Chapter 5: World Cup, The Goddess, Confrontations

The match against Hungary was unlike anything Harry had experienced, he was up against players that were near his standards, Ray was right, Harry couldn't afford to lose concentration and underestimate his opponents. England led by three hundred points after one hour and a half but it was no easy lead, the Hungarians had nasty beaters whom were harassing the golden trio a lot. Eventually Cedric caught the snitch, the game ended 750-300.

Even though it was just the U-17 World Cup, the seats were all sold out. The female fans in the crowds screamed loudly when Harry threw them the Quaffle, Ray had been adamant about his players spending time to sign autographs after matches to retain a healthy relationship with fans and the media in general, which was why poor Harry was getting mauled by female fans who wanted a lock of his hair or to steal a kiss. After several grueling autographs, Harry walked back to the changing room, blowing a kiss before disappearing into the tunnel; making all the women in the stands sigh in content.

"Woo, here comes ladies man." Elan and Roger cat called, Harry just rolled his eyes at them as they looped their arms around him and walked him into the changing room.

Ray was already there with a smirk on his face, standing in front of a magical white board with tactics drawn onto it. "Great first game lads, four hundred and fifty point difference, we've racked up the most points of all the teams in the first group match. Next game is in two days, against Lithuania. They won't be as tough as the Hungarians but they're still definitely no pushovers. I expect each one of you to continue off where we left off today. That is all." Ray commented and then promptly left for the after game press conference.

After shedding their Quidditch pads, the quartet left the changing room after exchanging some high fives with the twin beaters and their keeper. Portkeying to Diagon Alley, the quartet found an expensive café with outdoor tables near Gringotts.

"You're not going anywhere Potter, I'll take care of our money problems." Elan said in a dead serious tone for once.

It was well known that Harry was particularly wary about money issues and budgets, since he never had the privilege of getting pocket money from his parents and always had to work for his money, he was always careful and calculating with what he had.

"Fine Elan…just don't order the whole menu." Harry warned and added with a grin, "Or we'll have to invite Crabbe and Goyle over." Elan, Cedric and Roger immediately let out hysterical laughs, the two corpulent Slytherins were well known for their abilities to stomach a whole house's amount of food.

They then took an outdoor table and Harry immediately regretted it due to the attention they were starting to get. Elan then waved over a blushing waitress and made their order, not before the waitress stammered for their autographs, which the quartet was happy to give, she almost fainted when Harry sent her the smile that had charmed witches all across the world.

"Wow Harry, you're actually getting into your character really well." Cedric said with awe.

"Well, everyone would expect me to act like that eh." Harry replied behind his Dior sunglasses, ignoring all the narcissistic stares and giggles from all the female customers sitting around him. But it became increasingly annoying as the quartet were asked by more and more fans for autographs and soon, photographers were staging themselves outside the café, flashing photos. However, with so much annoyance, the four retained their professional attitude, they complied to signing photographs and giving autographs politely whenever fans approached them.

The four then was luckily given a brief reprieve to enjoy their meal and chat about the match and their upcoming opponents.

As they were about to leave, Harry was approached by a small, silvered hair girl with wide baby blue eyes,

"Hello, miss, can I help you?" Harry said kindly, the little girl reminded him of his adorable little sister somehow.

"Erm….'ello, 'Arry Potter…May I 'ave an autograph." The silver haired little girl stuttered, pulling out a photograph of Harry and a quill as her face reddened.

"You guys go ahead." Harry said to his sniggering friends. Cedric, being the more mature one out of the three, grabbed Elan and Roger by the scruffs of their shirts and hauled their protesting arses out the café.

Harry then smiled kindly at the small girl and gently pried the photograph out of the girl's hand and the quill before asking in French while simultaneously taking off his sunglasses; revealing his soul alluring green eyes,

"What is your name?"

The small girl gasped with shock and then stammered, "Gabrielle, Gabrielle Delacour."

