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

Note: Happy New Year everyone! I hope all had a nice time celebrating the new year. I still can't believe I've been actively writing and posting for a year now and hope to be able to continue to do so this year.

This is the longest chapter I've written for either The Family that Chooses you and Extended Family. I knew I didn't want to break it up and I felt the build up was a strong part of the meat of the chapter and I hope everyone likes it. Like I said on chapter 66, I feel this one is a strong culmination of all the history and feelings I've built upon for both fics and I was really happy with how this one came out. There are a lot of call backs and references and I hope people enjoy them.

My best to everyone and hope you enjoy. As always, thank you for reading and commenting. It does more than you know.

May your New Year be bright and full of promise.

-0-0-0-

Extended Family

Chapter 70 – Versus the World

Takes place directly after the last chapter.

Diagon Alley buzzed with noise and people. It was crowded and a general feeling of excitement filled the air. What was curious was how people looked. The vast majority of people wore Quidditch jerseys over their robes or instead of them. Even those that did not wear a jersey had a badge pinned on to their clothing or had a bandanna or something with the colors of Team England on it. The jerseys were cut the same and all bore England's flag on them though some were colored in red and others in blue and others in black. Names and numbers were emblazoned on the backs and there was a mix of them though a few were more popular than others.

Dahlia looked around; eyes wide as she saw all the jerseys. "Wow," she breathed. "So many people are wearing jerseys!"

"Right? I've never seen it like this," Katie laughed. She pushed her way through the crowd easily, carrying Dahlia comfortably. "Even during regular league games, people wear their favorite team jerseys even if they aren't in the finals. You see a bit more for the European League finals but nothing like this."

"The World Cup is a bit more prestigious," Alicia said as she walked right behind Katie, carrying Hadley. "And the excitement bug has bitten everyone."

"And how upset are you by it?" Katie teased.

Alicia grinned. "I don't hate Quidditch as much as I pretend to. I played it for years after all and well invested in all of you and Oliver's enjoyment and success. I just like teasing my husband."

"Daddy likes it too," Hadley said. "He thinks it's funny."

"See? We all win," Alicia laughed.

"Poor Ollie," Angelina smiled. She looked around at the crowds. "He's a popular jersey choice I see."

"I'm glad they went with Johnson-Weasley for you," Katie said. "George isn't upset about you being Johnson during the games, is he?"

"Nope and I'm glad. I didn't think he would and I did ask him before, but he's been great about it. He likes it 'cause it reminds him of us in school too."

Alicia snorted as they walked through a group of people. They were not sparing the three mothers and their daughters a second glance which was a surprise with Angelina there. Angelina was wearing something of a disguise and it was working perfectly. "I still can't believe it's working."

Angelina laughed. "Hey, if Rabbit can get away with it, then it'd definitely work for me." She had a ballcap on and her hair tied in a ponytail. She also wore a Team England jersey with Potter on the back. Hailey also wore a small jersey and a ballcap to match her mother.

Katie was taking Dahlia to get her a small trunk for international travel and wanted to get one for the other two girls. They decided to make a friend trip out of it with their daughters though Angelina had been a little hesitant. She normally enjoyed interacting with her fans but did not want to be bothered when she was with her daughter, her goddaughters, and her best friends. Harry had suggested the hats and Alicia said if they wore jerseys with Harry's name, they would just look like enthusiastic fans. The girls had no problem of course and they had not been bothered once by anyone.

They took their time at Trenton's Transportables and picked out three child-sized trunks for the girls. George and Fred made three small never-locks for them already for extra security. After purchasing the trunks, they visited a few other stores to run some errands while they were there and stopped at Florean Forescue's ice cream store to buy some ice cream to take home. They ended up waiting a little because Florean had given a small sundae to the girls for them to share and the mothers watched smiling as they enjoyed the treat together.

"So how are you lot feeling?" Alicia asked.

"Everyone's good, driven." Katie grinned. "I think we collectively went in hoping for the best but unsure if we actually would make the final game. Now that we're there, everyone's fired up."

"Japan is going to be tough to beat. They've been on fire for the whole run too," Angelina said. "But it'll be an amazing game."

"I'm so proud of all of you," Alicia said warmly. "I'm very thankful I get to go to the game to watch. Pity not everyone could. I wouldn't have been able if it wasn't for Sirius' generosity."

"Yeah. George did want to go but he's not going to not leave without Fred and they didn't want to collectively close the store either. They're going to enjoy listening in though and watching Alex and Abby of course. Plus we can share memories when we return," Angelina said. "Thanks again for watching the bunnies."

"Of course," Alicia said.

"Oh that reminds me, you'll have more help. Fleur and Sebastian and Apolline will be at the game. They're joining Sirius in the box so you'll have them there to help too," Katie said.

"Oh lovely. Then with the Tonkses and Luna, we have nothing to fear," Alicia said. "I do feel a little bad with not taking Melanie but she is still rather young for a trip like this, even for a day or two."

"Yeah, and Iris and Abby and Alex being even younger," Katie sighed. "But the others will take good care of them while we're gone."

Angelina smiled softly. "Gosh, we're really lucky, aren't we? I mean, I knew with Molly and Mum, my babies will be well watched over, but with Hermione and Daphne and Tracy and Tonks, they will be really well taken care of. And your parents Katie."

"I was worried," Alicia admitted. "Danielle loves her grandchildren and Oliver's family are good with them, but you can never have too many to care for the little ones. It's an honest relief that the rest of our friends will be there and I really appreciate your mother watching Melanie too."

Katie felt warm inside. "Yeah. They say it takes a village to raise a child. In our case, we literally have a small village caring for ours. And they really want to, legitimately." Their eyes fell on the back of Dahlia's jersey and they all shared the same loving expression as they looked at the name.

"Of course, he'd claim he's the lucky one," Alicia said, dabbing at her eyes.

"We all are," Katie said softly.

Angelina threw her arms around the other two and squeezed. "We sure are."

-0-

Harry grunted as he was hugged tightly from behind. "How was the shopping trip?" he asked, patting the arms wrapped around his middle.

"Very good," Alicia said, her voice slightly muffled by his back. She let go slightly to let him twist around before she hugged him firmly again. "The girls love their trunks."

"Sure sound like it," he remarked. "Though that sounds like sugar squealing."

"It is," Katie grinned. "We got some ice cream to bring back but Mr. Fortescue gave them a sundae to share. I'm having them run around a bit to work off the sugar and Tonks said she could use the target practice."

Harry grinned as he watched Tonks shoot paint charms at the three small girls, watching them dodge and run about and throw little water balls at Tonks. Hermione was carrying Iris and stood beside Daphne carrying Heather, they shouted encouragement while Tracy and Luna joined the fray. "Gosh, isn't this just the best thing. I'm so lucky." He gave the three giggling women a look. "What's so funny?"

