The Little Terror
Minnie was very excited for the Quidditch match, even if her stomach aches had only increased in the last week. She'd managed a little food. A little soup every night and more pumpkin juice, but her stomach and chest still hurt.
She'd put on a brave face and her favorite Gryffindor tee shirt. She had braided gold ribbons into her hair. She painted her sister's number onto her cheek and headed for breakfast. Minnie hadn't even made it to the Great Hall when Duke cut her off with a note from her mother, asking her to accompany her for breakfast at the Three Broomsticks.
Minnie was slightly confused to the context, but decided it would be a nice change to have a cup of tea from the Three Broomsticks instead of Pumpkin Juice for breakfast. Maybe the tea would calm her stomach.
She met her mum at the gate to Hogsmead. The little town was slightly more busy that day. Often times people visited to watch the games. It made the inns crowded and the town more abuzz. The Three Broomsticks was no exception, with her mother finding only a table near the back of the pub.
Her mum was dressed in a long ruby gown with a golden corset. Her matching ruby hat had tiny golden stars dancing along the brim.
Duke was also 'dressed' for the occasion, sporting a maroon ribbon about his neck. They were the epitome of Gryffindor pride together.
Minnie ordered just a cup of tea, but was surprised when more food arrived.
Duke had a tiny plate of bacon that he happily began to eat as soon as it was placed before him. Her mother had a large plate of scones and eggs.
Instead of a hot tea, Minnie was given a large plate of food. Flapjacks, black pudding and a large orange greeted her.
"I didn't order this." Minnie said as she looked over the plate. She almost felt like throwing up.
"Your sister mentioned you have been having stomach aches." Her mother said with a nod.
Minnie grimaced. How could Alice tell on her? She hadn't wanted to worry her parents or anyone.
"Don't be cross with her Minerva." Her mum insisted as she began drinking her coffee, "She was concerned about your frequent stomach aches. I think she believes you are sick. Your father and I can't help but wonder if it has more to do with some harsh words that have been directed your way. Especially after that incident with Miss Brenna."
Minnie felt the blood rush from her face.
Her mum said with a deep breathe. "Then your sister mentioned you hadn't been eating."
Minnie leaned back in her chair. The black pudding and flapjacks did smell intoxicating. The maple syrup being the most tantalizing aroma on her plate.
"Why didn't you come talk to me?" Her mum asked with a calm demeanor.
"Because it's just been a stomach ache."
"Then you needed to see Madame Pomfrey." Her mum scolded.
Minnie rolled her eyes, "It's just a stomach ache mum."
"I have a theory, if you put a little food in your stomach, your stomach ache may go away. I know that you can't resist black pudding and flapjacks." Her mother smirked as she nudged it towards her. "And a single cup of tea isn't breakfast, especially at your age."
Minnie pushed the black pudding around.
Her mother took her hand, "You can talk to me. We aren't on school grounds, and if these things are really bothering you, I'm here to listen, as your mum."
Minnie wasn't sure where to start with how she felt about it all.
"Please talk to me Minerva." Her mum begged as the silence continued.
"I dunno, I just can't help but wonder, what if Brenna's right." Minnie asked in the most honest way she could.
"And how would she be right?" Her mum asked raising an eyebrow.
Minnie didn't want to explain to her mother every detail of her ugliness. Her mother would just argue how beautiful she was.
"I dunno." Minnie answered without wanting to explain everything.
"She's only right if you believe her. No matter what I say of course, no matter what anyone says. The only person you can believe is yourself." Her mum insisted with a distraught expression, "Do you believe her? Do you really think what she says is true.?"
Minnie nodded a little.
"I'm sorry you feel that way baby." Her mum took a deep breathe before continuing, "You are a powerful witch, no one is allowed to make you feel insignificant."
Minnie certainly didn't feel like a powerful witch currently.
Her mum smiled slightly, "Not even you."
Minnie understood what her mum was trying to say. She supposed her mum wasn't wrong, but it didn't help her feel less ugly.
"Please, whether you feel good about yourself or not, as your mum, I'm worried for your health. Please just eat a little." Her mum looked down to the flapjacks, "I promise your stomach will feel better."
