I don't own anything including Harry Potter, unfortunately. Not Beta'ed

"Right, this is where we leave you," Gregor MacDougal's voice boomed as they came to a break in the stands. The large group made the small hike to the stadium through the lantern lit path. The MacDougal's were splitting off at the box section about twenty rows down from the top box where the others would be watching the game. "Enjoy! And Iz watch the sugar!" He called as Sirius started the group up further.

"You think they make some lifts for these," Neville puffed out a breath.

"What's the matter Longbottom can't upstairs, these ones don't even move," the sneering tone had them all turning with looks of annoyance. Standing a few rows up was Draco Malfoy along with his mother and father. Narcissa glared at Sirius and acted as if she smelt something funny. Lucius was sneering but doing a far better job at hiding most of his intentions.

"Malfoy," Wayne said contemptuously, "You really are shite at insults. Me muggle grandma could out curse you. Bloody poofter." Wayne added and the five teens snickered while Sirius, Remus, and Aurora kept their eyes on the Malfoy parents.

Malfoy started forward but his father placed his snakehead walking cane in front of the boy he shot Draco a venomous look. Draco looked down. "Black you really do keep fascinatingly low company. How your parents never managed to beat that out of you I'll never know." Lucius sneered.

Sirius gave a bark of rough laughter, "Some of us have spines. Comes with resisting the Imperious curse too." He said with a small grin, "Is that right Mooney? Aurora?" The other two adults nodded agreeing with him, enjoying the withering look Malfoy shot them.

Harry couldn't help it and added, "Oh yeah that's right. Grandfather was just saying half of Fudge's problems were being surrounded by weak willed idiots. You're one of the idiots." The other teens snickered as Lucius quickly started turning red and went to grab the handle of his cane. Sirius, Remus, and Aurora already had their wands in their hands.

"Wotcher cousin," came the cheerful voice of Tonks. She was in jeans and Irish gear but still had her auror's badge attached to her sleeve. She flashed her arm badge towards Lucius. "And you must be Nuncle Lucy," Tonks said with a wicked grin. "I don't think we've met I'm your niece Auror Tonks." She stressed her titled and the Malfoy's stepped back.

"I do not have any nieces," Narcissa sneered.

"Now Cissy I think the correct phrase would be I have no nephews considering, we are the ones with the Black name now." The older woman who Harry recognized as Andromeda Tonks stood behind Tonks said with a grin. Next to her was an older gentleman tall with blond hair trimmed short. He was on the portly side but his grin seemed to light up the stands. He seemed to be enjoying his daughter's and wife's reunion with their family.

Narcissa Malfoy turned in a huff and walked into the private booth they were standing in front of. Andromeda seemed to be fighting a smirk. Lucius glared, "Enjoy the festivities while you can," he said in silky yet sneering tone.

"Dromeda!" Sirius said when they were gone. He turned and pulled her into a hug.

"We spied the trio and thought we should come down. Given Dora's supposed to keep her badge on her." The regal looking brunette said as she pulled back from the hug.

"Thanks for the invite, Sirius," Ted came over and shook his hand. "Why don't we move before these people get any more annoyed. The others looked and saw they had caused a bit of a traffic jam.

"Right," Aurora said and continued leading the group on up to the top box which was roped off with a gaudy red velvet. Two aurors were standing guard and checked their tickets before letting in the crew.

"Ah and here are my guests," Cornelius Fudge said with a grandiose gesture. "Lord Black a most talented wizard who we're very glad to be hosting. And of course, his godson Harry Potter." Fudge came over trying to wrap his arms around the two. As he went to introduce them to a fellow wizarding group dressed in fine robes that looked to be for more colder climate.

They both ducked Fudge's arms but did move to shake the hands with, "Minister Oblansk, Bulgaria." The man said with a thick accent.

He did not seem inclined to say anything else, "Right well we're taking are seats. Fudge don't touch me." Sirius said and motioned all them forward. Neville, Harry, Wayne. Isobel, Susan and Tonks took seats in the front row of the box. While Sirius, Aurora, Remus, and the Tonks took seats behind them. Harry looked back and saw Fudge still floundering at Sirius blowing past him. He recovered and went back to speaking to the Bulgarian Minister of Magic. Harry had to smirk, the man did not seem to be anywhere near fluent in English leaving Fudge to look even more idiotic. Andromeda caught his smirk and laughed quietly sending him a wink.

"Are you all excited for the new year?" Andromeda asked as the teens turned to talk to the adults before the match began.

"Sort of," Susan answered with a dubious look.

"They may have already found out about a certain event being held," Aurora added.

"Really?" Andromeda asked surprised thinking Aurora might have told them despite being forbidden too by the school. Sirius had mentioned to her that Aurora proved herself a daughter of a bartender with the tirade of curses she let loose upon finding out about the Triwizard Tournament. As she spoke a large man in black and yellow striped Quidditch robes walked in with a flourish.

"Ready for the best match in England!" The man said in a boisterous voice. "No hard feelings when you lose!" He jovially spoke while vigorously shaking the hand of the Bulgarian Minister. "Care for a bet, Cornelius?" He then said turning to Fudge and clapping him on the shoulders causing Fudge to fall forward somewhat.

"Erm I don't think that's quite appropriate Ludo." Fudge mumbled.

Isobel grinned, "My brother works for him," she told Andromeda.

"That would explain that then," Andromeda said causing her husband to chuckle.

"He never changes, does he?" Ted said with a grin,

"You know Bagman?" Wayne asked with wide eyes. "He's one of the best beaters to play for Wimbourne!"

Ted chuckled, "I worked as a team healer for Wimbourne for a while." Wayne and Isobel both got wide eyes looking at Ted with awe. "Ludo," Ted called out, "Come here for a second!"

"Healer Tonks!" Ludo came over and pulled Ted into a bear hug. "Head still feels great after that last bludger thanks to you."

"Truthfully I'm not sure that was me or your hard head! You have some fans that want to meet you." He gestured to the teens. "This is Wayne Hopkins and Isobel MacDougal both a Quidditch fanatics!"

