Chapter 5
Competition
~`Author's Note`~: I've noticed that some my HTML's been screwed up, so
thoughts aren't italicized and neither are certain words that have been spoken with emphasis on them. This irritates me very much. Anyway, enjoy the -fifth- chapter in this wonderful installment. Please review, I want to
know what y'all think. And once again, all characters except for Gloria White, Aryanna Wood, Jonathan Wood and a few last names from Slytherin are
made up by me, and the rest, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Narcissa Black,
James Potter, and Lily Evans all belong to the wonderfully talented Ms.
J.K. Rowling.
The Hospital Wing was such a wonderful place to be, especially on a Saturday. Of course, it was even more wonderful to be practically beat up on a Friday night, especially by someone you thought was your friend. But what was Remus Lupin? Surely friends didn't hurt each other, not like that. Friends didn't break each other's arms..
Gloria laid back in her pillow, staring out the plain glass window, her usually whirring mind not making a sound. For almost a day, she'd been lying in that bed, staring out that same window, without a sound or thought. She hadn't even slept or ate. 'I s'pose that's what you get for making a joke about that sort of thing..' Gloria thought grimly, shifting herself in the bed slightly.
Who knew how much time had passed; it was beginning to get dark. Gloria didn't mind, she liked the dark.
"Oi! White! Glad to see you're all right.. I heard you got yourself hurt," called out a female voice. The voice belonged to Aryanna Wood, captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Gloria felt herself cringe as the two locked eyes. This was the girl Remus had accused Sirius of getting "cozy in the North Tower" with.
"Yeah. You know me, big klutz and all that," Gloria replied quietly. Now she knew why Ary was here. There was a Quidditch match in two days. How could she of forgotten? Sure, she'd missed practice the last two times because she'd been in DETENTION. As Gloria thought about it, the excuse suddenly seemed so lame. Detention, what sort of person took joy out of landing themselves in detention at least twice a week? She could get herself in a lot of trouble... now she was thinking like Lily Evans.
"Ah, well, heal up. Don't want you out for the match. I dunno what I'd do without a Beater, I mean Sirius is really good and all that. But the two of you, you guys are just superb. Slytherin wont have a chance against us. Two fabulous Beaters, we have EXCELLENT Chasers. Potter's really good, the Keeper can never block his goals. Our Seeker isn't too bad, but she's small and fast, that's what counts. Point is, White, we have the best team we've had in YEARS. I don't want to have to call someone in at the last second 'cause you're in the Hospital Wing," Aryanna lectured, finishing off her lecture with a smug smile. Gloria rolled her eyes. Glancing up at the clock, she'd been amazed as she realized that Wood had kept her speech under five minutes. Usually her Quidditch pep talks had everyone staring at her as if they were a load of catfish, their jaws hanging open. Even Jonathan never managed to keep a straight face. Of course, Sirius never did, and neither did James. Gloria always pretended to be interested, but ended up starting silent conversations with James.
"I -know- Wood, I -know-. Merlin, don't hurt yourself," Gloria murmured, stretching out her arm. Madame Pomfrey had done an excellent job of mending her bones, though she had suggested that she stay the night for treatment of some bruises and cuts she'd received. "I'll be up to it, I should be leaving tonight anyway. So, not to worry. You'll have your favorite Beater playing against Slytherin. How could I -not- show up to the came? It's the House Cup!" she added with a sly grin. Aryanna gave her the thumbs up sign and gave Gloria a salute as she left the ward.
Gloria's grin immediately faded.
Remus knew he had to apologize. But what could he say? "Oh, by the way, Gloria, it's full moon in two days, and I happen to be a werewolf so that's why I hit you and broke your arm."
Even in his heads the words sounded incredibly stupid.
Of course he couldn't tell her he was a werewolf. She'd regard him with fear, or perhaps never talk to him again. A simple apology would do... he needed something to really tell her that he was sorry. He had to apologize to Sirius, too. That thing with Aryanna Wood had been ages before Gloria. Besides, it was a younger-man-charms-older-woman sort of thing.
He felt absolutely horrible.
He was going to apologize. In fact, he was going right now.
The thing that upset Sirius Black the most was that he believed Remus, and not Gloria. She'd looked so upset, and the way she was carrying herself, just like she was a dying Slyph. She looked so sad. Sirius felt so depressed at the memory of her face.
He couldn't make her happy. He knew he couldn't. All he could do was hurt her and not even believe her when she was telling the truth.
For all it was worth, Sirius decided he should apologize.
