Sirius hadn't been allowed to follow the quidditch teams except covertly as his mother hated the sport the first time around. So he'd taken to squirreling away the Daily Prophets sports section, and occasionally sneaking up to the roof to listen to the wizarding wireless and the commentary of various quidditch matches of importance. His Uncle Alphard had given him the quidditch posters and as it would be poor manners to throw the gifts away, Walburga hadn't had a way to argue against the boy's decor.
As a kid, he remembered that Puddlemore United was his favorite pro team. But by far his favorite quidditch player wasn't even born yet. James came in a close second, but Harry... Harry took his breath away. His daring on a broom was heart-stopping. He'd never... NEVER seen anyone fly like him. He hoped that the things he changed would give Harry the chance to live a full life that included professional quidditch! He grinned at the hope. James too would love the chance. The war had stolen that, but maybe this time... This time maybe he could stop the prophecy from happening...or stop it from being overheard. The terrain he occupied was a big question mark.
But today he was following Lilly's advice and living a little bit more. Having more fun. But he derived an incredible amount of joy in his brother's as well as his younger self's excitement at the coming adventure. The two of them were learning slowly how to cohabitate. It was incredibly tiring, but the deal was that he, the Time Travelling Interloper, would give him, Rightful Owner of said Premises, as much freedom to participate in HIS life as possible. Sirius couldn't disagree with himself so only completely took over when he needed to. It was awkward and even uncomfortable, but somehow they had made it work.
Regulus talked non-stop through breakfast and was barely able to sit long enough to eat his food. Sirius was nearly as bad, more thrilled with the idea of creating a new memory with his two best friends and his brother. This was something he hadn't lived through before. New was risky, but it still felt incredibly good.
They floo'ed to Grimmauld place and walked the short distance to Remus's Luminaries. Remus was waiting for them when they arrived. Arcturus and Mr. Lupin greeted each other respectfully to which Sirius was grateful. Any hint of Arcturus's blood prejudice now could ruin everything. Fortunately, Arcturus was polite and welcoming to the young werewolf, even offering Remus his hand who shyly accepted. "You've made quite a positive impression on my grandsons Mr. Lupin. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Sirius could hear the sincerity in his grandfather's statement, even if Remus couldn't.
Sirius felt guilty all of a sudden. For his whole life, he had painted his grandparents with the same brush as his mother. Seeing Arcturus now, he knew he had been horribly misguided and wrong. He felt like an idiot.
"Now shall we be off? We will floo to the International Portkey Station and from there we will be off to the match." His grandfather's words caused a spike of anticipation and excitement. 'Will you just stop worrying? You're driving me round the twist. Sit back and enjoy the ride.' His young self admonished.
Sirius had decided that this was one experience he would not let his younger self miss, so took more of a backseat approach. If he needed to intervene he would, but he wanted to give his younger self the chance to live a little too, so it was really loud in his head but judging by his counterpart's jubilation he was sure he was making the right choice.
Regulus practically ran back to Grimmauld Place. Anxious to be off and almost sure that something was going to happen to stop them from being able to go. Remus and Sirius lagged behind talking about the match and which team they were rooting for. Sirius didn't really care which team won, (although he happened to know who won as it was in his memories of his time on the Express when James talked about the match in glowing detail.) He was currently being harangued by young Serious to tell him who would win so he could put a wager down and get filthy rich. When told he already was rich, it didn't seem to make a difference to his younger self. Nothing wrong with being richer! He did notice his grandfather listening to their conversation when Remus asked who he thought would win and Sirius just smiled and said, "Well Greece will probably put up a good fight, but I bet France wins."
The process they had to go through to get a portkey to the match was a bit tedious, but eventually, they arrived at their destination. The match was in northern France in a hidden valley surrounded by vineyards and in the shadow of a castle ruin.
They arrived in the queue to check-in. The line was fairly long and it took a good hour before their turn. "Ah oiu Monsieur Black zour elf alzready set up zour tent." The French wizard gave Arcturus directions to their campsite and they all trooped up the hill. They soon crested the hill and looked down at the vast sea of tents and could see the quidditch stadium looming large in the distance where its golden hoops stood in silhouette against the afternoon sky.
Regulus's eyes were huge as he tried to look everywhere at once, and Sirius had to help steer his rubbernecking brother through perilous crowds and around obvious obstacles although even Sirius had a hard time not starting. Every kind of magical tent and wizards from all over the world had come to watch this annual event. Wizards from America rubbed shoulders with wizards from Africa, with their own cultures, styles of dress, and magic. He glanced over at Remus who was also drinking it all in like a sponge.
