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

Wow. I hit 100 chapters for Extended Family.

I know I was somewhat nebulous when to came to this fic. I would continue working on it as long as I had ideas and as long people had interest and to realize I've gotten to 100 chapters, it's a bit surreal. I didn't think I'd still have ideas for it, not to mention continue to want to work on it, but here we are. I've gotten so attached to the characters in this setting that even now I still don't want to let them go. There was a time where I could not think of writing so many chapters in a single setting, that most of my attempts at serials fell flat.

Chapter 100 of the Family that Chooses You was one of my hardest chapters to write. It dealt with one of the major points in Harry Potter and I knew it was a giant milestone, that all the chapters following it would always be different. Thankfully, there isn't that sense of urgency or sense of stakes for Extended Family. That being said, I wanted to make sure that this chapter 100 would be a good one. I wanted it to feel strong, to be an example of the setting and the characters, to make it feel like a proper chapter in the Family world. I think I managed that.

Thank you everyone for your comments, your likes and follows. It means so much to me. I'm glad that you found my stories and continue to read along. I know one should write for themselves but in all honesty, I write for all of you. Knowing that you are giving me your valuable time and attention, knowing that I can brighten your day, offer happiness and comfort in trying times, is important and incredible to me. On my tough days, I go back to read your kind words and comments to remind me that I am doing something right. That if I can provide a little escape from reality, then I'm doing something right.

I hope to continue to provide good words for you to read and enjoy. I hope to continue to bring you laughs, to offer release through tears well earned, and to help you feel warm and content. My best to each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of my fanfiction family.

-0-0-0-

Extended Family

Chapter 100 – The Team

Takes place after chapter 94

McGonagall frowned slightly as she sat at the staff table in the great hall.

"What is that look for?" Flitwick asked.

"Oh do not mind me," she replied, waving a hand. "I overheard something and I am in a bit of a mood because of it."

"Well now I must know," Flitwick said. "Nothing bad I hope?"

"Depends on what you deem bad," she huffed. "A large portion of the Quidditch players were having an argument about who is the better team this year."

"And I take it that you disagreed with all the opinions?" Flitwick smiled.

"What do you think?" she replied. "I usually am not for one to denigrate other people's efforts-"

"-but this year all the teams are lacking somewhat," Flitwick finished. "And yet, they are rather stubborn in thinking that they are in fact better than they are."

"Are we talking about the Quidditch teams?" Sprout asked as she joined them. "I normally don't care about the Inter-House League as much as some others do," she smiled at McGonagall's snort, "but I've noticed that the teams are short on play and long of mouth."

"It is depressing," McGonagall said dismally. "The games have been so lackluster and we have had to break up more fights between the teams."

"If only we could show them their shortcomings," Sprout sighed. "Fortunately, or unfortunately, the teams are all relatively equal in skill and there really has not been a true leading team. The Cup points are fairly equal."

"What if we bring in some ringers?"

The witches stared at Flitwick and his seemingly innocent smile. "Ringers?" Sprout repeated. "What, professional players? That might be a bit much."

"What if it is a team that is not wholly professional?" Flitwick offered.

McGonagall smiled. "I think I know who you speak of…"

Sprout looked between them and realization dawned. "Well…Quidditch was very exciting when they were here. But would it be appropriate? Also, would they have the time?"

"If the chatter and egos continue to rise, I feel like it would be a very educational experience," McGonagall said slowly. "And I am sure I can get them to come."

"Then let us wait and see," Flitwick said.

-0-

Dumbledore rubbed his temple. "If you told me that multiple members of the Quidditch teams were in the Hospital Wing at the same time, I would think it was more than ten years ago when animosity was much higher."

The four Heads of the four Houses looked at each other in agreement.

"What even started this latest altercation?" he asked.

"More boasting and short tempers," McGonagall sighed. "Wholly unwarranted I might add."

"Unfortunately, it is all the House teams too. Not everyone on all the teams but there are no clear villains in this," Sprout sighed.

"What can we do?" Dumbledore asked. "I do not wish to put an end to the League entirely. Your past punishments have not taken hold sadly."

"I have an idea," Flitwick said. "Sometimes one must knock the wind out of the sails before you can fill them with a more productive breeze."

Dumbledore's eyebrow rose. "So have the teams suffer a loss? Against who? Teams from another school?"

