Raju Mishra was a Captain that had overseen many wins with the Indian team. One would think this made him stuck up or proud. On contrary, he was down to earth, humble and full of manners. One of the perks of being famous was that he got to meet the fans. Raju was a people man. It was for this reason he happened to be one of the first seated at the Meet and Greet tent. There was a welcoming smile on the Captain's face as he waited on the fans.

Was Zinnia Shacklebolt bitter? Yes. Very much so. Could she still show sportmanship despite this? Probably. Though it was easier done now that Bulgaria had solidified their place in the tournament and ended their World Cup run on a victory.

Also, she could admire skill regardless of bitter petty thoughts.

So it was with some professional poise that she stepped into the tent and gave it a brief glance over to see if Snow was in here yet when her warm chocolate gaze fell upon the Captain for the Indian side. It took some effort, she she was able to swallow back a glare and a few quick quips before making her approach.

"Captain Misra," she greeted while extending her hand for a shake. It was almost unnerving doing so off the pitch, though at least this time her pride did not get in the way and she was perfectly capable of meeting his straight on. "I hope our flight paths cross again in the future on the pitch."

Meet & Greets were one of Coach Chaudhary's favorite events in matches. The fans made every experience enjoyable (ah, alliterations!) for her and her team. The young ones reminded her very much of her own grandchildren, filled to the brim with energy and running around like golden snitches on the loose.

Anuja made sure to give her team a few motivational words before heading into the tent. Raju was there already. As captain, he continued to impress her. In fact, her entire team impressed her. But she was expecting the rest of her children to follow in a few minutes from now. "Captain Misra," the older Indian woman gave up her usual motherly aura for a professional one in the meantime. She, too, smiled at the lady talking to Raju. Anuja knew her from one of the other national teams.

Eliana had a hold of her daddy's hand as they made their way into the meet and greet area. It wasn't that she hadn't seen quidditch players before, but she hadn't seen World Cup quidditch players, though she had, being only 9 she hadn't remembered or even put two and two together that her own parents probably were part of the teams during their days.

Looking around her eye grew big as she saw all the World Cup players, "Daddy they are all here." Maybe not all of them but to a child, it seemed that way. Smiling as she made her way near the coach from India she smiled, "Hello, ma'am can I have your autograph."

She knew from seeing her parents that the coaches were just as important and now that her daddy was retiring she knew he was thinking about moving to coach, though she hoped her mom and dad would just coach her and her little team.

Giles felt a little weird being there, not that it was weird being in a meeting and greet it was just weird being on this end of the meet and greet. Something he would have to get used to now that he was officially retiring. Esme had retired before him and she made it seem so easy, though he knew it wasn't, he felt that he was taking it harder for some reason. It would be an adjustment even though his knee wasn't going to let him keep playing even if he wanted.

He held his daughter's hand until she had let go to speak to the coach, it made him proud that she recognized them as important parts of the team as well, many children wouldn't do that. He was proud of his children and loved watching them grow.

Yes yes yes yes YES. Arjun's favourite part about his job was meeting the adoring fans. They had a dedicated base that had followed them here for the competition and he often found himself meeting them around Diagon Alley. He appreciated them all though. To travel following your team was a big thing. Arjun did the same when he was a child, also.

He had his own pile of signed photos ready to hand out to anyone who did not stop to speak to him.

Raju was quick to place a name to this face for it was one he was familiar with. "Ms. Shacklebolt. Namaste. What a pleasure to see you once more.'' The Captain reached out to return a hearty shake. "As do I. You're always a worthy opponent.'' A very worthy, forehead rubbing opponent. Not that he was going to say that out loud.

At that moment, Anuja joined them. Raju immediately sent her a warm smile. What would they do without her? She was one of the most important persons to the team. Raju was too fond of her. Right now she had a little fan of her own. The Captain was thrilled that she was getting attention just as much as the players were.

Galilea was not only excited. She was ECSTATIC. She'd closed up shop for the day, because she had the chance to meet a player or two and she was going to pass out. What if her favourite was here? What if her sons favourite was here? He was somewhere in the crowds with his father and the rest of the Darcy family. And she was here because she would never feel at home around Cohen's family. They weren't her family and she and Cohen were in no way even casually dating anymore.

So, for now, Galilea held her autograph book close to her chest and bounced eagerly on the balls of her feet.

Was that Zinnia Shacklebolt? As she lived and breathed? BONUS because she wasn't on a team to be here! Could she ask for her autograph? For now she would just stare.