The walk finally ended at their campsite. The Black family tent was of course black with the black crest on the door flap reminiscent of a commander's tent on the battlefield. A large outdoor firepit had already been erected and a fire lit. A tea kettle whistled softly over the hot coals. The three boys entered the tent and Remus looked around in amazement. The tent was massive. Sirius whistled. "Now this is camping!" He chuckled as he looked at Remus who was looking distinctly uncomfortable as he came to the conclusion that Sirius was rich. Sirius needed to fix it quickly before Remus freaked out. He grinned at his friend and said, "Don't freak out Remus. It's just a really... ridiculously large, tent." He laughed playfully and then said, "Let's bunk together...All three of us." And with that, they went in search of a room that they would claim as theirs. They stowed their gear. When they came back, lunch had been laid out for them and Mimsy ushered them to their seats around a rustic-looking table able to easily seat a dozen. "Young masters please come eat." They tucked into the roast beef sandwiches and potato salad with gusto, eating faster than was perfectly necessary as they really wanted to get out and explore a bit before curfew. The game was to begin in the morning so they had plenty of time to find mischief. Arcturus was indulgent and more permissive than Sirius could remember from the past. Perhaps because Sirius was technically an adult and likely able to keep everyone out of trouble. Sirius wasn't sure he had as much confidence in himself. Trouble was likely to find him, even when he wasn't on the lookout for it.
Soon the boys found themselves exploring the carnival-like campgrounds and it made Sirius laugh to see how the witches and wizards had grouped themselves into contingents. A tour took them through all the major regions in the world. Vendors in the German campsite were selling sausage and Viking brew that smelled strongly of yeast. In Japan's section, there was a vendor selling rice bowls and noodle dishes. There were magical kites and flags and everywhere one looked there was something new and interesting. All the while Sirius kept an eye out for James. They had owled each other but hadn't thought to come up with a plan to find each other in this chaos. Sirius wasn't too chuffed, as he was pretty sure he'd find him, eventually.
In the end, he really didn't need to worry, James found them. It was amusing to watch James and Remus's first meeting as they navigated the territorial friendship maze. He introduced James to Regulus and tried to include his younger sibling as much as possible. Remus was a bit shy and James wasn't shy in the least. James, a natural communicator easily took control of the situation and put Remus at ease with his easy-going laughter and quick sense of humor. To Sirius's relief, their explorations passed without incident. They spent a great deal of time where broom developers from around the world were letting people test drive their creations. The sky was filled with brooms of all makes and designs and it finally took Sirius and Remus physically hoisting James away who was begging for one more go around and the boys returned to the Brits camping site and James took them to the Potter tent.
Lord Charlus Potter was sitting with several other wizards outside. A small elf wandered among them refilling their glasses of whiskey or butterbeer with snaps of his fingers. James introduced the trio of friends he had collected and Charlus introduced his companions to the boys as Lord Archibald Weasley and Lord Conrad Longbottom. The two wizards smiled indulgently at the boys and questioned them about the day's explorations, with the inevitable questions of who they thought would win. Sirius made sure Archibald heard his prediction, remembering that the elder Weasley had gambled the family fortunes away and maybe this would help alleviate his losses and Sirius engaged Lord Thomas Longbottom in a brief conversation about his son Frank who was also starting Hogwarts this year, and was promised an introduction if the boy ever came back from his own explorations with Arthur Weasley. Sirius remembered that Arthur and Molly were both in Hogwarts but were a few years ahead of him, perhaps in their last year. He felt the introduction would be a boon. Last time, he hadn't expanded his circle of friends much beyond the marauders and of course the girls, regardless of house, and he definitely couldn't say that any of them were friends.
He felt disgust rise at his past/not yet happened (and never would if he could help it) behavior. The very thought of having sex with any girl younger than 17, turned his stomach. But he groaned inwardly at the realization that celibacy was equally unappealing. Being a metamorph would hopefully alleviate this particular quandary.
