"Speech"
'Thoughts'
"French"
$Parseltongue$
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
Authors Note: I've gone over and edited this chapter.
ONE – Breakfast and the World Cup
"Harry! Ron! Wake up, we're going to be late." Hermione's voice called through the door, stirring them from sleep.
Harry rubbed at his eyes. "What time is it?" he yawned, turning to face Ron's bed.
"Sun ain't up yet, is it Harry?"
He tugged the curtain aside, preparing himself to be struck by a beam of sunlight which never came. "No, still dark out…"
Ron groaned and pulled his blanket higher. "Too early… is what time it is."
"Come ON you two! Don't make me come in there!"
'No going back to sleep now I guess'
"We're up!" yelled Harry.
Harry stretched before tossing a pillow at Ron. "Come on Ron, there won't be time for breakfast if we don't get moving."
Several failed attempts later...
When finally, to Harry's amusement, a growl from Ron's stomach was what it took to rouse him enough to climb out of bed.
The Weasley matron's voice sounded out over the breakfast bustle.
"Ginny don't forget your sweater!"
'Fred! George! You will not be taking any of those infernal things with you!"
Harry spotted Hermione sitting at the table, a cup of coffee in hand, reading what looked to be a Quidditch World Cup pamphlet. He was amazed at her ability to focus through the noise.
The pair made their way to Hermione, narrowly avoiding Mrs. Weasley's commotion. Harry grabbed the open seat beside her while Ron sat himself across them, already with a plate in hand.
"Morning Harry, excited? I've been reading this", said the bookworm, much too cheerfully for the hour.
Harry took the pamphlet she had been so absorbed by. It was adorned with little quidditch players flying around, the title read, "Quidditch World Cup highlights through the ages". A little footnote indicated it as a limited promotional offshoot of "Quidditch Through the ages."
"Did you know that the closest clutch win in a world cup happened when one of Spain's beaters accidentally crashed into their own chaser, she fell from her broom, knocking their keeper out of way, leaving the hoops open for Argentina to score just seconds before Spain's seeker caught the snitch. It cost them the game by 10 points instead of drawing, even though they caught the snitch?" She asked with more enthusiasm than he'd ever heard when quidditch was the topic.
Harry smiled at her. 'Breathe Hermione'. He couldn't help but find the way she can fire off questions one after the other without taking a single breath to be one of her more endearing traits.
Finally, having dished up, a plate of some eggs, bacon, and toast in his hand, he sat back in his chair.
"I did not, what was the final score?" He answered her, genuinely interested.
"320 – 310"
They both turned towards Ron, his mouth stuffed.
"Wha-? It's quidditch, course I know."
"Swallow your food before speaking Ron!" scolded Hermione.
Harry watched the usual mealtime entertainment unfold.
He turned to his right, leaving Ron and Hermione to bicker over table etiquette.
"Morning Percy, how's work at the ministry going?" he inquired of the Weasley white sheep.
Surprised that someone seemed interested in his ministry work. Percy responded eagerly, "brilliant! Mr. Crouch is a taskmaster, but the amount I could learn from him is staggering, though I spend most of my time going over paperwork and handling his agenda. It's only a matter of time until he'll trust me enough to run with my ideas".
'That definitely does not sound like something for me, but if Percy enjoys it, good for him.'
"That's great, I'm sure it won't be long until your boss notices how hard you've been working for him."
Sipping his juice, Percy responded. "Thanks Harry, are you planning on going into the ministry after Hogwart's?"
"I can't say, haven't really given it that much thought. I don't really know much about wizarding professions," answered Harry with a shrug.
"Uhm Percy, if we chose our electives at the beginning of third year, but only get our career advice during OWLS year. What happens if the career we decide on needs, say, ancient runes, and we haven't got that subject?"
Harry noticed Hermione listening in on them.
"Good question Harry, well parents would often coach their kids prior to third year so they'd already know which electives to take, though having the elective is not really a requirement to write the OWL. You could always apply to take the exam and then self-study it. Some jobs need you to have an OWL in certain subjects and a NEWT in others. You could also write them in an extra elective any time after your fifth year, you don't even need to be at Hogwarts anymore to do it," explained Percy.
"Thanks, they really should have explained this to us last year when we had to choose our electives..."
A knock on the Weasleys front door saved Percy from the onslaught of questions Hermione was about to unleash on him.
Harry turned towards the door right as Mrs. Weasley opened it.
'Wonder who that could be, bit early for guests.'
"Luna dear, you look lovely, come in come in, we're just finishing breakfast, but there's still plenty."
