Disclaimer: Anything you recognise does not belong to me it belongs to JK
Rowling. I'm not making anything from this, so please don't sue me.
A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews for Ch6, the most I have had for a single chapter. Hope you like this one just as much. Please keep the reviews coming in.
THE TROUBLE WITH QUIDDITCH
Lunch was going well, James even seemed to be relaxing slightly as the boys told stories of their youth. James laughed at the stories of Lily.
Philip started "She was so cute…we never knew what to expect" and he laughed. "She would always be there waiting for the train…it became the ritual to look for Lily on the platform…no sooner had we got off the train and she would launch herself at one of us"
Bob chipped in "We use to take bets on who would be made to give her a piggy back out of the station"
Lily laughed at this "You never told me that"
Rowan laughed at the expression on her face "Why do you think this lot" and he waved his hand at his friends "Always had bags of candies on them…hoping to bribe you to choose them"
"Well all's fair in love and war" Philip laughed
Lily shook her head "You lot are so untrustworthy" and rolled her eyes at them.
Richard laughed "Do you remember the birthday party invitations?"
"OH…No" was all Lily could manage as the men told James about a 5 year old Lily.
"At the end of third year as we got off the train, she came running over to us as always and insisted on being stood on one of the trunks. Then she said *These are for you * and she handed us each an envelope." Richard laughed at the memory of the little red headed girl standing on the trunk looking very pleased with her self. "Opening them we found party invitations and she said * I'm a big girl now…I made them myself * and stood their very proud"
James said "But Lily's birthday is in September…you would have been back at school"
Rowan answered "Mum had moved the party forward by a couple of weeks at Lily's request so that we could all come…she was smart even at 5" smiling at his blushing sister.
"Thank you for that story boy's…I'm sure that James doesn't want to hear any more" Lily glared at the four of them.
"No please do go on it's very interesting to hear you all reminisce" James said giving Lily a wicked grin.
Bob said "Do you remember the summer she had Chicken pocks and wasn't there to meet the train?" The other three all nodded at him with grim looks on their faces.
Lily smiled "Mum said your faces were a picture…the sight of four 15 year old boy's gutted that a little 6 year old girl was not there to meet them…but you made up for it you spent the next two weeks entertaining me if I remember."
Before any of them could embarrass her further Lily decide to change the topic "Bobby how much longer has Amelia got to go, before I'm an aunt again"
Smiling at the thought of his pregnant wife he beamed "About 8 weeks…I can't wait now" laughing he said "It's scary though the thought of being a dad"
"Being a dad is one of the best things in the world" Richard told him and laughed "Miranda is a chip off the old block…she has already got the cat terrified and she's only 4"
Lily smiled "Did you bring me any new pictures of her with you?"
"Yes…there in my bag I'll give them to you later…She was not happy when I told her I was coming to see you with out her". Richard smiled, "Oh and Grace want's you to owl her about what you are doing over summer, she is hoping you will come to stay"
"Thanks Ditch…I'd love to come and stay with you guys" Lily beamed at him and turned her attention to Philip "How's Jeanne?…No wedding plans yet?"
Philip laughed "Jeanne is fine and she also wants you to owl her about coming over for a few weeks in summer"
"Hey…guys…don't be hogging Lily…we want you to come and stay with us as well" moaned Bob.
Lily smiled at the three men and thought I'll never be lonely as long as I have these guys…I suppose I will always be little Lily flower to them…who needs looking after
As their food arrived silence descended over the table as everyone ate. Unfortunately for James all attention was turned his way as the plates were cleared.
"So James are you as smart as our Lily flower?" Richard asked
But it was Lily who answered "Both of us are in the top 5 in our year"
Smiling at her Richard carried on "How many detentions have you got James?" Lily winced at this.
James looked a little nervous "About 580 but I don't think I'll make the record. Sirius has that covered." He tried to gauge the reaction of the four men.
"What is the record out of curiosity?" Philip asked James giving Bob a side ways look
"It's 725 held by Robert Makin" at this they all laughed and James noticed that Bob was bowing to the others.
Suddenly James caught on "Your Robert Makin" Bob nodded at him "Wait till I tell Sirius that I met you he will be pig sick" and he laughed.
"How many detentions has this Sirius character got?" Bob asked wondering if his record was really in jeopardy.
Smiling James said "Up to now 650 with a year and half to go…Sorry but it looks like Hogwart's will have a new record holder next year". Bob shrugged
"I heard there is a special Quidditch event planned for this Sunday…Are you on the Gryffindor team" Philip enquired
Finally James thought things are at last going my way "Yes…I'm captain and a chaser…Did you guys play while at school?"