Angelina rested her head against Harry's and pressed into him. "Nothing. Just us agreeing with you."

"When you win the World Cup, we should call our home Champion Village," Alicia smiled. "Three starters on the team and a member of the medical staff all live here."

"Hey, all seven of the winningest Gryffindor team all live here," Harry laughed. "It's always been a champion village."

"You know, that sounds like a good dinner tonight," Katie smiled. "Breakfast of Champions for dinner."

"I'd love that," Angelina said.

"Me too," Harry whispered. "Let's do it."

They sat together outdoors that night. Large platters of scrambled eggs, sausages, and bacon arranged around Harry as he made sandwiches on a slice of bread and folded them over for people. They talked and laughed and reminisced as they ate sandwich after sandwich. The other families visited for dinner and enjoyed listening to the story of the tradition's creation, as well as stories from school.

Jean smiled as she watched Alicia yell at the girls for holding a sandwich in their mouths and running around. "As if that wasn't going to happen," she chuckled. "How are you feeling, Harry?"

"Really good," he said honestly. "The team is ready and luckily we are going to Japan a day earlier to get used to the air and the time difference. So we'll be at our very best."

"Good! I'm terribly excited to listen to the game with everyone here. Hermione helped us set up a small wizarding wireless and we caught some of your other games. Sadly not as easy to follow like a television but very exciting to listen to."

"And you'll get to watch the memories when we bring them back," Harry said.

"Definitely looking forward to that. Oh and don't you worry about Iris either. I'll be here to help with her and the other little ones as well."

"Thank you so much," Harry said, hugging her.

"Of course dear. She's my grand-goddaughter after all and you and Katie are as good as family to us."

-0-

"I am so overwhelmed right now," Katie said, eyes wide. "And it's incredible." She gazed up and down at the rows of stalls that were built at the base of the stadium. They were made of wood and had multicolored tent coverings with all sorts of awnings. The colors shifted and danced and the air was rich with smells.

The trip to Japan had been relatively smooth. They hopped across Europe and Asia with a series of Portkeys and arrived in Japan in one piece. The Japanese Ministry were incredibly polite when meeting them though their Magical Sports department had been almost overly friendly, their enthusiasm breaking through the professional courtesy.

The accommodations were very nice and beside the stadium. A few of the staff took offers on some small tours and visiting places but the players rested and took the time to practice some inside the stadium to get used to the conditions.

It was the day before the game and the staff and players were allowed to make their way through the market that was built in front of the stadium. Attendees to the game had been asked to stay out to give them some freedom to explore but they hung around the edges, some taking pictures and others waving and cheering. Some of the players had happily gone out to meet some fans and to sign things while others took full advantage of the privacy to shop.

Angelina was inside one of the stalls that had all sorts of stuffed animals. She already bought herself and the bunnies some and she was still looking around. "Right? Everything is so cute! I love it."

"We'll have to come back and visit as tourists one of these days," Katie said as she picked up a soft plushie. It was large and grey with an off-white belly, a small flat tail, large whiskers, bright eyes and a big smile. "What is this?" she asked, smiling at it.

"Totoro," the stall owner said with an equal smile in accented English. "A spirit that lives in forests. Watches over trees and children."

"I love him. Oh my goodness there's a little white one. Hedwig will love it. Ahh there's a blue one too! They're a little family. I have to get them."

Katie bought a couple sets of the Totoros and was admiring the first one she picked up when Harry walked into the stall. "Look," she said, waving the Totoro at him. "Look how cute he is!"

"He really is," Harry grinned. He looked around the stall. "Gosh, so many cute things here."

"Did you find a good cooking stall?" Angelina asked.

"Sure did! I got a really nice knife, some cooking chopsticks and a really nice looking square pan to make those eggs we liked. Tuhmagoyakee?"

"Tamagoyaki," the stall owner said with a hand in front of her mouth to cover a laugh. She saw Harry's scar and her eyes widened. "Ah! You are Harry Potter!"

"Hello, it's nice to meet you," Harry smiled and bowed his head slightly. "I see you've helped my wife and one of my best friends here."

"It is my pleasure. Please, allow me to offer you this." She picked up a small wild looking wolf with blue and white fur.

He took it from her and smiled at it. "It's very nice, what is it?"

"It is a Raiju, a thunder animal," the stall owner explained. "A companion to Raijin."

"Oh hey, mind if I ask who that is? I've actually heard that word or name a few times since I've arrived," Harry asked.

She looked faintly embarrassed but nodded. "Raijin is the god of thunder and lightning," she explained. "He brings the storm and the rain."

"Ahhh, that makes sense," Harry said ruefully, running a hand over his scar.

"When the World Cup started, the news talked about you a lot. Said you fly very fast, like lightning. They started to refer to you as England's Raijin," she continued.

"Don't let that get to your head," Angelina chortled.

"Raijin also is a trickster god, likes to play jokes."

Katie laughed. "Harry doesn't do that often but his father loved and his godfather loves pranks. And his other good friends. That tracks."

"They also said you share something else with Raijin." The woman walked over to a wall and brought over a picture. It showed a very fierce looking individual with a gigantic mouth and sharp teeth.

"I don't look like that, do I?!" Harry exclaimed with concern while Katie and Angelina howled with laughter.

"No! You have a very nice smile! But you share this with Raijin. He also has wild hair."

Harry laughed even harder than Katie and Angelina and the stall owner joined them after a moment. "Okay, that's some hilarious coincidences. I'd love to buy a Raiju buddy."

"It is a gift," the woman tried to protest.

"Well alright, but I'm buying something else at least," he smiled.

-0-

"Okay girls, remember to always stick close to one of us," Alicia said. "If you can't find us, squeeze your rune stone hard and we'll come find you."

"There's so many people," Hadley gasped and clung to her mother.

"Magicals from all around the world," Luna said as she held Hailey. "Extraordinary, isn't it?"

"And everyone is a magical?" Dahlia asked.

"Everyone here, yes," Fleur said, holding her. "And there are still many more not here if you can believe it."

The three little girls looked around at the crowds with wide eyes. The game was to start in a few hours and everyone was roaming the stalls to buy things. Thousands upon thousands of conversations filled the air with people speaking all sorts of languages. It was a riot of noise, ebbing and flowing like the sea, the sound levels rising and falling but never fading.

The small party pushed their way through. Stopping here and there to exclaim over something before moving on. Carefully watched by Sirius, Sebastian, Apolline, Ted, and Andromeda, they continued their way with the adults buying things for everyone else as they wanted. Eventually they reached the stadium itself and they looked up at it in wonder.

The walls of the stadium gleamed. It was built like one of the many castles from Japanese history, a large grey base and walls of white stone rising high. Peaked awnings hung over the entryways and carved figures of Japanese mythology ran around the walls. Torii gates marked the entrances and exits into the stadium and already people were making their way inside.

