chapter one
Weasley Burrow: August 1994
In the cozy chaos of the Weasley Burrow, Elizabeth stirred as her sister's outraged voice shattered the peaceful morning. With a groggy sigh, she opened her eyes just in time to witness Madelynn's fiery reaction to the Weasley Twins' ill-conceived prank.
"I'm going to kill you both!" Madelynn's words were laced with a mixture of annoyance and genuine threat. Elizabeth couldn't help but chuckle, pulling herself out of bed to avoid getting tangled in the impending storm of wrath.
As the Greye siblings prepared for the day ahead, they were met with the delightful aroma of breakfast wafting through the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley had laid out a spread fit for an army, ensuring that everyone had a hearty meal before their departure to the Quidditch World Cup. Hermione, ever the early riser, made her appearance and inquired about how long the Greye siblings had been staying with the Weasleys.
Elizabeth responded with a grin, "It's been about three days now. Father has been on some Auror job, but he's hopefully going to be joining us later tonight."
Soon, everyone gathered downstairs to fill their plates with the delicious offerings laid out before them. Amidst the chatter and clinking of cutlery, Mr. Weasley then walked down the stairs, ushering everyone to collect their things and get out the door. With everyone making sure to say goodbye to Mrs. Weasley and receive a kiss on the cheek from Mr. Weasley, they were off.
Elizabeth caught sight of Madelynn walking with the Weasley Twins. Carter, animatedly engaged in conversation, was deep in discussion with Harry and Ron.
"Where exactly is it, where we're going?" loudly asked Harry as he continued to walk beside Ron. "Dunno. Say, Dad. Where're we going?"
"Haven't the foggiest," replied Mr. Weasley with the same mischievous smile he always seemed to have on his face.
The group walked a bit further without question until a man with a ruddy-looking face appeared at the clearing ahead of them.
"Arthur! My friend, it's about time you all showed up," shouted the man from where he stood. Arthur walked up to him and gave the man a friendly handshake. "Sorry, Amos, we had a bit of a rough start this morning," Mr. Weasley said while looking back at the twins.
"Everyone, this is Amos Diggory—" just as Mr. Weasley was introducing Mr. Diggory, a young boy dropped down to the ground with a thud. "Ah, this must be Cedric, am I right?" Mr. Weasley asked, his attention now on the boy.
"Yes, sir," Cedric replied back while shaking hands with Mr. Weasley.
After Amos had taken the time to gush over Harry Potter just like everyone else when they met him for the first time, they were off once more. Cedric, noticing Elizabeth, walked over to her, his presence drawing Elizabeth's attention. "Hey there," he greeted warmly, offering a friendly smile. "Ready for the World Cup?" Elizabeth nodded, matching his smile. "Definitely! It's going to be a great day."
The rest of their journey was filled with laughter, friendly banter, and a sense of camaraderie that the Greye siblings had come to love about the Weasley family. As they walked alongside their friends, the excitement of the day ahead began to replace any lingering grogginess, and anticipation for the Quidditch World Cup grew stronger with each step.
As everyone made their way through the rolling fields, they finally arrived at the designated spot. It was a secluded area, far away from the Muggle world, and in the middle of it all lay a discarded boot on the ground.
"Can someone explain to me why we're all standing around this manky old boot?" Harry asked, hoping someone would answer his question.
"It's not just any wanky old boot, mate," Fred mentioned, walking from behind him. "It's a Portkey!" exclaimed George as he went to join where the rest of the group was to grab a hold of it. As Harry was about ready to ask another question, Mr. Weasley shouted at him to grab on.
For a brief, disorienting moment, it felt like they were suspended in space and time. Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the chaotic journey came to an abrupt halt. The group stumbled as they landed on solid ground once more, disoriented but exhilarated.
Elizabeth looked around, her eyes widening in amazement. They had arrived at the Quidditch World Cup, and the sight before them was nothing short of breathtaking. The massive stadium stood before them, gleaming in the sunlight, with thousands of witches and wizards bustling around, their excitement palpable.
