A/N - This story begins with Harry in his 4th year, just arriving at the quidditch world cup. A little OC-ness from Harry, but nothing major. However, this IS an AU story, so some things will be different. It starts off slow, and next chapter will be a little slow as well, but I promise, in the chapter after that, things start warming up.
With a loud THUMP, the portkey deposited Harry, Ron, and Hermione into an unceremonious pile on the ground. Groaning, Harry slowly disentangled himself from the pile, rubbing his arse which was sure to be sore for the next hour.
"You could have warned us about arriving," grumbled Harry, much to the agreement of Ron and Hermione. It seemed few were sympathetic to their plight, and Mr. Weasley easily brushed Harry's remark aside.
"All in good fun, Harry! It was your first time using a portkey, and it's tradition that we let youngsters go on their first portkey without warning. It's sort of a type of April Pools Day joke, with us wizards!" explained Arthur, delighted at being able to reference a muggle holiday in a regular conversation.
"Fools Day," corrected Hermione automatically, rolling her eyes at Harry. Shrugging it off, Harry returned the eye roll, and let a smile come onto his face. After all, he was at the Quidditch World Cup! He was away from the Dursleys, and was spending the rest of the summer with his favorite family. A sore bum paled in comparison to the warm companionship he felt with the Weasleys. They weren't his biological family, but they were the closest he had. If Sirius were here, he'd be laughing right along with Mr. Weasley. The image of Sirius laughing a good, solid laugh brought a grin to Harry's face, and he fancied that right now Sirius was flying on top of Buckbeak, breathing clean, free air.
Harry looked and saw Hermione smiling at him, and he knew that she was thinking of Sirius too. Ron, meanwhile, was attempting to get all of the dust out of his carrot colored hair. After a reprimand from Hermione for getting dirt on her jacket, Ron ceased his exercise in futility, and gave them a sheepish look.
"Honestly Ron, it's not like you'll be seeing anybody you know here, anyway."
"Are you kidding, Hermione? This is the Quidditch World Cup! Everyone will be here."
"Oh honestly, Quidditch is not that important. I'm sure not everyone is as obsessed with it as you two."
Ron gaped wordlessly at Hermione in shock of the blasphemy she had just uttered, but could only gape for so long, as a Ministry official came to usher them off of the portkey platform. Mr. Weasley had been chatting with two coworkers from the Ministry, and found out where he should go to find their campsite. After a quick thanks, he lead the rest of the group out in the direction indicated.
The first thing Harry noticed was that it was very, very wet. The morning mist was so thick and the dew so heavy that they were all quickly drenched. The second thing he noticed was that it was cold. The sun had yet to come up, and so the last dregs of chilly night air still hung about the woods they were walking through. Harry tried to see something through the mist, but everything looked very ephemeral, as if could vanish in a moments notice. Then, as if out of a dream, thousands of tents appeared through the fog, along with a tiny cottage. The worry and discomfort were quickly replaced by excitement as the group got the first glimpse of the campsite.
This is it! This is the World Cup!
Standing outside the cottage was probably the only real muggle in miles, evidenced by his normal clothes. All the wizards were wearing clothes that looked like a muggle put the outfit together on crack. Some forgot secrecy altogether, and were walking around in robes.
Mr. Weasley, always enthusiastic to converse with a muggle, practically bounded up to the man. His enthusiasm was contagious, and Harry felt like he was walking into Honeydukes for the first time. The rest followed Mr. Weasley at a slower pace, but Harry and Hermione arrived just in time to help out Mr. Weasley with the money.
"Here, kids, help me. Which one of these is a muggle sickle?"
"No, Mr. Weasley, muggles use pounds, not sickles, knuts, or galleons," explained Hermione in a hushed voice, while Harry helped Mr. Weasley pick out the right kind of money under the far too curious gaze of the unknown muggle.
"Here you go, Mr. Roberts!" said Mr. Weasley cheerfully, as if it hadn't taken him five minutes and the help of two 14 year olds to come up with the right amount of money.
"Are you guys foreign, or something'?" asked Mr. Roberts with a slight drawl that for some reason bothered Harry immensely.
Easy, Harry. Don't want to be like Malfoy.
The thought of acting even remotely similar to Malfoy immediately sobered Harry up, and made him realize that an accent was a stupid thing to be bothered by.
"Ah… No! Of course not! What makes you think that?" said Mr. Weasley in an obviously nervous voice.
"Well, most people know the difference between pounds and… what was it you called it? A sickle? I know I ain't a professor, but I can still tell that you didn't have a clue on what to pay me with."