"MacDougal your brother's Ox," Ludo grinned as Isobel nodded. "Good lad him!" He pulled out a quill, "Want me to sign anything for ya?" Isobel grabbed her program and practically shoved it at him. Wayne had him sign his Omniculars.

"And this is Neville Longbottom, Susan Bones, and Harry Potter," Ted finished the introductions.

Ludo's eyes widen as he glanced at Harry. Harry's green eyes and scars making him a focus. "Merlin's beard it's wonderful to meet you Mr. Potter," He clapped him on the back as he had Fudge. Harry stiffened and Aurora glared at Ludo.

"Harry and Wayne are beaters for Hufflepuff," Ted added.

Ludo grinned even wider than he already was, reminding Harry of the Joker from Batman. "My old house! I'll have to come to match and make sure you're doing it proud! Maybe I'll bring a few coaches to the match, eh boys?" Both Wayne and Harry looked surprised but then smiles stretched over their faces and they nodded vigorously.

"Blimey that be bloody awesome," Wayne.

Ludo looked like he was about to say something else but was interrupted by Fudge, "Ludo we need to start." He looked a bit put out with how well Ludo was getting on with 'his' guests.

"Right duty calls," Ludo said and moved to the front of the box. He placed his wand to his throat and his voice came out as booming as a thunderclap. "Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to the final match of the 1994 Quidditch World Cup!" A huge roar sounded throughout the stadium. "Now let's hear some noise for the IRISH!" As he said that green, orange, and white fireworks in the shape of Leprechaun flared to life.

"Cor' those are real leprechauns!" Wayne called out as he looked through his omnioculars. The others quickly investigated using theirs as the leprechaun broke up and the tiny leprechauns flooded the stadium. More than a few allotted over to the Minister's box and started showering it with gold coins. Then a boom was heard as the Irish team flew out and over the stadium in an arrowhead formation with green smoke trailing their brooms. The crowd if possible, grew even louder.

"And welcome the BULGARIANS!" Ludo announced drawing out the country name. At this down on the pitch flashes of fire went off drawing attention to the pitch where a contingent of beautiful women with golden white hair strut out onto the pitch in a seductive dance. Their skin practically glowed ethereally. They were dressed in red and black dresses that hugged their curves. As they dance the stadium grew quite before a buzz like din rose higher and higher.

In the Minister's box Harry, Neville, and Wayne eyes were fixed on the women down below. Wayne looked to be drooling while Neville was frozen in place. Harry started to lean forward and sway in place in time with the women. Ludo was in a similar state to Wayne while Sirius and even Ted looked on dreamily. Remus looked amused at it all and shared a glance with the women of the group. Isobel and Susan looked confused and annoyed with the boys.

The bang of a deep drum rang out snapping the crowd out of it's trance as the women stopped dancing the Bulgarian team flew in with drums playing their national anthem. The last Bulgarian to fly in was the youngest player on the pitch. He flew around the stadium doing a series of tricks and acrobatics as the crowd roared, "KRUM! KRUM! KRUM!" He flew to a stop in front of the Minister's Box with his hand raised into the air and punching the sky. The teen was tall and lanky with a hooked nose that looked like a hawk with dark hair and eyes. He flew off to join his team.

Harry turned to the adults behind, "What was that? I feel like I just woke up." He still had a bit of stupefied look on his.

"Yes, who are they," Susan said a bit sullenly.

"Those my dear are Veela," Sirius said with a lascivious grin. He stood looking to get a better look at the Veela.

Aurora rolled her eyes and smacked him on the back of the head, "Down dog." She snapped out. Sirius pouted and sat. "Veela are semi-human women that have the power to enchant men."

The boys grinned, "Yeah they do," Wayne said waggling his eyebrows.

"They can also turn into harpy like birds that throw fire," Aurora added. Wayne's expression faded into horror.

"Shite," Harry whispered with Wayne and Neville nodding along. The girls smirked at that.

"Remus why didn't you turn into a drooling idiot," Izzy asked shooting a look at the boys. Wayne stuck his tongue out at her.

Remus chuckled and tapped his forehead, "One of the only benefits of the wolf. It is hard for magics that effect the mind to invade it's more animal side."

"Now our referee, Hassan Mostafa!" Ludo's voice took over they looked back seeing the players had been introduced. The players mounted their brooms and Mostafa released the snitch, "The snitch is out! And the Quaffle's up!" Bagman's voice started the call of the match. The Irish quickly pulled out head with the Quaffle. "Moran take's it down the pitch, passes to Troy and back to Moran back to Troy. Score 10 to 0! The Irish take the first strike!"

Harry was practically glued to his omnioculars. The match was faster than any he had ever seen including the few professional matches he went to. Even Bagman was having trouble at times keeping up with the Irish chasers resorting to simply calling out their names. Harry's omnioculars slowed the match and across his sight flashed Hawkshead formation as the Irish went down on another scoring run.

"Krum seen the snitch!" Ludo's voice rang out and Harry tore his gaze away from the chasers to watch as Krum took off on a straight dive with the Irish seeker behind him. Harry looked closer but could not see the snitch.

"It's feint," Harry called just as Krum pulled up leaving Lynch no time. Lynch slammed on to the pitch with a crunch.

"Owe," Susan said in sympathy with a grimace on her face.

"That was bloody fantastic!" Izzy shouted at the same time. Susan and Neville shared a look as the other two boys agreed with her.

"That was a beautiful Wronski Feint! Perfect! Lynch never even guessed!" Bagman's voice rang out as mediwizards rushed on to the pitch. After a few minutes Lynch got up wobbly and mounted his broom flying off with blood still soaking his uniform.

