HP
Lease of new Life - Chapter 52 - Quidditch and Pleasant Memories
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It was now later in the evening on Christmas day. After opening their presents Alex and Severus had Christmas dinner together along with Daisy. With the excitement of opening their presents over and Christmas dinner out of the way, Alex and Severus could now be found relaxing. Severus was currently sat in the study sipping on a glass of Superior Red whilst reading away. The bottle had been a gift from the Malfoys and was produced by the family itself.
Alex meanwhile was lying on his bed up in the attic. Daisy had helped him move his presents from downstairs and he was now contemplating what to do. He had already thumbed through a few of his new books but he was eyeing his pensive which was laid on the bed next to him, along with the two photo albums.
Alex was feeling an array of different emotions. He was nervous because he didn't know what to expect, but at the same time he was happy and excited because he was looking forward to the memories. Alex observed the small tray holding the vials of memories. There were four vials containing memories and he couldn't decide which one to pick. They were of course labelled with the owners names on them. Three of them belonged to his dad while one of them belonged to his mum.
Alex had no idea how his dad had got that memory but he didn't care. Deciding he couldn't wait any longer picked up one of the vials and un-stopped it breaking the seal. He poured the memory into the pensive and, then submerged his head into the basin as he dad had taught him and entered the memory.
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The memory settled and Alex found himself on a train station platform next to a large red locomotive. Observing the train he learned it was the Hogwarts Express. It was currently stationary but he could see steam rising from the chimney up front. The platform was currently very busy and packed with what he assumed must be witches and wizards. Some were already dressed in their robes which made it harder to determine what year it was, but those dressed in Muggle clothing easily gave the era away as the 1970's.
Looking to his side Alex spotted what he thought to be himself before he took a double take and realised it was his dad aged eleven. This must be dad's first trip to Hogwarts thought Alex excitedly to himself. But what about mum? Who's he staring at?
It was then that Alex noticed that his dad was staring at a family of four a short distance away. The two girls stood a little apart from their parents. Alex realised that the two girls were Lily his mother and Aunt Petunia. He also noticed what must be Mr and Mrs Evans. Mr Evans was a tall man with fiery red hair whilst his wife had dark hair. Well at least he knew where his mum get her hair from thought Alex to himself. Alex walked closer to the two girls and listened to what they were arguing about.
"I'm sorry, Tuney, I'm sorry! Listen –" said Lily as she caught her sister's hand and held it tightly even though Petunia tried to pull away. "Maybe once I'm there – no, listen, Tuney! Maybe once I'm there, I'll be able to go to Professor Dumbledore and persuade him to change his mind!"
"I don't – want – to – go!" said Petunia as she dragged her hand away. "You think I want to go to some stupid castle and learn to be a – a freak!"
The word freak brought Uncle Vernon's voice to his ears. "You're nothing but a worthless freak! Abnormal useless good for nothing freak! BOY! Get in here and start dinner, and I'll have none of your freakish weird abnormalities today! Or any day you worthless FREAK!"
"I'm not a freak," said Lily. "That's a horrible thing to say."
"That's where you're going," said Petunia with relish. "A special school for freaks. You and that Snape boy...weirdo's, that's what you two are. It's good you're being separated from normal people. It's for our safety."
Alex wasn't surprised that Petunia was being so cruel to his mum. He had after all experienced it firsthand. He started to realise her treatment towards him was more to do with her relationship with his mum than it did with himself.
"You didn't think it was such a freak's school when you wrote to the Headmaster and begged him to take you." Alex was absolutely shocked when he heard that.
Aunt Petunia begging to go to Hogwarts? His ears must be deceiving him because Aunt Petunia would never beg to go to Hogwarts in a million years. She couldn't stand hearing the M word never mind contemplating going to Hogwarts, no his mother had to be wrong or else his world was going to end.
"Beg I didn't beg!"
That's right thought Alex to himself, that's the Aunt Petunia he knew. Perhaps there was hope yet that his world as he knew it wasn't about to be completely turned on itself.
"I saw his reply. It was very kind."
No, no it couldn't be true thought Alex to himself in denial.
"You shouldn't have read –" whispered Petunia. "That was my private – how could you?"
