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

Extended Family

Chapter 154 – Strikes Twice

Takes place directly after the last chapter.

England was on fire.

Not literally of course.

The energy during the last Cup was at a fever pitch. It was the first time Team England had made it to the final game for the World Cup in many many decades. The team was at their prime and every Quidditch fan in England, and the United Kingdom after the other teams were eliminated, were fully behind them, cheering for them. The enthusiasm and energy grew from the explosive first placement game and throughout the entire run to the Cup, the energy never abated, constantly growing and strengthening.

When the news that this year's Cup run was being finalized and the team being created and solidified, the energy and fervor was already very high. It had grown to almost impossible levels as the team was finalized and when it was revealed that the team were using the new SnowBolts, the excitement was palpable by touch and sight and sound. Then the games were played and the team showed that they were still very much in their prime and were playing the best they could play.

They were still Champions and England loved them.

Once again, Diagon Alley was full of people and the vast majority of them were wearing Team England jerseys in red, blue, or black with the flag on the front and back and their favorite player's name and number on both sides as well. Every player on the team had a jersey made and they were all present in the crowds though some were more numerous than others.

Also once again, Katie had come to Diagon to pick up travelling trunks for the little ones with Angelina and Alicia and Daphne was joining them for the first time. Dahlia, Hadley, and Hailey still had their original ones and wanted to use them for the trip so they did not come this time. Melanie, Iris, Alex, Abby, and Heather were the ones who needed trunks so they were there with their mothers to get them. The children looked around with large eyes, having never seen the Alley full like that.

"Goodness me," Daphne said, looking around. "I remember you all saying how busy and crowded it was, but it really is more than I imagined!"

"It's even busier today," Alicia said.

"Remember to hold hands and stay together," Angelina said severely, glaring at her twin children who looked back with large, seemingly-innocent eyes. "Don't make me charm you all together."

"We don't make you do that ever," the twins said together. "You just do it!"

"Right and I learned some special twin-wrangling charms from Grandmum Molly so you better behave," Angelina said, snorting at how Alex and Abby suddenly became the pictures of innocent compliance.

"What kind of charms are we talking about?" Katie asked, smiling at the sight of Melanie, Iris, and Heather linking arms and standing there together.

"Tethering, sticking, tracking, all sorts," Angelina said. "She said they worked about 73 percent of the time on the older twins."

"That's pretty good for those two," Alicia said, sounding impressed.

Like last time, Angelina was hiding in plain sight, wearing a Potter jersey and a ballcap with her hair braided and sticking out the back with the twins wearing Johnson-Weasley ones. Heather joined Iris in wearing a Potter one as well, like Katie and Daphne, and Alicia and Melanie wore Wood jerseys. They moved through the crowd with little difficulty and Angelina and Katie were not recognized by anyone.

"Alright, feel free to pick a color and don't get into them!" Angelina said when they got to Trenton's Transportables. She snorted at the disappointed sighs from the twins and shook her head as the children ran off in a pack together to the trunks for children. "And no pushing each other into them either!"

She looked wearily back at her friends and fellow mothers. "I hate how I've become someone that has to say out everything literally to prevent them finding loopholes. I never thought my kids would be tricky little smartarses like that."

"The consequence of all of us living together and the little ones learning from us," Daphne smiled.

"Better too clever than not clever enough," Alicia said. "Most of the time."

"Keeps us young at least, and active," Katie said.

"I am very excited to go to Greece and cheer for you all there," Daphne smiled. "Even if I will not be at the stadium itself."

"The villa is right next to it," Katie said eagerly. "Literally right there. Sirius was showing us the pictures and things. He also said there will be a very large viewing pool so you'll be able to see the game in the pool in real time, like a communication mirror."

"Oh that's wonderful," Alicia smiled. "And it's big enough to house so many people?"

"It is," Katie nodded. "It's practically a small estate with a lot of rooms."

"How much did it cost?" Angelina asked. "We should contribute to the cost."

"He didn't say, said he had it covered easily," Katie said. "He's doing some work for the Ministry and the Greek Ministry and threw in some barrels of his gin and whisky. He's just happy we all get to go and have fun together."

"Honestly it is fortuitous timing," Daphne said. "Kayden is old enough for safe Portkey travel."

"Mum got us a medically stable one too," Katie said. "It's a special one they use for transporting babies and patients that are in a fragile state."

"I will have to thank her profusely later," Daphne said with relief. "And of course Tracy and I will be watching Lucas while you and Harry are at the stadium."

"Thanks!" Katie hugged her fondly. "I think the Grangers will be staying at the villa too, and possibly the Delacours depending on how they are feeling. And Amelia too. She's glad for the trip before she has the baby herself."

"A nice vacation before having the baby," Alicia nodded.

"Hello!" A man wearing a carpenter's apron over his robes came out and greeted the women warmly, waving energetically and shaking their hands when he reached them. "I was hoping to see you all again, I remember the last time and we got the three girls their first trunks. I'm so happy to have you back!"

"You make some of the best trunks," Katie smiled back. "The girls still use them and they're still in great shape."

"My trunks are built to last," Trenton said proudly. "And do bring them in whenever they need some repair work." He looked over and smiled at the five little ones inspecting all the trunks excitedly. "I see some faces that are familiar! And you must be the mother of the one I don't recognize."

"Daphne Greengrass-Davis," Daphne smiled. "That little one is Heather."

