Chapter 25

Daphne awoke the morning of the Quidditch World Cup very similarly to the way she had the morning before. Naked, and in her boyfriend's bed. The problem was this time that she couldn't really remember exactly how she ended up there. An alarm was what woke her, and she groaned as the clock read 6:30am. It was way too early to be waking up even for such a special occasion.

Blinking out the light that was coming through the window it took her a moment to realize that Harry had been considerate enough to realize when she woke up it wasn't going to be a good time, because a clear vial that held a familiar purple potion was waiting for her on the nightstand closest to her side of the bed. Reaching for it broke the grip Harry had around her waist, and he nearly pulled her back into him on reflex. Thankfully however she managed to get a grip on the vial and laid back into the man, as she tilted her head backwards taking in the potion. Harry asked quietly, "What time is it?"

As the potion settled in her stomach she replied quietly, "Half past six. It's time to get up if we are going to meet everyone at the campsite."

This made the young man groan, "Whose dumb idea was this anyways? We could've all gone back to Potter Manor afterwards."

This made the girl chuckle as she tossed the covers off her walking to the drawer she had been assigned for her clothes, "It was your idea Harry."

Feeling his eyes on her she turned to see his grinning face, and she rolled her eyes, but smiled nonetheless, "Focus Harry! We can't make our friends wait on us too long, and we still have to pick up Teddy.."

Surrendering he held his hands up and pushed himself out of bed with excited energy practically radiating off him as he all but ran to the closet to get dressed. Daphne had to bite back her laugh at the Head of Magical Law Enforcement acting like a kid going to Hogwarts for the first time.

It was in no time at all that the couple was dressed, and had bags packed for their overnight stay in the campgrounds. Apparating back to Andromeda's home with Teddy was a different experience this early in the morning. The sun was rising over the hills, and the oasis before her was much more of an eyeful than it was before. With the river running in the background Daphne suddenly understood just why Andromeda might have sought seclusion and raise her Grandson in this area.

Harry was quietly going through the door in moments signalling for Daphne to wait on him. It couldn't have taken more than two or three minutes when Harry came out with a half asleep Teddy in his arms. The young healer's heart skipped a beat at just how good Harry was with the boy, but did nothing except offer a smile as he shook the boy awake to warn him that they were apparating. Teddy's long brown hair was a mess this morning, but he wore his Oliver Wood jersey, and looked well dressed for a Quidditch match.

Taking Daphne's hand once more Harry shook his Godson in final warning before they apparated to the portkey that was going to be waiting for them at the Burrow. Last time Ron and Harry had gone through a Portkey to get to the World Cup it dropped them amongst hundreds of traveling families. This time it would take them just outside the Security Line allowing them quick access to their camp which would be set up on the edge of the England's fan site. This allowed Harry and Susan to be quick in a response in case things went sideways that evening after the game, or check in with the international security delegation just to make sure everything was going well.

Sitting on the patio Mr and Mrs Weasley had built around The Burrow was the rest of their friend group. Tracey had brought Astoria Malfoy as a plus one which made Daphne beam as the younger woman bound towards her to hug her in excitement, "Thanks for letting me tag along to this. Draco said he wouldn't spend money on supporting so many Gryffindors on one team."

This made Ron snort from nearby as he sipped his coffee with one hand and kept his other around Hermione responding charmingly with, "Real charming git you married their Astoria."

The Lady Malfoy shot Ron the bird, making everyone chuckle. She had fit in well with the group when Daphne or Tracey brought the younger woman around, and while her husband had yet to attempt an appearance the others joked about it all the time if he ever would.

Neville and his newly dubbed fiance were chatting happily with Susan about some wedding thing or another if Daphne overheard correctly, and Teddy seemed to finally jolted awake in realization of just what was about to happen as he ran forward to hug Ron, and begin talking to him about England's chances that evening at a speed no one was ready for at 7am.

The group was all wearing matching outfits to a point. The ladies were all wearing English National Teams skirts with the Union Jack on it, while the rest of the group wore Oliver Wood Jersey's with the exception of Ron who wore the Weasley jersey in support of his sister.

It was a short hike up the hill in the Burrows backyard where the portkey was waiting, and Ron asked Harry, "Couldn't the head of Magical Law Enforcement get his VIPs an easier way to get there."

