A/N: This chapter is mainly just Blaise trying to get back to her life as much as she can. There's definitely some fluff and quidditch, finally! All rights go to J.k. besides Verity and Blaise. Enjoy!
January 5th, 1977
"Are you sure you're ready?" James asked his best mate as they stood at platform 9 ¾.
"Everyone has asked me a thousand times already, Jamsey boy." Blaise rolled her eyes. She needed normal, she needed something to distract herself from the pain and guilt she held in her heart. "Besides, the healers said it was best for me to get back on my old routine. So, really, Hogwarts is the best thing for me right now." James nodded his head, running through the barrier. Deep breaths, Blaise told herself. She felt a hand grasp her own and she looked over to see Sirius Black.
"Ready, Foxy?" He sent her a devilish smirk, which she returned. Blaise ran through the barrier, followed by Sirius. The beautiful red train before her.
"Blaise!" Lily screamed, running towards the girl. Blaise was tackled to the ground by the red-head, laughing. "I've missed you so much! We all have." Lily smiled, helping the girl up.
"You're back? Like really back?" Mary asked nervously. Blaise looked over at the girl, a worried look on her face.
"I'm really back." Blaise assured her. Mary ran over, wrapping her in her arms. Blaise's eyes met with another's a few feet away. Marlene stood cautiously, watching the scene. Blaise let go of Mary and slowly made her way to the blonde girl. "I really am back, Marlene." She said softly. Blaise knew she had a lot to make up for to her friends with how she treated them, but she was willing to do everything she could to do so.
"I love you, Blaise. But, I'm going to need some time to get used to this." Marlene said sadly, making her way to the train.
"She'll be back, Blaise. Like she said, she just needs some time." Mary said, wrapping an arm around the girl.
"Come on, let's get to-" Lily started, but was cut off.
"Blaise!" Peter yelled from further down the platform. He ran as fast as he could, putting on the brakes before Blaise was knocked over twice that day.
"Hi, Peter." Blaise laughed at the boy. "Did you miss me as much as I missed you?" She asked, causing Peter to blush and all their mates to bustle with laughter. Blaise sobered up when she saw the boy with the scarred face behind Peter. "Moony." She hopefully smiled. Blaise really hoped he wouldn't react how Marlene had, even though she did deserve it. She knew all her friends had forgiven her behavior too easily. Remus smiled at the nervous girl, opening his arms to her. Blaise jumped into them, almost causing them to fall over.
"I missed you lots, Blaise." He whispered into her ear, making her smile grow wider.
"I guarantee I missed you more."
"Alright you lot, we are going to miss the train if we don't hurry up." James ushered. Blaise rolled her eyes as Remus slung an arm over her shoulder. The group made their way to an empty compartment. Lily and Remus had to leave for a Prefect meeting, so it was just Sirius, Blaise, James, Peter, and Mary. They filled half the ride with catching Blaise up on all she missed, making the girl laugh until her sides hurt.
"Alright, boys. We need to plan a bloody wicked prank. I've been out of the game too long." Blaise announced, earning an eyeroll from Mary.
"If it doesn't turn my hair Slytherin green again, have at it." Mary said bitterly, causing the marauders to burst into laughs.
"You've never forgiven me for that." Blaise laughed, receiving a playful shove from the girl. The group was interrupted by someone entering the compartment. There in all her glory stood Verity Welch. Blaise tensed and Mary gripped the girl's hand in reassurance.
"Look who looks all cozy with her friends she had abandoned." The girl snarled. Blaise looked down at her and Mary's hands guiltily. Sirius stood quickly, startling the lot.
"Get the hell out before I make you." Sirius snapped.
"Excuse me?" Verity managed to get out after she picked her jaw up off the floor.
"You heard me. Leave." Verity narrowed her eyes, her gaze finding Blaise.
"You think you can just live your happy little life after everything you did?" Blaise swallowed. "After you tortured that poor second year?" Blaise started feeling nauseous.
"Verity." Sirius said in such a tone it made the room grow tense.