"That's a beautiful name, dear angel." Harry teased, signing To Angel Gabrielle, and his signature underneath, smirking as the girl blushed harder and looked down onto the floor from the corners of his eyes.

In his mind, Harry mentally thanked Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy for teaching him and Elan French, as well as Spanish, Italian, German and Russian every summer after Hogwarts had ended.

As he handed back the autographed photo, he heard the most musical voice he had ever heard calling, "Gabby where are you?"

Looking up, Harry saw the most beautiful girl-no, woman- he had ever seen, she had long, flowing silver blonde hair, white smooth skin, piercing sapphire blue eyes and a face and body that would put the Greek goddess Aphrodite to shame. She was possibly the same age as him as she swept over elegantly.

"Gabby there you are! I've been looking all over this place for you, why did you run off without telling me, mama or papa." The older girl said with relieve to Gabrielle, who Harry deducted was no doubt the goddess' sister.

"But people were chatting about Harry Potter being here also, so I went to get an autograph. " Gabrielle whined while blushing heavily and clutching her autographed photo tightly. Harry chuckled politely as he watched the sibling interaction.

Turning to Harry, the older girl said in accented English, "Thank you for not letting my sister run around the place, she 'as a very curious mind."

"I understand your troubles, I have a sister myself. It is no trouble." Harry said in French, causing the girl to widen her eyes.

"I'm Harry Potter." Harry introduced himself with a dazzling smile, and stuck out a hand.

The girl returned it with smile that could melt Antarctica, "Fleur Delacour." Then stuck out her own hand which Harry held tenderly and brushed his lips gently against her knuckles.

"Enchanté mademoiselle." Harry whispered as he released her hand, it felt so delicate, like silk.

"So, England's going to win a trophy after over twenty years?" Fleur teased, ignoring all the incredulous stares from the females in the café.

"We just might." Harry said with another smile.

"I wish I can stay and chat longer but our papa no doubt wants us to go back now." Fleur sighed.

"I understand, I have to return back to camp now, our coach will no doubt chew us out if we don't return before curfew, it was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Delacour, Gabby" at this, Gabrielle blushed and hid herself behind Fleur who let out a musical laughter "Enjoy your meal…au revoir." Harry said understandingly, taking out his Dior sunglasses and slid it over his emerald green eyes and strolled out the restaurant, his black cloak billowing loosely, where his three pals were staring gobsmacked at Fleur.

"Stop staring and drooling, remember who we're representing." Harry hissed before steering them off, giving Fleur an apologetic smile. Fleur just waved understandingly, after the rising Quidditch star left, a realization hit her, Harry wasn't affected by her Veela allure at all. He was the first man to not go all gooey eyes and gaping mouth to her. Men who were immune to the Veela charm were almost non-existent, for Fleur, the only person who was able to overcome it other than Harry was her papa.

She was still deep in her thoughts about the mysterious English chaser, totally oblivious to the angry stares that all the women were giving her and the lusting gazes from the men as her sister dragged her to their table where her parents were sitting.

"Where 'ave you two been, what did I say about walking off on your own?" Apolline Delacour scolded her daughters.

"'arry Potter was 'ere, so I went and got 'is autograph. The real thing waz so much better tho" Gabrielle said with mist in her eyes and a wide loopy smile on her face.

Apolline and her husband Alain shared a knowing look, ever since the mentioning of Harry Potter being part of the English U-17 Team, Gabby had developed a huge crush on the handsome black haired youth, like many girls her age.

"'e was so handsome, polite and do you know 'e can speak fluent French?" Gabby shouted excitedly, and earned a 'Shh' from Fleur.

"Well eet looks like that Gabby won't be sleeping much tonight." Apolline said with a teasing smile, but Gabrielle just held her head high, not ashamed of her huge crush.

"What about you Fleur, was 'e interesting to you?" Apolline asked, a mischievous smile on her ethereal face.

