Chapter 2: Stories of pain, love and strength.

Riley took a deep breath and started her long story.

"About three years ago now, the Dark Lord killed my mum. Thankfully my dad and brother were away at work. I was at home with her but I was out cleaning the stalls. I heard a scream come from inside the house so I grabbed my wand from the shelf of the barn and ran inside. There was a dark figure next to her body, I raised my wand in defence and waited it out. His voice was rather creepy, he warned me he would be back to kill my father and myself. I asked him why, why he would do that. And he said it was so there wouldn't be any more descendents of Aarionarious Damian O'Rylis, so he could capture the son and take the powers for himself. Little did he know that I held the key to the powers. Anyways that comes in later, moving on."

Riley took a breath, gathering her thoughts before she continued.

"My dad came home to find me crying on my mother's body, her name was Nicole. He screamed, ranted and raved. My brother picked me up in his arms and took me upstairs; away from the wrath of my father. After he calmed down, he came and asked me what happened. I told him every single thing, the ministry was notified and a search was in action. I didn't know who the Dark Lord was at the time because we didn't start school until we were 12. I had learned magic from a young age due to my genes kicking in early, I was about 6. My family were all known for having their magical powers well before the desired age of 12."

Riley took a deep breath before continuing, everyone noticed how hard it was for her to talk. Fred was standing beside his bunk, quietly listening to the story.

"We all dealt with my mother's death in different ways. My brother, he focused all his energy into school. I focused all of my energy into training the horses we had and my dad, well he never really dealt with it. He was the strong one for us, he kept us going. There were nights where I lay awake, thinking of her tucking me in when I heard sobbing coming from the room across the hall. I'd climb out of bed, wondering why the big strong man that was my father, was crying. I opened the door quietly and saw him holding onto one of my mother's shirts, he was crying into it. Seeing him hurting so badly, made me cry silently. I wanted him to feel better so one night, I made a special card for him and placed it on his pillow, I went to bed and waited, I heard him crying again. I picked up the tissues and quietly went down the stairs to make hot chocolates with marshmallows."

Riley sniffled slightly and looked up.

"I walked back up with two large chocolate chip cookies and two hot chocolates. I walked into the room, my dad looked like a deer in headlights. I placed the hot drinks on the bedside table and offered him a cookie. I silently made him sit down on the bed where I wrapped a blanket around his shoulders and dried his eyes with a tissue.

'It is like what mummy use to do when we got upset, remember daddy?' I whispered to him, wrapping my arms around him as best I could. He nodded slightly but kept quiet, his sobs were heart wrenching.

'Mummy really hasn't left us, she's just watching over us in Heaven like she is with her mummy.' I kept my voice quiet while I was talking to him, like she spoke to us when we were crying. I patted his hair softly, like mum use to do to us.

'Mummy will always be here, like you said.' I whispered again, trying to hold back a sniffle. My brother had come into the room, he sat on the other side of me. I gave him my cookie and hot chocolate and did the same with the blanket."

Riley wiped her eyes without looking up, she had only told Hermione and Fred. She didn't tell anyone else because it hurt too much.

"That night, our broken family became one. We helped each other in the loss of mum. My dad was about to get up and leave, it being too much but I sat on his lap and stopped him. I was being strong for my family, they needed the strength.

'Mummy will always be here with us, in here.' I placed my tiny hand over his heart and my brother's. They looked at me, slightly stunned.

'No matter where we are, mummy will be with us and – and –' after that I couldn't stop myself, I started to cry. This time, my brother and father wrapped their arms around me and whispered different things."

Riley looked pleadingly at Fred, he came and sat down behind her; pulling her to his chest. He held her tightly as tiny sobs escaped her lips. Ron wiped away a stray tear and Harry was trying to hide his tears as he held Hermione. Although she had already heard the story, it was still heartbreaking.

"From that day on, I wanted revenge on Voldemort for hurting my family. When I read in the papers that an 11yr old boy had killed Lord Voldemort, I was shocked to say the least. I was so happy, my family was forever in your debt but then we heard about your second year. After that, we weren't too sure about what was happening with Voldemort. We sold the farm along with the horses for our safety and moved to the capital. Before we moved though, I was sitting in my favourite tree when I saw black shapes flying in the sky, I hid in the tree but stepped wrong. I fell out of the tree and landed on the ground with a thud, I bruised a few ribs that day I think. It was a herd of Black Pegasus'. I stayed quiet and made sure my wand was out of sight, they were taking a rest to graze and get a drink from the river."

