A/N: i'm not completely sure if the World Cup took place on the 25th of August, my apologies if it's incorrect.
Chapter 21
During the beginning of August, Sam had been invited to attend the upcoming Quidditch World Cup with Tonks, who had received top-row tickets from the Ministry, and Sam had agreed on coming to watch the match.
It was now the 25th of August, the day of the World Cup. Sam had been in a deep sleep, and it had taken Tonks a while to wake her up. Even though she was still quite sleepy, Sam managed to get ready and pack the things she would need for the nights the two would spend there.
"Can I sleep?" Sam asked, walking into the kitchen, where Tonks was preparing breakfast.
"Do you promise to wake up the first time I tell you to?" Tonks jokingly retorted.
"I'll try my best," Sam replied. Tonks snorted and nodded.
Sam flopped down onto the sofa, resting her head on one of the pillows. She shut her eyes, and even though she was very tired and only half awake, she failed to fall asleep. She tried and she tried, but was unsuccessful. She had a feeling that something unpleasant would happen today, but she couldn't figure out what.
Just as Sam had finally managed to begin sleeping again, Tonks called to her. Sam groaned and opened her eyes, slowly walking to the table.
"You have to eat," Tonks told the younger girl. "Once we get there, I promise I'll let you sleep."
Tonks understood why Sam was exhausted. The full moon had occurred only a few days ago, and Sam was still recovering. Both girls wished the World Cup had been moved to another day, but Sam decided that she wouldn't let her condition stop them from enjoying themselves.
Finally, the two were leaving Tonks's flat, heading to where a Portkey would be waiting for them. They reached the location and off they went, making their way to the grounds.
—
Landing on the ground, both girls stumbled and fell onto the grass, bursting into laughter. The Portkey had fully woken Sam up, for now, she no longer felt tired.
After Tonks had talked to the Muggle owner of the campgrounds and another Ministry worker, the two were able to leave and find their tent.
"What do we do now?" Sam asked as they finished setting their belongings down.
"Dunno," Tonks shrugged. "What do you want to do?"
Sam shrugged as well, then she began wondering if her friends from Hogwarts were there. Sam then remembered the Weasley's would also be attending the match, Sam feeling a bit shy to see them.
"Let's go for a walk, it's nice outside," Tonks suggested, getting to her feet.
"Yeah, it's very nice with all the screaming and squealing," Sam joked. Tonks rolled her eyes in a playful manner. Sam stood up as well, the pair heading out of the tent.
As they were walking all around the grounds, Sam felt a splash of cold water hit her back. She whirled around to try and see who had thrown the water. Sam saw Tonks and studied her face, noticing how she was fighting back her laughter. Sam gasped dramatically.
"I'm getting you back," Sam stated, removing the lid of her water bottle that she had brought along. She managed to splash Tonks at the back of her neck, wetting a few strands of hair.
"You should start running," Tonks said confidently. With the first step Tonks took towards Sam, the younger girl yelped and sprinted away, Tonks not too far behind her.
Sam hit Tonks again with more water, and Tonks had done the same. They kept running and throwing water and laughing, ignoring the complaints others were giving them.
Sam had come to a stop, looking all around for Tonks. She couldn't find her and began feeling quite nervous. But suddenly, Sam felt herself being doused with what seemed like a bucket of water.
"OI!" Sam nearly yelled at Tonks, who was snickering. She had used her wand to soak Sam. "THAT'S CHEATING!"
"There were no rules!" Tonks shot back, laughing even louder. Sam began laughing as well, her sides beginning to hurt.
"Tonks? Is that you?"
A new voice was heard, one Sam couldn't recognize.
"Roberts?" Tonks called back. Sam was confused, but soon realized that they most likely worked together at the Ministry. "Hang on, Sam, I'll be right back."
Sam nodded and watched as Tonks walked away, talking to a shorter man. Rubbing her wet shoulders, she looked all around, seeing how happy each person was.
"You came!" Another voice called, this time being well-known.