Ron decided to contribute to the conversation by bluntly asking "What difference does it make? We gave you your money. Sorry it took so long, mate."
"Yes, sorry to bother you," pacified Hermione.
"Right you are, young sir, but unless I'm mistakin'," paused the man, totally ignoring Hermione, "a sickle ain't no money, it's used for farmin' and such. That is, unless you aren't from around here. You ain't some sort of terrorist, now, are ye?"
"This is getting annoying," pointed out Harry. He was much more interested in exploring the campsite than he was talking to this guy. He was practically bouncing on his toes to keep from just walking past the guy and into the camp.
"HARRY!" exclaimed every female presence in the vicinity, as well as some of the male ones. Everybody was looking at him, surprised, and Harry immediately regretted being so rude.
"I'm sorry, it slipped out," apologized Harry sincerely. "Hey mate, we gave you the money, lets just call it square, eh?" The man looked at Harry with indignation and anger, and was about to give him some sort of lecture when a Ministry official jumped out from the mist.
"Obliviate!" he shouted, and immediately a dazed and dreamy look came over the muggles face, while the wizard stowed away his wand.
"That's the 11th time today I've had to obliviate him! He keeps questioning the sudden influx of people, and it's the only way we can keep him from figuring out the truth," explained the official. "Unfortunately, he becomes more and more belligerent each time. Sorry about that, Arthur."
"It's no problem Phil, I know how hard security can be at these things," acknowledged Mr. Weasley. The two talked for a couple minutes, while Harry Ron and Hermione had their own side conversation.
"It's a shame that they have to keep Obliviating that poor man," sympathized Hermione. "He's only trying to do his job. You know, I read that repeated obliviations tend to cause unfocussed anger because the person is confused over the missing time from their memories, and that confusion makes them disgruntled."
"I dunno why they can't do something else. Like, every time he's obliviated, use a time turner and send him back a couple minutes," thought Harry out loud. "That way, he doesn't even notice the lapse in memory, we don't have to deal with disgruntled muggle campsite managers, and we can get to the bloody campsite already!"
"Harry! That would be a remarkably flippant use of a time turner!"
"But Hermione, it'd work, wouldn't it?" asked Ron, slightly confused where this conversation is going.
"Well," mused Hermione, "if the issue of morality was put aside, yes, it might theoretically work. Of course, the timing would have to be prefect, and the obliviate would have to last long enough to erase the experience of going back in time and seeing himself. And then of course there's the time loop to consider..."
"Maybe we should test it. Hermione, do you still have your time turner from last year?" asked Harry.
"Oh no. Absolutely not. We are NOT going to test this absurd theory. What if it goes wrong? What if we cause a flaw in the time continuum? What if we're seen by a Ministry official using a Class A regulated object on a muggle without permission? Harry, I encourage the persuit of academic exploration, but it should stay within certain boundaries."
"So, you do still have it?" asked Ron, allowing everything she had just said to slide over his head.
"Not that it matters, but yes, I do. McGonagal allowed me to keep it to further my summer studies, but made it clear that I was not to use it for any other purpose. I had to beg her just to let me keep it, and she only said yes because she trusts me. I'm not going to betray that trust to satisfy your curiosity."
"Alright, alright,"agreed Harry, "We won't do it. There's no need to get so upset about it Hermione. We'd never make you do something that you were truly uncomfortable doing. It was just a thought."
"Hermione, you must be like, the best student ever. McGonagal never does special favors, so its bloody wicked that she let you keep the time turner over summer break," said Ron, actually impressed.
The muggle finally came around, and with a bit more cordiality and much more confusion, told them where their tent was. They set off immediately, with Harry Hermione and Ron in the lead. The first area they entered had hundreds of tents, each sporting the same poster of a surly looking wizard with the name KRUM underneath it.
"Gee, I wonder who their star player is?" remarked Harry, smirking at Ron.
"I know, they practically hero worship the fellow, don't they? Mind you, he IS the best seeker in the league. Once you see him fly, you'll never look at quidditch the same way again. He slaughtered the Canon's seeker, which kept them out of the playoffs," admitted Ron, with equal parts of admiration and bitterness.
Harry couldn't bother to share his bitterness, though, as the campsite was everything he had hoped for and more. Everywhere he looked there were carts selling quidditch merchandise, people chatting amiably, and Ministry officials running around, trying to hide blatant uses of magic. Harry let out a chuckle as he saw one frantically trying to put out a purple fire that was three stories high. There was a decidedly festive atmosphere in the air. Witches and wizards of different cultures stood on common ground when it came to quidditch, and there were people debating the pros and cons of each team around every tent.
