Crashing the Rose Castle Abandoned

Trying to not act like an idiot - with @Alina Rosier

"I thought you'd at least be another ten minutes," she smiled at him. Clifton crossed the hall to her tugging on his sleeves and his collar and grinned.

"Well. I wasn't sure if you were talking Greenwhich Mean Time or Clifton Standard Time, so I made sure I'd be early just in case. You look nice."

He was trying to pretend he wasn't nervous, but it must've shone through because she took his hand and reassured him, saying her dad was 'quite wonderful.' Clifton smiled to himself, relieved things had turned out the way they had for her and her family. He still remembered the conversation they'd had about her genuine fears that she'd be disowned and left to to fend for herself. Clifton knew the her childhood must've given her good reason to believe that and he was happy she was finally getting the sort of father-daughter relationship she deserved.

He just hoped he didn't ruin it.

They made their way down stairs and through the ornate Foyer until they reached a small dining area in the kitchen. Clifton's eyes locked on the tall, immaculately dressed man that had his back to them. He looked like he could've passed as some celebrity. The maid said something and the man turned, directly meeting his gaze.

Charles Rosier's focus held as he crossed the room to them and part of Clifton wanted to shrink into himself. But the rest of him knew there was no reason to. And even there was, he'd been the one to ask Alina to be his girlfriend. He would stand by it.

So he managed a friendly sort of smile and kept up his end of the staring contest. Mr. Rosier extended a hand. "Good evening, Mr. Troublefield."

Clifton returned the strong handshake with all the firmness he could at twelve. "Good evening, Sir. Thank you for letting me visit. You're home is amazing."

The man smiled a little, but studied him a moment longer, like he was trying to place something. "I must admit that I do often wonder if one should let their daughter be girlfriend to someone with a last name containing the word trouble."

Clifton laughed a little nervously and shrugged, "I does sometimes follow me, Sir. But I can usually run faster."

Before they could say anymore, supper was announced and Mr. Rosier directed them to the table. Clifton tried to not act surprised that they started with an appetizer like a restaurant, instead of eating the whole meal at once. He was reminded that, at least according to his dad, some rich families ate meals in separate chunks. Meaning it would be a bad idea to betray how hungry he was right then if he didn't want to go to bed feeling ill.

"I was happy to hear that you are also in Hufflepuff and I think that attests to your character more than--"

Clifton didn't quite catch the rest, as he was busy choking on what turned out not to be fruit juice, but something much more strong and unfamiliar. He managed to quickly compose himself again and nudged the drink away just a little.

"Uh, yeah. Hufflepuff. It's brilliant. There are a lot of good kids there." But how did he know--?

"I've kinda sorta told him all about you," Alina smiled, taking a sip from her own glass.

Clifton smiled in return. "Fair enough. Just so long as you left my baby photos out of it. You're just lucky your house has a lot better hiding places than mine."

And then he remembered where he was and he cleared his throat a little. He wasn't sure yet if this dinner was as open as his family ones and decided to maybe save the playful back-and-forth for later.

"Mr. Rosier? Alina and I found your Quidditch trophy at school. Can I ask what it was like being on an actual team? I can do a few stunts in class, but... I think I'm better at the sports that let you stay on the ground."

"And your garage," he added. "Alina showed it to me earlier. Where do you even find cars like that? And then living next door to Elton John and Queen? Have you actually talked to them?"

Realizing he was slipping into that energetic, chatty mode his parents were always warning him about, he made himself take it down a notch. "Sorry, Sir. It's just that..." Just that, wealth aside, he was suddenly wondering what it was like to have a magic family.

"Just that all of this is really new. It's brilliant."

Alina was grateful that Clifton didn't seem intimidated by talking to her father and her father was glad he wasn't shy so his words were more than welcome.

"If you'd rather some water, I'm sure we can arrange that," he said of the wine. He didn't even have to say another word further and Margie came with a glass of ice water, setting it down next to Clifton. She then proceeded to get the next course ready, which was beef carpaccio and french onion soup since Margie wasn't sure what her new guest liked best yet.

