The weekend came quickly, and that meant, Quidditch try-outs.
"Wake up." Dawn sung out as she hopped out of bed.
Zoe rolled her eyes. "Why?" She demanded.
"Vecause, you must try out." Anya said, her tone of voice matching what Dawn's would have been if Anya hadn't beaten her to it.
"Why in the hell would I try out?" She demanded. "Last time was a disaster."
Dawn laughed. "Yeah, well the prick graduated, now there's a new Captain, and he's asked for all, including females, who believe they can be an asset to the team to try out."
Zoe arched a brow. "And I suppose you've decided to try out."
Dawn laughed. "Hell no, Anya and I are planning to try out for Commentator again, but we know you'll make it, right Anya."
"Vight." Anya stated, agreeing with Dawn, no surprise there.
Zoe rolled her eyes. "You want me to try out, even though I was so thoroughly humiliated last time?"
Dawn gave her a look. "Duh."
Zoe rolled her eyes. "Fine, but when the same thing happens as last time, I'm never trying out again." And with that, Zoe stood and dressed.
Finally she was ready, and she headed down.
"Hey, you going to try out this year?" James called across the room from his seat at the Gryffindor table.
Zoe rolled her eyes as she sat beside Anthony, who was re-trying out for Chaser this year. "Yes, I've been convinced by two harpies that I needed to try out once more, before I quit for good."
"Well then, I can't wait." This from Samual Trainston, the new Quidditch Captain who sat farther down the table.
Zoe nodded his way, then ate her toast in silence. She listened to everyone around her, James and Sirius ribbing each other, Dawn and Anya chatting, and Remus and Ashley doing their lovely little rendition of 'no physical displays'.
Soon, they were all shuffling outside for the Gryffindor Quidditch Tryouts, whether to actually try out, or to just watch.
Finally everyone stood on the Quidditch Pitch, waiting with bated breath to find out if this captain, was going to be the same as the last captain.
"Hello everyone, my name is Samual Trainston, and I'm your Gryffindor Quidditch Captain this year." The handsome Sixth year boy said congenially. "I'm assuming a few of you - mostly the females - are worried that this year is going to be the same as last year." He continued. "Well, unlike our captain last year, I realized early on that Ravenclaw was killing us, not because of the females or lack of them, but because they pick the best players. And now Gryffindor is going to do the same."
There were a few cheers that cut off the next part of the newest captain's speech, so Trainston waited until silence descended once more before he continued.
"Now, please grab a broom and get into the air, everyone. There are no old players, everyone is trying out, no exception." He finished, then sent everyone up.
After about five minutes of flying around, he called everyone back down.
"Everyone I'm about to send off, it's not because I think you can't, it's because I believe you need more practice. So practice up and try-out again next year."
He proceeded to point out those he wanted to stay. Everyone else walked up to the stands, no hard feelings from any, because Trainston was so polite and kind about the whole thing.
Amazingly enough, there were six girl's left, out of ten. There were ten guys, out of the twenty-five who'd come, left as well.
"Ok, now that we have slimed down our huge group, let's get started." He said with a smile. "Now, can I please have everyone separate into what you wish to try out for. Seeker's stand to the right, Keeper's slightly over from them, Beater's to the left, and Chaser's between my Beater's and Keeper's." He finished, pointing each where he wanted them to go.
Finally, they had three trying out for Seeker, four Keepers', four Beaters', and five Chasers'.
"Well, this is a good turnout, if I may say so myself." Trainston said with a smile. "Now, let's start with our Keepers'." He said, sending one of his Keeper try-outs into the air, then sending James up to test the boy.
That continued for each of the Keepers', then switched, the Chasers' had to try and put the ball threw the hoops as each Keeper protected it.
Finally he sent the Beaters' and Seekers' up, letting the balls loose for each. Finally he called everyone down and stood, each group standing calmly in front of the captain.
"Now, I don't want you to think just because you aren't chosen, that it means you weren't good enough. As I told the people I first sent away, it just means you need more practice." The poor boy sucked in a huge breath of air, then slowly let it out. "Ok, here goes."
Seeker: Jasmine Severn
Chaser: Anthony Craigon
Chaser: James Potter
Beater: Sirius Black
Beater: Acantha Zandria
Keeper: Elizabeth Wood
Reserve...
