Welcome back everybody! I went back to school yesterday and let me tell you… it was horrible. I guess I didn't realize how much work I would have to make up. Oops. So after I post this I get to spend the next several hours of my life doing six pages of Geometry. FUN!

But besides that, I had a pretty nice day for once. None of my teachers acted like butts and all my friends were unannoying yesterday. Shh, don't tell them I said that.

Enjoy!

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Summer Three

World Cups and Dark Marks

August came. Nothing much had changed. Of course, Seamus and Fay spent an awful amount of time together, often locked behind his bedroom door.

No, they weren't shagging. I had already accused them of that. Fay said that they really just talked and kissed. The only reason they locked the door was so that I didn't barge in on them. I could completely understand that since if the door hadn't been locked, I would have barged in.

One afternoon, the day we were leaving for the World Cup, Mum and I were packing the last minute items that we would need for the event. Seamus had demanded that we bring along all the Irish gear that we had so we could properly show our devotion. Dean had arrived the night before. His Mum and Dad had brought him up since they were taking a holiday in Ireland anyway.

"Darcy, dear? Would you mind running upstairs and checking on your brother? He and Fay have been in his bedroom for a while." Mum said. Dean and her were finishing up breakfast and packing things for today.

I snickered, "They're probably snogging on his bed and don't realize the time."

Mum's eyes widened. "Well go on. I don't want to have grandchildren before I turn 40. Tell them it's time to leave."

I laughed and ran up the stairs to Seamus' bedroom. I knocked once and waited for the sound of footsteps. Instead, I was greeted with a loud moan. I smiled and reached for the doorknob, which was, luckily, unlocked.

I slammed into the room, causing Seamus and Fay to spring apart, but not before I saw that she was lying on his bed and he was on top of her. They were both blushing as I laughed my head off. "How wonderful. Now, before you start your shagging again, mum says it's time to leave. Come on!"

"Shut up, Darcy!" Seamus said.

"Get a room!" I yelled back at him.

"We did!" Seamus replied, screaming back at me.

As I began down the stairs, I heard Fay run out after me.

"What's your problem? That was embarrassing."

"Exactly, dear. Mum doesn't want you getting pregnant." I said, "Let's go! I'm anxious!"

"Anxious to see you lover again?" Fay joked. "I'm sure he's anxious to. I can literally feel the sexual tension between you two. Even if its through your letters. I can't wait until he comes next week so I can tease you guys."

I glared at her. "He doesn't know yet, so you can't tease us openly. You are only allowed to tease me in my bedroom with me. Not even with Seamus while you do...whatever it is you two do."

Fay's face turned red again. "We kiss! That's it!"

I smirked, "Alright. But when your first child is born, I call being the godmother."

"DARCY!" She screamed as I ran back down the stairs.

"I got them, MUm." I said, walking into the kitchen.

"Good, good. Ah, there you are." She said, as Seamus and Fay walked in. "Alright, out to the garden, portkey's out there."

"Portkey?" Fay asked. Dean looked just as confused.

"You'll see." I replied. Fay and Dean had barely ever traveled by any magical means. Sometimes I really felt bad for them, being deprived of all things magic as children.

Mum made us stand around a flower-pot that she had enchanted earlier. "We won't have to wait for anyone. Not a single drop of magical blood around here for miles. All hands on deck." She said. All three of us grabbed the flower-pot. Dean grabbed it too, figuring that was the correct thing to do. Fay stared at it in confusion. "Grab it, dear. Wouldn't want to be left behind." Mum said. So Fay hesitantly took hold of it.

I had never enjoyed Portkey travel. Mostly because it left me with loads of bruises and a sickening feeling in my stomach. And that was exactly what I felt as we traveled to the moor that the World Cup was situated on.

"Hello, Caitlin." A tall man said as we landed on the ground. Mum stood and shook his hand.

"Children, this is Basil Edgman. I work with him at the ministry."

"Pleased to meet you. Now, reservation under Finnigan, right?"

Mum winced, "Actually under Branson." Seamus and I looked at her. We hadn't known that she took her maiden name after the divorce. (A/N I can't remember if I mentioned her maiden name, and if I did I can't remember what I made it. Just go with this.)