"A pleasure to meet you," he smiled back, shaking her hand. "Trenton Trackton. This is my little place and I'm glad you all came back. I'll be sure to put some extra protections and things on the trunks for them."

He beamed at them and tapped the badge on his apron and pointed out the badges the other staff in the store had on, the ones not wearing a jersey and some had both. "And of course, proud to support our team! We're so excited for the upcoming game!"

"It's why we're back," Angelina smiled warmly. She sighed when there was a loud thump and some hushed arguing and accusations. "I apologize for my children and the havoc they are causing.

Trenton laughed genially. "No problem at all. Honestly, they're much better behaved than most."

"Don't let them hear you challenge them like that," Angelina said hurriedly.

"Do we need to get Lucky one?" Alicia asked with a smile.

"We're not bringing all his toys," Katie laughed. "His things will easily fit in mine. Dally already volunteered some trunk space too."

"Such a good big sister," Daphne praised.

"George said the Never-Locks for the kids will be done by today too," Angelina said. "So we're set there."

After the trunks were picked out and Trenton added the extra charms, the group left with a resounding cheer of 'England and the Cup'. They rejoined the throng outside to pick up a few last things before going home. Like last time, they stopped at Fortescue's to take some ice cream home and just like last time, the children were given a large sundae to share and the mothers watched fondly as the children devoured it together.

"I am terribly grateful that our children like to share things with one another," Daphne said. "Something I was never quite good at during my younger years."

"They really are," Angelina said. "I was worried about that and while they do squabble over toys and some things here and there, they usually share with little problem. My sprogs do like to scrap with each other though but considering George and my family dynamics growing up, it's to be expected. At least they know when to stop." She rolled her eyes. "Most of the time."

"When you join in or when Harry asks them to," Alicia smiled.

"Pretty much," Angelina laughed.

"Lyla and I were all about pinching, pushing, squashing, and a little hair pulling," Katie said fondly. "And lassoing. I'm so glad Harry made it a Papa Harry promise for ours not to do that."

"You have learned how to fight since apparently," Daphne giggled. "I cannot believe you were arrested!"

"Charges weren't applied so it didn't count!" Katie said back, cheeks pink while Angelina and Alicia roared with laughter.

"I'm fairly sure it still counts," Alicia said, wiping tears of merriment away. "I'm surprised you weren't mixed up with that."

"Only because I wasn't close enough," Angelina growled. "I was with some of the others on the other side. We watched it go down and were pushing our way to it but the local law enforcement broke it up fast. They must've been close due to the game and all the rowdy fans."

"Did you really smash a bottle in that person's face?" Daphne asked eagerly.

"It was the closest thing at hand, being literally in my hand at the time." Katie shrugged. "He took a swing at Shelia which was already bad, but then he hit Harry who was trying to defuse the situation. So I reacted."

"A perfectly normal reaction," Alicia said prosaically.

"I guess I didn't have to straddle him and keep hitting him in the face," Katie added sheepishly.

"It's still normal to drive a point across and hammer it home," Alicia said, inspecting her nails.

"The bastard was a big one too," Angelina said admiringly. "Went down like a log."

"It's still nothing compared to Shelia and Lizzie," Katie grinned. "Now those two can scrap and they're mean about it. They don't play around."

"I need to go out with you lot more," Alicia said.

"Never would have imagined Elizabeth being like that," Daphne smiled. "I remember her fondly from school and she seemed so reserved, save for when Quidditch was involved." Her smile grew. "Like some people we know."

"Don't have to go looking for that," Angelina nodded. She looked out of the ice cream store as another chant was started by the fans in the street. "That's a new one," she said as she heard it. "They're chanting 'strike twice'. Wonder what that's about?"

Florence Fortescue, Florean's daughter, smiled. "It's a reference to hoping the team wins again back-to-back and how rare it would be, like lightning striking the same place twice. And because of, well, you know," she added weakly, looking at Katie.

"Ah, gotcha." Katie smiled at Florence, making her feel better. "It's clever but yeah, kinda loaded."

"I don't think Rabbit would be too bothered about that right now," Angelina said softly.

"I don't think so either," Katie said honestly. "But we'll be there for him if it does."

"We can always find the person who came up with it and give you a bottle," Alicia smiled slyly.

"I don't want to hit everyone in the face with a bottle," Katie protested.

"Thank goodness," Daphne said and the four women laughed heartily together.

-0-

"Okay, I have some thoughts," Tina said.

"Oh? Something wrong?" Miranda asked, slightly worried.

The team were practicing at Trafalgar's Pitch to keep warmed up before they traveled to Greece. They would be going in a few days and then take some time there to get used to the air and environment, but they still met to do some light skirmishing and agility training to keep in the zone before the big game. While the support staff did not have to be there, they came anyway for comradery and to share the energy together.

"So I did some reading, and something doesn't make sense to me," she said. "The SnowBolt can max out at 150 miles per hour but the average cruising speed and skirmish speed is about a third of that right?"

"Usually," Tanya nodded. "Of course it's a lot of stops and starts and you change your speed up a lot while playing, but if you want to do a sustained speed without losing too much agility and the like, roughly a third or so of max speed, depending on the player of course."

"Okay. The average speed of a flying snowy owl is about 30 miles per hour with rare instances of 50 miles per hour depending on the size of the owl and what they're doing," Tina said.

"Huh, I didn't know that," Sita said.

"She's been outflying and dodging and chasing and nearly keeping up the whole time," Tina concluded, looking up in the air. "And she's not showing obvious strain and if anything, I think she's making fun of the players as they're training."