"Yes I was a beater, Ditch and Bob were chasers and Phil was the Captain and seeker." Rowan said and gave the other three a cautious look. "Gryffindor must have some excellent chasers…If Lily can't get in the team."
James sat stunned at this comment and Lily thought Shit…I'm done for know and she wished the ground would open up and swallow her.
James looked confused "Are you joking?…Are we talking about the same Lily Evans?" and he looked at Lily who was now sat with her head in her hands "Lily hates Quidditch, she never comes to gamed and hates to fly."
Even with out looking Lily could feel four sets of eyes burning into her, quickly looking up she said "If you will excuse me I will just go to the bathroom now" and she stood up.
"LILY EVANS…sit down now!" Rowan looked at her "You told us that you couldn't get into the house team, as at trails the other chasers were much better than you."
James said, "Lily has never been to trials" which earned him a glare from her.
All four men uttered a chorus of "WHAT?" and they fixed Lily with a stare.
Taking a deep breath Lilt said "That's not exactly true…I went to trials in the second year but there were no chaser spots open. I was made reserve chaser but never got to play that season." James interrupted her.
"I don't remember you going to trials…I didn't even get in the team that year"
Lily ignored him "At the beginning of third year I decided not to trial due to there still being no chaser spots. I went to Marcus Paul (Team captain) and explained to him what I had decided and he reluctantly agreed but said that I had to be available to play in an emergency. How was I to know that one of the chasers would break their leg in the second game? The new reserve chaser got to play and that was the end of my hopes for playing for the house team."
James sat with a look of total disbelief on his face.
Philip asked "Who was the reserve chaser and why would that stop you trying?"
Taking another deep breath Lily said "James was the reserve chaser that year." Catching the confused looks on their faces she elaborated "Up until Halloween Ball this year James and I have been deadly rivals. Going to trials in fourth year was out of the question now that James was on the team. Then he was made Captain in fifth year and even though there were chaser spots open there was no way I was going to give him the satisfaction of not picking me, so I gave up". She couldn't look at any of them; she didn't want to see the disappointment that would be on their faces.
It was James who spoke first "Why would you think I wouldn't pick you…of course I would of if you were good enough" as he said it James realised this was the wrong thing to say
"James Potter…don't give me that…You now dam well you wouldn't have given me a place and missed the chance to humiliate you biggest enemy."
As James thought about this he had to admit she was right "You're probably right…but you seem confident that you would have got on to the team."
Rowan looked at James and thought Stupid comment and he grimaced at the look that flashed over Lily's face.
"Potter you pompous git…for your information I have watched the Griffindor team play and could beat that excuse for a keeper you have any day!!" she hissed.
Rowan watch a wicked smile emerge on James face and thought Got to give the boy credit…he doesn't scare easily
"Is that a challenge Evans?"
Lily smiled at James "If your four are free this afternoon may I suggest a little wager" and she looked around the table, the four men all nodded and smiled at her "James the five of us plus Aggy and Remus against the Griffindor house team."
"What terms do you propose?" he asked
"If I get a Quaffle passed your keeper you will do my transfiguration homework for a month and if I can't manage it before the snitch is caught then I will do your charms homework for a month…Are these terms acceptable?" and she held out her hand.
James nodded and shook her hand.
"Well if you will all excuse me I had better round up the Griffindor team and I will see you on the pitch at 4.30 until then." And he left the pub.
With a mock expression of shock on his face Philip said "Lily Evans he is not going to be happy, when he finds out the truth"
She just laughed "Oh well…too late now" and she gave them a knowing smirk.
Standing on the pitch Lily took charge and organised her team "Remus keeper, Rowan and Aggy beaters, Philip seeker of course and the three of us chasers.
They all nodded their agreement and took to the air. Lily smiled at the look of horror on James face as he saw the broom she was riding.
Coming over to her he said "That's a Nimbus 1000, were did you get it?"
"The boy's bought it me for my last birthday" and she batted her eyes at him and smiled "I'm sure you've seen it though it has been in the broom store" she flew off leaving James looking stunned.
Madame Turner had agreed to referee and she called the game to order.
Lily nodded to Bob and Richard they knew the plan, let James get confident and then they would make their move.
The game progressed with each side scoring a few goals but Lily had carefully made sure she was never in scoring range and smiled at the smug look on James face.