"A team of alumni," McGonagall said.

"That does not narrow the field much," Dumbledore chuckled. He thought for a moment more and his chuckling became more robust. "You would ask them?"

"We can trust them to play properly and well and not go overboard," McGonagall said firmly.

"But three of them play professionally," Dumbledore smiled.

"But four of them do not," McGonagall countered. "That should even things out."

Snape snorted. "You would have the school teams play against them? And I am the cruel one?" Everyone laughed at that.

"You disagree?" Sprout asked.

"I did not say that," Snape said with a small smile. "I for one would enjoy putting an end to the empty boasting of the players now and curtail future irritation. Short of expelling them all from the teams and banning future involvement, I have no idea what to do." The Heads looked at the Headmaster.

"By all means, invite them and their families to come over for the day," Dumbledore smiled widely. "It will be a very educational and entertaining day."

-0-

"You can't be serious," Harry said incredulously.

"When am I ever not serious?" McGonagall countered.

"When you've had a couple glasses of scotch in you and you are complaining about-" Harry grinned as McGonagall shook a stern finger at him.

"'Ware your words," she warned, cheeks pink.

Katie smiled. "I have to agree with Harry though, you seriously want us to come to the school and play Quidditch against the teams there?"

"To teach them a lesson?" Angelina rubbed her neck. "Three of us are pro players, it's not exactly fair."

"But four of you are not," McGonagall said. "It would even out. Have you played seriously in the last few years?"

"Not seriously," Fred said. "We play here all friendly like and to mess about."

"We aren't exactly rusty but we aren't exactly oiled up either," George said.

"I have gotten back into flying more regularly, but I have played the least out of all of us," Alicia said weakly.

"I'm lucky to play at the Port to help them practice here and there but it's not the same either," Katie said.

"You are of course welcome to decline but I do hope you will play," McGonagall said. "The teams now, all of them, are abysmal. The scores are so low, lowest in ages, and the boasts are higher than ever. They truly think they are Merlin's gift to the game and it breaks my heart."

The team looked at each other, knowing how seriously McGonagall took Quidditch and the school league.

"It kind of feels like bullying in a way," the twins said together. "Sanctioned bullying even."

"It is not," McGonagall huffed. "It is teaching an educational lesson."

"Talk smack, get smacked?" the twins asked.

"It would be fun to play at the school again," Oliver mused.

"If I may offer additional incentive," McGonagall said slowly, "they do not find you threatening at all."

"You told them about this?" Angelina asked.

"I did. And the general consensus is that they would defeat you."

"In real Quidditch, not even Blitz Quidditch?" Harry said, slightly miffed.

"I don't think we'd lose Blitz," Katie said.

"I do not think you would lose in either way but they think they would be the clear winners," McGonagall sniffed.

"Well that's just stupid thinking," Alicia sniffed. She looked at Angelina and Katie. "I think we can get our groove back fairly swiftly."

"I will be inviting some other players to watch and sub in as well if needed," McGonagall said. "Bring your families with you. It will be a field day of fun and we will have a special dinner there in your honor."

"I'm game," Katie smiled. "I kinda like the idea and it'll be great to show the children the school more and the like."

"Guess you got your Team of ringers," Harry smiled.

The team blinked at McGonagall's expression of pure glee. "This is going to be splendid," she gushed.

-0-

Alicia hissed slightly, flexing her fingers. "Forgot how much this hurts."

Katie tapped her fingers with her wand. "Yeah, it gets me too sometimes. At least I can heal myself on the fly."

"Thanks Katie," Alicia sighed with relief. "Still, it's been a lot of fun playing with the Team again." She looked over at Hadley. "Yes daughter? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You can play?!" Hadley gasped.

The twins fell over laughing and everyone else smothered smiles at Alicia's thunderous look. "Of course I can play! You've heard many stories and I've played with you!"

"But I thought that was like a mummy playing! You can play like AngieMum!"

"Hey now, I'm still peak while Alicia's trying to catch up," Angelina protested.

"I'll have you know that I played ever since my second year young lady!"

"Really?!" Hadley gasped.

"That's it. I'm eating your pudding tonight!" Alicia dashed off.

"No! Not my pudding!" Hadley shrieked, chasing after.