"Oh! And that's a foul on the Bulgarian Keeper," Bagman announced. Harry looked back to the hoops and the Irish chaser Mullet with a black eye and raving at the Bulgarian keep. "A penalty has been award by Mostafa!" This caused an uproar with the Veela who started to come out on to the field. The ref was immediately drawn to them and kept hold of the Quaffle not letting Mullet take the penalty. The leprechauns took offense and swarmed the Veela angrily. The veela shifted into their more bird like form and started throwing fireballs. Harry's eyes widen behind his omnioculars at the visage on the Veela's faces. Officials rushed out to get between the mascots and force them aside. Mostafa landed and started yelling at the Veela which caused one to fling a fireball at him. He ducked it but sent the Veela from the field for it. The Bulgarian supports yelled in uproar. Mostafa flew up and gave Mullet the quaffle to shoot his penalty and followed it by awarding another penalty to the Irish.

Play resumed with the Bulgarian's taking the quaffle down the pitch. They were able to manage a strike against the Irish bringing the score to 160 to 10. In the process Krum was hit with a bludger to the face. "OHH Krum's hit!" Bagman's voice rang out. Harry zoomed in on Krum whose nose was gushing blood. The young seeker shook his head to clear it and wiped the blood from his eyes before they narrowed and accelerated on his broom.

"He's seen it," Harry yelled which for him was a bit more than a whisper. All his friends heard him though and as one all their heads swiveled towards Krum making the adults behind them snicker. Krum dived down and zagged to the left leaving Lynch in the dust. He reached his hand out and snagged the snitch

"Krum's caught the snitch! He saves Bulgaria from a complete failure! The IRISH WIN! The IRISH WIN!" Bagman shouted and those in the Minister's box hid a wince at the look the Bulgarian Minister was giving the large man dressed like a bee.

"Ehm, Ludo!" Fudge reprimanded him and Ludo did not seem the least bit phased. A flurry of activity burst out in the box. The World Cup of Quidditch trophy was brought in and the box expanded a bit. Photographers flooded in.

"And your runner ups, the Bulgarians!" The Bulgarian players streamed into the booth looking resolute. They stopped to shake hands with first their Minister and then Minister Fudge and Ludo Bagman.

"There he is," Isobel hissed excitedly. Krum walked in with blood still all over his face and robes. It looked like someone had set it, but Krum had not waited around for them to do anything about the blood. Krum up close looked like a bird of prey with his hooked nose and lanky build with long arms. He walked somewhat hunched over and looked as if he would rather be on his broom again.

"And your winners, THE IRISH NATIONAL TEAM!" Ludo's voice rang across the stadium followed by chants of Ireland. The Irish players burst into the box. Led by the chasers for the Irish and then Lynch the captain and seeker was brought it supported by his beaters and followed by the Irish keeper. Lynch was smiling stupidly as he took the cup when it was offered to him by Ludo who refused to give it up to Fudge. He nearly fell over giving it a kiss before passing it on to his teammates.

As the team was given the trophy the noise reached unbearably loud levels as reporters called out questions at rapid fire. Aurora got the attention of the teens and nodded to the exit. The large group vacated the box without being missed which was fine by both Harry and Sirius. The group made their way out of the stands and to their camp sight. The teens chattered on and on about the game with input from Sirius, Ted, and Tonks at times. Izzy was a spastic mess and dragged Wayne along for the ride. Wayne was crowing about the Irish beaters. Harry and Tonks struck up a conversation about Krum and pulled Susan and Neville into a debate on why he chose to catch the snitch when he did. The walk back had them jostled and smushed between the crowd, but they made it back rather intact.

"Andy, Ted are you sure you don't want to stay there's plenty of room?" Sirius asked once they got back to their tents.

"No but thank you," Andromeda said with a shake of her head. "I need to prep some documents still and Ted volunteered to work an early shift at the hospital tomorrow.

"I figured I give some of the younger ones a break," Ted said with a laugh, "Hungover healers aren't the best." The adults chuckled.

"And I have to get back to the Auror tent," Tonks said. "I'll walk to the entrance with you." The three Tonks family members waved goodbye as the others started a fire in the pit in the middle of their camp sight.

"Alright who wants smores? Aurora asked as Kreacher walked out of the tent and handed her with a bag of marshmallows, gram crackers, and Honeydukes chocolate.

"Smores?" Susan asked. It was echoed by most of those around the campfire. Aurora shared a look with Wayne.

Aurora tossed the bag to Wayne, "Show these poor deprived wizards." Wayne caught it laughing.


Harry woke with a start his knife in his hand, he felt someone watching him. He blinked a few times to clear his eyes to see Kreacher staring at him. "Kreacher?" Harry asked immediately noticing Kreacher seemed ill at ease.

"Master Harry I cannot blink," Kreacher said just as the sound of an explosion seemed to go off. Harry was up out of bed and slipped into his shoes strapping his wand on his arm.

"Wake the others, quick," Harry murmured as he went to Wayne and Neville's beds. He could start to hear screaming coming from outside the tent walls. Neville was stirring but Wayne was still out. "Nev!" Harry spoke as loud as he could.

Neville pushed himself up and saw Harry alert and moving to Wayne. Harry's wand was out. Neville quickly sat up, "Wayne get up!" Neville shouted as Harry tried to wake him.

"Huh?" Wayne nearly fell out of bed.

"Neville shoes not slippers," Harry said moving to shove shoes in Wayne's face. Wayne blearily took them and slipped them on not bothering to ask simply trusting Harry. The boys were out the door to their room and into the living quarters.

"What's going on?" Aurora shouted as Sirius came flying into the tent looking grim.

"Death Eaters!" Sirius hissed, "We need to get them out of here," he shot a look at the teens. "Kreacher," Sirius went to say but was cut off by Harry.

"They have wards up Kreacher said he couldn't blink," Harry said urgently. The others looked at him funny but more screaming was heard.

"You're sure?" Aurora asked him. He nodded. Aurora, Sirius, and Remus shared looks before Aurora nodded. The tent opened before anything else could be said. Everyone turned with their wands out.

"Hold!" Gregor called in his booming voice. They lowered their wands as the members of the MacDougal clan barreled in. "There's wards up!" Gregor said.

