Author's Note: WOW thank you all SOOO much for reviewing:
Padfootknowsbest: here's the update! Thanks a lot.
Devan: I don't hate you for not reviewing…thanks a lot for reviewing now…I was happy I finally got sirius and ivana together too haha.
Nick: thanks for reviewing as always..glad you liked it.
Rasberryumbrella: I'm so happy you enjoyed it.
Midnight song: I've wanted them together since new year too..haha you could prob tell I guess. Thanks for reviewing!
The Prince of Fate: glad you "luff it" hehe.
Diamonddreamer: updated as fast as possible for you guys! Glad you like it.
Heather Gernenz: thanks for the compliment! I was surprised it happened fast myself, but I couldn't help it haha.
Milo: yep Pam's my name. I'm sooo happy you're addicted to it! Yeah James and Lily's kiss was in a much more romantic setting I suppose hahah.
Leadme2avonlea: thanks for the compliment – it's much appreciated.
PadfootObsessed329: Thanks for reviewing as always…and thanks for putting me in your c2! Here's the next part…
Queen of Duct Tape: haha yeah you didn't count, but thanks so much for the review anyway. Yep Krakov is an ass…happy theyre together too haha.
Sarah: hahahah thanks for finally reviewing…I'm so happy ppl who ahdn't reviewed before finally did! Please do so again. Thanks for loving the story.
Not tellin' : Thanks a bunchh!
THANK YOU ALL SOOO MUCH….JUST for all you're beautiful reviews I wrote a super long chapter… Oh and for those of you who put in a suggestion – It's coming up!
PLEASE REVIEW AGAIN GUYS…and anyone else who's reading.
The Quidditch Cup
Ivana and Sirius stood kissing in a dark, discreet corner. They seemed oblivious to their surroundings until they heard voices coming from a nearby corridor. Immediately, they separated and Ivana straightened her hair. Sirius put a finger to his lips and listened closely to what James, Remus and Peter were talking about. " I can't believe they're having a kid…" James was saying in disbelief.
"I know…I mean getting married was crazy enough…but now she's pregnant too?" Remus replied.
"Where will they live?" Peter wondered. As usual his comment went unnoticed, because just at that moment Sirius jumped out from the corner.
"What I miss?" He said cheerfully ignoring the surprised looks on his friends' faces.
"Cassie's pregnant! Her and Dave are going to have a baby!" Remus explained.
"Oh yeah I know, she told me the other week at practice – she's due in October.." Sirius said looking nervously over his shoulder.
"She's quit Quidditch….How are we gonna win the cup?" James complained.
"S'alrite Prongsie, you'll think of something…" Sirius wrapped an arm around his friends shoulders and pretended to kick Peter. He then steered them all back in the opposite direction, casually throwing a glance over his shoulder at Ivana who was peeking around the corner waiting for them to leave.
When they were out of view, Ivana leaned back against the wall with a giant grin on her face. She and Sirius had been together a few wonderful days now, Krakov was sent back to Durmstrang and she couldn't be happier. Except that her friends didn't know yet. Sirius and Ivana had decided, to save some of their pride – not to tell the others yet. Both had made such strong cases against having feelings for each other, they felt like they'd rather avoid the "I-told-you-so's" and keep their relationship a secret for a while.
As Ivana joined the others in Transfiguration she noticed James retreating sadly from an apologetic Cassie. He sat slumped in his seat at the back with a faraway look in his eyes. Ivana looked at Sirius questioningly before sitting beside Lily and Diya.
"Why didn't she tell me earlier Padfoot!" James exclaimed running his hands roughly through his hair.
"The Healer only told her yesterday she wouldn't be able to fly James…" Sirius answered pointedly.
"But the final is in two days! How will I find a replacement?"
"It's ok Prongs, you'll figure it out…" Remus said reassuringly.
"It doesn't matter even if you do lose though James, does it?" Peter put in squeakily.
