I always loved the morning before a quidditch game. The familiar jitters in my stomach never bothered me. They only ever reminded me of the determination I had to win.

I got up that morning just like any other. Took a shower and gave minimal effort for my hair and make-up. Honestly, I didn't wear make-up, especially on game days. Plus, I had thankfully been blessed with my mother's hair and didn't have the dishevelled problem like James, who had inherited my father's unruly mane.

"Get up Turner!" I yelled once I had re-entered the dormitory all dressed in my uniform.

Blythe grumbled at me and gave me a rather unpleasant hand gesture but got up without further hesitation. We all took game day very seriously.

The boys were all waiting for us once we entered the common room. Although the match was to be against Hufflepuff, we still maintained our protective measures by travelling as a group. Often quidditch games, especially against Slytherin, incited competitive backlash amongst the school. Last year, Riley had gotten hexed with the jelly-legs jinx on his way to a game. We had almost had to forfeit before he hopped his way all the way to the field. After that, we had mandated all players not to wander alone on game days.

So, once we were all assembled, we went down to the Great Hall for breakfast. We also found that our assembled entrance incited excitement and praise from our house and loyal fans. It was pretty nice for the ego of the team.

Today was no different when we entered the Great Hall. The Gryffindor's broke out into boisterous applause while the other houses stopped and stared at us. The Slytherin's of course were glaring, but at least half of the Ravenclaw's looked at us with excitement.

I also chanced a sideways look at the Hufflepuff table like I did every morning. It was easy enough to find Adrian, sitting with the rest of his team, looking rather sullen. It irritated me how quidditch was somewhat of a problem between the two of us. I had been playing for two more years than Adrian and had since gathered a rather strong reputation. The Hufflepuff had a fit enough team, but it was quite obvious Gryffindor was more refined. Indigo had since graduated, and her spot was filled by Riley's best friend Francine (Frankie) Donaldson. Frankie had adapted as well as Riley had, and we were yet to lose a match in the last two years. James was also still team captain, a mantel that had surprisingly matured him in some respects. I thought it would have gone to his head, but he was very focused on constructing new strategies and maintaining our record.

"Badger boy doesn't look too confident that he's going to beat his girlfriend" Sirius said as he noticed where I was glancing.

"Lay off Sirius," I retorted half-heartedly.

I was used to having to defend my Hufflepuff boyfriend. My friends were nothing but loyal to our house and dating a quidditch rival had its challenges for cohesion. But today was game day, and I didn't have the energy to defend him.

"Everyone remembers the drill?" James asked, re-focusing the team so we would be prepared when we walked out in a few minutes.

"Potter, we've been over this enough times that I rehearse it in my dreams," Max answered more seriously than I would have expected.

"Good, that was the idea," James responded authoritatively.

I nodded along with the team while I ate two helpings of porridge. I knew a lot of my other teammates never had much of an appetite right before playing, but I never seemed to have that problem. I always wanted to make sure I had enough sustenance to keep up my energy.

"Ready to kick some boyfriend ass, Addie?" Sirius asked once James announced we should head to the pitch.

I tried to stifle the smirk I felt stretch across my face. My competitiveness was taking over my usual reserve.

"Hell yea," I answered more enthusiastically than was probably acceptable.

We all started to follow James out of the Great Hall and ended up bumping into the Hufflepuff team as we reached the exit. They had obviously seen us get up and followed suit since I had known they'd been sitting only moments ago.

"Potter," the Hufflepuff captain greeted James with a nod.

"Jacoby," James retorted shortly.

The two captains then proceeded to lead their teams out of the Great Hall. This meant that the teams were walking beside one another which was all-in-all a terrible idea.

Max was the first one to start.

"Looks like the badgers have come out of their burrows to try and fly."

"Yea, do badgers even know how to fly? I haven't seen any proof yet," Sirius added, obviously looking to provoke the other team.

"At least Hufflepuffs can look past our egos," Adrian retorted quickly.

"Gryffindors just know what glory feels like. Don't remember the last time any of you won," Sirius replied handily.

I could hear the edge in both of their voices.

"Black, enough," James said without turning around.

I knew James was trying to remain stoic and authoritative as a captain.

"But it's just too easy to take the bludgers away from them," Sirius replied provokingly to James who was still facing forward.

I also knew this was a direct taunt at Adrian since he was a beater for the Hufflepuff team.

"Quiet Sirius!" I said before things turned into a brawl.