Meet and greet!

This was overwhelmingly thrilling and exciting! Seeing the Quidditch fanatics pour in to stop by and chat was just amazing! He enjoyed these events, it just brought people together from all around the world and just to think Lamberto himself was once a young lad meeting his favorite players back in the day when he was just a kid. Moments like these always stirred up the "dreams do come true" emotions in the young Englishman, who was going to play the best game of his life against his opponents.

"Hello!" Lamberto waved and took out his favorite marker pen to give out autographed memorabilia to those interested along with his bright and cheerful smile that radiated the joy he felt at the moment. Lamberto was down to earth welcoming anyone and everyone into his life whether young or old, everyone would receive the best treatment from this lad!

When he was younger, it had been difficult for him to meet his idols. The players that went before him had lived on the pages of books and the posters he hung in his room. In magazines and photographs. Not in the flesh before him. So now? To be on the other side? The pinch marks on his arms might have been visible to those with a keen eye.

His blue eyes were just as excited as the many children he'd seen around, even as he tried to maintain some composure. Not much. He beamed at everyone in the tent. Just refraining from bouncing on his heels. Just. But he had seven pens. Just in case. Seven.

Pete had to be honest, he was looking forward to this part. When he had first started as a professional quidditch player it had taken him a while to wrap his head around the idea that he had fans. He'd always been the fan. Now, he was more used to it. It was all part of the job. And he loved it. The little fans were adorable. And the fans who were older, around his age, he definitely liked meeting them too. Especially the attractive ones. He was looking forward to meeting both types of fans at this meet and greet today.

He entered the tent and first looked around to see which of his teammates had arrived before him. When he spotted Leontius he headed that way. "Could I get an autograph, Chaser McKay?" He asked teasingly, smiling at his teammate as he did so.

Winnie bounced into the tent completely intent on badgering Pavel for his autograph and his phone number or, well the wizarding equivalent. Only he seemed to be busy. Drat!!

So she wandered around a little looking over everyone. And then she spotted another – great - beard. Weellllll hello gorgeous!

And soon she popped into Raju’s line. Perhaps she owed Sachin an apology. He was wright, Raju was pretty hot.

Now this was going to be fun. Renee breezed over to where her teammates stood, flashing them her trademark smile and flipping her hair. "Hi, boys. Ready to meet some fans?"

Everywhere she went, young witches' and wizards' eyes landed on her, and whispers abounded. It was hard to get used to, that was for sure, but it certainly wasn't unwelcome. It was actually pretty fun to be famous, if she were being honest.

Although being a celebrity came with its share of trials, as well. Typically for Renee, those trials came in the form of people either criticizing her love life or shipping her with just about anybody, including teammates, which could get a little awkward. Mostly, she chose to let it roll off her back. Hey, it wasn't her fault that she was young and beautiful and enjoyed dating men who were the same. What was a girl to do? Die a hermit so that nobody would talk about her? No way. She'd take the whispers over that any day.

All the same, she hoped the questions today would be mostly about Quidditch. Ooh, but maybe someone would ask one of the lovely Indian players about her, and he would say that he thought she was beautiful, and then they would be like the Romeo and Juliet of Quidditch -- rival teams and all! Although, okay, that story hadn't really ended well for either of those characters. Still, it's undeniable that it made for good drama -- and that's sort of what Renee's life was like, too, so perhaps it was fitting anyway.

As more fans came into their tent, Anuja allowed herself to momentarily reminisce her younger years. She too was one of those eager fans back in the day. Looking back always made her feel grounded. How long has it been since her youthful years as a player on the pitch? She had chased for the India National Team back then as well. All memories close to her heart.

She noted Arjun's appearance, giving him an affectionate pat on the shoulder. Her children were coming one by one, no doubt. They had fans and potential players to meet, who will become the face of Quidditch years from now. It was heart-warming to meet people who aspired to be like them in the future. The woman smiled and nodded at the players from the other team too. Of course she was familiar with Urupi, McKay, Snow, and Golzio. They had quite the talent, the English team, and it was by no surprise that their path would cross with her team's for this year's world cup.

Ultimately, the Indian coach glanced at the father-daughter tandem that had entered the tent, smiling at the man first before looking at the child who had approached her. "Hello, little bachcha." Anuja chuckled fondly and was reminded of her own granddaughter, Taahira. Such a delight. "Haan, bilkul. Of course! What is your name, dearest?" A little message to accompany the signature wouldn’t hurt.

