Author's Note: It has been a very long time since I have had a chance to update this story. My only excuse is that real life has been insanely busy, especially work. (Bonuses better be big this year.) I do, however, have ever intention of finishing this story and a short epilogue story before HBP is released in July.
Author's Note: The song that Fred and George sing is from The Animaniacs and is owned by Warner Brothers (and the Warner sister Dot).
As Strong As We Are United
Chapter 29 – We Are Family
Severus Snape was relieved, when the wedding reception finally ended and he was able to escape Lena. As he walked toward the stairs that led down to the dungeons, Professor Dumbledore called, "Severus, might I have a word."
Snape turned toward the headmaster and became wary at the sight of the sparkle in the old man's blue eyes and the grin that was tugging at the corners of his mouth. "What can I do for you, Albus?" Snape asked through gritted teeth.
"I need someone to take care of some Order business tonight," replied the headmaster.
Snape instantly relaxed. He almost laughed to himself at his reaction. He pondered briefly how it could be that the danger associated with being a spy was more appealing than talk of that annoying woman who seemed to take great pleasure in torturing him. "I will do whatever I can," replied Snape.
Cat groaned, as she swam back into consciousness. Opening one eye, she noted that her cousin was bent over the bed and actively poking hard at Cat's arm. "Ouch. What are you doing, Lena?"
"Trying to wake you up," replied Lena, a bit too happily.
"It can't be morning yet," groaned Cat, looking toward the illuminated alarm clock beside the bed. It read 3:00. No wonder Cat felt like she had just fallen asleep, she had less than two hours ago.
"Get up, already," ordered Lena. "We don't have a lot of time and you still need to shower and dress."
"What is your problem?" Cat replied. "We don't have to be in the common room for presents for another four hours. Now let me sleep."
Cat rolled over and closed her eyes. She was less than pleased to find that Lena had again begun to poke hard at her. "You have to get up so we can meet my parents for midnight mass," explained Lena.
Cat sat up in bed and replied to her cousin with a big yawn. Cat once again looked at her clock and then back to her cousin in confusion. "How can we go to midnight mass at 3am?" she asked, her brain still mostly asleep at the early hour.
Lena huffed loudly. "It isn't 3am in New Jersey. Now come on. Dumbledore gave me a portkey to my parents and you have to be ready to go in the next forty minutes."
Lena shook her head. "No, it's 9pm there, which is a bit early for midnight mass."
"Yeah well, midnight mass is at 10pm these days," replied Lena. Cat gave her cousin a funny look. Lena shrugged. "I don't get it either. I guess the little old ladies don't want to go into the scary city that late at night. I think there's a Spanish mass at midnight, but obviously my parents don't go to that one."
Cat gave up worrying about the time confusion and instead focused on the bigger issue of going back to New Jersey, even for only a few hours. "Lena, I haven't been back in two years. I can't put Aunt Mae and Uncle Des at risk."
Lena snorted. "Yeah because I'm sure Voldemort is lurking outside a church in Trenton, New Jersey, just in case you decide to attend a 10pm midnight mass. Besides, when I asked Professor Dumbledore, he thought it would be good for you to see family. He even agreed to send an Order member along as extra protection. Oh, and, Wesley agreed to come too."
"But. . ." Cat began.
"But, nothing," Lena cut her off. "Get up, get dressed. We can't be late."
Cat smiled at her cousin, before leaping out of bed.
Severus Snape pulled at the muggle tie he was wearing, as he paced the entrance hall, wondering how it was that Dumbledore tricked him into taking a portkey to the United States to attend a Catholic Christmas service. His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Cat, Wesley, and Lena, who were all attired in muggle dress clothes.
Lena smiled at Snape. "You look very nice in a muggle suit," she noted. He looked at her in surprise, having expected one of her snide remarks to which he had become accustomed.
Lena rolled her eyes. "I can behave myself, you know."
"I was not aware of that fact," replied Snape.