"Aye," Sirius said before turning to the teens that were with his party, "You all are going straight out of here and running for woods." They looked ready to argue but Sirius cut them off surprisingly serious for once, "No arguing! Get to the woods and out of the wards and have Kreacher, Ox and Iona will apparate you out. Go!" He held the tent open for the teens to move through.

Harry turned to Kreacher and bent down turning, "Climb on Kreacher." Kreacher looked at Harry with surprise but quickly acquiesced. He climbed on for the piggyback ride. Harry stepped out of the tent and into chaos. Flames were roaring in the not so distance, people were rushing here and there screaming in all manner of languages, and above it all was the flashes of spells. Harry glanced in the direction of the most noise. The spells were flinging from a horde of individuals in black robes and masks. The bone white and silver used on some of the masks glinted in the moon light. In the air being levitated, twisting and writhing were people, one of whom he recognized from gate, the muggle.

"Go!" Sirius shouted at them. The teens plus Lennox and Iona took off into the chaos while the other shared a glance before heading off in the opposite direction toward attackers. Harry took off with the others with a final glance back at his mum and Sirius. Wayne, Ox and Neville were able to keep their path mostly clear as they ran through the crowd.

"Ow!" Izzy gave a pained shout and stumbled but her mother grabbed her arm and kept her steady while Kreacher snap his fingers from around Harry's neck and around them people were sent flying back a few feet.

"Nice one," Harry muttered between breaths. He dodged around toppled tents and cookware while dancing around some still lit fires all the while keeping them to the back of the pack. Kreacher doing a fine job of keeping the crowd from engulfing them from behind. Harry dashed into the trees.

Some others had slowed thinking the trees meant safety. "Wards still up," Kreacher said to Harry.

"Further!" Harry shouted as much as he good up to Ox who had started to slow. A fire flared up in the trees to the right of them causing those to have stopped to panic once more.

The oddity of five teens, one wizard and witch, and a house elf finally came to stop about twenty yards into the woods. "Wards down." Kreacher called as they came into a clearing. Harry let Kreacher jump off his back as they all caught their breath.

Iona looked the troop over. "Isobel let me see your face." She called her daughter over. Ox came near with his wand lit giving them some light. "Episky." Iona said flicking her wand at her daughter's cheek where a bruise had started to form.

Izzy flinched but then breathed out an easy, "Thanks mum."

"I think we should all go to the Keep and wait for the others there," Iona said looking over the teens. They nodded. "Ox take Neville. Iz you and Sue are with me. Kreacher can you bring Harry and Wayne?" Iona asked the little elf who was sticking next to Harry.

"Yes mistress," Kreacher said with a bow.

Ox held his arm out to Neville, "Take a breath." He grinned at the slightly greenish tint Neville's face took on as the teen did. A loud crack was heard and the two disappeared from the clearing. Iona followed with the girls while Kreacher took one of Harry and Wayne's hands and popped out of the woods.

Harry, Wayne, and Kreacher appeared in the entry hall of the MacDougal keep next to the others. Iona breathed out a long breath before looking everyone over in their various states of dress, "Why don't we all change, and then we'll wait in the living room. Kreacher would you pop into the kitchen and ask Millie to start some tea." Kreacher bowed his head and popped out of the hall. They filed out of the hall with Ox directing the boys to his and his brothers' rooms to get them clothes to wear as Neville was in boxers and a t-shirt where as Wayne and Harry were only in boxers.

"Harry you might want to brush your hair," Ox said with snicker as Harry pulled on t-shirt and flannel pajama bottoms. Wayne joined him in laughing as he finished pulling a t-shirt down over his head and walked into Ox's room.

"Ya look like ya stuck your finger in a socket." Wayne quipped.

Neville laughed, "I'm not entirely sure what that means but I'm sure its accurate." Harry flicked him off but did look in Ox's mirror. He grabbed Ox's brush and ran it through his hair making it marginally better. He shrugged as Ox laughed more and ushered them downstairs.

The girls and Iona were sipping tea. Susan and Isobel were curled next to each other on one of the couches. Harry took the other seat on the couch leaving Susan between him and Isobel. Susan moved around so she was leaning against Harry's side and had her legs in Isobel's lap. Wayne, Neville, and Ox took another couch smirking at the Harry. Harry missed it as Kreacher gave him some tea.

"Thanks Kreacher," Harry muttered. Kreacher bowed and disappeared with a pop. That was the only noise in the room for some time as they sipped their tea and waited. Ox started pacing after nearly ten minutes had passed. Iona's eyes traveled from her two children to the other teens in the room and back again. She quirked a smile as she noticed Isobel asleep with her head on Susan's lap and Susan's eyes nearly closing as she laid her head on Harry's shoulder.

Finally, they heard pop's of apparation cracks from the entrance hall was followed by rushing footsteps. Iona stood and hurried to meet them to let them know they had all made it back to the Keep safely. Gregor breathed a sigh a relief on seeing her. Iona came over to him and touched his cheek where a bruise was starting to form. She looked over the others and saw Aurora and Remus seemed fine though exhausted. Sirius was sporting a split lip and her older boys were in various states of disarray but no other injuries. "Come on their all waiting in the sitting room." Iona led the group to said room.

The teens had all sat up upon hearing the sounds of arrival. Isobel launched herself at her dad and brothers. Harry's eyes went straight to Aurora and roved her form looking for injuries. She shook her head and gave him a reassuring look before rolling her eyes in Sirius's direction. "The old dog apparently thinks I can't fight and ended up with that." She finished with a laugh at Sirius's put out look.

"Well excuse me for trying to be chivalrous," Sirius exclaimed in an exaggerated voice effectively breaking the tension. Small laughs were heard from the group.

"What happened?" It was Isobel that asked the question that was on everyone's minds.

"Death Eaters," Sirius said with a sneer.

"Those were his followers weren't they," Susan half asked half stated. Harry went stiff next her. Aurora and Remus's eyes watched him closely for any other sign of disturbance. His eyes seemed to almost glow with anger. Remus shot shared a questioning look at Aurora who shook her head minutely. Sirius was drawn to Harry's eyes as well as the glow seemed to get a bit brighter when Gregor answered.