-0-

"Hello!" Dumbledore's smile was from ear to ear as he greeted the crowd of people approaching. "Thank you so much for coming and spending your time with us today."

"Thank you for having us, even if it's for a strange reason," Harry smiled back.

"Sometimes the strange ones are the better ones," Dumbledore chuckled. He led them to the pitch. The stands were already full of students and a large pavilion style tent was set up at one end. With sweeps of his wand, chairs and tables were conjured and scattered about.

"Ah it does me good to be back," Oliver sighed gustily, looking around the pitch with nostalgic affection. "It's been too long."

"Dang, it seems smaller somehow," Fred said.

"But in a good way," George said. "Shows how we've changed since."

Katie looked at one of the stand walls and grinned. "Aw, look at old brake snake there."

"Brake snake?" Angelina started laughing. "Oh right! When you plowed Flint into it and knocked him loopy." She ruffled Harry's hair.

Harry grinned. "Had to teach him a lesson in fouling Katie."

The families set up their things and got comfortable while the team opened up their bags and took out their equipment. "Hold on a second," Harry said. He dug out wrapped bundles from his own bag. "I got these made for us today."

"Wheeeeeey!" the twins exclaimed as they opened the packages. They held up brand-new gold and crimson Quidditch uniforms with the Gryffindor lion emblazoned over the heart. "And our names and numbers!" they said as they turned the jerseys around.

"Awww, you're the best baby bird," Alicia said and kissed him on the cheek.

"We came to play as a Team, we have to look the part," Harry said. "Gosh, I'm so excited!"

In a short while they wore the new uniforms and had their gear laced and secured. The families exclaimed with delight, especially the children at the sight.

A small sniffle drew their attention and McGonagall stood there, dabbing at tears. "Oh my," she said softly, eyes shining. "I have missed seeing you all like this. It brought me back."

Harry hugged her fondly, "We look good, don't we?"

She smoothed out a wrinkle on his shoulder. "Very good." Her gaze softened further. "And you look much healthier now to boot. It is wonderful."

Hermione sighed softly, seeing the Team together. "They really do look a lot like how they were in our third year."

"Katie and Alicia look so natural like that," Samantha gushed. "And the twins look like they've been playing ever since. Did they do a lot of practicing?"

"They did some," Daphne said. "I watched them and in the beginning they were definitely rough comparatively. However, by the end of their sessions, they were playing incredibly well. I would put money on them over anyone else here today."

"I still can't believe they got hired on as ringers to take down the school teams," Sirius laughed. "I knew McGonagall would loosen up eventually."

"Daddy! You look like your picture!" Hadley cried.

"Which picture?" Angelina asked.

"Oh the one Harry gave us after our championship win." Oliver's smile was broad and warm. "Hey, let's take another one! I'd love to see them side by side." After a little shuffling, the Team stood like they did in the first picture, taken by an enthusiastic Andromeda.

McGonagall led the Team over to where the school teams were waiting. When they approached, the Gryffindor team booed. "Hey! Those are our colors!" a tall sandy-haired boy said angrily.

"We have earned the right to wear them," Alicia said severely. "We are alumni of the House and we played on the House team for many years."

"And we established a dynasty," Angelina said, glowering.

"Yeah, back then when things were easier for you," another retorted.

Harry blinked. "They're usually like this?" he whispered.

McGonagall snorted and gave him a look. "You have no idea," she whispered back.

"I still don't think this is very fair," a Ravenclaw player whined. "Three of them are professionals."

"But four aren't," a Hufflepuff said. "I bet they haven't played in ages."

"We've not not played in indeterminate ages," Fred said.

"Depends on what you consider playing and what you define an age to be," George said.

"Certainly less time than your age."

"Which isn't saying much considering the age of our sprogs is less than yours and they're more polite."

"But they do play at their age."

"And they age their play."

The school teams blinked at the twins.

"And that is why we are doing a modified scale for us," Harry said smoothly in the ensuing silence. "We need to score twice as much as you to earn the same points, and that includes the points from catching the Snitch. Besides, this is all for fun."

"Fun for you maybe," the first Gryffindor player sneered. "This is our chance to prove that we're the better team."

"And how many championship games have you won?" Katie asked, eyes narrowed.

The other players flushed. "We're about ready to join the League," he blustered. "Besides, we've got time on our side where you lot are old and getting older."

