I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.

Extended Family

Chapter 12 – Proper Hooligan

Takes place during Harry's rookie year

McGonagall smiled as she saw the owl fly towards her. Lately, snowy owls were more common among the students but in her opinion, this particular snowy owl will always stand out from the rest. She was easily the smartest owl McGonagall had ever met as well as many other qualities one normally did not associate with owls.

Hedwig landed gracefully in front of McGonagall, hooting in greeting.

"Good morning to you too," McGonagall said, offering her a few rashers of bacon. She smiled fondly as the owl gobbled them up, then removed the letter in her harness. She opened the envelope and her eyes widened as she looked at what was tucked within. She read the letter swiftly and her lips creased in a broad smile.

Luckily the letter hid it from the students. It would not do for them to see her so unreserved after all.

She conjured a writing set and scribbled a reply, tucking it back into Hedwig's pouch. "Would you like anymore?" she asked. She chuckled at Hedwig's flat stare and handed her half the plate. "Don't make yourself sick now."

Hedwig hooted and rolled her eyes before taking the bacon and flapping off.

"Good news Minerva?" Flitwick asked.

"Very good news," McGonagall replied. "You will be watching the castle this Saturday, yes?"

Flitwick grinned. "Oh yes. Providing you stop by when you return with a story to tell and perhaps a souvenir?"

"Deal," she said comfortably.

"Splendid, give him my best," Flitwick laughed.

-0-

Saturday came. The morning sun rose, just barely warming the late fall air. McGonagall had been awake for some time, getting her grading done so she could enjoy the rest of the day to the fullest. She finished with a flourish, completely caught up and even past where she had imagined she would reach. Satisfied, she started getting ready for her day.

About an hour later she was finished. She was dressed in favorite forest green dress, packed a small purse to put inside an inner expandable pocket. She withdrew a slim cane from a stand by the door and put on her usual black hat. She inspected herself critically in the mirror before nodding with satisfaction. A quick spell cast over her face and she was soon out the door.

She could use her personal Floo of course but she liked walking to Hogsmeade when the weather was nice. Plus the light exercise would get her blood running for the events of the day. She clutched the precious envelope in one hand and her smile was broad and merry.

-0-

Portree Port was a grand Quidditch stadium. The walls were shaped like large stone columns that one would see support the walk-ways and piers of a port, the floors were dark brown planks of wood. The air smelled of the sea: fresh and slightly salty but not overwhelming. Spices and other exotic smells filled the air, adding to the atmosphere. Flags from all the teams, active or inactive, lined the walls and people milled about chatting and laughing. The energy was high. Pride of Portree enjoyed a loyal and enthusiastic fanbase and it showed.

"Hermione! Over here!"

Hermione ran over to the waving girls. "Hi Tracy! Daphne!" She hugged them tightly. "Good to see you!"

"Lovely to see you," Daphne said warmly. "We got this for you."

Hermione smiled and pinned the badge to her jersey. "Thanks! I'll get us snacks later. This is so exciting!"

"I agree. Normally I would rather listen to the game on the wireless but it is very different being at a stadium for it," Daphne said.

"I can't believe Harry is starting," Tracy said excitedly. "I thought it would be a little longer."

"The starter Seeker decided to stop a little earlier due to her pregnancy.," Hermione shared.

"Goodness, she was playing while pregnant?" Daphne asked, astonished.

"Yup. She was playing really well but is stepping back to be more of a coach for Harry. The team is looking for another reserve now but Harry will be the starter until she returns."

"Quidditch women are tough," Daphne said with clear admiration.

"We sure are." Alicia approached them and had caught the last of the statement. She hugged the other three girls. "Good to see you three!"

"Are you the old team representative?" Tracy asked.

"Mmhmm. Sadly Oliver and Angelina have their own games to play, Katie is in France, and the twins are insanely busy. Mistress Castor let me move things about, she's mad for Quidditch too as you know Daphne. I just need to bring her a souvenir and a play of the game and all will be well."

"That's what I'm doing for Sirius and the Tonkes," Hermione said. "Dora was really upset she couldn't make it but she's on assignment."