The four adults touched the portkey at the designated time and were instantly transported to a small living room, cluttered with furniture and family photos.
"What the. . ." yelled an older wizard, who had his wand pulled out and pointed at the group.
"Hi, Dad," called Lena.
"Bon Natale, Uncle Des," added Cat.
"Mae," the older wizard called, as he returned his wand to a pocket in his suit. "We have guests."
An older woman bustled into the room, a wide smile gracing her lips, as she took in the group that had appeared in her living room. "Leanora, Catherine, it's wonderful to see both you girls." The three women exchanged hugs. Moments later Cat and Lena also hugged Desmond Rago.
Snape took note of Lena's full name, wondering if it were possible that she herself was the famed potions mistress, whose unique talent she had shown him only a few days earlier. He would have to find out her surname and meeting her parents seemed the perfect opportunity.
"Mom, Dad," said Lena. "This is Wesley Wyndam-Pryce." She gestured toward Wesley. "It seems that Cat actually has a man in her life and failed to tell us," she added to her mother, who smiled more broadly at the news that her niece was not single for a change.
"And, this is Severus Snape, the potions master at Hogwarts School in Britain," Lena explained.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. . ." Snape's voice trailed off. He assumed that Lena was related to Cat on her mother's side, since Desmond was so obviously of Italian descent, which meant that her surname could be Rago. Unfortunately, he was not to know at that moment.
"You can just call them Des and Mae," cut in Lena. She still did not want Snape to know, who she was professionally. She was having too much fun irritating him and it would be for naught if he discovered that he already respected her professionally.
Desmond shook Snape's hand. "Yes, please call me Des and my wife Mae."
"I assume you are going to mass with us," Mae said to her daughter. Lena smiled and nodded. "Wonderful," Mae replied to her daughter's response. "We really should be going."
The group departed for the church, crowding into Desmond's old Buike. Snape was uncomfortable being wedged beside Lena, who seemed to be enjoying the closeness.
When the group arrived at the church, the men took seats, while the women excused themselves to light some candles. "What are they doing?" Snape asked Wesley.
"They're offering up special intentions," replied Wesley.
"Mae always lights two candles," added Desmond, "that both girls remain safe."
"Excuse me," said Snape, rising to join the women. He was not sure why he was doing what he was about to do, but it seemed that any help their side could get would be helpful.
As Snape lit a candle, Lena added a few dollars to the box for him, assuming rightly that he did not have American muggle money and did not know the correct custom. For the first time in years, Snape found himself offering a prayer that they were all strong enough to defeat Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
Soon after everyone had returned to the pew, the mass began. Cat was happier than she had been in a long time. Dumbledore was right as usual. She did need some time with her family. For that hour, she was able to forget about her father and the war. For that hour, she slipped back into her old life, taking comfort in the familiarity of the ritual, taking place around her. She smiled broadly, as she slipped her hand into Wesley's and sang the tune of a familiar Christmas carol.
Severus Snape was blindsided by the feeling of peace he was experiencing. There was comfort and, dare he think it, hope in the music, ritual, and family that he was experiencing. It was the first time he had experienced such in his adult life. The most shocking moment of the mass occurred, when during the sign of peace, Mae hugged him just as she hugged all the members of her family. Snape was too shocked to do anything but return the hug. People simply did not hug Severus Snape.
Buffy woke to find Charlie lying beside her. He was propped up on one elbow, staring down at her. "What are you doing?" Buffy asked.
"Watching you," replied Charlie.
"Please tell me you don't do this all the time," said Buffy, giggling slightly.
"No, but I just may start."
"Please, don't. It could get kind of creepy."
Charlie laughed, seeing Buffy's point. "Good morning, Mrs. Weasley," he said, leaning in to kiss he new bride.
Buffy sighed deeply into his kiss. When they pulled apart, she spoke. "I could get used to hearing that," she noted.
"What? Mrs. Weasley?" Charlie asked. Buffy nodded. "I love you, Mrs. Weasley," he told her solemnly, before kissing her again.