What! So it's true thought Alex to himself furiously. She's just jealous! All along she was jealous of me and mum. How could she do that? It was never my fault, realised Alex, she hated me because of mum, now he knew why it never mattered how hard he tried to be good, and it would never have mattered because she was set in her ways, in her hatred.
Lily gave herself away by half glancing towards where his dad stood, Petunia gasped. "That boy found it! You and that boy have been sneaking in my room!"
"No – not sneaking –" now Lily was on the defensive. "Severus saw the envelope, and he couldn't believe a Muggle could have contacted Hogwarts, that's all! He says there must be wizards working undercover in the postal service who take care of –"
"Apparently wizards poke their noses in everywhere!" said Petunia, now as pale as she had been flushed. "Freak!" called Petunia as she spat at her sister.
"How dare you spit at my mum...you...you," voiced Alex angrily. Before he could finish his retort though the memory dissolved and he was once again lying on his bed. Alex lay there and felt incredible, it was if another heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders and chest.
His mum had been caring and had tried to comfort her sister yet Aunt Petunia had been rotten as ever. She was jealous, dad was right. It wasn't his fault. Nothing he could have done would have made Aunt Petunia like him. She hated mum and therefore hated me because I reminded her of mum.
Alex eager to find out more scooped up the memory that was currently floating in the pensive and bottled it. He stopped the vial and then placed it in the tray. Taking another vial he un-stopped it and poured its contents into the pensive. With the memory poured in he submerged his head.
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The memory settled and Alex found himself sat beside his dad in an empty compartment on the Hogwarts Express. His dad looked to be about fifteen and was currently alone. That quickly changed when Lily poked her head around the doorway and entered.
"Hi Sev," she grinned.
"Hi Lily," smiled back Severus. Alex watched as his dad tried to help Lily place her trunk in the compartment. Alex noticed that his dad was wincing in pain. Lily seemed to notice as well.
"What's wrong Sev?" asked Lily concerned.
"Nothing I'm fine," grimaced Severus.
"You're not fine," said Lily putting her hand on Severus's back. The action caused him to yelp in pain and he was forced to admit that he was not fine. Lily had him sit back down. "Let me see."
"No!"
"He did it didn't he?"
"No it was just a fight with some boys."
"Hold still," said Lily trying to lift his shirt. "Stop fighting me," she said as he wrestled to keep his shirt on. "Please," pleaded Lily. Her plea took all the fight out of Severus and he remained still as she lifted his blood stained shirt. With the shirt up Alex was able to see that there were deep cuts along his dad's back, no doubt from a belt. Lily just tooted "Fights with boys was it?" Severus just looked down in shame at his lie.
"I'm sorry," came Severus's quiet reply.
"Sshh it's not your fault. Now hold still while I heal these," said Lily taking out her wand. "Episkey," called Lily waving her wand over the multiple cuts and gashes. "I don't have anything for the bruises but at least it's not as bad."
"Thank you Lily," sighed Severus.
"You're welcome, now why?" asked Lily causing Severus to look uncomfortable. "Come on tell me."
"I...he found me brewing," let out Severus as his head sunk again.
"Oh Sev, come here," said Lily hugging Severus. The memory began to dissolve and before long Alex found himself lying back on his bed. He took a moment to think about the memory before he bottled it.
Mum really had been so caring. He understood why his dad liked her so much. She made his abuse easier. He wished he had had someone like that to help him when he was beaten at the Dursleys. He also realised how alike he and his dad were. His dad had tried to cover it up at first, just as he had done at the Dursleys on numerous occasions.
Eager to find out more he bottled the memory and took up another vial. The label said it was one of his mum's memories. He broke the seal and poured the memory into the pensive. He submerged his head and entered the memory.
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The memory settled and Alex found himself in a park on a sunny day. In front of him sat on a bench were three people. Alex instantly recognised them. On the left sat his dad who looked to be around twenty or twenty one years old. Similarly the red headed woman sat next to him looked to be around the same age. Sat on his mum's lap was a baby boy in a white romper suit. The baby looked to be around 12 months old. Alex realised it was him as a baby. Alex didn't know what to do so he just watched on with his mouth hanging open.
"Sev what are you doing here?" asked Lily.
When his mum called his dad Sev like how he used to it knocked him out of his stupor.
