Memories Of Them

Chapter 2- The Glorious Game

Cassie hated apparition. Once she and Mrs Carlisle had landed she doubled over, closing her eyes, breathing deeply. In through her nose and out through her mouth. Mrs Carlisle began gently rubbing her back and pulling her hair away from her face.

"Thank you, Mrs Carlisle, I'm not the best at travelling." mumbled out Cassie embarrassedly.

"Don't worry Cassandra, the first time I ever apparated I vomited, all over my shoes and my apparition instructor. I was so embarrassed I didn't get my licence until I was 25." she said with a laugh in her voice. Cassie managed a small giggle.

Once the world had stopped spinning Cassie stood up straight, rubbing her eyes and looking around her. They appeared to have landed in a large gold hoop in a farmer's field, the number 74 was written in swirly golden numbers on the floor in front. All four sides of the field were lined by dry stone walls, a wooden gate to her left was flanked by a small thatched cottage. A man, who seemed to be a muggle, was waving glassy eyed at the wizards who were streaming through the gate. They were all heading towards the back of the field, through another gate and disappearing into a wooded area. Cassie had never seen so many wizards in one small space in all of her life. The air was electric, alive with the sound of excited chatter, laughing and the occasional verse of 'don't aim your bludger over there'.

Cassie was startled from her nosiness by a loud popping sound on either side of her. Landing in hoops 73 and 75  were the rest of the Carlisle family. Hugo and Henry appeared standing, unfazed by their experience. Odette on the other hand landed, stumbled and fell face first into the grass, a low groan leaving her lips. Cassie rolled her eyes and rushed forward, helping the girl up off of the floor for the second time that day. Cassie heard a low chuckle from behind them and turned to see Mr Carlisle with his hand over his mouth, trying to muffle his laughter. Hugo and Henry sauntered over to join the rest of the group.

"Even the house elves are able to master apparition. Honestly, this is getting kind of embarrassing now." Hugo said, malice clear in his eyes and tone.

"Hugo!" Cassie gasped defensively, "Odette is top of her class in both Transfiguration and Alchemy, she is one of the most intelligent and hardworking witches I know! Nobody is perfect and good at everything; do you want to talk about all of the hours I spent tutoring you in potions last year?" she snapped.

Hugo looked shocked, opening and closing his mouth like a goldfish his cheeks turning a tomato like shade of red. Cassie ignored his reaction turned her back on the blond boy flicking her hair in his face as she went. She'd had quite enough of his name calling for one day. Going to stand by Odette, Cassie linked her arms with the girl listening to Mr Carlisle explain how to get to their campsite. His directions were interrupted by a short, balding man in a pinstriped suit shouting at them.

"The next family are coming in any minute now! I will not be responsible for any injuries caused if they apparate on top of you! Get out of the way now!" he yelled, spit flying out of his mouth as he spoke.

With mumbles of apologies the group grabbed their bags and began to follow the tidal wave of wizards heading towards the wooded area. The shouty man returned to his post muttering rudely under his breath as he went.

They started down a mud track looping through the towering trees on either side. The canopy above blocked out almost all of the sunlight creating dark shadowed patches, giving the wood an eerie atmosphere. The sounds of the crowd were muted as well, their footsteps were muffled by fallen leaves and pine needles on the floor, most of the crowd appeared to quiet down whispering to others in their group rather than shouting and hollering. Cassie felt a tug on her arm, turning she met the gaze of the still slightly pink cheeked Odette.