I had been watching both Adrian and Sirius out of the corner of my eye and I could see the goading look on Sirius' face. In response I could also see Adrian's riled up expression which looked like he was gearing up to pounce. A fight before a game would most definitely lead to a forfeit.

Sirius looked at me for a moment while I met his gaze with a hardened expression. I was leaving no room for discussion.

Sirius' expression was oddly unreadable, but he turned to face forward without another word.

The rest of the Gryffindors started to walk past the other team still with their smug looks. Characteristically, Gryffindor's did live up to their proud and competitive nature.

"Looks like the Gryffindor princess has spoken," I heard one of the Hufflepuff team players say before we were out of ear shot.

I stopped dead in my tracks which caused everyone else to pause. I turned around with my steely expression before throwing them a smug look.

"Damn right I have. My team respects me, and I respect them. We aren't throwing the game for some petty quips. If you have anything better to throw my way, then let me see you score a goal," I said proudly before promptly turning around and proceeding with my team to the field.

I didn't hear so much as a snicker as we walked away.

XXX

"Players take your positions," the quidditch coach ordered as he drew his whistle to his lips.

I was already mounted on my broom, ready to zip up to the goal rings. I had looked pointedly at each one of the Hufflepuff players as they entered the pitch but none of them were yet to look me in the eye; not even Adrian.

I had brushed off my slight annoyance with him and shut everything else out of my mind. The game was all that mattered right now. At the sound of the whistle I shot up to my post within a few seconds. I watched as all the other players got into position and the balls were released. James took off once the golden snitch was released which immediately disappeared from sight.

Blythe and Sirius were also first to get to both of the bludgers and immediately aimed them at the Hufflepuff chasers going after the quaffle. Frankie had first caught it and was successfully carrying it towards the opposite goal. Jacoby, the Hufflepuff captain, was the keeper for their team. He made the first save but Max easily caught the toss back and scored the first goal. Gryffindor actually scored the first four goals before the Hufflepuffs even brought the quaffle to my end of the pitch. I readied myself as I watched one of their chasers approach. I anticipated his move before he even thought about it. I feigned confusion as he approached but swerved to the left just as I saw him raise his arm to throw. I easily made the save.

The game proceeded like this as the score slowly rose to 70-0. I could see the Hufflepuffs getting frustrated. Blythe and Sirius had made a sort of boundary line where they would send bludgers across at anyone who crossed. This successfully kept the Hufflepuff chasers away from my goal and gave our own chasers a smaller field to keep the quaffle and score. This was the plan James had been talking about in the Great Hall.

I was now watching Adrian intently since I saw the frustration coming off him in waves. I knew he was probably as competitive as I was, but he had a poor way of showing it. I also saw he was trying to target Sirius, but our players wouldn't let him get anywhere close.

My concentration was broken slightly when I saw a bludger aimed at Blythe's back. When it made contact, I flinched as she crumpled in and broke formation. This gave Adrian his in. He had been anticipating this play which meant it was pre-planned. He circled Sirius from the back and aimed his beater's bad at Sirius' head. I held my breath as I stared at Adrian with fury. Out of now where though, James had also been watching the play and swung around to catch the bat inches away from Sirius' head. This prompted Sirius to turn around and James to call a time out.

I went to make my way to join the others, but James held his hand up to indicate he wanted me to stay at my post. James and Sirius had a deep discussion when they were joined by Blythe. I figured James was now impatient with the Hufflepuff's attitude and wanted to end the game quickly.

When the whistle blew again, I noticed Blythe and Sirius shorten the line they had previously made which further prevented Hufflepuff from gaining any ground. Our defense was ruthless as we waited for James to see the snitch. Since I didn't have a lot of plays to save, I looked around for it as well. The sun was shining bright which helped when I saw a tiny flash of light. I think James saw it at the same time I did which caused him to zoom across the pitch before the other seeker even noticed James' departure. I watched as James quickly caught up with the snitch and easily secured it in his hand. Thankfully, this game had ended.

XXX

Adrian had been surly for the next week which practically brought me to the point of breaking up with him. I had also reamed him out for his attack on Sirius since I thought it to be tactless and cowardly. Surprisingly, it was Lily Evans who had convinced me to stay with him even though all my friends, even Elodie, were against the relationship. This was because the Slug Club opening gala was coming up and Lily figured Adrian would make himself up by being my date. It seemed like a weak reason, but I also knew my expertise in most things did not extend to dating. Lily honestly seemed like one of the only people I knew who had some knowledge on the subject.