"I...I just...I just wanted to see how things are going...we haven't spoken since –"
"Since you called me a mudblood?" asked Lily as she raised her eyebrow and covered little Harry's ears so he wouldn't hear the nasty word.
"Indeed," winced Severus. "I'll go if you don't want me to stay."
"Its fine Sev, I can never forgive you for what you called me but now you're in the Order I can start to forgive you for your Death Eater past," replied Lily.
"Thank you...you don't know how much that means to me," replied Severus who watched little Harry play. Lily watched on too almost mesmerised as her little baby boy clapped his hands together as he observed the colourful butterfly that was flying around him. Alex watched on as the butterfly landed on little Harry's nose causing him to gurgle and squeal with delight.
"Aww someone's a happy boy," cooed Lily as she knelt down and kissed Harry on the check. Alex watched on and felt his own cheek in exactly the same spot. It was great watching his mum with him as a baby. He looked so happy as she gently bounced him on her lap.
"Hello there Harry," said Lily as she looked up from baby Harry and stared right at Alex. It gave Alex the shock of his life and he stumbled backwards with his mouth hanging open in complete disbelief and shock. Could mum see him? No that was impossible.
"Don't worry you're not going mad," said Lily with a reassuring smile.
"Lily what are you doing?" asked Severus with a confused expression. Alex had to agree because this was very confusing and very weird.
"I plan to look back on days like these when Harry is older. We can look at the memories together in a pensive, we would be standing right there," said Lily pointing to the spot in front of the bench. Alex understood now, she couldn't actually see him but she had planned this in case he looked at the memory. It brought tears to his eyes.
"Well you probably just gave him the shock of his life," replied Severus.
"I probably did didn't I, well parents are allowed to have a bit of fun from time to time," laughed Lily looking back down at little Harry as he obliviously smiled on. "Come closer Harry, stand in front of me," spoke Lily softly. Alex found himself standing in front of her without even having to think about it.
"Look how cute you looked as a baby," smiled on Lily with admiration in her eyes. Alex had to agree with her he did look very cute as a baby. "Just so you know, mummy loves you," spoke Lily with a warm smile which she aimed at Alex. Alex smiled back as the tears trickled down his cheeks. He noticed that his mum was looking up over his head. Of course she probably thought he would have been older when they did this. He still loved the fact that she had done it though.
"Love you too mum," whispered back Alex. He watched on as his mum gazed down at little Harry for a little while longer. She then took out her wand and retracted a silver memory. As she did the memory began to dissolve. Alex realised it must have been the cut off point since that was when she removed the memory.
Alex turned over onto his stomach and buried his head into his pillow and sobbed away. It had been great but it had just been way too much for him to hold it all in. His mum telling him she loved him was the best Christmas present he had ever received, and he seriously doubted whether anything would ever be able to top it. Alex cried and cried and when he stopped he felt tired and drained. Before he knew it he drifted off and was fast asleep.
That's how Severus found Alex when he went looking for him later in the evening. Severus observed the pensive that was lying next to Alex and noticed the empty vial. He knew which memory Alex had been viewing before he had fallen asleep. Severus guessed rightfully that Alex had been upset after the memory and had fallen asleep. He didn't blame Alex, he knew that memory would have been very emotional for him. Especially with Lily saying she loved him in it.
He remembered back to the day he had actually been there and how odd it had been at the time. Now though he was eternally grateful for the fact that she had done it. It was most likely the only time Alex would remember his mother speaking those love filled words towards him. Severus bottled the memory from the pensive and stored them away along with the pensive in the wooden box. Severus placed the box and the photo albums on the bedside cabinet and then moved to put Alex to bed.
"Come on son, let's get you in bed," said Severus gently lifting Alex.
"Mnhnn," let out Alex half asleep as Severus placed him under the sheets. Severus tucked Alex in and then smiled as he stroked Alex's hair. As he did so Alex unconsciously leaned into his touch. "Love you son, goodnight," spoke Severus softly as he planted a kiss on Alex's forehead. Alex smiled in his sleep while Severus took one more glance before moving to head back downstairs.
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Boxing Day morning saw Alex and Severus sat with Daisy at the kitchen table eating Breakfast. Since Alex and Severus now had season tickets to see Puddlemere United, they planned to go to their first match together with Sebastian and his father today. The match was going to be against the Kenmare Kestrels, an Irish team that originated from the town of Kenmare. Severus sat in thought whilst eating his breakfast and thought about the day ahead and other things.