Remus stared at him incredulously before looking worriedly at James. Sirius was staring at Peter as if he was mad and James was scarily silent. At the front of the class Professor McGonagall was beginning the lesson.
"It doesn't matter Wormtail?" Are you off your bloody rocker?" James hissed in disbelief while Peter cowered away. "Pete…number one, It's the Cup Final…number two, It's against Slytherin! Three, It's my last year at Hogwarts and I'm the captain, Four: When have I ever NOT cared about even one match? AND FIVE: It's Quidditch! We can't LOSE!" He shouted the last point.
"MR POTTER! Please discuss Quidditch outside my classroom!"
The class tittered at James' obsession and he said, "Sorry Professor" in a small voice. He then threw Peter a pained glance and looked a little green as he gulped and began to take notes. Cassie looked very troubled as David patted her assuringly. Lily threw her a sympathetic glance and sent James a glowering look. She then scribbled a note and when McGonagall turned around, she pointed her wand at it and it disappeared. A second late, it appeared in front of James.
James –
I know you're upset – but give it a rest! Cassie feels bad enough..
–Lily.
James read it annoyed and threw a warning look at his friends who seemed to agree with Lily. He then crumpled up the note and muttered,
"Women! Don't realise what a serious business Quidditch is…" Although he hadn't intended to make Cassie feel bad, he couldn't help being irritated with Lily. Why was she being such a know-it-all?
James was quiet the whole lesson. He barely smiled even when Sirius turned Snape's hair purple. He didn't even laugh when Sirius was given a two-hour detention washing and grooming Mrs. Norris, the caretaker Mr.Filch's cat. As the class walked out, Lily lined her arm with James sensing he was a little irritated with her. He glanced down distractedly before falling back into his daze. The seven 18 year olds walked in silence for a few moment when suddenly James let out a yell.
"I've got it!" He looked extremely excited. "I'll play Chaser AND Keeper!"
Lily rolled her eyes and Sirius sent her a mischievous grin before saying sarcastically,
"Cos' that'll work spiffingly mate.."
"IT WILL! Better than some kid who's barely played! It'll be the best match in millions of years! It'll surpass all my records….To the pitch Padfoot!" Round up the team!" With that he rushed off yelling at any of his teammates in sight.
"Arrogant, arrogant, arrogant…" Lily said listlessly not following him but taking the turn to Ancient Runes.
"And you date this maniac Lils!" Sirius replied in mock wonder before dragging his feet on his way to the pitch. They others slowly dispersed and when they were out of sight, Ivana rushed after Sirius. She hugged him from behind and he turned smiling longingly.
"I guess this means we can't tell them until the match is over eh?" Ivana asked after he kissed her.
"After the final…at the celebration party – it'll be great! I'll see you later ok?" Sirius answered pecking her cheek swiftly and heading outside.
Two days later, the Gryffindor team sat pecking nervously at their breakfast. James was pale-faced and staring into space. He was beginning to wonder whether he'd taken on too much. The other players were looking almost as worried. Despite trusting their captain, they too were anxious James would end up being too tired to pull it off. Sirius the only team member shoveling food quickly in his mouth, stopped for a second and looked at them all. Swallowing his mouthful, he said exasperatedly, "OH my Godd! Relax guys…Eat! You'll fall off your brooms if you haven't eaten!"
Slowly the others began to eat. James however still looked ghostly pale as he fidgeted with the eggs on his plate. Sirius saw this and whispered to him, "Listen Prongs…if there's any player who can pull this off, it's you ok? And with all the racing up and down the pitch, you NEED to eat…ok mate?"
James nodded and ate a little.
The team got dressed in silence. They walked to the pitch in silence. They stood in silence in front of a silent Captain. He finally took a deep breath and spoke:
"Ok team. We are the best team Gryffindor has ever had! We have a Seeker who couldn't have come out of a slump quicker and more brilliantly! We have two unbelievable Beaters. One, crafty, clever and Head boy. The other, well…Sirius." At this everyone laughed, including Sirius loudly. "Three brilliant Chasers…yes me included guys!" Again the team let go of more of their nervousness by laughing. "And, well – I'm going to play Keeper as well. So, look just play as well as you always do. If we lose, I'll never forgive myself –and well – neither should you…" James trailed off looking scared again.
