Chapter 7 Controversial Cup
Alex looked at Aaron. Aaron looked at Alex. Alex screamed. Aaron screamed. They both ran away as fast as they could... Crystal and Brian sat up, and looked at each other.
"Crys, I think someone heard us..." Brian muttered.
"I think someone did too." Crystal muttered in reply.
"Well, maybe they just think we're crazy. Or maybe they thought they were dreaming! We just won't tell anyone...."
"Um... yeah. Especially my mother..."
"Well, G'night."
"Night'"
They both went to sleep, as if nothing at all had happened.... They were leaving the next day anyways. The worst thing that could happen was that the Muggles thought they were crazy.... Just as long as none of the adults knew...
~*~
"Brian!!! Get up!!!" Brynn hollered, banging on the door. "We're leaving in an hour!"
"Okay..." Brian mumbled. "Hey Crys, wake up..."
"Mrgh... What?"
"We're leaving soon."
"Oh."
Crystal sighed, sat up, and waved her wand. She was dressed. Brian could do that too, but he preferred to sleep in an extra five minutes, and let Crystal go downstairs without him...
"Aaron, Alex?" she said, approaching the blonde Muggles. Both of them jumped abut a foot in the air.
"Hello." Aaron said rather shakily.
"Something wrong?"
"Uh... No." Alex said quickly. "We're just a little shaken that you have to leave so soon! Time's never passed this quickly."
"Oh... Brian! Welcome to the world! Care to join us?"
"Yeah," Brian yawned. He smoothed out his hair, which was naturally dark brown, but was highlighted blonde. He loved his hair... "Where are my mum and dad?"
"Which ones are your parents?' Alex asked. She had looked around the whole crowd, picking out the abnormal looking ones... There were loads of them. The ones she knew as Brynn, Bryce, Ethan, and Mac stood out the most though... She hadn't seen Cate yet... "Oh wait, I know... never mind. Sorry... They're over there."
"Oh, I thought they'd be sleeping in, as usual." Brian sighed. "I was kind of hoping they'd delay the parting..."
"Me too!" Crystal chimed in.
"Yeah, us too." Aaron wasn't paying attention. He had finally spotted Cate, escorted by Bellum, who had slept in a little late. He was staring, not blinking.
"Aaron, what are you looking at?" Alex sighed.
"Oh... Erm... Remember when I said your," He paused and looked at Crystal. "Well, I said your mom was hot. She's hotter."
"That's my sister!" Brian said, in the "Ewwww..." sort of voice.
"Oh. Well, she's still hot. She's got a perfect body... Look at her eyes, and her hair... and..."
"Ewww... That's Cate." Crystal groaned. "She's evil. She's mean. Not one with a winning personality, I tell you. Don't let her catch you looking at her, she might bite your head off."
Aaron quickly looked away, beginning to think that she probably would, judging by what Crystal and Brian talked about last night. Alex shot him a glare, and they both looked back at Brian and Crystal.
"Anyways, she's about the only person here that matches." Alex commented.
"She's still my sister. Her daughter is our enemy, and her oldest son is Ethan."
"Oh, I see. So she's how old?" Aaron asked again.
"Same age as my dad." Crystal replied.
"Oooh... Wish I had her beauty secret…" Alex shuddered. It was magic. She knew it. It scared her... But it was kind of cool, in her opinion.
"I have to go." Ethan was heard saying across the hotel lobby. "Sorry girls, I know, but I can't stay here forever. Tell ya what, maybe I'll send you a voice recording..."
"The sooner we get out of this filthy place, the better." Cate whispered to Bellum. "I never liked America, and never will. C'mon... I'm telling them we have to leave..."
"Oh, I understand." Bellum whispered back. Cate had never gotten used to the States. Her life had been horrible when she had lived there before, and she didn't intend to like it anymore now.
"PILE UP! WE'RE GOING! EVERYONE ON THE BUS!" Cate shouted, wishing she could magnify her voice
The whole crowd groaned, and started to move toward the door. Crystal and Brian paused to say goodbye to Alex and Aaron.
"We'll send you a letter!" Crystal shouted, getting caught in the crowd.
"Maybe a picture! Of our houses!"
"Goodbye!" Aaron and Alex said in unison. They watched Crystal and Brian leave, and once the bus had pulled away, they took off as fast as the could...
~*~
"It is good to be home." Cate sighed.
"Ahh... The smell of the Wizarding World!" Mac said, taking a deep breath.
"Oh no... Not this again..." Brynn said, shaking her head.
"It smells... GOOD! Jeff, dude, did you shower?"
Jeff turned around and glared at Mac, who made a face. Brynn couldn't help but giggling. Everyone was trying to act American, and Cate was trying to stop them. She really didn't like American anything, though no one blamed her.
"Gotta get home..." Cate muttered. She just wanted to sleep. She needed a lot of it.
About an hour later, she got her wish. She was at home, asleep, and sleeping very peacefully at that. This left Bellum with the kids. He was trying to calm Felicity, who was angry that she didn't get to go, and Ethan, who was blinding the mantle. Jack was crying, and he was rushing about, doing three things at once.
"It isn't FAIR!" Felicity hissed. "I want to go!"
"You can come next time sweetie. You aren't old enough..."
"BRIAN got to go! And Crystal went with him! Why couldn't I go?!"
"Well, see, Crystal was there, you wouldn't want to go."
"But she got to do something I didn't! ARRGHH! It isn't fair daddy!"
"Lissy, calm down. I'll buy you something next time we go shopping..." Bellum coaxed.
"Fine. I want a new broom."
"Alright dear. A new broom it is then."
"Thank you daddy!" Felicity said, running up to the stairs, probably planning what kind of top-of-the-line broom she was getting... Bellum sighed, and picked Jack out of the playpen.
"That's my boy... Is Jackie going to be a good boy when he gets big? Yes... yes... Aww..." he cooed.
He played with the baby, eventually putting him to bed, and then going to sleep himself. Cate was in a death-like sleep. She hadn't gotten much sleep during that trip. He didn't bother changing either, and flopped down next to his wife, drifting off instantly...
~*~
Cate stretched. She pulled the covers off herself, and sat up. In satin red pajamas, she looked like a normal person. Her hair was sloppy, but she looked much better now that she was rested up. The space next to her was empty, so she rolled over, and out of the bed. She looked herself over in the mirror, touching her cloud-shaped scar and grimacing. On her arm, she looked at the Death Eater Mark that was still there. Every day, she needed to perform a spell to make it disappear. It would always be there. Even though people couldn't see it, it was still there. It burned quite often, and quite painfully as well. It was a Souvenir of her time as being evil.
She pulled off her pajamas, and started the shower. She loved the feel of the steam. It was somehow calming, and relaxing. She stayed in the shower quite sometime, before magically drying herself off, and changed into scarlet robes. She liked red; it looked good with her hair in her eyes. She felt sorry for people with lighter hair, they looked funny in red...
She strolled down the stairs, in a rather good mood, and off to the kitchen. Bellum had cooked breakfast for her. Toast... With jelly. She grinned, and took a bite of a piece.
"You got rid of the kids?" she said, looking at the newspaper. She had beaten Bellum to it. As long as sh could remember, the newspaper was his favorite way to start the morning' and end the evening before they went off to bed.
"Yeah... Got Sirius to take Lissy shopping... Since she didn't get to come with. Paige is with Bridgett, Ethan's with Brynn and Bryce, and Jack is still asleep..."
"Alone again." Cate sighed.
"Oh, and you've gotten an owl." Bellum added, handing her a parchment letter. "From the Department of Magical Games and Sports."
"I see. What do they want with me this time?" Cate sighed, opening the letter. She scanned it quickly, Bellum looking over her shoulder. "They want me to oversee the World Cup. As a judge. Not that it's an important job; I just hand over the Cup to the winner... I suppose this is a way to attract visitors, word that I'm doing something this time around. Last time was before I had Jack... I looked like a blimp, there was no way I was going out..."
