A/N: Hullo! How is everyone! Thank you so much for the brilliant response you have been giving this fanficiton!
Special thanks to mylongbottoms, j-jip, and cokeer for the brilliant reviews!
But honestly, thank you so much! This story is about a month old and already has 25 reviews and 35 follows!
This is my longest chapter ever! Over 3200+ words! Hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: None of the characters or world are mine, since I am not Joanne, obviously.
No one noticed – at least I didn't think anyone did – but I was tense for the rest of the night. And I knew exactly why. It wasn't like me to get so worked up – well, unless it was out of anger. But James had always managed to bring out my fiery temper.
We drank some more, and I was just a little over tipsy. Sirius, Marlene and Remus were awful drunk, Peter had passed out half an hour ago but I remembered James hadn't touched his drink except from the two times he drank while playing. I was certain he had a good reason for it, but I simply couldn't recall it.
I was incredibly shocked to hear James' words "Come with me."
We climbed the stairs that led to his room – boys couldn't climb the stairs to the girls' dormitory – and stood there in some weird form of an awkward silence. I mean, it was supposed to feel awkward, but it didn't, it just felt comfortable. James felt comfortable. I felt like I could tell him anything. I guess old habits die hard.
"I never really got the chance, you know…" James' eyes were as bright as could be and his lips were slightly parted on a smile "Thank you. For the fudge, that is. It meant a lot to me." And then he started rambling like he knew exactly what he wanted to say, but he didn't know how to do it. "I didn't think you'd actually listen to me, y'know?" He chose his words carefully. "You were just so uptight I forgot how good of a friend you used to be."
James used to be one of my best friends, just like Severus. To say they didn't get along would be an understatement. They always tried to rob me from the other – well, you know what I mean – but just like Snape had ended our friendship in fifth year, so did James, in the beginning of my fourth year at Hogwarts.
I guess that's why I held onto Snape's friendship for so long, even after I'd realized it was rotten. I didn't want to lose someone else. That's also why I made myself hate James' guts. It wasn't like me to hate people without reasoning.
"Why did we stop?" But I knew. And so did he. "We were such a good team."
"I hurt you." His face was solemn and his voice was sad. "I wish that I hadn't. Especially after you've gone out of your way to cheer me up."
His words hit me like a brick, and all the memories came back to me in a flood of raw emotion. Longing.
It was the fourth year, the end of September. Even if I was best friends with Severus Snape, we always kept our friendly touches to a minimum. While Severus introduced me to this world, somewhere I could finally belong in, he was always at arms length. It wasn't my choice, it was his, and I understood and respected it. Because of the abuse of his father, physical relationships had always bothered him.
James Potter was my other best friend. With him, things were very different. Of course, I condemned his behavior towards Slytherins, but usually I found his pranks rather amusing. On the other hand, he always fake-mocked me but was constantly making me laugh.
James had always been a very physical person. He wasn't afraid of touching others, he hugged and laughed a great deal, and it was always such a relaxed friendship, I cherished it.
And then one day, I woke up, and there was a note on my brown, wooden trunk "Please don't find me. I can't talk to you anymore. It's best if you don't know why." I ignored his words, I tried talking to him, I tried fixing everything but he wouldn't budge. He never looked at me, and he never answered; I was invisible. So I stopped finding him.
I never found out what happened. So I started to resent him. I blocked every happy memory, every piece of feeling and focused on his negative qualities, forgetting all the good ones.
"Yeah, well." I told him, faking a smile for both our sakes. "Remember what I told you that day? We're okay." And I realized just how much I meant it.
"I'm glad, Lily." He smiled at me, and then I was smiling too, and we were grinning at each other like complete idiots.
"How are you, Potter?" I asked him, concerned. "Really."
"I am getting better. Sirius helps. And you helped me, too. You've always meant a lot to me." His gaze shot to the floor and his face was flushed. "I really am sorry I hurt you."
"Nevermind it." I just wanted to put it past me. I was done moping for James Potter. "Let's just go check up on them, alright?"
"Alright, Evans."
Sirius Black had stripped down to his boxers and passed out on the table. Peter Pettigrew had just woken up and was now taking a shower in James' room. Remus and Marlene were playing Exploding Snap. McKinnon was missing an eyebrow and Lupin had a faint burn mark on his left cheek.
I decided to pick up my glass and to fill it with tap water from the bathroom. "What are you doing with them?" James asked me.
"Just let them crash here. Peter should be down soon." I reasoned. We were both talking through loud whispers, as impossible as that sounds. I wasn't looking in his way, but I could feel James' presence on the my doorstep. My back was facing him as I brushed my teeth in the least disgusting way I could manage.
"Are you going to sleep down there?" He raised one of his eyebrows. "It reeks."
It was true. The stench of alcohol filled up the air. "Probably not." Absolutely not. "I'm just going up to my bed. Goodnight."
Today I realized why James hadn't drunk basically anything last night – turns out, today Gryffindor was playing against Slytherin. I had no idea how I could forget, since, as a fan of the sport and Head Girl, I had to be on top of the school events.