"No James…we're a team! You're the best player we know – you'll pull it through!" Wood said defiantly. James looked at his appreciatively as the others nodded in agreement.
"You're the best James!" Cindy Foster, chaser number one said.
"We love you James!" Kira Matthews, chaser number two agreed.
"We'll pull it through, don't worry!" Arron Kingston, the seeker assured him.
"Alright…enough loving…let's do some hating chaps! Slytherin suck on three…" Sirius announced putting his hand in the middle of the huddle. The other placed their hands on top of his in a pile grinning. Sirius looked at James to indicate he lead the cheer.
"1, 2, 3.."
"SLYTHERIN SUCK!" The team bellowed drawing cheers from the crowd. The Slytherins looked angry and quickly countered with…
"GRYFFINDOR SUCK MORE!"
"Oh…that's original" Sirius laughed, mounting his broom.
"Captains shake…Clean game please," Madam Hooch said rising into the air beside James and Flint – the Slytherin captain. They shook painfully; practically breaking each other's fingers and Madam Hooch blew her whistle. James grabbed the quaffle immediately and passed to Cindy. With that, he hurried to the goal posts willing his broomstick to go faster.
Cassie was commentating.
"…And James Potter passes the quaffle! Off he rushes to the goals. Potter is playing both Chaser and Keeper for today's final. The first player to do this in almost a century! Sorry by the way James!"
James sent her a quick grin and focused his eyes on the game.
"And Foster passes to fellow Chaser Kira Matthews. Oh Gryffindor could use Potter up the field about now! Oh, what's this? There he is! Matthews passes to Potter and Potter SCORES! Gryffindor 10 – Slytherin nil. No time for celebrating though, because James has sped back to the goals. Wow! Is he going to be tired or what!"
James did a little loop-de-loop on the way back to the posts, as Clorken of Slytherin took possession.
"And Clorken passes to Dimolen who speeds off – Ugh look at that face – and his flying is so damn Sluggish – an insult to the sacred game of Quidditch that is!" Cassie said angrily. She was probably about as serious about Quidditch as even James was, so it was quite upsetting not only to her, but also the team that she couldn't play in the final.
"Miss Murtleback! Fair commentating if you PLEASE!" McGonagall yelled from behind her.
"Oh, sorry professor – I try, but I was on the team after all…it's difficult! Oh and look Dimolen – who I'm sure can fly wonderfully well when he's by himself – that alright Professor?…still has the quaffle. He's hesitating. Stupid git…Oops sorry…um indecisive boy…wont throw to his team members. Keep this up Slytherin and we'll DEFINETLY flatten you! Oh he's finally passed to McNair. Damn! Shouldn't have given him advice. Sorry Potter! Ok McNair is heading towards the posts. Oh no! James isn't protecting the third post! POTTER! AHH - Thank God! – A well placed bludger by Sirius Black! Nice one mate!"
Sirius grinned and smacked a relieved James a high five.
"Thanks Padfoot," James said, his face a little pale.
"S'alrite Prongs – team effort!" Sirius yelled before rushing after another bludger heading for Foster.
"And the quaffle is still in McNair's posession. Unfortunately even I can respect a good recovery. Oh dear! NO! AHH once again the Gryffindor Chaser slash Keeper for today has left one of his goals unprotected and this time – no best mate to save him and Dimolen scores after a deft pass from McNair. POTTER – PROTECT ALL THE POSTS!" Cassie yelled loudly at James who had been distracted from his keeper duties because he had been playing Chaser and trying to steal possession.
"I'M TRYING aren't I? I can't forget to be a chaser as well can I?" James huffed angrily.
"10 all. Gryffindor back in possession, but if only Kingston could find the snitch! Save James the trouble. Oh no, sorry James…ah oh well." Cassie sat back dejectedly and frustrated because she felt responsible for James' predicament.
