Hey everybody. Sorry it has taken me so long to post this. I've been writing little by little for the last week or so. Unfortunately just before Easter I came down with the flu. Lovely huh? So between that and the Easter holiday, my writing time has almost been nonexistent. I hope you enjoy this chapter. I am having to do this section up into two or three parts. This chapter covers everything up until the match. The next will cover the match, and depending on what exactly goes on during or after the match, I may do a third part. Please enjoy and remember to review.
A big thanks to my beta Summer Sunrise. As usual you are awesome and catch all of my mistakes!
Disclaimer: As you all know by now, even though a good bit of the plot comes from my imagination, all of the characters and the main ideas are complete property of JK Rowling. Yes we all know her and think she is brilliant, otherwise we wouldn't be wasting our pitiful lives reading and writing Harry Potter Fan Fiction. n/o to anyone
The Quidditch World Cup
Harry slept perfectly well that night. With the help of the sleeping drought that Severus had made, Harry fell right to sleep and didn't wake until his normal time, around 5:30am.
He woke feeling abnormally refreshed, guessing that he hadn't slept that restfully in a while. Harry gathered his clothes and headed for the shower. After doing that and the rest of his morning routine, he quickly dressed in his blue jeans, t-shirt, and sneakers. He was gathering his blue cloak from his wardrobe when a light knock came on his door.
"Open!" Harry called as he withdrew his cloak from the hanger it rested on. He turned to see Severus entering the room and pause just inside the doorway.
"Mr. Potter...Harry, you shall need to pack a bag with your overnight items. We may be staying the night if the match goes over and everything goes as planned." Severus informed the boy. He didn't really want to end up spending the night, however he knew there would be no dragging the boy off if Arthur and his crowd were staying.
With a huge grin upon his face Harry replied "Aye Aye sir!" and grabbed a duffel bag from his trunk. He packed a pair of jogging pants and a t-shirt for sleeping as well as a jumper in case it got cool. He packed clothes for the next day as well as his toiletry items. He knew there was no use packing anything else; he would be too busy with the Weasley's and Hermione to make use of anything he took.
After packing he turned and grabbed his wand off of his bedside table, and placed it in the holster on his wrist. As he walked out of his room and shut his door closed behind him, he noticed Severus standing against the wall in the hallway, waiting for him.
"For now, let us have our breakfast, and then there are some things we need to take care of before we depart." Severus gestured towards the dining area.
Once seated, Severus called for Belkin and asked for breakfast for the two of them. When it appeared the two occupants of the table, tucked in. They ate with renewed gusto, having had a good night's rest, and knowledge of the busy day ahead of them. Harry relished in the fact that Dobby had evidently informed Belkin of his like of apple juice. For the last few days, the elf had made sure to bring apple juice for Harry to have with his morning meal.
After a hearty breakfast, they adjourned to the sitting area. Harry sat on the settee while Severus went to the mantle of the fireplace and grasped a square box the size of one cigar might come in.
Severus made his way back and sat in the arm chair with the box before going over the important information. He opened the box and took out one of the three items inside.
"First off, this is the portkey we will be taking to the Weasley's." Severus informed him, as he held out what appeared to be a simple small black hair comb to Harry.
Harry took the comb, quickly examined it and laid it down on the table. "Ok, so that one takes us to The Burrow." Harry repeated.
"Yes, once we are there, we will follow Arthur and his crowd to a ministry approved area where we will take a ministry provided portkey to an area located near the World Cup Stadium." Severus explained.
"Ok, I understand so far." Harry answered. He knew it was best if he repeated or stated that he understood as not to annoy the man that was taking him.
"These...are our emergency portkeys" Severus handed Harry a silver tie clip as he took out one for himself. "Keep that with you at all times, if anything should happen,... or if any of us tell you to go" here he gave Harry a pointed look, knowing the boys reluctance to leave anyone at all behind, "all you have to do is touch it while saying the password 'Sunkist' and you will automatically be transported to the Headmasters office."
"So I don't need my wand? All I have to do is touch it while saying the password?" Harry asked, unsure if that was safe.
