Chapter 26 - Escalating

It was a calm spring Tuesday morning in the Gryffindor common room. The windows were open, and a refreshing breeze swirled around the room. The younger students were either in class or roaming the Hogwarts grounds. The older students scattered around the room were either studying or at least doing a fair job of pretending to be. James, Sirius, Peter and Remus having snagged a table near one of the windows were doing the former.

To James's delight, his seat allowed him a direct view of Lily Evans and several of the other Gryffindor girls in their year. The girls were lounging on several large armchairs, books open in their laps while they gossiped.

"Enough! I am sick of hearing about Quidditch!"

To the shock of everyone in the room it was Remus who was shouting. Perhaps if James wasn't so busy talking about Quidditch and watching Lily Evans he might have noticed Remus's growing agitation sooner.

"I can't bloody concentrate," Remus continued his voice still raised and he chucked his quill on the table. He glared irritably at James. "Gryffindor wasn't even playing!"

Peter's mouth fell open. Sirius looked mildly amused. By now the outburst had caused every student in the room to stare at them. Remus, looking slightly embarrassed, pushed himself to his feet. For a moment James locked eyes with Lily Evans's green ones, and he felt his heart skip a beat. She was the only girl in school that was able to fluster him with merely a glance. James ignored her forcing himself to return his attention to Remus.

Remus working quickly, tossed all his belongings already in his bag. Remus was halfway across the room before James was able to think of anything to say. James sprung to his feet intent to call his friend back, but it was too late. Their group still had the attention of every Gryffindor present. James frowned, trying to think of something to say when Sirius saved him.

Sirius loudly with a careless shrug of his shoulders, stated, "You have been talking a bit obsessively about Quidditch."

Several students laughed, and James joined in, clapping Sirius on the shoulder with a large grin, as sank back into his chair. His reaction broke the tension in the room, and the other Gryffindors went back to their previous conversations. Lily's back was now turned and James, as usual, wondered what she was thinking.

He quickly forgot about the redhead, his grin dropping as he looked at the empty seat across from him. He did tend to talk about Quidditch a lot. It was an important aspect in his life, and Remus was fully aware of this. His renewed focus on Quidditch this week was partly to do with the last match Hufflepuff versus Slytherin. It had been a difficult game to watch. The worst school match in his memory. Hufflepuff was supposed to win against Slytherin. With Lestrange benched, the Slytherin team was as handicapped as one could hope. And yet Hufflepuff had lost 250 to 30. It was an embarrassing loss. The badgers played terribly in all aspects; dropping passes, missing easy goals, and losing focus.

The Slytherins were now acting as if they'd already won the Quidditch Cup, boasting their victory and strutting through the hall. The last game of the season was Gryffindor against Slytherin, and it would decide the Cup. James was already feeling the pressure of Gryffindors' need to win, and now it had increased tenfold. The Slytherins were always a formidable opponent. They'd be high off their win against Hufflepuff, and back at full capacity with Lestrange playing. With the current score, the only way Gryffindor could win the Quidditch Cup was to catch the snitch and be at least eighty points ahead of Slytherin. It wasn't impossible, but James knew it was no longer a sure thing.

Peter leaned in once it was clear no one was paying them any further attention. "Remus had his career advice meeting with Professor McGonagall yesterday," Peter mumbled. "Didn't you notice he was upset last night?"

James's frown deepened feeling terrible for having not noticed the change in his friend's state of mind. Judging by Sirius's expression he too had failed to notice anything different in Remus's demeanor. James's meeting was scheduled for the next day, and he was eager for the discussion. It didn't take a genius to guess why the meeting may have upset Remus.

So later that morning James slipped into the seat beside Remus in Charms Class intent on making his friend feel better. Remus's eyes were firmly on the page of the same book he'd been reading earlier that morning. "Sorry for before. I'll avoid talking about Quidditch as much around you."

"It's fine, James," Remus replied shortly.

That was as far as their conversation went as James was cut off from speaking as Professor Flitwick started the lesson. Before class was even over Remus's bag was packed and he was the first out of his seat with a quickly mumbled excuse about studying in the library. This pattern continued on for the rest of day, James unable to exchange more than a few words with Remus. So when Remus skipped dinner, James went in search of his friend. He left Sirius and Peter behind despite their protests knowing this was the kind of conversation best for one on one. Peter would not have the nerve to say what needed to be said. While Sirius would, James didn't want to give Remus the chance to deflect the conversation to previous conflicts. After trying several of Remus's favorite spots to study at Hogwarts, James climbed to the very top of the Astronomy Tower.