With the quaffle safely up the other side, James rushed to the goal post nearest the commentating stand.
"Cass! It's not your fault ok? Listen, just commentate – cheer us on yeh? I'll get the hang of this I promise!" He then hurried ahead to catch the quaffle from Kira, leaving Cassie with a smile on her face.
"Alright then, there goes the best Chaser of the last twenty years, JAMES POTTER! And…..HE SCORES! Easy! Now if only he could get the hang of this two position thing… OH WELL-PLAYED WOOD! Atta boy David Love! That's my fiancé everyone! Perfectly aimed bludger right at Dimolen! Oh dear! Babe – DUCK! Ah and a brilliant escape by the sexy and handsome…."
"MISS MURTLEBACK!"
"Oh…it's Mrs. Wood in two weeks Professor!" Cassie replied happily, infuriating McGonagall even more. "Alright, oh no Potter's caught off the mark again! 20- 20…"
The match went on like this, James getting caught off guard repeatedly. He was gradually getting more and more frustrated and visibly depressed. The Gryffindor supporters' atmosphere had obviously quieted. Remus, Peter and the girls looked on worriedly as James punched the goalpost. Sirius looked at him angrily and then yelled "TIME OUT!"
"He's not the captain!" Flint argued.
"I'm the Vice-captain!" Sirius countered.
"No such thing!"
"Oh yeah!"
"YEAH!"
Sirius and Flint were now glaring at each other circling in the air. Their heads were so close they were practically eyeball to eyeball and they fumed ready to murder each other. At this point, Madam Hooch blew her whistle.
"ENOUGH! Nowhere in the rules does it say only the captain can call a timeout Mr. Flint. GRYFFINDOR TIME OUT!"
Flint gathered his team sulkily but his face quickly regained a horrible smirk as he talked lazily to the other Slytherins.
"80-30 to Slytherin and the Gryffindor beater, Sirius Black has called a time-out" Cassie was saying sadly. She would've gladly whispered the score, but the megaphone picked up on it and magically increased the volume.
Sirius rounded up the team, who were sweaty and panting. James looked the most uninspired, which ordinarily would've been quite unusual.
"Look team – We aren't that far behind – We need to be 20 points ahead for Kingston to catch the snitch or else we won't win the overall tally and the cup. So…70 points.
Foster, Matthews – you girls need to realise you're GREAT! James has scored all three goals and he's playing two positions! You need to believe you can do some scoring. Kingston, keep at what you're doing – avoid the snitch long enough, and don't let Avery spot it! Me and Wood are doing well. Don't give me looks you guys! It's true. JAMES – GET YOURSELF TOGETHER MAN! Start saving some goals. I know you're not a born Keeper – but you're usually good enough. You're acting like Wormtail out there!" Sirius barked. The team agreed with his directions, but didn't know what James' reaction would be.
"I know…I just, I'm not sure I can!" James said dejectedly.
"Of course you can! Don't be an idiot….Be a prat! Go back to being the conceited arse you used to be – just for today! You have to…for Gryffindor!"
The team nodded and echoed his sentiments. "For GRYFFINDOR JAMES!"
A fire seemed to light inside James at these words. "You're right. I can do this! I'm James Potter. JAMES POTTER. We're gonna win this one guys – because it's for Gryffindor!"
"There's the bastard we know and love!" Sirius smiled as the others laughed.
"Shut it Padfoot. I'm the captain here. Come on team…Let's show this school just how bloody brilliant we really are! FOR GRYFFINDOR!" James grinned and set off determinedly.
The others exchanged beaming smiles with Sirius and followed suit.
The match restarted.
"I sincerely hope Sirius has given the team a good cheering on. I think he has cos there goes James Potter – grinning. Looks like he has a new outlook on the game, let's just hope he saves some goals now!" Cassie resumed commentating.
