Chapter 28 – The Quidditch Final
Remus stared up at the canopy of his bed. He was restless, unable to fall asleep. He could hear the soft breathing of his friends and roommates. He hated arguing. To make matters more complicated, he was regretting some of the words he had shouted.
Remus knew he had a right to be upset. The idea his best friends were going behind his back to test out how far they could push Snape before he revealed Remus's secret was hurtful. It was worse to hear it had been James who had hexed Snape. If it had been Sirius, it would have been easier for him to wrap his mind around it. Sirius had already betrayed him once, and though Remus had forgiven him, it was surprisingly easy for Remus to believe he'd do something like that again.
To be fair it wasn't out of character for James to hex Snape. While James had saved Snape from death by werewolf, his dislike of the Slytherin had never changed. In his sixteen years, Remus had found that people were complicated with their motivations and actions. In that context it made sense that the same James that saved them all from the consequences of the Whomping Willow incident could also hex Snape months later.
His friends had shown restraint so far even while their rivalry with Snape had continued. James believed he had a valid reason to hex Snape. And part of Remus, even if it was a very small part, understood that. The balance of power between them had tipped in their favor that year, and with Snape learning Remus's secret it had slid back towards the Slytherin. Snape had wasted no time in taking full advantage of the new power dynamic, hanging the knowledge of the secret over their heads. It was remarkable James and Sirius hadn't snapped sooner.
Even with his hurt feelings, it was very difficult for Remus to stay angry with his friends. They had spent three years becoming Animagi so his transformations would be more tolerable. In the beginning none of they had known if all the hard work would be worth it. The idea that animals could hang around a transformed werewolf had come from a short line in a textbook. They had no idea how their very presence would calm the wolf inside of him. While he did not look forward to the full moon, it was bearable and that was something that had been unimaginable only a year ago.
When he was having particularly dark thoughts, he was troubled by the fact that he could never repay them back for their aid. The idea of being in their debt was all in his head. Never once, even jokingly, had they tried to get him to change his mind about something as repayment. Even during the weeks he had stayed angry with Sirius for the 'werewolf prank', not one of them had mentioned the lengths they had gone through to help him as a reason for forgiveness. They had chosen to help him as his friends, and there was nothing more to it than that.
And why was he feeling empathy for Snape? Even if he ignored the fact that the Slytherin had become obsessed with where he disappeared monthly, he wasn't a likeable person. Snape hung out with detestable company such as Mulciber and Avery. He wasn't afraid to use Dark Magic. He looked down at Muggles and Muggleborns (who weren't Lily Evans). It was clear he believed all the terrible falsehoods about werewolves that was rampant among purebloods, and thought less of Remus because of his affliction.
Despite this all Snape had kept his secret. He might be prejudiced and whisper horrible words to Remus when a chance arose, but he was keeping his word. It could have been because of some self-proclaimed honor code or because Dumbledore 'had something on him' as suggested by James and Sirius. It didn't change the fact that no one else had found out about his lycanthropy.
Truth be told, Remus was getting sick of Snape's taunts, but he was not one to take unnecessary risks. So even if Sirius was correct that pushing back was the answer, he could not imagine himself taking those steps. And sometimes he even wondered where he would be if Sirius hadn't told Snape how to get past the Whomping Willow tree. Snape certainly wasn't going to let go his curiosity about his disappearances. Somehow, so very ironically, their enemy knew his secret and yet his place in school was safer than it had been earlier in the year.
Remus sat up pulling the curtains around his bed open, feeling suddenly suffocated. He stumbled across the room tripping over someone's trainers. He wrenched open the nearest window and stuck his head out, breathing in the fresh air – in and out.
He knew tomorrow he needed make things right with his friends. The next full moon was two days after the Quidditch Match, and they needed to plan their next outing soon. There was no time to just allow things to cool off naturally. James had the biggest match of the season to play and Remus certainly didn't want to be the cause of James to lose focus. Remus closed the window feeling already better now that he had made decision.
The next morning Remus was the last to wake up. He found his friends moving around the room acting as if it was an ordinary Saturday morning. James was dressing for Quidditch practice. Sirius was complaining that Peter had left his trainers in the middle of the room again. Peter was on his stomach, head underneath his bed frantically searching for something.
He heard Sirius ask. "How long is practice?"
"We have to hand over the pitch to the Slytherins by 1 pm, so no later than that." James glanced out the window to see the darkening clouds. "I really hope the rain waits until the afternoon. What are your plans?"