The burning headache and dry throat reminded me. I couldn't hold my alcohol; a couple of sips and I was a goner.
Sirius was majorly hungover and James was freaking out about it. He was one of the best Beaters on the team and James needed him to be on his top form today. I saw him take not one, but two hangover potions and Black's eyes were instantly clearer.
The weather was nice, for the Scottish November. The sun wasn't as bright as I'd like it to be, but at least there weren't many clouds and the wind was soft – perfect for a match.
I made an effort to actually go to the game today, to show moral support. You would never guess it – because I never went to the games – but I did really enjoy Quidditch; I simply preferred to see it from the comfort and warmth of the library. One of the windows had the perfect view to the Quidditch Pitch.
As I was making my way to Breakfast, I saw James running towards me with a scarf in hand. "For good luck." Then he wrapped it carefully around my neck and took off before I could say anything back. For good luck.
I was left wondering about my recently revived friendship. It was a very strange feeling, to have James back, all of a sudden. Because we were Head Boy and Girl, we had tried to be civil to each other, but a month in, I stopped making the effort, for it pained too much to even look him in the eye.
That still didn't explain how I had warmed up to him again so quickly. Or maybe it did. His parents' passing allowed me to view him again as the vulnerable kid I once knew and had tried to erase out of my memory. Not that one could ever forget James Potter entirely.
Still, it was all so dangerous; To let him in again. We were good, I'd said it so myself, but it was clear certain topics were still taboo. Fourth and Fifth Years were unheard of in any of our conversations since that fateful afternoon.
Lost in my thoughts, I missed anything exciting at breakfast, and I soon found myself on the stands. Marlene and Frank were also playing (Chaser and Beater) so I stood with Alice and Peter by my side; Remus was on the right arm of Pettigrew.
Me and Alice chatted excitedly about her date with the one and only Frank Longbottom, and it turns out, Frank finally plucked up some courage and they were now boyfriend and girlfriend.
"I am so happy for you Alice!" I told her truthfully. I really was. It was only fair at least one of us had emotional stability.
"He was so nice to me! A true gentleman!" Alice's beautiful blonde locks swayed in the wind as she spoke, but as soon as the commentator, Hestia Jones, a Ravenclaw sixth year, began talking our conversation died down.
Hestia's voiced boomed all through the Pitch. "And here they come! The Slytherin Team, led by Nott, Carrow, Avery, Yaxley, Greengrass, Rosier and their new seeker Black!"
The crowd applauded, but you could hear the booing coming from the Gryffindor portion of the stands.
"And now, the Gryffindors! Led by Head Boy James Potter, McKinnon, Hale, Prewett, Black, Longbottom and Meadows!" I whistled and screamed like I just got a voice, although I could barely hear myself.
Tyler Jordan walked around with a wooden case where people were placing bets. So far the odds were 3-2 to Gryffindor.
Whenever I watched Quidditch, my mind was completely focused on the game. I couldn't participate in conversations, hell, for all I knew, Pettigrew could have a stroke right beside me and I wouldn't notice; something to work on, I decided.
Both Team Captains opened up the game and fourteen spots of color shot straight into the air.
"And Gryffindor has the Quaffle, Potter to Longbottom, back to Potter…" Hestia's voice echoed "Avery just snatched the Quaffle! Ball to Carrow, to Nott who was just hit by a bludger! Nice shot from Sirius Black and James Potter scores! Ten to Gryffindor!"
James quickly ducked a bludger from Greengrass but Fabian was not so lucky and was hit in the arm. The Lions yelled words of encouragement and the keeper quickly returned to his post.
"Avery dives for the Quaffle but McKinnon passes the ball to Dylan Hale and Gryffindor scores!"
The crowd was going wild, but I knew the Slytherins usually let their opponents score a couple of times before bringing out the big guns.
"Nice bludger from Yaxley who just hit the Gryffindor seeker!" James ruffled his hair. How was he supposed to win a match without a hundred percent functioning seeker? Luckily, I knew Dorcas Meadows was a tough act to follow and would still play the game to her fullest.
Four hours had already passed and all fourteen players were still going strong! Gryffindor was losing by 130-110 and there was clear tension between the Black brothers.
"And Nott scores!" The Slytherin stand jumped and celebrated the game. "Nice way of distracting the the Quidditch Team, hitting the Scarlet Captain! Those slimy gits are forces to be reckoned with!"
"JONES!" McGonagall's voice threatened.
"Sorry, professor!" She apologized. "Anyway… Foul bludger to the arm of the Slytherin Captain but that's Quidditch! Avery shoots but Prewett defents the goal! Ball to Potter and IS THAT THE SNITCH?! YES IT IS!"
The crowd was going wild. "Black is on the front but Meadows is right behind him! OW! Black just hit his Green Brother with a bludger and MEADOWS CAUGHT THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WINS!"
The noise coming out of the stands - all four sides of them – was incredible.
The game had dragged on for the whole morning and a bit of the afternoon – the snitch was nowhere to be seen! – but it felt like just a couple of minutes passed! Both teams were constantly scoring and it was a really close match.