"Quidditch held many of my fonder memories of school. To be on the team I had to keep my grades up and that was better motivation than doing it solely to please my mother. It also helped to impress the girls." Alina rolled her eyes because she could just see her dad going from girl to girl even back then.

"Well Clive doesn't need to be impressing girls," she didn't want to keep quiet and said before taking a small bit of the soup. Her dad looked at her before giving a more apologetic look to Clifton. "Looks like someone's rather protective." Alina didn't say anything at all and decided to ignore the two others for that moment because she knew that jealousy, even if not aimed toward anyone, was not an attractive quality in a girl and she was showing it at that moment.

He went on to tell Clifton about how they were going to go to a professional quidditch game while
visiting and that maybe they'd do a little crash course practicing in the yard. He knew his daughter wasn't very strong on a broom and that flying was one of her least favorites. He at least wanted to get her to feel comfortable with it.

"Despite me wanting you both to be rather proficient in wizarding transportation," he referenced the broom handling, "I do have a weakness for muggle transportation. It takes awhile to find the right car, the perfect year in the perfect color in the make and model that one wants. I have a storage place just North of here where I keep some of the others when not in use," and that's what Alina had meant how she sees different ones every time she goes down there.

"And our neighbors are rather remarkable. Brian is an astrophysicist as well as a musician; one of the smartest men I've ever met. - A great guy, too. He's the one that taught Alina to play the piano. Elton's often busy doing something or another, but his two boys love to follow Alina around any time they're together. I believe both will be attending the Gala." His gaze looked to his daughter to see if she told their guest about it and she smiled to her father.

"I do hope you enjoy your stay. It has been awhile since we had a new guest and I believe all should make you feel at home...with the exception of my mother. Try your best not to mind her. She lacks a certain charm."

That was putting it nicely.

Finishing up supper with @Alina Rosier

Clifton was grateful for the water once he realized what was in the glass and nodded appreciatively at Margie. It was definitely an acquired taste and, besides that, his family wasn't very familiar with this luxury way of life. He wasn't certain his parents would've thought. With his kind of energy, he was lucky if they let him steal a few sips of their soda.

Margie then began placing another mouth-watering course on the table and Clifton's eyes widened. Was it like this every night?

"A lot of work must go into all this," he muttered, not realizing he'd thought it out loud until Margie glanced over at him. She smiled and he smiled back, though his gaze flickered toward the table then down at his lap. Gawking at furniture, choking on nice drinks, and acting like supper was an art exhibit. At this rate, they were going to think Alina had dragged him out from under a barn somewhere.

"Quidditch held many of my fonder memories of school. To be on the team I had to keep my grades up and that was better motivation than doing it solely to please my mother. It also helped to impress the girls."

Mr. Rosier's imposing, billionaire composure lifted at that last sentence and there was just a hint of a wink, making the boy laugh.

"I bet it did."

"Well Clive doesn't need to be impressing girls," Alina interjected. She and her father exchanged glances for a moment before he looked over at Clifton again, this time in apology.

"Looks like someone's rather protective."

At first, Clifton could only shrug. Because he knew exactly where her defensiveness was coming from. As much as Clifton already liked Mr. Rosier and as much as the man had already changed, Alina still had to grow up watching him bounce between other women. So what else was she supposed to expect?

But for now, Clifton was content to keep breaking the mold.

“That's alright, I’m just as bad," he smiled. "I might be a Hufflepuff, but I have all kinds of fun ideas for any idiot that thinks he can get in the way.”

He had tried to meet Alina's gaze while saying it, but she seemed to have checked out of the conversation, shrinking into herself and focusing on her food. He frowned a little, wanting to comfort her except that she was seated whole mess of beef carpaccio and french onion soup away.

Resolving to reassure her later, he turned back to Mr. Rosier.

“Alina says we’re going to one of the professional Quidditch matches. What are the teams? I only know the ones from school.”