"Yes, they started the riot. They were moving through the English camp sight. When we got to them though there could not have been more than ten or so garbed Death Eaters."

"The rest were sympathizers and drunks," Sirius spat out. "They joined in and turned it into a full blown riot. The Death Eaters were the ones torturing the muggles."

"Sirius! They shouldn't hear this," Iona said sharply.

"They need to know hun," Gregor said putting his arm around her. He glanced at Harry and she followed his gaze and nodded at Sirius.

"The others were the ones starting fires and causing most of the chaos," Sirius said with a shake of his head.

"Why would they join the Death Eaters?" Isobel asked with a disgusted look on her face.

It was Remus that answered, "You – Know – Who only had a limited number of Death Eaters. Most of his army was made up of sympathizers that he did not fully trust or include in the vilest of his plans. He also had the allegiance of a variety of dark creatures. He only marked, masked, and kept in close contact with his Death Eaters."

"You really shouldn't have quit," Aurora groaned as the teens looked transfixed on Remus's lecture. Remus grinned despite the seriousness of his topic.

"Do we need to be worried?" It was Ox that asked.

Remus shook his head, "I do not believe so. Somebody fired the dark mark into the sky," he paused when he heard the sharp intake of breaths, but the teens and the younger MacDougal boys looked confused at that.

"They used to leave the dark mark in the sky when over head of when they killed someone," Aurora cut in a subdued voice. All the older people in the room took a pause as they looked to be stuck in a memory.

Remus shook himself out of it first and continued, "When the dark mark appeared in the sky the first to flee were the death eaters. The others all froze, and officials were able to start rounding them up, but most people escaped in the chaos. We and some others who did not panic helped to put out fires and heal minor injuries."

Silence followed Remus's explanation until Aurora asked Harry something that had been bothering her, "Harry what did you mean when you said Kreacher could not blink?"

"Yes, I was wondering that too," Remus asked.

Harry shrugged, "Blinking is what elves call their version of apparating."

"Wards," Sirius's voice took on a harsh tone. "They tapped into the wards," He noticed confused looks. "The death eaters, they changed the wards to prevent people from quickly leaving. It also explains how they disappeared so easily. They dropped the wards but they were the only ones who knew." Everyone except Remus looked at Sirius with confusion, surprise, and amazement as he explained his thoughts. Sirius caught the looks and barked, "I was a curse breaker before I got chucked into Azkaban!" Remus chuckled. "Real help there Mooney," Sirius groused to the laughs of the teens.

"Shite!" Ox swore viciously.

"Lennox!" Iona shot him a look.

"Ma this means that one of the death eaters works for the ministry. That's the only way they would have access to the ward stones of the stadium."

There was a pause before nearly everyone spoke at once, "Shite."

Aurora shook her head before giving a dark laugh, "Most of them probably worked for the Ministry." Harry's eyes flared again.

"Still, it's worrisome," Gregor spoke, "The only good thing is they fled at the dark mark, they were scared about what it could mean." A clock struck four times from the corner of the sitting room.

Aurora stretched her back out and sighed, "Is it really four in the morning? Come on boys we had better get home and let them know were okay before my parents go spar." She looked to Neville, "Do you want to come with us or floo home?"

Neville snorted, "If I wake Gran up this early, she'll ban me from the greenhouses until I leave for school." Everyone grinned at Madam Longbottom's version of a punishment. She had certainly come a long way in her relationship with her grandson to know what to use to ground him.

"Sue, we saw your aunt before we left." Mr. MacDougal spoke. "She wants you stay with us for the next couple of days while they're sorting all this out. She'll floo us in the morn, erm, later today."

The teens said their goodbyes while Iona walked with Aurora, the boys, and Sirius and Remus. Aurora turned to her and gave her a hug, "Thank you for keeping them safe." Sirius and Remus echoed her sentiments.

"Of course, with us Hufflepuffs you're already family." Iona grinned at them. Sirius and Remus apparated out while Aurora and Neville went through the floo first followed by Harry and Wayne. Iona sighed and walked back to her husband and boys. Susan and Izzy hadn't moved, just fell asleep on the couch. "Boys take them to their room, that it's enough about death eaters right now."


"Ready to go?" Dawn asked as Harry came into the entry hall with his trunk trailing behind him. Harry just nodded as he leaned against a wall. He had been in pensive mood since the World Cup, not that she blamed him. The Ministry still had no suspects on the death eaters that were present or whomever it was that cast the dark mark in the sky. Dawn was rather irritated at the Ministry's inaction herself. Madam Bones had visited just last night with Susan. She had requested to talk to Cyril after dinner, apparently Minister Fudge was interfering with her investigation. He had shut down their access to the site of the World Cup citing the riot as nothing more than rowdy Irishmen and a prank. She and Cyril were trying to get a voting block together to allow the aurors reentry to the site.

"Come here," She pulled him to her side. "Right now, there's nothing we can do. Cyril and Madam Bones are doing all they're able." She paused and waited until he nodded. "That being said none of this feels right," he nodded again. "Keep on your guard and watch that little shite Malfoy. Cyril told me his father was one of those who pled mind control or whatever the hell wizards call it. But remember to try and enjoy yourself, these other schools should take most of the focus this year, alright?" He nodded but she gave him a look.

"Yes ma'am," He said allowed with a quirked smile.

"Ready to go Harry?" Cyril said stepping into the entry hall as Dawn released Harry from a hug. "Apparated or floo?" He asked and then laughed at Harry's look of discontent.

"Apparate," Harry finally said with a sigh of reluctance. Harry grabbed his trunk with one hand as Cyril took his other arm and with a crack they disappeared.

"I'll never get used to that," Dawn said with a shake of her head.

