QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP
The whole summer I spent moving from one place to another. And the only thing left before my 5th year was the quidditch world cup. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, I love quidditch, but it means I will have to spend 2 whole days with Cedric. We lost all the contact over the years, the time we spent home was really awkward, but his parents haven't noticed. Neither of us wanted to burden them with their ‘kids’ not speaking.
So the night before the cup I was lying in my childhood bedroom, thinking about how it will go. I was almost asleep when an owl flew into my bedroom. It carried 2 letters from Hogwarts. I had suspected what was inside, I ripped the first letter open. It said:
Dear miss Emrys,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to serve as a prefect for the Slytherin House. Your school record shows that you have ambitions, the ability to lead others, and are resourceful which Shytherins have long been lauded for.
We are certain that you will continue to be a model for your peers and will take your new responsibility seriously. Enclosed please find your prefect badge that will be worn on your school robes at all times. Congratulations.
Severus Snape
The head of house Slytherin
And there of course was the badge, nice and shiny. I opened the 2nd envelope where I found a quidditch captain badge with a similar congratulation letter.
With that information it was easy to fall asleep and find myself in the world where all the dreams were possible.
My alarm woke me up at a little past midnight. There was a long walk ahead of me and I couldn’t wait to get it over with. Not to even mention, it would be spent with Cedric and his dad, at least until we met up with the Weasleys, but even then it would not be a nice experience.
I quickly put on some sweatpants and an oversized hoodie that I stole from one of my boy friends, couldn’t remember which one though. I really didn’t care how I looked, all I wanted was to stay in bed, and comfortable clothes was the next best thing.
I packed some things I would need for the next day or two and made my way to the kitchen where an early breakfast was waiting for me. The moment I swallowed the last bit Amos was hurrying me out the kitchen to get on our way.
Cedric was already waiting outside and we both avoided eye contact. Few minutes into the walk I was finally feeling fully awake. The hike was actually pretty enjoyable, with Cedric and Amos still half asleep I could just...BE. I knew that sooner or later a conversation would start in our small group and wanting to make the most of the calm I changed into my wolf form and ran ahead a little. Over the years I learned to control my abilities pretty well, with the help of my amazing friends.
Wolf was my favorite animal to change into, I could feel free running around, not having a care in the world. I stayed in this form even when my two accomplices started talking. Cedric was successfully avoiding the topic of the two of us and instead talked about the upcoming event. Few hours later I became human again to greet the rest of our party.
We found the meeting place empty, and Cedric, for whatever reason, climbed up a tree. I scoffed at his childishness, my bitchy side coming through.
Before Amos could ask me anything I changed into a white snake The Weasleys probably already knew about my powers, having connection with Dumbledore, so it didn’t matter if they saw me this way. Not to mention the twins were familiar with them, having included them in their pranks.
A moment later a bunch of ginger heads appeared. Artur went ahead and greeted Amos. Leaving the kids behind a litte. As soon as I spotted the two boys I was looking for I crawled towards them. But before I could get to them, the most annoying one from the group spotted me. And him being the ‘brave’ Gryffindor he is, made a high, like really high, pitched squeal. If I would want, to scare him I would have changed into a spider. But Not being intentional wouldn’t stop me from enjoying it, so I changed my direction towards the ‘5-year-old’, planning on spooking him even more.
Just as I was about to climb up his leg, someone kicked me away from the boy. And of course it was his savior Hermione. Before she could do any more damage, someone grabbed me into strong hands.
“Dear Merlin, what are you trying to kill her, Hermione?” I recognised the voice of Fred. I climbed from his arm onto his shoulder looking for comfort.
“That little mudblood” I said in Parseltongue. To my surprise I got a reply in the same language.
“Don’t you dare insul-'' Harry was interrupted by the ‘hero’ smacking him on the head. She turned her attention back to the twins.
“‘Her’? What the hell do you mean ‘her’?” I let out a chuckle, which came out more as hiss. Of course she was THAT stupid. George put a hand towards me and I climbed onto him, giving him a snake version of a hug. Both Fred and George just ignored her, too busy caressing my bright scales.
Before the muggle born could question their acts, Cedric jumped down from his hiding place.
“This strapping young lad must be Cedric, am I right?” Arthur shook his hand. “Aren’t we missing someone? Where is Aerilyn? Isn’t she joining us?”
I took that as my cue to change back to the Aerilyn everyone knew.
“I’m right here mr. Weasley.” He turned around to face me and, just like he did with the hufflepuff, shook my hand.
“Please call me Arthur.” He requested.
I glanced back at the teens. Hermione was looking angry, Ron was embarrassed, Harry was blushing and the twins with Ginny were laughing.