"Yes"
"Isn't that kind of risky? What if it's in my pocket against my leg and something happens?" Harry nervously inquired
"That Po... Harry, is why we picked the name of a muggle American drink as the password. What are the chances of you saying 'Sunkist' during a conversation?" Severus raised his eyebrow adding to his reasoning.
"Oh, right, I guess that would be a good point. Sorry sir" Harry flushed as he looked down at his tie clip.
"As I was saying, these are only to be used in a true state of emergency, I will know if you have portkeyed as told, so it's best to go when told to. Lastly, this..." He held up an old half empty bottle of what looked to be hotel shampoo "is our ride home. Once the event is over, or we see fit to leave, we will return by means of this portkey, to the entrance hall of the castle. The Weasley's and Miss Granger will return near the burrow by way of ministry portkey. You will be briefed on the rules with everyone else when we arrive at the Burrow." Severus finished.
"Yes sir." Harry replied as he placed his tie clip in the pocket on his cloak.
"If you are ready, I believe it's time to leave. We will depart from your grandfather's office. I informed Arthur Weasley we would be arriving around 6:30." Severus stood, gathered his own overnight bag and motioned for Harry to do the same.
Albus was waiting for them at the gargoyle when they arrived. "Ah, Harry...Severus, how are my two boys doing? Excited?" He greeted, smiling at the two.
"Yes sir! I can't wait; this is going to be great!" Harry excitedly commented.
"Headmaster" Severus greeted with a slight bow.
"Well I know that time is ticking, and I imagine the two of you are ready to get on your way, so why don't we head up to my office?" Albus suggested. He stepped aside and the gargoyle moved allowing them entrance. Dumbledore motioned for them to precede him to the office.
Once they arrived in the office Harry noticed the time. It was currently 6:20am. Harry tried to wait patiently as his guardian and grandfather entered.
His grandfather stepped into the office and began to speak. "Now Harry, I believe Severus informed you of the arrangements with the portkeys?"
"Yes sir, he did" Harry answered. He was bouncing on his feet, barely able to contain his excitement.
Albus smiled at his grandson, a full twinkle in his eyes. Harry was so excited, he could tell, even if the boy was trying to tone it down.
"Very well my boy, however I must caution you. As you know Peter Petigrew is still on the loose. We fear that he truly has returned to Voldemort as the prophecy stated. It seems that some of the Death Eaters that remained free after the last war have become restless. There have been a few disappearances and several cases of muggle baiting. You must be on your guard at all times my boy. Always keep your eyes open and be cautious of everyone. Even those you seem to know." His grandfather cautioned as some of the twinkle disappeared from his warm eyes.
"I will sir. Do you expect there to be trouble?" He asked uneasily. 'It would be just my luck for something to happen, being this is the first time I've ever been allowed anywhere like this' Harry thought.
"It is not unlikely, there will be tight security, but with so many attending such and event and from all over the globe, it will be hard to keep track of everything going on. You will be informed of the other rules in a moment with the rest of your party, stick to these rules Harry. They could very well save your life my boy...Now, I believe that, if you are to arrive by 6:30, it is time for you to depart. Do be careful, but remember to have fun!" His grandfather finished, with his twinkle returning in full power.
"Now, Harry, all you have to do is touch the portkey. Your grandfather will activate it and you will feel a slight discomfort and then it will all be over and we will arrive at the front gates of the Burrow. Understood?" Severus asked while holding out the small black hair comb to be used as a portkey.
"Yes sir, I understand." Harry replied as he grasped the comb between his thumb and forefinger.
"Ready boys?" Albus asked with a slight smile in Harry's direction. He could tell the boy was nervous, he had never portkeyed before, but Albus knew he would be ok.
"Yes sir" Severus replied as Harry swallowed hard and nodded his head.
Albus drew out his wand and laid the tip of it on the comb and stated "Take flight".
Harry felt like someone had jerked him forward from inside his stomach. He felt slightly disoriented and had to close his eyes against the swirling of colors. After a couple of seconds he felt his feet slam into the hard ground. He lost his balance and started to fall forward, only to be caught by Snape.
"Are you alright?" Severus checked on the boy.