They climbed the stairs within and came out into a private box that hung high in the air. The girls clapped and pointed excitedly at the gigantic pitch within and the seats that encircled it. A good portion of the stands were already filled and more came pouring in. Large banners flew in the darkening sky, looking like fish and dragons swimming in the sea of night. Giant fires burned in large pots on the turrets ringing the stadium and a big billboard showed advertisements for local goods and places of interest.

"This is beautiful," Andromeda said softly, looking about.

"Really good box too," Ted said. "Thanks Sirius, it's incredible."

"My pleasure," Sirius smiled. "Well worth the cost in my opinion and I'm glad we could be here cheering our boy and our friends on."

Luna looked around the stadium, sketching things out in a notebook she brought. "I have always wanted to come visit," Luna said happily.

"You watched the game against Japan, right?" Alicia asked. "How are they?"

"Very good," Fleur said. "It was a very close game between our team and Japan and I will readily admit, Japan earned their victory. Aimee said Japan is a very fast team and it certainly looked like it. "I watched a few of Harry's games when I could and it will be close."

"Daddy will win!" Dahlia said confidentially. "He's the best! And AngieMum and Uncle Oliver!"

Fleur smiled and settled Dahlia on her lap. "If there is a team that can beat Japan, I think they can."

"We'll just have to cheer extra loud and make sure they hear us," Sirius said stoutly.

-0-

The sound of drums cut through the din of conversation and people fell silent as the drums continued to beat. Night had fallen and the moon was rising and fires flared into being all around the stadium. Giant taiko drums appeared and men and women beat on them with intensity, making a wave of sound roll around and around the pitch.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for being here for the World Quidditch Cup finale! I'm Kenneth Gapboat and I'm honored to be working with Akio Sato, and together we are your announcers for the game."

Akio spoke and the Japanese fans waved their flags and cheered out loud. The stands were filled with all sorts of fans and though Japan was heavily represented, there were many who waved England's flag or flags with the names of players of Team England.

"This has been an incredible run to the finals for both teams. Both teams were undefeated through the bracket games and each fought their way here. I know Japan is ecstatic that their home team is here to play and just listen to the fans!" Kenneth waved his arms at the fans and they shouted in appreciation. "No matter who wins or loses, this will be a game to remember!"

"Do you know what we brought as our mascots?" Ted asked.

"I don't but I'm assuming it's something water based," Sirius said, pointing at the pitch. A portion of the pitch was being submerged by water.

The crowd exclaimed with delight as forms burst out of the water, equine in shape with manes of trailing grass and leaves. They came dancing out of the water, galloping and gamboling about, leaping high and falling into the water, diving in without causing a splash.

"Kelpies!" Luna exclaimed, delighted. The crowd shared her delight, watching the aquatic horses run back and forth over the pitch, hopping in and out of the water with little effort.

"Aren't kelpies Scottish?" Ted asked.

"Technically but England doesn't really have friendly magical animals really," Sirius laughed. "Red Caps and pixies aren't as nice or pretty as kelpies."

"Kelpies are not exactly nice either most of the time," Andromeda snorted.

"Oh?" Apolline asked.

"Wild ones are likely to entice you close to the water so they can drown you and feed on you at their leisure," Andromeda said in an undertone.

"Not unlike certain Veela places," Sebastian chuckled. He smiled wider at the look Apolline gave him and hugged her, chuckling harder when she pinched him.

The crowd applauded when the kelpies trotted away in formation and the water was drained. A bamboo and forest grove sprouted and grew in seconds in the center of the field and round reddish-brown furry forms came spilling out of it.

"They're so cute!" the small girls cried, using their omnioculars to zoom in on them.

The small furry animals danced around, rolling and jumping. The crowd exclaimed when they changed shapes and forms, turning into other animals and inanimate objects before transforming back. Many ran around with a green leaf on their heads and whipped large round striped tails about.

"Oh those are called tanuki," Luna said. She had gotten a book on Japanese magical animals and found them in the book. "They are like raccoons and can transform as you see."

"Aww, we have one of those," Ted grinned and he and Andromeda and Sirius laughed.

"Can we get one?" Hadley asked Alicia.

"I would not recommend it," Luna said. "They have some peculiarities." She showed Alicia something in the book and Alicia closed the book firmly.

"No, we are not getting one," she said to Hadley in a tone that brooked no arguments.

The tanukis waved to the crowd before dashing off the pitch and the magically grown grove disappeared, turning into flower petals that blew away with the wind. The crowd immediately fell silent as the drums began to beat once more. The fires around the stadium seemed to lower as well, building suspense.

"It's about to start," Hailey whispered, clapping her hands.

-0-

"What're you thinking about, Sir Harry?"

Harry smiled, feeling Oliver's comforting hand on his shoulder. "This and that," he said.

"Share with the class?"

"I'm just…I can't believe I'm here." Harry's eyes lost focus for a moment. "Here, playing Quidditch, playing for England for the World Cup."

"It sure is something, isn't it," Oliver chuckled.

"If you told me way back then, that one day I'd be in this position, I'd never believe it," Harry said softly.

"I did."

Harry blinked. "You did?"

"Sure did. Second I saw you on a broom, despite being a shrimpy thing, I knew you were special. Never flown on a broom before, didn't know a thing about Quidditch, yet I had a feeling about you."

Harry's smile was warm. "Yeah? Back then?"

"Yup." Oliver's voice was confident and sure, no hint of depreciation or falseness. "Still do. You deserve this, Harry. You deserve to be here. You fought like hell every single day and you deserve to be where you belong. Right here."

Harry wiped a tear from his eye. "So do you," he said thickly.

Oliver winked. "I knew I would," he said and they laughed together. "I also knew you'd be right here with me."

Harry rested an arm around Oliver's shoulders and they stood there together. "I'm glad you did."

-0-

England, being nine hours behind Japan, provided the magical community the opportunity to listen to the game in the middle of the day. Because it was England's first time playing in the final game, things essentially shut down. Work came to a stand-still, people gathered in pubs and halls to listen to the wireless together. Trafalgar's Pitch was open and the stands were full of people that could not go to Japan to see the game in person.

In some specific places however, select groups gathered to listen.

-0-

"Thought you weren't going to make it on time," Charlie said.

"Had to chase the last few people out of the Wheezes," Fred said, breathing hard. He and George closed the store and ran down Diagon to the Cauldron. "But we're here!"

The Weasleys all gathered at the Cauldron to listen to the game together, eager to cheer for Ginny, Angelina, and Harry as well as Oliver and the rest of the team. The Johnsons came too and Layla and Molly bounced Alex and Abby, sitting in a private side parlor beside the open bar space. The whole first floor was full with Ron behind the counter.

"It hasn't started yet, right?" George asked, kissing his son and daughter and smiling at them babbling happily.

"Not yet," Bill said. "Hope Dad and Percy get here in time. Ah, speaking of."

Arthur and Percy came walking in, slightly out of breath.