"I could really get used to this," Buffy reiterated.
"Well, I'm not going anywhere," replied Charlie. "We can stay in bed all day."
"Mmm," moaned Buffy, capturing her husband's lips yet again.
Buffy gasped and pulled away in the middle of the kiss. Charlie looked confused. "We can't stay in bed," said Buffy, as she leapt up to begin dressing.
"Why not?" asked Charlie, looking disappointed.
"Because it's Christmas," called Buffy, from under the sweater that she was pulling on. As her head reappeared, she continued excitedly. "We have to get to the Scooby common room for presents." She looked at the clock. "Damn, Dawnie's going to beat me this year," Buffy added.
"You do know that beginning next year, you'll be a mum and want to sleep as long as possible each morning, including Christmas," Charlie reminded his wife.
"You just don't understand," sighed Buffy. "It's a Summers thing."
"But now you're a Weasley," Charlie reminded his new wife, as he pulled her back toward their bed.
"You do have a point," Buffy mused for a moment, before pulling off the sweater she had just finished donning and climbed back into the large four-poster bed.
Dawn was the first of the girls to wake. She glanced over at the alarm clock on her bedside table. It read 5:54. "Get up, everyone," Dawn yelled. Several groans were issued in response. Dawn had learned the previous year that Shannon and Hermione were not early risers on Christmas. Dawn assumed the same of Ginny and Luna.
Not to be dissuaded, Dawn rolled over to where Shannon lay beside her. Ginny and Luna were sleeping in Shannon's bed after returning the previous night from the wedding reception. Dawn poked Shannon hard. Shannon swatted at her best friend, but Dawn quickly ducked out of the way.
Dawn threw a pillow at Shannon, before leaping out of bed and padding to the other side of the room to wake Ginny and Luna. On her way across the room, Dawn opened the door to Hermione's room and yelled to the Head Girl to wake up.
Hermione, more bushy-haired than ever, stood in the doorway, as Dawn threw herself onto the bed between Ginny and Luna. When the two younger girls ignored Dawn, she began to bounce on the bed, until they had no choice but to wake.
Hermione giggled at the look of indignation on Luna's face, before walking over to pull Shannon from where she was still trying to sleep.
After all the girls were more or less awake, Dawn began handing out packages. "I thought we could do like last year and exchange our gifts first." At the sight of the brightly wrapped packages, the other girls became as eager as Dawn. The girls had made a pact to only exchange girly gifts with each other, figuring that they would receive enough weapons and practical gifts from the adults.
Twenty minutes later, the floor was littered with wrapping paper and ribbon. The girls giggled, as they showed off pieces of jewelry, hair accessories, and clothing that they had received as gifts from each other. For that early part of the morning, they were no different from any other teenage girls across the world.
Their giggling was interrupted by a knock on the door. The boys had also risen early and exchanged their own gifts. Soon the ten teens were exchanging the rest of their gifts among themselves, knowing that they still had time before they were supposed to meet everyone else in the common room.
After exchanging with the group at large, each couple separated to exchange their own gifts. Ginny, Neville, Luna, and Andrew moved off to sit on Shannon's bed. Ginny used her brother's idea from the previous year and presented Neville with a photo album with pictures of the two of them alone and with their friends. Neville gave her a small gold locket that contained pictures of the two of them.
Luna gave Andrew a medallion to wear that was inscribed with protection runes. Andrew gave Luna several journalism books to help her with her writing for The Quibbler.
Draco and Dawn made themselves comfortable on Dawn's bed at the other side of the room before exchanging their gifts. Dawn was thrilled with the children's storybook about the Key. She could not wait to read it. She also loved the bracelet that Draco had purchased for her.
Draco was at first confused by his gift from Dawn until she explained how it worked. She had gotten him a portable DVD player and copies of several of the movies that they had watched together during the summer at Grimmauld place. Willow had kindly charmed the player to work at Hogwarts.