The young man however shrugged in response, "I asked the head of the Security Task Force how he wanted to account for my group, and he said the portkeys his team had created made a check list of every party that arrived, and what their group size was. It was their way of determining just how many people were coming in and out, and I made tons of promises to make this as easy as possible."

Ron grumbled a little at that, while Neville chimed in, "Some of our countrymen have been out there for over a week. The fact that we get to come up the morning of the game, and enjoy the fares around it is a blessing."

This seemed to stop Ron's grumbling, and it ended the conversation as the group approached the Portkey. Harry clapped his hands announcing, "Well no timer on this one. It is waiting for the activation phrase so everyone grab onto the rope."

The group of ten did as instructed, and within a minute Harry activated the portkey. Whirling across the country was always an uncomfortable feeling, but it was worth it when they opened their eyes to English Patriotism everywhere. It was as far as the eye could see. The group all gasped and began chatting immediately, while Harry turned to a man in blue hit wizard robes, "Captain Jackson. Thank you for meeting us at the entrance. Anything I can do for you before I take my group to our site?"

The large man in his robes was an intimidating site to the average human, witch, or wizard. He stood close to two meters tall, and was massively broad shouldered. His piercing emerald green eyes surveyed the group, "Director Potter. Glad I could meet you here personally sir. Everything is running smoothly so far, and the teams are set up across the site as you suggested. We have plenty of manpower for the event tonight, and dozens of under cover aurors and hit wizards are all over. As you requested you are down by where the players are currently resting before heading up to the stadium."

Harry offered his hand to the man, "Thank you. Are you sure there isn't anything I can do for you?"

Susan was at Harry's side in a moment, "So you are the Jason Jackson I have been hearing so much about? You must have had a very impressive resume for Director Potter to have chosen you to run this operation."

The green eyed man offered Susan a wide flirtatious smile as he offered a half bow, "My name is just Jason to you my lady. The ICW offered me up to Director Potter for this project to help keep the stadium and its sight safe tonight. Who might you be?"

Harry cleared his throat, "Captain Jackson this is Susan Bones my Head Auror. We can't thank you and the other hitwizards enough for doing this. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to see your team play in the Quidditch World Cup, and an even longer shot that they would get to do so in their own backyard.``

The way the lead hitwizard looked at Susan made Daphne want to punch the man, but she said nothing as the two shook hands, and did an overly flirtatious greeting, "Please if there is anything I can do for you Auror Bones, Director Potter, you will know where to find me. Your site is just down the way on the left. Hopefully we won't have to speak again until we are closing down the house tomorrow."

Susan joked, "Well maybe we will see each other sooner than that."

The man grinned, but Harry shook his head, "Captain, please send someone to our booth tonight when everything is in place for the game to begin."

This made the man frown, "With the amount of manpower we have here surely you are not expecting foul play?"

This made Harry frown in turn, "We didn't expect it last time and good people lost their lives. That won't happen here tonight."

Harry's attitude in the last response seemed to silence the man, and he merely nodded in acceptance as Harry put a hand on Teddy's shoulder, and began directing him away. Daphne was hanging towards the back of the group where Hannah was poking fun at her best friend, "Came on a little strong there Suzie."

Susan shrugged, offering a look over her shoulder at the man that was clearly watching them depart, "So we both liked what we saw, sue me."

Astoria chimed in, "Was I not a married woman I probably would've tried too. He was gorgeous."

This made the girls laugh, as they followed the group into the campsite. As promised there area that was sectioned off wasn't far down the path they had arrived at. On their way magical fireworks were being fired off everywhere in the English Red and Blue colors, and bits of magical entertainment seemed to be at every corner. Street performers were at every edge of the campgrounds, and thousands of people were just milling about in eager anticipation of the game. This was nothing like last time with Ireland and Bulgaria where the fans seemed split. It was very obvious the people of England had come out in force to celebrate their team's home field advantage.

When the group arrived to put up their campsite it took practically no time at all. Two big tents were plenty enough room for everyone to put their bags down and get situated, while Harry attempted to contain Teddy's overflowing excitement.