"She absolutely is," the others said in tandem.

"Hedwig is a snowy, but a magical one," Katie smiled. "Or is more magical now. Anyways, we've really stopped questioning how she does things most of the time."

"I always thought Cho was exaggerating but I don't think that anymore," Tina said. They watched as a shrieking Ginny chased a cackling Hedwig around the pitch. "Did Hedwig pluck out some hair?"

"That's tradition at this point," Angelina said, still breathing hard. She had just landed and slumped onto the ground; her breathing slowly coming back under control. "She has a thing for ruining hair. She half destroyed one of my braids one year, nearly chewed it in half."

"To be fair, you were questioning her abilities and intelligence," Katie giggled. "Hedwig, having started as a post owl, is really good at carrying things and that includes grudges." The watchers laughed as Harry caught Hedwig at one point and zoomed around the pitch with her latched onto the front part of the broom, chasing the other players and helping her harangue them in relative comfort.

"I should find an owl like her," Miranda mused. "For co-coach duties." She dodged several things thrown at her. "It was a joke!"

-0-

Olympia felt like a place that was steeped in time and history.

Located on the edge of the Peloponnese peninsula, it was a beautiful place. Plenty of ruins were still around, monuments to the ancient Greeks. The land was rolling and smooth in parts while rocky in others, and close to the sea. The sky felt more expansive there, a broad swath of cerulean sky that went from horizon to horizon with a hint of the sea and the zephyr all about.

There was a large Magical community that lived there and the Greek Ministry had spent considerable time and effort building the stadium that would house the final game of this year's Quidditch World Cup. Drawing inspiration from the local stone and history, it was a round structure composed of grand columns and carefully carved blocks and stone. Statues of the ancient Greek Pantheon ringed the top of the round structure and large braziers stood at the ready. At the center of the pitch, a large mountain had been conjured and transfigured, a magical and slightly miniature example of Mount Olympus. Heavy clouds ringed the very top and flashes of magical lightning could be seen.

There was a very large market outside the stadium once more, full of vendors from around the world as well as local ones. Large pieces of land were set aside for visitors and their tents but there were also villas and homes and hotels in the nearby towns for people to stay at.

While the game still had a few days to start, the excitement was already thick in the air and people were streaming in, eager for the game to come.

-0-

"This is gorgeous," Alicia gasped.

They had arrived at the local Portkey anchor site with little trouble. They had to take several with how many people there were and it was a short walk to the villa that Sirius had rented for the duration of their stay. It was an older place but lovingly kept and well maintained. It was three buildings surrounding a small courtyard with several rooms in each building.

"Right?" Sirius beamed happily. He had arrived before the rest did to do some work and to get things ready. "You can see the stadium right there," he pointed and they could see it easily. "And the super cool thing is this." He showed them a large shallow pool built into the middle of the courtyard. "It's a viewing pool and it's connected to the stadium! So anyone here will be able to watch the game! Miniaturized of course but better than just hearing it."

"Amazing!" Fred and George exclaimed together.

"Are you sure we can't help pay for this in some way?" Jean asked.

"Did you bring those snack cakes I like?" he asked and they laughed. "Honestly it wasn't that bad and I've got gold to spare. I'm just happy we were all able to come and share this moment together."

"Go thank Granddog Sirius properly," Andromeda smiled and soon Sirius was running from all the children chasing him. He shifted into his dog form and was running around them, barking loudly as they laughed.

Amelia smiled fondly as she rubbed her abdomen gently. "Even with twice the amount of legs, he still can't outrun them."

"He is really outnumbered," Sebastian chuckled as Sirius was buried under a pile of all the children.

Luna bounced Lucas in her arms, the baby boy snuggled contentedly in her arms and looked about calmly. "Would you also like to dogpile Granddog?" she asked. She smiled when Lucas blinked and snuggled closer to her. "Maybe later then," she smiled, rubbing his back.

-0-

"Wow, this place looks great!" Harry said. He and the others came to the villa after getting things situated at the stadium and their locker room.

"I was a bit worried that there wasn't quite enough room for everyone, but it's all worked out thankfully," Sirius said. "How's the team feeling?"

"We're ready," Harry said confidently. "Team Germany is going to be really tough to beat but we'll make a good game out of it. They're the only other team that went undefeated from placement to the end."

"Just like Japan last year," Tonks said. "And you got them good!"

"I was hoping to play against them again but they got eliminated before we could," Harry said. "Oh here," he gave Sirius a small medallion. "This is a special pass to get you through a side door. Will let you guys get in easier without having to fight the crowd."

"Excellent." Sirius tucked it carefully into his pocket. "There's a bunch of us going to the box so this will make it better."

"Thanks again," Harry said. "It's so cool to have so many people here this time."

"It's genuinely my pleasure," Sirius said warmly.

-0-

As darkness fell, the fires in the braziers surrounding the stadium came to life. Horns blared across the countryside and people streamed towards the stadium. As they got closer, the carvings came to life and people marveled at scenes from mythology moving about on the stone. Statues of the Gods and Goddesses and the Heroes came to life, speaking and interacting with people as they passed. The seats filled and chanting and cheering and laughter filled the air as the excitement grew and grew.