The more details Mr. Rosier told him, the more excited Clifton got about going. It seemed like the particular one they were going to was supposed to be one of the most anticipated in the season. And he liked the idea of practicing in the yard--it was practically the size of a Quidditch field anyways.

When Mr. Rosier began talking about his cars and his neighbors, Clifton did his best to keep up. It was all so different and so mind-blowingly amazing that he could talk about it so casually.

"You never told me that's who taught you piano," Clifton grinned over at Alina. He'd imagined she was already talented, but if she'd skipped that detail, then she was probably a lot better than she was letting on.

Then Mr. Rosier talked more about the upcoming gala and Clifton tried to act just nonchalant as him about going to the same party as so many celebrities. Again, he was amazed that Alina could have this kind of life and still be excited to jump on a trampoline.

“I do hope you enjoy your stay. It’s been awhile since we had any guests and I believe all should make you feel at home...with the exception of my mother. Try your best not to mind her. She lacks a certain charm.”

Clifton nodded. It was a very fancy person way to explain her hitting Alina. And very possibly being involved in a murder.

“Thank you, Sir. I've already enjoyed it loads. But yeah, I’ve heard a few things."

Clifton turned back to his food, not wanting to delve too far into that topic.


He had considered asking Alina if she wanted to go swimming after supper, but he was so full near the end of it, that he decided on something else. Something that had been in the back of his mind ever since the tour.

"Excuse me, ma'am," he said, addressing Margie. "Are there any extra blankets and pillows we can use? Maybe even a string of lights?"

The woman looked at him curiously. He felt Alina approach him and take his hand, the same question on her face.

"Because if it's not against the rules or anything, I think the the stuff around here would make for an epic blanket fort."

"I'll see what I can manage," Margie said with a wink to their guest. Charles Rosier dismissed himself for work, saying he would see the two in the morning and then he went over to compliment Margie on another wonderful meal before kissing her cheek the way a son would an older mother.

"Blanket fort, huh?" Alina asked, but thought it was a wonderful idea. Not only did they have a LOT of sheets and blankets in the home, but with their newfound knowledge of spells from school, they could really make it into something. One wasn't to use magic outside school, but that was for complex things and hexes. Simple charms like Wingardium Leviosa were not off limits in a magical household. "I guess this means I get to see how great of an architect you are." Clifton already had a lot of talents, from what she could see.

It wasn't long until they found themselves in the ballroom with nearly an entire wall lined with available supplies - pillows, blankets, sheets, lights, a table adorned with snacks, some various games, juice drinks.

"Now do remember this is a group effort now, Clive. No competition," she smiled to him because the two liked their competitions - even if it was just a race down the corridor. She took a handful of clothespins and a lightweight sheet to start creating the top section of what would probably be the most epic blanket fort in the history of all blanket forts.

As the two were busy working, voices could be heard in the hall and Alina paused to look to the entryway of the Ballroom where her grandmother and Bella were walking, having returned home from their trip. They both had bags upon bags that they set down and her grandmother used her wand to levitate them into the air and sent them along to Bella's room. "Lina, I got an entire new wardrobe for Beauxbatons!" Bella called out, excited. Alina smiled, glad that her sister was happy but also hated that she worried more about fashion than the crazy big blanket fort before her. Where did her sense of adventure go? "That's great, Belle!" she said to her sister, knowing she did love her clothing and appearance. "And welcome back!" She then knew it was rude to exclude her grandmother, no matter what her opinion on her was. "Good evening, Grandmother," she greeted her. "Lina," she nodded, only saying that in response.

Her eyes then followed around the outer contours of the blanket fort. "I expect all of this will be cleaned up by the time of your father's gala?" Alina nodded, "Yes, ma'am," she answered. Her grandmother then gave Bella a hug and bid her goodnight. After she walked off, Alina hoped maybe she'd join. "Want to join us?" she opened up one of the sheets to reveal Clifton, busy pinning a part of the fabric down. "Clive got here earlier today." Bella smiled politely but declined. "I've got to get my things hung up before they wrinkle and I'm rather tired from all that shopping." She felt bad about how she had been treating Alina since Alina called her out.

