The World Cup

Sam chuckled as she sat in the lawn chair outside of the small tent that she was sharing with Oliver. Her father had started to throw a fit at first, of course, though Celeste managed to calm him down. They had been living together a decent amount of time at this point. She and Oliver had been here nearly two weeks watching all the matches while their parents had shown up the night before for the final match. Her father was standing outside his tent, frowning at a wizard that was walking around in wellies and a floral night dress.

"Roger! Stop it! You are NOT working right now!" Celeste shouted, as she planted her hands on her hips nearby. "You promised for the next two days you'd be on holiday!"

"But, Celeste-"

"No buts! You said we were going to relax and enjoy the match!" she replied.

"Does your dad even know how to relax?" Oliver asked, glancing over at Sam.

"I don't think so," Sam replied, poking at the fire in front of them. She had a kettle of tea going on it. For the most part, their tents didn't seem remotely out of place in the field, but one glance around them quickly showed that not everyone had gotten the memo about the muggle security. Or more likely, they just didn't care. "A few of those look like they could be mansions."

"At least we're not next to the Irish or the Bulgarians," Oliver replied. Sam chuckled as he sat up in his chair and then stood. "Harry!"

Sam looked over, seeing the now fourth year student walking by with his two mates, carrying a large kettle of water.

"Wood," he called out as the three stopped.

"Come over and meet my parents," Oliver said, grinning as he motioned them over to his parents' tent next door. The two stood as the trio walked over and Oliver made introductions. "And you remember Sam's dad."

"Hello, Mr. Abbott," Harry said, nodding towards the auror, who had finally stopped glaring at the neighbors on the other side and walked towards the Woods with Celeste. Her eyes lit up as she took in the young boy.

"So, you're the Harry we're always hearing about," she said. "Heard you were a brilliant seeker." Harry blushed slightly as he ran his hand up the back of his neck.

"Did you hear the news? Oliver here has started on Puddlemere's reserves," Mr. Wood said loudly, slapping Oliver on the back.

"Brilliant," Harry said.

"Been practicing a little over a month now," he said. "Sam's at Watworths." She smiled as she looked at Harry. She hadn't spent much time around him or his two friends, to be honest. Even though she was close with Percy and the twins, she honestly didn't know Ron or even Ginny, to be honest. She only knew Charlie for a bit from when he was at school with them, but that was over four years ago. Granted Oliver had kept in touch with him and the oldest Weasley - Bill.

"Where's Percy?" she asked, glancing at Ron.

"He's coming a bit later with Bill and Charlie," he replied.

"We might come over in a bit, then," Oliver replied. "Before the match and all. Haven't seen Charlie in awhile."

"Sounds good," Ron replied. "We should get this back to the tents." Oliver and Sam waved them off as they struggled to carry the large kettle.

"So, Oliver, how do you think the match is going to go?" Roger asked.

"Well…" Oliver then launched into another long-winded explanation of both teams' tactics. Sam just rolled her eyes and walked into the tent to gather up her part of the breakfast things. It had been two weeks of non-stop quidditch, and with the final that day, Oliver was long past reaching a fever pitch.

Granted, she wasn't all that different. They stayed up late most nights, breaking down each match and player.

"But then there's Krum, who can be a bit unpredictable," Oliver was saying when Sam came back out and started spreading out the various items on the table Celeste and Agatha had put out in front of the Woods' tent.

"Save some of it for the match," Agatha said, rolling her eyes. Oliver looked over at his mother and then shrugged as he reached for a piece of toast and started eating.

"How's Watsworths?" Celeste asked, looking at Sam.

"About the same," she replied.

"I've barely seen you since you moved out," she replied. "And with Roger putting in so much overtime at the office, the house is practically empty. Thank goodness I have St. Mungo's to fill my time." She glanced over at him as he frowned.

"Not my fault. Black's still out there and half my team seems content to just… let him be," he said with a huff. "And if it's not that, it's the World Cup. And the Flint investigation."

"Get any further on that?" Alan asked, leaning towards the table. Sam's eyes widened as she looked over at her father, also curious as to whether he had found anything new about whoever had killed her mother and brother.

"Not much," he said with a heavy sigh. "Granted it's not as though I can put too much effort into it. Managed to get Shacklebolt and Tonks helping out a bit, though I sometimes wonder if Tonks was such a good idea."

"She still getting her feet caught up under her?" Celeste asked, amused by her husband's younger partner. He just shook his head and sighed heavily.

"Can't help but think those two are distracted by… something," he said.

"Well, I, for one, think that's enough work talk," Celeste said, shooting her husband another look.

"What the hell is Hardwick wearing?" Roger exclaimed, starting to stand.

"Let someone else take care of it," Celeste said, grabbing his arm and pulling him back down in the chair. "We've got a few more hours before the match starts up. Let's enjoy it."