"You're a difficult fellow to find," James said as a cool wind ruffled his hair. The sun was starting to set, streaks of red and purple lit up the sky. Remus was standing, leaning with his arms crossed against the stone ledge, looking out across the vast Hogwarts grounds.

"Yet you found me," Remus muttered.

"We missed you at dinner.

"I wasn't hungry."

James took it as a good sign that Remus was speaking. He approached Remus, standing beside him, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. "So you had your Career Advice meeting with McGonagall yesterday?"

Remus made a noncommittal noise.

"How'd it go?" James kept his tone casual and friendly.

"How do you think it went?" Remus spat back. His tone was angry, stance defensive.

"I don't know," James answered calmly. "That's why I'm asking."

"I should just drop out," Remus mumbled.

James raised his eyebrows. "Well if that's the advice McGonagall gave then I suppose so," he added sarcastically.

"She might as well have advised me that. My chance of a career entirely depends on the current werewolf legislation in the Ministry. And the way things are going I have no chance at any job," Remus replied bitterly. Remus uncrossed his arms, turning his back on Hogwarts grounds.

James still facing the other way scanned the darkening sky. "Are you a seer now? Do you know what will happen in the future?"

"Werewolves will never be accepted by general society."

James turned so he was now once again looking at Remus. "I don't believe the world is filled with as many prejudiced gits as you do." Remus made a dismissive noise, stepping away towards the other side as James continued to speak. "And if anyone is going to change their minds, it will be an educated werewolf. Someone that attended the same classes as them, cheered alongside them during a Quidditch match, helped them with their wand work."

Remus spun abruptly to face James, his hands still clenched.

"Dropping out will make things worse. It won't help you, and it will ruin the chances of any other werewolves from attending Hogwarts after you."

"I don't care! I don't want to be some model werewolf! Why should that be on my shoulders?" Remus started pacing along the perimeter, still agitated.

"Because Professor Dumbledore gave you a chance. And in doing so he has given you more opportunities, opened more doors than you could have ever hoped for."

"What if you are wrong? What if no one will hire me? What then?" He was still pacing, his breathing uneven.

"Do you really think we'd let you starve?" James asked. The comment caused Remus to freeze, and James was unable to read the look on the werewolf's face. "If it comes to it Sirius, Peter, and I will combine our resources. You'll always have food to eat and a bed to sleep in."

"So I'll be some charity werewolf case?"

"No, you'll be our friend as always. It's not charity if you pay us back when you have the means."

Something in Remus appeared to deflate. The tenseness in his shoulders fell, his energy spent.

"Let's get you something to eat," James offered. "I think we can all do with a night of no studying. We'll do something fun. Absolutely no revising allowed."

Remus shook his head as he returned to the position he was in when James first found him. "James, I want to be alone."

"But-"

"I promise not to do anything rash. I need to be alone."

A half a year ago James would have continued to argue. He would have seen leaving Remus alone as a failing on his part as his friend. Tonight though he simply placed a shimmery, square of fabric on the ledge beside Remus. "In case you need it for later," James said quietly.

Remus accepted the cloak, and this small action was enough for James to leave with some of his worry lifted.

Remus returned back later that evening. They did not talk about the career meeting again though James kept a careful watch over his friend. It took several days of moodiness before Remus slowly returned to his old self. The conversation never fully left James's thoughts. The pressures of fifth year were enough to overwhelm the average student, and the stress of everything was taking a toll on Remus. James tried his best to keep the atmosphere cheerful while wishing he could do something on a grander scale.

As if the fates wanted to intervene, the source of one of those stresses walked right by James. It was the perfect set up; James so rarely alone without his friends, worrying about Remus, and still thinking about his early conversation with Sirius about Snape. And there he was, Snape walking slightly hunched over, his dark hair hanging limply around him. Snape did not see James. In fact Snape was absorbed in his own world, barely noticing the students milling around.

James felt for his wand, the wood felt solid and reliable in his hand. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, indecisive. Short of erasing Snape's memories or going back in time, there was no changing Snape's knowledge about Remus's secret. They had left Snape alone because James was in agreement with Remus that it was the safest course of action. Only now it occurred to him that it might not be best one.