"Good to see you again though, Cliff," she smiled softly. The summer seemed to do him well with his sunkissed hair and tanned skin or maybe it was just that he was getting older and more mature. "Goodnight, you two," she said before heading out of sight herself.

Alina sighed, not that her sister didn't stay but because of the look. Clifton glanced over to her because he caught the sigh. "Sorry, jealousy again. Bella's got a bit of a thing for you." But he seemed his normal clueless self. "You know...thinks you're hot, cute, good looking...." however he would phrase it. "And she's absolutely right." Alina came over to where he was and took hold of his hand, lifting herself to press her lips to his for a little bit longer than they normally did.

When their kiss did end, she pulled back and looked to him through the glow of the string lights that he had requested. It was magical, and not just because of the the charms that were levitating the sheets and blankets around them. "We should stay here tonight. Camp in."

Dancing and Pillow Fights - With @Alina Rosier

The blanket fort turned out to be just epic as he’d pictured. It was definitely the tallest, roomiest fort he’d ever helped make. And also the prettiest, thanks to Alina’s touches.

It suddenly made him wish Clover was there to see it. The one he usually made these things with. She would’ve loved it.

"Lina, I got an entire new wardrobe for Beauxbatons!"

They were back. Clifton heard Alina greeting both Bella and her grandmother and was about to greet them himself when he saw one of the bigger sheets about to slip. Not wanting half the thing to suddenly collapse, he hurried over and began adding extra pins to secure it in place.

"I expect all of this will be cleaned up by the time of your father's gala?"

Just her voice grated on Clifton’s nerves. All condescending and stiff. And what sort of way was that to greet your own granddaughter anyway? Not that the occasional reunions with his own adopted grandparents weren’t a little awkward, but this woman actually lived with Alina.

“Want to join us?”

He heard the two girl’s voice grow louder as they approached and the light of ballroom suddenly shone in as Alina opened the entrance.

“Clive got here earlier today.”

Clifton took the pin out of his mouth and clipped it onto the sheet, smiling at both twins. “Hey Bella! Heard about Beauxbatons. Congrats.”

He was disappointed when she turned down the invitation to hang out with them. Did she even see the size of this thing? And all the games and snacks? He would’ve liked to catch up a little or, at the very least, pull her away from the grandmother and all so she could remember what it was like to be a kid.

But, mostly, he was sad to see what it did to Alina. She was smiling, of course. Hiding it. But he sensed it. She missed her twin.

“Good to see you again though, Cliff,” Bella smiled at him.

“You too. But I'm telling you, you’re missing out.”

Her smile softened but didn’t waver. “Goodnight, you two.”

Alina sighed when she left, her shoulders drooping. Clifton looked over, trying to figure out what to say to comfort her. He didn’t have much to go off of, having spent most of his life as an only child.

“Sorry,” she explained. “Jealousy again. Bella’s got a bit of a thing for you.”

Clifton just stood there, stunned. First that he’d been so far off in his guess and second that...no. There was no way.

“But Alina,” Clifton reasoned. “Bella likes Slytherin boys. Like, smooth Slytherin boys. I met that Xavier kid once. I seriously doubt he accidentally lets pixies loose or ends up late to everything. So what do you mean ‘a thing’?”

"You know...thinks you're hot, cute, good looking...."

Clifton felt his face warm, though whether it was because he was embarrassed Bella saw him that way or because he liked the sound of it coming from Alina was a bit of a tossup. She approached him, sliding her fingers through his, and he felt his heart race a little.

“And she’s absolutely right.”

She kissed him, long and meaningful, and he easily returned it. Then she drew back, stealing his breath away a little, and smiled at him.

“We should stay here tonight. Camp in.”

“Sounds fun,” he grinned, excited at the idea of spending more time with her. Like the all-nighter they’d pulled at school. He glanced around their impressive setup. All the pillows and lights and hovering blankets. “A hideout fit for Bonnie and Clyde, I think.”

