Ch. 112 Before Finals

The summer was coming to a close, and with it the World Cup.

Like the canon, Ireland and Bulgaria are the topic of the hour. The only difference is that although Victor Krum is still the youngest and best seeker of the tournament, many believe that Ireland has the better chances. This is no longer a game where one speculates who is going to win. It is now one about how the Bulgarian team will pull off an upset? The addition of my broom and company has pushed Ireland's abilities that much further. The Firebolt was there in the canon, but it's being sold through my company alongside its twin, and what better advertisement is there than those two wiping the floor with everyone?

As I was readying myself for the finals, a letter came for me.

'Dear Aedan,

This summer has been a blast. The World Cup was great and I can't wait to go to the finals with you and Sirius.

The Dursley's have been treating me as usual, like I'm not there, thanks to you two as well. Aunt Petunia tried to get me on that horrid diet of Dudley's, but your names stopped her in her tracks. Thanks for sending Tilly to give me food.

But, something weird happened this morning. My scar hurt again. Last time that happened it was because Voldemort was at Hogwarts. But I don't reckon he can be anywhere near me now, can he? Do you know if curse scars sometimes hurt years afterward?

I'd like to talk with you and Sirius about it, and I don't want to worry Ron and Hermione about this, or bother Professor Dumbledore in case this is nothing.

If you can send Artemis over soon that would be great, Hedwig missed her sometimes.

Harry.

P.S: I'll be heading over with the Weasley's for the finals, so I'll see you and Sirius there. Still excited for the finals.'

It was interesting to see Harry come to me about this. I'm guessing it is because he doesn't really have to send Sirius any letters anymore due to his actual presence in Harry's life, and the fact that I have been like a big brother to the kid on top of a sort of mentor figure. It helps that I also know about the Voldycunt events and helped him during the last two years.

"Thank you for the letter Hedwig. How about you play with Artemis for a bit while I write a reply? She misses you too sometimes." I say to the snowy white owl.

With an excited chirp, she flew towards the backyard. She had spent enough time here to know her way around.

With a little chuckle, I wrote my reply.

'Dear Harry,

Although I myself am not the biggest Quidditch fan in the world, I am happy I could help you escape those 'people' for the summer.

If your friends and their families are coming I would be more than happy to invite them to our booth as well. I received a message from Cedric that he would be attending and he would be joining in on the match too. We have more than enough room and the seats couldn't be any better.

Now, about your scar. From what you've told me about it, you probably have a form of connection with Him due to the events of the past. I do not know what or how exactly, but it is possible that when he feels intense emotions you will be able to sense it. My only solution would be Occlumency at the moment, but I know at your age that it is a difficult art to properly train in. Too many emotions and worries in a teenager and child's mind, that being the main reason such a useful art is so disused.

The Headmaster would probably like to know of this and my own conjectures if you decide to contact him. No need to worry too much about it. Although his renown is great, he still cares deeply for his students, and does worry about you as well.

I hope the display of skills and the excitement of the finals can alleviate some of your troubles. If not, Sirius, Remus and I are always here to help.

Aedan.'

I couldn't tell the kid straight away about his situation. He just wasn't ready to accept such a revelation. If he had always known, then maybe I could help him with it, but he has his own ideas and is too emotional about his own past and present. Telling him now would destroy his own psychological evaluation of himself and might lead to intense self denial. Not a good path to go down on, hence why I mostly agree with how the Headmaster goes about letting Harry figure it out. Never teaching him anything was a stupid decision, but this was the best way for Harry to come to terms with the truth.

With my little interlude with the kid, I worked on inviting my friends. Christian would just go crazy for the cup and has been writing his intense jealousy at my being able to go. James would find it nice that a broom he worked on was being used at the highest level of the sport. And Tory would mostly be doing it to spend some more time together, and it also helped that I could show off a bit of my wealth and influence. No girl doesn't like being treated with the best from time to time.

Speaking of girls, Susan and Amelia would also be coming along for the finals. Susan would be with me, as her older brother I will never let her go un-pampered, and taking her to the cup is obviously going to happen. Mother is going to be in charge of the security for the foreign dignitaries present at the event, whilst managing the Aurors and Hit Wizards on site. Even if trouble does happen, I am now more than strong enough to protect them both.

'Now... lets see if the little Death Eater wannabes still attack or not.' I thought to myself as I prepared to leave for the event with Susan.

"This is so exciting! Ireland is going to wipe the sky with Bulgaria! No way they'll be able to catch up to your broom!" Said the very excited and very green Susan.