Bachcha: baby/child
Haan, bilkul: yes, of course

Was Aparna excited? Of course! She loved meeting the fans, especially the ones who had their eyes on Quidditch careers of their own. Though, the excitement didn’t show on the outside, what with the laid-back, easy-to-approach smile she was sporting. ”Hey guys!” she greeted her teammates cheerfully. And a respectful yet warm ”Hello, Coach Chaudhary,” to their coach too. Who seemed to have her own fan there? That was adorable. And well deserved.

Oh, the English team was here too. She sent a friendly wave their direction, in the spirit of good sportsmanship. You know, instead of creepily watching them and all that.

Now, who wanted to meet her?!

Zinnia managed to return the woman's smile with a pleasant one of her own. Chaudhary had this pleasant aura about her that she wished she had in her own grandmother, but alas. Though she did move aside a bit for the one little girl to get closer to the coach, her warm gaze still resting on their captain for the time being.

Ms. Shacklebolt though. Bloody hell no thank you.

"Just Shacklebolt," she insisted. "Or Zinnia if you prefer." Just drop the Ms., if you will. Of course, she would accept the praise for her play on the pitch. This was the World Cup and there was no need for players to be humble around one another. They all knew they were good or else they would not be here in the first place. "Likewise," she said with an easy smirk, gripping his hand a bit more firmly for a moment in admiration before letting go...and noticing that stack of photographs Nagarkar had with him...and stared at him for a bit.

........bloody hell. He had one of those insufferably dashing smiles though, she would give him that. She mostly offered him an aloof look before bowing her head in respect to Singh, who had just entered the tent as well.

Though her attention soon drifted to the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes shopkeeper, who Zinnia could vaguely recall from her Hogwarts days when she would haphazardly step inside the establishment purely out of curiosity, unabashedly staring at her from across the way.

..........right.

Offering a small wave to the woman, the chaser looked to the entrance of the tent as Urupi, McKay, and then Snow entered. Well now, she simply couldn't help herself to a bit of pre-game banter between one in particular. "If you will excuse me," she said, excusing herself with a bowed head to the captain as she glided across the tent and over towards the English team members. "Snow," she greeted flatly but with a cocked brow in devilish amusement. "Been laying off the butterbeers I hope." Her eyes drifted to Golzio, another fellow chaser that she admired.

After ditching every member of his large extended family, Beau had made a break for the meet and greet tent. He wanted to know everything. He wanted to shake hands with the great players of their country. He wanted to get words of wisdom from great keepers, from great chasers.. Beau needed to know what he needed to do to go pro. To play in the next world cup. To be HERE one day soon. As one of them.

But he was an excitable teenager and he announced his presence by JUMPING up and down in the queue. "ME NEXT ME NEXT ME NEXXXXXXXXXT. C'MOnNNnnnn. HURRY UP. I gotta MEET 'EM. IT'S MY TURRRRRRRRRRRRN." Why couldn't Mum have married one of these guys? MATE. His Stepdad coulda been a famous player.

MATE. Mum missed a trick.

- - -



THE FIRST on her autograph tour. It was silly for a woman of her age to be this nervous and this excited to meet a quidditch player. They were just like everyone else, right? They were just people and her nerves were ridiculous. She bet, that as kids, they had frequented the store that she now owned. She bet they had the same struggles as she had on the daily. What to have for breakfast, when to wash their hair, whether family events were fancy or casual.

Galilea.. she really was overthinking this.

With her autograph book open to the first page, she stepped towards Lamberto and smiled. "For my son, Fitz, please. You're.. his favourite." Let it be known that this was the only autograph she was getting for her son also. She had her own autographs to be getting and Fitz could come here with his Dad anyway.



There she was... Renee Golzio... Galilea didn't want to say she had a favourite player, but she was right here. The woman who had it all. The looks, the talent... Oh, Lea was jealous as much as she was full of admiration. "Miss Golzio!" Oh, she couldn't possibly call her Renee. They weren't acquainted and she was from a different world. A completely different world.

"It's been a pleasure to see you play this competition. You make effortless look....like hard work. No-- wait-- hard work look effortless. I.. Excuse me, I can't quite manage to say what I'm thinking. Could you... please sign my book?" That she would have to take from her clammy hands because they were sweaaaaaty.

Wow.

She was actually standing in front of this woman. Wow.