Mr. Edgman nodded and checked his parchment of names. "Right, your in field three. It's right next to field one. About a mile that direction." He said pointed to the left. "Now if you don't mind..."

"Ah yes, well, good luck." Mum said as we started toward our campsite. She avoided Seamus and I's gazes. Apparently now was not the time to discuss the subject.

Eventually, we reached field three and we were greeted by a small Muggle man. He was staring at Mum in confusion. She was the only one in our group who was wearing her witch cloaks. The rest of us were wearing Muggle clothes.

"Right. Uh, name?" The Muggle man asked.

"Branson." Mum said, looking over his shoulder.

"Branson...Branson...one tent?"

Mum nodded. Fay and Dean looked confused. They had never stayed in a wizard's tent before. And well...neither had Seamus and I. But we knew better.

We paid with the Muggle money and were off on our merry way.

"Darcy?" Fay whispered. "How will we all fit in one tent? Won't it be a bit crowded?"

I laughed, "Really, Fay. You're acting as though you haven't seen magic before."

"They're bewitched? But how?" Fay asked. Dean was listening in too, also confused at how all five of us would fit in one tent.

I shook my head, "You'll have to wait to find out."

"Ah Darcy, don't tease them." Seamus said, smiling and taking Fay's hand in his. "They look smaller from the outside than they really are, love. There'll be plenty of room, don't you fret."

Fay blushed and nodded. "Alright. When's the match?"

"Tonight. We'll be staying the night and then leaving tomorrow morning. Then Fred and George will come." I said excitedly.

"Are you sure you just don't want to skip the match, Darcy?" Dean asked. "Seems to me like you're more excited for a certain boy to visit your bedroom."

I scowled at him, "Who invited you anyway?"

This made the others laugh. I grumbled for a few minutes at their teasing, but I soon got over it and joined my troop in setting up the tent.

After many minutes of squabbling about what poles went where and how one end fit into another, we finally out together our tent and made it inside. Fay and Dean's reaction to the inside was, put simply, gobsmacked. Neither of them had expected the tent to actually reveal a whole apartment.

"Girls, your beds are next to the kitchen. Dean and Seamus you'll be in the bunk beds. I get the one across from the library." Mum said.

Fay gasped, "There's a library in here?"

I giggled, "Just a small one. We're not that rich."

Fay rolled her eyes and continued exploring our tent. Mum had been given a raise a few years ago and had decided to use the extra money to buy a fairly decent tent. Even though we didn't go camping, it still came in handy.

"I'll go hang the decorations!" Seamus said, grabbing the sack of green gear and running outside. We had finished putting all of our things away.

"Decorations?" Dean asked. "What's he mean?"

I smirked, "Our family has a strange obsession with the Irish team. We've been waiting to use these decorations for a while."

Mum sighed, "I better get the tea going. Darcy, would you mind going out to help your brother? If not, it'll be a while."

I nodded, "Sure, Mum."

She smiled sweetly at me and went off the make the tea. I left the tent and found Seamus digging through the rucksack, searching for the first Irish embellishment that was to be added to our site.

We worked diligently for twenty minutes, making sure every inch of our tent was green. There were times that Seamus and I would argue over where one thing or another was placed. I hated most of his ideas, and he despised most of mine. But eventually,we came to an agreement.

"Well, if it isn't Blackbird Finnigan. How've you been, little bird?" A familiar voice asked as I helped Seamus hang a banner that read, 'Ireland for the Win'

I spun around and was greeted by the sight of Fred and George. I grinned and ran to them, taking both of them in my arms at the same time. "Hello, lads." I said. George looked at me in surprise, not at my words, but at my accent. Ever since we had moved to Ireland, and yes, we had gone into the village a few times, my Irish accent had picked up and I was now talking like a pure Irishwomen.

"I can see that you're supporting Ireland today." Fred said, shaking his hair. I frowned and took the end of George's identical locks in my hand.

"Yes...I am. Care to tell me why you haven't gotten a haircut?"