Sirius shrugged. "I'm going to try do find something to do other than revise."
"Don't get in too much trouble," James said grinning. "Or at least wait for me…"
Peter finally emerged from under his bed. "I don't have any free time today," Peter shared mournfully. "I still need to finish the Potion's essay."
"The one due yesterday?" Sirius questioned.
Peter flushed. "Professor Slughorn said he'd only take five points off if I get it to him today. I only need to write another half a foot…"
Remus cleared his throat. His friends all looked at him simultaneously. "I've got rounds tonight," he began, "I was thinking after we could plan the next full moon outing?"
Sirius glanced at him coolly. "You still want us there?"
"I do," Remus replied, hoping he didn't sound as nervous as he felt. He wasn't going apologize for his anger last night. He also wasn't going to ask for an apology back.
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Ok then. I suppose I can fit that in my busy schedule…"
"What this prat means is that we're free tonight," James answered elbowing Sirius beside him.
"Are we going into the forest again?" Peter asked nervously.
Sirius gave Peter a look of exasperation. "Where else are we going to go? Grab a drink at a pub?"
"Obviously not-"
As Sirius and Peter continued with their friendly bickering, Remus felt himself relax because that was normal behavior. He took a deep breath letting go of some of the tension. Ten minutes later the boys headed down to breakfast. Sirius paused at the door letting Peter and James go ahead. Sirius turned back to face Remus.
"We didn't get you to change your mind, did we?" Sirius asked his voice low.
"No," Remus replied keeping his voice equally soft. "Does it matter?"
Sirius sighed. "No – but-"
"Let's leave it at that, Padfoot."
Sirius hesitated, but after a moment he gave a curt nod. Remus breathed another sigh of relief and he followed his friend downstairs.
The morning of the Quidditch final, James was up earlier than he needed to be. He had taken a shower and was almost in full Quidditch uniform, missing only the top robe. He stared at himself in the mirror ruffling his hair into its usual messy style.
He let his mind wander briefly to his friends. They had gotten past their disagreement or at least agreed that their differing views should not affect their friendship. James needed the support of his friends for the Quidditch match, and Remus needed their presence during the full moon.
James needed to focus. This was it. Even though it was only a game among students, winning today was more than beating Slytherin. Victory today would mean a win for Sirius against his family, a win for magical equality movement against bigotry, a win for the good side.
James walked back into the dorm to find his friends slowly waking up.
"Are you going down already?" Sirius asked his words half muffled by a yawn.
"Yea, Gallagher wants us to walk to breakfast together. And he wants us heading to the pitch after breakfast as early as possible," explained James as he grabbed his robes.
James was surprised to find he was the last player down to the common room. A quick glance at the clock assured him he was still several minutes earlier than their agreed time. Green had her hair braided and pinned back neatly. While she was the youngest out the group, she looked the least nervous. Gallagher was pacing back and forth in from of the fireplace. Clarke, one of the Beaters, was fiddling with the strap of one of his gloves. The other Beater, Hayes was speaking quietly to Chaser Gray on one of the red couches. Robert, the last of the Chasers, was absentmindedly flipping through the pages of yesterdays Daily Prophet. James took the empty seat beside Robert.
Gallagher noticing his arrival cleared his throat to get their attention. "Well the match is finally here; the most important one of the year. I hope you are all well rested. First things first…Please try to eat something at breakfast-"
"Yes, mum," Gray muttered. Everyone laughed easing the building tension.
"As I was saying, please eat something. We all need to be on top form. Let's stay focused. We've trained. We're ready for this, and… I better stop before I say the entire speech I have prepared for later."
Everyone was still feeling cheery as they shuffled out of the Tower towards the Great Hall. They were early, but the spattering of Gryffindors (and some Hufflepuffs & Ravenclaws) clapped and cheered as they took their seats. The Slytherin team entered shortly after them. They were greeted in a similar fashion, but James noticed with satisfaction that the cheering was at a considerably lower level.
James drank a full cup of pumpkin juice, but his nerves would not allow him more than a few bites of dry toast. The group tried to keep it light, but conversation about the weather, homework, and the latest couples felt forced.
James felt a wave of a relief when his friends entered the Great Hall. He told his teammates he would be right back and headed to where his friends were sitting.
"How are you feeling?" Remus asked as he buttered his toast.
James shrugged. "The usual. It's the anticipation that's the worst. I'll be fine once the game starts."
"I've got good news," Sirius said.