"'E iz a very handsome man, and very good natured…'e shrugged off my allure as if eet didn't exist." Fleur said with a far away look in her eyes, her cheeks turning pink "Not to mention 'e also dresses in style and has the sexiest alluring green eyes I 'ave ever seen." She thought to herself, remembering the dragon hide boots, billowing hooded cloak and his eyes which were capable of seeing the depths of a person's soul.

Apolline widened her eyes in surprise at the revelation. As Veela, it was hard to be in the presence of men, let alone have a civilized conversation with one and not have them drool over by their appearance, and she could tell that the young superstar had also smote her eldest daughter.

"Can we 'ave dinner now? For God's sakes Apolline, they've only met." Alain said, making his wife and daughters laugh musically.

"Wow Harry, that babe…damn, you're such a lucky sod!" Roger shouted as they arrived back to the England Camp via portkey.

"She has to be part Veela. We were gaping like goldfish." Elan added as the quartet walked back towards their tent.

"What? But I noticed that our dear Harrikens wasn't affected." Roger joked.

"I dunno, I'm immune to the Imperius curse and am a natural Occlumens." Harry said in a matter-of-fact tone and ignoring his 1st year nickname.

"Someone used the Imperius curse on you?" Cedric asked, outraged.

"Yeah, my dueling master cast it on me once, glad he actually did it, all it does is…its just a small voice at the back of your head trying to convince you to do something against your well." Harry explained, the old auror definitely deserved his nickname but Harry was still thankful.

"So, what do you lads want to do now, its still early?" Elan asked as they neared the team tent.

"I dunno, coach's gonna bust our arses if we do anything he disapproves. I know what you're thinking Malfoy, but we're underage no matter how famous we have become overnight, and not to mention Anna's gonna have all our heads on her wall if she finds you pissed out drunk with many company in flimsy outfits." Cedric answered along with a fake cough.

"Damn!" Elan ranted.

"I'm going to bed." Harry murmured tiredly, stretching his arms as he staggered back to the team tent. The trio watched he walk off, "Man, Harrikens takes things too seriously." Roger said, shaking his head.

"Tis man's tragedy…" Elan wailed clutched his heart dramatically.

"I HEARD THAT!" Harry shouted as he was about to enter the tent, ignoring their sniggering laughter as they followed into the tent.

When they were inside, the quartet quickly changed into more comfortable clothes, Harry had his nose behind his Advance Dueling: Multi-Casting, a birthday present from Lucius Malfoy. Quietness engulfed the camp as Harry looked up: Cedric was reading a muggle play called Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Roger was listening to his Discman while reading his fan mail, Elan was writing a letter back to Draco. Harry then quickly remembered the England Quidditch National Team Replica robe that he had gotten for Rosy and asked Roger to lend him his, which he only got a grunt in response.

Tying a note to the package, Harry fastened the package to the Owl's talons and it took off into the night. Then he promptly fell back onto his bed, his mind was racing through a variety of different things: the match against Lithuania the next day, wondering what Little Rosy was doing and lastly the image of Fleur Delacour entered his mind.

Even though he might be immune to her allure, there was still something about her that Harry couldn't figure out. No other girl had ever made him feel that way at all, and Harry didn't know what to make of it except that he was a bit concerned; emotions made one weak, emotions can cloud one's logic and give the enemy a weakness. Turning off his night-light, Harry waved his wand, causing the curtains to close around him, allowing the darkness take him.

Potter Manor

Lily Potter was looking at the Daily Prophet for who knows how many times now in the kitchen, smiling sorrowfully at the photo where Harry was smiling dazzlingly at the camera with fist posed directed towards the camera after winning the match against Hungary. She never truly realized it until it was too late, that after that day where she and James had forgotten to take Harry to King's Cross when he was eleven, Harry no longer was that sniffling little boy who longed for affection. Tiredly she went to bed, clutching the photo next to her, hoping that it would all be a dream when she woke up the next morning.