Here was a chance to eliminate Remus's worry about Snape's silence.

Before he could back out, before rational thought could take over, James fired a jinx directly at Snape. The trip jinx caught the Slytherin at the perfect moment, causing him to fall spectrally flat on his face and his bag spilling out all over the corridor. Students jumped out of the way.

James watched as Snape picked himself up off the floor. Snape glared around wildly his wand out in defense. Then his dark eyes met James's hazel ones. For three, terrible long seconds James thought he made the wrong decision. He saw the months of repairing their group dynamic crumble before him. The students gathered looked back and forth between them, anticipating a duel to break out. Snape's eyes blazed furiously, the hatred palatable between them. As the silence between them remained, James knew at that very moment that Sirius was right.

"What's going on here?"

Behind Snape stood the Head Boy, the clogging of all the students in the hallway having aroused his suspicion. "Snape, what happened? Potter put your wand away!" Finn ordered.

James was still holding out his wand, only lowered it.

"I tripped," Snape muttered.

"You tripped?" Finn repeated, his eyes scanning the crowd. Most students didn't meet his gaze, and no one spoke up to say differently.

"Yes," Snape snapped. He started picking up his things and few students under the Head boy's watch helped him.

"Then why is everyone still standing around?" Finn demanded. This sent the students scattering about, several bumping into James as they fled. "And Potter, twenty points off Gryffindor."

"For what?"

"Let's say I wasn't born yesterday," Finn challenged. "If you disagree we can go have a chat with McGonagall."

Hexing another student in the hallways usually warranted a detention (probably several as this was hardly James's first offense), so there was no reason for James to contest docked points. So as politely as possible James asked, "Anything else?"

"You may go."

James left the scene quickly; his heart racing as fast as his mind. In hexing Snape, James had proved Sirius's theory about Snape to be correct. The only question remained was what James was going to do now with the confirmation?

Sirius and Professor Keenan stood on opposite sides of the room watching the second years dueling in pairs one at a time. It was the last of the dueling lessons Keenan was giving the younger students for the year, and Sirius was once again helping out. The only difference this time was he was doing it on his free time rather than as an out from detention.

A little over a week had passed since Sirius asked Professor Keenan about the Homonculous Charm. Keenan had agreed to research the charm, though with some hesitation. Sirius wondered if Keenan's reluctance was because he did not buy Sirius's explanation for why he needed knowledge of the charm.

Sirius was going to inquire after the dueling lesson on Keenan's progress. It was one of the reasons (the only reason he had told his mates) he was assisting Keenan on a Saturday to begin with. Helping out during these lessons wasn't as much a chore as one might think. The first and second years were a boisterous bunch, still very much excited to learn magic and the time went by quickly. His opinion of Keenan as a teacher was improving, and it was only helped after meeting his Auror friend, Anderson. The Auror was the coolest adult Sirius had met and the fact he was good friends with Keenan made the Professor more likable.

It was an interesting lesson. Instead of introducing new magic, Professor Keenan simply allowed the students to 'move' during their duels. At this point the students had all demonstrated they could successfully disarm a stationary opponent. To Sirius's surprise, allowing the younger students to move caused a whole slew of difficulties. It was a bit alarming how a simple deviation caused most of the students to fail at the task.

"You've got to anticipate your partner's movement," Professor Keenan instructed.

"In real life your opponent will not by standing in one spot."

"It's the same wand movement you were all using before. Remember your basics."

Despite how terrible the students were in the beginning by the end of the second hour there was a remarkable improvement. After the last of the students left, Professor Keenan began levitating the desks back into their correct places.

"Thanks for your help, Mr. Black. The students listen better with your presence."

Sirius felt his face heat slightly. "I don't think I'm the only reason. This is certainly more fun than learning about the goblin wars."

Keenan laughed. "Yes, Professor Binns does make what ought to be exciting and dramatic time in our history appear very dull."

Sirius loitered as Keenan continued to put the room back to order. He wanted to ask Keenan about the Homonculous Charm, and it was startling to realize his nervousness was due to the fact he was starting to care about Keenan's opinion of him.

"Is there something else I can help you with, Mr. Black?"

"Have you found anything on the Homonculous charm yet, sir?" Sirius asked quickly.