"About what?" James asked distractedly. He narrowed his eyes at the Slytherins where Lestrange and the rest of the Slytherin team were laughing obnoxiously. Why in Merlin's Beard were they so cheery this morning? It was disconcerting.
"I can watch the game."
"What?" James asked turning his full attention on his best mate.
"I asked McGonagall a few days ago if an exception can be made. Since it is the finals and Gryffindor is playing. At first it looked like she was going to say no, so I didn't want to get your hopes up. Then yesterday she called me into her office to tell me my request has been granted. I have to sit with the other teachers, so they can keep an eye on me. She said she'd feel better knowing I wasn't running around the castle unsupervised while most of the school was at the game."
"You've managed to charm McGonagall," James said with amusement.
"I'm very likeable," Sirius replied.
"That can't be it," Remus responded quickly.
James and Peter burst into laughter while Sirius looking indignant, swatted Remus.
"I'm glad you can watch," James said. "You should try and find out of the Professors really bet on the games."
James stayed a few more minutes as they chatted. His nerves slowly unwinding by the companionship of his friends. As he got up off the bench to return to his teammates, he backed straight into Lily Evans.
"Evans! Sorry!" James grabbed her arm to help steady her.
"Er…Potter…hi," Lily said looking very flustered. Her hair was down with a gold headband, and she was wearing lots of red and gold. "I'm glad I ran into you. I wanted to wish you good luck today."
James stared at her dumbfounded. Was it possible he had heard those words correctly? Had she really wished him good luck? Lily was waiting for him to say something, and the only thing he could think of saying was, "Thank you?" He immediately felt his face heat up. He was not playing this cool at all. Why did he say that as a question? Before she could comment on his answer, he added,"So you're watching the game?"
"Of course! I've been to every game since first year."
"You have?" James asked. He was recalling a previous conversation when she had alluded to having very little care for Quidditch.
"Which is more than you can say," she added, a sparkle in her green eyes.
James laughed. He had missed watching a Quidditch Game in first year because of a detention. It was odd that she remembered that. Lily smiled at him, and James felt a bit breathless by her closeness.
"Well I better..." She nodded towards her friends waiting for her. It was only then he noticed the gaggle of girls also dressed in red and gold. Seeing the girls watching them, James had the sudden sensation that their conversation was on display for the entire Great Hall. He was right. While most students had the decency to avert their eyes as James scanned the Great Hall, his friends made no attempt to pretend they hadn't been listening. Sirius gave him a thumb's up; Peter and Remus were suppressing grins.
As Lily sat down among her friends, James ignored his own friends. He knew better than to give them a chance to tease him. Instead he rejoined his teammates doing his best to act nonchalant.
"Keep focus, Potter," Gallagher instructed not looking up from the pile of plays he was scrutinizing.
"I'm focused, Captain," James answered.
And he was. Today marked the first game that Lily Evans had wished him good luck and this only raised the stakes. James was going to play his very best, and Gryffindor was going to win. It was as simple as that.
Sirius waited alongside Professor McGonagall. She was one of the Professors keeping an eye on the stream of students headed to the Quidditch pitch. Students were looking at him curiously and Sirius smiled back as if to say he wanted to be standing by his Head of House. Honestly, he didn't mind having to sit with the Professors if it meant he could watch the Quidditch Game. It was more than fair of McGonagall since his record had not been flawless while on probation.
"Minerva, I can walk Mr. Black to the Pitch. I'm heading there now," Professor Keenan said as he approached them.
McGonagall waved Sirius off before shouting at a first year with a bulging stomach, "Mr. Peterson, what is that under your coat?!"
"Beautiful flying weather," Professor Keenan commented as they walked toward the pitch.
"You're not wearing any red or gold?"
"Ah – as I'm not a head of any House, I can't have any bias toward a particular House. But once a lion-"
"Always a lion," Sirius finished for him.
Keenan winked.
"How'd Gryffindor play when you were in school?"
"Not the greatest. We won during my first year and then not again until my seventh."
"Did you play?"
"Flying has never been one of my strengths. I can manage on a broom to get from point A to point B, but I don't have the skill to do anything more daring," Keenan explained. "Why have you never tried out?"
Sirius shrugged. "I've never been interested. It's a big commitment, and I don't think I would have lasted." If he had wanted to he probably could have made the team assuming the position he was interested was open. He didn't have the level of natural talent of James, but he usually excelled at anything he attempted.
