Broomsticks and Bronze: A World Cup Surprise

Chapter 3

//Harry//

A little while later, Hecate came up to the front with Percy, while Harry joined Ron and Hermione.

'Harry, you can't possibly believe him. How could he just disappear out of the castle like that against his will? And his aunt kidnapped him, honestly. You can't even apparate in Hogwarts!' Hermione said immediately.

'Hermione,' Harry said curtly, 'Percy is my brother. His father's side of the family is... different, to say the least. They're all super powerful witches and wizards in America, but they're a really big, extended family. I remember him telling me that one Christmas, his cousins and he had been sort of kidnapped by their aunt. Or cousin. Honestly, his family is super messed up.'

He wasn't sure how much information Hermione could extract from that, but he hoped he hadn't given away enough for the true identity of his brother to be revealed.

'Ok, I get it,' Hermione said. 'But then, if his father's family is so powerful, I must have read about them somewhere! What's their name?'

'Oh, um—' Harry's mind drew a blank and he began to panic. What had he gotten himself into? Ok, deep breaths. You have to tell her something.

'Well... they like to keep more to the shadows, Percy told me they're not really one for flaunting who they are.'

Hermione still didn't look convinced, but she let the matter go. Thankfully.

— — —

//Percy//

Hecate had come up to Percy once Harry had gone back to Ron and Hermione.

'That girl's one smart one, I got to say. I haven't been here one day and Hermione's already been trying to figure out my secrets. She's gonna go far in your world, Hecate. I don't need Apollo to tell you that,' he said.

'She had fascinated me when I first met her. It wouldn't be too surprising if she went on to become minister,' Hecate said.

Percy agreed. Hermione was a great influence on his little brother, and he'd heard some of her ideas first hand. He had been surprised that she hadn't been sorted into Ravenclaw, it would have fit her.

He saw people he suspected were from other schools. Hecate confirmed his suspicions.

'They're probably from Koldovstoretz,' she said. 'The Russian school. It's well known for its students' affinity with potions.'

Percy hummed. He'd heard of schools in Brazil and Egypt too. Never in Russia though, but it wasn't too surprising. He'd gotten a letter from Ilvermorny and Hogwarts, but his decision was already made.

He talked to Ron about his brothers too. He got on well with Fred and George, even though they were a year younger. Although Percy figured he'd be in their year this term, because of his whole 'missing school because my youngest aunt kidnapped me and sent me back to America' problem.

Ron told him that they'd come with Cedric, his used to be year-mate. Although they were in different houses, they were good friends. He owed him an apology, although he knew Ced would be able to see past a little bit of his facade.

'Hey mate, where's your tent pitched up?' Ron asked Percy.

Percy shook out of his stupor. 'What? The tent? Oh um... field three I think. Yeah, it was the third one.'

'We're in field one, and we're almost there. Just thought you ought to know some stuff.'

'Fire away.'

'Well,' Ron began slowly, 'first off, Fred and George might want to stupefy you. I'm not sure when Percy, Charlie and Bill will come. Also, we've also invited a cousin over for the cup. It's her first time seeing a quidditch game.'

He nodded. Percy should have been worried, but dealing with a bunch of annoying gods who wanted to kill him didn't leave him fazed about the twins. He hadn't met Bill or Charlie for a long time. As for Percy Weasley... he and Malcolm would get along well, but not Percy.

Then a great idea hit him. His younger uncle would be proud of it. He nudged Ron and told him the whole plan.

The Golden Trio took up the front once again, and Percy told his whole idea to Hecate. The goddess grinned. It was going to be very exciting to see everyone's reactions.

— — —

//Hermione//

'You've been ages,' said George, when they finally got back to the Weasleys' tents.

'Met a few people,' Ron said offhandedly, setting the water down. 'You guys got the fire started yet?'

'Dad's having fun with the matches,' Fred said.

Mr. Weasley was having no success in lighting the fire, but it wasn't for the lack of trying. Splintered matches littered the ground around him, but he looked as though he was having the time of his life.

'Oops!' he said, as he managed to light a match, and promptly dropped it in surprise.

Hermione kindly took the box from him and showed him how to use the matches properly.

At last, they got the fire lit, though it was at least another hour before it was hot enough to cook anything. There was plenty to see while they waited, however.

Suddenly, they all heard a huge clang. They turned to the sound of the noise and Percy stood there. So that was the plan for his big reveal... But Percy wasn't done yet.

'Long time no see guys. But don't I have a tendency to get into trouble, huh?'

Percy was sporting some gold dust here and there. Only noticeable to someone very observant. Hermione wondered where it came from. She also noticed Hecate's absence.

Fred and George were the first to react, hugging him. Percy promised to answer all of their questions eventually. He was saying that so much, almost as if trying to evade the questions all together.

Hermione had most certainly not expected the next person who came up. Arms crossed, and a sly smile on her face. Standing there, in all her glory, was Rachel Elizabeth Dare.