Seeker: Richard Sampson
Chaser: Rachel Anderson
Beater: Jared Lynton
Keeper: Riana Anderson
"Now, remember, just because you aren't playing this year, does not mean you won't play next year." And with that, he allowed everyone to leave.
Zoe stood, motionless, as everyone left. She'd been unable to move ever since Trainston had called her name as Beater, and she'd actually realized it was her name the man was calling.
Finally, she realized her group was crowding her, congratulating her, and patting her on the back.
"You made it." Was the first thing she really realized being said, this from Dawn.
"Well now, I see we will be competing against one another here shortly." This from Ashley, of course.
"Congratulation vriend." This from Anya.
Finally she let a smile loose. "Thank you, I can't believe it actually happened."
Sirius laughed. "Well now, I guess you and I are going to be working together now." He said.
Zoe smiled. "Yeah, but I'm going to have to talk to the Captain about calling me Acantha, I hate that name."
From behind her she heard. "I suppose I can call you Zoe instead." The boy said behind her.
Zoe turned with a smile. "I think that would be much appreciated." She answered.
The boy gave a cocky smile. "Can I speak to you," he paused and looked at the group, "alone?" He asked, almost timidly.
Zoe furrowed her brows slightly, but nodded. When they were far enough away she turned to the boy. "If you are about to kick me off the team already, I think I might object."
The boy's expression turned to shock, and he shook his head. "No, not at all. I have… have a question."
Zoe cocked an eyebrow. "Well, I imagine I have an answer." She said saucily.
The boy gulped a bit, then "I wanted to know if you'd be willing to accompany me to Hogsmead." He gasped out quietly.
Zoe cocked an eyebrow, then smiled sweetly. "That sounds great." She answered.
The boy licked his lips nervously, then smiled. "Ok then, Hogsmead this weekend it is."
The morning of the Hogsmead trip, Zoe woke up about fifteen minutes before the rest of the girls. She took a shower, making sure to clean and condition her hair completely. She finally stepped out, the girls waking noises coming from the next room. She did a quick drying spell on her hair and placed it in her usual high ponytail, only this time she curled the hair coming out of the tail.
She came out of the bathroom, hair and makeup already done, towel wrapped tightly around her torso.
"Wow." This coming from Mary McDonald, one of Lily's best friends.
Everyone else turned and saw what Mary had just seen, a transformed Zoe.
"Who knew you could clean up that well." Dawn said with a laugh.
"She alvays 'ad potential." Anya said with a shrug, then turned back to rummaging in her chest. Finally she pulled something out and tossed it to Zoe.
Zoe felt the cloth smack against her chest, she caught it and held it at arm's length. It was a piece of black material, tight and slinky. It was sleeveless, with a whole to show cleavage.
"You want me to wear this?" Zoe asked the crazy girl.
"Ves, ov course." The girl said with a laugh. "Viz thoze gorgeouz dark Muggle jeanz you revuse to vear."
Zoe bit her lip, then grabbed the jeans Anya was talking about and rushed to the bathroom, grabbing her favorite bra and panties set on the way. When she'd finally figured out how to put all the girly crap on, she smoothed her hands over it and looked in the mirror, only to double take at her reflection.
She finally walked out, to many cat calls and whistles from all of the girls.
"I told you zhe 'ad potential." The girl muttered once more, then sauntered out the dorm door.
Zoe looked down, her curly pony falling over her shoulder to shield her crimson face. Finally she shrugged and flung her hair back with a move Ashley had once shown her on a Muggle movie. With a smile, she followed Anya, her own saunter fiercer than normal.
She finally entered the Great Hall, only to wish she hadn't.
Sirius looked up when he felt James elbow connect with his ribs. James ignored his scowl and pointed towards the door. Sirius looked up, and felt his mouth pop open. There stood Zoe, in all her dressed up glory.
She stood in a pair of dark jeans, that didn't hide much from the imagination, a shirt that was clearly made to accentuate, and a face made-up… just right.
She walked over and sat herself down, not even noticing the stares. "Hand me a piece of toast will you." She threw at Remus.
Remus picked up a piece of toast, a bowl of cranberry jam, and a knife - the last two without being asked.