Riley took a deep breath, the sadness slowly vanishing from her facial features. Fred squeezed her slightly in reassurance but didn't let her go.

"A small colt, or baby boy Pegasus, walked wearily towards me. I saw its sire and dam calling out to him to not come near me. Suddenly, I felt a type of bond developed between me and this Pegasus. I gasped and stood, I heard his voice inside my head. I called him Viper due to the protectiveness he held when I was around him. His parents gave us their blessing and flew off with the herd, I took him home and showed my father. He, well, fainted in shock. My brother saw him and congratulated me; telling me how proud our mum would've been. I smiled and waited for my father to wake up, once he did; he did the same thing my brother did. He explained to us that if I wanted to keep the Pegasus, he had to pose as a normal horse in the muggle world. We'd take a trip out to the country where my father would teach me to stay on his back while flying or something of the like."

Riley smiled, chuckling.

"I found out how uncoordinated colts were, I was so use to riding older horses that had longer gaits and more experience. My dad taught us things not many Pegasus riders knew, he taught us aerial acrobatics and developed a deeper trust between us, it was fantastic. Pegasus colts are fully grown by the age of 2 months due to their instincts in the wild. My family all had a great time, my father and brother were on their broomsticks while I rode Viper. It was fantastic to be able to relax, to be who we really were."

Hermione was resting her head on Harry's lap now, his fingers were running through her hair. Ron had somehow managed to get a bowl of popcorn. Fred was still sitting behind Riley but was dozing, he knew the story already.

"I think I had better explain our school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We got to school for 6 -8 hours a day then go home because it was so close. The muggles in our country are pretty oblivious to a lot of things, we get away with so much."

Riley chuckled and leaned more onto Fred who fell over backwards, not expecting her to lean back.

"Riley, what have I told you about doing that?" Fred scolded her in a mocking tone, he chuckled.

"Should've been awake." Riley countered, the pair got comfortable again before Riley continued her story. She frowned, reforming the story in her head.

"One day, my brother didn't come to school and stayed at home. I think he was sick. Anyways, he was 15 at the time. I was walking home from school, I couldn't wait to see my dad and tell him about the O I got in potions. I walked into the house and there was clearly a break in and dual. There were marks everywhere, all over the walls. I called out my dad's name in panic, I couldn't find my dad or brother. I went into my brother's room and found an extremely scribbled note under his discarded pillow. It read the following:

Riley,

The Death Eaters are here, I can hear them downstairs.

We love you so much, you are our little angel.

They are going to take us somewhere, somewhere I don't even know.

We will be together soon, I promise my little baby sister.

We will fight and get back together soon. You are a very strong girl.

Dad and I will never forget you, I love you so much.

Mum and Dad are so proud of you, I could never ask for a better sister.

Goodbye for now angel,

Adam

I called my neighbours who were also Wizards and they contacted the ministry, that day I was ripped from the only people I had left. I didn't know of any other relatives. I stayed with some friends for about a year, hoping my family would come home some day. My house was packed up, everything was squished into 4 large packing boxes. Everything my family owned were in those boxes. I shrunk them and kept them on me all the time. I had Viper and everyone tried to get rid of him, whenever I ran away they'd always find me with him.

Finally, after searching for so long; everyone else had given up but they found a relative here in Britain. It was my grandfather from my mother's side. He was contacted immediately and he showed up at the stables, he took me and Viper back to the castle as soon as possible. Can you guess who my grandfather is?"

Riley paused and waited, Hermione was smiling widely and although she couldn't see what he was doing, Riley knew Fred was smiling also.

Ron looked at Harry for help, Harry looked at Ron. Their faces went pale as they realized who it was.

"Dumbledore." They said together, looking at Riley. Her eyes were bright and her smile was huge, she was nodding excitedly.

"He brought me to the feast on the night of your final day, the night before your summer holidays. I met Fred and George that night. Fred was trying to get a piece of gum out of his shoe, George was rolling on the floor laughing. In a spur of the moment, after knowing him for about 5 minutes; Fred asked me out. Grandpa wasn't too surprised, well he didn't show it anyways. Hermione came and visited me for about a week because I found her in the library that evening, she was getting some last minute reading material and we clicked instantly. I met the two of you for what, 10 minutes?"

Riley laughed, as did the other three.

"Well you know the rest." Riley sighed deeply and fell more backwards onto Fred, this time he was ready to catch her.

"Any questions?" Riley asked wearily, eyeing the two boys in front of her.

Ron began to open his mouth when Arthur stepped through the door.

"Ah there you four are, was wondering where you went Fred." Arthur raised his eyebrow at his son expectantly.