And then he went, heading to the Hospital Wing slowly.
Gloria heard a knock at the door to her ward. Tilting her head, she bit down on her lower lip when she saw Remus standing there. Poor boy, he looked so pale and peaky. She felt a stab of pity for him.
Shuffling his feet over to her, Remus felt strangely robotic as he pulled a wooden chair over to her bedside.
"Yes?" she asked quietly, turning her gaze towards him.
"I know I'm going to sound like an idiot apologizing for this now, and you probably wont accept it anyway. There was really nothing at all to explain my actions, it's just some problems that I've been having. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. For that I am sorry. I hope you can forgive me, and if you can't, I completely understand," he said hollowly. 'That was cheesy, Remus. She'll never think you're sorry with that. HOLY SHIT! You're gonna tell her aren't you? You're gonna tell her that you're a werewolf! Aw, you and your BIG MOUTH, Remus. Honestly! When're you gonna learn how to keep your OWN secrets?' he thought bitterly.
Gloria knitted her eyebrows together as he mentioned something about a "problem". "It'll take me a while for me to fully forgive you, but...what problem?"
"I know you won't believe this, and that this will sound like a completely ludicrous explanation. But it's the truth, I swear!" he said quickly.
"Just tell me," she interrupted.
"I'm a werewolf."
Gloria froze. That red light in his eyes that night, his absences around the full moon. It all fell into place. "You're a w-w-were---" she began.
"A werewolf, yes."
"Oh, my God," she murmured.
"I know," he said miserably.
"There's a full moon tomorrow, Remus," she whispered.
"I know, it's why I can't stay long. In fact, I really should be going.." he started, getting up.
Gloria didn't say a word as he left.
Sirius happened to hear most of their conversation, at least until after Remus had just confessed to Gloria that he was a werewolf. He couldn't believe it. Stepping into the room, he sat in the same chair Remus had been sitting in.
"Hi, Glory," he said quietly.
"Hello, Black," she replied.
"I don't have any major secret about me to tell you, so I'm just going to be upfront. It'll sound completely obvious to you, but oh well. Ummm, I was an idiot. I don't know why I would ever think that you're "getting around" or something ridiculous like that because that isn't YOU. But you have to understand that the whole 'Girl Of The Week' thing is just a rumor and it isn't ME. I'm not like that. To tell you the truth, I'm more the type of person who'd commit to one girl for a while before moving on, if I do. I mean, that whole thing with Aryanna Wood was last year, and that was the only thing that I did for a week. And, I really haven't gone -that- far with a girl. I mean, making out with you is the farthest I've gon--- alright, I'm just babbling now. Point is, White, I'm really sorry. Truly and deeply sorry. I don't care if you don't forgive me or don't talk to me again. I just wanted you to know," he said, standing up. He didn't even give her a chance to say anything back, though. Sirius knew Gloria. She had just had to listen and really didn't have to say anything in response.
Gloria was stunned. What could she say to that?
Absolutely nothing.
The next day came to quickly, and so did the next. It was time for the Quidditch match.
"Now, mates, this is THE match. If we lose this, we're DOOMED. We're against Slytherin, and even though they have some weak players they're a load better than Ravenclaw of Hufflepuff. Now, they've got a new Keeper, but Potter, Jonny, I'm counting on you two to get past him. I'll be helping out Anderssen with the Keeping, so I'll be staying back. Don't pull me so much into the game if you have to. Black, White, the Slytherin Beaters are a load of trolls, but they're tough. They might go for White since, no offense White, but since you're a girl. Hold up, don't let their bad looks distract you. Black, keep her covered, don't separate unless you have to. Kelley, just stay out of trouble. We don't need the Seeker hurt. Understood?"
Everyone on the team nodded. James and Gloria exchanged looks for a second before grabbing their brooms as they began march out to the pitch.
"Oh, my bat, holy shit," she mumbled, turning back to get it. Sirius stopped her and held it out.
"Here you go. Good luck," he said quietly, handing the bat to her.
"Thanks," she replied, giving him a weak smile as she walked out with the team.
"Now, mount your brooms!" the referee yelled. Gloria felt her stomach dropped as she mounted her broom. She usually didn't get this nervous. Sirius clenched his bat tighter in his hand, feeling slightly nauseous.