"Well, you look fine now. Are you going to do the Department a favor and be there?"
"Yes, I suppose so. It's a good time to see bad Quidditch at its best..." Cate sighed. "The ends of the semi-finals are tomorrow. Britain versus Hungary. Personally, I say go Hungary..."
"Well, way to show spirit for your home country."
"Oh yes, I know. But the Potters' team is playing for England, so naturally, I wish them misfortune."
"I see. Well the United States team has already gotten themselves into the championship game..."
"Ugh... Go Hungary! Maybe some decent people will win the Cup this year!"
"Well the Cup's in a week..."
"I know. I think I will judge this for sure... Things can go the way I want them to...."
"Oh, you're evil Cate."
"Thank-you. But you wouldn't like me any other way, right?"
"Of course not..."
Cate took one last bite of her toast, and gulped her orange juice.
Contrary to the beliefs of most people, she did eat foods normal people did. She sighed, and stretched yet one more time. The dog was fed, the house was clean; everything was perfect. She stood up and wrapped her arms around her husband. Then... The doorbell rang.
"Ooooh... Don't get it." Bellum groaned, throwing a disgusted look to the other room, as if to blame it for the ringing of that doorbell.
"I have to. It might be important..." She said, kissing him quickly and pulling away. She made her way to the door, followed by Bellum, who had been in a very good mood at the beginning of the morning, but now had settled to an irritable one... Nothing was supposed to happen.
When Cate pulled open the door, she faced a stout chubby middle-aged man, whose hair was starting to gray. She gestured for him to come in, and he did, hugging her tightly. Bellum glared at him.
"Hello Mr. Santee, what brings you here?" Cate asked stiffly, prying the man off her.
"Ahh... Cate! Looking wonderful darling, beautiful!" Said Mr. Santee, with an American Accent. Bellum made a face, and looked to Cate, who rolled her eyes.
"Thank-you, I see you are aging nicely. Hair is a bit graying..."
"Yes, yes... I know." Mr. Santee said quickly, going quite red. "But we aren't here to talk about me, we're going to talk about you..."
"Oh, fun." Cate said, with sarcasm. Mr. Santee missed it.
"Yes! Now, the Quidditch Cup..."
"I'm judging. In case you have forgotten, I'm not playing this year. I'm still on a maternity leave, if you call it that."
"Oh, I know dear." Mr. Sanchee said, turning and glaring at Bellum, as if to blame him for Cate's absence in the Quidditch league. When Mr. Sanchee turned around, Bellum mocked him heavily, and made faces at him. This made Cate smile.
"Well, what do you want from me then?"
"We need a Seeker." Mr. Santee said quickly. Before Cate could cut in, he went on. "Reveny was injured in practice yesterday! He won't be healed until next month! We can't delay the Cup that long! Cate, please!"
Cate stared at him. Behind Santee Bellum jumped up and down madly, mouthing, "No, no, no, and NO!" Mr. Santee looked at Cate with his misty blue eyes. Cate showed no sign of emotion, and replied.
"I can't. I'm judging. I can't do both."
"Oh, but yes you can! There's no rule against it! And besides, wouldn't it be more fun to play!? You know you want to..."
"Also consider that I have not played for your team in.... Hm... 20 years give or take. I don't know your players; I don't know your strategy, and I myself have not played in over a year. No."
"But yes you do! You know the strategy of every other team out there. You can play and beat any Seeker out there, even on short notice! Please?" Mr. Santee sighed, and pouted. He didn't look the slightest bit cute, he was old, and fat, and ugly. "You know Hungary won't beat Britain! That leaves the Cup open to the Potters, if I have no decent Seeker! You KNOW you'd like to beat them!"
"Yes, but, I have not practiced. I doubt I can run my feints properly, it's been that long."
"Well, we can practice this entire week!" (At this Bellum made a face, and buried his face in his hands.)
"So I can judge and play at the same time..." Cate said, starting to reconsider. She hated Americans, but she hated Harry and Meagan more, Meagan in particular. "Things can go my way... When's practice?"
"YES!" Mr. Santee said, visibly brightening. "Mind coming now? The whole team's here to see this semi-final round tomorrow, we can practice..."
"Here. I have a field in the basement." Cate said. "Sate of the art, top of the line... Magically enhanced..."
"Alright, 3:00 sound good?"
"Yes, perfect. See you later. Goodbye, Adios, Astala vista...." she added, shoving a very happy Mr. Santee out the door. Bellum glared.
"What have I gotten myself into?" She sighed.
"That's what I was wondering. I thought you were off for the year..."
"I thought I was too." Cate sighed yet again. "But none the less, duty calls..."
"Well, I suppose the road of life meanders as well..."
"Better get Jack... Talk to my mother, and father, if he survives shopping with Felicity...."
~*~
"Catie!" Lizzie said, hugging Cate as she entered the house. Cate felt she had been hugged a few too many times, and it was only the beginning of the day. "What brings you here?"
"Oh, the usual." Cate said casually. "Need a sitter for Jack. I... Have Quidditch."
"I thought you weren't playing this year..."
"Well, I wasn't.... But I've taken an offer to play in the World Cup championship game..."
"Catie..." Lizzie cautioned. "You haven't played in so long!"
"Well, I can deal with it. Anyways, I've got practice. Tonight, at my home. I really don't think the kids should be around."
"Oh, well, I think we can take them all. Might have trouble getting Felicity out of the house. I'm sure she likes to watch brutal Quidditch practices..."
"Yes, but oh well. Bellum can watch Lissy if she won't go. I swear, she's a troubled child. Top marks, gifted, but she's quite mean. I raised her well..."
"Cate..."
"I was joking... We'll get her counseling or something like that."
"Well, it's nearly 3:00. You'd better go change..."
"Alright. I'll see you some other time! Bye mum!"
~*~
Changing quickly, into a pair of sweat pants and white tank top, Cate pulled her hair back to add to it. She looked a herself in the mirror. She hadn't been in the best shape, since she hadn't been playing, but it'd have to do. It was comfortable, and showed a slight bit of skin. She felt this cooled her off during playing time. She stretched for a few minutes, and appeared into he basement. The rest of the team was there. They were all staring at her.
"Glad to have you playing this time! This time you're on our side, not beating our Seeker to a pulp!" A Chaser named Regina Reynolds said cheerfully. Regina was jealous of Cate to almost extremes. She said this in a taunting sort of voice.
"Yes, but I'll still beat you if I feel like it Reggie." Cate said, looking around the field with disgust at the other players. She knew most of these people, and hated them with a passion. She wondered, again, why she was doing this.
"Ahh... Our start!" Mr. Santee exclaimed, bubbling with excitement. "Cate, you remember everyone?"
"Yes..." Cate said, scanning them all over. Her eyes stopped for a few seconds on a man with sandy blonde hair, and gray eyes. He was looking at her too, only in another way...
"Hello Cate." he said, once they had started the typical warm up laps.
"What do you want with me, Zach?"
"Who said I wanted anything? Do I need an excuse to talk to an old friend?" Zach hissed. Cate was looking at him with utter disgust.
"Well, I'd say you need a pretty damn well good one." Cate shot back. "Especially if you consider yourself an old friend. Sure, for a year or so you were, but you just couldn't take it... Was I too much of a freak?"
Zach had been one of Cate's friends when she was little. He was the one that told every one of her powers. The bad omens had gotten to him too, and he couldn't take being followed by evil. Cate blamed him, with good reason, for her terrible years spent in America.