George chuckled, looking down at me. " 'Cause we knew it would annoy you most." I smirked and looked up at him. We were both too busy staring at each other to notice Seamus and Fred looking at us in amusement.

"Seamus! Darcy! What is taking so long-" Fay said, stepping out of the tent. Then she saw Fred and George. "Oh, hello Weasley's."

"Greetings, Fay." Fred replied.

Fay giggled and walked over to Seamus, taking his hand in hers. The twins looked at their hands and made noises. "Did you finally tie the knot? When's the wedding?"

Seamus hit both of them and said, "Piss off."

"Seamus!" Mum screeched. "Watch your language!" She climbed out of the tent followed by Dean, who was grinning. "Oh, Fred, George. How wonderful to see you. Darcy has been talking non stop about you coming to visit us next week."

I blushed when they both looked at me in amusement.

"Would you boys like to come in for tea? Were just about to start?"

George and Fred grinned, "Yes, Mrs. Finnigan, we would."

"Oh, dear, you can call me Ms. Branson." Mum said, leading George, Seamus, Fay, and Dean back in the tent. I was about to follow after Dean, but Fred dragged me back.

"Ah ah ah. Not so fast, Blackbird." He said. "I think it's time for you to open up to Uncle Freddie."

I glared at him. "I don't have to tell you anything."

He pursed his lips "Does your secret have anything to do with the fact that you were checking out my brother not two minutes ago?"

I blushed, "N-no! I wasn't ch-checking him out!"

"Oh Darcy." He said, throwing an arm around me. "Sweet, naïve, innocent, Darcy. You're eyes were moving up and down his body, that's called checking out in the grown up world."

I pushed his arm off me. "Doesn't mean anything."

"Do you fancy him?" Fred asked, smiling like a fool.

I rolled my eyes, "If I say yes, will, you leave me alone?"

"I'll leave you alone if you tell me the truth."

"How do you know if I tell you truth or not?" I retorted.

He smirked, "Because I already know the truth, shorty."

"Hey! I'm not short!" I exclaimed.

"You're shorter than me. Henceforth, shorty."

I growled. "You'll leave me alone if I tell the truth?"

He nodded and grinned, already knowing full well what I was about to tell him.

"I...I fancy George." I whispered.

"I KNEW IT!" Fred screamed. Many people looked in our direction. "I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT, I KNEW!"

"Did you really?" I asked sarcastically. "I couldn't tell."

"Oh my God, he's going to be so happy! Do you realize that he's spent the last few weeks moping about the house? He's miserable. When we got invited to your place, he instantly perked up. Man, that boy is whipped."

"Fred! He can't find out!" I said. "I'm not ready to tell him."

Fred looked at me blankly. "When are you planning on telling him then? Are you just going to let him feel miserable forever then?"

"No, of course not! But I'm waiting until the perfect moment. Telling him over tea with my family and friends doesn't seem like the best pace to tell him, does it to you?"

Fred shook his head "I suppose not. Alright. Well, now that that's taken care of, let's have tea!"

After Fred and George left us, we were left to our own devices. About two hours before the match began, we ran into Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They were all excited for the game as well. Before we knew it, it was time for us to head toward the arena. Mum said it would take about twenty minutes to walk from our tent, through the forest, through the gates, and to our seats.

"Why are we so far from it?" Seamus whined after five minutes of walking. "I wish we could apparate."

Ten minutes later I was thinking the same thing. However, I was enjoying the hike myself. We had started singing the Irish team theme song. Seamus was singing it at the top of his lungs even though he claimed his feet were in a huge amount of pain.

We were shot dirty looks from some Bulgarians which I found amusing enough to send them the finger. I even turned it into a sort of dance that Seamus was joining in on until Mum shut it down.

"We don't want these people to think we're savages." She said, though I could tell she had found it pretty funny too.

At last we found our seats that were situated close to the top of the arena. If I craned my neck, I could see the tips of the shoes of the Weasleys on the top row.

When the veela came out for Bulgaria, I could practically taste the population of the women in the arena groan. All of the single boys seemed to be in a trance and were edging towards the veela on the pitch.

Seamus was less affected by them than Dean was, but he was effected enough to make Fay a little jealous. Dean however, was literally trying to sprout wings to float down to the pitch to be with the veela.