"Harry mentioned there will be someone else with us," Daphne said. "I wonder who?"

A group of fans in green and yellow, supporters of the visiting Kenmare Kestrels, began to sing their team's fight song. They waved flags as they sang, stomping their feet in time. Fans in purple and gold watched and made good-natured faces but did not interrupt, even applauding lightly when the Kestrel fans finished.

"You call that a fight song?"

Hermione and Alicia's eyes went wide as they recognized the voice that cut through the crowd's chatter effortlessly. Tracy and Daphne caught on a second later. "No, that can't be," Hermione gasped.

McGonagall strode forward and the four former students gaped as the crowd cheered when they saw her. They obviously recognized her and yet had no reverence that former students typically showed. A hulking figure wearing a kilt laughed uproariously. "Minnie!" he yelled in a deep voice that sounded like gravel falling down a mountain.

"Douglas!" McGonagall greeted back. She turned back to the Kestrels fans. "I said, you call that a fight song? I thought it was Kenmare, not Can't-mare!" She waved her wand and her glamor fell away, showing her face painted in purple with a giant gold star over her right eye. She swapped out her hat, putting the modest black one away for a large brimmed deep purple one that glinted with twinkling golden stars. She waved her cane and it turned into a flag pole and the Pride of Portree banner flew from the back proudly, undulating without a breeze. "Let's show some bloody Pride you lot!"

The girls stared as McGonagall led the crowd in their fight song, their voices made the walls shake as she swung her banner pole like a conductor's baton.

"What. The. Hell," Tracy breathed. "What am I watching?"

"This is the best thing I have ever seen," Daphne said solemnly.

"This is incredible," Hermione gasped.

Alicia just blinked.

The song ended and the Kenmare crowd laughed and clapped. Hands were shaken and high-fives exchanged, and the crowd dispersed. More than a few bowed to McGonagall and all showed her deep respect and adoration.

"Ah, hello ladies," McGonagall said to the gaping girls.

"Hello Professor," they said back.

"What was that?" Alicia exclaimed, unable to hold herself back.

"That was a proper display of hooliganry," McGonagall said. "Now let's be off. We need to support our team and our boy." She walked away confidentially and the girls scrambled to keep up with her. "Tannis! Get your fat arse out of my way!" She jabbed a very large person with the butt of her banner.

"Ah come off it, Minnie," he chuckled good naturedly. "I've been good! Lost some weight I have."

"Yes you have but even if you were skinnier than your wife you'd still have a fat arse!"

"When are you going to put some meat on your bones eh?"

"I lost it all chasing your thick spawn about the castle, Shaffrey!"

"They can't be that thick, you passed them!"

"Got their brains from their da and not their ma!"

Tracy squealed. "Why did you pinch me?!" she said, smacking Daphne.

"I had to make sure I was not dreaming."

"You're supposed to pinch yourself!"

"But that would hurt."

The curious quintet made it to a private top box and arrayed themselves on the seats. McGonagall firmly planted her flag into the special holder at the corner. She exchanged more sharp words and laughed loudly with the fans around them.

"You know, no one is ever going to believe us," Alicia said to Hermione.

"Good thing we can show memories," Hermione giggled.

A person walked past their box, levitating a big tray of food. He yelled out loud, proclaiming his wares. He turned and smiled when he saw McGonagall. "Minnie! Good to see you! We usually don't get to during the school year."

"I was lucky to get away today and I had to be here for one of my own," she said proudly. "Good to see you too Danny. How are the little ones?"

"Can't wait to start Hogwarts soon, I'll tell them you asked about them. Oh hey, this is Potter's box. And you are his friends?" He smiled at the girls. "What'll you have then? Close friends and families get a discount as well as getting a tab." He served them an array of food and drink.

"Is she usually like this?" Daphne asked Danny quietly, nodding at McGonagall who was engaged with another fan.

"She's usually less excited," he said with a big smile. "She's been a fan for ages and usually does either the flag or the face paint or something. Today she's gone all out. Then again, she's usually not up in a private box so she and Potter must be close."