Seemingly not long after though it was a few hours, the time had come to make their way to the match. Oliver and Sam walked ahead of their parents, chatting with various friends that they ran into on the way. They made plans with Charlie, Percy and the twins for them to come over after the match to celebrate no matter who won.

Even though they had been there some time, Sam's eyes still rounded into saucers when she saw the large stadium for the final. A hundred thousand witches and wizards would be there.

"Something, isn't it?" Oliver asked, grinning as he glanced down at her, squeezing her hand. The two were in Irish t-shirts, though would likely be happy no matter the winner. It was touted as an amazing match-up.

"That's for sure. Dad said they managed to get us box seats. So should be even more thrilling than the others," she said.

"Can't believe the Weasleys got in the minister's box," Oliver said, a hint of jealousy in his voice.

"We'll be in the box near them," she said, rolling her eyes. "And there's likely to be loads of players there."

"But still… wouldn't mind meeting Ludo Bagman," he said. "Best beater for the Wasps…"

"Dad said he's rather insufferable," Sam said with a chuckle.

"As did mine, but still," Oliver said.

Soon enough, they were walking through the entrance gate after handing over their tickets and making their way up the large amount of stairs to their box. Sam couldn't help but grin as she sat in the plush chairs.

"Much better than our other seats," she said, looking out at the pitch.

"I second that," Oliver replied as their parents settled in next to him. They looked around, noticing a few other workers in the sports ministry, who came up to speak to their fathers, and several players filing in.

"Blimey, that's Gwenog Jones," Oliver said in awe, his eyes wide.

"Thought perhaps you wouldn't be in awe anymore after joining the league," Sam said with a chuckle.

"Apparently not," Agatha replied from the other side of Oliver.

"Think I could get an autograph?" Oliver said. Sam rolled her eyes.

"Sit down. The match is going to start," she said. As if on cue, Ludo Bagman welcomed everyone to the match and announced the Bulgarian mascots. Sam's eyebrows rose as a hundred veela glided onto the field and every single man sat up in rapt attention. She chuckled under her breath as even Oliver had a loopy grin on his face.

While the veela were entertaining, she was concerned how they planned to keep them in check for the match. They very well could be watching them all night.

Thankfully, the veela finished and took their places on the sideline while a giant firework display started up with loads of leprechauns. It was an impressive display, though more than one person seemed upset when the gold coins disappeared.

She sat up grinning as the teams came out, eager to get to the match.

"This is going to be brilliant," Oliver said, sitting up next to her as the balls were released and the match started at a strikingly fast rate. If Sam wasn't used to watching professional matches with her parents or Oliver, she might have struggled to keep up, but Oliver was quick with calling out various plays that she might have missed.

After some time, both of them were yelling at various players and the ref.

"A match made in heaven, those two," Celeste said with a chuckle as she glanced over at them.

"That is for sure," Agatha replied.

"What was Lynch thinking!" Oliver shouted. "Should have known that's what Krum was playing at!"

"Krum is the current best seeker in the world," Sam countered.

"Thought you were rooting for Ireland?" Oliver asked, whipping his head around to frown at her.

"I am, but you can't argue that Krum is good," she replied. Oliver settled back down in his chair as the match continued.

This was certain to be an epic night.

Sam grinned as she set about to getting drinks ready in the tent following the match. Her parents were with the Woods, but she figured the Weasleys would be over soon enough.

"That was BRILLIANT!" Oliver shouted for what was the 20th time since they walked back through the woods.

"I know," she said, rolling her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile at him.

"Seriously, I can't wait to hit the pitch now," he said, his eyes taking a fiery glow. Sam just shook her head and chuckled. From outside the tent she could hear shouts and music playing. It seemed everyone in the tent city would be up most of the night celebrating.

"How long before the others get here, you think?" she asked.

"Should be soon, I think," he said. As if on cue, two gingers walked in, grinning.

"Where's Perce?" Sam asked, seeing Charlie and Bill. "And the twins?"

"Dad wouldn't let them out. Said they were too young," Charlie said as he walked over and shook Oliver's hand. "You remember my older brother Bill. I know you've met Wood, but this is his girlfriend Sam Abbott. They were about four years behind me and just graduated. Oliver is a brilliant keeper." Bill nodded at the two.

"As for Percy, think he's off working somewhere, knowing him," Charlie said as they all sat at the small table while Oliver passed around glasses. "Dad wasn't keen on us coming over, but not much he could say about it. And I wasn't going to miss out on the chance to celebrate a bit. Not a single drop of firewhiskey in the bloody tent and I know Wood's dad only gets the best."

"Good to have you," Sam said. "It's been awhile."

"Yea, heard you lot had an interesting year," Charlie said.