"Riley." Was all Fred said, Ginny giggled as she went to get her clothes for the match.

George filed in last, a grumpy look on his face.

"What's wrong George?" Hermione asked, he glared at Fred before replying.

"My twin is too caught up in spending time with his girlfriend than he was interested in playing a prank on the Malfoy's." George grumbled, Fred felt bad.

"Well," Riley paused, feeling bad for getting in between the twin's relationship.

"It's nothing Riley, he just isn't use to sharing; that's all. Don't feel bad." Fred whispered gently into her ear, giving her a squeeze with his arms.

"Well you lot, you better get changed for the match." Arthur's voice came from somewhere in the tent, they assumed it was his room.

"So who am I going for again?" Riley asked as she stood, stretching. Everyone else followed.

"Bulgarians!" Ron, Harry and George screamed together, laughing.

"No! The Irish!" Fred gave her the kicked puppy dog look, she didn't buckle but she smiled.

"Green doesn't go with my complexion, red and black on the other hand..." Riley trailed off, a cheeky glint in her eye.

"Better clear out everyone, it's going to reach 100 degrees in here quickly with the way these two are talking." George joked as he went to get his team gear.

Everyone laughed, Fred smirked at Riley; she returned it then danced off to get the colours she wanted.

"So, how do I look girls?" Riley asked the girls, she was wearing black knee high boots, red skinny leg jeans, a black and red checker t-shirt, a black and red hoodie, a black beanie cap with faint red lines going through it and a red scarf. She was dressed more for the cold than fashion.

Ginny and Hermione paused, shaking their heads.

"Not sexy enough." The girls heard the boys snort on the other side of the tent.

Arthur was sitting in the kitchen having a cup of coffee while waiting for everyone to get ready.

"Teenagers." He muttered and took a sip of his coffee, reading the daily prophet.

The girls giggled.

"Here, wear this." Ginny shoved a black pair of super tight skinny leg jeans, Riley's mouth dropped open.

"And these!" Hermione whispered and showed Riley a set of chains that would hang from her hips. Ginny nodded enthusiastically and grabbed two things out of her suitcase.

Ginny was holding a pair of black, buckle up platform boots and a silver studded belt. Compared to Fred, she still would've been shorter than him with the platform boots on. Ginny pointed to the changing corner, Riley looked at Hermione for help but she held a firm look; not giving in to her pleads. Riley sulked as she went to get changed, she came back, and the girls gave her a red and black singlet shirt that said Bad Girl on the front.

"HELL NO!" Riley screeched, Ginny and Hermione covered her mouth up but it was too late. The boy's laughter was heard. She was looking more and more like a Goth.

"Please don't make her angry, I'm going to have to deal with her later." Fred said through the tent's wall, he sounded serious.

"This then." Ginny held up a super tight t-shirt that said Devil's Princess. It was black but the writing was red. Riley nodded in defeat and got changed. She pulled on the boots with slight struggle, the others needed to help her. Hermione added some red lines on the seams of the black jeans to emphasise what team she was going for.

"Get stuffed if this is all I'm wearing, I'm going to freeze!" Riley whispered loudly, the boys made 'ooo' sounds, the girls imagined the boys rubbing their elbows into Fred's side.

"Here." Hermione gave her a tight fitting zip up hoodie, it emphasized on her slim figure. Ginny and Hermione were going to pay for it, she never wore tight clothes!

"Now it's time for makeup." Ginny squealed in excitement, the boys laughed when they heard Hermione and Riley groan at the same time.

"Just some light stuff, here a little bit of cover-up and eyeliner doesn't hurt anyone." Riley groaned but let her put the makeup on. Hermione was next, she was going for the Irish.

Hermione's hair was pulled up into a neat pony tail, she was wearing a tight fitting t-shirt and zip up jumper, green skinny leg jeans and a pair of white fuzzy ugg boots. She was also wearing a scarf that was white and green. Ginny had skilfully worn black soft suede boots with red skinny leg jeans, a black shirt and hoodie, a red and black stripy scarf and a red and black top hat.

She did her makeup quickly with her wand and looked at the others before approving what they were wearing.

"Ready?" Ginny asked, Hermione was partially excited while Riley was staring daggers at Ginny.

"Good, we're ready to go." Ginny stepped out, followed by Hermione; Ginny ignored the look Riley was giving her.

Riley stayed where she was, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Either come out or we'll all come in." Ginny screamed at Riley, Riley hated the boots. She was going to have sore feet by the end of the night.