Sirius was gratefully distracted by the arrival of a much younger but no less terrifying wizard, Alastor Moody. It was strange seeing him with all his parts. He was being trailed by a woman with long blonde hair caught back in a braid. She was dressed smartly in auror robes. Sirius couldn't help but admire her. He'd know her in any time. The intrepid future head of Magical Law Enforcement Lady Amelia Bones. Sirius admired her from afar and found it amusing to see her in the role of an Auror Newbie. She would one day perhaps be responsible for his auror training. When he was introduced to her he made her blush by taking her hand and kissing it gently, he looked up at her and said, 'Lady Bones, A pleasure and an honor to meet such a beautiful witch." He realized at once his mistake as he straightened and caught James and Remus's and Regulus' expressions. James looked like he was about to explode in laughter and Remus looked shocked. Regulus however was staring at him with his mouth wide open and eyes almost crossed. Sirius winked at the blushing auror and said, "Someone has to be the gentleman." giving his friends a casual shrug but then whispering to James, "And she is beautiful. I think I'll marry her someday." Playing it off like a schoolboy crush. His inner critic was howling! James laughed then and said, "Good luck with that mate." Later he would wax poetically about the future Lady Amelia Black much to their collective disgust, but it worked to explain his odd behavior. Remembering that he was eleven was going to be harder than he thought. You wouldn't have to remember if you just shut up. His younger inner critic grumped.
Frank and Arthur's arrival was a welcome relief from the attention of adults as they became the center of attention, as the first years questioned him endlessly about Hogwarts. Arthur was a patient seventh year and seemed to enjoy talking to Remus about his father's muggle bookshop. Fascinated by muggle inventions he wondered if he had any books on 'ekletricity.'
Frank was a large boy with handsome features and a smile that could break any woman's heart. He would be starting his fifth year and had a prefect badge. He grinned when he told them his girlfriend Alice also was a fifth-year prefect.
The adults slowly disbanded and Frank and Arthur left with their fathers. Sirius convinced James to bunk with them at the Black tent. As they walked back Sirius realized how easily the group had melded. James was telling Remus about quidditch and Remus was being an attentive listener. Remus it seemed had never been on a broom. He was curious about what enchantments went into a broom to make them fly, and James was curious as well and the pair decided to do some research into the subject. Regulus was tired and lagging but Sirius walked with him slowing his pace to match his brothers. The quartet arrived at the tent and Arcturus had already retired for the night. Mimsy tutted a bit at their late arrival but rewarded them with hot cocoa and cookies before bed.
Regulus was asleep before his head hit his pillow and the three marauders's piled into the bunk beds with Sirius and Remus on top. Sleep took them sooner rather than later and Sirous remembered having pleasant dreams about Amelia and wondered if he could somehow convince her to give his eleven-year-old self a shot.
In the morning over sausage and eggs, Remus complained that Sirius talked in his sleep. When pressed Remus elaborated reluctantly, "You said, "I know I look like I'm only 11 but I have the soul of a thirty-two-year-old. Then you started giggling."
"Giggling? I think not Moo... My friend. I do not giggle. That must have been Regulus. He giggles. I can prove it too." And he went on to describe exactly where to tickle the young monster to hear the maniacal giggling complete with a demonstration. He felt he had successfully diverted the conversation but Arcturus caught his eye and gave him a stern glare. He could almost hear the lecture he was going to get from the old coot about being more careful. But how could he possibly stop himself from talking in his sleep?
Once breakfast was over the boys, led by Lord Arcturus headed towards the stadium. James had been given permission to join Sirius and his new friends in their reserved box, and it was an excited group that made their way upwards to their seats. Vendors hawked their wares all the way up the stairs. Arcturus bought them programs and omnoculars. Special glasses that could help the spectator zoom in on the action, slow it down, or replay it later. Sirius remembered a letter from Harry describing the world cup he had gone to that had ended in a death eater attack, but even so, Harry was much more interested in giving a play by play account of the match and was enchanted by the omnoculars he had bought and thought they were a lot like muggle binoculars but so much cooler.
The boys were impressed by how far up they were and how fantastic the arena was. They were practically jumping up and down in their seats when the pre-game match began. The French Minister stepped up to his podium and placed his wand to his throat. Soon the diminutive man was speaking to the masses. "Welcome to the World Quidditch Cup." The spell the minister had placed was also an interpretation spell so everyone heard him in their own native language. Sirius was impressed. "Let the games begin!" He sent brilliant fireworks from his wand and the Pre-game show began.
Music filled the stadium, a massive orchestra of sound, and from nowhere a contingent of a dozen Hypogryphs being ridden by beautiful toga-clad women, were flying through the stadium in tight formation. The riders raised their wands and swirls of color flowed from their tips, and as they flew it became apparent they were sky painting. The Greeks wowed the audience and Sirius who held a special place in his heart for Hypogryphs was mesmerized.