Next Day

Harry cringed as he flew in the rain, the match against Lithuania was struck by a sudden massive storm, making the hoops harder to see and the Quaffle more slippery than ever. He was having a tough time staying on his broom every minute and from the looks of Elan and Roger, they weren't faring any better than he did. Ducking a wet bludger, Harry threw a quick straight shot through the middle hoop, making the score 490-180.

The Lithuanians didn't have the ferocity of the Hungarians but they used their counter attacks to great effect, ways of beating Ray Anderson's England side were on every national coach's minds ever since their first match against Hungary.

Harry feinted left and passed the Quaffle to Roger who ducked a furious bludger sent in his direction and threw it at Elan who slammed it pass the Lithuania keeper. The crowd cheered madly under the shelter in the stands, soon Harry scored another hundred points and it wasn't long before Cedric ended the match by catching the golden snitch that was struggling helplessly in his palm, the match ended, with England winning 740-220.

The English supporters cheered wildly as their national team landed back on the ground. Quickly retreating to the tunnel, Harry took off his goggles and ran a hand over his wet hair. He quickly swept into the dressing room and after shedding his soggy, rain soaked clothes, and getting an after match talk from Ray, Harry stepped into the hot shower and gave a sigh of content as the warm water from the faucet washed away all the coldness away. After a while, he got out and quickly changed into new clothes, which consisted of a black button up shirt, black spats and a black Armani suit jacket.

Fashion was never Harry's thing but there was nothing to complain when there were people chosen specifically to take care of it. Walking out of the dressing room, Harry activated his portkey and his stomach gave a lurch as he was sucked into a vortex.

A familiar sense of disgust and nausea was what Harry felt as he appeared at the front door of Potter Manor, the coach said it was alright to go visit families after the match since there would be no time in the latter stages of the World Cup.

Pulling out a key, he unlocked the door and closed it behind him. Shrugging off his dragon hide boots, Harry walked into the living room, and was immediately tackled by a small red bullet.

"Hawrry…I….missed…you..sow…much….Don't….Lweave…Me…Again.." Little Rosy sobbed loudly while wrapping her little arms around her big brother's legs. Harry just smiled widely as he lifted his adorable baby sister into his chest and patted her soothingly, not caring that his clothes were getting wet.

Looking at the England Quidditch National Team Replica robe that his sister was wearing, Harry grinned and whispered, "You wore it…"

He got a sweet giggle and chirp in reply. "Brother Hawrry the best at flying…"

"I'm glad you think so." Harry whispered while tickling the little red head in his arms who squealed loudly. Settling on the couch, he placed Rosy next to him and handed her a small box wrapped in wrapping paper, squealing in thanks and planting wet, sloppy kisses all over her brother's cheeks.

Rosy's eyes widened like galleons when she saw a golden snitch with four signatures engraved on it. Harry smiled warmly for the first time in many days at the site before him, Rosy laughed when the snitch gently nuzzled her nose and she reached out with her small hands and attempted to catch it.

"Harry?" Harry turned his eyes from Rosy and that smile immediately disappeared. Lily Potter came into the living room with an apron around her, hoping to find out what had caused such a racket and she stopped when she saw her eldest son, he was barely recognizable after leaving home for a few days, his face had become more angular, and he was dressed in expensive clothes. The only thing that didn't change was his hair, which refused to be tamed, he looked like a total celebrity.

"Rosaline, can you let your brother and your mother talk alone for a bit?" Lily said.

Rosy gave Harry a pout when he didn't allow her to stay but hugged him tightly before chasing the snitch out of the living room, laughing melodically as she went.

SMACK! Harry felt his cheeks sting as he just realized what had just happened.

"HOW COULD YOU? HOW COULD YOU MAKE A DECISION AS BIG AS THIS ON YOUR OWN?" Lily ranted angrily.

"What? It's not like I have anyone else I can turn to…I'm not Eric who needs to have his hands held whenever he needs to go to the loo." Harry yelled back.

"You have me, your father…"

"HAH, AS IF, why the hell would I ever talk to people who're just going to neglect and treat me as if I'm air?" Harry shouted.