"Hi George," Sam greeted, spinning around to see her ginger friend.
The Weasley's tent was in front of Sam, but she hadn't seen them. She saw Hermione and Harry there as well, but they were busy talking to Ron and Ginny.
"Sam?" Someone asked as George led Sam into the tent. She looked at who had called her, and surprising her, it was Bill Weasley.
"Bill?" Sam asked, the shock present in her tone. A grin had crossed Sam's face; Bill was like an older brother to Sam, but ever since he left to work as a Curse-Breaker, they hadn't got the chance meet.
"Bloody hell, you've really grown!" He chuckled, walking over to Sam and patting her on the head. "Last time I saw you, you were already doing accidental magic!"
Sam grinned at the memory of her accidentally causing a house spider to appear in Bill's trousers when she was a toddler.
"Why're you soaked?" George asked.
"Tonks," Sam answered, although George didn't know her too well.
"Oh, that little rat," Bill chuckled. "We're good friends, me and Tonks."
Sam nodded, rubbing her arms, which were beginning to feel cold.
"What's all this? Who're you talking—" Fred had just stepped out of the 'room' he and George would be staying in, and his eyes had landed on Sam.
Fred's jaw almost dropped. Sam was not looking, as she had been talking to Bill and George, and Fred found himself staring. She was drenched from head to toe, stray strands of hair plastered onto her face. Her white ribbed tank top was see-through because of the supposed water that had she had been doused with. And because Fred could see through it, he could see the outline of her light grey bralette, and—
"Oi, Fred!" George called. Sam blushed, seeing how Fred's eyes had been on her. "What're you looking at, hm?"
"It's a who, George," Bill added teasingly. Fred rolled his eyes and approached the three.
"I'll leave you lot alone now," Bill said, waving to Sam and leaving the tent.
"So, you ended up coming?" Fred started awkwardly. Sam nodded.
"Yeah," she answered, shivering slightly.
"Are you cold?" He then asked, ignoring George's sniggers.
"Erm, kind of," Sam shrugged. "It's fine."
"You know what I forgot?" George interrupted, Fred sending George an annoyed look. "You're fifteen already!"
"Mhm," Sam nodded shyly, flashing them a small smile. "You didn't forget."
"Shh, I was just saving Freddie here from being awkward," George joked, Sam giggling and Fred whacking George's shoulder. "Oh, also saving me from second-hand embarrassment."
Sam laughed, and the twins joined in, momentarily forgetting what had happened the year before. Soon, Sam had to leave, but they were sure they'd see each other again at the match.
—
"Come on," Tonks said to Sam, holding her by the hand so she wouldn't get lost in the crowds.
The two girls were making their way up to the Minister's Box, where they would be able to watch the game clearly. The World Cup would be starting any time soon, and they were trying to get to their seats quickly.
"Here," Tonks nearly shouted over the chants of other attendees. Sam plopped onto her seat, Tonks sitting right by her.
"I'll bet you ten Sickles Bulgaria'll win," Tonks told Sam, who scoffed.
"And I'll bet you ten Sickles Ireland will be the winner," Sam retorted. Tonks chuckled.
"Well, be prepared to pay me after this," she said confidently, folding her arms across her chest.
"Please, I won't be the one owing one of us," Sam returned, smirking.
Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, then announced that the World Cup would be starting. And with a swish of his wand, the match began.
—
"I told you I wouldn't be paying!" Sam cried triumphantly.
The Quidditch World Cup had just ended, and it ended with Viktor Krum of Bulgaria catching the Snitch, but Ireland winning the Cup. Tonks groaned and pulled out ten Sickles from her pocket, handing them to Sam.
"Thank you," Sam teased, shoving the coins into the pocket of her jacket.
As Tonks and Sam began leaving the arena, Sam saw the Weasley's, and Fred had caught her eye. She grinned at how a large shamrock was painted across his face, and he noticed and winked back.
The girls headed back to their tent, talking about how one team played better than the other and the like. And after a quick meal, they bid goodnight, quickly falling asleep.