Then his gaze made its way back to her and the way the lights illuminated her eyes and his expression softened.

“And Alina?” He took hold of her other hand. “I hope you know. There’s nothing to be jealous of. You know me, I don’t go looking for girls. I wasn’t even looking when you showed up. You’re just...” he laughed and shrugged. “I don’t know, different I guess.”

“Because everyone sees all the outside stuff. All of my friends see funny Clifton or fashion-trend Clifton. But...I don’t think anyone’s ever noticed the other things. Except you. In front of Professor Brown’s office? When I was kind of nervous. And you tried to make it better. And then later when I went all astronomy geek on you. Or said really stupid things. Or at my house when I got all weepy. I don’t know.”

He shook his head, telling himself he wouldget better at this. “Showing all that...I’m not very good at it. I think that’s why it took me so long to ask you to be my girlfriend. It kind of scared me and I wanted to really think about it. I couldn’t just laugh it off like everything else.”

“What I mean is that I feel safe with you. And I don’t find that very often, so don’t think I’m about to just give it up without a fight.”

His gaze fell to his shoes. “It would hurt to much to lose you."



Once they completed a few finishing touches on the fort and briefly parted ways to get ready for bed, Clifton whipped out his phone for music and suggested they practice some of the finer points of waltzing before the gala. This was, in part, so he didn’t embarrass the Rosier’s at the event. But it was mostly because he was wanting an excuse to be close to her.

This time, she showed him not just the dancing, but the protocol. All the bowing and escorting and other polite gestures. The kind of things he was glad to learn, but also glad his parents weren't there to videotape.

With the lights, cozy surroundings, and bare feet, Clifton could’ve practiced and laughed with her the whole night. But he didn’t want to disturb any staff or family members so, once his phone indicated it was getting late, he turned down the music and eyed the games.

“I think we need some competition to balance out all this group effort."

That, of course, only devolved into a full-on pillow fight after the first sarcastic remark Clifton made about taking the lead across the game board. But Clifton was laughing too hard to give it his best and ended up losing ground and falling back into the pile of extra pillows and blankets behind him. He grabbed one of the pillows and shielded himself, still laughing as Alina continued fire.

Finally, she tossed the pillow aside and sunk down into the cushions next to him, telling him he was quite impossible.

Still smiling, Clifton found her hand and playfully kissed her forehead. Then turned to look up at the glowing lights above them.

“It’s too bad we can’t build these at school. You know. Yet.” After all, they’d already discovered secret passageways, snuck into the astronomy tower, and pulled pranks. What was one more adventure?

"I think that sounds like a plan," she smiled to him. "One night we will make our own fort in the Common Room." They wouldn't techncally be 'out of bed' there and it was a place both could be since each couldn't be in the other's dormitories. Plus, neither of these two students knew about the Room of Requirement.

She laid there, looking up at the lights as if they were stars in the sky and took his hand. She knew that he couldn't possibly know the impact he had on her but she was grateful that he was there. Lately since being home she had been having dreams almost nightly of the evening she found her mother in their home in France. She hoped this night with him nearby her thoughts would be elsewhere.

"Tomorrow is quidditch day. We'll be going to Cornwall to the Bodmin Moor Millenium Stadium where Puddlemere United is playing the Montrose Magpies. Father is looking to become an owner of one of the teams. He's always favored the Magpies ever since I can remember," she smiled, knowing it would be a first for Clifton to see a professional quidditch match. They were fun. The noise, the action, the crowd, the food. One didn't even have to be a huge quidditch fan to enjoy it.

"I figure that's his main reason for going, the business transaction. We're just along for the ride. Not sure if Bella plans to come along or not."

As she grew quieter, both began to grow more tired at the sound of the music playing from his phone in the background and soon they found sleep.



"Breakfast is ready!" Margie's voice rang out from the entrance of the Ballroom, waking up Alina and Clifton about the same moment. She sat up quickly but felt rested after a night's full sleep with no nightmares. "Breakfast is ready!" she repeated. Alina rubbed her eyes a little and smiled to Clifton. "We better get going. She's not so cheery the third time," she laughed and grabbed his hand.