"Aaaaaaand they're off! Now, we have Black, White, Wood, Wood, Potter, Anderssen, and Kelley making the Gryffindor team this year. All excellent players, yes, all excellent. Potter in possession, heading towards the Slytherin goal post. Ah! Snape misses and Potter scooooooores! 10-0, Gryffindor favor. Potter in possession again, he passes to Wood, Wood shoots he SCORES, 20-0 in Gryffindor's favor. Wood passes to Potter--- POTTER WATCH OUT LOOSE BLUDGER--- Ah, nevermind, White saves his head, hitting the Bludger direction of Crabbe, who slams it right back to her--- DUCK GLORIA--- ah, saved by Black from Gryffindor--- DON'T GIVE ME THAT LOOK WHITE!--- Crabbe sends it right back to him, now will you LOOK AT THAT, White hits it and knocks him off his broom. Oh, and Potter SCORES! 30- 0, Gryffindor favor. Now, we have Black from Slytherin in possession, traveling to the Gryffindor goal post, she SHOOTS, good Lord she just scored. 30-10, Gryffindor in the lead. Potter re-captures the Quaffle, DUCK JAMES, saved by Black, superb catch! Damn those Bludgers!"
And the game went on. So far, Gloria had knocked off one Beater and Chaser (accidentally though) from the air and had clobbered Snape with the Bludger (all on accident). Sirius hadn't helped much, he also managed to be particularly violent with Snape.
"NOW THE RACE FOR THE SNITCH! KELLEY DIVES, PARKINSON FOLLOWS, AND---AND--- AND---KELLEY'S GOT THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR VICTORY! FINAL SCORE: 190- 30! WELL, THAT WAS A SHORT MATCH, TOOK ALL OF HALF AN HOUR!!! GRYFFINDOR WINS THE QUIDDITCH CUP!!!!"
The whole team landed, all of them rushing towards each other. Aryanna seized the Quidditch up, raising it in the air victoriously. Gloria grabbed Sirius and pressed a long kiss to his lips. Sirius grinned inwardly, kissing her back. What he didn't know was that his cousin, Narcissa and Severus Snape were gaping at them.
They also didn't know that everyone saw.
Fifth year ended with the Inter-House Quidditch Cup. As all the soon to be sixth years got out of the train, Gloria pulled Sirius aside, pressing a light kiss to his cheek. "I'll write to you, alright? I promise!" she shouted to him as her parents jerked her by the arm and dragged her away.
Sirius grinned, heading over to where his brother, mother, and father were waiting so impatiently.
It had been a great year.
Competition
~`Author's Note`~: I've noticed that some my HTML's been screwed up, so
thoughts aren't italicized and neither are certain words that have been spoken with emphasis on them. This irritates me very much. Anyway, enjoy the -fifth- chapter in this wonderful installment. Please review, I want to
know what y'all think. And once again, all characters except for Gloria White, Aryanna Wood, Jonathan Wood and a few last names from Slytherin are
made up by me, and the rest, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Narcissa Black,
James Potter, and Lily Evans all belong to the wonderfully talented Ms.
J.K. Rowling.
The Hospital Wing was such a wonderful place to be, especially on a Saturday. Of course, it was even more wonderful to be practically beat up on a Friday night, especially by someone you thought was your friend. But what was Remus Lupin? Surely friends didn't hurt each other, not like that. Friends didn't break each other's arms..
Gloria laid back in her pillow, staring out the plain glass window, her usually whirring mind not making a sound. For almost a day, she'd been lying in that bed, staring out that same window, without a sound or thought. She hadn't even slept or ate. 'I s'pose that's what you get for making a joke about that sort of thing..' Gloria thought grimly, shifting herself in the bed slightly.
Who knew how much time had passed; it was beginning to get dark. Gloria didn't mind, she liked the dark.
"Oi! White! Glad to see you're all right.. I heard you got yourself hurt," called out a female voice. The voice belonged to Aryanna Wood, captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Gloria felt herself cringe as the two locked eyes. This was the girl Remus had accused Sirius of getting "cozy in the North Tower" with.
"Yeah. You know me, big klutz and all that," Gloria replied quietly. Now she knew why Ary was here. There was a Quidditch match in two days. How could she of forgotten? Sure, she'd missed practice the last two times because she'd been in DETENTION. As Gloria thought about it, the excuse suddenly seemed so lame. Detention, what sort of person took joy out of landing themselves in detention at least twice a week? She could get herself in a lot of trouble... now she was thinking like Lily Evans.