Sirius stepped into the private box and looked around with satisfaction. "Now this is a nice box." It was located at the center of the pitch, facing the magical Mount Olympus, and had a clear view of the entire stadium. He, Amelia, Remus, the Tonkses, the Bells, the Delacours, McGonagall, Alicia, George, Fred, Hermione, Mirabelle, and Ron were there along with the majority of the children. The others who came with them were comfortably situated at the villa with the two village babies.

Fleur smiled as the children were standing at the front of the box, pointing and chatting as they looked at everything with wide eyes. "Good thing there are so many of us here to watch them," she joked.

"Seriously," George said seriously. "We need them. For mine at least."

"This is so cool," Fred said, looking around. "What they did in Ireland was grand and I loved seeing the pictures of Japan, but being here for it is so damn cool."

"I'm glad Hannah and I could take the day off to come," Ron said. "This is incredible."

"She didn't feel like coming to the box?" Hermione asked.

"She wanted to play with Lucas," Ron grinned. "Don't blame her though."

The sound of horns cut through the air once more, playing a stately and inspiring song over and again. The crowd lapsed into silence as the fires crackled and burned all the brighter. Suddenly, a figure appeared on the ground level of the pitch and they started running around the circumference, carrying something that burst into brilliant light. It was a torch and the head burned, leaving a trail of colored smoke. The torch was passed to various people that waited and it did a full circuit before the last bearer came to a large altar. With a flourish, they put the end of the torch into a large metallic bowl and an even large fire roared into life. The crowd roared too as the altar rose into the air, travelling up the magical mountain before reaching the zenith, creating a new beacon on top amid the clouds.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome one and all!" Kenneth's voice rang out over the crowd and people cheered. "Here we are in beautiful and historic Olympia! The home of the Olympics! I am Kenneth Gapboat and it is my honor to continue to be an announcer for the Quidditch World Cup! I am joined by Carl Bauer and Demetrius Ariti, the voices for Quidditch Germany and Greece! I hope everyone is ready for an amazing game once more!"

He and his fellow announcers joined in the cheering. "We have two powerhouse teams going at it in the last game of the World Cup! Both teams went undefeated and here they are to battle it out for the Cup and for the title! There's a lot at stake for both teams. Team Germany has had many wins in the past and they are aiming to add another one to their impressive tally and history. While Team England is hoping to do what only four other teams in the entire history of the World Cup have done: become back-to-back champions! Sadly, only one team will obtain their goal tonight but both teams deserve the chance to make history!

"Before we get to the game however, let us see what the nations brought to show a little culture and fun," Kenneth said happily. "First, we will see the Greek magical creature!"

"Oh my goodness," Andromeda exclaimed as a tunnel grew from the earth and a long large form came prowling onto the pitch.

"That's a hydra!" Hermione gasped.

The large reptilian form reared back several heads and they all roared in succession, not in tandem. The heads whipped out on long muscular necks and there were several guards and handlers on the ground, watching the hydra carefully. People in the crowd gasped and screamed and cheered at the mythical and magical creature as it roamed around the pitch, prowling and stalking.

"Not to ruin the atmosphere, but I heard it is rather docile," Sebastian said. "It does like to put on a show however. I learned about him during a trip here a few years ago."

"It's still really impressive," Samantha gasped.

"I wonder what it's like to have multiple heads like that," Ted mused. "I imagine it might get confusing."

"What is it like?" Alicia asked the Weasley twins, making everyone there snort and laugh.

"You're not funny," they retorted together.

"False, I am hilarious," Alicia sniffed.

"Hysterical more like," they replied and made identical faces at her in retaliation.

After an impressive bout of athleticism, demonstrated by running about a transfigured pitch, the hydra was led away and the pitch changed back to its former glory. After some silence, the sound of beating wings filled the air and people exclaimed as hippogriffs came soaring down into the pitch. People cheered as a few flew in formation, wheeling in the air and putting on an impressive display while others stalked regally on the ground before flying about again, chasing after each other playfully.

"Are they from the flock at school?" Hermione asked, clapping her hands.

"I do not know if I am being honest," McGonagall said, also clapping her hands. "I do not think I would recognize them from sight alone."

"I still think I'd love a really big Hedwig," Dahlia said as she managed to catch a fluttering feather that fell as the hippogriffs went flying overhead.

"That is an actually terrifying thought," Ron shuddered.

As the hippogriffs flew away to warm applause, the fires grew even brighter and the clouds around the top of the magical mountain thickened and darkened. Magical thunder and lightning flashes filled the clear sky and the crowd lapsed into silence, waiting with differing degrees of patience.

"Good luck everyone," Tonks said soulfully.

-0-

Oliver looked at his team with immense pride. They were nervous, it was impossible to not be a little nervous, but it was the good kind. It was the kind born from eagerness, from wanting to let loose and go all out. No one seemed down or withdrawn. People laughed and chatted, rechecking gear and ties. They stood in the tunnel leading to the pitch, bundles of energy just barely kept at bay.

"Look at you all," he said and they all quieted down to look back at him. "You all look damn good."

"You look alright," Angelina replied blandly and everyone laughed.

"I feel alright," Oliver said. He grinned, the wide easy-going hungry grin he usually wore when it came to Quidditch. "Check that, I feel better than. I feel great. Why? Because I get to play the game I love with the people I care about and we're going to go play the best game we can play!"

They cheered, momentarily drowning out the noise from above from the multitudes in the stadium.

"We're going to go out there and be the best that we can be! We're going to go out there and be Champions!" He thrust his fist into the air. "And just like last year, we already won! We already made it to the final game which most teams never do after winning the previous Cup! We already did the improbable! Now let's go out there and do what we set out here to do! Which is what?"