Daphne would have to put the day down as one of her favorite memories as she walked around with her boyfriend, and all their friends from shop to shop. It was the first time in the months she had known Harry where she was able to realize just the celebrity status he held. He wasn't allowed to pay for a meal, snack, or entertainment anywhere. Neither was his entire group. Everyone in the campsite wanted Harry Potter walking around with their merchandise, and he took it all in moderation offering to pay for any service he was given, but the people would not have any of it. He took pictures with people at every turn, and did it all with a smile. At some point a group of girls had flagged him down for a picture, and Teddy was holding onto Daphne's hand as Harry smiled with the girls, "Daphne, why are all these pretty girls trying to take a picture with Uncle Harry?"

It was a thankful thing that Daphne wasn't a jealous witch as one of the girls that had to be Hogwarts age planted a kiss on Harry's cheek before running off with her friends. Harry shook his head looking exasperated at his girlfriend, but she merely chuckled as she turned back to Teddy, "Your Uncle is a very important man Teddy. He did the world a big favor a few years ago, and now everyone wants to meet him."

Teddy's nose scrunched up at that, "People always like to shake hands with Uncle Harry, but this is different."

Daphne laughed at the boy's observation, "It certainly is Teddy, and I am not very used to it either, but I think we will both get used to it."

Before Teddy could respond, Harry swept in and picked the boy up, throwing him on his shoulders like he weighed nothing, "Alright kid come on, it's time to start heading back to our camp. We may get to see Oliver before they start the trek through the campsite."

Harry and Ron had told the group that Oliver and Ginny had invited them to see them off before they started walking to the stadium. It was something they did at this very stadium when the professional Quidditch Teams sent a group to the National Championship, but obviously this would be a much larger spectacle.

Arriving back at camp Harry led the way to a large area that had aurors stationed around it. Among them was an Auror Captain who offered Harry a smile when he arrived, "Hey boss, here to see off the team?"

"Oliver invited us, but yes. Just wanted to wish them luck before they went up to the stadium." Harry answered the woman with a smile.

Daphne had never met this particular Auror Captain, and took her in briefly. The woman was in the typical blue and purple auror robes, and her dark black hair contrasted interestingly with her rosy pink cheeks. She was pretty and couldn't have been much older than Harry and Daphne. When the auror Captains eyes went to her they widened, "So boss this is the woman that has had your affections for the past few months. Sirius would have been proud. Hestia Jones, nice to meet you."

Harry grinned at the compliment that Daphne didn't quite understand, but clearly understanding it wasn't an insult she put on a smile and took the hand offered, "Nice to meet you. I heard that Harry had selected you as an Auror Captain when he took office a few months ago. It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise, but you lot better get in there before they take off. Wood is in the first tent on the right" Hestia said, stepping aside, and letting them into the blocked off area.

The group followed the aurors instructions, and entered the mentioned tent to see a couple of dozen people inside. It looked like this was where the friends and family of the players were hanging out, and Harry led the group in the direction of Oliver Wood who was chatting with Ginny, and tons of other people. When Oliver saw Harry he broke into a huge smile, "There's a Seeker who could've stood out here with us today. Harry!"

Harry broke into a large smile as the men embraced briefly, and greetings went around to the whole group. Even Ginny went around and gave hugs to her brother, Harry, and of course her other friends which didn't include the three Slytherins. Teddy was already wishing Oliver and Ginny all the luck in the world that he could get out of his mouth, and the sight was adorable.

Oliver grinned at Harry, "Just in time to see us off."

"We wouldn't have missed it." Harry answered with a grin of excitement written all over his features.

With a fist bump between the two men Oliver started shouting for the team to form up at the doors, and quickly the 7 players gathered, and started the trail outside to fans that immediately started screaming in excitement. Harry and Daphne's group followed outside immediately watching the procession that broke out into some of the loudest cheering and chants any of them had ever seen.

Harry shouted over to Daphne trying to get her to hear him over the roar of the crowd, "This was why I wanted to see this. When was the last time you saw so many people proud to be English?"

The witch grinned at the man as they followed all the way to the stadium where the players entered an underground entrance protected by Security Aurors, and the fans were finally allowed access to the stadium to get to their seats.

That in itself was a task to weave their way through the crowd. Teddy had taken up a spot on top of Harry's shoulders while he held Daphne's hand trying to get them to the box seats they had been promised.