"Between Sirius Black breaking into Hogwarts, the dementors and Oliver winning us the House Cup?" Sam replied with a smile.

"Heard you got on Puddlemere," Bill said, looking at Oliver.

"Just the reserves. But hoping to get on the main team soon enough," he said with a smile.

The group then launched into a lively conversation about the upcoming season before moving into talking about the match. As they worked through the bottle, they could still hear music, chanting and shouts from outside. About the time Bill commented that he didn't envy whichever ministry workers were forced to stay up until late in the night to keep them in check, Sam was trying to stifle her third yawn.

Oliver noticed and said it was getting late. They said their good-byes and Charlie and Bill made their way back to their tent while Sam quickly changed into her pajamas and climbed under the covers on the inflated mattress and was half-way asleep by the time Oliver crawled in shortly after.

"Have a good day?" Sam asked sleepily as she snuggled up to him.

"The best," he murmured after kissing her head.

"Tomorrow we go back," she said, unable to keep her eyes open.

"Mmm," he murmured in return.

"Night…"

A loud boom rustled Sam from her sleep. She shifted in the bed and snuggled closer to Oliver.

"Wass that," he muttered.

"Probably the Irish setting off more fireworks," she replied. "Go back to sleep."

There was a louder boom and screams. Oliver shot up in bed, looking around.

"I don't think that's celebrating," he replied. Sam blinked her eyes open and looked around the tent. From outside she could see flashes of light. And hear the screams. And the thundering of feet. Oliver whipped the covers off and grabbed a t-shirt, pulling it on as Sam hopped out of bed and reached for her wand, already slipping into a pair of wellies. Her hair was falling out of its bun but she didn't have time to mess with it.

"Sammie, stay here," he said, walking towards the front of the tent.

"Like hell I am," she replied already following him as she quickly tucked her hair behind her ears.

The two stepped out and noticed that chaos had fallen on the campgrounds. Sam's eyes widened as she saw a group marching through the grounds, blasting tents as they got in the way. A large crowd was trying to get out of their way.

"Sam! Oliver! Get to the woods!" her father shouted before taking off towards the group, Alan Wood not far behind. Sam and Oliver looked at each and then immediately headed in the opposite direction of the woods, barely catching up to her father.

"I thought I told you to get to the woods!" Roger shouted as they caught up to them.

"We can help!" Sam shouted back. As soon as they rounded a large tent, all of them froze, eyes wide. Roger immediately apparated – Sam wasn't sure where to, but likely to the other side of the fray to try and get closer. Before them was a group of death eaters surrounded by people fleeing with the muggle campsite owner and his family suspended above them.

"Oh god," Sam uttered, unable to move.

"Sam! Oliver! Get over here!" Percy shouted. They both looked over at him, noticing him standing with Charlie and Bill out of the way. The two took off for them, still keeping an eye on the death eaters and the exodus.

"What the hell is going on!" Oliver shouted. "How are they doing this?"

"Don't know how they got through the security," Percy shouted back. He looked around frantically, obviously trying to find someone. "Have you seen Mr. Crouch?"

"Why the bloody hell do you care about your boss!?" Charlie shouted. "Do you not see the massive group of death eaters?!"

"What do we do?" Sam shouted back, getting the group on course again. She looked over, seeing her father with a group of aurors attempting to get through the crowd towards the hooded figures.

"Best to divide and conquer," Charlie said with a slight smile. Sam took off, pushing her way through the crowd. As she was the smallest of the group, she managed to get through a bit easier, though she could hear Oliver shouting her name from somewhere behind her.

"Let me through," she shouted, stamping on someone's foot in the process by accident. Whoever it was gave a yelp and then elbowed her in the shoulder, nearly knocking her to the ground. Thankfully, she landed on Oliver who steadied her as they kept moving. The crowd was so thick, they couldn't even fire off any spells out of fear they'd hit someone innocent.

"SAMANTHA ABBOTT! GET YOUR ARSE TO THE WOODS!" she heard her father shout from somewhere. She elbowed her way through and nearly made it to the edge before something hit her in the stomach. She doubled over and nearly fell to the ground before Oliver managed to catch her again. They were on the edge of the crowd as she looked up, noticing he was now sporting a bruise on his cheek and a cut lip.

"Easy there," he said, helping her up. They both looked at the group of death eaters and aurors starting to surround them. One of the hooded figures seemed to freeze slightly, the mask-covered face turning towards the two. The figure then started to move towards them.

"SAM! GET TO THE BLOODY WOODS!" Roger shouted, shooting a jinx at the figure.

Sam looked over, noticing the figure. She gripped her wand and shot a hex in the general direction, though it was quickly deflected.