The players directed themselves to the locker room but not before James flew over to where I was standing with Remus – Alice had gone down to the locker room to meet with Frank and Peter had gone to lunch and hadn't returned yet.
"See? I told you it'd give us good luck." James smirked and winked at me. He high-fived Remus in a much more complicated than necessary manner, and as soon as he arrived, he was gone again.
"Where's Peter?" I asked Remus, with my eyebrows dangerously close to my hairline.
"Probably eating, if I had to guess." I couldn't agree more with him, but I had asked anyway. "What are you doing today?"
"Oh, I guess I'm going to be at the party."
"But we haven't set up anything! At least not yet, come." His fingers motioned me to follow him, so I did.
We navigated through the flood of students and rushed to the second floor of the castle. Remus delegated me the task to go into the kitchens and grab some food – treacle tart, cauldron cakes, and lots of chocolate – while he went to Hogsmeade to retrieve some beverages. "Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice only, I promise." But the wink that came with that promise assured me there would be liquor too.
I knew most people enjoyed Firewhiskey, but personally, as liquors go, I had always enjoyed the sweet taste in alcoholic drinks like Mead. Maybe that's why I preferred Muggle Alcohol. But the burning sensation Firewhiskey left in my throat too was pleasant; well, not the morning after, that's for sure.
I walked to the Head Common Room, as directed by Mr. Remus Lupin – often known as Moony – and began placing the food on the table. This would be a 7th year only Quidditch Party – I knew the younger students always had one of their own anyway, and as Head Girl, I didn't want to put the little kids near the alcohol. I'd only had my first drink last year!
I sat down on the red armchair and waited patiently for Remus to show up. I'd taken as many secret passages as I could to get to the common room before anyone else could show up.
I let my mind wonder off to less pleasant parts of my life. I'd been completely neglecting my friends! It was just James this, Marauders that… I felt like crap, because I couldn't remember the last time I was one hundred percent focused on either Marlene or Alice. I had no idea how Marls' relationship with Bell was going, and I'd shown next to none enthusiasm when Alice told me about her Hogsmeade trip with Frank.
Before I could begin to even contemplate the reasons for this change, Peter Pettigrew and Remus Lupin barged in, hands full.
"Will you two calm down for a second?!" I screeched. I got up to help them place the glass bottles on the table, near the yummy foods I had brought here. "A little more and you'd have taken the door off it's hinges!"
"Sorry, we had our hands full, had to use my foot to push it open." Peter explained to me.
"Ah, s'alright, just, be careful yeah?" I smiled at the boys. "When is everyone coming?"
It was Remus who replied. "Anytime now." He shot me a grin.
"Alright, then. I am just going to change, be right back."
I excused myself and walked the stairs up to my room. Obviously, it was warmer inside than on the Pitch, and it wouldn't make any sense if I were to continue with my big violet coat on. I stroked James' scarf before taking it off and placing it on my desk.
It was wooden, but painted with a deep shade of scarlet. It actually doubled as a nightstand, because it was nearly the exact height of my four poster bed. This room was nothing like the one I occupied at home. Here, the theme was obviously wood and red, while in Surrey, the walls were painted a light blue color, and the curtains were white and flowy.
I took off my jacket and carefully placed it on my bed. For some reason, I decided it would be a fine idea to also change my top. The warm grey sweater I had on came off and was replaced by one of my favorite button ups. It was a deep maroon color and was one of the few shades that didn't clash horribly with my hair.
I put my hair in a ponytail and walked back to the common room. I didn't think I'd taken that much time, but by the time I got there, the party was already in full swing.
It wasn't that big of a mess – only the seventh years and the rest of the Quidditch Team – but all the space seemed to be taken.
I walked over to the table and grabbed a piece of chocolate fudge and a goblet of butterbeer. I noticed the bottle of Firewhiskey behind everything else, but I still appreciated the effort they put into it.
I looked around; For once, Sirius Black was actually standing up, instead of sprawled on the couch. Peter was sitting near the table, every possible food at arms length, and Remus was, along with James, sipping on their drinks near the lit up fireplace.
I walked over and greeted them. "Hi! Nice game!" What was I supposed to say? How was I supposed to act around James, now that, all of a sudden, we were friends again? How much chill was too chill?
"Oh, I have fate in the Team." James said, effortlessly nonchalant. "But I won't deny the luck you gave us. Sirius was so wasted." He laughed, his eyes sparkling.
"Then I am glad I helped." I told him, with my best Shakespearian voice.
Suddenly, the left window opened and a little brown owl swept into the room. It left a note in Sirius' hands and took off.
I didn't pay much attention to it; at least not until he climbed up the stairs and shut himself in James' bedroom.
A/N: Hi guys! First I'd like to thank hellcswettie on tumblr for reviewing my Quidditch scene! Somewhere in there is a hint regarding the parents of one of the canon characters on the series! Do you think you can find it?
Hope you enjoyed this one!
Reviews are 98% of the Earth's oxygen.
Yours,
Adriana.