Harry and Cyril appeared on Platform nine and three-quarters with a crack that was lost in the din of the platform. It was bustling despite the two getting there early as they usually do. Harry looked around with surprise and shared a glance with Cyril. Cyril's raised eyebrow was the only tell of his surprise. "I guess they really want to find out what this year's surprise is." Harry gave a snort and shook his head.

"Harry!" Izzy's voice rang out over the crowd causing Harry to laugh silently and Cyril to chuckle quietly.

"She's got a damn big mouth for such a tiny person," Harry turned to see Wayne standing there with a grin. Harry grinned back and gave Wayne a fist bump. Izzy and Susan came up their trunks rolling behind them. Izzy cocked back her arm and hit Wayne in the stomach, "Oof. What the hell?" Wayne exclaimed.
"That was for whatever it was you said." Izzy grinned and gave Harry a hug which Harry was finally starting to return after years.

"You did probably deserve that for something," Susan said grinning and Wayne a one-armed hug before blushing slightly when doing the same to Harry.

"Well yeah, but if yer don't know it shouldn't count," Wayne said his grin back in place. Cyril stood there trying to contain his laughter.

"Isobel dear, did you have to hit the boy," Iona said coming up behind the girls. "Cyril lovely to see you again."

"You as well, should we let this rabble on the train?" Cyril asked and all four teens gave him a mock offended look.

"Not waiting for Neville?" Iona asked. The four snickered.

Cyril grinned, "Much to Madam Augusta's chagrin he'll roll in just before departure."

"I did not realize that was every year tradition." Iona said laughing. "Alright you four behave and good luck. Write to any of us if you need something." Iona said pulling Izzy into a bear hug and giving the other three a slightly less powerful hug.

"Girls, make sure they behave somewhat," Cyril said giving Izzy a quick hug and then Susan. To Susan he whispered, "try to keep them from landing Dumbledore in St. Mungo's?" Susan gave him a grin and nodded. Both Wayne and Harry looked Cyril suspiciously he just grinned giving Wayne a handshake which he followed by giving Harry a hug.

"Be safe and watch your back," Cyril said so only Harry could hear. Harry nodded when he pulled back. The four took their trunks and made their way on to the train. They took the last seat on the last car as always. Harry and Wayne loaded the trunks up on to the luggage rack and flopped back down onto the bench seat across from the girls. Izzy and Susan rolled their eyes at the two.

"Oh wonderful," Izzy said making a disgusted sigh as she looked out the window.

"Wha?" Wayne said and glanced out. He scowled, "bollocks." He turned to Harry, "Poofter Goldilocks is back for 'nother. Was it much to ask for his Nancy-boy daddy ta have a tutor kill him." Harry and Izzy started laughing while Susan just looked annoyed out the window.

"We did just see the tosser," Neville's voice rang in the compartment as he came in and through his trunk up top.

"There was still time," Izzy was the one to speak as she gave Neville a hug as did Susan. Harry just gave him a fist bump while Wayne clapped him on the back and nearly knocked him over in the process.

"Oi!" Neville said stumbling forward a bit.

Wayne looked a tad sheepish, " 'nother growth spurt." Neville just shook his head and sat next to Harry.

"You know the little tosser's going to come grace us with his presence," Susan said shaking her head in an annoyed manner.

"Ya think they'd care if we shoved him out the back," Harry asked nodding to the back door.

"Harry," Susan said in a warning tone. "You're not allowed to get arrested for killing Malfoy." Harry and Wayne shot her pouting looks. "He's not worth save it for someone else." She finished with a grin. Harry, Izzy, and Wayne started chuckling while Neville just shook his head.

"Heard anything more on the tournament?" Neville asked them all after the snickering passed.

"Just some basic stuff," Isobel answered with shrug. "Ox is trying to keep the 'vow of secrecy' that Bagman wants but apparently Bagman has trouble keeping his own mouth shut." That got a laugh from Susan who had heard more than one snappish comment about the former beater from her aunt. "There's supposed to be four tasks that placed throughout the year, but he won't tell us what they are. The only other thing he mentioned about the tasks was they're supposed to represent the elements."

"It's gonna be right borin' for the other kids ain't it?" Wayne said as more of a statement, "If that's all it is."

Susan nodded, "I can't imagine the students from Beauxbaton's will be too pleased to spend the winter months in Scotland." Harry gave her a weird look. "It's in the south of France, it doesn't get nearly as cold." Harry nodded.

Just then the door to their compart flew open revealing Fred and George plus one other passenger. The fourth years burst out laughing. Ali was currently sitting atop George's (or was that Fred's) head. George shot Harry a droll look.

"Your cat's a menace sometimes." Fred lost his battle with holding in laughter as Ali jumped straight into Harry's lap using George as a springboard. Ali rubbed against Harry and then purred as Harry started to scratch under his chin.

"Is there a reason the damn cat,"

"pulled George by the hair to get us here?" Fred finished still snickering.

"Yeah," Harry nodded smirking, "finished yesterday. You ready for your part?"

"We're always ready," George said his annoyance fading away at the mere mention of a prank.

"By the way you did see who's back?" Fred added his grin fading to a sneer. As the twins moved into the compartment and shut the door putting a noise cancelling charm on it.

"Yeah the little blond toss pot." Wayne replied.

"Any thoughts? We have some products,"

"We've been working on,"

"And would love to test 'em out," George spoke as Izzy interrupted.

"Oy! Quit doing that I'm gonna throw up."

"While we plan a warm welcoming," Fred finished the twins' speech with a grin at the younger girl.

"Arse biscuit." Izzy muttered. Wayne snickered causing Izzy to kick him in the shin.

"Bloody hell." Wayne said rubbing his shin as the others laughed. "Violent bird." He said under his breath so that only Harry and Neville could hear.

"Anyways," Neville said getting them back to Malfoy. "I think I speak for all us, commence the pranking." Neville said getting laughs and nods from the others.

"We'll meet Saturday? Plan a nice welcome back gift?" Wayne said looking to Harry who nodded and then to the twins.

"Rodger that, now if you'll excuse us, we have three chaser," George said.

"To find and annoy," Fred finished giving them all a wave.

