon who had to be convinced. They were worried about their son getting involved in the Wizarding World.

But Dudley was very persuasive and so Mr. Weasley had picked the two up in his thankfully very Muggle looking car the day before the game. The boys turned back to look at Mr. Weasley as he spoke. "Now, boys we're going to be taking a Portkey to the World Cup stadium. Harry, I know you've used a Portkey before, but Dudley it may seem a bit strange to you. But that's magic for you," Mr. Weasley chuckled.

"Harry's told me about Portkeys, Mr. Weasley," Dudley said politely.

"I told him about all magical transportation when he came with Remus, Sirius and me to Diagon Alley," Harry explained.

Just a week ago, Sirius and Remus had shown up on the doorstep of Number Four Privet Drive wanting to take Harry to get his school supplies. Harry had actually been hesitant to go. He hadn't wanted his cousin to see him get in a row with Sirius should the man inadvertently say something that would make Harry upset.

Harry at first had tried to block out Sirius' hurtful words, it wasn't Sirius' fault after all, but he couldn't, so had taken to avoiding the man and any situation that might bring about him saying anything. Even Sirius' letters sometimes sent Harry into his memories and he had to take a couple days to reply to them. Harry felt really guilty because Sirius' had no idea Harry kept getting so upset with him.

Dudley and he had been intensely in the middle of playing a video game on his PlayStation in the living room and Dudley had timidly asked to go and then whined and begged jokingly. Remus and Sirius had been a little nervous about taking him at first, but then relented when Harry had started to beg too. It was childish moments like those that Harry had missed out on in his childhood and so took every opportunity for them. Besides it was amusing to see the adults cave to him for a change.

By the time they had arrived in Ottery St. Catchpole the sun was setting on the horizon. Harry had been really surprised when the door opened to the Burrow and not only did the Weasley family and Hermione come out to greet him, but also so did Sirius, Remus, and Professor Snape. Harry nearly jumped out of the car before it stopped, giving Mrs. Weasley a near heart attack. Harry just grinned sheepishly at the stern looks he got from the adults before he introduced Dudley to the whole lot.

Once everyone was inside and seated for a special Weasley dinner, Harry finally brought up the questions he'd had since they had arrived. "Professor Snape," Harry said and waited for the man to look up from his dinner. "Not that I'm not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?" he asked, already knowing the reason, but he could tell his friends, well the Weasley kids anyways, were dying to ask.

"Did you really think that I was going to leave it up to the Mutt and Wolf to make sure you are safe from the Dark Lord if he should make yet another attempt on your life during the Quidditch Cup?" Snape asked dryly though there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "Besides I have a bet on the match."

Harry scoffed and nodded. "Thought so," he said. "So how much did you bet on the match, Professor?" Harry asked after a moment.

"I've got a hefty sum on the Irish," Snape replied to the astonishment of Mrs. Weasley, who glared at the potions master.

"Good call, Professor. I, myself set up a large sum through Gringotts. Those goblins certainly like to gambol, they were ecstatic when I asked to place such a specialized bet," Harry said with a smug smile on his face.

"Not you too," Mrs. Weasley huffed, but was quickly ignored when Fred and George spoke over her.

"So Harry, what is this specialized bet?" George asked inquisitively.

"And how did you come about this sure bet that you would risk your inheritance on?" Fred asked.

Harry smirked as the adults looked at him curiously and some with disapproval. Sirius was obviously trying to fain disapproval for Mrs. Weasley's benefit, but Harry saw through it and winked at him. "Well, I've been looking at the stats over the last year and the way I see it Ireland is going to win hands down," the twins started to voice their agreements, but Harry held up his hand. "However, Bulgaria's Seeker, Viktor Krum is absolutely masterful. I bet Krum will catch the Snitch, but Ireland will still win."

"I agree with, Harry," Hermione suddenly said. "According to the statistics it's a very high probability. And if he knows what's good for him, Krum had better catch the Snitch because I have a lot of galleons riding on him." The lot of them, except Dudley who didn't know Hermione very well, all stared at her with disbelief in their eyes. "What?" she asked. "Oh come on, according to the stats its practically a sure bet, I might as well make some money off of it."

"Dad," George asked suddenly. "Do we have time to go to Gringotts?"

"If Hermione is betting on something, then there can't be any doubt," Fred reasoned for his brother.

"Absolutely not!" screeched Mrs. Weasley.