But then the Irish mascots came out. Seamus went crazy, trying to catch as much of the gold coins as he could. Mum didn't have to heart to tell him it was Leprechaun gold and would disappear in the morning.

"Let's welcome the Bulgarian National team!" Ludo Bagman cried. "Ivanova! Dimitriov! Levski! Volkov! Vulchanov! Zograf! Aaaaaaaaaaand Krrrrrrrrrum!"

The arena burst into cheers. Even Seamus had to cheer for the world renowned seeker.

"Who's Krum?" Fay asked, her nose crinkled.

I grinned, "He's the best seeker in the world, Fay. He's the youngest to make a National team. He's still in school too. Amazing!"

Dean laughed, "Are you sure you're not in love with him?"

"I've heard she's into BEaters." Seamus joked. I nudged him hard in the side which made him fall to the ground.

"Get back up, Seamus. The Irish team is coming out next." Mum said.

And she was right. Ludo Bagman was now announcing the Irish team that was flying out.

"Let's welcome the Irish team to the field! Mullet! Troy! Moran!" Seamus screamed out in excitement. Ever since Seamus found out about the Irish team, he had worshipped everything to do with Conan Moran. He had secret stashes of posters and merchandise covered in Morn's name. "Connolly, Quigley, Ryan, aaaaaand Lynnnnnnnch!"

That was my guy. Aiden Lynch was an amazing seeker, almost as good as Krum. I cheered loudly and jumped up and down as Lynch circled the arena. As he passed us, he winked.

"Oh my God!" I swooned. "He winked at me!"

Fay looked at me like I was insane. "I've never seen you act like this, Darcy. It's kind of scary. Don't ever act like that again."

I smiled and bit my lip, "When it comes to Lynch I'm allowed to act like that."

The MInister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, stepped up to the edge of his box. He was very stout and fairly short man, though he had a cheerful face and seemed to be very nice. Mum said he was a very kind boss.

"Welcome!" He cried into his wand. "To the 422nd Quidditch World Cup. It is my great pleasure to have each and everyone of you here today. Let the match begin!"

With that, the match begun.

After the game, we were tired and very happy.

Ireland had won by ten points. With a total of 160 points, were we very pleased. They hadn't even caught the snitch. I was upset about that, but since Krum caught it, I was okay. Seamus was going insane and he had given his Irish fever to Dean who was dancing around as well.

Fay and I had our arms interlinked and we were skipping back to the tent.

"That was a wonderful game!" She said. "Normally I hate Quidditch but this match was pretty cool. I didn't know that Quaffle could be passed that fast."

I chuckled, "Yeah. That only shows how amazing they are. The Quaffle takes forever to get passed at Hogwarts."

We got back to the tent, and even though Mum told us to go to bed, we didn't. INstead, we went out and started partying with the Irish.

We were so ecstatic that we didn't even hear the screams at first. We just thought they were screams of joy. BUt then they continued.

I looked up and gasped. Above us, there were bodies floating in the air. Their limbs were spread out and crooked.

"It's the Death eaters!" Someone screamed out. "Run!"

Then we saw them. Hooded figures holding torches. They had masks on and they were chanting some sort of language. I couldn't understand it, but I found it was better that I didn't. I stumbled to get a hold of Seamus' shoulder who was staring in horror at the unfolding scene.

"Seamus. Seamus!" I said. 'We have to go!"

He nodded and took hold of Fay's hand. "Come on!" Dean and I followed after them. We had to push really hard to get through the crowds. Everyone was going crazy, trying to find their family and friends. So it wasn't completely surprising when I got separated from the others.

At first, I thought I would be able to find them again, but after five minutes, this theory proved to be completely wrong. There were bodies everywhere, I couldn't see straight. I was trying as hard as I could to get away from everyone, I could feel the ice building up inside me.

Then I felt a hand clamp over my shoulder. I screamed and a burst of ice shot out of my hands.

"Darcy! It's only us!" Fred said. He had never called me Darcy before. That meant he was serious. "Come on, you have to hide."