Galilea stuck with the English team to begin with, as they were her team and she had followed them since they had been formed. She knew the stats from each game off the top of her head. She had programmes from each match they had played. And she had cried tears of joy when they advanced through each round. Now, she was on her best behaviour today and was not able to cry in front of these people. But, by golly, would she sob when they won. Yes, when. Not if. Because she was sure of this team. She felt it in her gut that they were going to win.

Her heart of hearts told her. Her gut of guts told her. And her tears were more than ready. If someone checked her bag, they would see five handkerchiefs and seven packs of disposable tissues. Galilea Grimaldi was that fan.

"McKay! Snow!" Breathe, Grimaldi. "I.. I.. wow. Hi! Congratulations! Hello! I-- oh wow, I feel like I might just... I'm so flustered. You're fantastic! Both fantastic!" And she was a fool, but she didn't care. If the teenagers were able to yell (yes, she saw that long haired little squealer over there) and get time with players then she could fumble her way through a conversation with them. Offering her autograph book, she smiled softly. "I've been to all of your matches this competition. All of them. Look, look! Here are all of my tickets!" And there they were in pockets at the back of her book.

Sparing a look to the woman with them, Galilea smiled. "And congratulations to you and your team, also, Shacklebolt. Fantastic games. A well deserved position overall." She paused, considering whether her request was appropriate. It wasn't. But that mattered not. "Could you also sign it? It would mean the world."

Arjun had only smiles for his teammates that were already there and a heartfelt grin for their coach. She was family now. She had trusted him with this tournament. Family trusted one another. He went to greet her with words, but saw that she was busy with a little one who he offered a smile to also. When she was finished with Coach Chaudhary, he had a hug and a photo to give her should she want them.

From his spot he caught Shacklebolt looking and gave her her own smile. It must be hard when your own team did not make it to here but were so close. He took one of his signed pictures and added her name and his contact to the top before folding it into an airplane and sending it soaring in her direction with a wink. When India won this game, that would sell for a pretty amount.

He laughed heartily at the teenager shouting out about his turn and beckoned him over. "What is your name, boy?" And could he spell it please if it was of strange spelling. Arjun got his pen ready to personalise this picture. "You play, boy?"

Although he rolled his eyes at Pete's question, Leontius was still grinning wide. "Shall I make it out to my biggest fan?" he teased back, raising his pen. "Or will a simple, 'love, McKay' do?"

Though he doubted it would be Pete Snow, Leontius did wonder if he would meet someone claiming to be his biggest fan today. Maybe a young child would want to be just like him, when they grew up. Excited tingles danced along his spine. Although he still felt a rookie, it was nice to realise he no longer felt an imposter.

Leon turned his easy smile to Renee as she joined them. "This is what it's all about," he said in response to her question. A small gesture towards the queue. After all, it was the fans he wanted to win for, as much as himself.

Bright blue eyes scanned the rest of the tent, watching the easy interactions of the other players, their coach and the fans. He noticed that most players seemed to have more photographs than he did, and could only hope he didn't run out. As Shacklebolt approached and struck up a conversation with Snow, he offered her a smile. Leon admired her play, and thought her team a very worthy bronze.

As for the extremely impatient and hyper teenage boy [Beau], the chaser waved at him. Because on the inside, the hyper and impatience were equal. If not exceeding the boys. But soon his attention was captured by a woman [Galilea]. Her awe for his fellow players. He could relate, because that was how he felt upon meeting them for the first time, too. The fact that this same awe extended to him? That was different. His grin remained wide as he took the book from her. "You're very kind to say so. Hopefully we can remain fantastic," he said, picking up his pen and scrawled his sign across the page.

"Hello Renee," Pete greeted as another member of their team joined them. Man, he sure was going to miss playing with them when the world cup was over. Though it might make playing against them more interesting now that they had played together.

His attention was still mostly on Leontius for the moment, as the fans were just starting to trickle in. "Love? Careful, I might swoon." He was teasing, of course. At least mostly. Though he was sure his teammate would be perfectly capable of making his fans swoon over him. "Oh, but I didn't bring any paper. You'll have to sign something else." His bicep? His chest? He wouldn't be picky. Yes he was still mostly just teasing, but at this point he was committed to the bit.




Pete was wondering which of the fans would approach them first. He had to admit he was a little surprised to see who turned up next. Pleasantly surprised, of course. "Have you come to get my autograph, Shacklebolt?" He asked with a smile. "For now. They'll be for later. After we win." Because he was certainly planning on winning.