He was looking forward to today. Alex loved Quidditch and he knew he was going to be excited to go to his first ever Quidditch match. He didn't particularly like the sport but since it was one of Alex's interests he made an effort to like it. From what Alex had told him the Kestrels were a good Quidditch team. They had a number of good players, particularly one of their chasers Moran, who was an Irish international standard player. The Puddlemere chasers we're certainly going to have their hands full. He just hoped Puddlemere won because Alex was likely to be disappointed if they didn't.
He was happy with how Alex was doing. Last night he had found Alex viewing the memories. He didn't know how many of them he had watched yet except for the one he had found him with. Alex had changed for the better in the five months they had been together. When they had first met, Alex had been a scared shy little boy with no friends who was ashamed of the abuse he had suffered.
Although Alex would probably never be out going he did now have a level of confidence that he didn't have before. He was of course still shy when meeting new people but he now had a good amount of friends who had stuck by him. That was another thing, Alex had spoke about the abuse on a number of occasions. Alex now accepted the abuse had occurred and that it wasn't his fault. He had even spoken about the rape with Draco and although he hadn't told Sebastian and his friends everything they knew quite a bit.
Alex having a pensive did bring a problem though thought Severus to himself. He would now be able to view the memories from Vernon of Alex's abuse. He had to decide whether he wanted to view the memories. Did he need to understand anymore? He didn't think so, Alex had spoken about the abuse, yes he hadn't gone into the details but the most important thing was that Alex knew it wasn't his fault, that he didn't need to be ashamed of himself. He then realised that no, he didn't need to view the memories.
Severus realising he had been lost in thought for some time spoke up. "Nearly finished?" asked Severus looking down at Alex.
"Nearly," replied Alex looking up at his dad.
"What memories did you view last night?"
"The first one was on a train platform next to the Hogwarts Express."
"It's called platform nine and three quarters," elaborated Severus.
"Three quarters? That's silly," smirked Alex.
"It's because it's between platform's nine and ten at King's Cross station, what did you think of the memory?"
"I suppose that makes sense, I liked the memory though, I never knew Aunt Petunia wanted to go to Hogwarts, I know now she was just jealous of me and mum," spoke Alex, the anger showing in his voice towards the end.
"I'm glad you realised that," replied Severus who had selected that particular memory with that purpose in mind.
"The second one was of you and mum on the train."
"Your mother always was caring towards me," remarked Severus. "What about the memory in the park?"
"It was...," spoke Alex with a fond expression on his face, "It was lovely, hearing mum say she loved me, she nearly gave me a heart attack though," smiled Alex.
"I'm not surprised," chuckled Severus.
"What's a Mudblood though?" asked Alex curiously.
"I will explain it this once and since you don't know what the word means you won't be punished. However if I ever hear that word coming out of your mouth again then I will wash it out with soap. Mudblood is a very foul name for a Muggleborn. It refers to the idea of dirty blood, it's a load of rubbish spouted by pureblood bigots, and I made the mistake of calling your mother it once and regretted it for the rest of my life. Do you understand?" said Severus more harshly than he intended.
"I understand dad, I won't use it...I just wondered," trailed off Alex quietly as his gaze dropped down to his plate.
"Alex you're not in trouble, I just want you to understand how offensive the word is," said Severus seeking to reassure Alex, his tone a lot softer, he hadn't meant to snap at Alex but the word really was a sore point.
"I'm not?" asked Alex looking up.
"No you're not. If you were I would have punished you by now."
"Oh...then why did you call mum it?" asked Alex curiously
"Don't ask me that!" snapped Severus furiously.
"Alright I'm sorry! I didn't mean anything by it...I'll be quiet." Severus let out a heavy sigh and closed his eyes as he brushed his hand through his hair. He had snapped at Alex again and he felt terrible for it.
"Look Alex I'm sorry. I should not have snapped at you like that again. It's just a really bad memory for me. I called your mother a mudblood because I was very hurt and embarrassed at the time. I was in front of Slytherins who thought Muggleborn's were the lowest of the low. Then your mother came to help me and I lashed out to try and defend my ego in front of everyone. I still regret it...Again I'm really sorry for snapping at you."