"She was our Head of House," Hermione said pointing at Alicia and herself. "And I think she helped push Harry to join Portree."

"I better tell the bosses that," Danny laughed. "I'm obviously a fan of the team but ever since Potter joined, the team has gotten even better. Games are so exciting now."

Daphne clapped her hands. "I cannot wait!"

-0-

"Nervous?"

Harry looked up and grinned at Shelia Innis. "A little bit. Bit larger than a school game."

Shelia laughed. "Yeah just a bit. But you've played in other games before."

"Not as a starter. It's a whole different feel."

"It is that. But you'll do great. You've gotten really good at reacting and leading and your spotting is top already. Just don't foul and don't miss." She patted her stomach. "Me getting upset is bad for the baby."

Harry laughed. "So not fair. You can't use your baby to guilt me."

"I sure can!"

A whistle cut through the chatter and the starters trooped up to the doors. They stood in a circle and Harry was shaking slightly from nerves and excitement. Coach Miranda Rose looked at them one by one. "Right then," she said. "You lot look good. Real good. Well Potter looks like he's about to shake apart but good otherwise."

The team and Harry laughed.

"Kenmare is a good team and we've always played well against each other. I know it's still early in the season but keep up the good work. We're on our way to a solid season. Watch your roles, play together, have fun, and win. Any questions?" She grinned at their shaking heads. "Then let's get it going! Go Pride!"

"Go Pride!" they chorused and the team jostled with each other. They pushed Harry to the front of the line and shoved him along.

"You ready?" Tanya White, team Captain and Beater, asked.

"As I'll ever be!" Harry replied.

"Thattaboy! Since it's your first as starter, you'll get a special announcement at the end and take a lap around. Put a little flair in. Show them some of that Potter magic."

"Coach says no fancy showboating."

"That's during games and this is before the game." Tanya winked. "Show 'em your stuff and show some Pride laddie buck!"

-0-

"Welcome to the fourth game of the season! Thank you for joining us here in Portree and today the Pride of Portree will be playing against the Kenmare Kestrels! I'm Zenny Zanes and it is my pleasure to be calling out the game! Let's put our hands together for the visiting team...KENMARE KESTRELS!"

She announced the players one by one. They wore meadow green uniforms with a bright yellow harp emblazoned upon them. A good chunk of the attendees were Kenmare fans and their flags flapped in the air. Each player took a small lap as they were announced and they waved to their fans.

"And introducing the home team…PRIDE OF PORTREE!" A wave of sound shook the air. "Your Chasers: Benny Bilby, Flora Flanders, and Samuel Duncil! Your Beaters: Nathan Chiang and Captain Tanya White! Your Keeper: Tina Valentine!" She paused as they took their laps and then they waited in formation by their goals. A hush filled the stadium.

"And, it is my distinct pleasure to announce Portree's newest player. In his first starting game. Please, show some love for our new Seeker: HARRY POTTER!"

Alicia, Hermione, Daphne, and Tracy jumped to their feet and screamed. McGonagall waved her flag, shouting with pride. The stadium joined them in cheering, even the Kenmare fans.

Harry flew out of the tunnel, barely above the ground of the pitch. He flew in a wide circle, running one hand through the grass, making it ripple. The circle became a spiral and when he reached the middle of the pitch he pushed hard on the ground and flew up at an almost vertical angle. When he reached the apex of the climb, high above the stadium, he lifted off the broom with his legs and for one long terrifying moment, he hung suspended in air, supporting his whole body with one hand holding the broom.

He twisted in midair, seating himself neatly back on the broom and flew down towards his team, waving his free arm at the crowd. For a moment they had fallen silent at the display of flying and the cheering that came after was even louder than before.

"Now that's some flair!" Tanya shouted, high-fiving him.

"HARRY JAMES POTTER I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!" Alicia and Hermione screeched.

"He's gotten better at flying! How did he get better?!" Daphne shouted as she jumped up and down with Tracy.