After about 20 minutes she gave the signal and Richard grabbed for the Quaffle and headed up, the Gryffindor chasers were after him and had not noticed that Lily had moved into position below. Keeping speed with Richard she entered the scoring area and he threw the Quaffle down to her, never taking her eye off it she caught it and scored. Richard and Bob congratulated her and she flew to where a stunned James Potter was sitting.
Sidling up to him she said "Thanks Potter I will enjoy having a month off from transfiguration homework" and she kissed him
James looked at her and she said "Yes James that was a Porskoff Ploy. Bet you didn't think I knew that did you" and she zoomed away as she heard Madame Turner shouted, "No kissing the opposition"
The game went down hill from there on for James as he watched Lily perform a Sloth grip roll and a Woolongong Shimmy. By the time the snitch was caught by Philip Lily had put 10 goals past the Gryffindor keeper.
Madame turner announced that Lily's team was the winner and they all landed on the pitch.
Rowan moved over to James and said "Sorry James but you should never underestimate Lily…she is full of surprises" and he walked back to his teammates laughing.
After a quick team huddle Rowan shouted "Party in the Gryffindor common room" and every one went to get cleaned up.
Lily caught up with James "Sorry James that was unfair but you just made me so mad in the pub. I should have told you I could play"
James just smiled at her "I suppose it was my own fault for being pig headed…your brother and his friends are excellent players"
At this Lily grimaced a little "That's something else I should have told you…Richard and Philip play for Puddlemere United and Philip has made the England side."
James just shook his head and said, "Your brother is right you are full of surprises" and he gave her a squeeze.
Lily thought You don't know the half of it yet and smiled at him.
James shouted over to Sirius "See you back in the common room Padfoot."
Sirius waved at Lily and James as he headed for the infirmary. Aggy gave Remus a quick kiss and said, "I'll just go with him…It is my fault he has to go"
Remus smiled at her "OK…see you in the common room"
"Sirius wait up…I'll come with you" Aggy shouted and ran over to him "I'm really sorry about that" and she pointed at the dark bruise forming around his left eye.
"Don't worry…Madame Pomfrey will soon have if fixed" and he took hold of her hand "You should be on the team as well as Lily…You're a bloody good beater"
The two friends laughed and went up to the infirmary.
A/N: Next CH explanations from Lily but big problems for James.
A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews for Ch6, the most I have had for a single chapter. Hope you like this one just as much. Please keep the reviews coming in.
THE TROUBLE WITH QUIDDITCH
Lunch was going well, James even seemed to be relaxing slightly as the boys told stories of their youth. James laughed at the stories of Lily.
Philip started "She was so cute…we never knew what to expect" and he laughed. "She would always be there waiting for the train…it became the ritual to look for Lily on the platform…no sooner had we got off the train and she would launch herself at one of us"
Bob chipped in "We use to take bets on who would be made to give her a piggy back out of the station"
Lily laughed at this "You never told me that"
Rowan laughed at the expression on her face "Why do you think this lot" and he waved his hand at his friends "Always had bags of candies on them…hoping to bribe you to choose them"
"Well all's fair in love and war" Philip laughed
Lily shook her head "You lot are so untrustworthy" and rolled her eyes at them.
Richard laughed "Do you remember the birthday party invitations?"
"OH…No" was all Lily could manage as the men told James about a 5 year old Lily.
"At the end of third year as we got off the train, she came running over to us as always and insisted on being stood on one of the trunks. Then she said *These are for you * and she handed us each an envelope." Richard laughed at the memory of the little red headed girl standing on the trunk looking very pleased with her self. "Opening them we found party invitations and she said * I'm a big girl now…I made them myself * and stood their very proud"
James said "But Lily's birthday is in September…you would have been back at school"
Rowan answered "Mum had moved the party forward by a couple of weeks at Lily's request so that we could all come…she was smart even at 5" smiling at his blushing sister.
"Thank you for that story boy's…I'm sure that James doesn't want to hear any more" Lily glared at the four of them.
"No please do go on it's very interesting to hear you all reminisce" James said giving Lily a wicked grin.
Bob said "Do you remember the summer she had Chicken pocks and wasn't there to meet the train?" The other three all nodded at him with grim looks on their faces.
Lily smiled "Mum said your faces were a picture…the sight of four 15 year old boy's gutted that a little 6 year old girl was not there to meet them…but you made up for it you spent the next two weeks entertaining me if I remember."