The creatures were coaxed into incredible feats of flight and sparks of light from the rider's wands formed pictures that swirled like smoke. A scantily clad woman running from Apollo and turning into a tree. Zeus rending the sky with a bolt of light that dazzled their eyes, Poseidon summoning a wave of color and riding a trio of dolphins in its wake, only to splash across the sky in a shower of falling stars that transformed into dracamas and showered the audience in golden coins.
The boys dove for the few that fell in their box and then ducked up just in time to watch the creatures fly in a grand arc that turned the sky red like fire and Hades unleashes the Grim at his side that from Sirius's perspective seemed to be charging straight towards him. He yelped and put up his hand protectively only for the illusion to explode in a shower of fireworks. The fan's cheered but Sirius had to take a moment to talk himself out of an epic freak out. Remus gave him a funny look, and Sirius waved it off.
Sirius was less impressed with the French show that included Winged horses and acrobatics although when the acrobats began levitating and leaping from one horse to another in impressive displays of agility and athleticism he was on his feet cheering along with the rest of the stadium. Finally, the announcer stood and moved to the front of the press box and his voice could be heard clearly by every wizard in the auditorium. "Welcome! Welcome! And now without further ado... Taking the field... With 210 wins and 18 losses... the Greeks!" The crowd roared as the team shot onto the field in a V formation and their white and blue uniforms circled the stadium in a dizzying blur.
Letting them get their moment in the sun it was a few minutes before the announcer then introduced the French team who was second in standings with 200 wins and 27 losses. They flew in from the opposite side as the Greeks and they too flew in formation and circled the stadium breaking off to climb and dive with heart-stopping speed, their blue and white uniforms with red cloaks left a trail of blinding color in their wake. Finally, they landed on the field and circled the referee who admonished them to have a clean game before releasing the Snitch and tossing the quaffle up into the air. And just like that, they were off.
James was the most vocal of their group, screaming himself hoarse. But Sirius and Remus came in close second and third. The boys cheered both teams equally, not really having a favorite. They were thrilled by the speed and danger of the game and almost all of the members of the team were bloody by the time the game was over. The teams were evenly matched, neither able to gain a clear advantage. However, the beaters on the French team were twins and pounded the Greeks relentlessly. They reminded Sirius of Fred and George Weasley of the future...seemingly reading each other's minds.
The French beater's strategy of distraction and attack earned the pair Sirius's deep admiration. In the end, as he had unfairly predicted, the French pulled off the win by catching the snitch three hours in. The score was 60 to 210. The French seeker had taken a big risk going after the Snitch when the game was tied. But he feinted in the opposite direction, sending the Greek Seeker into a perilous dive while he performed a reverse corkscrew maneuver hurling back towards the snitch which somehow he'd managed to keep track of while performing the daredevil stunt. The crowd roared and groaned in equal measure when his fist snagged the elusive snitch out of the air, but everyone would later agree it was a well-played match and most were disappointed that the game had come to such an early conclusion. James had hoped the game would last a few days.
Red, White, and Blue confetti embossed with the Magical French Seal of State, red and white crossed wands behind a sea of blue on one side, and the French Flag on the other, peppered twenty thousand fans. Sirius realized the confetti was singing the French National Anthem. Sirius was surprised the cacophony of sound didn't tumble the stadium into rubble. Witches and wizards were singing the anthem with tears running down their faces. Some fans were waving French flags that flashed various messages across their banners.
Sirius was amused by some of the messages like SFW SKG SMW... Owl ME! No trolls, please. Sirius pointed this out to James who looked confused until Sirius explained that SFW meant Single Female Witch and SMW meant Single Male Wizard. James smirked and then pointed out the obvious error in the woman's banner, "Trolls don't know how to use owls." He declared, which made Remus laugh.
Upon the field, the two teams were shaking hands being both congratulated and commiserated with. The Greeks looked resigned but not beaten. The French were being emotional, hugging and kissing and crying and generally being... French-like."
like at all such events somehow politics had its proper place. Family members and allies alike all stopped by the Black box to give their respect to the vaunted head of the house. When his Aunt and Uncle Cornelious Black and his cousins Andromeda, Narcissa, and Bellatrix arrived he went quiet and restrained his impulses to do or say anything rash. He did however watch Bellatrix with hawk-like intensity.