Keenan placed his hands into the pockets of his trousers. While he was not wearing robes, he was still dressed in a formal manner. "So I hope that book I lent you is helping?"
Sirius almost stopped dead in his tracks. He went back and forth on whether Keenan suspected he had lied to him about the true reason he needed the information the book provided. "Yes, so far it has been helpful," he answered cautiously.
"If you have any questions, let me know?"
"Yes, I will," Sirius said, hoping his expression remained neutral. If only he could ask Keenan for help. They'd made some progress with the map, but the charms were tricky and didn't always work consistently yet.
Professor Keenan motioned for Sirius to take a seat on one of the three benches reserved for the Professors. It was the area right above where the student announcer sat, so it was an excellent area to view the entire game.
Mallory Goldman from Hufflepuff was announcing that day and she gaped at him. "What are you doing here?"
"I won the raffle," Sirius explained.
She looked at him dumbfounded. "The raffle? What raffle?"
Before Sirius could see how far he could trick the girl, Professor Flitwick interrupted them. "Ms. Goldman, let me have a look at that microphone. The voice amplification charm will probably need to be reapplied…"
With Mallory busy helping Professor Flitwick, Sirius surveyed the pitch. It was getting noisier as more students filled the stands. The excitement and energy was palatable. There were banners and flags depicting both lions and snakes. Many students had chosen to wear red & gold or green & silver depending on the side they were rooting.
Remus and Peter arrived waving at him from the very top of the row. All the fifth year Gryffindors were crowded around them, including Lily Evans. James was a lost cause when it came to Evans. It was obvious how smitten James was with her despite his friend's effort to make it appear she was just a pretty girl he'd noticed.
As the game was about to start, Sirius found himself sandwiched between Professor Keenan and Professor McGonagall. Head of Slytherin, Professor Slughorn took a seat behind them along with the Professor for Muggle Studies and the Professor for Ancient Runes.
"Minerva," Slughorn called joyfully. "I hope you haven't grown too attached to the Quidditch trophy!"
"Thank you for your concern, Horace. I have full faith that my lions will be victorious once again."
"We'll see soon enough!" Slughorn then turned his attention Sirius. "Mr. Black, your brother is quite the talented Seeker. I was just telling him that I have contacts in several of the Professional teams."
"Quidditch player is hardly a befitting profession for the heir to Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, sir."
As second son their parents might have allowed Regulus to play Quidditch professionally, but it was out of the question as the heir.
Slughorn was at a loss for words, looking very uncomfortable with Sirius's sarcastically truthful answer.
Keenan interjected amicably, "Well there's no harm in looking into several career options."
"Right you are, Alex," Slughorn said looking relieved to have the conversation back on a safe track. "Now you never saw yourself teaching at Hogwarts-"
Sirius ignored the rest of the short conversation. The game was about to start anyway. Mallory began trying to quiet the stadium, and it took the help of Professor McGonagall to calm the crowd.
The Slytherins entered first in tight formation. Mallory rattled off the names ending the list with Sirius's brother. "Lastly as Seeker, Regulus Black. His addition to the team has made the Slytherins more competitive than ever."
Then the Gryffindors walked in, Gallagher and Green in front, the two beaters – Clarke and Hayes next, with James, Gray, and Robert bringing up the rear. "The Gryffindors have a strong lineup this year –an offense filled with talent that hasn't been seen in years…and a solid defense as well."
There was another round of cheering and students banging their feet on the stands as Gallagher and Lestrange stepped forward to shake hands. The animosity between the two boys was clear as they gripped hands firmly.
"Mount your brooms," Madam Hooch instructed. Sirius leaned forward as he watched the Gyrffindors circle into one of the formations he recognized from James's notes. The Gryffindor Chasers were in a triangle with James at the highest point. The Beaters hung back, swinging the bats casually, keeping limber. The Snitch and Bludgers would only be released after the whistle was blown.
"Three – two – one!" The whistle went off as the crowd roared.
"Gryffindor has first possession of the ball – Robert throws it straight up to Potter – who catches it easily. Potter heads toward the Slytherin goal posts – Lestrange jerks in front of Potter - Potter tosses the Quaffle to Gray – Gray to Robert – and Gryffindor scores! 10 – 0 Gryffindor."
Sirius jumped to his feet to join the loud cheering. The Professors were all looking at him as they clapped with a quiet dignity. He sat back down quickly feeling suddenly self-conscious. So here was finally a disadvantage of siting with the Professors. He wouldn't be able to be as vocal with his enthusiasm as his peers. Still it was better than being stuck in the castle hoping to glimpse the Quidditch pitch from one of the windows in the high towers.