Mrs. Weasley stepped aside, revealing a short waif like platinum blonde haired girl. Her eyes were wide as if she was surprised, but the lost look in them drew together an almost surreal contrast. She wore a summer dress with a necklace of the strangest assortment of bottle caps and 'vegetables hanging from her ears?'
"Sorry Mrs. Weasley," the waifish girl, Luna said. Her voice had a soft and somewhat airy tone to it.
She held out a small bag. "My dad asked me to drop this off, it's tea."
"I have to go; we're going to Sweden to look for Crumple-Horned Snorkacks. A man at the pub told my dad that his friend heard from someone else that his brother's friend's sister heard that there's this valley in the south where she'd seen one."
'What the hell is a snorkack?' Harry looked over at Hermione. Recognizing the question in his eyes, she shrugged unknowingly.
"Well, that's lovely dear," they heard Mrs. Weasley say. "Give Xeno my best and thank him for the tea for me, ok?".
"I'll tell him, bye Mrs. Weasley, the tea is good for warding off nargles".
He looked at Hermione again 'Nargles?' she shrugged once more before looking forward.
Having closed the door behind Luna, Mrs. Weasley turned towards them all and told them they had to get ready to leave.
"So, Ron, who was that?" inquired Harry, curious about the strange girl.
"Oh, that's Luna, she's nice, a bit loopy though, but she lives just over the hill with her dad. Her and Ginny used to play together a lot when we were kids."
"She's not loopy Ron, she's just different," reprimanded Ginny from behind them.
Finishing up their goodbyes with Mrs. Weasley, they grabbed their bags and followed Mr. Weasley out.
"Not joining us, Percy?" asked Harry, having noticed him not moving to follow.
"I'll be apparating directly to the camp site, saves me the walk"
"Fair enough, maybe make sure nobody left anything behind after we've left, bring it along if we did?"
"Sure, thing Harry."
Leaving Percy to finish his breakfast, Harry hurriedly caught with the group and matched his pace with Hermione.
"Hermione, do you think McGonagall would let me drop divination and take up arithmancy?" he asked thoughtfully.
Her eyes lit up as she moved suddenly, before he could react, he found her in his face.
'She's really fast when she wants to be…'
"Yes! I'm sure she will, you know how much she hates divination. Oh, Harry you are going to love it! I've got all my notes from last year, and I could tutor you, but what brought this on? And why arithmancy? Why not ancient runes?" Hermione fired off excitedly.
Harry blinked, gathering his thoughts. "One question at a time Hermione."
Blushing she took a step back. "So, answer them."
"No reason really, just thought about what Percy said. I'm unlikely to need divination in whatever field I eventually decide on, but I might need arithmancy, or runes. I can't take both since I don't want to drop care of magical creatures. Have to be there to support Hagrid you know, and I do enjoy the class at times. Also taking arithmancy earlier would at least save me a lot of work down the line if it turns out I needed it."
Hermione's smile seemed to get bigger the longer his answer went. "That's great Harry. I'm really glad you're starting to think about your future."
Feeling a bit embarrassed. "Don't celebrate yet, you're going to regret offering the extra help when I take all of your spare time away. Even if McGonagall refuses me, I might as well get started on the work if I'm going to need to do it regardless."
"Blimey you're mad Harry. Both of you," Ron's voice cut in, disbelievingly.
Looking back towards him, they found his face contorted in an expression of pure horror.
Harry chuckled. "You could always join us, Ron."
'Absolutely no way he would agree to this.'
"There is no way you could get me to agree to that," said Ron firmly.
"Really? What if I bought us the same number of snacks on the train ride as first year?" taunted Harry.
He caught Hermione's eye, they both looked towards Ron.
Ron paused before letting out a breath. "Mmmmm no, still won't do it," he answered finally.
Patting Ron on the back, he teased, "I don't think you've ever focused on anything that hard in your life Ron."
"Ow! what was that for?" Harry winced, rubbing the back of his head while Hermione pulled her arm back.
"Don't be mean Harry," scolded Hermione.
The group neared the top of the hill, all pretty tired after the hike. His time spent at the Dursleys being a killer on his fitness. As much as they keep him busy, he doesn't eat enough to take advantage of it. The heavy Weasley breakfast, delicious as it was, doesn't help either.
He looked around.
'Fred and George seem fine, Ginny too, so is Ron surprisingly. Hermione, and Mr. Weasley look pretty winded though. Maybe I could convince her to run a bit in the mornings.'
He took a sip of water and handed the bottle to Hermione. She smiled thankfully and took a few sips herself before handing it back. She's always loved how he seemed to notice when she needed something without her having to ask.