Alicia stared at him and he visibly quailed. "I beg your pardon," she said icily. "Care to repeat that?"

"Another side of getting old, making people repeat themselves," he said, trying to look brave and bold and failing.

McGonagall was about to destroy him but the look on the Team made her stop. Instead, she smiled ferally, making all the school teams stare at her with wide eyes. "Perhaps we should let the games begin and see what happens. And Clements, thank you for volunteering your team. I will be watching with great interest."

The Team left and Angelina and Katie had to drag Alicia away. She had continued to glare at Clements and once out of ear shot, she whirled. "I had reservations but no more! We are going to destroy those cheeky arseholes!"

"Alicia!" Harry hissed, nodding at McGonagall.

"Please, do not hold back on my account," she said dryly. "Now you see what I have been dealing with?"

"I thought you were kidding," Fred muttered. "Were we like that at that age?!"

"We were funnier at least," George said weakly.

"I will show them old!" Alicia growled. "If you let a single one of them score, I will do terrible things to you!" she said to a grinning Oliver. "You two better do your best and knock some blocks off!" The twins saluted with their bats. "You better not fumble the Snitch baby bird while we make them weep!" Alicia flung her arms around Katie and Angelina's shoulders. "I will not suffer this! They will suffer for this!" The Chasers marched off, heads bent and planning.

"I haven't seen her this proper pissed off in ages," George gasped.

"I love her so much," Oliver sighed gustily.

"Alright, keep your wood under control, Keeper Wood," Fred snorted. He turned red when he saw McGonagall grimace. "Uh, sorry."

"Please never utter anything like that in my presence again," she sighed.

-0-

"Hello and welcome to the first, and hopefully reoccurring, Alumni game! I'm Lee Jordan and I'm joined by-"

"Lyla Bell! We'll be your commentary for the games today!" Lyla and Lee waved as students cheered. "We were asked to be commentators and we decided to team up!"

"We've had the pleasure of both announcing for the Alumni Team and it would've been a shame if one of us sat out," Lee said happily. "And since we were the most popular announcers in our years, as far as we know anyways, we thought we'd combine our powers and provide the best commentary you can have!"

"Merlin have mercy," McGonagall sighed and the families chuckled at her weary tone.

"Introducing the Alumni Team! They established a four year in a row championship winning streak that continued on for three more years, but it all started with them!" Lee whistled loudly as people cheered with the families cheering the loudest. "Gryffindors all, it is our pleasure to present the Flying Wall, the Immovable Goal Tender: Keeper Oliver Wood!" Oliver flew around the goals and waved genially at the watchers, his grin seeable from every corner of the pitch.

Lee's smile could be heard. "Presenting the Devilish Duo! The most dangerous twins to ever grace the pitch for many many reasons! The founders and owners of Weasley Wizarding Wheezes! Fred and George Weasley!" Fred and George zoomed around the pitch, juggling their bats back and forth and throwing off their fireworks that filled the air with light and sound.

"Presenting the flying ladies of Gryffindor! The Victorious Valkyries! Katie Potter! Angelina Weasley! Alicia Wood!" Lyla squealed and the Chaser trio flew low around the pitch in formation before accelerating and rising into the air, arms up and out. "You lot are going to get your bell rung by a Bell-Potter today! And whacked by a Weasley-Johnson! And whaled by a Wood-Spinnet!"

"And last but certainly not least…" The pitch became quiet and Lee's voice became low. "Presenting the Boy-Who-Flies!"

"The Snatcher of Snitches!" Lyla cheered.

"Seeker Harry Potter!" they shouted together. Harry came flying out and rocketed straight into the sky, spinning in a tight barrel roll. At the apex of the climb he flipped upside down and waved with both arms, hanging onto his broom with just his legs. He twisted and righted himself and came to join the rest of the team.

"Now this brings back memories," Fred grinned, waving at the announcing box.

"I've been really looking forward to this," George grinned.

"Remember, I do not want us to beat them, I want us to humiliate them," Alicia growled, staring at the Gryffindor team assembling at the far end.

"Who's the captain here?" the twins asked.

"Wood of course," Oliver grinned.

"Which Wood?" Fred asked.

"Whose Wood?" George asked.