Minnie conceded and ate half of her plate. She had to admit her stomach did begin to stop burning. She wouldn't gain too much weight if she only ate half the plate, right?
"I certainly don't think you are ugly." Her mum asked with a half smirk as she watched Minnie finish, "I think you are intelligent and absolutely stunning."
"You are my mum, you have to say that." Minnie argued but admitted her stomach did feel better.
Her mum chuckled as she took a sip of coffee, "I'll admit, I might be a bit biased. But I am allowed to be."
As the waitress dropped off their bill, Minnie looked up towards the front of the pub.Standing near the exit was a man she knew decently well.
Albert Blythe, the current Editor-In-Chief of the Daily Prophet had always given Minnie goosebumps. He knew everything there was to know about her mum and their family. He'd personally written the two books about her and her experiences. He was a nice man and under other circumstances Minnie might have liked him.
The man beside Albert was a sturdy looking fellow, dressed in a navy blue cloak. He had very dark hair and eyes. Minnie was about to ask her mum if she knew the man, but hesitated upon looking at her mother.
Her mum's eyes were locked on the second man. Her eyes were wide and her lip trembled.
Minnie could hear the clatter of the silverware as her mothers fork began to hit against her plate.
"Mum?" Minnie asked with a motion to her mother's shaking. "What's the matter mum?"
"Nothing." Her mum said before shoving her hands into her pockets. "Let's pay the bill, then we should get to the game."
"Aren't you going to say hello to Albert?" Minnie asked turning back to the couple of men as they laughed.
"No, he'll just beg me to come and take the job back again." Her mother insisted with a feigned smile before throwing her cloak on and covering her face with it. "And I don't want to miss your sister taking the air."
Her mother paid the bill and practically dragged Minnie from the three broomsticks through the back door. Her mum's hands were shaking intensely as they made their way up the hill towards the entrance.
There was a line to get inside, Mr. Filch was inspecting everyone's items and making sure they were safe. He was currently yelling at a family for attempting to bring in unapproved snacks.
Ahead of them in line was a man wearing an expensive looking dark suit and gloves. His striking blonde hair shone in the morning sunlight.
"Malfoy?" Minnie's mum asked as she observed the blonde man.
"Fyre." The man turned around before bowing his head slightly. His nose turned up slightly at the sight of them.
Her mother tipped her hat in response. Minnie had seen her mother act with decorum before, but she wondered why this man was receiving it.
"I hate to ask, but are you alright?" The man asked inquiring to her mother's shaking.
Her mother smiled a little before holding up her shaking hands, "Yes, just a little flare up. Nothing to worry about."
Her mother wasn't normally so casual about her condition. She shoved her hands behind her back.
"Where is Longbottom?" The man asked looking around.
"Up at the castle, he had a few things to take care of before the game today." Her mum revealed.
"This young lady must be your daughter?" The man asked looking at Minnie. He had a somber sort of expression as he examined her.
"Yes, this is my Minerva." She tapped Minnie on the shoulder, "Minnie, this is Mr. Malfoy. He was in your father and I's year at school."
Minnie reached out a hand, "Nice to meet you sir."
Mr. Malfoy shook her hand, "Likewise young lady."
"Are you related to Scorpius Malfoy?"
"Yes, you know my son?"
"He's friends with Al." Minnie said in response. His gloves felt soft, like velvet.
"You must spend a lot of time with the Potters?" Mr. Malfoy observed with a small squint of his eyes.
Minerva smiled and nodded, "Ginny and Harry are my Godparents."
"And Nev and I are Albus' Godparents." Her mother wrapped her arms around Minnie's shoulders. Minnie could feel her mother shaking, it was worse. The line began to move a bit more. Her mother was practically leaning.
"You have two daughters I believe?" He inquired.
"Yes, my other daughter, Alice is the new Gryffindor Keeper." Her mum said with a wide smile.
"Are you both headed to the game?" Malfoy asked her mother. His eyes lingered on her shaking hands.
Her mother nodded, "Of course."
"Let me escort you both the rest of the way. I'm on my way there myself." He reached out an arm for her mother to take.