"LOOK AT THAT!" Zenny shouted. "If our Seeker can play half as good as he can fly, then we are going to have an amazing game!"

"I'd say at least a third as good," Benny snickered.

"A little less than half maybe," Samuel chuckled.

"Coach is going to tear you a new one if you do that mid-game," Flora laughed.

"Just catch the Snitch and she'll only tear you half of one," Tina smiled.

"They look pretty nervous," Nathan said, pointing at the Kenmare team with his bat. "You rattled them good!"

"A good start. Chasers, Kenmare has a good Chaser team but you three are better. Start slow but pass a lot. Me and Chiang will disrupt them. Potter, overwatch but interfere when you see an opportunity. Let's go team!" Tanya said.

"Here comes main Referee Hicks to start the game! There goes the Snitch, and the Bludgers. There's the whistle and the Quaffle! Let's go!" Zenny was a good announcer and commentator. Her voice was bright and oozed excitement. "Belby has possession! He's flying point in a Claw formation. Passes to Flanders, passes back. Ooh! Dodged a Bludger there. Passes to Duncil. Look at them go! They found their groove early and are controlling the Quaffle up the pitch. Good shot by Chiang sends the Bludger back into the Kenmare team. Flanders shoots! Blocked by Yenly! Belby recovers, passes to Duncil! Duncil shoots! Another good save by Yenly! Yenly passes to Kraw and wait!"

The crowd cheered and Zenny shouted. "Potter dove in front of Kraw! Chased by Greens! Kraw fumbles and Duncil intercepts! Shoots and scores! 10 points for Portree scored by Duncil with an assist by Potter! That was feint from our Seeker! We're on our way!"

Harry skimmed the ground and pulled up, smiling bright. Samuel was taking a victory lap and angled to Harry. The two high-fived as they passed and the Portree fans screamed with appreciation. Tanya waved her bat, catching his attention. She pointed to her eyes and swept her arm wide before holding up three fingers. Harry nodded and flew up, taking a slow wide turn around the pitch.

The Kenmare team had the Quaffle and were passing it amongst themselves with short fast throws. They flew around one player as a center to their wide formation but as they approached the Portree goals, they closed their formation into a tight one.

Harry turned and saw Nathan nearby. Nathan nodded and flew after Harry. Harry flew close to a Bludger and the enchanted ball changed course to go after him. Harry flew and dove sharply, letting Nathan hit the Bludger with a very heavy swing. He then followed the Bludger.

The Bludger nearly hit the first Kenmare Chaser, making him dive to dodge it and colliding with his teammate. Harry, flying swiftly after, made them involuntarily spread out to avoid him, widening the gap further. Flora flew behind Harry, tucked into his slipstream, and managed to snatch the Quaffle out from the remaining Kenmare Chaser's arm.

The opposing Chasers reoriented themselves to follow but had to scatter when the Bludger came flying back at them, struck by a waiting Tanya. Harry flew straight towards the Kenmare goal posts and Yenly tried to circle around Harry but Flora had flown below Harry, using him as a shield. She came up the side of a goal post and threw the Quaffle through a hoop.

"Portree score! 20 points on the board! What a play by the Beaters and Seeker, helping Flanders score!" Zenny shouted.

The game continued and both teams played well. Portree maintained a small lead but then Harry caught a flash of gold that was not a star and went after it. Greens followed close behind.

"I think the Seekers see the Snitch!" Zenny yelled. "Potter is ahead by an arm's length! Ooh! Dodges a Bludger and dips around Kraw. Greens is catching up. They're going fast! Both want the Snitch and are jostling for position!"

The Snitch suddenly stopped flying, sliding between the two Seekers and flying backwards along the path. Greens tried to turn but the speed he was going at made him wobble, almost tearing himself off the broom. Harry turned but rolled into the turn, grunting from the effort of staying on the broom. The bristle end of the broom fish-tailed slightly but he regained control and took off once more after the Snitch with Greens far behind. Coming up to the Snitch, he hooked his left leg around the broom handle and lunged forward, catching the Snitch with his outstretched right hand.

