Disclaimer: Do I really have to do this every chapter?

The Rivalry of James and Lily

Year 2 - Chapter 3

Trial and Death

James had a nagging desire to go back to the secret room, but quidditch try-outs had started that first week of school. Each night after clinics, he was so worn-out he could hardly do his homework, let alone sneak out in his invisibility cloak. James and Sirius were both trying out for the Gryffindor team, along with Kate and Sibyll. They all wanted to be chasers, for they were the only positions open. The two beaters were Rose and Anna McMoore. They were twin 5th years. The seeker was Ben Johnson, a 6th year, and the keeper was Matt Wood, a 3rd year. Last year the Gryffindors had won the quidditch cup, so they were only looking for real talent to accept the best on the team.

Lily wanted to try out for the quidditch team, but she didn't have a broomstick of her own, and she still hadn't mastered the skills of flying yet. Remus said he also wanted to try out, but he was worse than her when it came to anything with aerodynamics. He was mortified of heights. She figured she'd try out in a couple of years when she was a little better in the air.

Kate and Sirius were very good players, Sibyll was horrible, and James was by far the best of the three. He was quick and speedy and never seemed to drop the quaffle. When Lily went down to watch one of the practices on a Saturday morning with Alex, she noticed that James wasn't as much of a hot-head when he was playing quidditch. He was still a leader, but he had almost a playful glint in his eye. He constantly laughed. He seemed to really love the game.

Eww, uh, Lily? He will always be a conceited and pig-headed. The quidditch field just covers it slightly, but its still there, she reminded herself.

Her thoughts were interrupted, however, when James threw a bludger down at her, and she had barely enough time to dive out of the way.

"Oh Potter, do watch where you throw those things. You could have easily hit me!" she hollered up at him.

"My point exactly, Evans," he called back, doing a fancy spin on his broomstick.

"Showoff," she muttered, grumpily.

On the day of the official quidditch try-outs, Lily had never seen any of her friends so nervous. Kate had nearly bit off all of her nails and Sirius wasn't eating anything, which was a big surprise because he constantly thought about his stomach. Apparently Sibyll was no longer trying out because she Saw herself not making the team, so she wasn't down at breakfast. Lily figured Sibyll was right, for she was far worse than any of the other players. Lily noticed that James, however, didn't act the slightest bit nervous. He obviously thought he was going to make the team, and although she silently agreed with him, she wished he wouldn't act so cocky.

Within minutes, Kate, Sirius, and James were all heading for the quidditch field with Alex, Lily, and Remus behind them for support. Rosie and Anna McMoore were co-captains and they were heading the try-outs. There were a total of 15 players trying out for the three chaser positions, and Kate, Sirius, and James were the only second years. Lily watched in amazement as all three of them had wonderful try-outs.

Soon, all three of them were walking over to her with glum looks on their faces.

"Oh, I'm so sorry guys, you seriously had awesome try-outs," Lily said sympathetically to Kate and Sirius, turning her back on James.

"Oh, Lily, you don't have to sound so upset," replied Sirius.

"W-what? Why wouldn't I be upset? I wanted you to make the team!" she retorted.

"Right Lily," mumbled Kate.

"Gees, what's up with you guys, I was just trying to be nice."

Suddenly she noticed a smile developing over their faces.

"Wait, is there something you guys aren't telling me?" she questioned.

"Oh Lily, we made the team!" laughed Sirius.

"You Jerks," she said playfully, "always making a joke out of everything." Then she walked with them up to the castle.

***A few weeks later***

It was a stormy October night, and Kate, Sirius and James had just finished up a quidditch practice. Alex had given her homework (which Sirius and Kate had already copied) to James to copy. It was about midnight and he was the only one in the common room. Suddenly, he heard a knock on the window, and saw an old barn owl tapping the glass. Peculiar, as owls usually just made visits during breakfast. It knocked more aggressively.

"Alright, I'm coming," he mumbled.

The owl flew in and placed a note on top of his homework. He noticed it was addressed to him.

"I wonder what this could be," he muttered.

But after he opened it, he wished he hadn't. It carried news so unbearable he thought that it had to be some horrible joke. No way. This couldn't be happening to him. It was absolutely not possible. It was just not possible. The owl must have been mistaken; his parents, dead? It couldn't be...

A/N: :(