"You know Hermione, I heard once that fitness affects the mind. I'm thinking of running a bit some mornings, I mean Wood's gone, but I should at least try to keep up some of what he had us do. You could join me if you'd like?" He turned towards Ron. "You too Ron."
Silent for a moment, Hermione looked up at Harry. "I think I'd like that actually. How many times a week were you planning?" she asked. "I'll have to owl my mom to send me some running shoes and sportswear."
"You can send Hedwig when we're back at the Burrow. Hmm, maybe three times a week? Pick the mornings where we don't have a double class first thing."
"And you Ron? Joining us?" he inquired of his red-haired friend.
"Nah, mornings are for sleeping Harry," responded Ron, thinking his friend has gone bonkers.
They laughed amongst themselves. "I'll wake you when I get back from the runs, make sure you aren't late for class."
Having noticed a bit of commotion, Harry looked up and spotted Cedric Diggory alongside a shorter, slightly pudgy man carrying a hiking stick.
"Amos!"
"Arthur! How are you?" replied the man going in for the handshake.
"Great, great, and yourself?"
"Couldn't be better, just got here a minute ago, meet my son Cedric." He motioned his son forward.
"Nice to meet you Mr. Weasley," said Cedric, moving in to shake Mr. Weasley's hand.
"You too Cedric."
"Come Amos, these are my kids, back there are the twins Fred and George, up here we have my two youngest, Ron and Ginny, and their friends Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter. My third oldest Percy has gone on ahead, didn't feel for the hike."
All of them gave a wave or a nod as their names were called out.
Mr. Diggory's eyes lit up when he got to Harry.
'Please no…' Harry sighed internally.
"Merlin's beard, Harry Potter!" exclaimed the man, pulling him and Cedric together.
"Heard you were brilliant at Quidditch, never lost a snitch, until my son here beat you to it," bragged Amos smugly.
"There was interference Dad, the dementors..." corrected Cedric sheepishly.
"Nonsense! You didn't fall from your broom now did you, you won fair and square."
"Sorry," mouthed Cedric over his dad's shoulder apologetically.
"Thanks," Harry mouthed back, giving Cedric a nod.
Looking back, everyone seemed annoyed with the man, Fred and George especially so.
Before the twins could be tempted to try and convince the man to eat something he probably shouldn't. Mr. Weasley's voice sounded out, "Blimey, look at the time, gather around, gather around, I want you all touching the boot."
"What's so special about the boot?" asked Harry.
"It's a portkey, isn't it?" Hermione's excitement surprising him.
"Right you are Hermione, now grab on, questions later, twenty seconds left before it goes."
"Grab on Harry!" yelled Mr. Weasley noticing his hesitance.
He grabbed the boot just in time to feel a tug at his navel. His world to exploded in a spinning vortex of colours only to be tossed out a few seconds later, landing on grass with his wind knocked out of him.
"Alright there Harry?" asked Fred from above.
He caught his breath, "I'll live…"
"You know Fred, as much as I love magic. Can we get a transport method that doesn't throw you ass over head? Brooms excluded of course."
"How do you know I'm Fred?"
"It's obvious ain't it, you're the ugly twin," teased Harry.
They heard George laughing at Harry's response. "Not cool Harry, and here I came to help you."
Harry laughed. "Sorry, couldn't resist."
Fred reached out. "Next time I leave you on the ground, smarmy git."
Harry grabbed Fred's hand and pulled himself up.
He finally took note of their surroundings, his eyes widened at the scene in front of him. A field littered with tents, witches and wizards dressed in the most ridiculous mix of muggle clothing imaginable.
Everywhere you looked, Irish green and Bulgarian Red. The voices carrying over languages he didn't recognize. There were kids flying around on toy brooms, some dressed as little quidditch players.
There were magical firecrackers going off lighting up the night with flashes of red, gold, green and white.
Hawkers sold T-shirts and other souvenirs, others sold foods. The smells carried over, making his mouth water. He laughed at a man struggling to eat what seemed to be a pretzel, it was charmed to try and avoid being eaten and was putting up quite the fight.
Harry breathed it all in. He felt the hairs on his arm stand up, whether it was the sheer energy and excitement around him or literal magic in the air, he couldn't say.
"Wow..."
"Welcome to the Quidditch World Cup Harry."
"It's bloody brilliant."
Mr. Weasley walked back with Percy, carrying a small map. "Percy's already sorted out the camping site for us, let's head over, sort out the tent, then you guys can explore, just be back at the tent by six."
They made sure nobody dropped anything when landing, before moving towards the camp site. Harry noticed the zipper on Hermione's backpack had come undone.
Closing it for her, he heard her speak up.