I followed him to the forest where GEorge and Ginny were waiting. GEorge looked at me in concern.

"What happened? Where's Seamus, Fay, and Dean?" He asked.

"W-w-we got separated." I stuttered out. I could barely breathe. That had been really scary. I put my fingers to my temples and rubbed gingerly.

"Darcy?" George asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. That was just really…" I shuddered and then said. "Who were those people?"

"Deatheaters." Fred said quietly. "You-Know-Who's followers."

My eyes widened, "What are they doing here?"

Fred sighed, "I wish I knew."

"And those people...the people in the sky. WHo are they?"

"Muggles." George said quietly.

Tears sprang to the corner of my eyes. "What."

"You remember what we said last year about Sirius Black. Those people are like him. They think Muggles are below us." George said.

I bit my lip and covered my face in my hands. This couldn't be happening. First Sirius Black and now all these Death eaters? What if they found my dad and treated him like that? I shook my head. No. My dad was in America. He would be okay.

George noticed my pained face and hugged me. "Hey, it's okay. They're gone now. They can't hurt anyone anymore."

"They're still out there. They could still hurt Muggles." I said.

"Well there's nothing we can do about it. All we can do is hope they don't do anything else." He said.

I sighed, "You're right, I guess."

"It was bound to happen sometime." George joked, smirked at me.

I smiled back and said, "I better go find Mum. They'll be looking for me."

"I-I'll go with you. Just in case." George said.

I blushed and nodded, "Okay."

"Mmm, gettin' it." Fred said quietly.

George and I looked at him and glared. "Shut up, Weasley."

"Go on, you have your family to look for." Fred said. "Ginny say goodbye to Blackbird."

"Bye Darcy." Ginny said.

I smirked, "Bye Ginny."

"So." George said as we made our way across the fields. "Did you enjoy the game?"

I nodded, "Yeah. Though, I think Seamus had the most fun."

"Oh really?" He laughed. "Why would you say that?"

I shrugged, "Maybe it has something to do with the fact that he screamed 'MORAN I LOVE YOU WILL YOU MARRY ME?' "

George cracked up and shook his head. I watched him and bit my lip. He was really attractive when he laughed.

"What about you?" I asked after I snapped out of my reverie. "Did you like the match?"

"Did I?" George exclaimed. "Fred and I won a bet against Ludo Bagman. We said that Ireland would win but Krum would catch the snitch."

"How could you have possibly guessed that?"

George shrugged, "I don't know. We just did! We're rich now!"

"Really? What are you using the money for?" I asked, looking up at him.

He grinned, "We're going to buy a joke shop in Diagon Alley."

"Wow!" I said. "You're amazing."

He looked at me questioningly. "Uh.."

Then I realized what I said. "I mean, That's amazing! That is." I was sure I was blushing beet red.

"Right." George said. "Well-"

"Darcy!" A shrill scream rang through the quiet.

I turned and saw it was Fay, running towards me. She reached me and attacked me in a hug.

"You're okay. Oh, God. We've been looking for you for." Fay sobbed into my shoulder.

"Calm down, Fay. I'm fine." I said, smiling into her shoulder.

"You!" Fay screamed at George. She threw me aside and went after him, pointing a finger at his chest. "Did you keep her safe? Is she hurt at all? If she is, you'll have hell to pay, Weasley!"

"Fay, please." Seamus said, running up behind me. "Darcy, we have to go. Mum is really upset."

I nodded. "Okay." I turned to George, "Thanks. But you better go too, I bet your Dad is looking for you."

"Alright." George said. "I'll see you guys next week." With that he marched away.

I stared off at him longingly. Fay giggled and wiped her eyes. "What were you guys doing?" Seamus nudged me suggestively so I punched him in the shoulder.

"Ow! Jesus, Darcy, calm your tits." Seamus hissed while rubbing his shoulder.

I glared at him and punched him again, "Shut up. Come on, Fay help your boyfriend."

I hope you liked this chapter. The next chapter will be from George's point of view which will be very fun to write. Also, George will be visiting Darcy's new house and some...things will be happening. ;) ;)

Until next time my wonderful people!

xxx

rosslynchandbeyond