"If you get up extra early tomorrow morning, I'll side along Apparate one of you to Diagon Alley," Mr. Weasley said in an almost whispery voice as he leaned in conspiratorially to his sons.

"Make sure to place a bet for me as well, would you dad?" Percy suddenly said and Mrs. Weasley looked scandalized.

"I give up," she suddenly said and put her head in her hand.

Ginny pat her mother on the shoulder consolingly. "Don't worry, Mum, I'm not going to gambol, and neither is Ron for the same reason as mine."

"And what's that, Ginny dear," Mrs. Weasley asked looking up hopefully to her two youngest.

"We're both broke," Ron said morosely as he leaned his head on his hand. Ginny nodded in agreement.

Mrs. Weasley rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Well don't come crying back to me when you all lose for betting on the same exact thing."

"Don't worry, Mum, we won't, because this is a sure bet, especially if Hermione is betting on it!" Fred remarked enthusiastically. Everyone else laughed.

--

Harry was more than glad that Dumbledore had managed to provide a second Portkey to the World Cup match. They certainly had more people this time around and it was cramped trying to hang onto the Portkey then. Harry was certain that this time they wouldn't have all fit. The landing was a bit smoother too; Harry, however still managed to land on his backside.

"Graceful, Harry," Snape remarked with a smirk on his face and held out his hand to help him up.

"Yeah, well Portkeys have it in for me," Harry grumbled as he took Snape's hand and pulled himself up, and then glared at his snickering cousin who had somehow managed to land on his feet.

After they had split up with Cedric Diggory and his father, and getting past Mr. Roberts and finding their campsite, they began setting up their tents. Dudley was more than surprised at the odd tents they had passed, but he took it in stride at Mr. Weasley's remark of, "Always the same. We can't resist showing off when we get together."

While Mr. Weasley, Ron, Fred, and George began to try and figure out how to set up their tent, Harry and the others stood back and looked at Snape. Snape had a sly smirk on his face as he pulled out two circular objects about a foot and a half in size from his pack, and handed one to Harry. Harry took it and placed it on the ground and then he pulled the cord on top and stood back. There was a 'thwamp' sound and then the entire tent sprung open and up, all that had to be done was staking in into the ground. It wasn't much bigger then a dome tent but had been magically enhanced inside.

The Weasley's all stared. "Amazing what Muggles come up with isn't it," Harry remarked and Dudley laughed as he produced his own, as did Hermione.

Harry couldn't help telling Hermione about the new Muggle tents on the market Dudley had seen in a catalogue, and after some badgering, Snape did the enhancing after Hermione had produced the correct spells. Snape had been rather impressed with the Witch. Harry, Hermione, and Snape were planning on starting a franchise for the next World Cup; it didn't hurt to make some money for the future after all.

A few other Wizards had gathered around after hearing Harry's tent spring up and Harry knew his business venture would be a hit and started explaining the tent to the crowd gathering to watch as the other tents went up. The Weasley's abandoned their own tents when Harry produced one more tent. His tents didn't have multiple rooms, but could hold four people apiece comfortably, fully furnished with beds, a small kitchenette and screened off bathroom.

"We'll improve upon them eventually," Hermione stated and entered her tent, Ginny following behind her.

"Wow," was heard from Ginny as she entered. Harry smiled and entered his own tent. Hermione was right; they'd improve upon them eventually. They had only had three weeks of research time after all.

Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Dudley all left to fetch water not too long later. Dudley commented on the various tents and Wizards and Witches from the other countries as Harry continued to chuckle over the arguments they had all heard when Snape, Remus, and Sirius learned they were all sharing the same tent. Dudley would be sharing with Fred, George, and Percy, while Harry shared with Ron, and Mr. Weasley with his two eldest sons. They'd put Percy in with Dudley with the hope that Fred and George would be more likely to prank their brother before pranking Dudley. Though Dudley was beginning to be the twins new best friend when he had started telling about the pranks he'd pulled the last couple years at Smeltings.

"I really had no idea there were so many Witches and Wizards in the world. Is that guy wearing a dress?" Dudley suddenly said as they approached the water spigot and then he, Hermione, and Harry started laughing at the response to the scolding the man was getting, so hard that they moved out of the line and hid behind a nearby tent until they could control themselves. Ron just stood with kettle in hand and rolled his eyes at the three.