Keenan looked pensive. "I have…some information. A colleague of mine owled me a book a few days ago."

"Can I see it?" Sirius questioned eagerly.

Keenan hesitated. "It's advanced magic, beyond second year Newt Level. I've read through it, and I don't believe it would be charm very useful to your family if they wanted to track you."

Sirius wanted to argue that he already read books beyond his age to learn how to be an Animagi. Of course, divulging this to Keenan would land his friends and him in Azkaban. Instead Sirius settled for another question. "Why wouldn't it be helpful?"

"It's not a tracking charm for a person. Based on the theory it is meant to track people in a designated area."

"So they could keep track if I am in my bedroom at night?"

"Yes, though not just you. If another person entered the room they would also be able to tell."

Sirius tried to keep his excitement at bay. This charm sounded perfect for what they needed for the map. "So they can track me then."

"They would need access to where you are staying. The Potters will be taking every precaution to keep you safe. Your family would not be able to use that charm anywhere near the Potter property."

Sirius didn't bother asking how Professor Keenan knew the Potters were taking him in. It no longer surprised him. He didn't know why Professor Keenan was invested in his future, but now was not the time to worry about that. "I'd still like to have a look at the book." Sirius looked straight at Keenan as he spoke the words. He didn't form it as a question purposely.

Keenan walked toward his desk. "I need a few more days to look over the book more closely. I need to be sure the information inside it is appropriate."

Sirius opened his mouth to protest.

"I am your Professor. If I give you this book, anything you do with this knowledge becomes my responsibility."

"It's a charm. I'm not asking for information on dark magic."

"That's my final decision on this matter. If I am satisfied that the information is appropriate then I will lend you the book. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir," Sirius responded.

"Off you go, Mr. Black."

Sirius left without another word. He was irritated and he didn't care if Keenan knew. He thought Keenan would hand him the book without difficulty, glad that Sirius trusted him to ask for help. Keenan was clearly suspicious about something. If Keenan refused to hand it over in the next two weeks then Sirius would find a way to get it himself. Outright stealing the book was out of the question as he would be the first suspect. There were other ways to copy the information without actually taking the book.

Sirius sighed as he headed back to the dormitory ready to tell his friends the news.

Snape paced in front of the cage that held three large rats. Two of them already lay lifeless, the blood seeping out from them. The third, still alive, was trembling in fear.

The dungeon air was musty and the dampness chilly causing Severus to shiver. He knew he would not be disturbed. Earlier in the year Professor Slughorn had given him access to the unused classroom to work on advanced potions. After discovering his Head of House would rarely make an appearance to check on him, Snape had begun to use the room for other things. Ever cautious, he always locked the door and set up a trip alarm in the hallway to warn him of any surprise visitors.

This new sense of urgency was all because of Potter, and Snape knew he was in trouble. Potter was clearly sending him a message after blatantly hexing him in the crowded corridor the other day. His reprieve from weekly altercations with the Gryffindors was over. Either Black had finally told Potter that he wasn't outing the werewolf or Potter had taken a dangerous gamble. He did not want to go back to the way things had been.

He might not be able to out the werewolf, but he would not face the Gryffindors without a new weapon. He was working on a new cutting spell, sliced quickly and easily through flesh, creating life threatening injury by shear loss of blood. The Dark Magic in it meant the usual healing spells did little to curb the blood flow.

When Potter and Black went after him, he would be ready. The problem was he was not planning on committing murder under Dumbledore's nose. It was imperative that he could perform the counter curse properly before he used it on anyone. He didn't care if Potter or Black bled to death, but the blood couldn't be on his hands. He wasn't looking for a life sentence in Azkaban.

He was having trouble focusing at the moment, his mind floating back to Lily Evans. This was their usual time to study together, and Lily had cancelled it. He let her think he was angry at her for doing so even though it went along perfectly with his plans to appease Lestrange. His plan was to decrease the time spent with Lily and then when an opportunity arose, curse a mudblood. It would be best if his quarry was not associated with Lily as he didn't need her cross with him for going after one of her friends. He knew the process of distancing himself from Lily would temporarily hurt their friendship, but it would be worth it in the long run. Then over the summer with no influence from their respective houses, he would work to get their friendship back.

For now he needed to focus on his defense against the Gryffindors. Snape took a deep breath. He threw the curse silently at the last remaining rat and then moved forward, his wand ready to try once again the intricately woven counter curse he needed to master.