Shannon and Harry, who had taken a seat on the floor beside Dawn's bed, also exchanged their gifts. Shannon gave Harry a medallion to wear around his neck. Hermione had helped her use a protean charm on both the medallion that Harry would wear and another for Shannon to wear. They would be able to send each other messages even when they were acting separated in front of the rest of the school. Harry gave Shannon a silver cross bracelet that matched the necklace he had given her the previous Christmas, the necklace that she never took off.
Ron pulled Hermione into her room to exchange their gifts. "I want to give you this in private," he explained. "But afterwards, if it's okay with you, I want to tell everyone about our plans to get married after graduation."
Hermione smiled and pulled Ron into a kiss. "I want to give you my gift first," she said, as they moved to sit on her bed.
Hermione handed Ron a brightly wrapped package. He unwrapped it to find a beautiful, leather bound journal with his name embossed at the bottom of the cover. "I know that Watcher's keep journals of their experiences with their Slayers, but from things that Dawn has said, it seems that they also keep private journals. I thought that since you're going to be a Watcher, you should have a private journal of your own." Hermione explained all of this very quickly. She had decided to purchase a journal for Ron, after Harry had let slip that Ron kept one. However, she was unsure if Ron would be offended.
Ron smiled at Hermione. "I already keep a private journal." Hermione tried to look surprised. "And, I know Harry told you about it," Ron added. He looked down at the leather book in his hands. "This really is much nicer than any journal I've had before, and I am needing a new one, since my old one is almost full. So, thank you. It's the perfect gift." Hermione smiled in relief, as Ron handed her his gift.
"I know you said you didn't want another ring," Ron was saying, as Hermione opened the package and pulled out the golden cord that he had given her. "But I still wanted to get something that would symbolize marriage."
A single tear slid down Hermione's cheek, as Ron got down on one knee beside the bed. "Hermione Jane Granger, will you marry me?" he asked softly. Hermione was too choked up to speak. She could only nod, as she pulled Ron toward her to kiss him.
Their kiss was interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Ron and Hermione looked toward the door to see Dawn and Shannon, watching them. "We really need to get down to the common room," said Dawn.
Shannon shook her head. "Dawn refuses to let Buffy beat her to the presents. I tried to explain to her that Buffy was probably occupied this morning, if you know what I mean. But. . ."
Dawn elbowed her best friend. "You just don't get it," Dawn argued, as Draco came up behind her and slid his arm around her waist.
"So did Hermione like the gift?" Draco asked Ron.
Ron and Hermione both smiled broadly. As Hermione held up the gold cord, Ron proudly announced, "She said, 'Yes.'"
"She said . . . Oh my God," yelled Dawn, as she realized the symbolism behind the cord. "You're getting married."
"Who's getting married?" asked Harry, who had wandered over to see what was taking his girlfriend so long.
"We are," said Ron happily.
All the teens began taking turns hugging the newly engaged couple. However, Dawn quickly became impatient. "We can keep the celebration going downstairs, guys. I can't have Buffy beating me to the presents."
When Cat, Wesley, Lena, and Snape returned to Hogwarts, Snape wished the others a Happy Christmas and excused himself to return to his own quarters. As he walked away, Lena's eyes followed his retreating form. "For him, that was almost friendly," noted Wesley.
"I can't believe you managed to keep who you are a secret even when you had the man in your parents' living room," noted Cat.
"What can I say," replied Lena. "I'm good. I will have him yet."
"Ew. Would you stop saying that in front of me," begged Cat.
Wesley shook his head at the cousins' bickering. "We should get back to the common room. We really should have left sooner. We're going to be late for exchanging gifts."
"I forgot about presents," noted Lena, who had finally lost sight of Snape. "Let's go."
As the small group walked toward the entrance to the Scooby common room, they met up with a very disheveled looking Buffy and Charlie. Cat simply raised an eyebrow at the newly married couple. "We can guess why you're late," said Lena flippantly.