When they finally arrived back at the campsite, after having been stopped by quite a few fellow Hogwarts students, it was to find, Sirius, Remus, Fred, George, and Ginny all sprawled on the ground laughing as Snape and Mr. Weasley were tackling trying to start a fire, and failing miserably. Mr. Weasley was having the time of his life while Snape looked to be itching for his wand. Whether it was to curse Mr. Weasley or start the fire, Harry wasn't so sure.

--

It was sometime after lunch and Harry was sitting with a book in his lap when a shadow fell across him. He looked up to see Professor Snape standing over him. "Could I have a word, Harry?" he asked. Harry nodded and put his book aside before he got up and followed Snape out of the campsite, wondering what this was about. They walked quite a ways into the woods before Snape stopped and turned to Harry. "What happed last time, Death Eaters attacked, yes?"

Harry nodded. "Sometime after the match Death Eaters attack the campsites. But I'm not too sure they will this time. Last time it was just to get people riled up, the Death Eaters didn't know the Dark Lord was back. This time he may want to stay out of the public eye, and attacking such a big event would certainly not help with that," Harry reasoned.

"Or he could use this time as the perfect opportunity to get at you," Snape said seriously.

"Yes, that's true, but I don't think he will. There are too many Wizards here, and not enough that support him. If even a quarter of the people here decided to stand against him, his Death Eaters wouldn't stand a chance," Harry said rationally. Of course that is if they decided to stand against him, but Harry wasn't going to voice that opinion. "Besides, I'm determined to have a good time and no Dark Lord is going to stand in my way!" Harry declared with a smile and a chuckle.

Snape pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to Harry. Harry took it and held it up. It was a necklace with a galleon-sized pendent attached to it. It was rather ordinary, just a small silver disk with no engravings, it wasn't even polished.

"What's this?" Harry asked curiously.

"My emergency Portkey," Snape said seriously. "I want you to keep it on you at all times. It is preset to take you to the Hogwarts infirmary. And will only work for one person, so no one can hitch a ride by accident, or on purpose."

Harry shook his head. "I honestly don't think I'll need this Professor, if anyone does, it is you," Harry said trying to hand it back.

Snape shook his head and pushed the pendent back into Harry's hand. "No, you will keep this on you at all times," he commanded.

Harry sighed and put it around his neck. "Alright, I'll take it, but really the Dark Lord would be a fool to attack tonight."

Snape sighed. "I only want you to be prepared for anything, Harry."

"Don't worry, I'm always prepared; Constant Vigilance and all that rot!"

"You're starting to sound like Moody," Snape said dryly and then laughed as Harry's cringe.

"Just as long as I get to keep all of my body parts intact," Harry laughed.

"Indeed. Come on, we better get back before we're missed, especially by that mutt of a godfather of yours," Snape said and started to lead the way back to the campsite.

"You know, you really could try to get along with him," Harry said lightly.

"We will never get along, Harry, as you well know."

Harry sighed. "I know."

"We would be one step closer to being civil with one another if he would stop being so damn over protective of you," Snape commented with just a touch of anger in his voice.

"He just wants what's best for me," Harry argued quietly.

"What's best for you is for him to stop and think about his words once in awhile! He may want what's best for you, but every time he opens his mouth he hurts you!" Snape growled angrily and then he stopped and put his hands on Harry's shoulders and looked him in the eyes. "You've become a son to me, Harry. I don't like seeing you in pain, especially when that pain is leading you to the knife," he said seriously.

Harry looked at Snape for a moment and then looked at his feet. "How did you know?" he asked with a sigh.

"I didn't, you were scratching your arms again. So it did start again back in February? I told you to come to me, why didn't you?" Snape asked gently.

Harry shook his head and looked up. "I did cut myself after that, but I stopped myself, it was only once, honest. I only just started up again. I've been having nightmares and the Dreamless Sleep Potion doesn't work for these kinds of nightmares," Harry said quietly and then he closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. After a moment, he opened them again, this time instead of the emotionless mask he'd been wearing the last few weeks, his emotions were laid plainly on his face. "There's something I've been keeping from you. I meant to tell you a long time ago, but it just never was the right time."

"What is it, Harry?" Snape asked worriedly.

"One of the Dark Lord's Horcruxes is me," Harry said shakily.

Snape looked at Harry with horror in his eyes as he abruptly let go of his shoulders. "Why didn't you tell me, Harry?"

Harry looked down and shook his head. "I don't know. I didn't want to worry you."