"You miss your shots and I'll make you both eat wood!" Alicia said.

"She must be pissed, she didn't even take them to task for the word play," Angelina laughed.

"Wood play," Harry corrected, grinning while the others groaned and high-fiving Oliver.

"I love you all so much," Katie laughed.

-0-

"Oh my goodness," Jean said, hand to her heart. "Who made pom-poms for the girls?!"

"Luna did," Hermione smiled. "She remembered seeing cheerleaders that time she watched the American football game with us on the telly."

"They're adorable cheerleaders," Luna smiled. "It is only right." They all watched fondly at the bunnies cheering for their parents and godparents and uncle on the sidelines, dancing and waving their pom-poms. They were dressed in crimson and gold outfits as well and they shouted with unmistakable pride and glee.

"They're so cute," Tracy agreed. "A part of me was really hesitant in dressing Heather like a Gryffindor, but it's more about supporting Harry and the Team."

"She does look adorable too," Daphne said and kissed her daughter.

"Oh they look pretty serious," Andromeda said, looking up at the Team through omnioculars. "I wonder why? Alicia looks particularly livid."

"The others said some unkind things," McGonagall frowned. "And Alicia took offense to it. And I do not blame her."

"And you all are fine with the potential wrecking the school teams are about to get?" Ted asked.

"They deserve it," Flitwick said simply. "The team cultures have degraded and it will be good to start fresh."

"What if they get so demoralized, they all have to start over?" Thomas asked.

"That's still starting fresh," Sprout snorted. "Sometimes to have new life, you must burn down the overgrowth."

"I feel like I should be concerned with how you phrased that," David snorted. "What if this doesn't do what you hope to do?"

"We will cast that spell when we get to it," Dumbledore said. He settled back in his chair. "However, I do intend on enjoying the games today. It is quite the treat for this to happen."

-0-

"So it occurred to me when this was announced, that announcing the game would be a trifle difficult originally. I mean, we've got two Woods, three Weasleys, and two Potters on the field!" Lee said and everyone laughed.

"So we're going to go back to maiden names," Lyla continued. "Alicia Wood will be Spinnet. Angelina Weasley will be Johnson. Katie Potter will be Bell."

"Now I was going to say that the twins are literally maidens but George has children so that can't be true but Fred just might be still, so it's safe to assume that," Lee crowed.

"That's not what your sister said!" Fred shouted while everyone howled.

"LEE JORDAN!" McGonagall shrieked.

"Ah it's been so long since Professor McGonagall shouted my name angrily," Lee sighed happily. "So many happy ear damaging memories."

Lyla giggled. "Also, we have a bit of a debate on what to call the Alumni Team. They played for many years so we couldn't decide on a year, though we almost decided on their first championship one."

"And since they'll be playing against current Gryffindors, we couldn't just refer to them as the Gryffindors."

"Hermione said we can call them the OG's as in Original Gryffindors but then she started laughing and wouldn't explain the joke, neither did Mirabelle," Lyla frowned.

"Really Hermione?" David laughed.

"What? It worked," she said, giggling mightily and she and Mirabelle high-fived.

"So after some talk, we decided to name them after their Village mascot," Lee continued.

"So they'll be Hedwig's Highflyers!" Lyla announced to great applause.

Hedwig fluffed up, looking incredibly proud and smug. "Someone's ego just got inflated a bit," Hermione smiled.

"Well deserved really," Luna said and Hedwig hooted in agreement.

"I love it," Harry smiled.

"Of course you would," the twins sniffed.

"No, I'm Wood," Oliver said.

"Focus! I don't care what they call us," Alicia said.

"Hey, we just need to channel her and we will win this easy," Angelina said.

Katie smiled as Harry tapped their uniforms with his wand and tiny Hedwigs appeared on their right shoulders. "There's no way we're going to lose now. With our experience, Alicia's attitude, and Hedwig with us, we got this in the bag."

-0-

"Here comes Madame Hooch," Lee said and the crowd went quiet. "She's opening the box and there goes the Bludgers! The Snitch! And there's the whistle as she throws up the Quaffle! Here we go!"

"Spinnet grabs the Quaffle immediately!" Lyla shouted. "Practically snatched it out of Clements' hands! Passes to Bell who passes it to Johnson who passes it back to Spinnet. Look at the ladies fly! You never would've thought they haven't played together in years! Arrowhead formation, their old favorite, with Spinnet on point!"