"Not very good at dressing like muggles, are they? I mean we've seen some odd outfits in Diagon Alley, but I never would have guessed the eccentricity would carry over to muggle wear," said Hermione.
Harry followed her line of sight and saw a man wearing what was clearly pyjama bottoms, sneakers, and a tweed jacket...
Paying closer attention, he noticed even more outlandish outfits among some of the others.
"I guess, they must just not know a lot about muggle fashion..." responded Harry.
"True, but even so, a blind man could tell you that those pants," she pointed, "and the rest of the outfit clearly don't go together. There should at least be a bottom line of common sense when they decided on what to wear."
"Good point, I'm almost certain I saw someone wearing swimwear a couple of tents back. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?" said Harry, smiling at Hermione.
"Hmm, wonder what Harry?"
"How would the people we know dress in the muggle world, Professor Dumbledore? Flitwick? Madam Pomfrey? Would they look as ridiculous?"
Hermione laughed. "I don't know about the others Harry, but with those garish robes Professor Dumbledore fancies, kind of scares me to think of what he'd have worn."
An opening between the tents cleared up, stopping by it Mr. Weasley announced it as their camping spot. "Now we're supposed to be pretending to be muggles, and it sounds like a good old bit of fun to put this here tent up the muggle way."
"Tell me Harry, Hermione, either of you wouldn't happen to know how to assemble one?"
"Not really, never tried before," responded Harry, shrugging his shoulders and looking at all the tent sticks. "But I'd assume you have to anchor the ends into the ground, thread the fabric with the sticks and build the frame, and tie it off to the anchors?"
"Close enough Harry," said Hermione.
"I know how Mr. Weasley, I've been camping a few times with my parents, and I always help my dad set up the tent."
Harry decided to help them with the tent. It was up pretty quickly with the three of them working together on it.
"Now just the fire and water guys. Harry and Hermione helped with the tent, so you all can handle the rest."
They sat and chatted a bit with Mr. Weasley while they waited. Once the others were back and the fire was up, there was still a few hours in the day. The group decided to spend it checking out the various stalls.
A quidditch souvenir shop sold what looked like an odd telescope for ten galleons a piece.
"Bit pricy don't you think?" Harry asked, pointing at the stand.
Looking to where Harry pointed, Ron spoke up. "They're omnioculars Harry, they can rewind what you see a bit."
"Hmm... Sounds great," said Harry, walking over to the stall.
"How can I help you there young man?" asked the hawker.
"Three of these please," answered Harry, holding up one of the display omnioculars.
The man smiled, handing him three boxed ones from the shelf behind him.
"That'll be thirty galleons laddie."
"Thanks, and one of those scarves as well please," answered Harry, pointing out the red and black scarf.
"Two more galleons."
Harry handed over the gold for the items and walked back to Ron and Hermione who were checking out a Viktor Krum bobblehead that gave you quidditch advice.
"That's a bit creepy actually," observed Harry, looking over their shoulders at the bobblehead.
"You're back, what did you get back there?" asked Hermione, looking at the boxes in Harry's arms.
"Here." Harry handed them each an omniocular box.
"Harry you shouldn't have... But thank you," said Hermione with a smile.
"Wicked mate, but they're expensive man," said Ron, already unboxing it excitedly.
"Don't worry about it, I wanted to do something nice for you two."
Hermione was looking down at the box when she felt something warm wrap around her neck. Seeing the scarf, she looked up at Harry questioningly.
"You looked like you were getting cold, figured you forgot to pack a scarf," he said, answering her wordless question.
"Thank you Harry, that was sweet," she smiled shyly.
"It's close enough to Gryffindor colours, that you can wear it to one of my games as well," Harry answered, happy that she liked it.
He watched her pull the scarf a little higher. The bottom half of her face disappearing behind it as she looked up at him.
'She looks cute like that' he blushed.
Hermione noticed Harry staring at her, 'Is he blushing?' she thought.
Neither of them saw the look of jealousy Ron threw at them, too caught up in their own little world.
"Want to find Ginny and the twins, head back? I think Percy's already gone off to find his boss."
The pair noticed how quiet Ron's been. "Are you okay?" asked Harry, a bit worriedly.
"…Yeah, I'm good, just hungry" replied the redhead suspiciously. He was fidgeting a bit, not meeting their eyes.
"Uhm... sure then, don't hold back if you're feeling ill."
"Are you sure you're alright Ron?" asked Hermione, stepping closer and looking intently at Ron.
Ron took a step back, slightly flustered.
"I'm fine guys, don't worry about me... Just hungry, I didn't eat enough this morning," he explained, not convincingly.