Harry looked up. "I'm not having nightmares, I've been having visions. I've been seeing through the Dark Lord's eyes for the last year. To be honest Professor, I'm scared as hell! All summer I've been looking over my shoulder. I see the Dark Lord everywhere. I'm afraid every second of the day that the next will be my last. I can't go on like this!"

Snape stared at Harry for a moment, taking in the terror in his dulled emerald eyes, and his shaking limbs and then he suddenly pulled the boy into his arms. "It's alright, Harry. Everything will be alright, I promise," Snape said soothingly as Harry clung to him, burying his face in the man's robes.

"I don't want to die again, I've just gotten used to living," Harry whispered as he began to sob, and Snape just held him all the more tighter, more worried for the boy-who-lived then he'd ever been before.

--

When they arrived back to the campsite a while later, it was to a seething Sirius and a worried bunch of Weasley's, at least of those who were there. "There you are, Harry, where have you been!" Sirius nearly shouted.

"We went for a walk," Harry said calmly, as an amused smile brushed his face as he looked at Snape and then took in the other three who were still in the campsite, Charlie, Percy, and George Weasley, none of them looked the slightest bit amused. "What's wrong?" Harry asked suddenly concerned.

"What's wrong? You didn't tell anyone where you were going, that's what's wrong!" Sirius said angrily as he glared at Snape. "Anything could have happened to you, you've scared the shit out all of us! Arthur, Bill, Remus, and the kids are all still looking for you!"

"I'm sorry, Sirius," Harry said taken aback by Sirius' anger. "I was with Severus. I honestly didn't realize you were all going to worry that much. Next time I'll tell you where I'm going," Harry said calmly, trying to smooth over Sirius' nerves so he'd calm down. It didn't seem to be working though, and Harry could tell that his attempt at calling Snape by his name as his Professor had insisted on their walk back, wasn't going over too well with his godfather either.

"You're sorry? You're always sorry! Can't you for once just think about the rest of us?" Sirius said harshly.

"Black, that is uncalled for!" Snape snapped. "He was perfectly safe, you should be happy that he is alright. He has already apologized for worrying you, why do you always have to drag it on?"

Sirius was certainly not settled by that at all. "Safe! He will never be safe with you, a Death Eater!" Not two seconds later, Sirius was on the ground, massaging the side of his face where a nasty bruise was forming along with a split lip.

Harry stood over his godfather, rage burning in his eyes, his fist still clenched, though it was now at his side. "Don't you ever call him a Death Eater again!" Harry seethed.

Sirius looked up to him from the ground, shock in his eyes. "Harry, I'm sorry."

"No! Don't apologize to me!" Harry shouted. "Apologize to him. He's done more for me than anyone else has ever cared to!" Harry shook his head and then stormed into his tent, leaving the others all staring after him.

Harry sat down on his cot and put his head in his hands. Everything was going to hell, just when things were looking up. He couldn't believe he had just hit Sirius; the man was probably never going to speak to him again. They were supposed to be family but all he saw when he looked at the man was a stranger.

"Harry, can we come in?" Hermione's voice came hesitantly from the entrance of the tent.

"Yes, you can come in," Harry said quietly. Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Dudley, and Fred and George came into the tent and sat down on the other cots.

"Are you alright, Harry, we saw what happened," Hermione asked as she sat down next to him and took his hand.

Harry nodded. "I'm alright; I can't believe I hit Sirius though. I just couldn't take him calling Severus a Death Eater, not after everything he's…"

"Everything he's what, Harry?" probed Hermione gently when Harry didn't finish.

"Severus Snape is the closest thing I have to a father. He's always there for me, even when I'm a complete idiot. I don't know what I'd do without him..." Harry wanted to voice that he certainly wouldn't be alive without him, but he didn't want to put those thoughts into his friends' minds, they didn't need that burden.

A/N: Ok, I'd like to point out, only because several people seem like their confused by a couple of things that will eventually be resolved. There are seven Horcruxes. 1. Voldemort 2. Tom's Diary 3. Slytherin's Ring 4. Helga's Chalice 5. Rowena's Bracelet 6. Nagini 7. Harry. Originally Salazar's Scimitar isn't a Horcrux, was possibly made one in the future after several had been destroyed. Godric's Sword isn't a Horcrux, but as a founder's object, Harry used it to access the Protectors' magic in Hogwarts in the future. Technically you could call both Godric's and Salazar's swords, Harry's Horcruxes. I hope that answers some Questions. On to the next chapter!