James tossed the Quaffle to Sirius as they left the castle in the direction of the Quidditch Pitch. Today would be an interesting practice. Gallagher had invited ten athletically inclined Gryffindors (who obviously were not on the team) to help with training. The extra bodies would be used for new drills and for a mockup game. Sirius was one of the first Gryffindors to be asked, and he readily agreed.

Instead of waiting to walk down to the pitch with everyone else, the boys headed down early. James told Gallagher they were going up ahead to check the conditions of the pitch.

Sirius tossed the Quaffle back and James deliberately slowed their pace. They were now about halfway between the castle and the pitch. He knew they only had about five or so minute lead time, so if James wanted to speak privately to Sirius he needed to begin it soon.

"You were right," James began, twirling the Quaffle in his hands.

"There's people on the pitch," Sirius said out of nowhere. James looked forward, and indeed there was a group of students congregated on the pitch. They were too far away to make out their identities.

"Maybe they are just spectators," James pondered.

Sirius shrugged. "So what was I right about exactly?"

"Snape."

James felt Sirius freeze upon hearing the one word. "Snape?" Sirius echoed.

"He's not going to tell anyone about Remus," James explained softly.

"What do you mean? What did you do?" Sirius demanded, stopping to fix his gaze on James.

James motioned for him to continue walking. "I hexed him in the hallway."

James heard Sirius's sharp intake of breath. "When was this?"

"Four…no five days ago."

"And you are just telling me this now?"

"I wasn't sure if I should."

"I'm not sure you should either," Sirius admitted. "Why did you suddenly decide to hex him?"

"It was on my mind since you brought it up that one night, and I wanted to know for certain if you were right."

"I could have been wrong!"

"I trusted your judgement."

"You trusted my judgement?" Sirius repeated incredulously coming to a complete stop. It wasn't lost on James that there were some parallels to his actions and Sirius's from months ago. While James's actions were not on the same level, he could have caused Remus's secret to be known to everyone. Regardless it was a true statement; James trusted Sirius fully.

"Yes, you wouldn't have brought up the fact if you weren't certain that Snape was keeping quiet."

Sirius looked at a loss for words. He started walking again staring ahead. "Do we tell Remus?" he asked abruptly.

James hesitated. "I want to."

Sirius let out a sigh. "He's not going to take it well."

James nodded. "We just have to present it to him in the most positive way."

"He didn't like us hexing Snape before all this."

"We just have to make him see that the point of all this is for him to have one less worry and not so we can go back to hexing Snape at will."

"Is that really why you did it – for Moony?"

"I did it for all of us. Snape will no longer have the upper hand."

Sirius looked pensive for a moment. He looked about to say something than he turned back. They could both hear the rest of the Gryffindor team along with their friends coming up behind.

Quickly James added quietly, "We first tell Peter. Then we talk to Remus together. We stand together on this."

Sirius nodded in agreement. Sirius looked distracted as they waited for the rest of the Gryffindors to join them.

"Not at the pitch yet?" Gallagher asked.

"We took the long way here," James explained. He was surprised Gallagher had been able to round up everyone so quickly. With the upcoming game, everyone was anxious to get in as much practice as possible.

"Then who is on the pitch?" Gallagher asked.

"We're not sure," James admitted. Though as they got nearer and nearer, it was quickly clear the group was not just spectating.

James tossed the Quaffle at Sirius and he hurried ahead with Gallagher. "What are they doing here?" James asked falling in step with his captain.

"That's what I'd like to know," Gallagher grumbled. He strode over purposely with James by his side.

It was the Slytherin team, and Lestrange was the first to untangle himself from the group. He smirked at the Gryffindors. "What's this? Come to forfeit the next game?"

"Hardly," Gallagher answered. "We've got the pitch at 9."

"I'm afraid you are mistaken. We have the pitch booked for the morning."

"That's not possible," Gallagher argued. "I spoke to Professor McGonagall personally. She told us it was free. I saw her write us down for the time slot."

There was a soft clearing of the throat as Regulus Black stepped up beside Lestrange. "Professor Slughorn confirmed with me that this time was ours."

James wouldn't put it past the Slytherins to lie, but there was a confidence to Regulus's statement that made him wonder.

"Well Gallagher, there you have it. Our word against yours," taunted Lestrange.