And sure enough, at the end of the week Adrian asked me with a romantic gesture of flowers and cholates to be his gala date. I had been uncomfortable with the gifts, but I just played it off as a character flaw, I wasn't typically the romantic type. Blythe had outright laughed but Elodie, Zelene and even Fern had chastised her and thought it was nice of Adrian to show his guilt with presents. I just shrugged the whole thing off.

"You look so beautiful!" Elodie gushed as she zipped up the back of my dress. My mother had sent me with a royal purple coloured dress that shimmered in the light. It had a scoop neck and a small slit that ran up the floor length dress to the top of my calf. It was stunning, but also made me feel slightly uncomfortable since I wasn't used to wearing such finery. I had always been thankful that our parents had separated themselves from the wizarding high society which meant I didn't have to dress in fine clothes all the time.

"You clean up nice Potter," Blythe added as she looked up from the book she was reading on her bed.

I took her comment as high praise since I knew she was just as comfortable with this type of thing as I was.

Elodie, Zel and Fern escorted me down once Elodie and Zel were done with my make-up, which was silver eyeshadow with dark lips.

When I entered the common room, I heard a wolf whistle and automatically took off my small heeled shoe to throw at Max.

"No upsetting Addie! It took me an hour to put her together," Elodie warned severly.

I saw Wendall approach her with a warm smile on his face.

"You really pulled it off El," he said softly as I stepped forward to get out of ear shot.

"You do clean up nice Ly," Sirius came up and stood in front of me.

I realized he was standing very close, but I just looked up and smiled. His attention actually didn't bother me like everyone else's. I guess I was just used to his constant presence in my life.

"Thanks," I replied as I felt my cheeks turn warm.

I turned my face in embarrassment and noticed James having a hushed yet tense conversation with Max. He was probably telling him off for the whistle.

Thankfully, he came over a moment later with my shoe in his hand which I took and re-strapped it back on.

"Ooh Addie! Your dress is beautiful!" I heard Lily say as she presumably came from the staircase.

"I turned around to see Lily in a strappy red dress that went down to her knees and fanned out at her waist. It was also shimmery and looked absolutely gorgeous on her. Obviously, this immediately took James' attention who looked dumbfounded with his jaw dropped.

Lily came to stand by my side and looped her arm through mine.

"Sirius," she greeted while I noticed he had stepped back.

"Hey Evans," he replied in a friendly manner.

The two of them had definitely become friendlier as Lily's annoyance for my brother had lessened and Lily had started talking to the people in our group.

"James," Lily said while flicking her hair off her shoulder.

"Lily," he replied softly.

I felt uncomfortable as Lily continued to hold onto my arm but shared what seemed like an intimate moment with my brother.

"Ready?" I asked, thankfully breaking their gazes.

"Yup!" she said happily before escorting me out of the common room.

"Do you think James liked my dress?" she asked surprisingly right after the portrait had shut behind us.

"Lily, he was drooling," I said matter-of-factly.

I saw the smug look cross Lily's face which caused me to roll my eyes.

"Lily, can I be honest," I said more seriously.

"Of course, Addie," she said kindly.

"If you repeat this, I will have to kill you," I said with a steely gaze which usually caused people to flinch.

Lily just continued to look at me kindly.

"James is absolutely stupid in love with you. He has been trying to get your attention for years and I understand a lot of his efforts were juvenile and he went about it the wrong way. But I think he has really matured in the last year in trying to be good by you and just wait for you to figure out how you feel. But you have to know that he still loves you and will probably always love you until you either go out with him or break his heart. And you're lucky I like you so much because I would otherwise destroy you if you decide to break his heart," I said more sternly than I probably should have.

This didn't seem to phase Lily who broke into a wide smile and blushed violently.

"I've sort of been waiting for you to tell me something like this," Lily said quietly.

"Why?" I asked confusedly.

"Well, you're right. James has been acting differently this year which has put him in a very different perspective. But I was worried that he had lost interest and I was hoping you would either confirm or deny my suspicions," she explained.

I looked at her with an exasperated look.

"You two are freaking perfect for each other. Both too stuck in your own head to see what is right in front of you!"

"I suppose that's true," Lily replied timidly.

By this time, we had arrived down in the dungeons and I could see Adrian standing at the door.

"Go get him," Lily whispered and pushed me forward.

"Hey Addie," he greeted once I was within earshot. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks," I said a little awkwardly.

He took my hand and lead me inside where most of the Slug Club were already assembled.