"What a whack from Fred! He sends the Bludger screaming down the pitch and knocks Shaffrey off his broom! What a hit! And George blocks the reprisal shot from the other Bludger! Get 'em lads!"

Angelina caught the Quaffle from Alicia and dove, dodging an intercepting Chaser easily. She flew low over the ground, twisting to dodge another Bludger. Pulling hard on the broomstick, she rose at an angle and cocked her arm back.

"Johnson shoots and no it was a pass! Ricocheted right off the pole and right into the hands of Spinnet who scores! The Highflyers take the first goal!" Lee whooped as the Chaser trio took a victory lap. "It's like watching them back in the day!"

"We got first blood!" Angelina cried when they took ready positions.

"We're going to bleed them dry!" Alicia shouted and the other players blanched at her fervor and fury.

"Don't worry," Katie said comfortingly. "I'm a sports healer. I can put the blood back easily."

The looks turned even more wary.

-0-

"This is a slaughter," Sirius said. "50 to 0. They scored ten times to their none."

"Perhaps we should have added a points cap and a mercy rule," Flitwick chuckled.

"They can always concede," McGonagall sniffed. "They will not though."

"I think they want to. That one boy looks like he is about to break down," Andromeda observed.

"Alicia has been taunting him directly after every goal," Daphne smiled. "She has a ruthless tongue on her and acerbic wit."

"Go Daddy!" Dahlia shouted, jumping up and down.

"Potter's seen the Snitch!" Lee shouted and everyone cried with excitement. "There he goes and good Merlin he's flying with both hands off of his broomstick!"

"And he catches it! Comes out of the dive without stopping and grabs the Snitch! Highflyers win! 125 points to 0!" Lyla whistled loudly from the announcing box while the pitch exploded with cheers and applause.

The Team landed, high-fiving enthusiastically while the Gryffindor team landed, the picture of shocked realization.

Alicia smiled ferally at them. "Well now! That was fun! Just what my old bones needed. It's important to stay mentally and physically fit when you are so aged!"

The other players glared at a very pale Clements.

"Who's next?" Alicia asked. The other three teams looked at each other. "Speak up! I can't hear you! I'm old apparently!"

"Yeah we need to finish this fast before I need my nap," Fred said, using his bat like a cane and rubbing his bent back.

"We need to eat soon too," George grumbled in a wavering voice.

"When does this become bullying?" Angelina asked softly, head turned away.

Wood shrugged. "You seriously want to stop them now?"

"I don't want to be the target," Angelina muttered.

"Flint!" Snape's voice cut through the awkward silence. "Take your team up, you are next." The Slytherin team gulped and flew into the air.

"A new Flint? This really is like old times," Katie laughed. "He looks nicer than Marcus at least."

-0-

Fred whistled and waved his bat at George who nodded. Fred swung and hit the Bludger straight at his brother who hit it right back.

"There it is! The Weasley Yo-Yo!" Lee shouted. "The Weasleys are controlling the Bludger and using it to plow the road!"

Fred and George flew side by side and struck the Bludger between them. The opposing Chasers and Beaters had to dodge and dive, eager to not be caught between the twins. Alicia and Katie followed behind them, screened by the Bludger being rallied back and forth.

"Rosier and Feltons are trying to intercept but they're being denied by Potter!" Lyla shouted into the megaphone. "He's flying around them in a tight loop, herding them! With the Weasleys keeping the others at bay and Potter corralling two Chasers, Bell and Spinnet have a clear shot at the Slytherin goal posts!"

Katie caught the Quaffle and sped towards the outermost goal. She slewed her broom to the left, pivoting neatly on a point, the head of her broomstick staying pointed at the hoop. She twisted and threw the Quaffle hard.

"Daniels blocks the shot but he looks like he wished he didn't!" Lee exclaimed with delight. "Quaffle caught by Spinnet and she shoots and scores! Clean shot through the center hoop and nothing but space around it! Hedwig's Highflyers are up, 80 to 10!"

-0-

"What did he do to my team?!" Elizabeth's jaw hung open and she glared up at a red-faced Flint. "What did you do to my team?! I left you a good team!"