Cate looked him in his cold, gray eyes, and sped off, to finish her laps before him. He bit his lip. It was funny how things always changed. When he had known Cate she had been shy, quiet, sweet, and cute. But she had those powers.... Those strange powers, though. They scared the daylights out of him. And it had been too much for him. He was weak, and cowardly. But now, Cate was the opposite. In his eyes, she was the most attractive person he had ever seen. And she was also the most famous. He hadn't kept up with the press as much as he liked to, and didn't know all about Bellum, but he did know she had Jack...
Cate whispered to the other Beater on the team, a young woman she didn't know, and they laughed. The woman nodded, a piece of purple highlighted hair fell in her face. Her hair was purple and black, her eyes were also a cold gray.
"Cate!" Mr. Santee shouted yet again. Cate was sick of hearing her name.
He trotted over, looking pleased. "You're still fast enough, see? Now, about those plays you use..."
"Sorry Santee, my plays are copyrighted. You cannot use them. Only my team and I can. You're out of luck..."
"Well, just this once, can you teach our Beaters? It's your play, you invented it...."
Cate had several plays, and had placed an unusual copyright law on these plays. No one was allowed to use them except her, and the Beaters on her Quidditch team. She twirled her hair, and looked at the team. Allowing the American team to use the play would mean a good amount of fame for Zach, who was a Beater. But they couldn't use it after she was done with it...
"If you use it... No one will expect it... C'mon... You'll be even more critically acclaimed, and Harry Potter'll end up like he always does when he plays you... In the dust." coaxed Santee.
"Just this one time... But if your team ever uses this play ever again, I sue you until you have no money... Every last one of you. AND I'll make sure you never manage or play for a Quidditch team again..."
"Very nice. Thank you darling... Can you teach the Beaters?"
"If they aren't too idiotic, yes, I can."
"Good!"
Cate spent the rest of the time, which was challenging, since she was not a Beater, to teach the beaters their end of the Play. Zach stayed exceptionally close to her, Cate made sure to hit him a few times with a Beating Stick.
Eventually, they got the play down and were allowed to leave. Everyone left… that is except Zach...
"Hey, what are you doing tonight?" He asked Cate, who shot him a look that said quite sadly he was a sorry loser. "I feel bad, about all those years ago. We could be... friends."
"Hmm..." Cate said, pretending to consider it. "No. It's impossible."
"Oh, come on Cate! You know-"
"Starting to reconsider things now? Now that I'm very well known? Now that I'm a woman, and not a little girl?" Cate shot before he finished his sentence.
"Well, you're attractive, I'm attractive..."
"Yes, you're about as attractive as that there piece of dirt. Are you trying to imply something?"
"Yes... Well, to cut to the point-" he said, and he grabbed Cate and the waist, and attempted to kiss her.
Cate had a reaction for this. It was to kick the sucker as hard as she could... where it hurt the most. She glared at him. One sharp kick later, she finally decided to speak.
"Do you live under a rock? Have you heard nothing about me in the media? I AM married... I have children... Do you think I'd trade being with someone I love, to be with someone I DESPISE WITH ALL MY HEART? Now, get out of my house..." she snapped her fingers, and Zach disappeared instantly.
She sighed and shook her head... This was going to be a long week...
~*~
The Americans were hosting the World Cup. The whole Wizarding world of America was in a hysterical craze, because their team had made the championship. This made Cate even more nervous. Word that she was playing had gotten out, mainly to promote ticket sellings, and people mobbed her wherever she went. But however, she was not nice to her fans. If she was in a good mood, she might smile...
~*~
"You should have let her drown!" Felicity said to Brynn, once she learned Brynn had saved Crystal.
"Felicity! Was that YOU that let that thing out, because you were mad you didn't get to go?" Brynn said, suddenly stern.
"No... If it had been me, I would have made sure it would have drowned..." Felicity said, trailing off, mumbling to herself.
"Evil child..." Brynn said.
"Hello Brynn, long time no talk."
"No! I haven't... Hallucia!"
The voice was once again back. Brynn groaned, as the voice babbled on endlessly... It was entertaining sometimes, when she had nothing else to listen to.... But not when she was doing something. She was watching the younger children. Felicity was staring at Crystal across the room, and Crystal and Brian were staring back. She decided to sit between them. Ethan and Bryce weren't helping much either. They had decided to give candy to the children such as Paige and Bridgett, and a few of the Potter children. She sighed hopelessly, and sank down in her seat. All the Blacks, all the Potters, all the Pugnares.... All crammed together in one large room.
The adults had gone to a party. It was a social thing, for the Quidditch players, and their guests. Of course Cate and Bellum were there, as were Sirius and Lizzie. But who could forget Meagan and Harry? So they left their kids with Brynn, Bryce, and Ethan. Mac wasn't there, as he had been forced to go to a family reunion with his family.
"Shut them up Bryce! Stop giving Bridge candy! She doesn't NEED sugar!" she shouted.
"Way to be boss." the voice said sarcastically. "Shut them up."
Brynn sighed, and waved her hand. Everything was silent around her. It was funny watching the chaotic scene with no noise, and trying to make out what Crystal and Felicity were shouting at each other. The voice was humming some old tune, it had a habit of doing that often, and people were beginning to wonder why Brynn was sometimes herself humming strange tunes aloud.
"Well, I wish I could have gone with the adults..."
~*~
"I must parade around in public yet again...." Cate sighed. She had put on another showy dress for the occasion. It was a welcoming ball. She was wearing a red dress. But of course, since she was Cate, it was not an ordinary dress. Actually, it wasn't much of a dress; it was more like a long piece of fabric. Most of the front was exposed, which Cate like, she could show off her flawless body.
"But they like it. They like watching you. Prepare... To be blinded!" Bellum said, as he waited for the chauffeur opened the door. "For the flash of cameras will be blinding!"
He was right. There was a fair amount of paparazzi at the upper class nightclub. Important members of many nations were attending. Cate felt this was a opportunity to show off, since she too was now very important, as the judge. She would be seated with the most important people. The red carpet cleared a path for them, many people commenting amongst themselves.
"Can you tell us, who is your stylist?" a reporter asked, Quick Quotes Quill already jotting things down. "You look simply stunning!
"I choose my own clothes, thank you..." Cate replied, moving along, arms locked with Bellum. He himself was quite stylish in a sleek black tuxedo.
Cate snorted. She spotted Meagan. Meagan was wearing a light blue gown. It wasn't over-the-top showy, stylish, or expensive. Cate rolled her eyes and wondered how she managed to get in here, and then remembered she played Quidditch... Not that she had forgotten, she just didn't want to think about it. She had caught everyone's eye, and was proud.
"Who invited her?" Meagan whispered to Harry. "The strip Club was the other way... She's certainly dressed-or rather undressed- for it...."
But Cate didn't hear that, and it was a good thing she didn't either, she was in a bad enough mood as it was. Zack was watching her closely across the room, a blonde woman attached to his arm. When she saw him looking at her though, she gave him an electric shock in the back of his head. That would teach him to keep his eyes (and every other part of his body) away from her.
But she rolled her eyes and walked on. There were loads of creepy people here. She sat next to Bellum, Sirius, and Lizzie. Sirius really didn't dare to talk to Meagan in front of Cate, who had more of a temper. He also didn't know which side to cheer for in the Cup... So he decided to cheer for both...
Cate sat among the most honored people, and laughed to herself, seeing Meagan with the not-so-important... But sometimes the not so important were more interesting people.... Some were suffering from severe mental conditions. Cate was pleased to see Meagan had landed a seat next to a man that thought he was half dog... He drooled all over.
The next event was a more casual social. It involved a pool, hot tub, and people in swimsuits... Cate took this opportunity to show off the red string bikini. Cate was comparing herself to everyone else, and winning. She snorted. There were people in the hot tub. This was the time for her to sit and chat with people.