"Win!" the team shouted.

"Why?!"

"Because we're the best!"

"What are we?!"

"Champions!"

"WHAT ARE WE?!"

"CHAMPIONS!"

"England and the Cup!" Katie yelled.

"Back-to-back!" Angelina howled.

"Strike twice!" Harry roared. He flushed a little at the surprised looks from his teammates and friends. "I thought it was kinda cool," he confessed with a sheepish smile.

Oliver's laughter was loud and infectious and soon the tunnel was filled with everyone joined in merriment. "Sir Harry's right! Let's go team and get our Cup, get the title again, and show them that we hit it twice in a row!"

The gates to the tunnel opened and the starting players mounted their brooms and flew out into the open. Katie kissed Harry on the lips as he got onto his SnowBolt. "I love you so much," she breathed against his lips.

"Love you more," he said and kissed her back before flying off.

"No you don't!" she shouted and cheered after him.

-0-

"Introducing the German Quidditch Team!" Kenneth announced to riotous applause. Seven players came flying out in formation, waving to the crowd. They wore tri-colored robes of black shoulders, red middles, and yellow below, zooming about the pitch. They weaved about each other and put on a display of focused flying. "Your Chasers: Claus Klein, Ella Becker, and Anselm Schmidt! Your Beaters: Max Meyer and Conrad Schafer! Your Keeper: Mia Wagner! Your Seeker: Bastian Vogel!"

After the seven finished their laps, stopping at their goals, seven figures in scarlet came flying out of the opposite tunnel with the English flag emblazoned on their backs. They too flew in formation, waving and smiling to everyone there. One particular box cheered the loudest for their team as they flew about and they received more than a few return waves and blown kisses.

"Introducing the English Quidditch Team!" Kenneth shouted happily. "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!"

"GO TEAM ENGLAND!" the children shouted, waving small flags and pompoms. "GO DADDY/PAPA HARRY! GO ANGIMUM/MUMMY! GO UNCLE OLIVER/DADDY! ENGLAND AND THE CUP!"

The teams met in the middle to exchange handshakes and words, floating there among flashes of light from wands and cameras and omnioculars.

"Say, you wouldn't happen to be related to a Lukas or an Anna, are you?" Harry asked, shouting over the noise from the crowd.

"Anna is my sister!" Bastian shouted back. "And Uncle Lukas of course. I was hoping to meet you." He grinned. "Uncle said you were in the wrong career."

Harry laughed. "I don't think so but guess you will find out soon, right?"

"I look forward to it," Bastian smiled.

"The players are taking start positions," Kenneth said as the players did that. "Here comes the referee team! That's the official Quidditch case and there goes the Bludgers! I think that's the Snitch and the head is throwing the Quaffle up! That's the whistle! THE WORLD CUP FINALE STARTS NOW!"

The Chasers swarmed the Quaffle, jostling for position and possession while the Seekers scattered and the Beaters flew out and around, waiting for good shots and the Bludgers to approach. The large red ball was passed back and forth as the players tried to get ahold of it before it was finally punched out of the scrum.

"And Germany gets possession first!" Kenneth shouted excitedly. "Klein has it and the German Chasers are forming the Iron Drake Formation, two players forward and one back and low, named after a dragon from their home. The two forward Chasers keep meeting in the middle, like the jaws of a dragon, to pass and protect the third! Pass to Schmidt, then to Becker, back to Klein. Good dodge by Klein, ducks under Weasley's interception attempt. Quick pass to Becker to avoid the Bludger hit by Alberts. The whole formation dives down and is rising to attack speed. Becker shoots-no a pass to Schmidt who shoots-wait another fake-out pass to Klein who shoots and SAVED BY WOOD!"

Oliver had barely managed to block the Quaffle, grabbing it with the tips of his fingers and then hooking it around to hold securely. He waited for the German Chasers to leave the scoring zone before throwing it overhand to Angelina who caught it and went off at a sharp climb. Ginny flew in front of her to break the trail and Silas circled her, ruining interception paths.

"Johnson has possession," Kenneth continued. "She's going fast and the team is showing that steady acceleration the SnowBolt has. Weasley in front, running interference and drives off Schmidt. Johnson is getting swarmed and tries to pass and is intercepted by Klein after a hit from Meyer knocks the Quaffle out of the air! Good shot by the German Beater. Klein is doubling back and making an attack run on the English goals! Shoots and blocks by Wood and Klein recovers it and shoots again! Blocked again and-Klein manages to grab it again somehow and he shoots and-A THIRD BLOCK!"

The crowd cheered at the speed of Klein's shots and recoveries and how Oliver managed to slew all around and block every shot attempt, knocking them away. As Klein centered himself to grab the Quaffle once more, he gasped when Harry came rocketing in, spinning around. He hit the Quaffle with the tail of his broom, knocking it clear and Klein was hit by a Bludger struck by Tanya, distracted by Harry's intercept play. He rolled and flew down and away, clutching his midriff. The Quaffle fell to earth and Ginny caught it and took off with it. Oliver threw Harry a relieved smile and a thumb's up and Harry returned the gesture before flying away.

"Potter intercepts the Quaffle with a tail hit, knocking it clear!" Kenneth shouted. "White hits Klein with a Bludger and now Weasley has the Quaffle and is away! What a play!"