The fourth years chuckled as the twins made their way off as the train started moving. Neville pulled out a book that read, 'Herbs from remote locations.' Harry chuckled at the title. Neville caught it and shrugged, "he's not the most creative but the wizard travels." He pointed at the name scrawled beneath the title. Izzy and Susan started chatting about the summer assignment from Arithmancy. Izzy pulled out her notebook as Susan pointed out a cheat to her.

Harry and Wayne grinned at each other, "Nerds," Wayne coughed. Izzy quick as a whip kicked him in the shin. "Oi! Damn it, woman!" He jumped again as another kick was aimed for him.

Neville laughed, "Quit while you can mate."

Wayne growled a bit, "fine, want to play some chess?" He asked Harry nodded. Harry pulled out the traveling chess set he had. Ali moved to sit on his shoulder with his tail draped over Harry's other shoulder. Harry set up the pieces and spelled the board to float in between the two boys. Harry moved his pawn first starting the game. The two boys were evenly matched when it came to chess making the game interesting. Wayne's style was much like he is in person, bold and up front. Harry under both his mum's and grandfather's tutelage was becoming more strategic when it came to his chess play, though he could not match Susan and Izzy's levels. And the Gods help him if he played against the twins or their younger brother Ron. The four Hufflepuffs discovered over break what Neville had already known, Ron Weasley was a damn chess prodigy.

The game continued as the train moved with neither boy gaining much of an edge. Susan looked over her book seeing Harry about to miss a move and nudge him with her foot as he picked up a rook. She checked to see if Wayne was watching but the boy was focused on the board. She shook her head and Harry placed his rook back down and looked again at the board. Harry tilted his head much like Ali does as he looked at the board. Both cat and boy making the same look had Wayne cracking up until Harry picked up his bishop and moved it, "Check." Harry said with a grin.

Wayne's face fell, "Wha'? Bugger." Wayne swore under his breath.

Ali tensed on Harry's shoulder and let out hiss right after Wayne's statement. The five teens turned in the direction of the door and sure enough a platinum blond ahead appeared with two hulking masses next to it.

Neville looked out the window, "Well it's about that time," he shook his head, "halfway."

The door flew open curtesy of one of the hulking masses. Before Malfoy could even open his mouth, Wayne cut him off. "Look who it is Tweedledee, Tweedledum, and Daddy's little baby angel." He tittered the last part in a high-pitched tone and fluttered his eyes. His friends turned to him and snickered at. Malfoy's face twisted in anger; Crabbe and Goyle stalked forward. Immediately the three boys were hit with a multitude of colored spells. Malfoy's mouth turned into a zipper that zip shut with a snap. Crabbe sprouted daisies from his stubby head and his feet turned into a pair of pink swimming fins. He finished his step forward tripping on the fins and falling headfirst into the train cab where Ali pounced on the boy. Goyle's let out a muffled groaned as his two front teeth started to grow out of control at a rapid rate. At the same time a pair of oversized red and gold clown sun-glasses appeared stuck to his face. A big red nose appeared, and his hair turned to the color of the rainbow. Another flick of a wand had the three boys went flying back out of the cab while Ali jumped to Harry. Susan flicked her wand and the door slammed shot as laughter rang throughout the entire train car as the three Slytherin's fled.


"Bugger," Wayne muttered and all four of his friends turned to look at the entrance to Hogwarts. Headmistress McGonagall was starring at the not so horseless carriages trundling the upper years to the doors of the castle. She narrowed in on the five of them in no time.

"That's not a good look," Izzy replied.

"Just look sad until we get to her office," Harry said with a down cast expression.

"But he's a prick," Izzy shot back.

"Iz shut up and look guilty," Susan hissed.

"You five come with me," Headmistress McGonagall stared them down as they got out of the carriage. Neville despite his confidence boost since meetings his friends did not need to try to appear to sweat, it was already pouring off him. They saw Malfoy and his goons nearby pointing with some other Slytherins while looking smug. The group trudged past with the Headmistress going first.

"Eek," A loud screech was heard followed by maniacal laughter. Everyone turned to see Peeves pelting the group of Slytherins with water balloons.

"Peeves'!" The Headmistress yelled out and the poltergeist sped off laughing all the while. The five friends quickly schooled their features as the Headmistress continued though Harry noticed a slight twitch on his 'aunt's' face. He grinned to himself as the gargoyle guarding the entrance to the Headmistress's office moved aside allowing the stairs to appear. The Headmistress's shoes sound on the stairs was the only noise as they followed her up. They stopped in front of her desk while she went around and took a seat.

"You could not have waited for him to do something first?" She said at last and the five let out relieved breaths.

"Technically we did," Wayne drawled. "We waited 'til Tweedle..eh, Crabbe started in' the cab." The others, even Neville snickered at his slip up.

The Headmistress cast her eyes to the sky as if to pray, "Merlin help me. You realize the only reason you're not losing points is because technically term hasn't started." The four Hufflepuffs looked relieved at that but Neville just shrugged. "All of five of you will have detention with Hagrid Friday night. He needs to gather ingredients for Professor Slughorn in the Forest."

"On a Friday," Izzy's whine slipped out before she could stop it. She quickly grimaced and looked down at the Headmistress's look.

A throat clearing turned everyone to a picture of an old Headmaster. "Pardon me, Headmistress but it seems the Reavers have struck again."

"Ow man we missed," Wayne whined getting a look from the Headmistress. "What they're good pranks." He said not looking the least bit abashed.

"What did they do?" She asked.

"The Sorting Hat challenged Professor Flitwick to a, ehm, rap battle?" The portrait said. The five teens snickered.

"Go off with you," Headmistress McGonagall shooed them out the door of her office. "To the great hall." The teens moved though Wayne was still looking at her.

Harry bumped him, "There's a passage from here to the great hall." Harry took hold of his robe and dragged him down the stairs. They moved down the corridors to the great hall with little to no shame at their punishment.

"I really wanted to see this one play out," Izzy muttered.