"Ahh, yes sir. I think so, I've just never portkeyed before, and it's a little unsettling." He assured the man.
"If you are sure. It gets easier the more you use it." Severus motioned for Harry to enter the gate ahead of himself.
The sun was just beginning to rise, so it was still fairly dark. As they began approaching the house a tall male figure emerged from the kitchen door, wand raised.
"Who goes there?" The man shouted.
"It's just us Mr. Weasley! Harry and Professor Snape." Harry called back to Ron's father.
Mr. Weasley began to drop his wand as the two came within seeing distance. "Ah, Harry" he nodded "Severus". He greeted the two. "Sorry about that, you can never be too careful. Come on in, we were just finishing up a spot of breakfast. Would you like to join us?" The man asked as he shook hands with the two.
"Thank you for the offer, however we have already eaten." Severus told the red headed man.
"Yes, I suspected so; however it never hurts to be sure. You two were always early risers!" Arthur stated cheerfully.
They made their way into the kitchen. Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Fred, George, and Mrs. Weasley were already in the kitchen. Ron was finishing up what Harry assumed to be his second, or maybe third, plate. Mrs. Weasley, Ginny, and Hermione were clearing away the dishes and taking care of cleaning the kitchen after the meal.
"Harry!" Hermione shouted, the minute she turned from the sink and saw him. She ran and threw her arms around his neck.
Harry tried his best and was able to contain most of it however a small flinch did escape at the sudden contact. This action did not go unnoticed by Severus or Mrs. Weasley. Both of whom knew this was an issue that needed to be addressed before too long.
"Hi Hermione! How are you?" He asked.
"I'm well, I'm so happy we were both able to come. Mom and Dad thought this would be a great opportunity for me!" She stated.
"Harry dear, how are you? Ohhh, looks like you could still use a little fattening up. You're looking better though, there's nothing I'm sure Severus can't handle in time" She hugged Harry throwing a meaningful glance over Harry's shoulder at his guardian who understood instantly and gave a slight nod back.
"Hey mate! This is gonna be great! It's wicked Dad got the tickets and that we could all go." Ron greeted shaking Harry's hand.
"Harry!" Fred and George greeted in unison.
"So glad you could make it ..." began Fred
"we have a little..." continued George.
"proposal for you..."
"if you think you'd be interested..."
"we'll tell you about it later..."
"when mum isn't around..."
"she's been trying to.."
"stop us all summer..."
"we have our own stash though.."
"so far she hasn't found it.."
"glad you could come though mate!" They finished in unison.
Harry thought it was pretty wicked how the twins always finished the others thought. It was as if they were two bodies with one mind. Harry chuckled to himself in his head. More than likely based on their school grades, many of the teachers thought so too.
Once all of the greetings were passed around, Mr. Weasley cleared his throat and announced. "Now that our guests have arrived, and breakfast is over, lets all have a seat and we will go over the rules with you kids."
Once everyone had seated themselves at the table he continued. "Now first off, Harry, Severus...Percy owled us last night saying that he would be with Mr. Crouch today at the match as part of his work. Bill and Charlie will meet us at the campsite."
"Now kids, Professor Snape and I had a nice little chat about this several days ago. This is strictly for your safety, so it is important that you stick to these guidelines" He took a moment and looked each teen in the eye. "First off, everywhere you go, you will be with a buddy at all times. Ginny and Hermione, being you are the only girls; you will be paired together at all times. The rest of you may interchange as long as you have a buddy."
"If anything slightly suspicious goes on before or after the match, you are to report back to the tent immediately and inform either myself, Severus, Bill, or Charlie. If anything goes on during the match, you are to report back to your seats immediately and inform us. Is that understood?"
He was answered in a chorus of two "Yes sir!"s and four "Yes Dad!"s.
"Very good, Severus? I'll let you handle the next part." He turned towards the potions professor.
Severus nodded his understanding to Mr. Weasley before beginning. "First off as you are all aware of by now, I am sure, we will be walking a few miles and traveling via ministry portkey to an area near the pitch. Once everything is underway, each set of you will have an emergency portkey. Mr. Potter will have one, as well as Miss Weasley, and the twins will rotate depending on their partner. You are only to use these in a state of emergency. Mr. Weasley" here he nodded to Arthur "and I will immediately know when one has been activated."