The couple ignored her. "Where are you three coming from?" Charlie asked, noticing their dressy muggle attire.
"We portkeyed to my aunt and uncle's last night," explained Cat. "It was nice to see family, even if I still think the trip was reckless."
Lena rolled her eyes at Cat. "I'm here, you know. So, you are seeing family even without my parents."
Buffy smiled. "And you're definitely a member of the Scooby family, who are all in one place for a change."
"Speaking of which," noted Wesley. "I do believe that we're officially late."
The five adults entered the common room to find all of the Scoobies and Weasleys already gathered and waiting for them, including those who had spent the night in Hogsmeade. "About time," said Dawn loudly.
"Yeah," agreed Xander. "We've been waiting for you to open the presents."
"I tried to explain to Xander that you were giving each other lots of first-day-married orgasms, but he just kept telling me to be quiet," added Anya sulkily. Xander sighed deeply, before pulling his wife into a hug and kissing her quickly on the forehead. Anya smiled and snuggled into his arms.
"Can we get to the presents already," urged Dawn.
"Before we do, Ron and I have an announcement to make," said Hermione. She looked at Ron, who visibly gulped before speaking to the group.
Ron was unsure why he was so nervous. His family and friends already knew about his gift to Hermione, but yet he still worried about the reaction of the other Scoobies. "Hermione and I are getting married after graduation," he said. Everyone immediately began congratulating them.
"Now can we open the presents?" asked Dawn.
"Yes, now we can open the presents," agreed Giles.
Everyone dove into his or her pile of gifts. The Scooby adults made sure that no one was left out. All of the teens received books and weapons, in addition to clothing, games, and other personal gifts.
While Buffy was overwhelmed by all of her gifts, Fred and George took the opportunity to officially welcome her to the family by slipping her a Singing Sweet. Buffy immediately began to sing.
"Life's a show and we all play our parts. And when the music starts, we open up our hearts."
Willow, Xander, Anya, Dawn, and Spike remembered the last time they had heard Buffy sing this same song and looked worried until they heard the next lines.
"It's alright if some things are unplanned. We'll follow our own path, and let destiny be damned."
"The Slayer fights alone – Not me, I have friends – Prophesied, I'd die – At sixteen, I lived."
"One dies – One's called."
"Finally I understand. It's not a job; it's who I am. Then I had songs. Yes, I had songs. I had something to sing about. I had something to sing about."
Buffy rose to her feet and walked around the room, her voice still ringing clear.
"Through the years many demons we have fought. Apocalypses stopped. But was it all for naught?"
"Heartbreaks and relationships that end. And, I went and died again. Then the First made its stand."
"Faith and I were tough – But not strong enough – So we used a spell – On all potentials."
"No more – One girl."
"We changed our history. Many Slayers there will always be. Then I had songs. Yes, I had songs. I had something to sing about. I had something to sing about."
As she began the last verse of her new song, Buffy put her arms around her husband.
"Now I don't have what's called a normal life. The magic world's in strife. And, I'm now a wizard's wife."
"Never thought I deserved this much joy. Life was demons to destroy. Now it's a girl or boy."
"All the joy life sends – Family and friends – All the twists and bends – No where near its end."
"A wife – A mom."
"Our lives have just begun. I'm more than the chosen one. Now I have songs. Yes, I have songs. I have something to sing about. I have something to sing about."
As the song ended, there were several reactions around the room. The change in the lyrics from the time with Sweet to now brought tears to the eyes of the core Scoobies and Dawn. Charlie kissed Buffy soundly. Percy began yelling at Fred and George, while Ginny cuffed them both across the back of their heads. Angelina also smacked both of the twins. Oliver just laughed. Hermione also laughed, but was quickly silenced, when Ron reminded her that the twins would be welcoming her to the family soon.
Lena watched the Weasley twins grinning for a moment, before turning to Cat. "I think I could have some fun with those two," she whispered.