-0-

"This viewing pool is amazing," David said, looking down at the pool. The water was crystal clear and they could see the tiny forms of the players zooming about from a top-down view. The view would shift to get close to the action sometimes, but it was more of a macro view of the game.

"It really is," Hannah said. "We might need to try and get one for the Cauldron."

"It is relatively new," Aimee said. "But it is becoming more popular at the Academie and various stadiums in France."

The people at the villa could hear the cheering and sounds from the close-by stadium, as well as hear the sounds coming from the viewing pool. They were perfectly comfortable sitting around the courtyard, watching the miniature game in ease and enjoying the comfort and how it was much quieter despite the stadium being so close.

Tracy bounced a gurgling Kayden. "It'll be cool if it gets even bigger in Britain. It's a lot like the mirrors. Probably expensive to build and enchant though." She smiled as Kayden reached up for her and she lowered her face down to her baby happily.

"Are you getting tired of holding Lucky?" Jean asked.

Luna smiled. "Never, but I believe you would like to hold him."

"Guilty," Jean laughed and eagerly took Lucas, hugging him gently and smiling as he pulled on her hair gently and playfully.

"This is going to be a very tense game," Daphne said. "Germany is very fast but also very tough. Many of their games went on for longer durations and they ended up outlasting their opponents."

"I love that you're so into Quidditch now," Tracy laughed.

Daphne looked a little sheepish. "A consequence of our friends."

"I never would have thought to see it," Tracy smiled.

"Neither did I," Daphne laughed too, taking Kayden eagerly. "It is far better what some obsess over."

"And you're not nearly as bad as many football fans I know and have seen," David smiled. "Now some of those get really rowdy."

"Some Quidditch fans are like that as well," Colette said. "In France especially."

"We get plenty in the Cauldron on days too if they can't go to their team's stadium," Hannah nodded.

"Rabid fandom is universal," Jean laughed. "It's kind of comforting to see that honestly."

-0-

"England scores!" Kenneth announced to loud cheering. "A pass from Johnson to Selwyn and he sunk it in with a distraction run by Crowley! That puts England to 50 and tying the score with Germany! These two teams are almost evenly matched with so many blocks and scores on either side! What a game ladies and gentlemen!"

The game had gone on for some time now and both teams subbed in and replaced active players with regularity, keeping people somewhat fresh. The scoring was neck-and-neck, no team gaining the advantage for long. Thankfully, no fouls have been made or called on either side, but there had been more than a few accidental collisions and near-misses.

Shelia had blocked Vogel from an early catch attempt, fighting with him to try and grab it and instead ruining the catch for both of them by swerving off and taking him with her. She also interfered with the reserve German Seeker when he came out. Elizabeth showed that she followed Harry's style closely, able to help the team on plays like he did.

The two Chaser teams dueled with each other in the air, constantly jockeying for position and intercepting passes. The Beaters constantly hit the Bludgers at any target that came up. Atton was knocked out at one point, hit with a direct shot and Tanya proved her worth by protecting Oliver on her own until Melissa came up to join the fray.

"And Franks has possession, flying low over the broom and going fast," Kenneth said. "Good dodge there, ducking under the Bludger hit by Schafer and she coming up for an attack run on the goal and shoots-blocked by Wagner! But Weasley catches the rebound and sinks it in for another goal! England 60! Come on England fans! Let's cheer for our team!"

The children cheered heartily as Lisa went by, jumping up and down.

"Sometimes I get tired from watching them and sometimes they give me energy," Andromeda smiled lovingly at them.

"They've been going all this time," Thomas chuckled. He held a small mirror to his ear and spoke into it before putting it away. "Lyla says the others are doing just fine and they don't feel like coming up to the box."

"That's good, is she coming back?" Samantha asked.

"She might, she says she got trapped by Lucky though so she's not sure," Thomas grinned.

"He is good at that," Fleur smiled.

"We should try that the next time we play," Fred said, pointing out Meyer hitting the Bludger a certain way, sending it careening at an odd angle that was very effective. "Looks like he hit it with a spin and made it do that."

"Looks tricky but yeah, I'm game," George nodded.

"You really get to see some interesting stuff," Mirabelle said, focusing on the game. "Really makes you want to try it out." They all applauded politely when Germany scored.

"Looks like the sprogs got the same idea," Fred smiled, watching Dahlia and Hailey and Hadley point at the England Chaser team and put their heads together.

"They're already very good on the pitch," Alicia smiled proudly. "They're going to own the pitch when they go to Hogwarts."

"I cannot wait," McGonagall sighed softly.

-0-

Miranda blew her whistle and the board beside her glowed, showing a number. She waved as Shelia landed, noticing the other woman wince. "You okay?"

"I think so, bad hit," Shelia said and sighed with relief when the healing team clustered around her. "Luckily it was a glancing hit but still hurts like hell."

"Minor fracture," Katie said.

"Harry, go," Miranda ordered.

"Gone," Harry replied and mounted his broom and flew off. He rolled to dodge an errant Bludger and buzzed Becker who shied away and missed catching the Quaffle, allowing Ginny to catch it instead. He followed her from below, blocking an attempt from Klein and leading her to the goalposts. He whooped when she scored and then peeled off to look for the Snitch.

He noticed the reserve German Seeker going to ground on their side and he sped up, taking advantage of the player switch. As he turned, he noticed a Bludger coming right at him, struck hard by Meyer. He pulled up to climb but the Bludger changed course and hit the front of his broom with a solid thump. The force of the impact nearly unseated him and he wavered high in the air, struggling to maintain control of both himself and the broom. The shock went down the length of the broom and he instantly knew something was wrong as the broom continued to shake and shudder.