"Ah, well, heal up. Don't want you out for the match. I dunno what I'd do without a Beater, I mean Sirius is really good and all that. But the two of you, you guys are just superb. Slytherin wont have a chance against us. Two fabulous Beaters, we have EXCELLENT Chasers. Potter's really good, the Keeper can never block his goals. Our Seeker isn't too bad, but she's small and fast, that's what counts. Point is, White, we have the best team we've had in YEARS. I don't want to have to call someone in at the last second 'cause you're in the Hospital Wing," Aryanna lectured, finishing off her lecture with a smug smile. Gloria rolled her eyes. Glancing up at the clock, she'd been amazed as she realized that Wood had kept her speech under five minutes. Usually her Quidditch pep talks had everyone staring at her as if they were a load of catfish, their jaws hanging open. Even Jonathan never managed to keep a straight face. Of course, Sirius never did, and neither did James. Gloria always pretended to be interested, but ended up starting silent conversations with James.
"I -know- Wood, I -know-. Merlin, don't hurt yourself," Gloria murmured, stretching out her arm. Madame Pomfrey had done an excellent job of mending her bones, though she had suggested that she stay the night for treatment of some bruises and cuts she'd received. "I'll be up to it, I should be leaving tonight anyway. So, not to worry. You'll have your favorite Beater playing against Slytherin. How could I -not- show up to the came? It's the House Cup!" she added with a sly grin. Aryanna gave her the thumbs up sign and gave Gloria a salute as she left the ward.
Gloria's grin immediately faded.
Remus knew he had to apologize. But what could he say? "Oh, by the way, Gloria, it's full moon in two days, and I happen to be a werewolf so that's why I hit you and broke your arm."
Even in his heads the words sounded incredibly stupid.
Of course he couldn't tell her he was a werewolf. She'd regard him with fear, or perhaps never talk to him again. A simple apology would do... he needed something to really tell her that he was sorry. He had to apologize to Sirius, too. That thing with Aryanna Wood had been ages before Gloria. Besides, it was a younger-man-charms-older-woman sort of thing.
He felt absolutely horrible.
He was going to apologize. In fact, he was going right now.
The thing that upset Sirius Black the most was that he believed Remus, and not Gloria. She'd looked so upset, and the way she was carrying herself, just like she was a dying Slyph. She looked so sad. Sirius felt so depressed at the memory of her face.
He couldn't make her happy. He knew he couldn't. All he could do was hurt her and not even believe her when she was telling the truth.
For all it was worth, Sirius decided he should apologize.
And then he went, heading to the Hospital Wing slowly.
Gloria heard a knock at the door to her ward. Tilting her head, she bit down on her lower lip when she saw Remus standing there. Poor boy, he looked so pale and peaky. She felt a stab of pity for him.
Shuffling his feet over to her, Remus felt strangely robotic as he pulled a wooden chair over to her bedside.
"Yes?" she asked quietly, turning her gaze towards him.
"I know I'm going to sound like an idiot apologizing for this now, and you probably wont accept it anyway. There was really nothing at all to explain my actions, it's just some problems that I've been having. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. For that I am sorry. I hope you can forgive me, and if you can't, I completely understand," he said hollowly. 'That was cheesy, Remus. She'll never think you're sorry with that. HOLY SHIT! You're gonna tell her aren't you? You're gonna tell her that you're a werewolf! Aw, you and your BIG MOUTH, Remus. Honestly! When're you gonna learn how to keep your OWN secrets?' he thought bitterly.
Gloria knitted her eyebrows together as he mentioned something about a "problem". "It'll take me a while for me to fully forgive you, but...what problem?"
"I know you won't believe this, and that this will sound like a completely ludicrous explanation. But it's the truth, I swear!" he said quickly.
"Just tell me," she interrupted.
"I'm a werewolf."
Gloria froze. That red light in his eyes that night, his absences around the full moon. It all fell into place. "You're a w-w-were---" she began.
"A werewolf, yes."
"Oh, my God," she murmured.
"I know," he said miserably.
"There's a full moon tomorrow, Remus," she whispered.
"I know, it's why I can't stay long. In fact, I really should be going.." he started, getting up.
Gloria didn't say a word as he left.
Sirius happened to hear most of their conversation, at least until after Remus had just confessed to Gloria that he was a werewolf. He couldn't believe it. Stepping into the room, he sat in the same chair Remus had been sitting in.
"Hi, Glory," he said quietly.
"Hello, Black," she replied.