They got to the eating nook of the kitchen reserved for the family and Bella was already there. "About time!" she said to the two of them. "You know Margie isn't so cheery the third time around," and Alina smiled brightly, liking how she had said what she had just said in the Ballroom. Maybe her and Bella still did have a lot of similarities in more than just looks.

Breakfast with @Alina Rosier

It didn't matter whether they were going to a professional Quidditch match or not, Clifton knew it was going to be a great day. How could it be anything else when he'd literally started it off with Alina smiling at him?

He let her lead him to the kitchen and Clifton's brows furrowed a little at Bella's exact echo of what Alina had just told him. He hadn't realized that hanging out with twins also meant you heard double.

The smells of breakfast made his stomach growl noisily and Clifton laughed, a little self-conscious. "Sorry. You think after yesterday I wouldn't be that hungry." Maybe his dad was right and he was finally starting to hit his growth spurt after all. Great. That usually only meant an excuse for his mom to take him shopping. And he wasn't nearly as excited for a new school wardrobe as Bella.

Margie began making sure they all found their seats, admonishing them to hurry because they had a big day ahead of them. Which reminded Clifton.

"Hey Bella. Are you coming with us today? You should, it sounds like its going to be a really big game." Clifton tried to remember which teams Alina had told him about. Something about puddles and some variety of bird? Admittedly, it'd all gotten a little fuzzy what with the soft lights and holding her hand and being close enough to whisper back and forth.

He decided against trying to fake it and added: "Besides, I want to hear about Beauxbatons. I didn't even know there were other schools outside of Hogwarts until Alina told me."

Bella would be going and it wasn't long before the three of them parted ways so they could shower and change and get ready for the day's events.

They all met down in the Grand Foyer where Charles was already waiting for them with James at his side. "Morning everyone," James greeted them. "Ready for some quidditch?" Charles asked with a cheery smile. Alina smiled, glad to see her father in good spirits. They would be all taking the Floo Network once again to the stadium.

In a flash of green light they left one at a time and soon appeared in the large concourse of the stadium were fans walked about, many in their team's colors. Souvenirs and snacks were being sold as well as programs, and there was a lot of chatter and laughter. "Here are your tickets to the box," Alina's father said as he handed out a ticket and some money to Alina, the same to Bella, and then the same to Clifton. "James will be up in the box if you should need anything when I'm in my meeting." Alina nodded and slipped her ticket and money into her bag.

"Don't worry, we'll stick together," Alina told her father. "...At least until Belles sees a cute boy." Bella turned to look to her twin with narrowed eyes. "Lina, I really don't think you're one to talk about cute boys these days," and she glanced over to Clifton. Alina smiled. Her sister had a point.

"Okay, snacks first. About halfway through the game we'll stop and look at souvenirs since you'll have figured out a side by then...I would hope," Alina laughed. Bella shook her head at her sister and did a stylish turn. "I'm sporting black and white for my Magpies," she said. Alina sighed and looked to Cliff. "She thinks their seeker is SO dreamy." Bella just shrugged. "He is!"

Alina hadn't decided yet but one of these teams might soon belong to her father if the business deal that day went through. She didn't know which current owner he was meeting with and wanted it to be a surprise. She liked surprises but the suspense behind them was difficult!

They made their way down the concourse past some of the concession stands. "Now the flaming nachos really are flaming so watch out for that or you may lose your eyebrows," Alina educated him. "But the elephant ears aren't really from elephants, it's just that they're so big." She didn't realize muggles had elephant ears too. "They have a lemon freeze that's amazing at this stadium. I'll have to get one of those after the souvenir shop. Right now I just want some Sizzle Mix and Puffcorn."