As we got to walking again, the twins on both of my sides, I could feel a certain pair of grey eyes on my back. I tried not to pay him any attention and instead started conversation with Fred and George.
“I never understood why they hate you so much.” George motioned to the gryffindors in front of us.
“You are not that bad.” Fred added.
“Well thanks guys...I think.” They both chuckled at my response.
“I have a question. Why is Diggory staring at you?” I punched Fred for that.
“Comeon Freddie, don’t act like you haven’t noticed. Aerie got HOT.” the other twin pointed out.
“Oh …. yeah, I think I can kind of see it.” I punched him again. “Just kidding. you look stunning darling.”
“Wel thank you both, but he doesn’t see me in that way.”
“You sure?” They asked at the same time. I nodded.
“Well if you are so sure let’s test it.” George exchanged a wicked look with his twin. “Let’s make a bet”
Fred seemed to understand. “We will flirt with you, in a very obvious way, and if he shows any interest in you we win...let’s say 5 galleons?”
If it were anyone else I would think they were joking, but knowing these two… I knew they were deadly serious. I had to admit it actually sounded like fun. so I gave in. “If Draco or Egan kills you, I’m not responsible.” They both cheered.
Fred put an arm around my waist, already starting on the bet. “Oh this is going to be so fun.”
When we finally arrived at the portkey they made sure to be beside me to have an excuse to touch me.
Of course Harry was having problems, again, but soon we were in the air. I actually enjoyed traveling by a portkey, it was pretty close to flying, just a little more fun.
“Let go kids.” At Arthur’s command, everyone let go, except, of course, Cedric, Arthur, Amos, and myself. The four of us gracefully walked down the air. I looked at Cedric who smiled at me brightly before helping Harry stand up. I did the same with the twins.
As I pulled George up he stood a little too close to me, towering above my figure. He raised his hand and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear before whispering “Cedric does not look very happy right now, prepare to pay up.” He made eye contact with me once more before taking a step back.
I turned to look at Cedric and he indeed didn’t look like his smiley self at all. It wasn’t looking very good for me and my money.
As we arrived at the campsite we found out that our tents were right next to each other. We all put our bags inside and soon enough the time for the quidditch match came. As we were walking up the endless stairs to find our seats, Ron couldn’t help but complain. Being the annoying git he is.
“Blimey, dad. How far up are we?”
“Well put it this way.” A familiar voice responded. “If it rains, you will be the first to know.”
“Lucius.” I squealed and wrapped him in a quick hug.
“Hello my baby girl, I didn’t know you were planning on coming. I would have invited you myself.” He didn’t really like PDA, not even with his son, but for some reason, I was an exception.
“Father and I are in the minister’s box, by personal invitation of Cornelius Fudge himself.” Draco appeared from behind his father. I guess I wasn’t the only one who had a glow up during the summer. I looked him up and down before hugging him tightly. He chuckled at me slightly. “I missed you too.”
“Oh I missed you too little ferret.” I ruffled his hair.
“Aeri, would you care to join us in the ministry box?” came Lucius's voice again.
“Oh, I don’t know. I came here with Amos and the Weasleys.” I glanced at the staircase where the group was standing previously, now there were only the twins and Cedric left. I sighted. “You know what, yeah I will come with you. Just let me tell them first.” Both of the Malfoys seemed pleased with my answer.
I walked towards the three boys with a small smile. “Ummm guys, I think I’m going to go with them. I know we came here together, but no one besides you will even notice I’m gone.” They looked like they wanted to say something but I didn't give them the chance. “To make it up to you, let’s meet up at the Diggory’s tent after the match, you guys have it, right?” I looked at the gingers.
“Of course we do.” “And something else.” The two replied.
“What are you three talking about?” Cedric asked innocently.
“Oh, you will find out, don't worry.” Fred answered and wrapped a hand around my waist just like he did earlier that day.
“It will be fun. be there 20 minutes after the match ends, Amos should be with his colleagues from ministry, correct?” I checked with Cedric for reassurance, he nodded., his eyes glued to the ginger’s hand on me. “Nice. And you two, please don’t invite the trio, I don’t mind Ginny but the 3...you know how they are. Ron hates me, Hermione would tell Arthur and Harry is just...Harry. So can you promise me that?”
“Of course love, we also want to have fun.” Stated George before kissing my cheek and running off. Fred mimicked his action, his lips lingering for a moment.
Cedric gave me a hug. “I’m not sure what you are planning, but I trust you.” His breath hot on my ear. And with that he was gone, only leaving butterflies in my stomach.
“Ready?” asked the older blonde waiting for me. As we walked towards the seats he put his hand on my lower back guiding me through the mass of people.