Through his observations, Harry learned that Bulgaria was a great team, with Krum being their one beyond-belief player. The Irish team, however, was amazing throughout, with their emphasis being on a highly offensive team of chasers. If the game lasted long, then the Irish chasers would probably bloody up the Bulgarians. But, if the game was short, then Krum could catch the snitch before the Irish worked up too much of a lead.
The Weasleys were supporting Ireland, and so that was the team Harry was going to go with. That didn't stop him from wondering to him just how great this Krum person might be.
Once they reached the campsite, they started setting up the tents, with Harry and Hermione doing most of the work.
"Honestly," said Harry, "Why can't we just use magic to get the things up? It's not like there are any muggles running around. There are only a few muggle site managers, and they all have officials ready and waiting to give out a nice handy obliviate."
Ron, who had given up on the tent about an hour ago, merely nodded as kept handing matches to his Dad, who by the looks of thing, had already gone through 20 packages of matches.
Hermione just rolled her eyes, and Harry was amused over how she could tell he wasn't actually complaining.
Mr. Weasley, overhearing Harry's comment that was meant for Ron and Hermione, interjected himself into the conversation. "Yes, you have a point there Harry, but you're missing the fundamental idea behind it. It's all part of the process, to pitch your own tent, boil your own water, and start your own fire. It shows us what it's like for muggles, and helps spread muggle tolerance. So, since I have tried to instill a positive outlook of muggles into the magical community for my entire live, and since I am a firm believer in leading by example, we will continue to set up camp, the muggle way." Mr. Weasley lectured, albeit with good-nature.
"Actually, Mr. Weasley," replied Harry with a tad bit of teasing, "Muggles would use electricity. They're just as lazy as we are."
Almost to prove Harry's point, at that moment Ron got up to use the loo, tripped over one of the haphazardly placed ropes, and the whole ramshackle tent came tumbling down.
There was silence for a few seconds until Hermione chuckled, which she hastily tried to turn into a cough. It was too late though, as both Harry and Ron had heard her, and now they tried to hold snickers behind their hands as well. As Mr. Weasley's expression changed from one of shock to a sheepish grin, the whole group began to laugh together.
"Why Fred, what has these fine folks in so good of a mood?"
"Why George, I haven't the slightest. Mayhaps it's because they saw your face?"
"My face! Now now, brother, let's not forget that my face is much prettier than yours."
"Ah, you hear him? 'Pretty' he says! Why brother, you need not hide your orientation from us. In fact, I hear Malfoy is looking rather dashing this year."
"'Dashing' he says? Dear brother, I had no idea you were attracted to ferrets. Now that I think about it, you DID sleep with that stuffed ferret for ages."
"En...Enough!" gasped Hermione through peals of laughter. The four were all shaking uncontrollably as the humor of the situation made the Twins' mild humor seem insanely funny.
"Why Fred, I don't think we've ever had such an easy audience."
"No brother, it was our amazing wit and dashing good looks that did it."
"There you go with your 'dashing' again. I swear Fred, if you get any more poofy, you might make a good pillow for Draco dearest."
"Maybe, but the hair gel I'd have to wash off would be a deal breaker."
"You mean you don't like substances that are wet and sticky?"
"What's wet and sticky?" asked Ginny, coming back from her chore of gathering more firewood. This caused another round of laughter, the Twins included, with a few protests from Hermione over ruining Ginny's innocence. Of course, Hermione was laughing too, which made her protests feeble at best.
This is what family is like. This is what Voldemort will never have. This is what I could have had with Sirius.
After a few more warm moments of pure laughter, It was finally Mr. Weasley who realised that his daughter was being upset, and calmed everybody down.
"Ginny, don't worry about it," soothed Mr. Weasley. "You're brothers were just being stupid. Give me a few moments to set up the boys' tent, and then I'll set up the girls' tent for you and Hermione."
"Alright Dad, thanks," muttered Ginny, her face as red as her hair. Harry noticed that she was looking everywhere but at him, and her felt awkward that she still had her hero-worship crush.
Mr. Weasley, after surreptitiously looking around to make sure there were no Ministry workers in the immediate vicinity, quickly cast a murmured "Casalio!" Immediately, the boys' tent erected itself, with all of the ropes going together perfectly and all the edges squared off. He repeated the process for the slightly smaller girls' tent, and in seconds, the campsite was set up.
Things are so much simpler than people let them be mused Harry. If Mr. Weasley had just used magic in the first place, it would have been done ages ago. If Hermione would just let us test that time turner theory, I'm sure we'd have a breakthrough that the Ministry would appreciate. Whatever.