"Oh, why hello Meagan, and Harry." she sneered. "Lovely swimsuit darling..." She added rather nastily. Meagan's suit was a sort of tankini, and was pinkish with stripes. She looked at Harry and fought at laugh. Her husband looked much better in swimming trunks.
"You'd best watch that bikini of yours doesn't come untied..." Meagan commented.
She thought Cate's swimsuit was slightly more decent than her dress had been.
Cate stepped in the hot tub. It was relaxing, and a good thing too, for if Meagan stayed there much longer... The water smelled didn't smell of chlorine like Muggle hot tubs did. This one was far better than that of Muggle ones...
"Enjoying your evening? We most certainly are..." Cate said smoothly. "Wasn't that Minister from Ecuador interesting? Oh, that's right... You were at the other end of the table..."
"Yes, I was at the part of the table where people who look normal sit."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk... So Bob the dog man is considered normal?"
"Yes, he wasn't dressed like a-"
"Watch yourself, Meagan, or you might find yourself disqualified form the Cup... That really isn't a way to speak to a judge..."
Meagan glared. She thought it was incredibly unfair that Cate got to judge, as well as play. Well, she was going to beat her, and see her try and get the Cup back, buy cheating...
"Come on Harry... We're going to the pool..." She muttered.
Cate snorted. She had won this round. She fought with all her might not to laugh.
"Well, Bellum, I have this to say: You look better in swimming trunks than he does..."
"Well, that's not saying much." Bellum smiled. He too was fighting a laugh.
"Well, this evening has gone quite well... Only one more social to go...."
~*~
"Mommy!" Paige cried, running to Cate and hugging her, a lollipop stuck in her hair. Cate glared at Bryce and Ethan, who shrugged.
"Catie!" Bridgett exclaimed, hitting Cate from behind, causing her knees to almost buckle.
"Oof... Ethan, did you tell them to do that?"
"No, of course not mother dearest..." Ethan replied, grinning devilishly.
Crystal crept out of the room, clearly avoiding Cate. She wasn't one of her favorite people in the world... She had also been nice to Brynn that night, on account of Brynn saving her life. She waved to everyone, and rushed to find her parents...
~*~
The second social was more pleasant, for Cate didn't talk to Meagan this time. This game was discussing the match, and the match itself. Cate was dressed rather normally this time, in a strapless black dress, with elbow length gloves. Even though the dress was simple, she was still known for looking good...
Even the pool issue was more fun. Cate went swimming in the pool, which meant she had to have a better suit. But she spent most of the time lounging about, a white cover-up skirt wrapped around her waist.
This meant the end of the fun, and the real rivalry began... The Quidditch Cup Final was a day away...
~*~
Cate had struggled through practices with the revolting Americans, and managed not to kill every one of the men that constantly hit on her. She let Bellum stand at her side and glare at them. The coach was annoying, constantly complimenting her, and Zach was almost unbearable. She had actually started wearing loser clothes, so the team didn't watch her. There was only one other female, so half the time, everyone but the female Beater was watching her.
"No Zach... I told you... I do not like you. Keep away from me, before I get a restraining order!"
She often caused a scene by kissing her husband in front of Zach, who left quickly. But it really wasn't as bad as she thought it would be overall. There were many opportunities to poke fun of Meagan.
She found it simply spiffing that Meagan was actually starting to dress somewhat like her during the practices. The small white tank and looser sweatpants...
"Well, if you've got it, flaunt it." Was her comment on this. She smiled at herself. The she gestured to Meagan. "But if you don't have it.... Don't try to flaunt it..."
Meagan had heard that, which was what Cate had intended to happen. The next day, Meagan dressed like she usually did. With Cate around, it was really no use trying to be better..
~*~
"Well, today's the big day. They've made such a big deal of her, you'd forget all about the Cup... But that's just an excuse for her, since she can't play Quidditch." Meagan said to Harry in the locker room before hand.
"But honestly, did she HAVE to get rid of the pre-game show? What's it harming her any?"
"She's worried it'll take off the attention from her." Harry replied.
"Well, once she's beaten, she'll realize that was a bad idea..."
"Well, good luck Chasing... I know you can do get by the Keepers easily..."
"Good luck yourself," Meagan replied. Harry needed it more than she did...
~*~
They all faced each other on the ground. Meagan thought it was funny that Cate was shorter than everyone... Cate didn't... But Cate found it funny that she was the best flier.
When the referee blew the whistle, the game began, and the all shot into the air. Cate liked to stay by herself, on one end of the field. She looked around, and scoped out the game below.
It was supposed to be a long game... But Cate was hoping it wouldn't be. She caught Zach's eye, and made a motion. He rolled his eyes and shot off after a Bludger. Cate looked around casually, and suddenly, with a clever flash of her golden wristwatch shot off after something...
The golden flash caught Harry's eye, and he too shot after it, (Whatever it was) then realizing there was nothing to be chasing after. He was able to pull out of the feint in time to save himself from hitting the ground.... HA! He wasn't smashed by one of Cate's Feints! But...
WHAM! A Bludger, sent a little late in his direction caused him to black out, and fall off his broom. Now, seeing your husband plummet 60 feet in the air isn't something you just let happen... Meagan dropped the Quaffle, and took off in a mad dive after Harry. The Americans took this opportunity to seize the Quaffle and score.
Cate was proud of this. He had thought that since she wasn't with her usual team, he trademark play was gone. It was exclusive to her as well...
Zach smiled. He had hit someone at least. And the right person at that...
Cate shrugged, and when no one was looking, Meagan made sure Harry woke up. His head was quite bloody; she did something to him though apparently, because he was back in the air soon, much to Cate's dislike.
Cate didn't do her Feint the rest of that game, in fact, she was relatively boring, but the crowd was still in hysterics. Then suddenly the real Snitch whizzed by Zach's head, and Cate saw it.
"Damn it! He's closer!" she muttered, rushing at full speed to beat Harry. She was faster. But he was still in front of her, and closing in on the Snitch....
She put on one last burst of speed, and cut in front of him, standing on her broom, and practically jumping to catch it before he did. She was off balance. She was going to fall... She shouldn't have stood up.... But she managed to pull herself back together. She sighed, and waved the Snitch. Slightly off timing, Zach managed to pelt another Bludger in Harry's direction, and to hit him. Though no major damage was done. Maybe a few broken bones. But then he did something rather unexpected...
Cate smiled sweetly (If you call it that) at the crowd, sitting on her broomstick now, waving. The glory was hers... The final score was 300-230.
But... Lo and behold what comes flying her way... Hit by the one and only Zach, in an uncontrollable rage again. It hit Cate hard in the head. Cate stood up, slightly dizzy, blood now covering her, and she was swaying back and forth.
"That was a WRONG move..." Cate muttered. She stood on the ground, the teams were all gathered, Cate standing by herself. She still had to present the Cup... Things were NOT going to go the way anyone had planned...
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" She said, magnifying her voice. "I hope you have enjoyed this World Cup... And might I present to you: The Winners!"
She gestured to the Americans, all cheering. She realized how much she hated them. She hated them more than she hated Meagan and Harry put together. Zach's sneering face, and how he had acted towards him.
"Now... The Cup..."
She walked towards the Americans, and changed direction. She stood directly in front of Meagan and handed her the Cup. The whole stadium fell silent.
"Some things should be considered. First of all... It is cheating to injure your Seeker purposely, and then get a better one... No, no, no ... Can't make the perfect team, and especially bother one who is OFF for the season... You cannot openly hit on this new Seeker, show her now affection whatsoever, and treat her like dirt. I happen not to appreciate this. You should have tried not to cheat fate and kept your Seeker. Also, I merely do not like you, so I award the Cup to the British team, simply because they deserve it..."
Cate turned once more to Meagan. "Enjoy your Cup.... And be happy I hate them all more than I hate you..."