—
Around one or two in the morning, Sam was awoken with harsh shoves to the shoulder and shouting.
"Sam, wake up!"
Sam groaned and opened her eyes. There was loud screaming coming from outside, and she assumed that those who rooted for Ireland were celebrating.
"What?" She asked groggily, rubbing her eyes.
"We have to go!" Tonks cried, a hint of fear present in her tone.
"Celebrate the win?" Sam asked confusedly.
"People aren't celebrating," Tonks stated, tugging on Sam's wrist. "Please, Sam, come on."
Sam climbed out of bed, her legs feeling strained due to the fact she had fallen asleep with her jeans on. Sam grabbed her wand, gripping it tightly as she followed Tonks out of the tent.
Tonks had been right; people weren't celebrating. They were screaming and running for their lives. There was fire in different parts of the campground. Sam saw a group of cloaked and hooded men and right away, she knew who they where: Death Eaters.
"Sam, run to the woods. That's where you'll be safe," Tonks directed Sam, her hands placed firmly on the younger girl's shoulders. "I'm an Auror, I have to help."
Sam nodded fearfully, the girls separating ways. She ran as fast as her legs could take her, her fingers trembling.
Not seeing the belongings of another person on the ground, Sam tripped over it, falling onto the ground. Her cheek was cut by the object, and her jeans had been ripped.
Sam tried getting back onto her feet, but someone had run into her, knocking her back down. She could feel her chest tightening and tears stinging her eyes as she covered her head with her arms.
She then felt someone grab her hand, scaring the living daylights out of her. Sam looked up, and after seeing that it was Fred was helping her up, she calmed down a bit.
"Hurry!" He yelled over the screams and cries. Sam held onto her wand and his hand for dear life, both running towards the woods.
As Sam saw the woods getting closer, she no longer felt Fred's hand in hers. She looked around, but could not see him. Had something happened to him?
Sam began panicking, her anxiety kicking in. Her mind told her to keep running, but her legs wouldn't budge. A scream then caught Sam's attention.
She looked towards the person who had screamed, and they were now in the air. It was a Muggle woman who was being levitated by a group of Death Eaters. Her dress was moved up, exposing her undergarments. It was horrible, and Sam felt sorry for the woman. She was being tortured, reminding Sam of when that had happened to her when she was younger. Her eyes flooded with tears and her throat held a hot lump.
Another gang of Death Eaters appeared, and they were nearing Sam. She looked to the woods, the only place she would be safe for now, but it would also have Sam relive of that horrid time. But if she didn't want to be found by the Death Eaters, Sam would have to run there. And that's what she finally did.
Sam sprinted towards the trees as fast as her legs could carry her. Her vision was blurry because of the tears, but she kept running. Sam was still wondering what had happened to Fred and where he was when she finally entered the woods.
Sam did not see the large tree root on the ground, causing her to trip and go sprawling down once more. Her palms were cut by the sharp twigs on the ground, and her cheek earned a few more scratches. Her knee had also hit the root and Sam knew it would bruise.
Ignoring the pain, Sam got back up and jogged farther into the trees. She looked back and saw that she was far enough from the campgrounds, and she was safe.
A sob escaped her lips. As the image of the woman being tortured reappeared in Sam's mind, she began crying. She knew what it felt like to have the Cruciatus Curse used on her. It was when she had been attacked by Greyback in the woods, which was a contributing factor to why she was shedding tears. And on top of that, she was still wondering what had happened to Fred.
"Sam?"
A hand was placed on her shoulder, causing to jump at least three inches off the ground. Sam whirled around, and when she saw that it was only Fred, she immediately threw her arms around him. She was glad he was alright.
Fred instantly held her close, letting her sob into his chest. He assumed that she was crying because she was scared, but her sobs said otherwise. He had no idea what the real cause for her tears was, but he wouldn't push it.
"It's alright, I'm here, I've got you," Fred said soothingly, rubbing circles into Sam's back and running his fingers through her hair.
"Him... Cruciatus... woods..." Sam said in between sobs. Fred shushed her, holding her tighter than he already was.