The cheers of the crowd, the colorful flags representing different teams, and the scent of magical food wafting through the air created a sensory overload. Elizabeth couldn't help but grin from ear to ear, feeling like she had stepped into a dream.
Cedric, who had landed beside her, shared in her amazement. "This is incredible," he exclaimed, his eyes scanning the bustling stadium. "I've heard so much about the World Cup but seeing it in person is something else entirely."
As the group made their way further into the stadium, they couldn't wait to immerse themselves in the magic of the Quidditch World Cup, cheering for their favorite teams.
"Alright, Arthor will see you at the game!" Mr. Diggory said as he and Cedric walked off to find their tent.
"Right then! Everyone follow me and try not to get lost in the crowd" yelled out Mr. Weasley.
Mr. Weasley took the lead in navigating the bustling event. With everyone else trailing behind, they formed a merry procession. Mr. Weasley, being the seasoned father figure, provided an air of confidence that helped the younger ones navigate the chaotic scene.
"Well, here we are!" Mr. Weasley exclaimed as he pulled back the flap to the tent. On the outside the tent seemed rather small to fit such a large group of people but magic is funny thing, the inside was fully furnished, with a kitchen and two-bedroom areas.
"Girls choose a bunk and unpack. Ron, get out of the kitchen. We're all hungry."
"Yeah, get out of the kitchen!" repeated the Weasley twins in unison.
"Now Greye's, your father instructed me to not say anything until we got here but he unfortunately will not be able to make it tonight. The ministry has him working overtime. So, you all will bunking here."
"Typical" scoffed Madelynn to her siblings, which gained a look from Elizabeth in agreement. "What else is new" muttered Carter as he went off to the boy side of the tent. Elizabeth and Madelynn headed over to their side and unpacked for the night. Even though the Greye's understood that their father's job was demanding, it's still hard for them to get over their disappointment every time he has to cancel plans with them. However, Christopher Greye always made it up to his children as it pains him just as much to be away from them.
After a couple of hours go by everyone is finally ready to start heading towards the stadium. Mr. Weasley took the lead once more and lead all nine teenagers through the crowds, towards the stadium. Once they reached the entrance they met up with Cedric and Mr. Diggory and procced to file in.
"Blimey, Dad. How far up are we?" Ron shouted after going up what felt like the 20th flight of stairs.
"Well, if it rains, you'll be first to know" Lucius Malfoy said as he and Draco were walking down the stairs. It was silent for a moment as everyone exchanged glares.
"Father and I are in the Minister's box, by person invitation of the Fudge himself." Draco boasted breaking the silent tension. "Now, Draco. There's no need to boast. Blood does has have its privileges, something your schoolmates are aware of." as Lucius talked his eyes trailed from Hermoine to Madelynn, walking closer so that only Madelynn could hear him "Ms. Greye, how unfortunate that your father still makes you associate with these people. I'm sure I can arrange a seat for you with us." "I'm alright, I quite like the rain." With that Lucius nodded and motioned to Draco it was time to keep walking.
Finally, they reach their seats at the very top of the stadium, you could see everything from up there. Then a bang goes off and music begins, at first all you could see was the blur of broomsticks flying together. The crowd roared with excitement.
"It's the Irish! There's Troy-" Fred yelled "And Mullet" George continued and before the twins could continue naming off the players, another woosh of players come by.
"The Bulgarians!" yelled George this time. As the coward cheered a young skilled player flying around the stadium doing all sorts of tricks.
"Who's that?" yelled Ginny. "That, sis, is the best Seeker in the world." George answered.
"He seems to fly rather well" added Hermoine.
The boys all turned and looked at Hermoine for a second and rolled their eyes acting like she doesn't know what she's talking about.
As the game progressed, the excitement intensified. The stadium roared with applause as goals were scored and brilliant Quidditch maneuvers unfolded. The Greye siblings, despite the absence of their father, found themselves completely absorbed in the spectacle, sharing in the joy and thrill of the Quidditch World Cup.
When the final whistle blew, signaling Ireland's victory, the stands erupted in cheers. The Weasley family, with the Greye siblings in tow, joined the jubilant crowd in celebration. It was a night filled with magical moments and shared enthusiasm.