"POTTER HAS THE SNITCH!" Zenny screamed. "230 to 60! PORTREE WINS! Harry Potter has won his debut game!"

"Harry! Take your victory lap!" Tanya shouted as she hugged him with her free arm.

He did as ordered and he flew around the stadium. His heart beat from pleasure and adrenaline, and he waved madly at the crowd. His heart sang as he flew close to his box, seeing the five people going mad in it. He flew low, extending his free hand to grasp at theirs, high-fiving them, and reluctantly leaving.

He landed on the pitch and handed the Snitch to Referee Hicks. The team mobbed him and he whooped when Chiang and Duncil hoisted him up onto their shoulders. He closed his eyes and reveled in the rain of applause that fell from around him, surrounding him in the warmth and adoration.

It felt wonderful.

-0-

"Harry!"

Harry poked his head out of the locker room and saw the girls and McGonagall waiting in an alcove. He ran to them and Alicia and Hermione hugged him first. Tracy and Daphne right after and McGonagall finished it with a long and warm hug.

"I'm so glad you came," Harry said breathlessly to them.

"That was incredible," Daphne praised. "I never been to a game in person before and it was a lot of fun!"

"You were so awesome!" Tracy said.

Alicia grabbed his ear. "What was that stunt in the beginning?!"

He laughed and winced. "Captain told me to show some flair!"

"Flair means trying to get yourself killed?!" Hermione asked.

"Ladies, leave our boy alone," McGonagall said with a smile. "He deserves to show off a bit. Trust me, his father was far worse." She dabbed her eyes on the flag. "They would be so proud of you. Filius sends you his regards as well."

Alicia grumbled and shook her head. "Well, just this once I suppose." She kissed him on the cheek. "Oliver and Angelina are so jealous by the way. Make sure you tell everyone I'm the best former teammate because I came to see you play your starting game."

He laughed. "I don't think that's fair for some of them but I'll let you say it and won't confirm nor deny." He grinned up at McGonagall. "I love the face paint."

"I told you I would show everyone how to be a proper hooligan," she said smugly.

"Yeah, we'll have to up our game next time," Tracy said.

"Would you like to come with us to get dinner?" Harry asked.

McGonagall shook her head. "I must return to Hogwarts but you may come a little later at our next meeting and we will eat together then. Thank you again for the ticket. It was a pleasure to see you play. See you next week!" She bid the girls farewell and left at a sedate pace with the biggest smile that refused to fade.

-0-

"Ah, Minerva! Welcome back."

"Thank you, Filius." McGonagall had changed back to her usual attire and cleaned off the face paint. "I trust all was well today?"

"Not a peep," Flitwick soothed. "Please, have a seat. Tell me about the game!"

McGonagall took the offered seat and the cup of tea. She gave Flitwick a Portree badge and recounted the game in glowing tones. He clapped his hands enthusiastically at the exciting parts and cheered at her description of the ending catch. "It does me good to hear him so happy," he smiled.

"He truly is," she said proudly. "And he is a wonderful player. I will get us a pair of tickets for a winter game and we can go together."

"Ooh yes please! That would be lovely." His eyes twinkled. "Do I get to paint my face too?"

She smiled. "If you wish."

-0-0-0-

diffident-serpiente - That's high praise, thank you so much. I always wanted to have the setting and the world feel big enough and storied enough to draw a lot of different feelings from it. I'm glad you think so.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - You'll look the picture of a supportive bridesmaid I'm sure. The support is what matters most.

guest - He really sold it didn't he?

Urgwaew - Some people are willing to spite themselves in doing what they think is right, especially when they are wrong sadly. This was an odd chapter for me in the sense I was trying to take a really bad situation and try to spin it to be funny. I didn't love making Alicia suffer but it turned out okay in the end I think. But of course the entire premise to the chapter was the title and the pun in the end. You know me, making something absurd for a bit joke. Not sure about James and Sirius but I'll keep it in mind as a maybe. Besides, I had to do something high up there to explain Alicia's comment during Katie and Harry's wedding. Best of energy to you.