James stole possession from McNair, avoided a bludger sent at him from one of the Stormen brothers. Both were Slytherin Beaters. He then did an exquisite turn and scored. 80-40! He raced back to the goals, just as Dimolen gained possession. He raced as quickly as possible and took care to cover all the posts. Dimolen passed to Clorken who shot…
James lunged, and saved it! Loud cheers erupted from the surprised crowd as he grinned and took off with the quaffle careful to avoid Clorken's angry glare. With no where to go, he passed to Kira, who passed to Cindy who took aim, but unfortunately Flint pulled off a magnificent save.
"AHHH that's a shame, such a good shot from Foster but sadly an equally good save from Slytherin captain Flint. Oh wait, what's this…he's too busy celebrating and the quaffle misses the outstretched hands of McNair, intercepted by Potter who passes back to Foster who…SCORES! 80-50! Gryffindor making a comeback!"
James flew quickly back to the posts high fiving Foster and Wood on the way. Receiving a wink from Sirius he flew close to Lily in the stands and gave her an arrogant grin. "Whatcha think of that Evans?" He smiled before racing to the goalposts and performing yet another stupendous save. Lily laughed at his arrogance but didn't take it seriously, as she was too absorbed in the nail biting match.
Ten minutes later, the Slytherin Seeker Avery was desperately searching for the snitch, the score was 80-70, and if he found it the Gryffindor's comeback would be instantly foiled. Just then he saw Kingston take a sudden dive. Thinking he'd seen the snitch, Avery dashed after him, realizing too late that he was being tricked. He hit the floor with a thump and glared at Kingston who was hovering above him laughing before he turned and circled the pitch from above the others. Growling, Avery tried to ignore the laughing and taunts from the Gryffindor fans and rushed after him to look for the snitch.
"Wronksy Feint! Bloody Brilliant Kingston!" James yelled out whilst racing towards the goals to save an oncoming shot from Dimolen. Grabbing on to his room with one hand James flipped over and kicked the quaffle away with barely the toe of his foot.
"AND A FANTASTIC SAVE FROM POTTER! Best of the Match I'd say…not quite the season though, cos I'm sure Gregory Corner will remember my amazing save from the match earlier in the year!" Cassie said grinning.
"You sound like Potter, Murtlebank!" McGonagall scolded.
"Oh Miss...you know Quidditch players…all a bunch of arrogant….Oh oh sorry Professor ok ok a bunch of arrogant fools then? Anyway….wait look at Potter go…what brilliant flying – he's caught up with the quaffle after he kicked it…and he's grabbed it and OH YESS GRYFFINDOR SCORE AGAIN. WHAT a brilliant series of plays. Man of the match James Potter!"
"AND the Gryffindors are unstoppable now, two quick goals in succession – Potter then Foster!" Oh and here comes Matthews, she shoots…SHE SCORES! Score: Gryffindor 100 Slytherin 80….Kingston! FIND THAT SNITCH!"
And he did. Moments later he was clutching a little gold ball in his fist and Madam Hooch blew her whistle.
"ANDD GRYFFINDOR WINSS THE CUP!" Cassie yelled between tears. After Wood emerged from the huge group huddle he flew towards her and kissed her soundly. The rest of the team hurriedly crowded around her as James was handed the cup. Fighting hard to hold back tears he lifted it above his head and the crowd roared.
It was well past Midnight and the party was still in full swing. Girls were surrounding the male players, David and Cassie were dancing happily and James was recounting his every save to his amused friends.
"Ahhh and then I just grabbed on and flicked it away!"
"Brilliant James.." Sirius said smiling.
"Best save ever!" Diya agreed grinning.
"Phineas Pires of Puddlemere United couldn't have pulled off a better save!" Remus said winking at Sirius.
"It was sooo good Prongs!" Peter piped up.
"And the goal you scored after was even better…" Ivana said amused, knowing this would spark off a whole new detailed story.
"Oh pleasee! Don't encourage him Iv!" Lily said laughing.