Pete could hear the very excitable kid in the queue, but before looking around for the source he was distracted by somebody else heading their way. A flustered looking fan. He smiled at her. "All of them? We appreciate the dedication." Well, he did, but he was pretty sure it was safe to speak for all of them on that matter. "I hope we won't let you down in the final." He waited until Leon had signed a page of her autograph book, and then took his pen and signed his own name for her too.

She was saying words that Eliana didn't understand, but she didn't care. The little girl just smiled as she took her autograph book, "I'm Eliana Low, my mommy and daddy both played quidditch too." She had to say that she was proud of them even though she was in awe of the others. Look how shiny their robes were.

She kept glancing around as the coach was signing her book, there were so many of the players here and she wanted to talk to them all. Would her dad let her? She glanced up at him before turning her eyes on the others.


Her eyes met another player as she came near the coach and Eli waved at her eagerly. Which to go to next?

Usually Pavel didn’t get excited or carried away by the children’s joy and big idolizing eyes, but today was different. He entered the meet and greet tent with a spring in his step and a charming smile on his lips as he joined his team mates up front to sign England Team memorabilia. Pavel wouldn’t say no to posing for some photographs and writing autographs until his hand went numb, if it made the fans there today happy.

Taking a stand next to Pete, Leon, Lamberto and Renee he flashed them all big beams and grins before his eyes went to the waiting fans and waved "Hi! Would anyone like a signed autograph or perhaps a snazzy beater’s cap?"

His job never ended. At least, that was Filip’s perspective, as he’d made the time to check on the equipment and even the pitch prior to heading over to the tent where his players, and presumably all of the representatives for India, were already located. However, even with all his work checking on things, his dress slacks and vest were spotless, as was the tip of his cane as he used it to push open the doorway of the tent. The British flag was as pristine as always, on display around the bulk of the cane, and he returned to using it as he strolled into the activity and up to where his players were gathered. “Ready for what we’re here for?,” he asked dryly, knowing they’d know he wasn’t referring to all the mingling that was scheduled in their current location.

He’d inclined his head toward Ms. Chaudhary as well, respecting his fellow coach as well as her players. India was playing well, but he was determined to show them that England wasn’t just a team of pretty faces. His players were doing well, of course, and he expected nothing less from them. Nor did he expect the Indian team to slack off. There wouldn’t be any pride in winning an unfair match.

Nor was he against signing a few autographs of his own.

Ah, there they were. Anuja smiled as a few of her team came slipping into the tent. There was Aparna, whom the older woman offered a warm smile to. They had fans and little ones to entertain today. As the rest of the England team arrived, the Indian coach smiled and nodded at them too. Same goes for their coach, Filip Reid. She would exchange pleasantries with the rest of the other team later on.

Right now, the Indian coach was preoccupied with the little bachcha in front of her. A delight, indeed! Anuja hoped that, one day, her own grandchildren would come to love Quidditch too. Perhaps that cannot be prevented when one's grandmother was the national coach, hm? "Eliana…a vibrant name for a vibrant girl," Coach Chaudhary said as she wrote a little note to accompany her signature. It was one of Anuja's favorite part of the job.



"There you go, dearest," Anuja smiled as she offered the paper to the little girl. "Do not forget to soar high, hm?" Children had a lot of potential. The Indian's only hope for this little one was that she did not forget to aim high. Anuja knew it meant a great deal to her back then as a child around little Eliana's age when the players told her to reach for her dreams. And here she was, backed up with her years of experience representing India, coaching her national team on the way to the World Cup.

If you asked Panda, the best quidditch player in the whole wide world was her big brother Casey Roberto Snider. However, even the almost-thirteen year old was able to admit that the talent of a whole team had to meld to make a victory - even [b]Casey[/c] couldn’t carry his whole team to victory if they didn’t work together.

AND they were all within touching distance. Eyes wide, Panda all but dragged Casey further into the tent so that they could queue up to talk to everyone. She’d already got her copy of the programme for the match so that she could ask them ALL to sign their own pages.

Standing on her tippy-toes, she tried to look past the boy in front of her that was much taller than she was. “Oh Gosh! Look! Case, there’s Renee Golzio! And oh! Meera Jain! Oh and and that’s Raju Misra!” She didn’t point, because that was rude but she couldn’t help staring at these AMAZING Quidditch Players.

She hoped they knew how good her brother was though - next time they were up against America, she was BEATING they’d be playing him.