"I'm going." The girl smiled evilly, locking eyes with Blaise once again. "Tell your parents I said hello." Blaise's blood ran cold, in an instant she was out of her seat and had Verity pinned to the wall, wand pointed at her throat. Verity's face showed pure horror. A feeling Blaise had felt only once before, in a vision, showed itself
"Are you sure you want to say something like that to someone who tortured a second year?" Venom dripped from her words, shocking everyone in the compartment.
"Blaise." Sirius said, putting his hand on hers, lowering her wand.
"Leave." He told Verity. The girl scrambled out of the compartment, silence engulfing everyone.
"I-I don't know why I did that." Blaise shook, falling into her seat. "I didn't mean that. I don't what came over me. Merlin, what the hell is wrong with me." She started panicking. Sirius and James shared a concerned look. "I tortured a poor girl and threatened Verity the very same. Why did I do that?!"
"Shh." Sirius said, wrapping the girl in his arms. No one quite knew what to say.
"Blaise, you've been through a lot, she shouldn't have said those things." Mary started.
"That doesn't make it okay!" Blaise argued, breaking down. The compartment was silent for the rest of the way to Hogwarts. Blaise didn't leave Sirius' grasp until they had to get to the boats. The group made their way to the castle, ready to eat and settle in. After the feast Blaise was walking with Lily and Remus to the common room when Dumbledore stopped her.
"Might I steal Blaise?" He asked them. The two smiled at the girl and Blaise followed Dumbledore to his office. Blaise thought she may be getting expelled for what happened on the train.
"Is this about the train ride?" She meekly asked.
"Partially." He spoke, causing Blaise to inhale shakily. "But, not entirely. I am not saying I approve of what Ms. Welch said to you, but you understand you cannot threaten students, Blaise." The girl nodded. "I will however let this slide just this once. You've been through a great deal, I do not expect anyone to have done much different." Blaise looked surprised at the professor. "I am concerned that you acted this way though. The prophecy in mind when I say that. You know you have two paths to your destiny. I'd hate to see you choose the wrong one." Blaise started to shake at the memory of what Voldemort had told her. "I'd like to start having you practice dueling and defense, Professor Merrythought said he'd work with you." Blaise looked at the man in confusion. "Ms. Delemont, you got away from Voldemort. He is surely going to come for you again in the future, you must be prepared." Fear gripped her at the thought of ever seeing the man again, but she knew one day it would happen.
"Yes, sir." She said quietly.
"I'd also like to discuss with you a proposition, for when you are done with school here." Dumbledore informed her. "There is a group of very great people who have formed an order."
"An order?" She questioned.
"Indeed, it is called the Order of the Phoenix. The order is a group of very brave wizards and witches who have formed to fight Voldemort." Blaise froze as he spoke. "I'd like, once you are out of school, of course, to join. Minerva wished me not to inform you of this, but you must know what is happening. Especially, since your future is bound to be involved in the war. No matter what path you choose. The war is here, Blaise, you must be prepared." Blaise swallowed, feeling a new sense of courage grow within her.
"I'll do it." She responded. "I know I am destined to make a choice, Professor. Well, I am making it now. If I hadn't already that night.." Blaise paused. "I will fight Voldemort, I want to watch his downfall and be a part of it. For my parents, for all the people he's killed, for my friends, for the fate of our world. I want to fight him." Dumbledore smiled at the girl.
"I see the hat chose wisely when declaring you a Gryffindor." Blaise nodded in agreement. "Now, I'll let you know when your practices will begin. You better be off to bed."
"Thank you, Professor." Blaise said politely, making her way towards the door.
"Oh, and Blaise." Dumbledore called, causing her to turn around. "I do hope you considered pursuing the career of becoming an auror." A wicked smile appeared on her face.
"You bloody hell better believe it." Dumbledore smiled at the girl as she left his office. He only hoped she stayed on this current path.
X
"Potter!" Blaise called across the pitch, wind biting at her face. James passed the quaffle to Blaise. She flew incredibly fast to get to the goals, Blaise had enough time to smack the quaffle into the goal post with the tip of her broom.
"Twenty points Gryffindor!" The announcer yelled.