"Thank you." Zoe said, lathering the jam on her toast as she hunched down further, finally noticing the leers from the many surrounding her. "Why are they staring?" She finally demanded.
"Vecause you are gorgeous." Anya said loudly, staring down those that couldn't seem to look away from the Gryffindor table.
Finally, Professor McGonagall called for all Third Years and above to meet her at the front hall where she would collect permission slips. Her and her friends filed out where they separated and found their own dates and groups.
Zoe looked around, and finally spotted Samual walking up to her.
"Good morning." The boy said politely.
Zoe smirked. "Good morning. How are you?"
"Ready for this date to be…" the boy stopped.
"No worries, no need to be nervous, I promise I don't bite." She informed Samual with a smirk.
The two walked up to McGonagall and handed their permission slips over, then headed for Hogsmead.
"So, do you have any hobbies?" The boy asked nervously.
Zoe smiled again. "I have quite a few hobbies, but honestly, this is a date, so let's stop being so nervous, hit the Three Broomsticks, and grab a Butterbeer, then we can get to know each other."
The boy smiled, "Great idea." He said with a smile. "You should be the nervous one here." He said with a laugh at himself. "I'm supposed to be the older guy asking the pretty girl out. Instead, you calm and collected, and I'm the nervous one."
Zoe smiled. "I'm nervous, you just can't tell." She told the boy sweetly, trying to elevate some of his tension.
Finally they made it to the Three Broomsticks, walked in, and grabbed a table in the back.
For the next few hours they got to know one another, and by the end of the date, she knew it wouldn't work, and she was pretty sure he knew as well.
They were headed back to the castle when she decided to speak up.
"I know you won't want to hear this, but I think you already know." She said softly.
The boy nodded and smiled softly. "I had a lot of fun," He said softly. "but I agree." He finished.
"We can still be friends? Correct?" She asked softly.
He nodded.
Zoe smiled. "And I have a suggestion."
The boy cocked his head.
"Ask her out." She said with a wink.
"Who?" He asked.
"Jasmine Severin." Zoe answered. "She looks at you the same way you look at her." She finished, then turned back towards the castle.
Samual stood there for a moment in stunned disbelief, then quickly ran to catch up. "Do you think so?" He demanded as they kept walking.
Zoe smiled. "Yeah, I do." She answered with a laugh as they finally reached the castle door.
Sirius was sitting against a column when he saw Zoe and Samual walk up to the doors, Sam laughing at something Zoe said, Zoe smirking. They were standing by the door, neither seeming to want to walk in first, when all of the sudden Zoe leaned up on tip toes and kissed Samual on the cheek.
Sirius grit his teeth, an odd feeling washing through him at the sight. He didn't know what it was, not jealousy, it couldn't be jealousy, but something.
He watched the two walk into the school, Samual's arm flung around Zoe's shoulder.
He ground his teeth harder. Then he blinked, letting it all go with a sigh of breath. He finally stood and walked into the castle, looking for his best friends and Marauder pals, hoping they'd have something distracting for him to do. There had to be some prank, some mischief they could pull.
With that thought in mind, he headed in.
First game of the year, Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff, and it was going to be interesting. Not because Gryffindor was worried about winning or losing, but because there was some inner team problems.
The Beaters were in a terrible argument over respecting ones privacy.
The Seeker and Captain couldn't seem to stop snogging.
One of the Chasers's kept trying to catch glimpses of a girl he was crushing hard on.
And the Keeper and one of the Chasers were the only players in the game who were completely focused.
Finally, the whistle blew and the game started.
Well now, ladies and gentlemen, it is Ggrryyyfffinndddooorrr verses Huffllleeeeppppuuufffff. And the match begins as the whistle is blown. Dawn the Commentator yelled out over the speaker.
Only twenty five seconds into the game and our wonderful Chaser James Potter has scored.
Oh, and did you see our own Sirius Black smack that Bludger, unfortunately it was right at our other Beater, miss. Acantha Zandria. Ladies and Gentlemen, she's going to kill me later for that. Anyways, back to the game.
It seems Hufflepuff - what is a Hufflepuff anyways - has earned themselves a goal. How did that get past our wonderful Elizabeth Wood?