"Don't you dare," warned Cat, thinking of some of the odder potions Lena had invented over the years.
Lena ignored the warning, as she bolted up the stairs to Cat's quarters. Minutes later she descended with a box of Italian candies. She graciously passed out the candies to everyone in the common room. Cat eyed hers suspiciously. "I only added a drop of a certain potion to the one's I gave to the red-haired twins."
"What potion?" asked Cat, as she watched Xander pop a Singing Sweet into each of the twin's mouths, which were open courtesy of a handy spell that Anya used.
Lena only smiled, as Fred and George turned into two-dimensional cartoon characters. The rest of the group joined in with her laughter as their attention was focused on the beginnings of the twin's song.
"We are the very models of cartoon individuals. Our animations comical, unusual, and whimsical. We're quite adept at funny gags, comedic theory we have read. From wicked puns and stupid jokes to anvils that drop on our heads."
Everyone laughed, including the twins who were thrilled at the turn of events. After they had reverted back to their original three-dimensional selves, they immediately accosted Lena to find out what she had given them.
"But, you have to tell us," begged George.
"We'll even give you a cut," added Fred in desperation.
As the large group began to eat breakfast, which had been provided by the house-elves, Lena soon realized that she could not shake the twins. Cat smirked at her cousin, believing that she deserved what she had gotten. Eventually, Lena agreed to give them the formula if they would just leave her alone. They smiled and turned their attention to pestering Percy.
After loading his plate with food, Gunn took a seat next to Harry. "I've been looking into the case against Sirius Black," said Gunn to a very surprised Harry. "And, I want you to know that I'm confident that we can clear his name, so his memory won't remain tarnished. We just need to get a court date, which may take some time, since the Ministry is so busy with the current war."
Harry smiled his thanks at the man he barely knew, too choked up to speak at first. "Thank you," Harry finally said.
Gunn smiled. "Least I can do, what with you destined to save the world and all." Gunn shook his head. "Never thought I would know so many people destined to save the world." He shrugged and returned to sit with the other Angel Investigations members.
"What was that all about?" asked Shannon, as she, Dawn, and Draco took seats beside Harry. Harry began to explain, but was interrupted by Giles.
"Might I borrow Draco for a moment?" Giles asked. Draco rose to follow the Watcher, as Harry once again began explaining what Gunn had said.
"What can I do for you?" Draco asked Giles, as they exited the common room and stood in the corridor.
"Yes, there was something I wanted to ask you," said Giles. "Now, you shouldn't feel that you need to say yes. I mean you should tell me exactly what you think. Your opinion about this is very important, you see."
Draco interrupted the older man's babbling. "Is there something wrong, Giles? Is it my mother? Is it Dawn?"
"It's your mother," said Giles.
Draco began to feel the panic building within him. "Giles, what's wrong with my mother?"
Giles realized what Draco must have been thinking. "Draco, there is nothing wrong with your mother. I just wanted to ask you something about your mother." Giles took a deep breath. "Good Lord, I never thought it would be this hard."
"Well, spill it," urged Draco. He had been spending entirely too much time with Dawn, in Giles' opinion, if she were having this kind of influence on the boy's speech patterns.
Giles took another deep breath. "I would like to ask you for your mother's hand in marriage," he said with dignity.
Draco's eyes widened, and he smiled broadly. "You want to marry my mum? This is great. You totally have my blessing. When are you going to ask her? When are you getting married? Can I be in the wedding?"
Giles chuckled softly. "I was thinking of proposing on Valentine's Day. I still need to buy a ring and plan where to take her."
"This is so cool," said Draco, still smiling. He really was happy for his mother and Giles.
Giles looked at the teen. "You have to promise not to tell anyone until after I propose, especially Dawn." Draco frowned. "I love Dawn like a daughter, but she is not known for keeping secrets."
Draco had to agree. "Fair enough. I won't tell anyone," he promised.