"I know dad, its okay though, I think mum would forgive you for looking after me."
"Perhaps, now finish your breakfast and we can go have some fun," said Severus seeking to lighten the mood.
"Okay," smiled Alex who began eating away at the last of Breakfast. Once he was finished Daisy cleared away their plates. Alex went to get dressed while Severus moved to wait in the study, whilst waiting Severus received a Floo call. He moved towards the hearth and answered it.
"Sebastian, Philip," greeted Severus.
"Severus."
"Hi Mr Snape, where's Alex?"
"He's just getting ready, step through," replied Severus moving out of the way. Sebastian and Mr Miles stepped through the Floo and emerged in the study. Sebastian fell forwards towards Severus who caught him before he pushed him back gently so he was standing properly.
"Thank you Mr Snape," spoke up Sebastian as his father waved his wand over them.
"You're welcome," replied Severus observing the boy and his father. Mr Miles was currently wearing blue winter robes and a grey cloak, while Sebastian was wearing his Puddlemere United flying robes with his Glaucous blue cloak. Severus looked up when Alex entered. Like Sebastian he was wearing his Puddlemere United flying robes, although he wore his hooded silver cloak which was fastened around his neck by its gold fastenings.
"Got the tickets?" asked Mr Miles aiming the question at Severus who nodded his reply. "Excellent me and Sebastian got our own here, right well best be off."
"Come along Alex," said Severus taking Alex's hand before he made his way to the front door, Sebastian and Mr Miles following suit. Once outside Severus warded the door before they made their way past the boundaries.
"Best let me do the apparating since I know where to go," called Mr Miles. Severus nodded in agreement before he took Alex's left hand and Sebastian's right. Mr Miles took Alex's right and Sebastian's left before he apparated them away.
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The four of them appeared some way away from the Ilkley Moor Stadium which was Puddlemere United's home ground. In front of them was a road leading up to the stadium with portable market stalls and tents surrounding the stadium itself. The tents were in varying sizes and shapes but there was one thing they all had in common. They were all emerald green and bore the unmistakable back to back yellow K's representing the Kenmare Kestrels. Alex assumed they were for the away fans that no doubt had had to travel, especially if they came all the way from Ireland.
The market stalls sold all manners of goods. The majority of them sold Puddlemere merchandise in varying different shapes and forms, scarves, gloves, flags and match day programmes were just some of the goods for sale. Food and drink as well as sweets were also available. The four of them began walking through the stalls until Sebastian spoke up when they passed a stall selling Omnioculars.
"Mr Snape, do you and Alex have Omnioculars?" said Sebastian as he took out his own pair of the strange telescopic device.
"Omnioculars?" asked Alex with a confused expression.
"There so you can see what's going on," explained Mr Miles.
"Oh."
"No we do not," replied Severus.
"Better buy some now then," said Mr Miles gesturing towards the stall. Severus nodded before he approached the man selling the Omnioculars. The devices were indeed strange. They were similar to Muggle binoculars only one held them with one hand and used the other hand to adjust the settings and zoom. Severus purchased two pairs of Omnioculars at ʛ6 a piece. Trying out the device he discovered that it had a replay feature as well as a feature to slow down or speed up the viewing speed.
"These are so cool," spoke up Alex who was using his Omnioculars to stare around the market stalls. He jumped in surprise when Sebastian stuck his head in front of the device. "Sebastian don't scare me like that."
"Come on boys much to do," called Mr Miles. The four of them browsed through the stalls. Severus purchased a blue Puddlemere United scarf to ensure he wouldn't be accused of not showing his support. It did look odd against his traditional all black winter robes though. Wrapping it around his neck they moved on. Alex and Sebastian wanted a programme each so the two fathers bought them before they set off once again. There last purchase occurred when they were coming near the end of the stalls towards the stadium itself. Alex spotted a face paint artist and spoke up as he pointed it out.
"Dad can I get my face painted?" asked Alex excitedly.
"Of course," replied Severus as he led Alex over to the stall. Sebastian wanted his face painted as well so he waited his turn as Alex sat on the stool. The lady artist waved her wand over Alex accurately and began to colour in his face so it was blue with two golden coloured bulrushes on either cheek, both bulrushes representing Puddlemere United's crest.