"Secondly, anyone who does not follow instructions will find themselves serving detention with Mr. Filch for the entire school year." Severus finished.
Everyone nodded, and there was a round of quiet and nervous "Yes professor's"
"Now that that's all covered and settled I believe it's time we get going. It is currently 7:15am and the portkey to the pitch leaves at 9am, with or without us. So everyone gather your things and let's head out!"
The group of eight made their way from the Burrow to an area about four miles north of Ottery St. Catchpole.
"So mate, what was it that you wanted to tell us?" asked Ron as he and Hermione walked with Harry on the way.
"Actually I think I'll wait to tell you guys later, it's kind of a long story. Maybe you guys could come and stay at Hogwarts for a couple of days before term starts." Harry tried to avoid the subject. He knew they would have lots of questions and would no doubt be excited about his animagus abilities. Ron might even be jealous. With the trip and the excitement he felt it would be best to wait.
"Sounds great! Hey where are you staying Harry? I bet it would be great having the Gryffindor tower all to ourselves!" Ron excitedly babbled.
"Ron! Calm down. I thought you weren't a morning person." Hermione teased.
"Well normally I'm not, but this is the Quidditch World Cup for Merlin's sake! How can I not be excited?" Ron laughed.
"Right you are on that one mate!" Harry agreed.
The five Weasley's, Harry, Hermione, and Severus after a tiring walk (they even had to stop once about half way to take a couple of breaths since all but Severus and the twins seemed to be out of shape), reached their destination with about 10 minutes to spare.
They arrived at the top of a hill. Waiting for them was another man who was about middle aged. With him was who the teens assumed to be his son.
"Ah, Yes! Arthur! How wonderful, you guys did make it!" the man called out.
"Amos! Yes sorry about that! Have you been waiting long? We had to have a short guideline meeting before we left. Took longer than we expected I'm afraid." Mr. Weasley replied while shaking hands with the man.
"No worries, we've only just arrived a few moments ago ourselves" Amos replied
"Everyone this here is Amos Diggory! He works for the ministry. And this young man here must be Cedric! How nice to meet you!" Mr. Weasley began to introduce.
"This here is my lot, the twins Fred and George, I believe they are in your year at Hogwarts Cedric! This is Ron, my youngest boy, and this here is Ginny the youngest of our crowd. Of course you both know Professor Severus Snape, and this is Ron's friend Hermione Granger, and I'm sure you've both heard of Ron's other friend Harry Potter." Arthur finished introducing everyone.
"Harry Potter," Amos stated in awe, stepping forward to shake Harry's hand "pleased to meet you dear boy! Cedric has told me a lot about you. You're going to have to fight hard to beat his team in quidditch this year! My boy's got talent he does!" He boasted, clamping Cedric on the shoulder, as any proud father would. "Well shall we get going?" he asked motioning towards an old boot lying on the ground.
Cedric walked over to Harry for a brief moment, flushed, and apologizing "Sorry about that mate, he tends to go a little overboard on the pride sometimes"
"Oh, don't worry about it. He's your dad; he's supposed to say stuff like that." Harry soothed the older boy's embarrassed ego.
Cedric walked on ahead and Harry turned to Ron once he noticed everyone walking towards the old warn out boot. "Um Ron? Why is everyone standing around that mangy old boot? Where's the portkey?" He inquired with a confused look on his face.
"That's just not any mangy old boot mate! That is the portkey!" laughed Ron.
Harry blushed. The price he pays for growing up with muggles. Everyone began to grab onto or touch the footwear some place or another. Harry looked over at Severus who gave him a short nod, confirming that he too should touch the item.
Harry grabbed the toe of the boot just as Mr. Weasley began counting. "Ready everyone? 5...4...3...2...1...Hang on!!"
Harry felt the same tugging sensation that he had felt portkeying to Ron's. He closed his eyes to ward against the disorienting swirling. He suddenly heard Mr. Weasley shout "Let go everyone!"