"Well I was amazing….Wow I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't need to go through Auror training…I could just play professionally…" James announced dreamily. Sirius patted him on the back condescendingly and laughed. He then exchanged a look with Ivana. This seemed like a perfect time to tell the others.
"Ahem.."
"Professionally? James…you had a good match, I'll go so far as to say brilliant but PLEASE deflate your ego!" Lily huffed interrupting Sirius.
"Lily…you're boyfriend is a superstar, just face it love…you should feel lucky!" James kissed her on the cheek, but she pushed him away.
"Lucky?" she said raising an eyebrow.
"Well…you did get the most talented guy in school…" James answered.
Remus shot Diya a glance. They could see where this was heading. Peter however nodded with James.
"Oh…and you did me a favour did you?" Lily accused softly.
"Oh Lils…lighten up…I'm just saying I mean you should consider yourself pretty lucky to be with the best quidditch player in twenty years! Albus Dumbledore's words…"
"Yeah well, everyone knows he's just nice to everyone.." Lily muttered under her breath.
Sirius and Ivana now looked at each other. This was obviously not the time to bring up good news. Sirius stared at James willing him to apologize and shut up. Sure getting cocky during the match had done him good, but he was meant to chill out after! Lily would probably murder him and Sirius both now.
"What? Lily speak up…What are you saying? That I'm not good?" James shot back angrily.
"No James I didn't say that….I'm just saying quit being so damn arrogant." Lily sighed.
"Arrogant? What? My team just won the House Cup Lily….it's been five years since we last won it…don't you think I have a reason to be happy!"
"Happy yes, conceited no way! Remember you weren't playing Keeper the whole year, Cassie got you this far…"
James gasped. "Just what do you think you're insinuating Evans? I gave Cassie a ton of credit…I'm not saying the reason we won was all because of me…but don't you think I deserve to be a little cocky after this?"
"Prongs mate…cocky in the match is one thing…" Sirius said gently.
James stood up angrily. "Stay out of it Padfoot…I wanna know what my girlfriend thinks of me.." Lily also got up.
"What I think of you? I think you're acting like a complete conceited prat Potter! Definitely not the guy I wanted to go out with.." Lily yelled.
"Lils…it was just for the match, James was just having his minutes of glory after…"
"Stay out of it Ivvy! I want James to know what a prat he's acting like!"
"A prat now? Well I guess you're in love with a prat eh aren't you Lily?" James shouted. The common room had fallen silent as all eyes were focused on the normally sweet couple.
"I guess I am….but that doesn't mean you shouldn't change James! You get all up yourself just cos you won a quidditch match…and saying I'm LUCKY to be with you? What the hell was that supposed to mean?"
"Lily…I didn't mean it like that…I was just joking…"
"Were you? Didn't sound like a joke James…"
"Umm…Lils I think it was.." Diya put in tentatively.
"Yeah James can just get away with himself sometimes" Remus added carefully.
"Don't fight with him Lily!" Peter squealed.
"STAY OUT OF IT!" James and Lily bellowed at the three together.
"So you think you know what I meant Lily? How the hell are you meant to know?" James said sarcastically.
"Ummm I can tell maybe?" Lily's voice was also dripping with sarcasm.
"Someone tell me why on earth I went out with such a know it all!" James mumbled under his breath.
"WHAT?" Lily screeched.
"Um..nothing" James said quickly.
"A know it all James? Thanks a bunch.." Lily burst out, tears threatening to leak from her now stormy green eyes.
"YEAH! Well…you called me arrogant!" James said childishly.
"You were acting arrogant James Potter and you know it!" Lily spat.
"Yeah? Well what if I don't care?" James retorted feebly.
"AHHH Stay away from me!" Lily cried angrily. She then stormed off leaving a bewildered James, and a very silent common room.
James felt a bit stupid. He knew he'd acted childish, but she was raining on his parade. What a day. He looked around angrily before throwing his arms up in despair and muttering.
"OK…yeah…fine."
Then he too retreated to his dormitory.
A/N: FIVE REVIEWS FOR AN UPDATE! – Pam xx