Before any of them could embarrass her further Lily decide to change the topic "Bobby how much longer has Amelia got to go, before I'm an aunt again"
Smiling at the thought of his pregnant wife he beamed "About 8 weeks…I can't wait now" laughing he said "It's scary though the thought of being a dad"
"Being a dad is one of the best things in the world" Richard told him and laughed "Miranda is a chip off the old block…she has already got the cat terrified and she's only 4"
Lily smiled "Did you bring me any new pictures of her with you?"
"Yes…there in my bag I'll give them to you later…She was not happy when I told her I was coming to see you with out her". Richard smiled, "Oh and Grace want's you to owl her about what you are doing over summer, she is hoping you will come to stay"
"Thanks Ditch…I'd love to come and stay with you guys" Lily beamed at him and turned her attention to Philip "How's Jeanne?…No wedding plans yet?"
Philip laughed "Jeanne is fine and she also wants you to owl her about coming over for a few weeks in summer"
"Hey…guys…don't be hogging Lily…we want you to come and stay with us as well" moaned Bob.
Lily smiled at the three men and thought I'll never be lonely as long as I have these guys…I suppose I will always be little Lily flower to them…who needs looking after
As their food arrived silence descended over the table as everyone ate. Unfortunately for James all attention was turned his way as the plates were cleared.
"So James are you as smart as our Lily flower?" Richard asked
But it was Lily who answered "Both of us are in the top 5 in our year"
Smiling at her Richard carried on "How many detentions have you got James?" Lily winced at this.
James looked a little nervous "About 580 but I don't think I'll make the record. Sirius has that covered." He tried to gauge the reaction of the four men.
"What is the record out of curiosity?" Philip asked James giving Bob a side ways look
"It's 725 held by Robert Makin" at this they all laughed and James noticed that Bob was bowing to the others.
Suddenly James caught on "Your Robert Makin" Bob nodded at him "Wait till I tell Sirius that I met you he will be pig sick" and he laughed.
"How many detentions has this Sirius character got?" Bob asked wondering if his record was really in jeopardy.
Smiling James said "Up to now 650 with a year and half to go…Sorry but it looks like Hogwart's will have a new record holder next year". Bob shrugged
"I heard there is a special Quidditch event planned for this Sunday…Are you on the Gryffindor team" Philip enquired
Finally James thought things are at last going my way "Yes…I'm captain and a chaser…Did you guys play while at school?"
"Yes I was a beater, Ditch and Bob were chasers and Phil was the Captain and seeker." Rowan said and gave the other three a cautious look. "Gryffindor must have some excellent chasers…If Lily can't get in the team."
James sat stunned at this comment and Lily thought Shit…I'm done for know and she wished the ground would open up and swallow her.
James looked confused "Are you joking?…Are we talking about the same Lily Evans?" and he looked at Lily who was now sat with her head in her hands "Lily hates Quidditch, she never comes to gamed and hates to fly."
Even with out looking Lily could feel four sets of eyes burning into her, quickly looking up she said "If you will excuse me I will just go to the bathroom now" and she stood up.
"LILY EVANS…sit down now!" Rowan looked at her "You told us that you couldn't get into the house team, as at trails the other chasers were much better than you."
James said, "Lily has never been to trials" which earned him a glare from her.
All four men uttered a chorus of "WHAT?" and they fixed Lily with a stare.
Taking a deep breath Lilt said "That's not exactly true…I went to trials in the second year but there were no chaser spots open. I was made reserve chaser but never got to play that season." James interrupted her.
"I don't remember you going to trials…I didn't even get in the team that year"
Lily ignored him "At the beginning of third year I decided not to trial due to there still being no chaser spots. I went to Marcus Paul (Team captain) and explained to him what I had decided and he reluctantly agreed but said that I had to be available to play in an emergency. How was I to know that one of the chasers would break their leg in the second game? The new reserve chaser got to play and that was the end of my hopes for playing for the house team."
James sat with a look of total disbelief on his face.
Philip asked "Who was the reserve chaser and why would that stop you trying?"
Taking another deep breath Lily said "James was the reserve chaser that year." Catching the confused looks on their faces she elaborated "Up until Halloween Ball this year James and I have been deadly rivals. Going to trials in fourth year was out of the question now that James was on the team. Then he was made Captain in fifth year and even though there were chaser spots open there was no way I was going to give him the satisfaction of not picking me, so I gave up". She couldn't look at any of them; she didn't want to see the disappointment that would be on their faces.