He looked at Severus, who understood that he was nervous and with a small nod of the man's head Harry let go of the boot. He suddenly felt as if he were floating, but at a high speed.
Suddenly his feet hit solid ground jarring him and he landed on all fours. After looking around and seeing several of the others, with the exceptions of the adults and Cedric, in the same predicament, Harry wasn't so embarrassed.
They each stood and brushed themselves off. There was another man with a big bin, standing about 75 meters away. They slowly made their way to the man. He asked for the town they were from and after everything was confirmed the man threw the boot in the bin and directed them towards the campsite.
About 50 meters past the first man, they reached a campsite. There was a man, who Harry was sure was a muggle. There was a muggle camper trailer set up over to the side where a woman was sitting watching her two kids play.
"Dianna! Here comes some more!" He called out to the woman.
"Yes sirs! How can I help you?" the man asked. "If you're looking for camp ground I hope ya's made reservations! All lots are full. Not sure what's going on but we sure have had a lot of people come through in the last week! I'd keep my kids close if I was you! Lots of strange looking people been staying here. Had one lad come through in a woman's skirt! Sure we Irish wear kilts but not lilac and pleated! Odd man that one." the muggle finished his musing.
"Ah yes, we have made reservations! Arranged them a month ago myself. Under Arthur Weasley." Mr. Weasley informed the site attendant.
While the man looked on his roster for the name and the lot number Mr. Weasley took out a roll of muggle paper currency.
The man flipped the page over and replied "Ah yes Mr. Weasley, here we go party of ten lot 63. As for the time it says three days. That will be £25 sir!"
"Very well then, hmm now which would that be?" The head of the Weasley's mused. "Ah well, anyhow will this cover it?" he asked handing the man a £100 note out of his stack of about £4000.
The attendant began stuttering "Y-ye-yes sir! One moment and I'll get your change" and he began to call for his wife to bring the change box, but was interrupted by Mr. Weasley.
"No matter there mate, can't figure out the stuff anyways! Good day!" and with that Arthur led the group off in search of lot 63, leaving the man stuttering his thanks in his wake.
Harry couldn't help but laugh when Ron's dad said "That lad sure did seem happy to be able to keep the change, couldn't even talk properly"
"That might be because what you just did was like giving 200 galleons to someone you only owed 50." Harry laughed.
"Oh well, like I said, I can't figure out the stuff anyhow! Besides a fellow with kids could always use and extra bit anyways!" He laughed along with the rest of them.
"Go on ahead Arthur, we will catch up. I need to speak to Mr. Potter a moment." Severus waited while Harry gave a reassuring nod to his friends and waited until they had continued ahead.
"Harry, I know that you will need some money for this trip and you have not gone to your vault. Therefore I am starting you on an allowance for as long as you are under my care." He held up a hand and stated "No arguments." when Harry started to protest.
He took out a sack and handed it to Harry. Harry opened it and stood wide eyed and in awe at the amount of gold inside. "Sir, I don't need this much, please take some back for yourself."
"Nonsense Mr. Potter, it is yours." Severus insisted. "There are 20 galleons for this week's allowance, as well as 20 for each week you have resided with me. Normally when attending events, it is understood that money will be needed for items such as souvenirs and and refreshments. I have included 50 galleons for that purpose as well." he explained.
"But sir! I'm not going to spend this much even if I buy everything I see here!" Harry exclaimed.
"What you do not use, you can save. I'm sure you could find something later to spend it on." Severus pushed the sack of money back towards the boy.
"Thank you sir, you don't know how much it means to me that you are willing to give me your money to spend on myself." Harry had to swallow hard to push back down a sob that wanted to escape. He gave the man a quick hug and turned ready to follow after his friends.
Severus briefly placed his hand on the boys shoulder, who jumped at being touched suddenly without warning, and they continued on there way. 'This boy is more abused than any of us ever realized.' Severus thought.
They continued on to find lot 63. Mr. Weasley and the others had just finished setting up the tent. When he noticed Harry watching he explained "One of my co-workers couldn't make it this year so he's letting us borrow his tent! Ahh Bill, Charlie, come over here a moment, I want to introduce you to everyone." He called to his two oldest sons.
