Hey, all of you!

First of all, thank you to nicatramirez and JennEm236 for adding me to favourite story and/or favourite author, and to Funeral Of A Friend for reviewing.

Second, QUIDDITCH TRYOUTS IN THIS CHAPTER! Be excited Also, Neil and Kaitlyn's relationship grows... so read on and review!

Disclaimer: As much as I wish I did, I don't own Harry Potter. I own Semper Purus, Kaitlyn, Vee, Neil, Sab, and anything else you don't recognise.

Chapter Three

Quidditch Tryouts

"Welcome to the Gryffindor Quidditch tryouts," James shouted over the wind to the huge group of students. I gripped my bat tightly. "Now if you are a first year, you have to leave now!" No one moved and I rolled my eyes. It was the same thing every year – first years thinking they could get on the team just like that. "Come on, I know at least one of you out there's a first year," James said exasperatedly. Reluctantly, two kids dragged their broomsticks and left the pitch. James squinted and looked up to the sky. Minus the strong wind, it was a perfect day for flying – sunny, warm, and bright blue skies. "I'd also like to remind you all that just because you were on the team last year does not guarantee you a spot this year." I nodded, so did Fred, and a few other familiar faces. "Please divide yourselves into four groups – Beaters, Keepers, Chasers, and Seekers."

I followed Fred to the Beater side. It seemed that most kids were trying out for Keeper this year, which made sense, since Oliver Wood, Keeper for both Puddlemere United, which he Captained as well, and the English team, had recently become popular, and most young Keepers looked up to him as a role model.

"We'll try out Seekers first," James announced once everyone had assembled into their proper groups. "I'll set two Snitches out. The two that find either one will face off again for the last one, and that will determine who our Seeker will be."

The other team hopefuls sat in the stands, watching the Seekers all attempt to catch the elusive Snitch. One third year, Emma Hale, who I'm sure tried out last year but didn't get in, caught the Snitch in two minutes. Soon after, a fifth year, Claudius Cooper, who was Seeker last year, caught the other. In the end, Emma Hale became our new Seeker, and we welcomed her as she sat among us in the stands, beaming.

"Chasers next," James called, and two dozen or so people left the stands to join him on the pitch. "Only two spots are open this year, since I'm a Chaser and, as Captain, my spot is secured."

Fred let out a cough which strangely sounded a lot like, "unfortunately." I giggled.

James, completely oblivious to Fred's comment, counted the Chasers and placed them against each other. In a matter of minutes, the positions went to Adriana Stone, a seventh year, and Alexandra King, a second year.

"Alright now, Alexandra and Adriana, you two will shoot Quaffles at the Keeper hopefuls. Each has 5 tries. Whoever blocks the most gets the spot," James instructed, resulting in a nod from each Adriana and Alexandra.

Keeper tryouts were the longest, and in the end, three people had saved all 5 of their goals – Hayley Smith, a fifth year, Julian McLaggen, an arrogant fourth year, and Zack Faulkner, a seventh year who had been Keeper last year. They each had to save 10 more goals, and only Zack saved each. He became our Keeper, and joined Emma, Adriana, and Alexandra in the stands.

By now the sun was starting to set. "Last but not least, the Beaters. Team up and protect your partner from the Bludgers while shooting them to the other teams," James ordered us. I found Fred, grabbed my bat and broomstick, and flew into the endless pink-orange sky. I laughed out loud as the world rushed by, clearing my mind.

James released the Bludgers and one immediately flew towards me. I hit it and heard the satisfying crack as the Bludger soared towards a pair of second years. Fred dodged one and, in a split second, turned on his broom and sent it away towards a fifth year. As he was turned away, a seventh year hit another Bludger at his back. I sent it away. The other Beater hopefuls were being smart in targeting us - Fred and I were Beaters last year and two of James' closest friends, meaning that it was likely that we were going to get the spot again. Despite their most desperate efforts, we shot and dodged Bludgers left and right, and by the time that the stars were out, Fred and I were pronounced Beaters of the Quidditch team.

"The Gryffindor Quidditch team is: Seeker: Emma Hale, Chasers: Alexandra King, Adriana Stone, and James Potter, Beaters: Fred Weasley and Kaitlyn Moore, and Keeper: Zachary Faulkner." James looked at the leftover kids with weary eyes. "It's dark, guys. First practice for those who made the team is next Thursday at 6. GO TO SLEEP."

Fred and I stayed behind, waiting for James as he struggled to strap down the last Bludger in the case.

"So, Captain," I said, nudging a mostly-asleep dark-haired Chaser. "How were your first self-organised tryouts?"

James groaned. "I don't know how Mum did it when she captained the Holyhead Harpies," he muttered.

Fred and I nearly had to drag our captain into the Common Room, where he fell asleep in an armchair in front of the fire. Fred bid me goodnight, and I met the girls in the dorm.

"Well...?" Vee asked as soon as I had pulled on my pyjamas.

"I'm on the team. So's Fred. Otherwise, Zack is on the team again, and we've got a third year Seeker, and a second year and a seventh year Chasers."

Although I know none of them really understood Quidditch, except Dom who had no choice with her family (although she hated flying on a broom, something that came from her mum) and Sab, who was the announcer at the games, they all assured me that Gryffindor would win the Quidditch Cup. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to find Maia Clemens, a friend of Lily's in first year.

"Kaitlyn? There's a Ravenclaw here asking for you," she informed me shyly.