Remus, much more observant than he remembered, leaned over and whispered to Sirius, "Everything okay mate?" having noticed his abrupt change of demeanor.
He shook his head and pasted on a casual expression and said, "Yeah. Fine. Just thinking."
Remus looked unconvinced but nodded even as he took note that Sirius Black considered Bellatrix Black an enemy. Sirius took great pains not to embarrass his grandfather and stood by his side as expected. Arcturus took great pleasure in introducing him and his friends to any they didn't already know. James as a pureblood heir was also introduced to Sirius's family and allies alike and it was quite amusing to watch the political dance play out.
The calculated expressions when Arcturus would introduce the Potter heir and the Black heir in almost the same sentence made him chuckle. Until... "Ah, Lord MacNair. May I introduce my heir and grandson, Sirius Black, and his friends James Potter and Remus Lupin? And of course my youngest grandson Regulus." MacNair stared at Sirius and James with barely contained derision. "You should have a care who you let your heir associate with Lord Arcturus."
Arcturus drew himself up and a very dangerous look crossed his face. Sirius barely contained his rage and glanced over worriedly at James and Remus to see how they were taking the open hostility. James was standing tall, almost imperiously, his eyes getting a dangerous gleam that boded ill for the old wizard's continued ownership of a full head of hair. Remus' eyes had narrowed but he was watching the exchange with a closed look. Remus was always good at masking his feelings. Regulus just looked a little confused.
"Oh?" Arcturus's voice a calm before the storm.
MacNair spit then at Jame's feet, "Blood traitor."
The Black box became as silent as a tomb. For a complete three seconds, no one said a word. Sirius couldn't have told you what happened next, but it took Remus, James, and Arcturus to pry him off of MacNair who had never seen his roundhouse kick coming.
Sirius had kicked the side of the wizard's head so hard he fell backward out of the Black box and down three flights of stairs, followed quickly by a yelling 11-year-old Sirius who landed on top of the old wizard, he then wrenched the man's wand out of his hand and threw it out into the arena, and then drove his fist continually into the man's face. When they finally rescued the future death eater and would-be executioner of Buckbeak he was bleeding profusely from the nose and his face was one big bruise. Arcturus gave Sirius a hard shake and he came to his senses. He had attracted quite an audience and MacNair was yelling for security.
"Oh bloody hell," Sirius muttered as he realized what he had done. He had attacked a ministry official.
Arcturus was looking a little ruffled and growled at Sirius. "Of all the most idiotic..." He took a calming breath and called for his house-elf. "Mimsy." She arrived with a pop. "Please take the boys back to the Black tent and keep them there." She immediately apparated all four boys away and Arcturus dealt with the arrival of Alastor Moody and Amelia bones.
In the end, Alastor saved the day. He hated MacNair and found the situation humorous rather than criminal.
"So let me get this straight. You're trying to charge an eleven-year-old for beating you up?" He asked and turned to Amelia, "What do you think people are going to be saying about this tomorrow around the water cooler Bones?" He asked.
She kept her composure and said, "Well sir, I'm pretty sure people will find it quite funny that a full-grown wizard was beaten up by a child the muggle way." She nodded, "Quite embarrassing I imagine."
MacNair looked around at the audience who was already laughing at him and he growled. "This is not the end of this." He threatened Arcturus. "That grandson of yours will pay for what he's done."
Arcturus glared at MacNair. "Yes. But not by your hand." He then looked at the gathering crowds, "Don't you all have celebrating to do?" With those final words, Arcturus swept like royalty out of the box. It wasn't until he was away from watching crowds that he found a private place to sit and started to laugh his fool head off. Sirius kicking the wizard in the head was absolutely one of the best things he'd ever seen.
Back at the tent, the boys were laughing as well. James insisted that Sirius show him how to fight like that and even Regulus and Remus seemed to want in on Muggle fighting lessons. Sirius laughed with them but was also worried. He'd made an enemy today. Maybe even brought himself to the attention of Voldemort. He was sure that MacNair was a death eater or would become one of Riddle's sycophants and his son would become a death eater as well. He wasn't sure he'd done himself any favors with this stunt.
Looking at James, Remus, and Regulus practicing roundhouse kicks though made him forget his troubles. If any good came of it, then maybe it was to open his friend's eyes to the benefits of learning muggle fighting techniques. He knew only too well, that they would need every advantage they could get if they were to survive the war that was just on the horizon.