Over came two men, One was tall and had long red hair pulled back in a ponytail and from his ear hung a fang earring. Harry thought that this guy could easily fit in at a rock concert.
The other had short red hair, freckles covering his body so much that he almost appeared to have a tan, and was about the twins' height so he wasn't tall like Ron, Percy and the other. However he did have broad shoulders and a muscular build.
"This," he gestured to the taller of the two men "is my eldest son Bill, he works as a curse breaker for Gringotts...and this" he motioned to Charlie, "is my next eldest Charlie, he is a dragon keeper in Romania"
"Bill, Charlie... these are Ron's friends, Hermione Granger..." he motioned to Hermione and then Harry, "and Harry Potter and I'm sure you both remember Professor Snape" he nodded to the man.
After greetings were exchanged Harry took a good moment to look around. It was extravagant there were tents everywhere some even appeared to have more than one level. Several had banners or flags supporting either the Irish or Bulgarian team.
There were men, women and children running around everywhere shouting and laughing and playing games. Harry had never seen such excitement in his life. It was wonderful.
Harry turned around and saw their own little two man tent. He offered to help put up the other tents when Bill laughed and said that the one was all they would need. "But how are we all supposed to fit inside? It's only big enough for two people" he asked
"Oh don't worry, we have our ways. Why don't you guys go ahead and put your stuff inside?" Bill informed him.
Harry gathered his bag, as well as Hermione, Ron, and Ginny and entered the tent. He and Hermione stood in shock as they entered the tent.
It was huge inside! It was as big enough to be a medium sized cottage! There were five bunks set up on the edges of the room. In the center there was a settee, a love seat and three arm chairs surrounding a coffee table. Off to the back of the room on a slightly raised platform was a kitchenette, with a table large enough to fit all the occupants. Over in the far corner was a closed off area with a door, that Harry assumed was the loo.
"I love magic" Harry whispered to no one in particular.
"You and I both mate" Ron said, clapping Harry on the shoulder.
"Ok guys! Pick a bunk and let's get unpacked." Mr. Weasley told them. "Ron, Harry, after you boys settle in I'd like for you to go fetch us some water so we can get some lunch started alright?"
"Yes sir" they replied in unison.
"Remember to stick together, there are some buckets in the kitchen" He warned them.
After unpacking Ron and Harry gathered the buckets from the sink and Severus placed a charm on them to keep the water in and other things out. They started making their way out of the tent.
"Um, Ron? Do you know where the water is?" Harry asked as he looked around from the tent entrance to see if he could see any kind of spicket, or any other way to get water, from there.
"Not exactly mate." was Ron's reply as he joined Harry in looking around. "Here lets go this way, and if nothing else we'll stop and ask someone on the way"
The two boys made their way through the overrun campsite. Harry was amazed. There were tents as far as the eye could see. Several people were shouting as if they had already consumed too much fire whiskey or mead even before lunch.
Harry couldn't help but laugh as they passed a little boy, he couldn't have been more than two or three years old. He was flying around on a little toy broom stick, with his mother chasing after him yelling for him to come back.
"Mika Ivanson! You come back here right now! Don't make me go get your father! Are you trying to give me a heart attack? Flying around here like you are grown. MIKA!! Come here NOW young man!" she ranted.
They walked a little ways further just enjoying watching all the people. The suddenly heard someone exclaim, "Oi, Harry, Ron over here!".
Harry and Ron turned to see the two approaching figures of Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan. "Hey guys!" Harry greeted. "Didn't know we'd run into you here"
"Oi, You do realize me family's Irish right? Wouldn't miss it for all the gold in the world. Well alright, maybe all the gold." He grinned cheekily.
"Hey do you guys know where the water is? Dad sent me and Harry to get it, but he didn't say where" Ron asked.
"Yeah, we had to get some earlier, we'll take you. Right Seamus?" Dean suggested.
"Right as rain, just follow us!" said Seamus.
The group of four made their way through the crowds of people. Stopping occasionally to speak to someone they knew. Harry even noticed several people from other schools but didn't know where. He just knew they didn't go to Hogwarts, and most spoke in either French, or what Harry assumed to be Bulgarian.