"Oh no!" Kenneth shouted. "It looks like Potter's broom took a direct hit and he's having some trouble controlling it! He's flying erratically and he's high in the air!"

-0-

"Oh no!" Jean cried. "Can they stop the game?"

"Not for this," Aimee said fretfully. Their eyes were glued to the pool and even from far away and miniaturized, they could see Harry not flying smoothly. "It is a part of the game."

"And he is too far away to let the reserve take over," Colette gasped.

"They took some hits so I don't think they're at their best either," Lyla said.

"Oh do be careful," Luna moaned.

-0-

"Fuck, what do we do?" Finn gasped as they all looked up in horror.

"Patch me up as fast as you can," Shelia said, wincing.

"You're barely fit to fly and he's still too far for a swap," Miranda growled.

"Maybe we can swap one of our brooms for him," Elizabeth said, trying to stand on her injured leg.

"It won't be attuned to him though," Atton said.

"WAIT!" Katie shouted, making them jump. "Call him down Coach, I'll be right back!" She ran for the tunnel as fast as she could, shucking off her healer's robes for lightness and speed.

Miranda blew her whistle and gestured wildly while flashing Harry's number on the board. Harry heard the whistle and saw her and tried to angle his broom down, coaxing it to follow. It continued to shake and tremble at his touch and it was hard going. He gritted his teeth. "Come on," he said to the broom. "Let's get to ground and get you looked at, it'll be okay."

Katie came running out of the tunnel, her hair billowing behind her and she waved the Firebolt in both hands. She tapped her throat with her wand. "HARRY!" she screamed, her voice cutting through the roar of the crowd.

Harry saw her and the broom and he felt his heart lift. "Let's go, take me down and you can heal and I'll do the rest!" As if hearing him, the broom stopped trembling and he dove down swiftly. It was almost an uncontrolled dive, going faster than he would normally on an injured broom, but he felt in control in that moment, the broom thrumming in his hand. He pulled up a little and flew laterally to the team on the ground, confusing them.

But not confusing Katie.

She saw him pull up and level out while flying at a slight angle from her and understood. She hefted the broom over one shoulder, cocked her arm back, and threw it as hard as she could with a shout of effort.

Harry rose to his feet and jumped off the Snowbolt, sticking his right arm straight and hand flat, focusing on his beloved Firebolt. Just like before, the broom zoomed up to him, straightening out beneath him and he landed upon it, both feet firmly planted in surfing position. He zoomed off without hesitation, throwing a kiss behind him and smiling as he saw Katie summoning the injured Snowbolt to her.

Katie caught the broom and yelled at the top of her lungs. "Go Harry! Go love, go!"

"If I had not seen it before, I would not believe it!" Kenneth shouted. "Last Cup, Potter was able to wandlessly summon his broom back to him and he did it again with assistance from what looks like Healer Potter who did a mid-air broom swap! In all my years of announcing Quidditch, of watching so many games, I have NEVER seen that before! Potter is back in the game and climbing and-I think Vogel is starting a run!"

Harry saw Bastian far ahead starting to dive and he leaned forward, willing his broom on. He sped up and he swayed to the left with his body, surfing around a Bludger hurtling at him. He pushed with his feet and swayed right, extending his body and twisting, gliding right around Becker who tried to block his path. He barely noticed motion behind him and the crowd screamed as he went into a steep dive, dodging another check attempt and his left leg was fully extended and his right leg bent for stability as the Firebolt was aimed at the ground. His legs shifted positions, front bending and rear extending, and the broom pointed up and he climbed back up into the air, dodging another Bludger that slammed into the ground, barely missing him.

Bastian turned and his jaw fell open, seeing Harry catching up while surfing the broom, seeing it in person and coming right for him. He turned and urged his broom on, lowering his profile. He spun and barrel-rolled to avoid a shot by Tanya, the Bludger hurtling past him. He homed in on the tiny golden Snitch, closing the gap.

Harry gritted his teeth against the wind and his eyes were focused on the Snitch. He saw Schmidt come flying right at him, desperate to block. Harry saw something else and chose to ignore Schmidt and hurtled on, aiming for a specific point on his flight path.

Schmidt rose from racing position, sitting up and straightening to provide as large of a profile to block as possible. He screamed as he was slammed into from the side by Angelina screeching a war cry. She rammed her body into his broom, throwing them both around and out of Harry's flight path. They tumbled about, regaining control while Harry flew past, unimpeded.

Harry straightened and leaned dangerously out to one side, stretching his right arm out. Bastian reached out with both hands and the two collided, making everyone scream out loud in fear and horror before going silent. The two men scrabbled for the tiny golden ball and after a few heart-stopping seconds where they spun around and around, they broke apart. Bastian continued on his course while Harry spun like a top, spreading his legs wide and throwing his arms out to stop his motion.

"Who got it?!" Shelia asked wildly, looking up in the sky. "Did it disappear?!"

"DADDY IS STILL THE BEST SEEKER IN THE WORLD!" Dahlia and Iris jumped up and down, screaming at the top of their lungs. "DADDY IS THE BEST!"

"POTTER HAS THE SNITCH! POTTER CAUGHT THE SNITCH!" Kenneth shouted and the crowd exploded into cheers. "ENGLAND HAS DONE IT! THEY WON BACK-TO-BACK! TEAM ENGLAND ARE THE WORLD CHAMPIONS ONCE MORE!"