It likely took an hour, but when Harry arrived with his group they were greeted by the Minister of Magic himself in a room that easily held fifty people. Kingsley offered a wide grin and boomed enthusiastic greetings to everyone in their party, and he threw an arm around Harry when they were done, "I told you Harry. Just this once you have to admit I was right, and this was worth it. The Security hassle, the stress, the not being the right time. Admit that it all worked out."

All eyes were on Harry as he looked up down to Teddy who was bouncing on his toes with excitement at the window, and then he looked out to the tens of thousands of people who had gathered, "You were right Kingsley this is worth it."

The man cheered, making everyone laugh, and he stepped aside introducing the President of MACUSA who was an honored guest, and already quite familiar with Harry if Daphne had to guess. Greetings continued when Lee Jordan arrived, and confirmed that he would be the official announcer for the game, "Come on Harry you got to call the matches start. The crowd would love it. Remember when they cheered for that idiot Fudge last time? They will go nuts if you do it."

Lee had been trying to get Harry to announce the start of the game, but the man resisted at first, but finally conceded when he said Teddy had to be allowed to say the words with him. After that all came to an understanding Harry was smiling vibrantly at his girlfriend in the time that followed the start of the match.

"Good evening everyone, and welcome to England! Tonight's Quidditch World Cup matchup is England the home team Vs the American Juggernaut. What an excellent match up for two teams that proved to be the best in the world to be here before all of you. Let's give a huge round of applause to these two teams before we call the starting line up." Lee Jordan called out through his wand to the stadium.

The applause was deafening even in the booth as they all clapped and some cheers followed the announcement.

Lee continued, "In the Navy Blue and Dark Red uniforms tonight the Americans are coming in! At Keeper we have Heidelberger, at chaser, Muntz, Kowalski, and Blancheflower, and of course at Seeker, SMACKHAMMER! These last two players of course need no introduction. Considered to be the greatest beater duo of all time, we have tonight's American Captains, TROY DUVALL, AND GREG RUCZINSKI!"

The clapping was polite, and the American show of support was heard as the team flew a lap around the pitch, but it was nothing compared to the drum roll that followed the announcement of the English Team, "Now for our hometown team! The first team in Quidditch history to get home field advantage at the World Cup."

"Starting At Seeker tonight we have SUMMERBY, at chaser Flitney, Hawksworth, and WEASLEY, at Beater Witney, and of course English Captain Gwenog JONES!"

As Lee paused in the announcement of his final player a slow clap began, "Now last but certainly not least the man who help lead this team to this moment in a dramatic series of events that is already making its way to into Quidditch History please join me in welcoming the hometown hero at KEEPER OLIVER WOOD!"

Harry and company all stood from their seats cheering loudly at the announcement as the short haired man flew over the top of the stadium into view in his red and white robes as the large screen in the middle showed him flying around just like they had for Viktor Krum all those years ago.

Lee waited for the roar to die down before he announced, "Now just as the match is getting ready to begin, let me welcome another English hero who is going to call the start of this game. Please welcome Harry Potter and his godson!"

Harry took Teddy's hand from where they were standing and guided him forward to the front of the booth to a tumultuous amount of applause. He shook hands with Lee as he pulled out his wand, "Good evening everyone!"

A standing ovation followed his greeting, and even the players on their brooms joined in. Daphne watched in awe as Harry took his position in front of a hundred thousand strong with confidence, "It is my great pleasure to welcome each and every one of you. Welcome to the 430th Quidditch World Cup!

He then crouched down to where his godson was standing and briefly whispered into his ear and they both called into the wand, "LET THE MATCH BEGIN!"

(A/N) A lot going on in this chapter, but not nearly as much as what is going to go down in the next two chapters. When I started this story this was actually the scene that was going on in my head, and I cannot wait to finally share this long awaited moment for you all. THAT update will be coming on December 15th. Prepare yourselves!

If any of you were wondering where I got the Quidditch names, I pulled them from the Potter Wiki. These were all Quidditch players for these respective countries at one point or another.

Please also accept my invitation to my discord. Its a small growing community where we talk, Marvel, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and once the book of Boba premiers, Star Wars. The link will be down below, just delete the spaces, and I can't wait to hear from all of you. Cheers readers, and see you all in two weeks.

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