While Gallagher stayed calm, James could feel the restlessness of the Gryffindors behind him. James was trying to decide if a wand fight did break out if he'd first go for Lestrange or Regulus.

"I suppose there's only one way to find out who is lying and who is telling the truth," Gallagher said.

"Didn't think you were the type to carry around Veritaserum."

"I don't. We'll go speak to McGonagall. Potter, you're with me. The rest of you stay. Keep an eye on them." Gallagher turned making eye contact with Gray, Robert, and Sirius. "That's all."

Before following Gallagher back to the castle, James exchanged a quick look with Sirius as he passed his friend. He knew it was always unsettling for the brothers to be in the same space.

"Regulus, go with them," Lestrange ordered.

Regulus hesitated glancing between Lestrange and the Gryffindors. "Chivalry does not equal honesty" Lestrange explained mockingly.

That appeared to appease Regulus for he hurried towards them without complaint. Gallagher turned around swiftly ignoring their companion, and kept a fast pace to the castle. As the shortest of the trio, Regulus was forced to half run in order to keep up. Despite his best friend status with Regulus's brother, James had rarely any contact with the younger Black. James would have disliked Regulus even without his poor treatment towards Sirius. The Quidditch rivalry alone was enough to create a bitter conflict.

"Hold on," Regulus ordered. He took a moment to catch his breath seemingly not bothered by the glares the two older boys were giving him. "I think we should talk with Professor Slughorn first."

"Why's that?" James asked before Gallagher could speak.

"When did you ask Professor McGonagall for this time slot?" Regulus asked, his question directed towards Gallagher.

"Monday afternoon. I don't remember the time exactly." Gallagher frowned. "Why?"

"See I saw Professor Slughorn Monday before breakfast."

"So you say," countered James.

"I'm not a liar, Potter." Regulus took a deep breath as if to calm himself. "Professor Slughorn was supposed to give Professor McGonagall our request during breakfast. What if he never did?"

"So that's your way out of this? Claim Slughorn forget?" Gallagher questioned suspiciously.

"If he did, he'll still have the written request on his desk. That's why it's best if we speak to him first."

"Fine," Gallagher agreed. "Potter, go find McGonagall. Meet us at Slughorn's office."

James ignored Regulus's eye roll as he hurried to McGonagall. Fifteen minutes later they were all crowded around Slughorn's desk. Regulus had not been lying. Under a pile of parchment Slughorn discovered the written request he was supposed to have passed to McGonagall.

"I'm sorry, Minerva. This confusion is my fault." Slughorn, the only one seated in the room, placed his hands on his large belly. "We are unfortunately now in a quandary. I don't think it is fair to punish the Slytherin team for my folly."

"It's not fair to punish us either," James stated hotly. "We've been planning this practice all week."

"Calm yourself, Mr. Potter," McGonagall chided. "I think the fair thing to do is to let Slytherin practice this morning." She held up her hand to silence their protests. "And then allow Gryffindor first choice of practice for next weekend, both Saturday and Sunday."

Professor Slughorn considered McGonagall's proposal. There seemed to be a silent conversation going on between the two teachers.

"That is a fair agreement," Slughorn finally stated.

"Sir?" Regulus objected. He looked quite shocked by Slughorn's acceptance of the terms.

"Mr. Black, please tell your teammates that this is my decision and they are to see me if there is any further issue."

"Yes, sir," Regulus answered through gritted teeth, it was clear he was not happy about it.

With that matter settled the boys filed out of the room. Regulus trailed behind them on their walk back, no longer interested in keeping up with them. As they neared the pitch Gallagher waved the Gryffindors towards them.

Regulus passed by James, knocking into him as he moved forward. "Be ready for war," Regulus warned under his breath.

James watched as Regulus joined up with the rest of his teammates. He did not doubt the game against Slytherin would be dirty, dangerous and difficult.

"What did he say to you?" Sirius asked sidling up to James. His eyes were narrowed toward his brother. James shivered despite the cloudless sky and warmth from the sun.

"We need to win, Padfoot," James answered softly.

And he was no longer talking about just the match.

Author's note: Thanks for reading! Also a hello to any new story followers. As always I love hearing what you think, so please leave a review. Constructive criticism is welcome. This chapter focused a lot on James. It was needed to show James's frame of mind to make the upcoming events believable. Hopefully I delivered.