Harry looked at him.
You had like six eggs with toast, a side plate of bacon, and still found place for sausages…'
"Let's just go find the others," said Ron, before walking off.
They searched around, Harry and Hermione holding small talk, while Ron kept quiet. Eventually they found them checking out a quidditch equipment stall, selling gloves and such with the players signatures on them.
"Hey there Ginny," Harry called out, getting the youngest Weasley's attention. She turned to look at them, smiling when she saw him.
"Ready to head back?" he asked. "We should get moving if we're to get to our booth on time"
"I am, let me get Fred and George."
There's something truly amazing about being surrounded by this many witches and wizards, all excited, it's as if they radiate magic. You can feel it in the air, a lot like the buzz on your skin when standing too close to electricity pylons.
Making their way to the stadium, the feeling kept getting stronger the closer they got, alongside the excitement of going to see the game, it left you feeling energized, more awake than you've ever felt before.
Climbing the stairs left harry wondering, 'of all the magical means of transport out there, there aren't any portable elevators?' Nearing the VIP booths, he was pulled out of his train of thought when a voice cut through from below.
"It's truly amazing that you've found yourself here Arthur." The slimy voice of Lucius Malfoy carried over.
"Malfoy," responded Mr. Weasley firmly, more strength in his voice than you'd expect of the normally cheerful man.
Harry noticed Draco standing right behind his father. Surprised that he hadn't used the opportunity to throw in an insult or two of his own. Paying closer attention, he found Draco was distractedly staring at something, following his gaze, he was stunned.
'Ginny?'
Before he could give it anymore thought, he heard the Malfoy patriarch speak up again.
"Did you have to sell that hovel you call a home to afford the tickets?" sneered the man, eyeing them all with disgust.
"And Potter, I see you truly do take after your father, associating with filth."
"We've got a very different opinion on filth Mr. Malfoy, you can polish a diamond and make it shine, but as much as you shine a turd, it's still shit, and I can smell it from here," replied Harry, surprising everyone present.
"You'll do well to respect your betters Potter, wouldn't do too well six feet under," said Lucius coldly.
"Respect is earned Mr. Malfoy," answered Harry, squaring his shoulders.
Lucius stared at Harry, before turning to Draco, "come Draco, we shouldn't dirty ourselves any longer."
They pushed through, heading into the minister's booth.
Harry turned back, seeing everyone staring at him, before Fred spoke up, "that was wicked Harry."
Embarrassed by all the attention, he was relieved when Mr. Weasley had them resume the climb.
Hermione was stunned, the only time she's seen Harry's this serious was at the end of the previous year, when they had Pettigrew at their mercy. Harry stood up to both Sirius and Remus that night, and put his foot down deciding the rat's fate, his tone then brokered no argument. He's always been strong, but she never really sees him apply it in conversation like this.
He's usually very accommodating, always willing to go along with what would make his friends happy. But sometimes he shows an inner strength which must also be what's gotten him through so many life-threating situations, she can't even imagine what facing the basilisk had to have been like.
She smiled, thinking of their adventures together, even the troll, as terrified as she was. She was thankful in a way to that night. It brought Harry into her life. The bookworm blushed as she thought of the way Harry put himself between her and Lupin in the forest, and the ride on Buckbeak, as much she hates flying. She'd do that again if he asked.
Feeling the warmth of the scarf around her neck, she looked up at his back as they climbed the stairs, she sighed.
'I have a crush on Harry... I'm screwed...'
Arriving at their seats, Hermione realized just how high up they were. Heights were never something she enjoyed, she took the seat on Harry's right, while Ginny took the one on his left before Ron could.
Annoyed, but too excited for the upcoming game to complain, he reluctantly took the seat on Ginny's left.
Ron eyed Hermione squeezing in closer to Harry, jealous and for the second time that day, the boy found himself resenting his best friend.
Before his trail of thought could fester.
Commotion drew all their attention. The Irish players entered alongside their mascots, leprechauns. The explosion of green and gold nearly blinded them, as gold coins fell on the crowd. Ron scooped up a handful and passed it to Harry.
At Harry's questioning look. "For the omnioculars."
With a sigh, Harry pocketed the gold, unwilling to argue.
The crowd's cheers brought his attention back. The Bulgarian players entered along with the cheerleaders, Harry couldn't help but be stunned by the group of exceedingly beautiful women, until they began to sing.
He felt it wash over him, this compulsion to impress them welling up before he grit his teeth and stamped it out. As angelic as their voices were, it was the reaction of the men in the stadium that had him bewildered. They were being worked into a frenzy, some even trying to jump the railing to get closer, Ron included. Ginny had her hands full pulling him back, the twins seemed affected, but were putting up a fight. Harry noticed Mr. Weasley snap himself out of it before covering his ears and motioning for them to do the same.