When the lady had finished painting his face Alex stood while his dad paid eight Sickles. Alex watched Sebastian sit on the stool an observed the others getting their faces painted. It was then that Alex noted that it wasn't only Puddlemere fans that were getting their faces painted. It seemed the stall offered their services to both sets of fans, rather clever when one considered they would make more money that way.
Sat next to Sebastian was a sandy haired boy who looked to be around ten years old. He was wearing the emerald green flying robes of the Kenmare Kestrels and, was having his face painted green with two yellow K's on each cheek. The boy noticed him because he smiled before proclaiming, "You've no chance," he said in an Irish accent with a wide grin.
"Yeah we do," smiled back Alex.
"No you don't we have Moran," spoke the boy confidently.
"So we have Benjy Williams and his sister who are both International players," returned Alex.
"For England yeah and they're rubbish."
"Don't let him bait you son," spoke up Severus with a smirk.
"Aye I'm only bantering, names Seamus Finnigan, what's yours?"
"Alexander Snape," replied Alex shaking the boy's hand.
"Good to meet you, well I have to go," replied the boy as he stood and gestured towards what was no doubt his mother.
They said their goodbyes by which time Sebastian was finished. They made their way towards the stadium, both boys' hand in hand with their fathers. At the gate Severus produced their own tickets while Sebastian and Mr Miles said their goodbyes since they didn't have season tickets. They of course would be seated elsewhere in the stadium. Alex who already knew this wasn't upset by it, he was too excited to be upset.
Once inside Alex and Severus climbed up the stairs until they were a good fifty feet into the air. They were exactly level with the goals while those with cheaper tickets were lower down in the stands. They were positioned so they were in the middle of the pitch and had a good view of both ends.
Severus moved towards the front row and led Alex to seats seven and eight, they both sat with Alex sitting on the left and Severus sitting on the right. To Severus's right was an old wizard who was reading the Daily Prophet.
To Alex's left was a family of three. There was a young man in his thirties with what was presumably his two young sons, seven and five respectably. Both boys shared their father's blonde hair and were dressed similar to Alex in their Puddlemere United attire. Since their season tickets meant the seats were fixed, Severus decided to introduce himself to the family since they would no doubt be seeing a lot of each other.
"Severus Snape," spoke up Severus holding out his hand over the young boy sat to Alex's left since the man was sat in between his two sons. The man shook it and replied. "Richard Staffwood, my boys Thomas and Mathew," said Mr Staffwood first gesturing towards the seven year old who must be Thomas and the five year old who was obviously Mathew.
"Alexander who prefers Alex," said Severus gesturing towards his own son.
"Good to meet you, I guess you got the Oakfield's tickets, they mentioned moving away to Canada so I guess they did, well congratulations on getting the tickets," smiled Mr Staffwood.
"Thank you," returned Severus.
"Who's your favourite player?" asked Mathew aiming the question at Alex.
"I don't know, I've never seen a game before," replied Alex.
"Really? Dad takes us all the time, mines Benjy," smiled the boy.
"I don't think it matters who Alex's favourite player is as long as it is one of ours," smiled Mr Stafford.
"Yeah you're right," agreed Mathew with a smile.
Since the conversation died down Alex took out his programme and held it next to his dad so they could read it together. Alex skipped the manager's address and focused on the league and team news.
League table
Key: P = Played. W = Won. D = Drawn. L = Lost. S = Points Scored. C = Points Conceded. SC = Snitches caught (150 points). TP = total Points.
Rankings top four:
Montrose Magpies:P: 19 W: 18 D: 1 L: 0 S: 6450 C: 125 SC: 15 TP: 8575.
Ballycastle Bats: P: 19 W: 16 D: 0 L: 4 S: 6125 C: 200 SC: 17 TP: 8375.
Puddlemere United:P: 19 W: 14 D: 0 L: 5 S: 5900 C: 250 SC: 17 TP: 8200.
Kenmare Kestrels:P: 19 W: 13 D: 0 L: 6 S: 5850 C: 280 SC: 15 TP: 7820.
After reading the league table Alex learned that Puddlemere were third just above the Kenmare Kestrels. At the current moment it didn't look like United would be overcoming second or first place respectively. The Ballycastle Bats had won the title twenty seven times and the Montrose Magpies thirty two times after all. Puddlemere had only managed that feat twenty two times and were not as experienced as those two.