After breakfast, everyone broke off into their own small groups, taking turns to use the showers and dress in each of the quarters that were being shared. "We should do something, all together" noted Dawn.
"Quidditch," suggested Draco. Ron and Harry quickly agreed.
"Don't you ever think of anything but Quidditch?" asked Hermione.
"No," replied Draco and Harry, though Ron added that he did think about her all the time.
While the teens discussed the merits of heading out to the pitch, the twins, Angelina, and Oliver joined them. "You know, we have enough people for two teams," thought Angelina aloud.
"We could play students against adults," suggested Ginny.
Fred and George were soon wandering around the common room, trying to recruit a team, while Ron tried to talk Hermione or Luna into playing as their third Chaser. Both girls were steadfastly refusing.
The twins were not having much more luck. They were going to play Beaters. Oliver would be the Keeper. Charlie had agreed to play Seeker, even though it had been quite awhile since he had played. Angelina was an obvious choice for one of the Chasers. Lastly, they convinced Lena to also play Chaser. She was not a Quidditch player, but proclaimed herself to be a good flyer, since she still played Quodpot in a community league. However, no one else would agree to play the third Chaser position.
It was soon decided that there would only be two Chasers per team, since no one who did not normally play was interested in anything but watching the game.
Everyone trouped out to the Quidditch pitch, with the exception of Spike, Genevieve, and Angel who could not go out into the sunlight. Fortunately, on the way the students managed to pick up Blaise Zambini, who had remained at Hogwarts for the holidays and was happy to play Quidditch. The adults added Snape to their ranks, after Lena badgered him into playing. She was surprised that he had agreed so easily, though Willow did help.
By the time the group reached the pitch, many other students and faculty members had joined them, including Owen Cauldwell, the school commentator, and Madame Hooch, who agreed to referee.
"Welcome, all. Today we will determine who has the right stuff: Hogwarts' current Quidditch players or those who have come before."
"It is my privilege to introduce to you the alumni team. Fred and George Weasley, two of Hogwarts' greatest Beaters. Charlie Weasley, the best Seeker Hogwarts ever saw before the arrival of Harry Potter. Oliver Wood, who now plays Keeper professionally. Angelina Johnson, Chaser extraordinaire. Professor Snape, who no one wants to ever cross on the Quidditch pitch or anywhere else. And, Lena no-last-name, who usually plays Quodpot, but today is taking the position of Chaser."
"And on the student team. Dawn Summers and Shannon Crawford, who are rumored to be the best Beaters Hogwarts has seen since the Weasley twins. Harry Potter, the best Seeker at Hogwarts since Charlie Weasley. Ron Weasley, our current Head Boy and Gryffindor Keeper. Draco Malfoy, the current Slytherin team captain. Ginny Weasley, following in her brothers' footsteps of Quidditch greatness. And, Blaise Zambini, one of the first two girls on the Slytherin Quidditch team in centuries."
Madame Hooch warned both teams that she wanted a clean game, before blowing her whistle. The players took to the air, as the four balls were released.
The game was anything but clean. The adults used tactics that even the Slytherin team would have thought extreme. "Youth and skill will always lose to age and treachery," noted Giles, who was seated in the stands with the other Scoobies.
"Snape passes to Lena who passes to Johnson. Johnson flies directly at Zambini. That's Blatching. Wait, Johnson drops the ball to Lena, who shoots and scores. 10-0 alumni. Johnson and Zambini collide. Madame Hooch calls a penalty for the students. Zambini takes the shot and beautiful save by Oliver Wood."
The game continued in much the same manner. The adults continued to rack up points against the students. Fred, George, Dawn, and Shannon were so busy hitting Bludgers at each other, that the rest of the players need only stay out of the way.
Poor Ron missed several easy saves, because he was too busy watching out for his team members, who were being attacked unmercilessly by Angelina, Lena, and Snape. The students fought back against Angelina, but did not have the nerve to do so against Snape or Lena. (Draco had slammed into her once and had points deducted by Snape for it.)