"At least it'll throw them off us even more," Neville replied as they neared the doors to the hall. They opened and laughter was still dying out around the tables as the Headmistress took her seat. The newbies started getting called to the disgruntled Sorting Hat as Neville bid the four Hufflepuffs a goodbye and strolled to the Gryffindor table. He took a seat next to the Weasley twins.

"About time," Oliver said with a grin. "You missed a good one. What happened?"

The four took their seats with Izzy answering, "We have detention on Friday night."

"For Malfoy and his goons?" Rodger asked with a grin. They nodded, "Worth it." The four nodded again and then clapped as Hufflepuff got a new student.

"Loose any points?" The question came from Cedric who was smiling widely at the four.

"Nope, she said term hadn't started yet so," Susan said with a shrug.

"Nice!" One of Cedric's friends said laughing and then clapping as another student was added to Hufflepuff.

The sorting continued with Hufflepuff gaining six new members the smallest of the four houses this year. Ravenclaw added the most students this time around surprising some but pleasing Professor Flitwick. The small man was smiling widely at his table. Typically, Gryffindor received the most students. It was then that Harry noticed the head table. It had been expanded and some new additions were added to the mix of professors. All of them familiar to him. Sitting next to Hagrid in a magenta robe and tall pointed wizard's hat was the bearded visage of Albus Dumbledore. Harry's eyes caught the old man's and hardened into green emeralds. Dumbledore shifted uncomfortably before Harry moved his eyes to the next person. In bright yellow robes looking like he already had too much wine served at the head table was Ludo Bagman. Next to Bagman was Ox, who was still chuckling to himself over the prank at the start of the feast. The last face was scarred and a whirring fake eye. Harry recognized the man from countless stories and seeing him with Tonks.

Headmistress McGonagall came to the front of the head table from where she was arguing with a disgruntled sorting hat. She had an unamused look on her face, "As always, the Reavers when caught will face strict punishment." She said as if fighting the urge to sigh. Giggles were heard throughout the hall that were quickly silenced at a glare. "Before I lose you all to food there are some announcements to be made. First, I like to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Alastor Moody." The man stood with a slight hitch and nodded both his eyes scanning the room, the fake one never stopping.

"Did you know Mad-Eye was going to be teaching?" Izzy turned to Susan and Harry. She was not alone many of the Hufflepuffs turned to look at the two.

"No auntie didn't mention it," Susan replied shaking her head.

"Neither did Tonks," Harry said quietly. "Not sure why he'd want to, he hates kids." Harry added and those listening groaned. The attention was taken back to the Headmistress as the clapping died down.

"Are we ever going to have a normal year of Defense?" Cedric sighed.

"You mean it's not just us?" Wayne remarked.

"Nope it's been years," Another of Cedric's friends replied.

"As you have noticed we have some other guests with us this feast." She gestured to the others at the table. "This year Hogwarts has the illustrious honor of hosting an event that has not been held in some time," she paused, and Harry thought she was doing a rather admirable job of hiding her true dislike, "the Triwizard Tournament." As she finished a hum of noise broke out, some of the students looked impressed while others simply looked confused. "For those of you who do not know the Triwizard Tournament is an ancient competition between the three apex wizarding schools of Europe. Hogwarts," a cheer was heard making the Headmistress smile. "Beauxbaton Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute of Magic. The tournament has been revived by the Ministries of Magic and will take place over the course of the year. At the beginning of October Hogwarts will host a delegation from each school for the rest of the year to compete. One student from each school shall be chosen to represent their school and country on the world stage. The winner of this tournament goes down in the annals of wizarding history." The Headmistress finished though Harry picked up a hint of disgust that most did not. He noticed some of the other professors seemed to share that distaste while some like Slughorn looked pleased. "To speak more on the tournament is the Director for International Affairs, Albus Dumbledore." Dumbledore looked slightly surprised at the Headmistress, but Harry caught the subtle nod in Bagman's direction as he knocked back another goblet.

Dumbledore stood to some applause that turned to laughs as Bagman slapped him on the back and Dumbledore rocked forward a bit. "Thank you, Headmistress McGonagall," Dumbledore gave a slight bow to her. If he held any resentments no one could tell. "The Ministry is pleased to give you the opportunity to interact with wizards from around our world while also displaying the brilliance of our very own Hogwarts." There were some cheers from the students at the last part. "The two other magical academies will be arriving on October 30th and will be bringing with them a delegation to represent their schools. On the 31st a feast will be held to open the tournament and an impartial judge will deem a wizard or witch from each school worthy to represent them as Champion. "The winner of this tournament not only wins victory for their school and country but earns eternal glory as well as 1000 galleons." Another cheer that was louder but interspersed with whispers about the judge was heard and the prize." Dumbledore paused waiting for the cheering and whispers to die out before continuing. He appeared much more serious as he started to speak next, the twinkle in his eyes even dimming, "This tournament is not for the faint of heart." His voice held a power to it that Harry and only a few others seem to feel. "The challenges the Champions will face are designed to test and tax all of your magical abilities to prove yourself. In the past this has resulted in injury and even death," that dampened some enthusiasm. "As such the Ministry as seen fit to impose an age limit," boos and jeers were heard throughout the hall.

Headmistress McGonagall stood and set off a spell that boomed throughout the hall and glared at her students saying one word, "Enough." The hall quieted almost immediately. Dumbledore looked impressed and a tad bit surprised; Harry snickered in his seat at that.

Dumbledore nodded in thanks, "Only those who will reach adulthood by the 31st will be allowed to compete!" He finished gave a slight bow to the Headmistress and retook his seat.

The Headmistress stood again her expression stern, "I expect all of you to represent Hogwarts at it's best." She paused to look at all four tables before her face softened "now, eat up." The food appeared on the tables and students broke out into chatter.

Hey all, sorry for the long wait, again. My semester got crazy. Hope you enjoyed and thanks for sticking with me. I want to represent all four elements but am having trouble coming up with an air event for the tournament. If anyone has any ideas hit me up