"The Ministry is mostly empty," Percy said. "It felt like Father and I were the ones still working this morning before the game."

"Well, now you can relax and enjoy the game with us," Molly smiled.

"Hey! It's about to start!" Ron called out and turned the wireless up.

"England and the Cup!" someone shouted and the rest of the bar joined in.

"Good luck guys," George whispered.

-0-

Amelia sighed. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it." She plastered a smile on her face, keeping it on and waiting for the other witch to walk away in a huff. Shaking her head, she walked down the hall and snorted when she saw that the door to the Auror department was closed and barred. She waved her wand and opened it, walking through and locking it back up behind her.

Her expression softened as she saw that the Aurors had opened up the center of the floor, bringing their chairs around the wireless on the table. She walked to the group and waited before someone noticed her. The Auror dropped his cup and they all turned and blanched seeing Amelia standing there.

"Boss," Tonks said, hair turning light pink as she looked at Amelia.

"Please tell me that you aren't shirking duties," Amelia sighed.

"No Ma'am. Everyone on active duty is still out there. No one called off sick or anything. People on observation and investigations are still working," Tonks said.

Amelia nodded with approval. "And there's no alcohol here, right?"

"No Ma'am," Kingsley said. "We even got the weak butterbeer."

Amelia nodded again. "Right. Well, officially, I'm reprimanding whoever told Hopkirk to hop off and don't bother you all during the game if it wasn't an emergency."

"She said we were a bunch of children and Quidditch is stupid," Tonks protested. "And I didn't tell her to hop off. I told her to fuck off."

Amelia snorted. "Alright well, you shouldn't tell Ministry employees to fuck off while working, even when they're wrong. So punishment is to give me half of your popcorn and get me a seat." She sat down eagerly. "And turn it up."

Tonks grinned. "I thought for sure you'd be telling us to knock it off."

Amelia chewed a handful of popcorn. "Not likely. I'm not obsessed with Quidditch like most are but I like it more than a little and our boy is out there. We got to cheer for him."

Tonks smoothed out her Potter jersey. "Hell yeah we do!"

-0-

"You've gotten a lot better at bringing us side-along," Jean praised.

Hermione smiled. "I had Harry teach me the tricks. He's gotten amazing at it with his mastery and the theory he taught me with apparition is really interesting." She led Jean and David out of her garden and they scurried down the path to the Triangle.

"Hey, it is about to start!" Daphne called out when she saw them.

"Oh good, glad we didn't miss the beginning," David said.

Daphne and Hermione set up the special mirror they were using for the link with those that went to Japan alongside the wireless. The sound quality through the mirror was a little less clear than the normal mirrors, but still very good. They already chatted a little with the people on the other end and tested it to where they did not hear the game twice.

Samantha, Thomas, and Lyla were there as well as Hermione and her parents. Daphne and Tracy of course and they had some additional special guests. Mirabelle had come and Danielle was there to visit with them and mind Melanie while listening to the game. Colette and Aimee were there and they brought Gabrielle with them. Hagrid, Pomfrey, Flitwick, Remus, and McGonagall had accepted the invitation to come listen to the game with them and they were there as well.

Pomfrey bounced Iris in her lap, smiling at the black-haired baby. "I cannot remember the last time I cared this much for the World Cup," she remarked as she tickled Iris into a giggling fit. "It is very exciting I must say."

Flitwick smiled; his face daubed in purple paint with a gold star over one eye. "Very much so!"

"Shouldn't you paint your face in England's colors?" Pomfrey asked, deeply amused.

"I thought about it but the white paint made me look very ill," he chuckled. "Minerva thought this would be suitable since it is Potter's team of course."

McGonagall had her face paint on as well and leaned on her cane slightly, eyes focused on the wireless. "Portree has five members on the team, more than that if you count the support staff. A record for that many participants from a single team."

"We're Portree fans here obviously so no arguments from us," Tracy said. She smiled down at Heather dressed in Portree colors. "Isn't that right baby?"

The sound of drums played through the wireless. They heard Hailey say that the game was about to start through the mirror.

Samantha clapped her hands. "Here we go! England and Portree!"

"England and Portree!" everyone else chorused.

"For all our friends over there," Daphne said sincerely, raising a glass and everyone followed suit.

-0-

Oliver took a deep breath and looked at the assembled team and staff. The team was at the front in the tunnel leading to the pitch and everyone else gathered round. He met their eyes one by one and was pleased to see them happy and confident.

"Remember," he said a little loudly. The noise of the crowd penetrated the stone, sounding like the ocean on rock. His voice cut through the noise however and the team did not have to strain too hard to understand him. "We already won by being here. No one thought we'd place well and make it through the run. No one thought we'd be playing for the World Cup itself. The fact that we are standing here means that we already won!"

He let them applaud for a moment. "If we go home with the Cup, we won. If we don't, we won. We have done the improbable and that makes us incredible! We played against all the best the world had to offer and came here and that makes us mighty!" He thrust a hand into the air. "No matter how the game ends, we return home as victors!"

For a moment, the cheer the team and staff let out was louder than the roar of the crowd outside. He basked in the wave of sound from his friends and teammates. "It's been an honor and a pleasure to be your captain and to play with you. We got here together. We worked hard to get here. No one can take that from us. Remember that forever because I sure will."

His warm grin shone and filled the tunnel with warmth. "Would anyone else like to say something?"

There was some shuffling and head turning and eventually Harry moved forward, gently propelled by Katie, Angelina, and Ginny. He gave them a half-exasperated look and stood beside Oliver who threw an arm over his shoulder. "First of all, that was a pretty good speech," he said.

Everyone laughed and Oliver took a bow.

"Second of all, you're not wrong. Being here has been so much work and we all did our best and we managed to do it without hard feelings."

"Speak for yourself," Selwyn said, "I find myself flinching at anything that is flying and is white."

Everyone laughed harder, including Harry.

"Okay, fair," he chortled. "Still, it's amazing how good we all are playing together and I'm really thankful. I guess, well, since we are here, we might as well win it all and bring the Cup home, right?"

Everyone yelled agreement.

"I'm just saying the World Cup would look really good back home."

Everyone shouted agreement.

"I want my sodding Cup!" Harry shouted, meeting Katie's eyes.

Everyone roared together with Katie the loudest of them all.

"Team England!" Harry cried out.

"TEAM ENGLAND!" everyone cried.

"Let's do this!" Oliver shouted. "Together!"

"TOGETHER!"

-0-

"Introducing the home team, Team Japan!" Kenneth led the crowd cheer for their team and smiled when Akio spoke glowingly with increasing enthusiasm. "Your Chasers: Junichiro Aoki, Kin Sakai, and Hoshi Masaki! Your Beaters: Shiro Doi and Miwa Tachi! Your Keeper: Oki Tanaka! Your Seeker: Tsumugi Watanabe!"