"Want a drink?" Adrian asked politely.

"Sure," I replied.

He disappeared to get us some punch.

"There you are Miss. Potter," I heard Professor Slughorn say as he approached.

"Good evening professor," I greeted politely.

I knew Slughorn obviously played favourites and I was the only one from my inner circle who had gotten an invite last year. But I did really enjoy the company of the potions master and relished in the prestige that was associated with his Slug Club.

"That was an impressive game last week. 20 minutes and zero goals. Plus, I just had the privilege of reading your first essay of the semester and I have to say, I am impressed as always," he said as I tried to hide my smug look.

"I appreciate that professor, very much. I trained all throughout the summer and I already had an interest in looking into the medical uses of potions in acute circumstances. There is so much potential to discover potions that could be taken during duels to ensure more time to make it to the hospital if one becomes injured," I explained.

"Just marvellous. I always know to expect innovative thinking from you Miss. Potter," he said before moving onto another student who had just entered.

"Getting your praise from Slughorn?" Adrian asked as he approached with two cups in his hand.

"We are both in the club Adrian, no need to be jealous," I said while only half-heartedly trying to stifle my annoyance.

Adrian nodded as he sipped his punch and handed me my own.

"Care to dance?" he asked, obviously deciding to change the subject.

I agreed by taking his hand and letting him escort me to the dancefloor in the center of the room.

We spent most of the night dancing and talking with our friends. Lily had stuck close by and I had shared quite a few dances with her as well. Lily and I were now sharing a drink at the edge of the dancefloor.

"You're right Addie," Lily said while watching the dancers.

"About what?" I asked.

"James. I think I'm going to ask him out," she said with another violent blush crossing her face.

I put my free hand on her shoulder.

"I think you deserve him," I said firmly.

She looked up at me.

"I know what that means coming from you," she said with a kind smile.

"Yea, that he's a no-good trouble maker who can't keep his team in check," I heard Adrian say from behind me as he joined us.

"That's my brother you're talking about!"

"So! He started it with what he said before the last game," Adrian retorted.

"James didn't say a thing and you were pettier than any of the rest of them," I replied angrily.

"Sirius was worse. I can't believe you would slate me against them," Adrian continued.

I looked at him with frustration and overall exhaustion. I was tired of this conversation. When we had started talking last year it was fun and the letters we wrote back and forth over the summer were devoid of all this tension that had seemingly spurred at the start of the semester.

"What are you going to choose Addie?" Adrian asked challengingly.

I bowed my head and closed my eyes in quiet reflection. I already knew my answer, there was no question. I just wanted a moment to let things go in my mind.

"There's no choice Adrian, I think you know that. And the fact that you would ask me to choose is the clinch. I'm ending this," I said with as little emotion as I could muster.

I didn't want to be the choice for gossip for having a breakdown or, more probably, going off on a tirade.

Adrian only nodded beforeturning to join his friends who were conveniently just out of ear shot.

"I'm going to go Lily," I said as she just looked at me with concern and quietly accompanied me out of the room.

We remained silent all the way back. When we entered the common room, I tried to make myself as invisible as possible, but this glossy dress made that impossible. Lily rushed over to my friends to probably try and reel in their bombardment of questions while I tried to escape upstairs. However, I wasn't too fast in these shoes and my friends cut my path off instead.

Blythe and the girls all looked concerned. None of us had ever ended anything more serious than a casual fling and I knew I would have to answer their questions and placate their fears later. The boys however had smug grins, except for Remus.

"Addie…" James started in a boastful sort of way.

I'm sure he felt like he had won some sort of argument since he knew I had stood up for him and subsequently ended a relationship because of it.

"Shut it James. I just threw away a decent enough relationship for you and I am not interested in your boastful retorts," I said evenly, glaring into his easy gaze.

His expression immediately fell, and his head tilted towards the floor. I knew he felt bad, but I had already made a life-changing choice for him in the last ten minutes. I needed some time alone.

"Ly, are you okay?" Sirius asked in a surprisingly concerned voice.

I just looked at him for a moment before nodding and deciding to walk around the group. I disappeared up into the dorm and shucked out of the dress before immediately taking a shower. This meant that I couldn't be asked any questions from Zelene or Elodie who no doubt would be overly curious. Thankfully, they must have gotten the message since no one was in the dorm when I re-entered in my pajamas. Taking the moment of peace, I climbed into bed and cast a silencing charm so I could let myself cry out until I fell asleep.