Alex looked at Aaron. Aaron looked at Alex. Alex screamed. Aaron screamed. They both ran away as fast as they could... Crystal and Brian sat up, and looked at each other.
"Crys, I think someone heard us..." Brian muttered.
"I think someone did too." Crystal muttered in reply.
"Well, maybe they just think we're crazy. Or maybe they thought they were dreaming! We just won't tell anyone...."
"Um... yeah. Especially my mother..."
"Well, G'night."
"Night'"
They both went to sleep, as if nothing at all had happened.... They were leaving the next day anyways. The worst thing that could happen was that the Muggles thought they were crazy.... Just as long as none of the adults knew...
~*~
"Brian!!! Get up!!!" Brynn hollered, banging on the door. "We're leaving in an hour!"
"Okay..." Brian mumbled. "Hey Crys, wake up..."
"Mrgh... What?"
"We're leaving soon."
"Oh."
Crystal sighed, sat up, and waved her wand. She was dressed. Brian could do that too, but he preferred to sleep in an extra five minutes, and let Crystal go downstairs without him...
"Aaron, Alex?" she said, approaching the blonde Muggles. Both of them jumped abut a foot in the air.
"Hello." Aaron said rather shakily.
"Something wrong?"
"Uh... No." Alex said quickly. "We're just a little shaken that you have to leave so soon! Time's never passed this quickly."
"Oh... Brian! Welcome to the world! Care to join us?"
"Yeah," Brian yawned. He smoothed out his hair, which was naturally dark brown, but was highlighted blonde. He loved his hair... "Where are my mum and dad?"
"Which ones are your parents?' Alex asked. She had looked around the whole crowd, picking out the abnormal looking ones... There were loads of them. The ones she knew as Brynn, Bryce, Ethan, and Mac stood out the most though... She hadn't seen Cate yet... "Oh wait, I know... never mind. Sorry... They're over there."
"Oh, I thought they'd be sleeping in, as usual." Brian sighed. "I was kind of hoping they'd delay the parting..."
"Me too!" Crystal chimed in.
"Yeah, us too." Aaron wasn't paying attention. He had finally spotted Cate, escorted by Bellum, who had slept in a little late. He was staring, not blinking.
"Aaron, what are you looking at?" Alex sighed.
"Oh... Erm... Remember when I said your," He paused and looked at Crystal. "Well, I said your mom was hot. She's hotter."
"That's my sister!" Brian said, in the "Ewwww..." sort of voice.
"Oh. Well, she's still hot. She's got a perfect body... Look at her eyes, and her hair... and..."
"Ewww... That's Cate." Crystal groaned. "She's evil. She's mean. Not one with a winning personality, I tell you. Don't let her catch you looking at her, she might bite your head off."
Aaron quickly looked away, beginning to think that she probably would, judging by what Crystal and Brian talked about last night. Alex shot him a glare, and they both looked back at Brian and Crystal.
"Anyways, she's about the only person here that matches." Alex commented.
"She's still my sister. Her daughter is our enemy, and her oldest son is Ethan."
"Oh, I see. So she's how old?" Aaron asked again.
"Same age as my dad." Crystal replied.
"Oooh... Wish I had her beauty secret…" Alex shuddered. It was magic. She knew it. It scared her... But it was kind of cool, in her opinion.
"I have to go." Ethan was heard saying across the hotel lobby. "Sorry girls, I know, but I can't stay here forever. Tell ya what, maybe I'll send you a voice recording..."
"The sooner we get out of this filthy place, the better." Cate whispered to Bellum. "I never liked America, and never will. C'mon... I'm telling them we have to leave..."
"Oh, I understand." Bellum whispered back. Cate had never gotten used to the States. Her life had been horrible when she had lived there before, and she didn't intend to like it anymore now.
"PILE UP! WE'RE GOING! EVERYONE ON THE BUS!" Cate shouted, wishing she could magnify her voice
The whole crowd groaned, and started to move toward the door. Crystal and Brian paused to say goodbye to Alex and Aaron.
"We'll send you a letter!" Crystal shouted, getting caught in the crowd.
"Maybe a picture! Of our houses!"
"Goodbye!" Aaron and Alex said in unison. They watched Crystal and Brian leave, and once the bus had pulled away, they took off as fast as the could...
~*~
"It is good to be home." Cate sighed.
"Ahh... The smell of the Wizarding World!" Mac said, taking a deep breath.
"Oh no... Not this again..." Brynn said, shaking her head.
"It smells... GOOD! Jeff, dude, did you shower?"
Jeff turned around and glared at Mac, who made a face. Brynn couldn't help but giggling. Everyone was trying to act American, and Cate was trying to stop them. She really didn't like American anything, though no one blamed her.
"Gotta get home..." Cate muttered. She just wanted to sleep. She needed a lot of it.
About an hour later, she got her wish. She was at home, asleep, and sleeping very peacefully at that. This left Bellum with the kids. He was trying to calm Felicity, who was angry that she didn't get to go, and Ethan, who was blinding the mantle. Jack was crying, and he was rushing about, doing three things at once.
"It isn't FAIR!" Felicity hissed. "I want to go!"
"You can come next time sweetie. You aren't old enough..."
"BRIAN got to go! And Crystal went with him! Why couldn't I go?!"
"Well, see, Crystal was there, you wouldn't want to go."
"But she got to do something I didn't! ARRGHH! It isn't fair daddy!"
"Lissy, calm down. I'll buy you something next time we go shopping..." Bellum coaxed.
"Fine. I want a new broom."
"Alright dear. A new broom it is then."
"Thank you daddy!" Felicity said, running up to the stairs, probably planning what kind of top-of-the-line broom she was getting... Bellum sighed, and picked Jack out of the playpen.
"That's my boy... Is Jackie going to be a good boy when he gets big? Yes... yes... Aww..." he cooed.
He played with the baby, eventually putting him to bed, and then going to sleep himself. Cate was in a death-like sleep. She hadn't gotten much sleep during that trip. He didn't bother changing either, and flopped down next to his wife, drifting off instantly...
~*~
Cate stretched. She pulled the covers off herself, and sat up. In satin red pajamas, she looked like a normal person. Her hair was sloppy, but she looked much better now that she was rested up. The space next to her was empty, so she rolled over, and out of the bed. She looked herself over in the mirror, touching her cloud-shaped scar and grimacing. On her arm, she looked at the Death Eater Mark that was still there. Every day, she needed to perform a spell to make it disappear. It would always be there. Even though people couldn't see it, it was still there. It burned quite often, and quite painfully as well. It was a Souvenir of her time as being evil.
She pulled off her pajamas, and started the shower. She loved the feel of the steam. It was somehow calming, and relaxing. She stayed in the shower quite sometime, before magically drying herself off, and changed into scarlet robes. She liked red; it looked good with her hair in her eyes. She felt sorry for people with lighter hair, they looked funny in red...
She strolled down the stairs, in a rather good mood, and off to the kitchen. Bellum had cooked breakfast for her. Toast... With jelly. She grinned, and took a bite of a piece.
"You got rid of the kids?" she said, looking at the newspaper. She had beaten Bellum to it. As long as sh could remember, the newspaper was his favorite way to start the morning' and end the evening before they went off to bed.
"Yeah... Got Sirius to take Lissy shopping... Since she didn't get to come with. Paige is with Bridgett, Ethan's with Brynn and Bryce, and Jack is still asleep..."
"Alone again." Cate sighed.
"Oh, and you've gotten an owl." Bellum added, handing her a parchment letter. "From the Department of Magical Games and Sports."
"I see. What do they want with me this time?" Cate sighed, opening the letter. She scanned it quickly, Bellum looking over her shoulder. "They want me to oversee the World Cup. As a judge. Not that it's an important job; I just hand over the Cup to the winner... I suppose this is a way to attract visitors, word that I'm doing something this time around. Last time was before I had Jack... I looked like a blimp, there was no way I was going out..."