Seven players came flying out of the tunnel in formation while the rest of their team and staff poured out to fill their side of the pitch. They flew around, trailing crimson smoke and the smoke coiled to form into the shape of an immense Eastern Dragon that roared before dissipating. They wore royal blue jerseys with the flag proudly emblazoned over their hearts and backs. After some acrobatics and weaving, they formed up, waving proudly and happily.

"Introducing the visiting team, Team England!" The crowd clapped and cheered as seven players dressed in scarlet red uniforms with the English flag over their hearts in backs came out of their tunnel. They flew in a formation as well and their smiles could be seen from anywhere on the pitch. He grinned when three of the players threw an ecstatic wave to a box high in the air. "Your Chasers: Angelina Johnson-Weasley, Ginevra Weasley, and Silas Selwyn! Your Beaters: Tanya White and Atton Alberts! Your Keeper: Oliver Wood! Your Seeker: Harry Potter!"

After Harry's name was called, a chant of Raijin filled the air and the crowd cheered loudly as he flew past them, the sound rising and falling at his passage.

"GO DADDY!" Dahlia shrieked. "GO ANGIEMUM AND UNCLE OLIVER!

"GO PAPA HARRY!" Hadley and Hailey shrieked. "GO MUM AND ANGIEMUM AND UNCLE OLIVER AND DADDY!"

"What does Raijin mean?" Fleur asked, stumbling over the word slightly.

"It's their deity of Thunder and Rain," Luna said as she clapped happily. "And their nickname for Harry."

"Oooh I'm never going to let him forget that," Sirius laughed.

The two teams flew past each other, exchanging handshakes and high fives before breaking apart to take up ready formations.

"And here comes the head referee and his team. There goes the Snitch! There goes the Bludgers!" The referee blew his whistle and threw the Quaffle into the air. "There's the whistle and the Quaffle! HERE WE GO! THE WORLD CUP GAME IS UNDERWAY!"

He gasped and the sound carried. "Aoki got the Quaffle first and good heavens he is fast! Japan's Chasers are flying in what's called the Swallow formation. Pass to Sakai, feint back to Aoki, pass to Masaki and back to Aoki! What a team! They aren't even looking at each other! Aoki dodges a Bludger and passes it under Selwyn. Masaki catches and lines up a shot-she's so far away though-hopping hinkypunks she scores! What a long arm shot and just manages to get it past Wood! Japan scores the first goal of the game! 10 to nil!"

Japan's fans cheered loudly as their Chasers took a victory lap and the air vibrated from their happiness.

"You weren't kidding!" Alicia gasped. "They are really fast!"

Fleur nodded. "They punished France very much during their game."

"You okay Captain?" Harry asked, flying up to Oliver.

Oliver blinked. "Yeah, did not expect that. What a shot. I can't even be mad. I underestimated their accuracy. Tell the Chasers to go two-to-one on plays."

Harry nodded and flew to Angelina. "Captain says two-to-one!"

Angelina nodded. "Figured as much." She whistled and held up two fingers, then clenched her fist, then one finger. Silas and Ginny nodded in understanding. They went back to ready positions and when the Quaffle was thrown up, Ginny and Silas swarmed after the ball. Sakai caught it and found himself with the two England Chasers sticking close to him. He dove and tried to fly evasively but Ginny stuck close to him with Silas flying support. Pressed, Sakai threw the Quaffle in a hasty pass.

Angelina zoomed in and intercepted it, having stayed behind and observed them from a small distance. Seeing her opportunity, she took advantage of the bad pass and flew off with the ball.

"Johnson intercepts! Good pressure by Weasley and Selwyn support caused Sakai to throw a pass that was a touch poor. Johnson with possession and Weasley and Selwyn racing to her. Needle formation! They're passing the Quaffle up and down the line, diving around the Japanese Chasers! Johnson dives below a Bludger and passes to Selwyn. Selwyn throws and intercept by Aoki but wait! Bludger from Alberts makes Aoki drop the Quaffle and Weasley recovers! She passes to Selwyn, to Johnson!"

The crowd roared. "Johnson shoots and scores! A classic Johnson shot ricocheted the Quaffle off the inner rim and through the outer hoop! England ties it up, 10 to 10!"

"Go Mummy!" Hailey yelled.

"Go AngieMum!" Hadley and Dahlia yelled. The trio waved their arms wildly when the England Chasers took their victory lap.

-0-

"That's my girl!" George shouted as the rest of the Cauldron clapped and cheered.

"Listen to everyone cheer for your Mum," Layla smiled at the wiggling Abby in her lap and the wiggling Alex in Molly's lap.

The babies clapped their hands in glee.

-0-

"Wood saves it!" Kenneth shouted. "Despite a hit from a Bludger, he blocked the shot from Masaki! What a block! He's waving his hand at the med team, continuing to play! Johnson has the Quaffle, now Selwyn, now Weasley, pass to-there goes Potter! Followed closely by Watanabe!"

Harry had done little beside spotting and looking about this early into the game. His opponent Seeker had done a good job of keeping tabs on him, never quite letting him fly about unbothered. She had feinted with him a few times, testing his reflexes and he had responded conservatively, keeping from going full-bore. When England recovered the Quaffle, he noticed her look to the side for a moment and decided to act.

He dove down and away from her and she reacted swiftly, her head snapping back to him and immediately accelerating towards him. He heeled to his left and dove in the opposite direction from his prior dive and she managed to match him. He set a vigorous course, lots of zigs and zags and never staying level for longer than a few seconds at a time.

Watanabe's eyes narrowed and she flew down below Harry and when she waited for him to level, she pulled up sharply, flying straight into his path.

Harry pulled up by reflex as well and his eyes widened as he saw the Japanese goal posts right in his face. His path had taken him there and Watanabe's course correction was aimed to make him fly straight into the central one.

Instead of trying to avoid them, Harry leaned over his stick and slowed but did not deviate from his path. He barely slid between two of the posts and stuck out his left hand. He grunted in pain as he grabbed the post and pulled, shortening his arc and twisting around at high speed. He let go and pulled on the stick, flying up and parallel to the goal post. He gritted his teeth and pulled hard, flipping around with his head oriented at the ground.

The crowd screamed, thinking he lost control. The scream became louder as they saw him fly neatly through the central hoop from the backside without clipping the hoop at all. Tanaka felt the air displacement and shouting an expletive, dove away from Harry, avoiding a collision. Ginny, taking advantage of the distraction, flew straight for the outermost hoop from Tanaka and threw the Quaffle neatly through the goal.

"Weasley scores!" Kenneth shouted as the crowd clapped at the play and display. "What started as a Seeker duel became a distraction! Watanabe tried to force Potter into the pole and he managed to spin around it and fly through a hoop! With Tanaka distracted, Weasley scored! What a play by Weasley and what a distraction and save by Potter! 50 to 50 with Weasley tying up the game!"