The alumni team was dominating the pitch. The only times the student team had a chance with the Quaffle was when they received a penalty, which was happening more and more frequently. The alumni Chasers had been fouled several times for Blatching (flying with the intent to collide), Blurting (locking broom handles with the intent of driving an opponent off course), and Cobbing (excessive use of elbows).
Unfortunately, an hour into the game, Oliver had only allowed two goals through his hoops. The score was 160-20 alumni. Harry circled the pitch feverishly looking for the Snitch, as Charlie did the same. It was embarrassing how badly the students were losing. Harry finally called for a time out.
The students landed. "This is even more embarrassing than tying with Slytherin," Harry complained.
"Hey," said Draco and Blaise together.
"Forget about inter-house rivalries," ordered Dawn, glaring at Draco and Harry. "We can't let them beat us."
"I have a plan," said Draco.
"What is it, Malfoy?" asked Harry. Though he was not supposed to be on good terms with anyone and Blaise was standing with the group, Harry was too desperate to win to care.
"We need to put all of our focus on defense," replied Draco. "If we can keep them from getting up more than the 140 points they are and Potter catches the Snitch, we can still win."
"And how are we supposed to do that?" asked Blaise.
"First off, Dawn and Shannon, stop hitting the Bludgers at Fred and George," said Ron. "We need you to keep as much control of both Bludgers as possible and hit them at the other team's Chasers to keep them from scoring."
"We can do that," agreed Shannon, who was slightly embarrassed that they had wasted the last hour warring with Fred and George instead of helping the team.
"And, Chasers," said Draco, turning to Blaise and Ginny, "we need to focus on interception before they get to the goals. And, I can't believe I am going to say this, but screw house points. If you need to hit one of them, do it."
"And, Ron," added Draco. "Don't worry about us. Your only job is to keep the Quaffle out of the goal hoops."
"Yeah, I can take care of myself," added Ginny. "Besides, I do have three brothers and two future in-laws on the other team too." She turned to Harry. "Just find that Snitch before Charlie does."
The students kicked off the ground, as Madame Hooch again blew her whistle. During the next twenty minutes they prevented the adults from scoring and even scored a goal, when Dawn and Shannon shot both Bludgers toward Oliver.
"Weasley and Potter have spotted the snitch," announced Owen excitedly. "And, they both go into a steep dive."
Harry and Charlie were flying neck and neck, as they raced toward the ground. Charlie was the first to pull out of the dive, but Harry continued until he caught the Snitch, pulling out with barely enough time to prevent a collision with the ground.
"And the students win, 180 to 160. Better luck next time to the alumni."
Everyone landed.
"This is embarrassing," lamented Fred.
"When did our big brother become afraid of a little crash," added George.
Charlie shook his head at the twins. "About the same time I found out I was having my own kids. Quidditch is fun, but I'm not about to cause a serious injury for a friendly game."
Buffy came up beside her husband and kissed him. "What was that for?" asked Charlie. "We lost."
"Yeah, because of him," grumbled Fred. Angelina smacked her boyfriend on the arm.
Buffy ignored her new brothers-in-law. Her full attention was on her husband. "That was for losing for me," she said.
"Not just for you," he replied. "For us." He kissed her again.
"Get a room," said Dawn, as she walked passed her sister and Charlie.
"That was fun," stated Lena.
"Told you that Quidditch was better than Quodpot," said George.
"I wouldn't go that far," argued Lena.
"You are so frustrating, woman," said Snape. "You're making me agree with a Weasley. Quidditch is better."
"Quodpot," replied Lena.
"Quidditch."
"Quodpot."
"Quidditch."
"Quodpot."
The argued all the way back to the castle, where Christmas tea was waiting in the Great Hall. The rest of the group followed at a distance. "Am I the only one disturbed that she has the hots for Snape?" asked Faith.
"No, I'm pretty disturbed myself," noted Cat.
"I think it's sweet," said Willow. "They're perfect together."