"Well, you look fine now. Are you going to do the Department a favor and be there?"
"Yes, I suppose so. It's a good time to see bad Quidditch at its best..." Cate sighed. "The ends of the semi-finals are tomorrow. Britain versus Hungary. Personally, I say go Hungary..."
"Well, way to show spirit for your home country."
"Oh yes, I know. But the Potters' team is playing for England, so naturally, I wish them misfortune."
"I see. Well the United States team has already gotten themselves into the championship game..."
"Ugh... Go Hungary! Maybe some decent people will win the Cup this year!"
"Well the Cup's in a week..."
"I know. I think I will judge this for sure... Things can go the way I want them to...."
"Oh, you're evil Cate."
"Thank-you. But you wouldn't like me any other way, right?"
"Of course not..."
Cate took one last bite of her toast, and gulped her orange juice.
Contrary to the beliefs of most people, she did eat foods normal people did. She sighed, and stretched yet one more time. The dog was fed, the house was clean; everything was perfect. She stood up and wrapped her arms around her husband. Then... The doorbell rang.
"Ooooh... Don't get it." Bellum groaned, throwing a disgusted look to the other room, as if to blame it for the ringing of that doorbell.
"I have to. It might be important..." She said, kissing him quickly and pulling away. She made her way to the door, followed by Bellum, who had been in a very good mood at the beginning of the morning, but now had settled to an irritable one... Nothing was supposed to happen.
When Cate pulled open the door, she faced a stout chubby middle-aged man, whose hair was starting to gray. She gestured for him to come in, and he did, hugging her tightly. Bellum glared at him.
"Hello Mr. Santee, what brings you here?" Cate asked stiffly, prying the man off her.
"Ahh... Cate! Looking wonderful darling, beautiful!" Said Mr. Santee, with an American Accent. Bellum made a face, and looked to Cate, who rolled her eyes.
"Thank-you, I see you are aging nicely. Hair is a bit graying..."
"Yes, yes... I know." Mr. Santee said quickly, going quite red. "But we aren't here to talk about me, we're going to talk about you..."
"Oh, fun." Cate said, with sarcasm. Mr. Santee missed it.
"Yes! Now, the Quidditch Cup..."
"I'm judging. In case you have forgotten, I'm not playing this year. I'm still on a maternity leave, if you call it that."
"Oh, I know dear." Mr. Sanchee said, turning and glaring at Bellum, as if to blame him for Cate's absence in the Quidditch league. When Mr. Sanchee turned around, Bellum mocked him heavily, and made faces at him. This made Cate smile.
"Well, what do you want from me then?"
"We need a Seeker." Mr. Santee said quickly. Before Cate could cut in, he went on. "Reveny was injured in practice yesterday! He won't be healed until next month! We can't delay the Cup that long! Cate, please!"
Cate stared at him. Behind Santee Bellum jumped up and down madly, mouthing, "No, no, no, and NO!" Mr. Santee looked at Cate with his misty blue eyes. Cate showed no sign of emotion, and replied.
"I can't. I'm judging. I can't do both."
"Oh, but yes you can! There's no rule against it! And besides, wouldn't it be more fun to play!? You know you want to..."
"Also consider that I have not played for your team in.... Hm... 20 years give or take. I don't know your players; I don't know your strategy, and I myself have not played in over a year. No."
"But yes you do! You know the strategy of every other team out there. You can play and beat any Seeker out there, even on short notice! Please?" Mr. Santee sighed, and pouted. He didn't look the slightest bit cute, he was old, and fat, and ugly. "You know Hungary won't beat Britain! That leaves the Cup open to the Potters, if I have no decent Seeker! You KNOW you'd like to beat them!"
"Yes, but, I have not practiced. I doubt I can run my feints properly, it's been that long."
"Well, we can practice this entire week!" (At this Bellum made a face, and buried his face in his hands.)
"So I can judge and play at the same time..." Cate said, starting to reconsider. She hated Americans, but she hated Harry and Meagan more, Meagan in particular. "Things can go my way... When's practice?"
"YES!" Mr. Santee said, visibly brightening. "Mind coming now? The whole team's here to see this semi-final round tomorrow, we can practice..."
"Here. I have a field in the basement." Cate said. "Sate of the art, top of the line... Magically enhanced..."
"Alright, 3:00 sound good?"
"Yes, perfect. See you later. Goodbye, Adios, Astala vista...." she added, shoving a very happy Mr. Santee out the door. Bellum glared.
"What have I gotten myself into?" She sighed.
"That's what I was wondering. I thought you were off for the year..."
"I thought I was too." Cate sighed yet again. "But none the less, duty calls..."
"Well, I suppose the road of life meanders as well..."
"Better get Jack... Talk to my mother, and father, if he survives shopping with Felicity...."
~*~
"Catie!" Lizzie said, hugging Cate as she entered the house. Cate felt she had been hugged a few too many times, and it was only the beginning of the day. "What brings you here?"
"Oh, the usual." Cate said casually. "Need a sitter for Jack. I... Have Quidditch."
"I thought you weren't playing this year..."
"Well, I wasn't.... But I've taken an offer to play in the World Cup championship game..."
"Catie..." Lizzie cautioned. "You haven't played in so long!"
"Well, I can deal with it. Anyways, I've got practice. Tonight, at my home. I really don't think the kids should be around."
"Oh, well, I think we can take them all. Might have trouble getting Felicity out of the house. I'm sure she likes to watch brutal Quidditch practices..."
"Yes, but oh well. Bellum can watch Lissy if she won't go. I swear, she's a troubled child. Top marks, gifted, but she's quite mean. I raised her well..."
"Cate..."
"I was joking... We'll get her counseling or something like that."
"Well, it's nearly 3:00. You'd better go change..."
"Alright. I'll see you some other time! Bye mum!"
~*~
Changing quickly, into a pair of sweat pants and white tank top, Cate pulled her hair back to add to it. She looked a herself in the mirror. She hadn't been in the best shape, since she hadn't been playing, but it'd have to do. It was comfortable, and showed a slight bit of skin. She felt this cooled her off during playing time. She stretched for a few minutes, and appeared into he basement. The rest of the team was there. They were all staring at her.
"Glad to have you playing this time! This time you're on our side, not beating our Seeker to a pulp!" A Chaser named Regina Reynolds said cheerfully. Regina was jealous of Cate to almost extremes. She said this in a taunting sort of voice.
"Yes, but I'll still beat you if I feel like it Reggie." Cate said, looking around the field with disgust at the other players. She knew most of these people, and hated them with a passion. She wondered, again, why she was doing this.
"Ahh... Our start!" Mr. Santee exclaimed, bubbling with excitement. "Cate, you remember everyone?"
"Yes..." Cate said, scanning them all over. Her eyes stopped for a few seconds on a man with sandy blonde hair, and gray eyes. He was looking at her too, only in another way...
"Hello Cate." he said, once they had started the typical warm up laps.
"What do you want with me, Zach?"
"Who said I wanted anything? Do I need an excuse to talk to an old friend?" Zach hissed. Cate was looking at him with utter disgust.
"Well, I'd say you need a pretty damn well good one." Cate shot back. "Especially if you consider yourself an old friend. Sure, for a year or so you were, but you just couldn't take it... Was I too much of a freak?"
Zach had been one of Cate's friends when she was little. He was the one that told every one of her powers. The bad omens had gotten to him too, and he couldn't take being followed by evil. Cate blamed him, with good reason, for her terrible years spent in America.