Harry rolled after leaving the hoop, breathing a sigh of relief and smiling as the new score was shown on the giant scoreboard. Ginny flew to him and they high-fived hard before she pulled him along in a victory lap. They raced around the pitch, waving to screaming and cheering fans, high-fiving the rest of the team as they passed. They resumed starting positions and Harry smiled as Watanabe approached him.

"You are a very good flyer," she said, smiling lightly.

"As are you," he said sincerely. "Almost plowed me into the pole with that trick."

"That was the goal," she admitted, heartened when he laughed. "You are not mad?"

"Well, you're honest and I appreciate it. Plus, you seem friendly, Miss Watanabe, aside from trying to inflict bodily harm."

"Please, you may call me Tsumugi. And hopefully only temporary bodily harm."

He laughed again and held out a hand and she shook it firmly. "Harry then. I hope you don't begrudge me for doing the same."

Her smile was broader. "You may try."

-0-

Jean sat back in her chair. "I thought this wouldn't be as engaging without a screen to watch but I am very wrong. I feel exhausted and I'm not even there!"

"We're literally sitting on the edges of our seats," Samantha agreed.

"I'm not," Hagrid chuckled. "Mine'd break otherwise." He chuckled more when McGonagall poked him with her cane. "But this is the most exciting game I've ever listened to!"

The listeners at Potter Village routinely got up and stretched, taking little walks or refilled their plates and cups for snacks and drinks. However, most of the time they sat around the wireless and listened intently, cheering loudly and groaning along with the crowd at the game and with their friends through the mirror. When things were a little unclear from the wireless, one of the people in the box explained things to them.

"Japan pulls ahead with their latest goal!" Kenneth announced. "120 to 110, Japan in the lead. Neither team is backing down in this incredibly close game. And Japan is blowing a whistle for a time-out! Both teams are going to ground for a breather and I don't blame them. I'm running out of breath and I'm still talking the same so it has to be the game!"

"It must be even more tiring to be at the game," Daphne said, breathing out. "The game has not let up in intensity since the start."

"I'm surprised there hasn't been any real fouls," Thomas said. "That Ireland-Bulgaria game had a ton. Not to mention the last Cup game with Spain versus Egypt."

"I can't wait to see the memory," Mirabelle said. "If it's this good listening, seeing it will be amazing."

Lyla gently patted a slightly fussy Iris. "Right? I bet this is going to have an explosive ending, I can just feel it."

"It is incredible that they are keeping up," Aimee said. "I was at the game where we lost to Japan. I really thought we would get to the Cup game but France was kept on guard the entire game. Japan really started pulling ahead by the end."

"But that game was also over faster," Gabrielle said. "Maybe Japan is losing air? Losing strength?"

"Losing steam," David supplied. "That might be the turning point, if England can outlast them. Happens a lot in football when one team lasts longer than the other."

"No bawdy comment?" Hermione asked, looking at Tracy and Colette.

"I'm too invested in the game right now," Tracy laughed.

"I can think of one if you wish," Colette said. "I did one time ask Katie about Harry's stamina-" She snorted as she got blasted in the face with water shot by Hermione. She grinned as she accepted a towel from Samantha. "That was her reaction as well!"

"Colette! Behave yourself!" Fleur said through the mirror.

"Make me!" Colette retorted tartly.

"You did ask for that," Jean laughed, shaking her head at Hermione.

"I have no one to blame but myself," Hermione said dryly.

-0-

"How're we doing?" Oliver asked. He winced a little as Katie waved her wand over his ribs.

"Better than you I think," Silas said. "You took several Bludgers."

"Surprisingly, no breaks," Katie said. "You'll be sore but you're okay. Do you want to sit out?"

He shook his head. "No, it's coming to a head. I can feel it. I'm still playing nearly at my best. Just patch me up with a pressure bandage please." He looked around. "Anyone need to sub out?"

"No, I'm a bit winded but I think you're right, the end is coming," Tanya said. "I can feel it too."

"Let's keep pushing it then. Two-to-one is still working so keep at it. Beaters, hit to disrupt patterns and formations and I'd like one of you to stay on our side of the field at all times, say overwatch between me and the center line." Oliver looked at Harry. "I'm letting you off the leash. No more distraction plays or interference. Hunt for it."

Harry nodded. "You got it."

"You got it Rabbit," Angelina said, hugging him.

"Right, all in." Oliver waited for everyone to squeeze close. "Next time we touch down, it's game over. Win or lose, we gave it our all and we can be damn proud of that. Let's go, everyone. Play to the end! Hold nothing back!" They roared and took to the air once more.

The drums around the stadium thumped with a fierce beat, causing hearts to reverberate in tandem. A strange feeling filled the air, going through everyone at the pitch. The end was coming, they all knew it. They could feel it.

And like all good things, it came.

"What's that?!" The crowd hushed at Kenneth's and Akio's voices. "Look! There goes the Seekers! I think they saw the Snitch and the last dash is on!"

Harry saw the Snitch first and took off but Tsumugi was barely a bristle's width behind. They dove at a sharp angle from up high, homing in on the gold. Tsumugi flattened herself on her broom, taking advantage of her more petite build to try and eat up the distance.

Harry twitched his grip on the broom, sending him around one Japanese player, then another. He twisted, rolling slightly to avoid being sandwiched between Tsumugi and Masaki. Tsumugi was harassed by Angelina and Ginny as well, the two Chasers trying to help and break up the other's flight path.

Harry dipped below Masaki and leveled out. He looked up at a flash of motion and gasped, trying to break right to avoid the screaming Bludger. He could not avoid it completely and the heavy iron missile struck the top of his broomstick. Already slightly displaced from his earlier maneuver, the force of the blow caused the broom to flip and he went flying off of it and his broom tumbled towards the ground.

"What a hit! Bludger struck by Tachi and Potter is in the air!" Kenneth screamed. A moan of fear from the watchers, echoed around the world and by the people listening in England. The occupants in Sirius' box leapt to their feet, mouths opened in horror as they watched Harry going flying into the air.

"Oh no!" Fleur shouted.

"Daddy!" Dahlia cried.

"Someone catch him!" Andromeda yelled.

-0-

The Cauldron was filled with shouts of dismay, hearing Kenneth's words.

"Oh please, please be okay," Molly said.

"Come on mate!" Ron shouted.

-0-

"Not again," Daphne whimpered, her nails digging into her face as she stared at the wireless.

"He'll be okay," Tracy said, hugging her desperately, "he has to!"

"Please lad, be alright," David gasped.

-0-

Harry twisted, seeing and feeling the world spin around him. He somehow righted himself in the air and looked down, seeing his broomstick tumble away from him. He felt his insides roil, realizing that he was almost in freefall.

Not like this. Not like this!

He racked his brain, trying to draw a solution, any solution, out of this situation. Seeing the broom below him made him think of something that happened so many, many, years ago. A tiny voice in his head laughed at the absurdity of what he was about to try.