"Please Harry…I didn't mean for you to be treated that way..I'm so very sorry…" Lily sobbed.

"YOU'RE SORRY NOW? NOW I'M FINALLY MAKING A NAME FOR MYSELF, YOU WANT TO GET BACK INTO MY LIFE? WHAT? IS BEING THE MOTHER OF THE BOY WHO LIVED ISN'T EXCITING ENOUGH FOR YOU, YOU MAKE ME SICK!" Harry shouted with pure hatred.

"WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I NEEDED YOU? WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I WAS ALL ALONE, WHERE WERE YOU?" When Lily didn't answer him but broke down, it made Harry even more angrier, his eyes saw red when he saw James Potter appearing from the floo.

"Harry, nice game today, I've never thought you had it in you…" James said, completely oblivious to the fiery atmosphere in the room.

"Don't act all buddy buddy with me, we both know that you're an ignorant, childish bastard who only thinks about his own reputation." Harry sneered.

"Harry…what are you talking…" James didn't get to finish his sentence as he got chewed off by an extremely irate Harry.

"YOU KNOW FUCKING PERFECTLY WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! NOW THAT OUR UNFAMOUS SON IS A FAMOUS CELEBRITY, LET'S ACTUALLY TREAT HIM LIKE A HUMAN BEING!" Harry shouted sarcastically.

"Harry please…we're sorry.." James started wrapping an arm around his sobbing wife who had slumped to her knees, hoping to calm Harry down.

"SORRY? SORRY? YOU THINK A SIMPLE SORRY CAN FIX ALL THE THINGS YOU DID TO ME? I HATE YOU, WHY DON'T YOU BOTH DROP DOWN AND DIE?" Harry yelled out his frustration, his silver aura flashing dangerously around him. With that he turned away from his parents, who had sank to their knees, Lily was reduced to a mess while James just held her.

Feeling satisfied about finally yelling out years worth of frustration, Harry went up the stairs and arrived at his sister's room after walking through a corridor.

"Hawrry…." Little Rosy chirped as she jumped from her bed into her brother's arms.

"Hawrry, did mommy and daddy do not nice things to you again?" Rosy asked in her innocent sweet voice. Harry sighed as he looked down and saw the adorable face of his baby sister looking up at him, how could his temper not settle down after looking at a face that could brighten the whole world.

"Hawrry…" Little Rossy chirped while holding out a copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard. No words were needed as Harry took the book from his sister's small hands and flipped to her favorite story, The Three Brothers. Even though he had read that story millions of times, Rosy would often pick it for Harry to read; it had also been Harry's favorite story when he was a child, from it he deducted that he was a Peverall, for only a true Peverall can master the Elder Wand and gain its eternal allegiance.

The Wand maker Ollivander had told him that his wand had a rather long and bloody history, each previous owner killed, however, Harry can only deduct that it was the way of the Elder Wand to function as it does so that it could find its true owner. He was about to reminisce about the talk with Ollivander when he heard a slump. Harry smiled gently as he saw his sister had fallen asleep, placing the book back on its shelf, Harry pulled the covers over Rosy's small frame and gave her a tender kiss on the forehead.

Then he just simply sat back down on his chair, crossed his legs and said to the sleeping girl, "Thank you Rosy, for being the only person who loves me back."

Meanwhile in the master bedroom, a very distressed mother cried softly onto her pillow, after Harry had left the living room, Lily had cried and cried for her baby to forgive her until her voice was raspy, James was faring no better simply holding her and offering what comfort he could give.

"Don't fret too much about it Lils, things are going to get worst before they get better." James said

"What if they don't?" Lily whispered. "Then we'll keep begging until they do." James said with a sigh. It was late when Harry portkeyed back to the England Camp, noticing that all his friends were sound asleep, Harry found his trunk and after changing into his nightclothes and entered his bed and placed a framed photo of him and Little Rosy on his shoulders, tugging his hair and laughing by his bedside table. Harry sighed, it would be some time before he could go home again.