Returning his attention forward, Harry looked at the beautiful women warily.
'Those aren't normal women.'
Hermione finally snapped out of the song and looked at Harry in shock.
'He's doing a better job of resisting it than the twins and Mr. Weasley.'
Feeling her eyes on him, Harry turned, meeting Hermione's gaze.
"What's going on Hermione? The song? Everyone's going mad?" asked Harry slightly panicked.
"Uh sorry Harry, I didn't catch that," answered Hermione, snapping out of her thoughts.
"What's going on!?" he asked again, louder this time.
"They're Veela Harry, they're a race of women, all incredibly beautiful. They can make men go crazy for them when they sing, their song is laced with magic. They're part bird, when they get angry, they get feathers and their features become more birdlike. Oh, they can also throw fire."
Her factual response calmed him down. He checked out the mascots again, with a clearer understanding.
"Hmm... beautiful, angelic, fire throwing bird women, got it," replied Harry, counting off each point with his fingers.
"Harrrry!" she exclaimed. "Don't be so cavalier about it, now are you going to explain?"
"Explain what?" asked Harry confusedly.
"How you were able to resist their song? You were probably one of the most unaffected guys in the stadium… Even I was affected." She stared at him, as if she could draw the answer out of his mind through sheer persistence.
"Oh, uhm, I felt this need to impress them and it felt wrong, so I refused," replied Harry, as if the answer was sufficient, he should have known she wouldn't let the subject drop until she got a real answer.
"Only you Harry... Only you," she sighed, settling the matter, and turning her attention back to the event.
Harry followed her lead, paying attention to the game now that it's started.
They watched the match, cheering whenever Ireland scored, an amusing sight on Hermione's part, with her Bulgarian coloured scarf. The game was skewed steeply in Irelands favour, with the Bulgarian defence struggling to put up with the green teams clearly superior chasers.
Hermione was shocked at how violent professional quidditch was. Then again, with magical healing methods, what would be a career ending injury in a muggle sport, is merely a resolvable inconvenience.
The game took a final high note as the seekers took off, Irelands Lynch on the heels of the Bulgarian, Krum. The pair went into a steep dive. Hermione held her breath as they got closer and closer to the ground.
"He's faking, there's no snitch," Harry said from beside her.
Just moments later, Krum pulled up, Irelands seeker Lynch, a second too late to react, crashed headfirst into the ground.
She turned towards her best friend. "How did you know he was faking?" she asked, curious to learn the thought process behind it.
"When he started to move, he just shot off to the side, he didn't see anything. He also waited until Lynch was just close enough to immediately follow before moving."
"I never realized that there was so much going on," said Hermione, impressed.
Mere seconds later Krum was on the move again. "He's seen it this time."
Clearly still affected by his earlier crash, Lynch was too slow to react. Krum pulled ahead, and before you knew it, the Bulgarian had the snitch in his hands.
"And that's it! Krum has the snitch, but with a final score of 170 – 160, Ireland wins!"
The commentators voice bellowed out over the deafening cheers of the Irish fans.
"Why would he catch the snitch if they were going to lose?" asked Hermione, trying to find a bit more insight into a seekers mind.
"He knew they'd lose, Irelands chasers were too good. But he wanted to end the game on his own terms, I'd have done the same."
"Hmm, I see."
Later that evening, while in their tent, the euphoria from the game had yet to wear off. Harry sat on the side, watching the Weasleys enjoying themselves fondly, a bottle of butterbeer in his hand. Fred and George were singing, teasing Ron, while Ginny and Hermione chatted with smiles, having tucked themselves into a corner so as to not be overheard. Mr. Weasley, clearly a lot more composed was merely smiling while fiddling with the wizarding wireless.
Their celebrations were interrupted by screams tearing through the sound of cheers.
"Blimey, the Irish must really be going at it eh," said George, surprised.
Mr. Weasley ducked back into the tent, having gone to check up on the commotion.
Everyone was silenced by the seriousness of his expression on his return.
"It's not the Irish. Fred, George, you're responsible for Ginny, Percy you're with me. Ron, Hermione, Harry stick with them. Now I want you all to head to the emergency point. It's just outside the campsite, back the way we came when we arrived. Fred, you and George should know the way. NOW GET MOVING," barked Mr. Weasley, snapping them out of their shock. Fumbling for their wands, they rushed out of the tent, into the awaiting chaos.