"I don't have any major secret about me to tell you, so I'm just going to be upfront. It'll sound completely obvious to you, but oh well. Ummm, I was an idiot. I don't know why I would ever think that you're "getting around" or something ridiculous like that because that isn't YOU. But you have to understand that the whole 'Girl Of The Week' thing is just a rumor and it isn't ME. I'm not like that. To tell you the truth, I'm more the type of person who'd commit to one girl for a while before moving on, if I do. I mean, that whole thing with Aryanna Wood was last year, and that was the only thing that I did for a week. And, I really haven't gone -that- far with a girl. I mean, making out with you is the farthest I've gon--- alright, I'm just babbling now. Point is, White, I'm really sorry. Truly and deeply sorry. I don't care if you don't forgive me or don't talk to me again. I just wanted you to know," he said, standing up. He didn't even give her a chance to say anything back, though. Sirius knew Gloria. She had just had to listen and really didn't have to say anything in response.
Gloria was stunned. What could she say to that?
Absolutely nothing.
The next day came to quickly, and so did the next. It was time for the Quidditch match.
"Now, mates, this is THE match. If we lose this, we're DOOMED. We're against Slytherin, and even though they have some weak players they're a load better than Ravenclaw of Hufflepuff. Now, they've got a new Keeper, but Potter, Jonny, I'm counting on you two to get past him. I'll be helping out Anderssen with the Keeping, so I'll be staying back. Don't pull me so much into the game if you have to. Black, White, the Slytherin Beaters are a load of trolls, but they're tough. They might go for White since, no offense White, but since you're a girl. Hold up, don't let their bad looks distract you. Black, keep her covered, don't separate unless you have to. Kelley, just stay out of trouble. We don't need the Seeker hurt. Understood?"
Everyone on the team nodded. James and Gloria exchanged looks for a second before grabbing their brooms as they began march out to the pitch.
"Oh, my bat, holy shit," she mumbled, turning back to get it. Sirius stopped her and held it out.
"Here you go. Good luck," he said quietly, handing the bat to her.
"Thanks," she replied, giving him a weak smile as she walked out with the team.
"Now, mount your brooms!" the referee yelled. Gloria felt her stomach dropped as she mounted her broom. She usually didn't get this nervous. Sirius clenched his bat tighter in his hand, feeling slightly nauseous.
"Aaaaaaand they're off! Now, we have Black, White, Wood, Wood, Potter, Anderssen, and Kelley making the Gryffindor team this year. All excellent players, yes, all excellent. Potter in possession, heading towards the Slytherin goal post. Ah! Snape misses and Potter scooooooores! 10-0, Gryffindor favor. Potter in possession again, he passes to Wood, Wood shoots he SCORES, 20-0 in Gryffindor's favor. Wood passes to Potter--- POTTER WATCH OUT LOOSE BLUDGER--- Ah, nevermind, White saves his head, hitting the Bludger direction of Crabbe, who slams it right back to her--- DUCK GLORIA--- ah, saved by Black from Gryffindor--- DON'T GIVE ME THAT LOOK WHITE!--- Crabbe sends it right back to him, now will you LOOK AT THAT, White hits it and knocks him off his broom. Oh, and Potter SCORES! 30- 0, Gryffindor favor. Now, we have Black from Slytherin in possession, traveling to the Gryffindor goal post, she SHOOTS, good Lord she just scored. 30-10, Gryffindor in the lead. Potter re-captures the Quaffle, DUCK JAMES, saved by Black, superb catch! Damn those Bludgers!"
And the game went on. So far, Gloria had knocked off one Beater and Chaser (accidentally though) from the air and had clobbered Snape with the Bludger (all on accident). Sirius hadn't helped much, he also managed to be particularly violent with Snape.
"NOW THE RACE FOR THE SNITCH! KELLEY DIVES, PARKINSON FOLLOWS, AND---AND--- AND---KELLEY'S GOT THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR VICTORY! FINAL SCORE: 190- 30! WELL, THAT WAS A SHORT MATCH, TOOK ALL OF HALF AN HOUR!!! GRYFFINDOR WINS THE QUIDDITCH CUP!!!!"
The whole team landed, all of them rushing towards each other. Aryanna seized the Quidditch up, raising it in the air victoriously. Gloria grabbed Sirius and pressed a long kiss to his lips. Sirius grinned inwardly, kissing her back. What he didn't know was that his cousin, Narcissa and Severus Snape were gaping at them.
They also didn't know that everyone saw.
Fifth year ended with the Inter-House Quidditch Cup. As all the soon to be sixth years got out of the train, Gloria pulled Sirius aside, pressing a light kiss to his cheek. "I'll write to you, alright? I promise!" she shouted to him as her parents jerked her by the arm and dragged her away.
Sirius grinned, heading over to where his brother, mother, and father were waiting so impatiently.
It had been a great year.