They did stand a good chance of beating the Kestrels although he suspected it might be a close game. The good news was that there were no injuries so the entire first team was out. Alex and Severus as well as the Staffwood family paid attention when a loud voice rung out through the stadium.
"Edward Redwing at your service ladies and gentlemen boys and girls, welcome to the twentieth game of the season between Puddlemere United," there was a roaring cheer throughout the ground, "and the Kenmare Kestrels," there was another cheer although not as load as well as some boo's. "We hope you have all enjoyed your Christmas and are looking forward to the match which will be starting momentarily," said the announcer. Alex and Severus watched on eagerly paying attention to the dugout where the teams would be appearing.
"First ladies and gentlemen some announcements before the game. First Puddlemere United would like to say happy birthday to Adam Wilds who is celebrating his six birthday today so a round of applause for Adam!" called the announcer who was soon drowned out by the loud cheers and applause that followed.
"Also we would also like to welcome Alexander Snape who is attending his first game today. We hope it won't be the last!" There was another set of cheering and applause which forced Alex to smile up at Severus since it was unlikely they would be able to hear each other. Once the cheering died down and they could be heard Alex spoke up.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
"Now let's give up it for the home side!" called the announcer as the doors to the dugout opened up. "Playing as chasers Rebecca Williams! Shelly Firetts! And Andy Maber as captain...And as beaters Thomas Ensor and George Dorey!" There was a huge round of cheering as the five players flew on to the pitch. "In goal Bill Meech and as seeker Benjy Williams who shouldn't be confused for his sister!" Alex watched on and observed the brooms they were flying. It seemed they all owned Nimbus 1700's.
"Now for the away side, playing as chasers, Aaron McLoughlin! Mark Dunne! And Aoife Moran as captain!" The cheer for when Moran's name was called was deafening, considering how popular she was it was no wonder. "And as beaters Ciaran Fitzgerald! And Áine O'Connor! In goal Barry Ryan! And last but not least Aidan Kiely as seeker!"
With all the players in the air and at their respective ends of the centre circle, Puddlemere on the left and the Kestrels on the right, the game was ready to begin. "And the referee is addressing the captains, yes we're ready to begin... And we're off!" called the announcer.
Alex watched on with his Omnioculars and followed Moran as she immediately won the Quaffle. "Moran in possession...Maber unsuccessful in his challenge...A nice Wollongong Shimmy there...And there's a Porskoff Ploy... McLoughlin scores! 0-10! Alex groaned with the rest of the Puddlemere supporters whilst watching the replay with his Omnioculars. As he did so it gave him information on the moves.
Wollongong Shimmy: Perfected by the Australian Wollongong Wanderers, this is a high speed zigzagging movement intended to throw off opposing chasers.
Porskoff Ploy: The chasers carrying the Quaffle flies upwards, leading opposing chasers to believe that he or she is trying to escape them to score, but then throws the Quaffle downwards to a fellow chaser waiting to catch it. Pinpoint timing is of the essence. Named after the Russian chaser Petrova Porskoff.
"Meech passes it out to Williams...And there forming up for a Hawkshead attacking formation! Look at them go! There through! That it's! 10-10," called the announcer to the cheers of the crowd.
"Yay dad!" cheered Alex hugging Severus.
"Pay attention son," said Severus breaking off the embrace so they didn't miss anything.
"Ryan out to Dunne...To Moran..Oh nice Bludger there from Ensor...Firetts in Possession...To Williams... Now Maber...And there working their way up but the defence is good. And that's it! 20-10...wait no, the referee is signalling for stooging so it's not going to count, 10-10 it remains. Alex watched on through his Omnioculars and read.
Stooging: More than one Chaser entering the scoring area. (Chasers only)
"Get off ref it was never stooging in a million years!" called Mr Staffwood angrily beside Alex and Severus.
"Now Ryan to McLoughlin...To Moran...ouch that's got to hurt but a nice Dopplebeater defence from the Puddlemere beaters there!"
Dopplebeater defence: Both beaters hit a Bludger at the same time for extra power, resulting in a Bludger attack of greater severity.