"Haha! Thanks sis. Now grab onto my arm, we will be there in a flash and Mother will come check on us when she can." I say to the girl, while ruffling her now green hair.

"Hehe! Apparating with you is soooo much better than with anyone else. You make it so comfortable!" Said a slightly giggling and huggy Suz.

"That's because your brother has the best partner in the world and is a genius!" I declared in an exaggerated manner.

With some smiling and joking, I apparated the both of us away, landing in the designated area for VIP's. The sight that welcomed us was interesting to be sure. I have been here a lot over the last month, but it was like everything got cranked up to eleven for the finals.

Rows after rows of modified and wacky tents lined the grass surrounding the stadium. One could see wizard firecrackers and fireworks going off, young ones on brooms and their toy versions for toddlers, floating laundry, levitating tents, some ridiculous multi story tents, weirdly dressed people walking all over the place, some charmed muggles and incredibly busy ministry officials.

I only had one thought about this debacle.

'This is just so like wizards.'

No common sense, lack of true organization, improper use of ressources, incapable of properly implementing effective security measures and just the fact this is happening at the present location is mind boggling.

'But at least it has wonder and fun.' Was my second thought as a smile spreads across my face due to the merriment happening all around.

Although it would bring tears to the eyes of the Germans and Chinese, to see such an organized chaos, I couldn't bring myself to want to truly change it. What I would want to do is let these men and women do their magic, but figure out a way to hide the fun properly.

'Pretty sure I could figure out a way to do it by mixing a downgraded version of the Fidelius charm, muggle repelling charms, notice-me-nots and a modified apparation/portkey ward. Now that I think about it, I only have the one project left, maybe that's something to work on after it.' I thought when I saw this problem in action and how I could help fix it.

I walked around as Susan looks at everything with excitement. It was interesting thinking about how the two of us looked.

Suzan looks like a hardcore Ireland fan, with green hair, team jersey, leprechaun accessories, and Ireland flags in her hands as she runs around and greets other fans with the same excitement she has at the moment. While I walk alongside her in one of my new suits, green tie and four leaf clover in my front pocket, watching my little sister being so happy with a warm smile.

Like I've said before, I'm not the biggest Quidditch fan. But I have to show my support for one of our national teams in some way, even if I have to maintain my image as Lord Bones.

In the excitement I managed to get Susan over to my friends.

"Hey mate! How come you look like such a bore? You're like Tory. Suz and I look so much better!" Yelled out Christian with some laughter.

The guy was ridiculously dressed. The Leprechaun hat, shirt green hair, clover glasses, full face paint, green shorts, white and green jersey with ripped sleeves showing his muscled arms painted with clovers.

"Oh, speak for yourself Beast Boy. You can support a team and still look proper." Said the dismissive Tory as she shook her head.

Unlike my wild friend, Victoria was wearing a nicely made emerald green dress. It matched her eyes and supported Ireland as a two for one. The dress exposed most of her shoulders, had proper sleeves, went all the way down to her black heels, but the dress hugged her body as her curves were emphasized by it, while wearing a green and white scarf of Ireland around her exposed shoulders. She looked beautiful to me, and she could still showed who she supported.

"Although I do appreciate your efforts Christian, it is a bit much for me as well. It is very nice to see you as well Susan. I hope you had a pleasant summer so far." Then said my calm friend.

Unlike Christian, James had a Jersey and a flag to show who he was supporting, coupled with green pants, but he didn't paint or turn any of his body green.

"Senior James! Sis Tory! It's so cool to see you two! I am happy we all get to watch the game together!" Exclaimed the excited Susan as she went up to the two.

"Hey! What about me? Why do I get ignored?" Complained the green Christian.

"Because you're rude and have never done anything nice for me." Said the girl as she turned her attention back to those she liked.

"Haha! That's my little sister." Laughed the happy Tory.

"Sorry Christian. No luck for you on this front. Maybe all those clovers will help the team instead." Added a 'sorry' looking James.

"Maybe after you both geek out about the game she'll like you more." I say in a comforting voice, pity in my eyes and a pat on the shoulder.

"Noooooo!" Said the crestfallen guy as he exaggeratedly kneeled on the ground.

"Well, he'll snap out of it soon. Let's get going, the rest of the people will join us after they're done setting up." I say with a chuckle at my explosive friend.

I then proceed to guide everyone in as Christian runs to catch up to us, trying to get his excitement levels back as he talked to Susan.