He summoned the last of his energy, his magic, his everything. He thrust his right hand out and shouted with all his might. "UP!"

For a brief moment, nothing happened.

Then, hearing his call, his trusty broom that he had bled with, cried with, rode for thousands of hours, stopped falling. It righted itself, and flew back to him faithfully. Barely believing it, he twisted as he caught it and mounted it in one swift motion. His broom vibrated at his touch and he stopped his fall and flew on.

"I DON'T BELIEVE IT!" Kenneth shouted over the gasps and cheers of the pitch. "POTTER'S BACK ON HIS BROOM! He somehow summoned the broom back to him and he's back on track! But he's behind Watanabe! Can he catch up?!"

Harry narrowed his eyes, gritting his teeth in intense concentration. He urged his broom to go as fast as possible. The distance between him and Tsumugi narrowed. As it did, he shifted, crouching on the broom with both feet perpendicular on the saddle, like he did weeks ago at the first bracket game. He stayed hunched, twisting his body to hold onto the stick with both hands.

Tsumugi looked behind her, her eyes widening as she saw Harry speeding towards her, catching up. She looked momentarily confused at his stance but a cry from her teammate prompted her to twist and she yanked hard on her stick, almost turning completely around.

Tanya and Atton had hit both Bludgers at Tsumugi to stop her momentum. Shiro and Miwa flew to intercept and hit the Bludgers back. The English Beaters retaliated and a fierce flurry of blows and Bludgers filled the immediate space as the two sets of Beaters hit the iron balls between them.

"Beater duel!" Kenneth gasped. "What a rally between them!"

Tsumugi tried to fly around her Beaters but their constant shifting in position and the flying Bludgers stopped her from flying forward. She tried in vain to dance around them, eyes searching the space in the middle of the duel for those flashes of gold.

Harry saw the Snitch too. The tiny gold ball seemed content to hide in the middle of the Bludgers flying back and forth. He flew down, below the fray and then stomped hard on his right foot, aiming his firebolt skyward. With a deep breath, he held the tip of his broom with his left hand and flew straight up, right foot balanced precariously on where the bristles of the broom began and his right leg extended, his left leg bent and his foot on the saddle.

"POTTER IS FLYING INTO THE STORM!" Kenneth shouted and the stadium screamed and went silent. Every eye followed Harry flying into the middle of the flying Bludgers and they all watched breathlessly as he somehow managed to avoid being struck by either of them.

Harry resisted flinching many times, feeling the Bludgers pass him with millimeters to spare. He homed in on his target, eyes wide and watering from not blinking. He stretched his right arm out, felt a Bludger graze his wrist. Seconds felt like hours. The Bludgers struck each other in midair, releasing a shower of sparks and flashes of light, making the watchers cry out before falling silent once more. He burst out of the shower, still flying straight up.

All eyes went to him.

"DADDY CAUGHT THE SNITCH!" Dahlia screamed at the top of her lungs. She jumped up and down, screaming with joy. "DADDY CAUGHT THE SNITCH!"

Once out of the storm of iron and light, Harry let go of the broom with his left hand and stood completely, leveling out. He thrust his right hand into the air and threw his head back and cried victory, feeling the wings of the Snitch beat against his fingers. He stood on his broom at the top of the world and roared.

"POTTER CAUGHT THE SNITCH!" Kenneth screamed. "POTTER CAUGHT THE SNITCH! GAME ENDS AT 270 TO 130! ENGLAND WINS THE WORLD CUP!"

The stadium exploded. While upset they lost, the Japanese fans cheered themselves hoarse at the explosive finale, at how the game ended in an incredibly dramatic fashion. The English fans cheered and screamed and cried, waving their flags and banners wildly.

Sirius roared and threw an arm around Ted and Sebastian. Apolline and Andromeda hugged and shrieked with delight. Fleur and Alicia and Luna hugged and cheered.

Dahlia stomped on the ground with her right foot three times and then her left. By then, Hailey and Hadley caught on and were doing the same. After the foot stomps they kicked their right leg out then their left leg, repeating the kicks three times before stomping once more, their arms held out wide as they cheered.

"What are they doing?" Fleur asked, voice giddy but confused.

Luna's smile was from ear to ear as she copied them. "It's Hedwig's happy dance!" she said as she joined the dancing girls. Soon Alicia and Fleur followed along while they celebrated wildly.

And they were not the only ones.

-0-

"POTTER IS FLYING INTO THE STORM!"

Tonks' hair went snow-white, and she did not even wince when Amelia gripped her wrist with bone-grinding pressure. The Aurors all froze, staring at the wireless. Drink dribbled from glasses and food fell from nerveless fingers and motionless mouths, waiting for the conclusion. The silence dragged on painfully and their hearts slowed to a crawl.

"POTTER CAUGHT THE SNITCH!"

"YES!" Tonks and Amelia shot to their feet and screamed. Tonks' hair flew every which way and turned black. Her eyes cycled from emerald green to sapphire blue and she and Amelia hugged each other and jumped up and down.

"THAT'S MY LITTLE BROTHER!" Tonks squealed as she stomped the ground.

The Aurors all jumped and cheered and threw their food into the air as they joined the cries of victory.

-0-

You could hear a Knut drop in the Cauldron. Everyone was staring at the wireless, waiting and willing for the silence to end.

The Weasleys and the Johnsons were on their feet. The twins gripped the table and they all waited…and waited…and waited.

"POTTER CAUGHT THE SNITCH!"

"Thatta boy Harry!" Ron shouted and slammed his hand on the bar top. The boom echoed throughout the room and everyone screamed in delight.

"Yes!" George shouted, punching the air. "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

"Hell yeah!" Fred screamed. "That's our team and family out there!"

"Go England!" someone in the crowd shouted and everyone took up the chant. People danced and cheered and laughed and shouted, overcome with victory.

"England! England! England!"

Ron came over to the side room with Hannah and gave everyone a cup overflowing with butterbeer. "To our friends and family over there!" he shouted, eyes sparkling and face red.

"To friends and family!" Percy took up the cry and they toasted and drank and cheered.

-0-

"POTTER IS FLYING INTO THE STORM!"

Hermione fell to her knees, hands clasped over her mouth as she stared at the wireless. Everyone leaned in, begging for the silence to end. Even Iris and Heather and Melanie fell silent, feeling the weight of the moment. Time dragged as they willed for something to happen.

"DADDY CAUGHT THE SNITCH!" Dahlia screamed through the mirror.

"Really?!" Lyla shouted back. "Did he really?!"

As if answering her question, Kenneth's voice blasted from the wireless. "POTTER CAUGHT THE SNITCH!"

Hermione jumped to her feet and screamed. "THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND OUT THERE!" she screeched, crying and jumping. "GO HARRY!"