There was fire in the distance, people were screaming, running for their lives. Harry saw a group of men wearing white masks, and black robes. They were setting fire to everything around them as they moved.
"Death Eaters." The quiet voice of one of the twins, soft as it was, they all heard it.
"No time to sit around! GET MOVING!" yelled Mr. Weasley.
"Ginny, stay between us, give me your hand, can't risk us getting split up," said Fred, grabbing his sisters hand.
Harry and Hermione's eyes met, and her breath caught, she saw it again. That seriousness, the same as earlier when they'd encountered the Malfoys, but it was even more intense now.
"Let's go Hermione, Ron come on," said Harry.
Percy and Mr. Weasley moved off towards the commotion. The remaining Weasley's and Harry went the opposite direction into the woods towards the portkey arrival site.
They pushed through the chaos. Once in the cover of the trees, it was if the world suddenly quieted, what was a cacophony of screams, made way for a haunting eeriness, not unlike a night spent in the forbidden forest. The only reminder of the attack being the occasional scream loud enough to pierce the thick silence of the trees.
As the group moved deeper, the tension rose with every step. The hyper-alertness of the situation made them jittery, conscious of every sound.
Hermione was brought back to that night in the forest, trying to save Sirius's life, when Harry and herself had evaded Lupin. Just like then, despite the danger of the situation, she found herself unafraid. Harry was with her, and together they could get through anything.
She noticed, unaware if even he was conscious of what he was doing, but whenever a twig snapped, or a sound that could mean danger reached them. Harry would shift between her and the direction of the sound. As warm as the feeling his protectiveness, subconscious or not gave her, she stepped forward putting herself beside him.
If there is something to face, she was doing it with him, not hiding behind his back.
The group was startled by a soul piercing scream from somewhere nearby, before the rest could react, Harry was already running in the direction it came from.
Harry arrived at a clearing, in the centre a pair of masked wizards stood over the convulsing prone form of a young woman. One was holding her under some spell, the screams emanated from her as the other laughed and jeered his accomplice on.
Moving before his mind caught up with him. Harry fired a blasting curse at the back of the man casting the spell. The curse took landed, knocking him off his feet.
He crashed several feet away against a tree. His moans of pain now accompanied the whimpers of his victim. Blood oozed into the ground around the man. Harry's spell clearly having done significant damage.
The second man reacted before he could switch targets. Dodging to the side to avoid the oncoming cutting curse, Harry tried to raise his wand to counterattack. The Death Eater's wand was already aimed at Harry.
Realization set in, he wouldn't have his wand up in time, gritting his teeth as fear set in. His legs tensed in preparation for a dive to the side.
Harry could see the mad glimmer in the man's eyes through his mask. This Death Eater recognized him and was going for the kill.
"Stupefy!"
Hermione's voice rang out, a God send. The flash of red took the man by surprise, though being as skilled as he was, a shield charm deflected the stunning charm. Before he could fire back, the rest of Harry's group emerged from the woods.
Beneath the mask, Lucius Malfoy was no fool, knowing his chance to end the young Potter was lost. He changed the direction of his wand and fired a piercing curse at the downed woman they were tormenting. Though it lacked the finality of the killing curse, a piercing curse was easier to cast, and faster.
His distraction created, Lucius grabbed his downed ally and portkeyed to safety.
"NO!" yelled Harry, rushing towards the young woman now losing blood rapidly.
"No, no no no," muttered Harry, turning the woman over.
Momentarily stunned by her beauty, she was blonde with the most striking blue eyes he had ever seen, her features delicate with the aristocratic air of someone highborn. Their eyes met, he could see the plea in them, she was afraid.
"You're going to be alright, ok, you're not going to die here," he tried to comfort her, but his own panic at her dire situation failing him.
Harry pulled off his sweater, using it to push on the wound. The piercing curse didn't go straight through her. What little Harry knew of first aid, pressure on the bleed was one thing he did know.
"E..lle," her voice broke out.
"Don't speak, I've got you ok, try not to speak"
"STOP STANDING THERE AND HELP ME!" yelled Harry towards the rest. Hermione was beside him a second later, helping him staunch the blood.
"Elle… Ga...brielle," the girl's voice mustered out.
"Gabrielle? Is that your name?" asked Harry, trying to keep her conscious.
She slowly shook her head to the side. "Ma sœur."
Not understanding her, before Harry could speak up, Hermione answered his question.
"Your sister? Where?" stressed Hermione. The pained young woman's eyes tried to look to the side. Harry turned his head in the direction, he saw a young girl standing near the tree line. She stood there stunned, tears streaming down her face.