They soon reached what appeared to be and old fashioned well with a pump handle. "Here ya go! Me mum loves these old things. Says it reminds her o' her childhood." Seamus told the two.
They filled their buckets (playing around splashing each other in the mean time, until others started coming for water too), and started to make their way back to their camp. They bid Dean and Seamus goodbye when they reached the place where they met them, and continued on their way back.
While the boys were gone, Arthur took this advantage to speak with Severus about Harry. "Severus? Do you mind if I speak with you for a moment? Molly and I were wondering how Harry was doing." He stated.
"He seems to be adjusting well." Severus replied.
"Thats good. Molly, and I guess you could say myself as well, have been worried about possible problems that have occurred from how he was treated by his relatives. Is he having any problems?" The man nervously asked. He didn't want to pry, but he and Molly both felt Harry was like a son to them.
"I have been meaning to speak with someone on this issue, it seems...you would be a good choice. Maybe, we should have a seat, away..." he turned to the twins who were whispering to each other in a corner, "from prying ears, I'm sure Mr. Potter would like this to stay between us." Severus acquiesced.
"Of course. Boys...Fred, George! Over here a moment please." He told the two as they looked up from their chatter at being called. "We're going to need wood for the fire in order to fix lunch. I need you boys to go out back at the EDGE of the woods and gather some firewood. Stick together, and come back with no less than an armload each. No funny business, understood?"
"Aye Aye Sir!" they both saluted.
Severus waited until the two pranksters left the tent to begin. Making sure to allow a moment to make sure they were out of hearing range. "I have noticed a few things concerning Mr. Potter's state..." He began. "I have noticed that he seems to be very insecure. No matter how many times we tell him that he will never be going back to the Dursley's, he still seems to 'walk on eggshells' like the muggles say, to avoid upsetting anyone."
"That will change in time. He needs time to understand and have a little fun. Once he starts to relax some, he will no doubt do something he shouldn't. All boys do. When that happens and he is not sent back to those horrid people, it will begin to sink in." Arthur assured the younger man.
"How is he as far as the topic of abuse? Is he showing any kind of symptoms? Or has anyone tried to talk to him about what happened?" Arthur pried
"He has only told me of one incident, I felt extremely lucky to be on the listening end considering our past. He has not told of any other occasions or gone into any details of abuse." Severus paused to conjure a glass of water and take a sip before he continued. "I have noticed that any loud noises or if I shout, even if it is not at him. He flinches and tends to bring his arms up to protect himself. Anytime he is approached suddenly, or touched suddenly, even a hand on his shoulder, he flinches. It seems to be more out of habitual automated reactions rather than conscious ones."
"I have noticed him doing odd things at meals, he is getting better, mainly when he sees me notice. Small things such as he waits for everyone else to be seated and served before he seats him self or serves himself. He usually places his arm protectively around his plate, as if he expects it to be suddenly taken away. I even caught him stashing a roll and meat in his napkin once while he thought I wasn't looking." Severus explained.
"I see, do you think that was part of his abuse? Starvation?" Arthur asked.
"I am positive. In the incident he explained to me, that is one of the ways he was punished." Severus shook his head at the memory.
"Well the best thing I can say here, again, is to just wait it out. After a while he will realize that no one is going to take away his food, or keep him from eating altogether." Arthur suggested. "He does need to open up and talk about it though. I'm no psychiatrist, but I've had enough experience with my kids to know that holding things in, especially something this big, is never a good way to deal with it. Try to ask him small questions, maybe try to lead him into a conversation."
"I am not sure I am the one for that. We have not gotten along at all over the period of time he has known me, until recently. I still would not call it 'getting along' more along the lines of 'tolerating each other'." Severus knew that was not exactly the truth, he knew he cared for the boy. However, now was not the time to reveal that. He would like to be the one the boy opened up to, but he knew that would never happen. "Maybe his gr...maybe Albus can speak with him." He corrected himself. He was sure the elder Weasley had not learned of recent developments.