I smiled. "Thanks, Maia. Tell him I'll be right there." I shut the door and whispered to everyone else in the room, "Neil." I grabbed my Quidditch jumper, since I just had a Chudley Cannons t-shirt (6 of the 7 players were HOT) and shorts on. Sure enough, once I escaped my giggling dormmates, Neil was waiting for me in front of the Fat Lady.

"Hey," he greeted with a brilliant smile. He was still in his robes, his blue and silver tie loosened. He took a look at my pyjamas and frowned slightly out of worry. "Were you going to sleep? Did I wake you up?"

I shook my head. "No, you didn't. I just had my Quidditch tryouts, so I'm kinda tired."

Neil grinned. "So, are you on the team again?"

"Of course!"

"Damnit, now I need to find a Beater to rival you," he muttered with a lopsided smile.

I laughed. "Good luck, Nerd Boy."

"Just wait until the Quidditch Cup is in Ravenclaw's hands-"

I scoffed. "In your dreams, Thomas."

"Would you two please leave and disturb some other painting's sleep?" the Fat Lady snapped. "Go or I'll change the password before you get the chance to come back in, Moore."

I grabbed Neil's arm and dragged him away. "Merlin, she can be so moody. I'd think it was PMS if she weren't just some enchanted paint and canvas."

Soon, we were climbing up the stairs to the Owlery, chatting about the Quidditch World Cup (Neil was cheering for Canada, too, and since the game was on during out Hogsmeade trip, he agreed to watch it with me in the Three Broomsticks over Butterbeer), when I sat down on a step near the top. "You alright?" Neil asked.

"Yeah," I said with a nod, "it's just the Owlery smells horrible, and besides, the stars are gorgeous tonight and we can see them better from here."

"Alright then, Kaitlyn." Neil sat next to me, and we looked to the sky in silence. Slowly, I felt his hand creep up to hold mine, and I closed my fingers around his.

I swallowed nervously. The atmosphere was perfect, the mood was perfect, Neil was perfect – and I was brought back to reality when he began to lean in closer to me. My eyes fluttered shut and our lips met. Neil's hands reached up and his fingers tied themselves in my hair. I put my hands around his neck, deepening the kiss. He bit my lower lip, politely asking for access to my tongue. I gave it to him, and he began switching from a gentle kiss to an urgent snog. Our mouths moved in perfect synchronization, and I felt Neil moan against my mouth.

"So, what did Neil want?" Sab asked nonchalantly once I had returned to the dorm.

I hid my face. "Oh, you know, we talked, and-"

"Save it," Dom interrupted. "You snogged."

My jaw dropped. "How did you know?"

She shrugged. "You always act the same when you just snogged someone. Whether it's Gabriel Aldridge, Eric Abrahamson, Steven Molinari, Vince Bright, Charlie McAllen-"

"I get it." I rolled my eyes.

Vee grinned mischievously. "You forgot Ethan Blackburn," she pointed out.

Sab joined in. "And Dylan O'Riley."

"There's also Joseph Young, remember him?"

"Alright, point taken!" I snapped at them. They each smiled back, looking exactly like innocence incarnate. Suddenly, Dom jumped off her bed. We all turned to see her screech owl, Poupée, landing outside our window.

"Who's writing to me at 11:30?" she asked us and we answered with a shrug. Dom untied the scroll from Poupée's leg and she smiled as she read the letter.

I ran over to read from her shoulder, but Dom was too tall (damn Weasley genes). "What does it say?" I asked excitedly.

"My sister's getting married to Teddy Lupin over Easter Break, and there's an engagement party on December 20th, so that everyone from Hogwarts can come," Dom said, not looking up from the parchment. "Victoire says, and I quote, 'all your little friends from Hogwarts are welcome as well, to the party, the ceremony, and the reception, if they wish to join.'"

I let out a low whistle. "It's been years since I've heard Victoire's formal-ness."

Vee nodded. "She was a fifth year when we just started Hogwarts. What's she doing now?"

Dom replied, "She's following Dad's footsteps and working in Gringotts."

"So, can I come?" I asked.

Dom nodded. "Wedding's April 17th. It's the first Saturday of Easter Break."

"Kaitlyn, isn't your birthday right before that?" Sab asked me.

"Brilliant! Double celebration." Dom smiled widely.

I shook my head. "No, Dom, it's your sister's special day. I'm just turning seventeen," I pointed out with a shrug.

Vee and Dom erupted. "That's when you come of age!" they shouted as if it would be the most important day ever.

"No, you come of age when you're eighteen," Sab corrected. I nodded in agreement.

Vee rolled her eyes. "That's in the Muggle world. Here, when you're seventeen, the Trace gets lifted. Meaning you can cast spells outside of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade."

I grinned. "Fantastic! But seriously, we can celebrate my birthday later. The day should be about Victoire and Teddy."

Sabrina nodded with a yawn, and since Sab's yawns are scarily contagious, we all decided to go to sleep.

As usual, I was the last to fall asleep. Once Dom, Vee, and Sab were softly snoring, I stuffed my hand under my pillow in an effort to get comfortable. I felt a small, folded piece of parchment, and I felt a chill going down my spine. I pulled it out and took a deep breath. It was too dark to read, so I picked up my wand and whispered, "Lumos". Vee, asleep in the bed next to mine, stirred a bit, so I stuck my head under the covers as I opened the parchment.

Found a new Ravenclaw squeeze, have we, Mudblood? Watch out if you care for him. If we have to, we'll target those close to you, too.

-Semper Purus

Dun da dunnnnn... This chapter's shorter than usual, sorry . Please leave some love in the reviews!