"YES!" McGonagall flew to her feet, her chair falling over. She slammed her cane on the ground and it became the banner that she brought to games. She waved it back and forth, crying openly as she screamed with joy. "That's my boy!"

Everyone was on their feet, dancing and laughing as they cried out happily. Bailey and Crookshanks ran circles around everyone while Hedwig hooted with all her might from on high.

Samantha wiped her eyes as she bounced a happily laughing Iris. "That's right baby! Your daddy is the best Seeker in the world!"

"That's our Harry!" Jean cried, hugging Hermione and David tightly.

Flitwick flourished his wand and shot red and gold sparks into the air, followed by purple and gold, then red and white. He laughed as he spun, creating brooms and Snitches made of light and making them fly through the air. Pomfrey and McGonagall were right behind him and everyone danced under the dazzling light display over Potter Village.

-0-

Katie stifled a scream when she saw Harry be bucked off his broom. She and the rest of the medical team began to run onto the pitch when she stopped when he summoned his broom back to him and nearly fell over when others ran into her.

"Did…did he just wandlessly summon his broom back?!" Finn shouted.

"Or something like that!" Sita gasped.

"At least he isn't falling," Katie said, rubbing her heart. "Go love! Go go go!" Her heart stopped again when she saw him crouch over his broom, angle it below the furious Bludger rally, and go flying straight up into the mix of it.

"He's bloody mad!" Sita screamed.

Shelia grabbed Katie's hands. "He can do it!" Shelia shouted. "He'll be okay!"

They all watched with bated breath, whimpering with every near miss. Then he made it through.

"What…what happened?" Finn whispered.

"POTTER CAUGHT THE SNITCH!"

"YES!" Katie jumped up and down and practically dragged Shelia into the air before the other woman started jumping with her. "YES YES YES!"

"That's our boy!" Shelia screamed as she jumped.

The reserves and the rest of the staff of Team England screamed themselves hoarse, stomping the ground and jumping with wild abandon. Tears streamed down her face but Katie did not care at all. She screamed with joy and she wanted the world to know how proud she was of her love.

-0-

Oliver felt his heart would burst from pride as he watched Harry stand on his broom with the Snitch in his hand. He had joined in with victorious cheers when he saw Harry presenting the Snitch, when he heard Kenneth shouting. He wanted to fly to Harry, to hug him and praise him.

He did not, not for a moment. He felt an intense feeling of nostalgia sweep over him. When Harry looked over at him, he remembered seeing a painfully thin boy looking at him, desperate for approval and utterly lacking in warmth. He saw a boy that had existed without kindness for more than ten years.

To see how Harry was now, to see him grown, to see him with a well-earned victory in hand, humbled him as much as it overjoyed him. Oliver grinned and pointed around the pitch. "Take your lap!" he shouted.

Harry nodded and took off, still flying his broom as if riding a skateboard. Oliver wiped a tear away and he applauded as he watched his Seeker take his lap. He grunted when Angelina flew into him, hitting him hard but he did not mind one bit. He threw an arm around her. "Look at our boy," he said, voice husky from strain and emotion.

Tears flowed down Angelina's face but her smile was sun-bright. "When I saw him up there, I remembered how he looked the first time he caught the Snitch…"

"Me too," Oliver said. He laughed when Harry eventually came zooming to them and Angelina told him to ride the broom properly before he gave her a heart attack. The rest of the team came together and took one last victory lap together, flying around the pitch and waving to cheering fans.

The team landed and ran towards the rest of the team coming to swarm them. Harry's eyes brightened when he saw Katie out front and with the biggest smile, tossed her the Snitch. She caught it without stopping and threw herself at him, headbutting him forehead to forehead in her delight and crushing her lips to his.

"That's my Harry," she said, eyes shining from unshed tears as she breathed against his lips. "Awesome catch, love!"

Team Japan came walking across the pitch and Team England met them halfway. Though obviously disappointed, the Japanese team were congratulatory and the English team thanked them for an incredible game. Embraces and handshakes went around and they stood together when the Minister for Japan met them on the field with Fudge.

Oliver held the Quidditch Cup high and the sky shook from the cheers from the team and the fans around the world.

-0-

Harry took one step into the room and fell on his back, knocked over by the three shrieking human Bludgers. Dahlia, Hailey, and Hadley squeezed him and kissed him and screamed congratulations as he hugged them tightly in return.

After he was thoroughly hugged and kissed, the girls swarmed Angelina and repeated the performance, also leaving her windswept on the ground. Then they tackled Oliver and he laughed as he fell over too and accepted their congratulations.

"Up you get, Harry," Sirius laughed, pulling Harry up. "Congratulations world's best Seeker!" He hugged him hard before being bumped out of the way by Andromeda.

"Incredible flying out there!" Andromeda yelled.

"Best game I've ever seen," Ted smiled.

Harry blushed but happily hugged them back, before being claimed by the Delacours, then Fleur, Alicia, and Luna. "Thank you! One of the best games I've ever played!"

"Harry! Congratulations!" The mirror shook from all the voices that shouted into it from the other end all the way back in England. "We can't wait to see you and congratulate you in person!"

"Me too! I'll be back in two days!" he shouted back.

He watched happily as the team talked with the visitors. He was tired but clung to staying awake, holding Katie in one arm and Dahlia in the other. Katie gave Dahlia the Snitch and the little girl held it tight. "Almost perfect," he said softly.

"Almost?" Katie asked.

"When we go home to everyone and get back to Iris, then it'll be perfect," he said.

Katie's smile went from ear to ear and she kissed him sweetly. "Glad to see you haven't changed now that you're the world's best Seeker," she teased.

"Daddy was always the best!" Dahlia said.

"Yes he was, but now there's more proof," Katie laughed. She turned to him and her expression softened.

"Did Daddy fall asleep?" Dahlia asked.

"He did, he deserves it though," Katie said softly.

"He's the best," Dahlia agreed and snuggled close to him.

Harry dozed on, warm from victory and his wife and daughter, and the roar of his friends and teammates around bothered him not and only sweetened his slumber.

-0-0-0-

dhaynes9942 - Thank you. So when I got to chapter 69 in Family, I spent a while thinking of the name for it and always hoped someone would comment on it haha.

Katie2001 - I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint.

alix33 - Hedwig makes a wonderful cackling Bludger.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - I worked hard on this chapter and hope you like it.

Imaginer.012 - You're a gem. Hope you are well and had a nice New Year.

Urgwaew - Thank you. Since, you know, the premise of both started on the Quidditch team, I wanted to write decent Quidditch games. They are a little tough to write because I want it to be 'realistic' and not be boring or just rehashes of previous games. A little difficult but I try. I really like how this one came out though and hope you enjoy. And yeah, while Harry is a main character, I didn't want him to be some overpowered Seeker. I want him to be challenged by others and Shelia would be a decent Seeker in her own right. All the best to you.