"Oh, you don't have to do that." Her mother answered with a very aggressive shake of her head.
"Put my mind at ease please." He insisted, his eyes glued to her hands. "If you are having a flare, it's best to be steadied."
"I suppose you have a point." Her mother consented, taking Mr. Malfoy's arm.
"I'm surprised to see you today. Scorpius has been long graduated so I don't expect to see him flying for Slytherin." Her mother said as they made their way to the inspection.
"Not that he would have, he's ruddy at Quidditch. I am actually here to cheer on my niece." Mr Malfoy explained, "Daphne's youngest."
"Miss Laurel Smith, of course." Her mum's demeanor lightened greatly, "She's a lovely girl, quite decent at Transfiguration. Is Daphne here?"
"No, she and her husband couldn't make it." Mr. Malfoy fixed the pair of gloves he was wearing as her mum continued leaning. "Which is why I am poor Laurel's replacement."
"Well I'm sure she will be thrilled you are here." Her mum observed.
"I thought she would enjoy a bit of family who has of course played her very position."
"That your family bought your way onto." Her mum muttered.
Mr. Malfoy's expression soured slightly, both of his eyebrows raising. "Come now Fyre."
"Forgive me," Her mum smiled, "Old habits die hard."
"They certainly do." He chuckled, causing them both to laugh.
"I'll behave." Her mum smirked as they reached the pitch.
They quietly made their way up the stairs. Her mum leaned on Mr. Malfoy as they ascended the stairs. Duke wrapped himself around her mum's neck, laying his head directly on her heart.
"You are more than welcome to join us in the Teacher's box. I doubt Nev will mind." Her mother offered as they reached their landing. "We have a few friends coming today as well, I'm sure your presence would be perfectly tolerated. Especially after your kindness in letting me lean upon you, I would like to express proper gratitude."
"Oh no, I shouldn't." He insisted with a twist of expression, "If old habits don't die easily for you, I can only imagine that I have little forgiven in Longbottom's opinion. Not to mention, with the exclusion of yourself Fyre, I have little personal respect for anyone who likes to curtail off of Potter's success."
"They aren't curtailing." Minnie's mum rolled her eyes.
"If you say so." Mr. Malfoy tipped his hat first to Minnie's mother and then to Minnie, "Have a nice afternoon Fyre, Miss Minerva."
Minnie nodded to him before steadying her mother as they made their way to their seats. The Slytherin team was warming up.
Her mum revealed in a low whisper as they sat down, "Mr. Malfoy was particularly nasty as a boy. He tormented a lot of people in our year, especially your Godfather. Jealous of his fame I suppose. He was also complicit in the banning of the Gazette in our fifth year. Don't get me started on the things he put your dad through."
"He doesn't seem like that now." Minnie observed. She couldn't help but compare him to Brenna.
"People change baby."
Minnie tilted her head, "How so?"
"It's complicated." Her mum revealed before pulling out her pocket watch. "He's a bit like Uncle Jack and Mr. Warrington if that explains anything."
Minnie nodded before fixing her hat. He must have been a Death Eater.
"But did you know his mum, Grandma Fyre and Grandma Alice were all once good friends?" Her mum asked with a slight twinkle in her eye.
Minnie shook her head.
"His mum still has tea with Grandma Fyre." Her mum explained, "Once a week."
Minnie didn't have time to consider, as they were quickly interrupted by Cody's family, the Jordans.
"Only half the crew I see." Minnie's mum greeted Cody's father. Minnie adored his parents and whole family. They wouldn't ever stand on ceremony, never letting Minnie call them anything but their first names. It was a rather large family, Cody was the youngest of five
"Yes, Colin of course couldn't get the day. He was called into work, a curse breaker's work never ends. Then Gen was feeling under the weather unfortunately so Ches stayed with her." Lee said with a boisterous laugh before kissing Minnie's mum's cheek, "How are you beautiful?"
"I'm fine you old tosser." Her mum chuckled back at him. "Quite ready for another year of Quidditch."
"This year especially." Ravenna, Cody's middle sister said before hugging Minnie. "Can't wait to see Lissy fly!"