In the background McGonagall could be heard ranting at Dawn for not being fair.
My apologize ladies and gentlemen, I must be fair.
Any who, back to the game. I see Zandria has smacked the Bludger away from Severin just in the nick of time, that would have sucked if our Seeker was out.
Potter has the Quaffle, he passes to Craigon, and back to Potter, then to Trainston, and Trainston SCORES.
Now Hufflepuff has the ball, Kirkly to Keagen, OH, and did you see Craigon steal that one.
Oh, and look Black has hit another Bludger at Zandria. I wonder what is going on.
Now, Trainston with the Quaffle, then Potter - look, he's being chased by Craft - is it just me or do all the Hufflepuff Chaser's name start with K?
Once more, McGonagall was berating Dawn.
Vadies and Gentlemen, Liz will ve vack in a moment. She's veing vludgend vight now.
So, Gryvvindor take the Quavvle vrom Huvvlepuvv, but oh no, a Vludger knocks Craigon zidevayz. He narrovly mizzez valling ov hiz broom, but dropz the Quavvle, and Huvvlepuvv pickz it up.
Oh, vut iz thiz? I vink Zeverin haz zeen the Znitch. Vere zhe goez.
Zhe'z head to head vith Huvvlepuvv Zeeker Jenkinz. Look at that dive. It'z pervect.
Vey are noze to noze, dropping vast. Oh, vut I vink Jenkinz iz pulling up. And Zeverin haz the Znitch. And Grivvindor Vinz!
Well, ladies and gentlemen this from Dawn, sounding quite out of breath. What a wonderful game. Gryffindor wins 310 to 90.
Next game Ggrryyyfffffffiiiinnndddooor versus .
See you all then.
Zoe touched down, only to run straight at Sirius. "What in the hell was that?" She demanded hotly.
Sirius arched a brow. "What was what?" He asked innocently.
"You tried to BLUDGEN ME!" She shouted.
Sirius cocked his head. "I did not, it just went a little haywire." He explained.
Zoe's nostrils flared slightly. "You know what, I don't know what in the bloody hell your problem is, but whatever it is, get over it before the Slytherin match, or we are going to have issues." She finished the last and stalked off, not even waiting for congratulations.
For another few months, Sirius and Zoe ignored each other completely. Finally, one night, everyone got tired of it and locked the two in a broom cupboard.
"You can come out when you are friends again." Dawn shouted threw the door as she walked off.
Zoe spent about five minutes pounding on the door before she finally gave up and slammed herself into the sitting position. "What now?" She demanded.
Sirius snorted. "What, you think just because I'm a Marauder, I know how to get out of these kinds of things?"
Zoe glared at the stupid boy. "No, but I suppose since you spend so much time in these stupid things, you'd probably know how to GET OUT." She shouted the last part, trying to throw her anger into the words, and only partially succeeding.
Sirius said nothing, and Zoe did likewise.
"Gah, why are you so infuriating?" Sirius finally demanded after about five minutes of silence.
"Oh, I don't know, maybe because a certain individual - that would be you - tried to knock me off my broom." She threw back at him.
Sirius rolled his eyes. "I did not try to knock you off your broom, it was an accident. The stupid Bludger was out of control." He snarled at her.
"Yeah, well, then maybe I just don't want to see your face at the moment." She finally shot at him, making him flinch.
Sirius threw his hands up in the air, but hit the top of the cupboard, so he turned angrily towards her. "You know what, you are so stupid sometimes. You don't see what's right in front of you." He snarled. "You don't understand that we all care about you and notice that something is up." And with that he slumped down and put his head in his hands.
Zoe bit her lip, guilt washing over her. She knew she couldn't tell anyone about what was going on, but she couldn't lash out at them because they didn't know either.
"I'm... sorry." She finally bit out. "I know it's not your fault, I have stuff I'm dealing with, and I just need to deal with it in my own way." She noticed him perking up to speak, but cut him off. "That means without help."
Sirius nodded. "I understand," he said. "but if you need me, I'm there." He whispered the last, and she nodded in understanding. Then they both sat, backs resting against the cupboard walls, and waited to be released.
When the door finally opened, the young people outside saw two young people inside - her head laying on his shoulder - sleeping peacefully, arms twined together.