The girls showed Clifton the various things that were available before they made the decision on which stands to go to. It was a good thing Alina had her bag with her and could stuff some of the snacks in there so they could carry everything. They went to the entrance of the stadium and a man took a look at their ticket before having them stand on a small silver stand. Once on, it levitated effortlessly up to the box stadium seats, offering premium seating. They didn't even have to worry about the sun as it was nicely shaded and could relax for the afternoon in luxury seats.

"Montrose Magpies are the most successful in League history. They've won the League Cup more than thirty two times and the European Cup twice. I think I'm going to cheer on the underdog, Puddlemere United. What about you, Clive?"

Best Seat in the House - with @Alina Rosier

"Huh?" Clifton said, still trying to take in everything. He didn't even know this many magic people existed on the planet. And this was only the turnout for a sports game. How did they all stay so well hidden?

And the fact that someone would actually order nachos that caught fire. Because why else would they sell them if no one bought them? And the delicious snacks in his own lap. And the sheer size of the Quidditch stadium. And the reality that Alina's dad was going to buy a team about as casually as most people bought a television set.

And that they'd essentially ridden a magic carpet up to their premium seating. Premium seating. It felt almost like cheating, being someone who was still trying to wrap his head around the sport. Like his seat should've gone to someone who spent their childhood collecting the trading cards or whatever.

"Oh, uh Puddlemere for sure. It's kinda boring watching the champs win all the time. Besides, Puddlemere United has probably had to work harder to get this far."

The teams were announced and Clifton watched, amazed, as several of the entering players fearlessly performed tricks on their way in. Show offs, just like in real sports. Clifton couldn't wait. He spotted the aforementioned seeker and nudged Bella playfully. "I'm still learning this stuff, so what's his real name? Besides Dreamy?"

"Let the games...BEGIN!"

The crowd roared and the snitch was launched into the air. Clifton forgot about his snacks for the moment and found himself moving to the edge of his seat. He'd never expected the athlete in him to find a place in this new world--so far, it had seemed too whimsy or even dusty--but with millions of screaming fans and two aggressive teams he was soon lost in the game.

"Nicolas Cartier," Bella said, using her French accent because the seeker was from France himself like them. She watched him, her seeker, while Cliff watched the game and Alina watched, too, eating bits of her Sizzle Mix as she did so. When Puddlemere United blocked a quaffle she clapped for the keeper and when the chasers tossed one through their opponent's rings she got off up her seat and cheered, jumping up and down. The girl always did have enthusiasm.

It was a fun game, and a close one. The chasers, beaters, and keepers kept the crowd's attention by keeping the score close and the seekers made some near attempts at catching the snitch.

James had joined Bella in cheering for Montrose and it was two against two there in their box seats until Charles Rosier returned. "Quite a game," he said and found his seat behind them. James gave him a curious look which Charles just returned a smile, giving him some sort of answer to an unasked question.

When the halftime hit, Alina and Bella took Clifton down to the concourse to purchase some souvenirs. He and Alina got matching Puddlemere United shirts and he picked up a sloth stuffed animal in quidditch robes to be friends with Pete for Clover, a pennant for his room back home, and a small token for his parents. They then hit up the lemon freeze and a few more snacks before returning to the stands just in time.

"What do you think, Clifton? Make you want to join your house team at school?" Charles asked, now that it was a good time to interrupt and the boy wasn't entranced in the game again just yet. He knew that the boy had already played football from talking to his daughter. This was another action packed sport, just in the air rather than on land. It had always brought Charles Rosier happy memories being at the Quidditch Pitch at Hogwarts, as well as going to see professional games with his father before his passing.

Two chasers trying to get a rogue quaffle collided into each other and it looked like it hurt. One fell from their broom and hit the ground while the other lowered themselves voluntarily. Medics quickly came onto the scene. "...Not the best timing for such a question," Alina's father added, watching with sympathy and hoping neither opponent was injured badly.

Alina watched intently too, more focused on the mediwizards down below to see how they handled the situation. Healing was still of great interest to her for a future career path. Both chasers soon stood slowly with help and just as in any other sport, others clapped that they were both okay. Each was able to walk on their own then unassisted off the field.