Cate looked him in his cold, gray eyes, and sped off, to finish her laps before him. He bit his lip. It was funny how things always changed. When he had known Cate she had been shy, quiet, sweet, and cute. But she had those powers.... Those strange powers, though. They scared the daylights out of him. And it had been too much for him. He was weak, and cowardly. But now, Cate was the opposite. In his eyes, she was the most attractive person he had ever seen. And she was also the most famous. He hadn't kept up with the press as much as he liked to, and didn't know all about Bellum, but he did know she had Jack...
Cate whispered to the other Beater on the team, a young woman she didn't know, and they laughed. The woman nodded, a piece of purple highlighted hair fell in her face. Her hair was purple and black, her eyes were also a cold gray.
"Cate!" Mr. Santee shouted yet again. Cate was sick of hearing her name.
He trotted over, looking pleased. "You're still fast enough, see? Now, about those plays you use..."
"Sorry Santee, my plays are copyrighted. You cannot use them. Only my team and I can. You're out of luck..."
"Well, just this once, can you teach our Beaters? It's your play, you invented it...."
Cate had several plays, and had placed an unusual copyright law on these plays. No one was allowed to use them except her, and the Beaters on her Quidditch team. She twirled her hair, and looked at the team. Allowing the American team to use the play would mean a good amount of fame for Zach, who was a Beater. But they couldn't use it after she was done with it...
"If you use it... No one will expect it... C'mon... You'll be even more critically acclaimed, and Harry Potter'll end up like he always does when he plays you... In the dust." coaxed Santee.
"Just this one time... But if your team ever uses this play ever again, I sue you until you have no money... Every last one of you. AND I'll make sure you never manage or play for a Quidditch team again..."
"Very nice. Thank you darling... Can you teach the Beaters?"
"If they aren't too idiotic, yes, I can."
"Good!"
Cate spent the rest of the time, which was challenging, since she was not a Beater, to teach the beaters their end of the Play. Zach stayed exceptionally close to her, Cate made sure to hit him a few times with a Beating Stick.
Eventually, they got the play down and were allowed to leave. Everyone left… that is except Zach...
"Hey, what are you doing tonight?" He asked Cate, who shot him a look that said quite sadly he was a sorry loser. "I feel bad, about all those years ago. We could be... friends."
"Hmm..." Cate said, pretending to consider it. "No. It's impossible."
"Oh, come on Cate! You know-"
"Starting to reconsider things now? Now that I'm very well known? Now that I'm a woman, and not a little girl?" Cate shot before he finished his sentence.
"Well, you're attractive, I'm attractive..."
"Yes, you're about as attractive as that there piece of dirt. Are you trying to imply something?"
"Yes... Well, to cut to the point-" he said, and he grabbed Cate and the waist, and attempted to kiss her.
Cate had a reaction for this. It was to kick the sucker as hard as she could... where it hurt the most. She glared at him. One sharp kick later, she finally decided to speak.
"Do you live under a rock? Have you heard nothing about me in the media? I AM married... I have children... Do you think I'd trade being with someone I love, to be with someone I DESPISE WITH ALL MY HEART? Now, get out of my house..." she snapped her fingers, and Zach disappeared instantly.
She sighed and shook her head... This was going to be a long week...
~*~
The Americans were hosting the World Cup. The whole Wizarding world of America was in a hysterical craze, because their team had made the championship. This made Cate even more nervous. Word that she was playing had gotten out, mainly to promote ticket sellings, and people mobbed her wherever she went. But however, she was not nice to her fans. If she was in a good mood, she might smile...
~*~
"You should have let her drown!" Felicity said to Brynn, once she learned Brynn had saved Crystal.
"Felicity! Was that YOU that let that thing out, because you were mad you didn't get to go?" Brynn said, suddenly stern.
"No... If it had been me, I would have made sure it would have drowned..." Felicity said, trailing off, mumbling to herself.
"Evil child..." Brynn said.
"Hello Brynn, long time no talk."
"No! I haven't... Hallucia!"
The voice was once again back. Brynn groaned, as the voice babbled on endlessly... It was entertaining sometimes, when she had nothing else to listen to.... But not when she was doing something. She was watching the younger children. Felicity was staring at Crystal across the room, and Crystal and Brian were staring back. She decided to sit between them. Ethan and Bryce weren't helping much either. They had decided to give candy to the children such as Paige and Bridgett, and a few of the Potter children. She sighed hopelessly, and sank down in her seat. All the Blacks, all the Potters, all the Pugnares.... All crammed together in one large room.
The adults had gone to a party. It was a social thing, for the Quidditch players, and their guests. Of course Cate and Bellum were there, as were Sirius and Lizzie. But who could forget Meagan and Harry? So they left their kids with Brynn, Bryce, and Ethan. Mac wasn't there, as he had been forced to go to a family reunion with his family.
"Shut them up Bryce! Stop giving Bridge candy! She doesn't NEED sugar!" she shouted.
"Way to be boss." the voice said sarcastically. "Shut them up."
Brynn sighed, and waved her hand. Everything was silent around her. It was funny watching the chaotic scene with no noise, and trying to make out what Crystal and Felicity were shouting at each other. The voice was humming some old tune, it had a habit of doing that often, and people were beginning to wonder why Brynn was sometimes herself humming strange tunes aloud.
"Well, I wish I could have gone with the adults..."
~*~
"I must parade around in public yet again...." Cate sighed. She had put on another showy dress for the occasion. It was a welcoming ball. She was wearing a red dress. But of course, since she was Cate, it was not an ordinary dress. Actually, it wasn't much of a dress; it was more like a long piece of fabric. Most of the front was exposed, which Cate like, she could show off her flawless body.
"But they like it. They like watching you. Prepare... To be blinded!" Bellum said, as he waited for the chauffeur opened the door. "For the flash of cameras will be blinding!"
He was right. There was a fair amount of paparazzi at the upper class nightclub. Important members of many nations were attending. Cate felt this was a opportunity to show off, since she too was now very important, as the judge. She would be seated with the most important people. The red carpet cleared a path for them, many people commenting amongst themselves.
"Can you tell us, who is your stylist?" a reporter asked, Quick Quotes Quill already jotting things down. "You look simply stunning!
"I choose my own clothes, thank you..." Cate replied, moving along, arms locked with Bellum. He himself was quite stylish in a sleek black tuxedo.
Cate snorted. She spotted Meagan. Meagan was wearing a light blue gown. It wasn't over-the-top showy, stylish, or expensive. Cate rolled her eyes and wondered how she managed to get in here, and then remembered she played Quidditch... Not that she had forgotten, she just didn't want to think about it. She had caught everyone's eye, and was proud.
"Who invited her?" Meagan whispered to Harry. "The strip Club was the other way... She's certainly dressed-or rather undressed- for it...."
But Cate didn't hear that, and it was a good thing she didn't either, she was in a bad enough mood as it was. Zack was watching her closely across the room, a blonde woman attached to his arm. When she saw him looking at her though, she gave him an electric shock in the back of his head. That would teach him to keep his eyes (and every other part of his body) away from her.
But she rolled her eyes and walked on. There were loads of creepy people here. She sat next to Bellum, Sirius, and Lizzie. Sirius really didn't dare to talk to Meagan in front of Cate, who had more of a temper. He also didn't know which side to cheer for in the Cup... So he decided to cheer for both...
Cate sat among the most honored people, and laughed to herself, seeing Meagan with the not-so-important... But sometimes the not so important were more interesting people.... Some were suffering from severe mental conditions. Cate was pleased to see Meagan had landed a seat next to a man that thought he was half dog... He drooled all over.
The next event was a more casual social. It involved a pool, hot tub, and people in swimsuits... Cate took this opportunity to show off the red string bikini. Cate was comparing herself to everyone else, and winning. She snorted. There were people in the hot tub. This was the time for her to sit and chat with people.