"Sorry Lizzie," Mirabelle said, patting her on the shoulder.

"Seriously! I made a team that made yours work for it my last years and it was decent! This team is doing terrible!"

"If it makes you feel better, they are technically playing against half of a pro team," Jimmy said.

"Fair but I mean, look at the basic mistakes they're making!" She groaned and pulled on her hair.

"They really take Quidditch seriously," Jean smiled.

"Some do. As seriously as some take your football," Samantha said.

"Some take that very seriously," David chuckled. "If you ever see a Liverpool fan near a Manchester United fan, run for it."

"Flint! You better get knocked out before you lose or else I'm going to knock you out myself!" Elizabeth shrieked when Flint collided with another Slytherin Chaser.

"It's actually comforting that certain things are the same in magical culture and Muggle culture," David said while others laughed. "Just small differences in the details."

-0-

Cedric whistled as he watched Alicia score off the Hufflepuff Keeper. "A part of me feels bad because it's my old House, but damn, that was a good shot. She's seriously not played regularly for a while?"

"She's been motivated in practice but especially so today," Andromeda smiled. "Apparently one of the students insinuated that she and the others were old and therefore would lose."

Cedric snorted. "Okay, they deserve what's coming then."

"At least they're doing a bit better than Ravenclaw," Cho sighed. "They lost 105 to 10."

"That's not a huge difference, wait, 105?"

"All of their points are halved, including the Snitch," Mirabelle smiled.

Cedric winced. "Oh, oh damn. Are they scarier than they used to be? I think they might be scarier."

"They are definitely rougher as a team on the whole," Silas said. "But the more they have played, the more in sync they have become. I truly wonder what would have happened if the Weasleys and Spinnet and Bell went professional."

"How is it playing against the three that have gone pro?" Cho asked.

"Challenging but enjoyable," Silas said seriously. "Wood is as difficult to score against as ever and when he has Beater and Chaser support, he is incredibly tough to get past. Johnson has gotten deadlier on the pitch since school. And Potter has turned Seeker interference into an art. The Seekers on half of the teams barely interact with the usual scoring game and the other half are learning how to do what Potter does but he is miles and miles ahead of them. When you play against Portree, you are not safe anywhere on the pitch."

"His games are always fun to watch," Demelza said.

"Anyone want to knock together a team to play against them?" Cedric asked.

Li shook her head. "Alicia is terrifying me right now and I'm not even playing." They all winced when she banked a shot off the inner rim and scored, cackling all the while.

"Remind me to never make an age joke around her," Flora Carrow said weakly.

"And be perfectly cordial and polite always," Hestia Carrow said weakly.

"Clements deserved it," McGonagall said shortly, eliciting shocked looks. "Not only did he make the rude remark, he doubled down when he had the opportunity to apologize. I would punish him further but I think he has suffered enough, for now."

"You are more than welcome to assemble a team and play against who wishes to play," Dumbledore said warmly. "I think some of the school teams have a bit of face to regain."

-0-

Alicia fell over, tackled by Hadley, Hailey, and Dahlia. "Mummy is so good!" Hadley cheered as they hugged and squealed.

"And don't you forget it!" Alicia smiled and hugged and kissed the bunnies back. "That was very satisfying."

"I should hope so," McGonagall said, smiling proudly. "Four games played in less than two hours and you were scored on seven times. Are you sure the four of you have not played consistently since graduating?"

"No we haven't but now I want to," Fred laughed. "That was so good. I know I should feel bad since we played against kids but still."

Oliver shrugged as he took Melanie from his mother. "Eh, I mean we handicapped ourselves pretty well and they talked a lot of smack so it's warranted."

"At least a good chunk of them seem to have bounced back a little," Harry said. He watched a combined team of Hogwarts students take to the air against a new team of other alumni. "They look a little less…arrogant."

"Rest easy," Dumbledore said soothingly. "Aside from some well warranted if somewhat enthusiastically delivered banter," Alicia went pink slightly, "you said nothing over the top and played well. You were a credit to the spirit of the game and the students learned a valuable lesson today."

"Don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk?" the twins asked.

"Put your Galleons where your mouth is?" Oliver offered.

"There is always someone better than you?" Alicia said.

"Yes," Dumbledore replied, smiling. "That and it is usually good to be down to earth in case someone rips the flying carpet out from beneath you."