"Gabrielle?" asked Harry, spurning the girl into action, she sprinted over, dropping at her sister's side.
"Fleur! Fleur! don't die, plea- please don't die!"
"I- I used the bra- bracelet"
"Papa wi- will come so- soon"
The girl, Gabrielle, choked out rapidly in between sobs.
Looking between the two. 'So, her name's Fleur' he thought.
"That's it, keep talking Gabrielle, she needs to stay awake ok." The girl looked up at Harry's voice, and quickly nodded twice through her tears. Her hair stuck to her tear-stained face. Determination filling her eyes. Harry was seriously impressed with this little girl's bravery. She continued speaking to her sister, but without choking this time.
"Remember you promised to take me to the beach before school this year"
"And you were going to pay back that bitch Annette for bullying me"
She took a breath.
"And you promised me a kitten"
"So, you can't die here OK!"
Harry noticed that Fleur seemed more aware now, her eyes more focused.
"You're doing great Gabrielle, don't stop," he said.
"If you die, who will buy chocolate bonbons for me to steal?"
The young woman winced in pain, stifling her laugh at this.
"You're doing great Fleur, keep listening to your sister. You're going to make it out of this alright," his voice was much calmer now.
Fleur met his eyes, and he could see the strength returning. She smiled at him, and he returned her smile.
Gabrielle kept speaking to her, helping to hold her consciousness. Moments later they heard the sound of apparition signalling the arrival of others. Though panic nearly set in when the yells of Stupefy sounded out, flashes of red flew over them. Harry covered Fleur with his body, shielding her, while Hermione pulled Gabrielle down.
"STOP YOU FOOLS! THOSE ARE MY DAUGHTERS!" a man's furious voice bellowed.
Pushed aside before he could sit up fully. Harry saw an auror with an extra green logo, a cross between a bone and a wand on his uniform. The man immediately began working to close Fleur's wounds.
"My daughter?" asked the man who had shouted out. His voice was soft now, the anger gone, replaced with solemn fear and worry.
The younger sister, Gabrielle clung desperately to the man who held her tightly, her sobs had returned in full.
"She's unconscious, but stable, she needs blood replenishers, nerve blockers for cruciatus exposure."
"The curse took out a section of her spleen, we can't treat that here."
"Grab on, this is a medics portkey, it's slower, but less taxing. We're going to St. Mungos." The man held out a red and blue rope that he fastened around Fleur before handing the other end to her father and Gabrielle.
Motioning for Gabrielle to hold on, the girl's father faced Harry and his friends. "Thank you all, you saved my daughters." He was whisked away along with the medic before any of them could respond.
Harry felt a hand on his shoulder.
"You alright lad? Not hurt, are you?" It was another of the aurors.
"No, no injuries, this is all her blood."
"Good, but we still need you to get checked over though"
The auror began casting diagnostic charms over him. "Seems to be in the clear."
Harry nodded. "-Wait, the men who attacked Fleur. I injured one of them, blasting curse to the back," he pointed to the tree, "some of his blood is over there."
The auror's eyes widened, before rushing off to collect the sample.
Mr. Weasley collected Harry and brought him over to the others who were speaking to another auror. Percy was nearby, holding a hushed discussion with who appeared to be his boss.
He overhead something about a dark mark and an elf.
Harry stepped in beside Hermione and put his hand on her arm. She smiled up at him, drawing herself closer.
Despite both being covered in blood, and despite never having done so before, Harry wrapped his arm around her, pulling her into his side, glad to know she was alright. She rested her head on his shoulder with a smile, putting her arm around his back. The stress of the evening weighed heavy upon both of them.
'She's alright, we're all alright, that girl, Fleur, is going to be fine too according to that medic' thought Harry, the adrenaline giving way to relief and exhaustion.
"You saved my ass tonight you know."
"Think this makes us even for the troll?" quipped Hermione.
"Nah, you didn't get any boogers on your wand"
Hermione laughed. "True, can't think of anything worse than that."
Harry let out a breath, with a smile towards the girl in his arms. He looked up and fixed his attention to the auror in front.
"The circumstances of this evening are noted, your use of underage magic is justified, and will not go on your records as a violation. Now with that out of the way, you done good kids, that young lady is likely alive thanks to you." The auror smiled at them proudly.
Mr. Weasley hugged Ginny to his side. "Let's go home."
Watching the medi-auror save Fleur. The way magic could be used to save a life like that, Harry thought back to all of his times under the care of Madam Pomfrey.
He then thought of his conversation with Percy that morning. He knew what he wanted to be now.
"Hermione?"
"Yes, Harry?"
"What do you think it takes to become a healer?"
END CHAPTER ONE