It was James who spoke first "Why would you think I wouldn't pick you…of course I would of if you were good enough" as he said it James realised this was the wrong thing to say
"James Potter…don't give me that…You now dam well you wouldn't have given me a place and missed the chance to humiliate you biggest enemy."
As James thought about this he had to admit she was right "You're probably right…but you seem confident that you would have got on to the team."
Rowan looked at James and thought Stupid comment and he grimaced at the look that flashed over Lily's face.
"Potter you pompous git…for your information I have watched the Griffindor team play and could beat that excuse for a keeper you have any day!!" she hissed.
Rowan watch a wicked smile emerge on James face and thought Got to give the boy credit…he doesn't scare easily
"Is that a challenge Evans?"
Lily smiled at James "If your four are free this afternoon may I suggest a little wager" and she looked around the table, the four men all nodded and smiled at her "James the five of us plus Aggy and Remus against the Griffindor house team."
"What terms do you propose?" he asked
"If I get a Quaffle passed your keeper you will do my transfiguration homework for a month and if I can't manage it before the snitch is caught then I will do your charms homework for a month…Are these terms acceptable?" and she held out her hand.
James nodded and shook her hand.
"Well if you will all excuse me I had better round up the Griffindor team and I will see you on the pitch at 4.30 until then." And he left the pub.
With a mock expression of shock on his face Philip said "Lily Evans he is not going to be happy, when he finds out the truth"
She just laughed "Oh well…too late now" and she gave them a knowing smirk.
Standing on the pitch Lily took charge and organised her team "Remus keeper, Rowan and Aggy beaters, Philip seeker of course and the three of us chasers.
They all nodded their agreement and took to the air. Lily smiled at the look of horror on James face as he saw the broom she was riding.
Coming over to her he said "That's a Nimbus 1000, were did you get it?"
"The boy's bought it me for my last birthday" and she batted her eyes at him and smiled "I'm sure you've seen it though it has been in the broom store" she flew off leaving James looking stunned.
Madame Turner had agreed to referee and she called the game to order.
Lily nodded to Bob and Richard they knew the plan, let James get confident and then they would make their move.
The game progressed with each side scoring a few goals but Lily had carefully made sure she was never in scoring range and smiled at the smug look on James face.
After about 20 minutes she gave the signal and Richard grabbed for the Quaffle and headed up, the Gryffindor chasers were after him and had not noticed that Lily had moved into position below. Keeping speed with Richard she entered the scoring area and he threw the Quaffle down to her, never taking her eye off it she caught it and scored. Richard and Bob congratulated her and she flew to where a stunned James Potter was sitting.
Sidling up to him she said "Thanks Potter I will enjoy having a month off from transfiguration homework" and she kissed him
James looked at her and she said "Yes James that was a Porskoff Ploy. Bet you didn't think I knew that did you" and she zoomed away as she heard Madame Turner shouted, "No kissing the opposition"
The game went down hill from there on for James as he watched Lily perform a Sloth grip roll and a Woolongong Shimmy. By the time the snitch was caught by Philip Lily had put 10 goals past the Gryffindor keeper.
Madame turner announced that Lily's team was the winner and they all landed on the pitch.
Rowan moved over to James and said "Sorry James but you should never underestimate Lily…she is full of surprises" and he walked back to his teammates laughing.
After a quick team huddle Rowan shouted "Party in the Gryffindor common room" and every one went to get cleaned up.
Lily caught up with James "Sorry James that was unfair but you just made me so mad in the pub. I should have told you I could play"
James just smiled at her "I suppose it was my own fault for being pig headed…your brother and his friends are excellent players"
At this Lily grimaced a little "That's something else I should have told you…Richard and Philip play for Puddlemere United and Philip has made the England side."
James just shook his head and said, "Your brother is right you are full of surprises" and he gave her a squeeze.
Lily thought You don't know the half of it yet and smiled at him.
James shouted over to Sirius "See you back in the common room Padfoot."
Sirius waved at Lily and James as he headed for the infirmary. Aggy gave Remus a quick kiss and said, "I'll just go with him…It is my fault he has to go"
Remus smiled at her "OK…see you in the common room"
"Sirius wait up…I'll come with you" Aggy shouted and ran over to him "I'm really sorry about that" and she pointed at the dark bruise forming around his left eye.
"Don't worry…Madame Pomfrey will soon have if fixed" and he took hold of her hand "You should be on the team as well as Lily…You're a bloody good beater"
The two friends laughed and went up to the infirmary.
A/N: Next CH explanations from Lily but big problems for James.