After the exhilarating Quidditch match, the Weasley family, along with the Greye siblings, made their way back to the welcoming glow of the Weasley family tent. The air was still buzzing with excitement, and the night was alive with the sounds of celebration from the surrounding wizarding community.
As they approached the tent, Elizabeth found herself walking alongside Cedric Diggory. The night sky was speckled with stars, casting a magical glow on the surroundings.
"What did you think of the game? Ireland played brilliantly" mentioned Cedric breaking the silence between them.
"It was incredible! I've never seen Quidditch at this level before. The players were like soaring eagles." Elizabeth replied with a grin from cheek to cheek. Quidditch was a big thing in the Greye household, there hasn't been a single Greye who hasn't played.
Cedric smiled, appreciating the shared enthusiasm for the sport. "Your enthusiasm for Quidditch is contagious. I now understand why you take your position as goalie so seriously."
"Well, I do love being in the thick of the action."
They continued chatting as they approached the tent, exchanging stories about anything and everything. Unfortunately, once they reached the Weasley tent, Cedric had to return to his own with his father.
"Goodnight Lizzie, I'll see you tomorrow" Cedric said as he waved goodbye.
The atmosphere inside the tent was a delightful blend of warmth and laughter. The Weasleys and the Greye siblings, were still immersed in the aftermath of the Quidditch match. The tent glowed with the magical light of floating lanterns, creating an ambiance of shared joy and camaraderie. The twins standing on some type of platform were dramality retelling the entire match, as if everyone in the tent weren't just there ten minutes ago.
"Brilliant Krum, wasn't he?" Ron mentioned casually as he climbed onto the platform. "I think you're in love, Ron," teased Ginny. The Twins, always ready for a spectacle, had spontaneously burst into a comical serenade. "Victor, I love you; Victor, I do..." echoed their voices, creating a light-hearted atmosphere.
However, beyond the tent's boundaries, an ominous murmur had begun. "Sounds like the Irish got their pride on," Fred joked, attempting to lighten the mood. Yet, Mr. Weasley's furrowed brow conveyed a different message. "It's not the Irish."
The joviality evaporated as Mr. Weasley urgently called, "Everyone, quickly get dressed, we need to leave, now!"
In a chaotic whirlwind, the group emerged from the tent, greeted not by the expected calm night but a chaotic scene. Flames danced, and people ran, panic etched on their faces. Confusion reigned until the cause of the turmoil revealed itself—a horde of Death Eaters, faces masked in horrifying visages, advancing with torches and grotesque effigies.
"Who are these people?" Ginny questioned; her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Death Eaters," replied Mr. Weasley, his wand drawn. Panic rippled through the group.
Harry instinctively raised his wand, only to be sternly stopped by Mr. Weasley. "No. All of you need to get back to the Portkey. And stick together! Fred and George, watch over your sister."
The urgency in Mr. Weasley's voice propelled the teenagers into a sprint toward the Portkey. Amidst the tumultuous crowds, the group splintered, but the Greye siblings clung to each other.
"There's too many people, I can't see where everyone else went," Elizabeth yelled above the chaos. Madelynn, her resolve unwavering, responded, "They'll be fine. Right now, we need to find the Portkey and worry later."
Hand in hand, the Greye siblings pushed through the crowd. However, in the frantic sea of humanity, Elizabeth lost sight of her sister and brother. Fear clenched at her heart as she was swept away by the surge of people. Yet, through the tumult, she discerned Cedric's voice calling her name.
"Cedric, over here!" Elizabeth cried out, waving desperately. His reassuring response came as he threaded through the crowd to reach her, enfolding her in a comforting hug.
"What are you doing? Where's your father?" Elizabeth queried; the anxiety evident in her voice. Cedric's response was simple yet profound, "I had to make sure you were okay."
In the pandemonium of the night, with Death Eaters looming and chaos reigning, a connection was reaffirmed, and amidst uncertainty, Elizabeth found solace in Cedric's protective embrace.