"Hey, shh, Sam," Fred started, his voice clear and steady. He slightly pulled away, just enough to look her in the eyes. "Samantha, look at me."
Sam managed to lock her eyes onto his, although it was quite hazy.
"It's okay," he reassured her. "It's all okay."
Sam slowly nodded, her sobbing turning into sniffles and whimpers. She never took his eyes off of Fred's and she never let go of him; she felt safe with him.
And without thinking of how odd it would be between them afterwards, without thinking of how it would bring them back to last year...
Fred kissed Sam.
She was taken by surprise with his actions, but returned the kiss anyways. Her wet cheeks brushed against his dirt-covered ones. Sam's hands made their way up to the back of Fred's neck, playing with his ginger hair at the nape. His arms were around her waist, pulling her even closer to him, if that was possible.
Fred was the first to pull away. "Are you okay now?" He asked concernedly. Sam nodded, her cheeks slightly pink.
"Sam?"
"FRED??"
Two different voices were calling for Sam and Fred. They quickly removed themselves from one another, both blushing quite a bit.
"FREDDIE!"
George appeared, bolting straight to Fred. His body slammed with Fred's, capturing his twin brother in a hug. A small smile crossed Sam's face upon seeing the sweet moment between the twins.
"I... I didn't know where you were... I thought you'd... thought I'd..." George was on the verge on tears, Sam continuing to watch them.
"It's alright now, Georgie," Fred comforted George, just as he had to Sam.
"Sam, thank Merlin!" Tonks cried. Sam ran to her cousin, hugging her close. "I'm okay, no need to worry."
"I know you are," Sam said, loosening her grip on Tonks.
"Come on, boys, best get back to Arthur," Tonks told the twins. They nodded and the three younger ones followed Tonks back to where the other Weasley's were.
While walking, Fred discreetly slipped Sam's hand into his, hiding it behind their backs, and she smiled at the ground.
"Wow," George mumbled from beside Fred, who sent George a questioning look. "I can see the two of you."
"Shut up," Fred muttered quietly, just enough for George to hear. "She was panicking and crying minutes ago."
"Oh," George whispered with a nod of his head. "Because of what happened with the Death Eaters?"
"No," Fred said, shaking his head. "Or I don't think so. She mentioned something about a 'him' and the Cruciatus Curse and the woods," he explained.
"BOYS!"
All heads turned to the man who had called out, Arthur Weasley, and he looked relieved to see the twins. He sprinted to the boys, throwing his arms over them.
"Thank Merlin you two are safe!" Arthur cried out as the twins patted their father's back. "Your mother would have my head if I were to return without you."
"I think she'd actually appreciate it," Fred retorted, causing everyone to emit a chuckle.
"Are you alright?" Tonks asked Sam, turning her head away from the Weasley's and to her cousin.
"I guess," Sam answered tiredly. Tonks cupped Sam's cheek, taking a close and careful look at it.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, we're going to have to get that cleaned up," she muttered, examining more of Sam. "We should go now. The sooner I patch you up, the better."
Sam nodded and Tonks briefly left to bid the Weasley's goodbye. Sam went ahead to do the same with Fred and George, wishing them well.
While no one was looking, Sam embraced Fred, whispering a string of thanks to him after how he had comforted her. He carefully hugged her back, and then Sam left him.
But before Sam and Tonks could leave them all, Fred caught up to Tonks, tapping her on the shoulder.
"Yeah?"
"Um... in the woods, when I found Sammy, when she was crying," Fred murmured to Tonks, "she said something about a man, the Cruciatus curse, and the woods. It seemed to really scare her."
Tonks instantly knew what Fred was talking about, and what Sam had meant. "Oh," she whispered, nodding her head slightly. "Okay. Thank you for telling me."
Fred nodded, wishing to know more, but keeping his mouth shut. He watched as they walked away, hoping that the remaining summer would pass by swiftly so he could meet Sam once again.
A/N: I apologize, this is horrible.
