The Rise and Fall of James Potter

Disclaimer: None of the characters, places, etc. that you recognize are mine. They belong to J. K. Rowling. The title, the title of each chapter, and the inspiration for this story are all from David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust. So all of that belongs to David Bowie.

Chapter Seven: Star


I suppose people think it's weird that I don't enjoy Quidditch games. However, this is entirely untrue. I find Quidditch to be quite entertaining to watch. It's what happens after Quidditch games that I can't stand. No, no, not the party for Gryffindor's latest victory, I'm not a total prude.

It's the further inflation of James's enormous ego.

POTTER!

I'm sick, I swear. Perhaps I should go to the infirmary.


"Alright team, good practice. Get a good night's sleep, and I'll see you all tomorrow," I said, wrapping up Quidditch practice. "Be here at 10 AM sharp to warm up!"

As the weary Gryffindor team headed out of the locker rooms, I went out to fly around the pitch a few more times. I love to fly; it helps me to clear my head and just forget about everything.

Except Lily. I never forget about Lily. And the fact that she's calling me JAMES! My first name! This is the biggest improvement in our relationship in five whole years.

Of course, if it took five years for her to call me James, it might take another five years for her to agree to go out with me.

Shit.


Madame Pomfrey sent me away. She said that calling someone by their first name is not an illness, so I had to leave and stop wasting her time.

It does sound a bit silly when you put it like that. She didn't have to be so rude, though. Besides, James and Sirius are in there at least once a week for something or other, and she doesn't complain about them wasting her time.

Oh Merlin, I did it again, didn't I? You know what, forget it. So what if I refer to him as James. It doesn't mean I like him or anything.

So back to my former rant. I absolutely hate it when Gryffindor wins, because then James starts acting ten times worse than usual. It drives me absolutely bonkers. And that is why I'm dreading tomorrow's match against Ravenclaw. James will be super-cocky for at least two weeks afterwards.


I'm so psyched for the match against Ravenclaw tomorrow! If we win, we'll be in first place. They're good, definitely some competition, but nothing I can't handle.

I mean we. Nothing we can't handle.

Dammit, I've got to stop that.

Look, it's not that the whole team doesn't put forth any effort. It's just that, let's face it, I'm the star.

"You've got that 'I'm the star of the Quidditch team and the reason we win all our matches' look on your face again," Sirius said from his chair in front of the fire.

Clearly we spend too much time together.

As I sat down next to him Remus, without even looking up from his homework, added, "You do realize that's what Lily doesn't like about you, right?"

"Piss off."


It's been about twenty-five minutes, and I must say this is quite an exciting match. James has already scored twice and blown me a kiss three times.

He's relentless; I'll give him that.

I know I don't like to admit it, but he really is doing a spectacular job.

Not that I care.


"...And POTTER SCORES!!!" I love hearing that.

The crowd is cheering, and that just gets me even more pumped. I've even noticed Lily in the stands, and she doesn't seem like she's hating the game.

Quaffle.

Mustn't lose my concentration. Pass, swerve. I'm open! And I've got it! Okay, blocked, pass quick, get open.

Perhaps I should think in complete sentences... SHIT!

That was a Bludger.


Oh screw Potter and his big-headedness, I'm loving this.

"WOOHOO! GO GRYFFINDOR!"

Yes, that's right. I, Lily Evans, have started screaming my lungs out and jumping up and down in support of my team.

And this all has NOTHING to do with Potter…. I mean James… I mean… whatever.


"AND GRYFFINDOR WINS, 270 TO 60!" I love hearing the roar of the crowd when they announce a win for Gryffindor. It's exhilarating. And...

Is that Lily jumping up and down? Wow. That's new.


A/N: Okay, I know the Quidditch was short, but I suck at writing games! That's why I figured I'd try something new, from the mind of the player instead. Of course, the player is slightly insane...

And thanks to my WONDERFUL new beta, HuggingBother, without whom I would not be able to exist, let alone write.

Me: Wait, I didn't write that.

HuggingBother: Well you should have.