"Nice finbourgh flick, Blaise!" James called, high-fiving her as he flew past. The game was tied 50-50. Blaise wiped the sweat off her forehead, looking for their seeker. She saw Thomas Fenwick searching the pitch for the bloody snitch.
"Delemont!" Black yelled at the girl. Blaise looked quickly to where Sirius' voice hailed from, seeing a bludger coming straight for her. She ducked out of the way just in time, searching for the arse who aimed it at her. Malfoy sent her a smug look, causing Blaise's blood to boil. Blaise made her way back to the action by catching the quaffle from Finnigan. She held tightly to her broom as she saw Mulciber gaining on her. The wanker slammed into her, trying to knock her off her broom.
"He's blatching her!" James yelled angrily. Blaise rolled her eyes, fouls hardly were called. Slytherin committed so many every game, she was pretty sure Smethwyk didn't notice anymore or care.
"Back the hell off, Mulciber!" Blaise snarled.
"Make me, Delemont." He taunted, slamming into her again.
"Bumphing!" Black yelled, earning a grin from Blaise as she ducked down. Mulciber was knocked off his broom by the bludger Sirius sent at him. Blaise threw the quaffle into the goal post, scoring ten points for her team.
"Well, aren't you just my beater in shining armor?" Blaise laughed, flying next to Sirius. She could have sworn he blushed, but Sirius Black does not blush.
"Wouldn't have to be if you didn't play like a girl." He shot back, earning narrowed eyes from the red-head.
"Play like a girl?!" She yelled, her temper catching up to her. Many things made Blaise's temper get the best of her, but to be told she played like a girl in quidditch? Merlin have mercy on Black's soul.
"And Fennwick catches the snitch! Gryffindor wins!" The announcer shouts. But, Blaise and Sirius were to engulfed in their own debacle. Sirius realized he went too far with his joke by seeing the look on Blaise's face.
"Blaise! I'm sorry! I'm a stupid git, sometimes I say things without thinking." He yelled terrified. He flew closer to the bottom of the pitch, knowing he was surely about to be knocked of his broom. Blaise caught up to Black easily and sure enough she slammed as hard as she could into the boy. Sirius' hands slipped from his broom at the impact and he began to fall, but not before he grabbed onto Blaise's robes. The two fell about four feet before landing in a tangled mess on the quidditch pitch.
"Who plays like a girl, Black?" Blaise laughed, earning a grunt from Sirius.
"Clearly, I do." Blaise giggled, looking up at the boy who fell on top of her.
"You know, Sirius, I'm used to boys falling over me, but not quite so literally." She burst out laughing, repeating the very words he said to her the day they met.
"You remember that?" He laughed, looking into her steel blue eyes. The two sobered up and stared at each other. "Maybe you shouldn't make it so easy." Blaise's breath caught in her throat.
"Oi! Lovebirds!" James yelled, making the two quickly untangle themselves. "Did you two happen to realize we won the first game of the season or should I just let you two go at it in the locker room?" Blaise was sure her face matched her hair color, she really hadn't noticed they won.
"Sod off, Prongs." Sirius mumbled.
"Let's bloody celebrate then!" Blaise yelled, running towards her team. James sent a wink towards Sirius, earning a shove from his mate.
"Honestly though, when are you two going to get together?" James nudged Sirius.
"After how I treated her, I doubt she still feels how she used to." He said, running his fingers through his hair.
"You both are daft as could be." James sighed, catching up to Blaise, throwing her onto his shoulders. Sirius smiled at the girl who turned around meeting his eye, blush growing on her face again. Could James be right? Was he just daft?
X
"Here's to the best quidditch captain Hogwarts has ever seen!" Sirius yelled to the party in the common room. He was greeted in response with hoots and hollers as everyone took a drink.
"I bet Wood would have a few words to say to you if he heard that." Blaise stood on her tip toes to whisper in Sirius' ear, causing a shiver to run down the boy's spine. He turned around with a smirk on his face.
"Look who decided to grace us with their presence." He joked, earning an eyeroll from Blaise.