As Harry came to a steady stop, he punched his right fist into the air, hand clenched around the Golden Snitch, its wings beating against his fingers. Harry threw his head back and roared, eyes closed and mouth wide, showing the world his victory. He had come to a stop at the center of the pitch, opposite to the magical mountain and he filled his lungs and roared again. The clouds around the magical Mount Olympus rolled and thunder clapped and lightning flashed as the altar's fire rose to new heights and the sky was filled with fireworks and explosions and light.

The group in the box were on their feet, cheering and screaming for their friends and beloved family. Tonks jumped on her mother and father while Fleur and her parents danced around. Hermione and the Bells and Alicia and Mirabelle jumped and screamed while Sirius and Amelia swung each other around. Remus and McGonagall waved flags and the Weasley brothers stomped their feet and shouted. The bunnies began Hedwig's happy dance with the other children joining in whole-heartedly.

-0-

"A mid-air swap?!" Aimee cried, eyes glued to the pool.

"Go Harry Go!" Luna shouted at the water.

Everyone watched and gasped as Angelina bulled the way clear and gasped even louder when Bastian and Harry crashed into each other, hands reaching and grasping. Then they held their breaths when Harry spun away. They cheered wildly when Harry showed that he had the Snitch and the skies above them burst into lightning and thunder and fireworks and they screamed and laughed, louder than the magical storm above them.

"Your Father is still the best Seeker in the world!" Jean laughed as baby Lucas laughed loudly too.

"That's our Harry!" Tracy screeched, dancing with Kayden and Daphne.

-0-

Harry jumped off his broom and into the arms of Katie when he finally came to earth. The team had mobbed him and together they took their victory lap as the fans in the stadium screamed themselves hoarse. They finally landed and joined the rest of the team in celebrating victory.

"You're the best," Harry said soulfully.

Katie blinked slowly, still recovering from the searing kiss that Harry planted on her lips before any words were said out loud. She grinned goofily and kissed him again and again. "I know I am," she laughed, headbutting him and pressing her forehead against his. "And you are too!"

The German team walked over, sad about the loss but were nothing but congratulatory. They embraced their counterparts, laughing and exchanging kind words. Bastian gripped Harry's hand and shook it hard, looking at him with sincere admiration. "You are an incredible flyer," Bastian said. "And a mad man!"

"I've been told that before," Harry laughed. "Thanks for the amazing game!"

"Thank you!" Bastian grinned. "I will tell Uncle Lukas to shut up. You belong in the air and I will always take the opportunity to fly with and against you. Congratulations, you earned this win."

The Greek Ministry officials, joined by officials from Wizarding Britain and Germany, came with the gigantic gleaming World Cup. They handed it to Oliver who kissed it enthusiastically before Miranda doing the same. He then gave it to Harry and hoisted Harry onto his shoulders. Harry raised the Cup to the sky and the sky answered, showing them with light and laurel leaves as thunder and lightning continued to race across the sky.

-0-

Harry went down under the pile of screaming children as well as some screaming slightly older than children. He was buried under a tidal wave of affection and the only visible part of him was his limbs flailing at the very bottom of the pile.

"Never get tired of that," Katie smiled. "Hi baby," she cooed as Lucas gurgled happily when she took him. "You were a good boy, weren't you?"

"Of course he was," Jean smiled, hugging her. "What did you do?!"

"I remembered he brought the Firebolt and when Lizzie said someone can give him their broom, it reminded me," Katie smiled. "So I ran and got it and brought it back. He was able to come low enough and I guess he rubbed off on me since I kinda gathered what he wanted instead of landing."

"Will the broom be okay?" Luna asked.

"We think so," Katie sighed gratefully. "One of the broom tech's thinks the Bludger knocked things out of alignment and it should be fixed up with no problem."

"Awesome check," George praised, kissing Angelina warmly.

"One of my best," Angelina preened, kissing him back.

"Simply one of the best games I have ever seen," McGonagall said, her smile from ear to ear.

Sirius and Remus poured out glasses of alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks, handing them all out. "To the best team in the world, again!" Remus toasted.

"And the little ones are trying to drown him after smothering him with affection," Alicia said happily. They all smiled and laughed as the children were pouring their drinks on Harry, aiming for his mouth and mostly getting there.

"He deserves every bit of it," Hermione smiled.

"No where else I'd rather be," Harry sputtered, beaming.

-0-0-0-

KyuubiChild717 - Thank you, my Easter was nice and hope you had a pleasant one as well. Glad you are enjoying the fic.

odonnellzoo99 - They are such fun to write for and quite the surprise. We all know how feisty Katie can be for Harry and it just felt right for her to bottle someone in the face.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Poor Krum. I hope you had a nice birthday and that today's chapter is a belated gift.

alix33 - Katie and the Team were on their A game.

61394 - I didn't even catch that, that's funny. Wanted to mix up the teams some.

1529 - Hope you like today's chapter like last time's.

TheSphynx - Dance was my first completely completed fic and my first foray into HP fanfic that was more than a blurb. I was rather proud of it.

poka - Poor Krum. He had to deal with a lot, didn't he. Katie had to hit back first, but she was only doing it defensively by being extremely offensive.

Ghostwriter - Thank you.

Betty boop in Tx - Yeah, that was a typo and it got fixed. I've gotten better at editing but still let things through sometimes. Thanks for reading.