"I am sure he would, Albus loves that boy, no matter how impartial he tries to be. We can all see the love he has for Harry" Mr. Weasley admitted. "If he will not open up to Albus, I will arrange a short visit and see if he will talk to me."
"Any help would be appreciated." Severus accepted with a slight bow of his head.
Any further conversation on the topic was quickly cut short as Ron and Harry entered the tent laughing like a couple of hyena's. "Whats got you too so giddy?" Arthur smiled in delight at seeing them so happy.
"Ron...was looking..in...his pocket for something...when he dropped...one of the twins...experimental sweets" Harry said between gasps of laughter.
"This man... ran up...and grabbed it...before I could...pick it up..." Ron laughed. "I asked..for it back...he just made some..rude comment...about finders keepers..."
"He popped it in his mouth...before we could stop him.." Harry continued.
"Then he turned into a giant Canary!!" They boy roared with laughter.
"You boys need to be careful with that." Arthur chagrined, with a grin on his face.
Severus had to turn his back to the group as he tried to hide his laughter at the thought of a complete stranger stealing a sweet that unexpectedly turned him into a giant canary.
After composing himself Severus turned back to the boys who had finally stopped laughing and was trying to catch their breath. "Mr. Potter, since the Weasley's have graciously provided the tickets to the event, as well as the campsite fare, and acquiring this residence. I believe that it is only fair that we provide our share, and take care of the meals. It is nearly lunch time, why don't you go wash up and meet me in the kitchen to start lunch?" It was more of an order than a request.
"Sure thing Professor." Harry agreed.
"The boys should be back in a moment with the fire wood. If you would agree I would not mind helping you prepare until they return" Mr. Weasley offered.
"Your assistance is welcomed but not required" Severus accepted.
The two men walked into the kitchen area, and Severus rummaged through the ice chest and cabinets looking for ingredients, trying to decide on a proper meal. He found carrots, potatoes, onions, beef perfect for stewing, and herbs for seasoning. "What do you say we whip up a hearty beef stew?" the potions master asked.
"Sounds wonderful Severus" Arthur smiled in return. "Shall I start the chopping?"
"That would be helpful" the man replied. "If you would start chopping the carrots and onions, I shall prepare the beef, seasoning, and broth. I shall have Mr. Potter begin peeling and chopping the potatoes. With all of us working the meal should be finished by lunch time."
By the time the twins returned with the firewood, the meal was almost finished being prepared and ready for cooking. Harry and Severus were almost finished peeling and chopping the potatoes, while Arthur finished up with the carrots and onions. Severus had already tended to the beef and added the proper amounts of seasoning to the beef and water, and began helping his charge peel the potatoes.
Severus left Harry and Arthur to finish the vegetables while he arranged the firewood and with a quick 'inciendo', started the fire under the cauldron. They added the vegetables to the meat and seasonings and left it to cook.
Severus didn't mind cooking, it was actually a lot like brewing except things didn't tend to blow up in your face or have other dreadful reactions, if you added too much or too little of an ingredient. Minutes before it was done, the potions master rewarmed a loaf of bread that Molly had made and sent with her family.
Pretty soon the stew was finished and the ten of them tucked in to a hearty meal, chatting amiably. "This is almost as good as mum's, where did you learn to cook like this professor?" asked one of the twins. Harry assumed it was Fred.
"I am the wizarding worlds youngest potions master. It comes with the territory." The man stated somewhat modestly. 'and when you have been single and on your own as long as I have, you tend to learn these things' he refrained from adding.
After the meal, everyone sat around in the tent relaxing and enjoying each others company. Pretty soon it would be time to leave for the match.
Harry was just as excited as the others over the whole event, however he couldn't help the small nagging feeling that something was wrong, or that something was going to happen. It would be just his luck. Nothing about his life had ever been 'normal', why should it start now? He tried to push this feeling back and focus on what was going on around him. His guardian, his friends, and the people he looked at like his extended family were all there with him. Everything would be fine, or so he hoped.
Ok I hope that I will post the next chapter quicker. No promises though. It all depends on how bad this flu wants to ruin my life. Please review everyone. Again sorry for the delay.