There were more screams as every head turned to the sky. Sam and Oliver looked up, seeing the large green mark. Just the sight of it turned Sam's blood cold. Loud pops grabbed their attention. As they looked back, hooded figure after hooded figure disappeared. The one looking at Sam raised his mask slightly, revealing a dark smile and cold eyes before disappearing. Some of the others managed to catch the muggle family before they hit the ground.

Sam began shivering, the cold eyes seared into her mind.

"Sam! Are you alright?" Roger shouted, running up to her and starting to look her over.

"I'm fine. Just a bit bumped around from the crowd," she said, dazed.

"I told you to stay behind!" he shouted.

"I wanted to help…"

"You're barely an adult!" he shouted back.

"Abbott! Could use you over here!" one of the other aurors shouted. Roger looked over at them and nodded.

"Take her back to the tent. Have Celeste look after you two," he said to Oliver before running off.

"What happened?" Oliver asked, starting to lead her back.

"I saw one of them," she said. "I don't know who it was, but I saw part of his face."

"The one that was looking at us. I saw him too," Oliver said, sliding an arm around her. "Are you sure you're not hurt?"

"Let's get to the tent first. Can't see worth shit out here," she said, limping slightly. She hadn't realized she hurt her foot.

"That your ankle?" he asked.

"I'm fine," Sam said, still bothered by the man.

They made their way back to the tents where their mothers were standing outside waiting. They were luckily spared from the stampede.

"Sam! Oliver! Quickly! Get in!" Celeste said, her wand still out. The two moved into the tent with Celeste looking over the two while Mrs. Wood looked around for a first aid kit. "Why would you two go running off into that? You could have been badly injured!"

"We wanted to help," Sam said as Mrs. Wood sat the box on the table and moved to make the group tea while Celeste threw open the kit and started rifling through it. "Dad's still out there."

"What happened?" Mrs. Wood asked.

"Group of death eaters. They had the muggle family," Oliver said, wincing as Mrs. Abbott start dabbing at his face with an ointment. "But they all apparated when that mark appeared in the sky." Celeste looked over at Mrs. Wood, their faces both losing color.

"Had hoped I'd never see that again," Agatha said quietly. Both Oliver and Sam looked over at her, brow furrowed. "That was his mark."

"You Know Who?" Sam asked. Celeste looked at her and nodded.

"He would put it over the houses of those he went after. There was one over the car the day your mother died," she said softly. Sam nodded and looked down at her hands, tears starting to fill her eyes.

"Thank Merlin you two are okay," Agatha said, walking back over with steaming mugs of tea. Sam looked up and took hers, blowing on it before taking a drink. Celeste moved over to look at Sam as Oliver took his mug.

Before anyone could say anything else, Roger and Alan walked into the tent, sighing with relief to find Oliver and Sam there.

"The next time I tell you to stay put, for Merlin's sake, stay put," Roger said, stomping over to the two. Sam looked up at him, eyes wide. "I'm just glad you're not hurt badly. One of them was heading straight for you."

"I'm fine," Sam said, sighing heavily. "Just a bit creeped out, is all. I didn't know there were still that many death eaters about. And then the one that wouldn't stop staring at us." She shuddered slightly, still remembering that smile. There was something oddly familiar about it.

"What death eater?" Celeste asked, looking at Roger.

"I never saw his face and he disappeared before we got to them," he said. He looked at Sam. "Did you see him?"

"Just a bit. He had such dark eyes…" she said. "And that smile looked familiar…"

"Reminded me of Flint," Wood said. All of them looked over at him, eyes wide. "You don't think…"

Roger looked over at Sam and then shook his head, starting to pace around the tent.

"Was that… Antonius Flint?" Sam asked.

"Perhaps," Roger said. "No one saw him save you. Couldn't make out heads or tails of any of them. They shouldn't have been able to do any of that. Not with the security in place."

"You don't think he could come after her again, do you?" Celeste asked. Roger stopped pacing momentarily to look at Sam.

"I don't think he would. Not now. They'll be laying low. Trying not to draw attention or anything. Not after that display," he said before starting to pace again.

"What's going on, Dad?" Sam asked. "What do you know?"

"Up until now, nothing really. But there had been whispers. Didn't think it would be something, but… after that…" he said. Sam stood and walked towards him.

"Dad… is the Dark Lord back?" she asked softly.

"I don't know," he said. "We haven't… there's been no sightings… but… Merlin…"

"Roger… please tell me that it's not starting up again," Celeste said, her voice wavering. He looked around the tent at the varying expressions of worry and fear.

"It might be…"

Here we are! The last chapter! Been working on the follow up so should be able to start posting it soon.

.2018 - It's just a follow up to this one about everything that happens during the war. Always found it interesting what the others were doing while Harry and co. was running around and such. ^_^

cjconner326 - Haha! Got a lot planned for that one. ^_^

Thanks for reading and following!