The day continued and the feeling of the following games was much more lighthearted and lively. Regular games became Blitz games and mixed teams of students and alumni played against each other. Students watched and cheered and a festive feeling filled the air. The House Elves brought food out to the pavilion tent and kept it well stocked.

Harry grinned as he watched Pomfrey play with Iris, Abby, Alex, Heather, and Melanie. Flitwick and Sprout played with them too while McGonagall entertained the bunnies. Hermione was taking David and Jean on a large tour of the castle with a few of the others who were eager to visit and reminisce.

"Thank you again for coming," Dumbledore said warmly.

"Thank you for having us," Harry replied. "This was a lot of fun. We should do this every year, without the original reason being the cause if possible."

"I would be happy with it being once per term," Dumbledore said seriously. "I always thought it would be good to have a bit of real life brought to the school now and then."

"No disagreement here." Harry grinned sheepishly. "Sorry about Iris yanking on your beard like that earlier."

Dumbledore's laugh was deep and hearty. "No apologies necessary. It did not bother me at all and if amused her greatly so all is well." He sighed happily. "I am glad to see that you love the school so much."

"Did you think I wouldn't?"

"Not at all. But bringing the people in for the career fair, spending time today and making it possible for the others to come and play, and all the times you have taught with and for Minerva, it shows how much you care for Hogwarts and the students."

Harry's smile was soft as he looked around. "It's not that hard to do."

"For some, it is impossible. For a few, it is easy." He rested a hand on Harry's shoulder. "You are one of those special few, Harry. Your heart is enormous, your kindness is immeasurable. You sharing it is a precious gift and you have my sincere thanks."

Harry looked at the Team with everyone else and his heart thumped. "I had good role models," he said softly.

-0-

"Good post, Sir Harry?"

Harry smiled at Oliver. "Very. Looks like our field day did the trick. McGonaMum said that all the teams have hunkered down and are acting way better. A few were still pillocks but they either quit or were kicked off their teams and the rest are taking it seriously."

"Good! That means there's some proper players left." He handed Harry a package. "First one."

Harry opened and sighed softly. "This is a great picture." He felt his heart warm as he saw the seven people in the photograph wave and pose. The twins flexed and puffed their chests out before bowing before Angelina out-flexing them. Oliver had an arm around Alicia who made fierce faces, snarling with a hungry smile. Katie jumped on his photo-self's back, both laughing brightly.

Harry hung the picture next to one that was remarkably similar. There were a few differences of course. The older picture had people that looked many years younger, and they were clustered around a large Cup, but there was no denying the sheer joy and pure happiness exuded from both photographs.

"We look good," Oliver said proudly.

"Yeah we do," Harry said fervently.

"Come on, the girls are at the pitch. Let's fly some more."

"Alicia's still at it?" Harry asked, delighted.

"She is! And I'm loving it. She's really into it again and the bunnies adore it too of course."

"They never had a chance, did they?" Harry laughed.

He and Oliver left the Potter's sitting room and although there was no one in it once they left, it did not feel empty or lonely. The two pictures side by side, of the Team past and present, kept the room feeling warm and content.

-0-0-0-

jouve25 - I wanted a real 'magical' chapter. I wanted to bring some of that joy and wonder you get from reading a chapter in the main story where you can just appreciate magic for being magic. I wanted to show Harry's journey and show that not only did he master transfiguration, he mastered his past and is who he is now because of it. Glad you enjoyed it.

Ghostwriter - Even the most self-assured will be nervous here and there.

Arnie1701 - I thought it would be fun to have a tapestry of it to remain forever.

poka - It has been fun to explore the ideas of further education and theory and mastery work. Just to add a bit more real world flavor to the setting.

odonnellzoo99 - Oh yes. Weaving or using charms to create things is well established and fun, like using a charm to move knitting needles. I thought it would be fun and powerful to show how the materials are changing mediums in shape and form to add a sense of magic and permanency to it. I'm glad you liked it. I really wanted a real and proper magical chapter, to show magic being magic, and to hopefully show a plausible form of it.

guest - Thank you, glad you did.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Yes. I wanted to do some cheeky examples of other people from my other story that the worlds all exist but with small differences showing people to be different from setting to setting.

alix33 - I imagined it was summer so the professors could attend.