"Fine, I'm coming! I'm coming." Riley stepped out of their room, she made sure her hair covered half of her face. Wolf whistles were heard, Riley looked up. It was Fred.

"Hells yes! Woo I'm one lucky man!" Fred was squirming in his place.

"Five minutes, you two. Meet us at the entrance." Arthur said as he shoved everyone else out of the tent. After the pair made sure that everyone had actually left, Fred stepped forward.

"I was actually picturing miniskirts and fishnet stockings." Fred chuckled as he wrapped his arms around his girlfriend.

"That's what I thought too. You're not mad that I'm dressed for the opposite team?" Riley looked up at him through her eyelashes.

"Hell no." He whispered, lowering his head slightly.

"How can I be mad when all the other boys will be jealous?"

His lips gently brushed hers, Riley wrapped her arms around his neck and the kiss deepened. This was the first time they had kissed like this. Fred ran his tongue gently along her bottom lip, asking her permission. Cautiously, Riley opened her mouth; her tongue meeting his wearily. Fred cupped the back of her head in one hand while the other was still on her waist, holding her close to him.

After about three minutes, Fred pulled away and kissed her forehead; he was smiling like an idiot.

"You're mine and I have a list of pranks if you want to get back at Hermione and Ginny."

Riley laughed and nodded, cuddling her boyfriend.

"Come on, we better go." Riley said after two minutes, Fred took her hand and led her to the entrance gate of the stadium.

The pair met up with the others, all of them teasing Fred and Riley.

They were walking up the stairs when Ron looked down.

"Blimey Dad, how far up ARE we?" Ron looked amazed, Lucius and Draco Malfoy were walking on the platform below them.

"Well put it this way, if it rains... you'll be the first to know." Lucius sneered, looking up at Arthur.

Draco caught sight of Riley, remembering her from the end of year feast. He decided it was time to impress her.

"Father and I are in the minister's box, by personal invitation of Cornelius Fudge himself. I'm Draco Malfoy by the way. And you are?" He asked in a sugary sweet tone, no one bought it; not even his father.

"The name is Riley and good for you, I'll know who it is when the bludger is wrongly aimed..."

"Your face will be smeared across the walls." Riley smirked, it beat Malfoy's for sure. He and his father lost their smirks.

"Don't boast or even try Draco. There's no need with these people." Lucius replied quickly, keeping his dignity.

"These people? At least these people know the true meaning of family." Riley sneered back, crossing her arms over her chest. Draco was eyeing her up and down. He had finally met his match and she wasn't a mudblood either; he had to have her!

"What, never seen a girl like me before ay Drakey? Well take a good look because I'm your worst nightmare." Riley snickered, shutting him down quickly.

"Do enjoy yourself won't you? While you can." Lucius sneered venomously as he and his son walked off, Riley was glaring after them; she didn't notice the others were staring at her with disbelief.

"Who are you and what have you done with my girlfriend?" Fred was smiling as he took her hand.

"She was standing up for those she cares about. No one messes with them." Riley returned his smile as they made their way up to the seats.

Once they got to the top, balloons and fireworks were lit to signify the starting of the event.

"Come on up, take your seats. I told you these seats would be worth waiting for!" Arthur said excitedly as he took his seat beside Amos, Cedric was trying to sit beside Arthur who was sitting beside Riley.

"Come on!" George screamed to the stadium as five green and white people flew over them on their brooms, a trail of green and white glitter behind them. They flew in sync until they spiralled together, a glittering leprechaun appeared in the sky and started dancing, Riley was having an excellent time.

Harry was watching her carefully, he was having flash backs of her past go through his head!

Riley, keep your thoughts to yourself until later please. Harry mentally asked, he saw Riley glance at him.

Sorry! Happy moment. She smiled gently at him before she went back to watching the game.

"It's the Irish!"

Everyone was so excited but the uproar only got louder as the other team made their grand entrance!

"Here come the Bulgarians!" Riley screamed, Cedric was dressed in red and black as well.

Five red figures appeared, terminating the dancing magic leprechaun. One of the Bulgarian's performed a stunt on his broom, the crowd cheered even louder. One of the team members appeared on the large screen. The crowd began to chant...

'Krum, Krum, Krum'.

"Krum!!!" The Weasley's cried with excitement, Harry was happy and so was Riley; Hermione and Ron were off in their own little worlds.

"Yes!" George screamed as Viktor Krum waved to the crowd.

"Good evening! It gives me great pleasure to welcome each and every one of you to the final of the 422nd Quidditch World Cup. Let the match begin!"

It was a hard game, it was even until the Irish Seeker found the snitch; the Bulgarian's weren't too happy.