"Alright kids, Bill, Percy, and Charlie will be here soon, and before you know it, it'll be time for the match. Why don't you go and get yourselves set up in the tent, and then explore the campsite?" suggested Mr. Weasley. It was a very good suggestion, and everyone readily agreed.
"Thank you for the tent, Mr. Weasley," said Hermione. "I've been so hot, and wanted to take off my jacket for ages, but I didn't want it getting all muddy." She began pulling her hoodie up over her head, and as she did so, her undershirt rose up a little, revealing a patch of unblemished white skin. As Harry was unabashedly staring, he noticed a glint of gold at the very top of her revealed skin.
Is that a piercing? No, there's a bulge along with it, like a really long necklace. Or like... the time turner!
Noticing that most of his sons were staring, Mr. Weasley cleared his throat rather pointedly, and as one, the boys looked away with barely hidden grins. "Hermione, dear, you can change in the tent, remember?"
"Oh right, I'm sorry Mr. Weasley, I didn't even think of it!" said Hermione. But Harry wasn't convinced, he knew what Hermione sounded like when she was apologetic, and she did not sound apologetic at all. Even more interestingly, he saw her and Ginny exchange a significant look, and then they both looked at an oblivious Ron. Ron, however, was totally clueless to the exchange, and looked like he really, really needed to use the loo. After all, it had been a while since he had gotten up and collapsed the tent. So the boys headed into one tent, the girls in to the other, and Mr. Weasley stayed outside to talk to some official named Crouch who Harry got the impression was very important.
However, Harry had better things to do, like tell Ron about the time turner and explore the campgrounds. However, he thought he'd keep the look to himself. If it was what he thought it was, it was the kind of thing Harry didn't want to get involved in, especially between his two best mates. Ron would have to figure THAT out on his own.
Now, if only Ginny would stop being so awkward. How creepy would it be if Hermione and Ginny were collaborating to romantically attract Ron and me?
Shuddering slightly at the creepiness of just the thought, Harry changed into wizard robes as he told Ron about the time turner. It seemed like Ron hadn't really noticed anything, and that he turned his head away as soon as the skin was revealed.
"I dunno mate, it was just weird. She's our best mate, you know? I know she's a girl and all, but I just couldn't look at her like that," admitted Ron. "So no, I didn't see anything. Although it makes sense, doesn't it? If I were given a time turner, I'd keep it on me all the time as well. She probably felt it was the safest place, and that it would be impossible to lose it."
"Wow, Ron, that's remarkably insightful," said Harry with some surprise.
"Yeah, I've been upgraded to the emotional capacity of a tablespoon."
The two friends shared a laugh, and after a couple more minutes, were ready to head out of the tent to explore the campgrounds. They exited the tent, only to find Hermione standing there, waiting for them. "Harry, do you mind if I have a word with Ron?"
"Errr, sure. I mean, of course not."
"Thanks, you go ahead to the campgrounds, we'll catch up with you," said Hermione.
Catching Ron's look of sheer panic and confusion, Harry said "There's no need for that, I'll just wait until you're done."
"That's nice of you, but please, no need to inconvenience yourself. We just have to talk about a few things. We'll see you later," assured Hermione. Harry had no idea what this was about, but if it had anything to do with the 'look' he saw earlier, he wanted nothing to do with it.
"Er, alright then, if you insist," agreed Harry. Poor Ron looked like he was in full panic mode. He probably expected a lecture, or something. The bugger had no idea how much worse than a lecture it would be. Harry couldn't help it, he chuckled. It was supremely awkward, but the absolute ignorance of Ron in these matters was enough to laugh at. Hermione seemed to take his chuckle as encouragement.
"Alright, see you later Harry! Come on Ronald, let's have a chat," said Hermione, steering Ron into the girls' tent.
Right as he was about to enter the tent, Ron turned his head around and mouthed "Help me!" to a highly amused Harry. Harry just gave him a look that said "Sorry mate, no can do." With that, Harry set off to see the campgrounds, passing Mr. Weasley who was talking to some auror.
Harry felt a little lonely as he started walking by himself, but he also felt a sense of freedom and adventure. There was a tangible excitement in the air, and somehow, Harry knew that the fun part was only just beginning.
A/N - Yes, Hermione is acting very OC in this chapter. However, for the purposes of the story, I need her and Ron's relationship to develop quicker than it does in canon. For that, I will attempt to give logical reasons behind the OCness. The full explanation will be given chapter after next, but in case you can't tell, Ginny and her have a better relationship, and from personal experience, girls tend to be bolder when another girl is egging her on. Ginny is egging her on, because let's face it, Hermione is her biggest competition for Harry, and if she's with Ron, she's out of the way.