"I thought it would be appreciated if I showered after the match, but I could go roll around in the mud if you'd like." Sirius must have had a suggestive look on his face, Blaise's mouth formed and 'o' when she realized. "Such a perv." She shook her head.
"You're the one who put the image in my head, love." The girl's stomach flipped.
"Where is the best quidditch captain of the century anyway?" She asked, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.
"I do believe he is trying to serenade Lily." Sirius pointed to the couple in the corner, Blaise's mouth once again fell open when she saw Lily twirling her hair around her finger.
"I-is she flirting?" She exclaimed, joy welling up inside her.
"It's been happening quite often, believe it or not." He laughed.
"Blaise?" A voice spoke from behind the two. Blaise turned around, seeing a very rare, anxious Marlene McKinnon.
"Yeah?" Blaise asked, nervousness filling her as well.
"I'm going to get another drink." Sirius said, lightly touching Blaise's lower back.
"Can we talk?" Marlene asked.
"O-of course." Blaise answered, surprised.
"I was having a really hard time coming to terms with you suddenly just being yourself again. I was really hurt with how you just left us all like we were nothing. And with what you did to that girl." She paused, Blaise ducked her head, ashamed. "But, you're one of my best mates, even if you disappeared for a while. I don't think I can forgive you entirely, at least not yet, but I want my friend back." She ended firmly. Blaise smiled at the blonde.
"I want my friend back." Blaise sniffled. Marlene broke out into a grin and grabbed the girl into a hug.
"The gang is back together again!" Mary screeched as she saw the two, earning eye rolls from them both.
"Oh, and look what I happen to have!" James exclaimed, raising Blaise's camera into the air.
"How'd you get that!?" Blaise yelled.
"You were going to leave it at home and I knew you'd want it, so I grabbed it." Blaise smiled thankfully at her best mate. "Oi! Stevens! Care to snap a quick picture?" James hollered at a fifth year. Stevens nodded and took the camera. All of Blaise's best mates gathered together.
"On the count of three, say Gryffindor." Stevens instructed. "One, two, three!" Last second Sirius scooped Blaise up into his arms, cradling her. Everyone laughed at her reaction.
"You do something like that every time we all take a picture, Black!" She yelled, laughing. "Can't we take a decent one for once?" Sirius motioned Stevens closer, grabbing the picture from his hands. Marlene jumped in next to them, making sure she looked okay, causing Blaise to laugh.
"I don't know, Blaise." Marlene said, pointing. "I think that's a pretty great picture." Blaise look down at the moving picture. Everyone was laughing at her being taken by surprise. But, Blaise followed Marlene's finger, which was pointing at her and Sirius. Sirius looked completely enamored by Blaise. He had the biggest smile on his face just looking at her. Blaise felt her stomach flip and look up at Sirius, who bit his lip nervously.
"Blaise?" Peter asked, tearing her attention away from Sirius.
"Yeah?" She said, dazed.
"Do you want to dance?" He asked, nervously. She smiled at the boy and extended her hand.
"Show me your moves, Wormtail." Blaise laughed. Marlene grabbed Sirius' attention away from Blaise by clearing her throat.
"Want to dance, Black?" Marlene asked. "I won't take no for an answer." He sighed, taking her hand. "Ah, this takes me back to the third year Halloween dance." She laughed.
"Ironic." He shook his head at the thought.
"It's still painfully obvious, you know. You fancying Blaise."
"This is giving me déjà vu, McKinnon." He laughed, shaking his head.
"Is your answer to why you won't tell her still the same?" She asked seriously.
"I believe I said that she wasn't a risk I was willing to take, yeah?"
"I do believe that was right." Marlene said.
"If I have learned anything over this past year, especially, things can change quickly. Life is short and war is at our doorstep. Blaise lost her parents in the blink of an eye, life is so valuable, yet so fragile. No one knows how much time we have left. If you aren't taking risks, are you even living? I lost her once and Merlin forbid I lose that amazing girl again. And if I do, at least I know I took that risk." He almost yelled. Marlene rose her eyebrows in surprise.
"Sirius Black." She started. "Who would've known you to be one with words."
"Sod off." He laughed.