"She seems to be okay and Maber in possession...Firetts...Williams...Maber...Firetts scores! 20-10!" called the announcer as the crowd went berserk. The game continued and was touch and go until around an hour in when the Kestrels began to pull away. The score was now 40-90 to the Kenmare Kestrels.
"And it looks like Aidan Kiely has seen the snitch and look at him go!" Alex watched on as Benjy Williams tried to catch up but It was no use though as Kiely was miles ahead. He was now reaching out towards the snitch which was inches away.
"Oh my god he nearly had it! He's going to catch it!" then WHAM. "Nice Bludger there from George Dorey and the snitch has gone... he's winded but he looks okay," before there was another WHAM. "Ouch looks like Ensor wasn't leaving anything to chance and Kiely's in trouble. Yes a broken arm from the looks of it, well he's going to struggle to play on," called the announcer resulting in a collective groan from the Kestrels supporters.
"Now Maber in possession. Moran misses..He's going all the way...Yes and he's done it! 50-90, wait the referee has seen something. Looks like it's not going to count due to Haversacking." Alex groaned along with the other supporters before he read.
Haversacking: Hand still on the Quaffle as it goes through the goal hoop - the Quaffle must be thrown through the goal. (Chasers only)
"So the score remains 40-90 to the Kestrels...Now Moran...still Moran...still Moran...she passes it off to Dunne...Now McLoughlin...He scores! 40-100! "Now Benjy's seen something...Yes it's the snitch!"
Alex snapped his head up and looked up at Benjy Williams who was diving towards the snitch with Aidan Kiely in close pursuit. Benjy pulled up out of the dive as the snitch changed direction and shot towards the goal. Alex held his breath and didn't breathe as Benjy reached out his hand.
"Come on you can do it!" called Thomas nearby.
"He's done it! Puddlemere take the win 190-100," called the announcer.
"YES! YES! DAD WE WON!" called Alex who began jumping up and down in delight. Severus smiled on and hugged Alex to him.
He was incredibly grateful that they had won. For awhile there it looked like the Kestrels were going to win since their chasers were superior. Moran in particular but that was no surprise considering she was on the Irish international squad.
"We did son," said Severus letting out a sigh of relief.
"Good game," called Mr Staffwood also looked relieved but chuffed.
"Close," replied Severus.
"It was but we won which is all that matters, come on boys, see you at the next game, " called Mr Staffwood giving Alex and Severus a nod before he left with his two sons. Severus and Alex left their seats and made their way down the stairs through the stand. Once outside they waited and met up with Sebastian and Mr Miles.
"We won!" called Sebastian
"It was close though," replied Alex.
"Yeah it was, what do you think of your first game then?"
"It was great, I like Benjy but Maber is good too since he's a chaser, Moran was great as well did you see the Wollongong Shimmy and Porskoff Ploy?"
"Yeah I know she's great but they say Troy is better, I don't know though," replied Sebastian.
"Alright boys let's head back," called Mr Miles taking hold of Sebastian's hand. Severus did the same. They all said their goodbyes before they apparated to their respective homes.
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Authors Notes:
I hope everyone liked the chapter, now for my notes. I really liked the memories. I wanted to avoid using to many of the ones from cannon since that can become very boring. I did want to use the one of platform ¾ though because I wanted Alex to realise Petunia wanted to go to Hogwarts. Similarly I wanted a nice memory of Lily for Alex hence the memory in the park. If that didn't warm your heart then I must inform you that you don't have one.
Unfortunately the information on Harry Potter wiki is very limited when it comes to Quidditch and its teams. The only known player for Puddlemere United in the period is Benjy Williams. Similarly Aidan Kiely is the only listed player for the Kenmare Kestrels.
I therefore spent quite a bit of time researching Irish names as well as English name from Dorset, since that is where Puddlemere United originate from. Hopefully the names were convincing. Interestingly enough I found out Seamus Finnigan supports the Kenmare Kestrels and decided to add him as well.
The fouls are and moves are also real moves used in Quidditch. Again Quidditch through the ages was a great reference point which I found very useful. If you want to write Harry Potter fan fiction then you need all seven books including the three stand alone ones. Please let me know what you thought of the chapter. Thankfully I think I have overcome my writing block. I just needed to spend a few hours going over my plans and ironing out the details.
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