Ravenna had just finished Hogwarts the year before. Minnie liked her probably the most, save Cody of course. Ravenna was more like an older sister, constantly giving good advice. She'd also been one of the best Editor-In-Chiefs that the Gazette ever had.
"I'm certainly excited to hear Cody's commentary." Minnie's mum chuckled, "The best part of any game of course is the Jordan family's commentary."
"Of course. Cody does our family proud." Lee said exuberantly pulling his shoulders back. The bright red dragon scale suit was blinding as it reflected rainbows upon the stands.
"Cody was rather heartbroken not to make the team of course." Ravenna explained as she sat herself on one side of Minnie.
"Destroyed." Rebel the oldest Jordan girl said sitting on the other side, "Completely destroyed. Apparently all he wanted was to play." Rebel was the prettiest of the Jordan family. She had long braided hair and stunning dark eyes. She worked as a political consultant for wayward witches.
"Yeah, he was pretty devastated." Minnie agreed. "I tried to cheer him up, but Butterbeer only does so much."
"Would have thought Josie would have let him on the team, they are close after all." Ravenna said with a roll of her eyes. "But Josie's always been about the win I suppose."
"Speaking of the Weasley family, I'd have thought George and Angelina would have beat us here. He's so proud of Josie for becoming captain." Lee said looking around.
"I know, that's why I offered he could come sit with us in the teacher section, best views of course. Just do me a favor, don't do anything too untoward, Nev and I like our jobs." Minnie's mum joked. "And the headmistress plans to be in attendance, so please be on your best behavior."
"Oh I doubt McGonagall's firing her favorite employees anytime soon." Lee joked in a whisper. "Speaking of which, where is the happy husband?"
Her mum shrugged, "Helping Alice calm her nerves. Poor dear, she pretends she's confident, but last night she came to us crying. She's so nervous she's going to let everyone down."
Minnie hadn't known that Alice was nervous. She'd never told her she was and Alice told her everything. Sometimes more than she wanted to know.
Josie's family eventually arrived, all excited for the game. Mr. Weasley was an enrapturing sort of fellow, better humored than Josie, and a small bit kinder. He owned a chain of popular joke shops.
His wife, Angelina was a lovely woman who had been a famous Quidditch player. Their oldest son was in attendance. Fred, their oldest took his place beside Rebel, flirting exuberantly to her chagrin.
Minnie's dad made his way to them only moments before the start of the match, promising he'd done his very best to calm Alice's nerves.
The Headmistress welcomed everyone before beginning the match and taking her place at the front of the Teacher's box.
It proved to be an incredibl intense game.
The Slytherin team was well stacked with good players. Warrington proved an excellent captain with excellent strategic plays. He and the other chasers played a decently fair game with only one foul.
Josie and the other Chasers were fast as well, but honestly well matched. Ellen, one of Minnie and Josie's roommates was unfortunately easily outflown for speed. It didn't help Warrington was an expert at the Sloth Grip Roll.
The Beaters on both sides did an excellent job hitting the bludgers aggressively. Both Seekers were thorough in their searching, both actually almost catching the Snitch on several occasions.
The only place the Slytherin team lacked, was in the position Gryffindor had in highest achievement. Alice was possibly the most talented little Keeper Gryffindor had been lucky enough to have since Ron Weasley.
Alice was just flexible enough that despite her size, she was quite the proficient at the Starfish and Stick where she could cover all three hoops.
Watching the game had been an experience in itself. Both of her parents, who normally hooted and hollered in excitement were silent. Their mouths lay agape as they watched Alice play.
Minnie on the other hand was sure to have a sore throat. She had never shouted her sister's name louder.
The crowd began chanting, "Little Terror! Little Terror!"
Alice had blocked all but two goals, giving the Gryffindor team a large enough edge that even when Smith caught the snitch, Gryffindor was ahead by twenty points.
The score stood:
Gryffindor: 190
Slytherin: 170
It was a score that was impossible, but it had been done.
When Gryffindor won, Minnie rushed the field with the rest of the Gryffindor house. Lysander and Minnie hoisted Alice into the air, followed by a very enthusiastic Josie who was hoisted up on Cody's shoulders.