"Oh, why hello Meagan, and Harry." she sneered. "Lovely swimsuit darling..." She added rather nastily. Meagan's suit was a sort of tankini, and was pinkish with stripes. She looked at Harry and fought at laugh. Her husband looked much better in swimming trunks.
"You'd best watch that bikini of yours doesn't come untied..." Meagan commented.
She thought Cate's swimsuit was slightly more decent than her dress had been.
Cate stepped in the hot tub. It was relaxing, and a good thing too, for if Meagan stayed there much longer... The water smelled didn't smell of chlorine like Muggle hot tubs did. This one was far better than that of Muggle ones...
"Enjoying your evening? We most certainly are..." Cate said smoothly. "Wasn't that Minister from Ecuador interesting? Oh, that's right... You were at the other end of the table..."
"Yes, I was at the part of the table where people who look normal sit."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk... So Bob the dog man is considered normal?"
"Yes, he wasn't dressed like a-"
"Watch yourself, Meagan, or you might find yourself disqualified form the Cup... That really isn't a way to speak to a judge..."
Meagan glared. She thought it was incredibly unfair that Cate got to judge, as well as play. Well, she was going to beat her, and see her try and get the Cup back, buy cheating...
"Come on Harry... We're going to the pool..." She muttered.
Cate snorted. She had won this round. She fought with all her might not to laugh.
"Well, Bellum, I have this to say: You look better in swimming trunks than he does..."
"Well, that's not saying much." Bellum smiled. He too was fighting a laugh.
"Well, this evening has gone quite well... Only one more social to go...."
~*~
"Mommy!" Paige cried, running to Cate and hugging her, a lollipop stuck in her hair. Cate glared at Bryce and Ethan, who shrugged.
"Catie!" Bridgett exclaimed, hitting Cate from behind, causing her knees to almost buckle.
"Oof... Ethan, did you tell them to do that?"
"No, of course not mother dearest..." Ethan replied, grinning devilishly.
Crystal crept out of the room, clearly avoiding Cate. She wasn't one of her favorite people in the world... She had also been nice to Brynn that night, on account of Brynn saving her life. She waved to everyone, and rushed to find her parents...
~*~
The second social was more pleasant, for Cate didn't talk to Meagan this time. This game was discussing the match, and the match itself. Cate was dressed rather normally this time, in a strapless black dress, with elbow length gloves. Even though the dress was simple, she was still known for looking good...
Even the pool issue was more fun. Cate went swimming in the pool, which meant she had to have a better suit. But she spent most of the time lounging about, a white cover-up skirt wrapped around her waist.
This meant the end of the fun, and the real rivalry began... The Quidditch Cup Final was a day away...
~*~
Cate had struggled through practices with the revolting Americans, and managed not to kill every one of the men that constantly hit on her. She let Bellum stand at her side and glare at them. The coach was annoying, constantly complimenting her, and Zach was almost unbearable. She had actually started wearing loser clothes, so the team didn't watch her. There was only one other female, so half the time, everyone but the female Beater was watching her.
"No Zach... I told you... I do not like you. Keep away from me, before I get a restraining order!"
She often caused a scene by kissing her husband in front of Zach, who left quickly. But it really wasn't as bad as she thought it would be overall. There were many opportunities to poke fun of Meagan.
She found it simply spiffing that Meagan was actually starting to dress somewhat like her during the practices. The small white tank and looser sweatpants...
"Well, if you've got it, flaunt it." Was her comment on this. She smiled at herself. The she gestured to Meagan. "But if you don't have it.... Don't try to flaunt it..."
Meagan had heard that, which was what Cate had intended to happen. The next day, Meagan dressed like she usually did. With Cate around, it was really no use trying to be better..
~*~
"Well, today's the big day. They've made such a big deal of her, you'd forget all about the Cup... But that's just an excuse for her, since she can't play Quidditch." Meagan said to Harry in the locker room before hand.
"But honestly, did she HAVE to get rid of the pre-game show? What's it harming her any?"
"She's worried it'll take off the attention from her." Harry replied.
"Well, once she's beaten, she'll realize that was a bad idea..."
"Well, good luck Chasing... I know you can do get by the Keepers easily..."
"Good luck yourself," Meagan replied. Harry needed it more than she did...
~*~
They all faced each other on the ground. Meagan thought it was funny that Cate was shorter than everyone... Cate didn't... But Cate found it funny that she was the best flier.
When the referee blew the whistle, the game began, and the all shot into the air. Cate liked to stay by herself, on one end of the field. She looked around, and scoped out the game below.
It was supposed to be a long game... But Cate was hoping it wouldn't be. She caught Zach's eye, and made a motion. He rolled his eyes and shot off after a Bludger. Cate looked around casually, and suddenly, with a clever flash of her golden wristwatch shot off after something...
The golden flash caught Harry's eye, and he too shot after it, (Whatever it was) then realizing there was nothing to be chasing after. He was able to pull out of the feint in time to save himself from hitting the ground.... HA! He wasn't smashed by one of Cate's Feints! But...
WHAM! A Bludger, sent a little late in his direction caused him to black out, and fall off his broom. Now, seeing your husband plummet 60 feet in the air isn't something you just let happen... Meagan dropped the Quaffle, and took off in a mad dive after Harry. The Americans took this opportunity to seize the Quaffle and score.
Cate was proud of this. He had thought that since she wasn't with her usual team, he trademark play was gone. It was exclusive to her as well...
Zach smiled. He had hit someone at least. And the right person at that...
Cate shrugged, and when no one was looking, Meagan made sure Harry woke up. His head was quite bloody; she did something to him though apparently, because he was back in the air soon, much to Cate's dislike.
Cate didn't do her Feint the rest of that game, in fact, she was relatively boring, but the crowd was still in hysterics. Then suddenly the real Snitch whizzed by Zach's head, and Cate saw it.
"Damn it! He's closer!" she muttered, rushing at full speed to beat Harry. She was faster. But he was still in front of her, and closing in on the Snitch....
She put on one last burst of speed, and cut in front of him, standing on her broom, and practically jumping to catch it before he did. She was off balance. She was going to fall... She shouldn't have stood up.... But she managed to pull herself back together. She sighed, and waved the Snitch. Slightly off timing, Zach managed to pelt another Bludger in Harry's direction, and to hit him. Though no major damage was done. Maybe a few broken bones. But then he did something rather unexpected...
Cate smiled sweetly (If you call it that) at the crowd, sitting on her broomstick now, waving. The glory was hers... The final score was 300-230.
But... Lo and behold what comes flying her way... Hit by the one and only Zach, in an uncontrollable rage again. It hit Cate hard in the head. Cate stood up, slightly dizzy, blood now covering her, and she was swaying back and forth.
"That was a WRONG move..." Cate muttered. She stood on the ground, the teams were all gathered, Cate standing by herself. She still had to present the Cup... Things were NOT going to go the way anyone had planned...
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" She said, magnifying her voice. "I hope you have enjoyed this World Cup... And might I present to you: The Winners!"
She gestured to the Americans, all cheering. She realized how much she hated them. She hated them more than she hated Meagan and Harry put together. Zach's sneering face, and how he had acted towards him.
"Now... The Cup..."
She walked towards the Americans, and changed direction. She stood directly in front of Meagan and handed her the Cup. The whole stadium fell silent.
"Some things should be considered. First of all... It is cheating to injure your Seeker purposely, and then get a better one... No, no, no ... Can't make the perfect team, and especially bother one who is OFF for the season... You cannot openly hit on this new Seeker, show her now affection whatsoever, and treat her like dirt. I happen not to appreciate this. You should have tried not to cheat fate and kept your Seeker. Also, I merely do not like you, so I award the Cup to the British team, simply because they deserve it..."
Cate turned once more to Meagan. "Enjoy your Cup.... And be happy I hate them all more than I hate you..."