The game continued with Mallory announcing, "McClatchy has first possession of one of the Bludgers!"
McClathy wasted no time aiming to Bludger at the opposing Chasers, forcing James and Robert to swerve in opposite directions.
"Lestrange has the Quaffle…and it looks like he might – ooohh nice save by Gallagher! He tosses it to Potter and they are off!"
Sirius held his breath as the Gryffindor trio barreled down the field, the ball ping ponging between them. Another Bludger was hit towards James, but he managed a throw right as he did a roll in midair to get out of the way.
"Potter scores Gyrffindor's second goal!"
This time Sirius stayed seated, but he clapped loudly. Beside him, Keenan clapped enthusiastically. McGonagall turned back to Slughorn. "Getting worried, Horace?"
"Do the Professors bet on the games?" Sirius whispered to Keenan.
Keenan laughed. "That would be most unprofessional of us, Mr. Black." Keenan focused back on the game still smiling.
"Master has the Quaffle and he throws it to Lestrange – and wow great defense work by the Gryffindor Beaters Clarke and Hayes-and the Quaffle falls right back into Grays's hands – and Gray looks clear to make it to – a beautiful assist by Gray as Potter scores again."
The crowd cheered wildly drowning out any negative reaction from the Slytherin side. Sirius frowned watching as Gray massaged his shoulder where the Bludger had clipped him. Gray was hurting enough that he urged Robert and James to stay forward. After taking a few minutes to catch his breath, Gray jumped back into the fray.
Sirius looked around and spotted his brother hanging closely to Green. The Snitch had yet to be sighted by the Seekers. It was Regulus's go-to strategy; stay close to the other teams Seeker. Green and Regulus were well matched. While he was the better overall flyer and on a faster broom, Green was lighter and better at diving.
The Gryffindors early lead slowly eroded over the next quarter of the game. The Quaffle constantly changed hands that it was hard for the announcer to keep up. The Slytherin Beaters kept trying to block James – and while Gray was eventually able to score – Sirius knew many of their plays involved all three Chasers. Slytherin scored their second goal after a Bludger hit Gallagher directly in the stomach.
"Green is on the move! Has she spotted the Snitch?!"
While all eyes were suddenly on the Seekers, the Gryffindors launched another of their plays. The Slytherin Beater and Chaser that were boxing in James looked up at the Seeker, and James used that very moment to drop down, and he was on the other side of the pitch before the other team and the crowd watching knew anything interesting was happening. As practiced, the Gryffindor Beaters immediately sent Bludgers towards McCaul and Jefferson. While trying to avoid the Bludger, Jefferson accidently dropped the Quaffle right into Gray's hands and he in turn dropped it below to James-
"Merlin's beard- Potter out of nowhere has taken possession of the Quaffle and there's no stopping him – lovely dive there, and Potter scores – making it look all too easy. Meanwhile the Snitch has been lost…"
Lestrange was livid as he shouted at his teammates. James did a lap around the pitch and Sirius was almost positive that he saw James give Green a thumbs up. It appeared Green had feigned seeing the Snitch as a distraction.
The Gryffindors were able to keep two goals ahead of the Slytherins, but it was not a large lead. The team that caught the Snitch would win the match. Sirius watched eagerly as Gallagher made some sort of gesture. So far, all the plays by the Gryffindors had exciting results, and by McGonagall's comments she was most impressed by the Gryffindors' level of play. The Chasers immediately flew into a tight formation. It was clear it would be much harder for the opposing Beaters or Chasers to separate one of them to keep them from participating fully in the game. Hayes stayed close by while Clarke, the other Beater, stayed back with Gallagher.
Suddenly Sirius saw his brother lean forward ("Has the Snitch finally been spotted?" queried Goldman) and he was diving downward. Green was close, but on a slower broom it was impossible for her to catch up. Almost copying the Gryffindor's earlier play, McCaul & Jefferson both lobbed Bludgers directly at James, Gray, and Robert. While Hayes was able to hit one of them out of harm's way the other clipped the end of James's broomstick causing him to spin out of control and straight into Regulus Black. Regulus and James were barely able to stay on their broomsticks and managed to straighten up just before hitting the ground – still clutching each other. Regulus pushed away from James as they glared at each other.
There was an explosive uproar in the crowd.
"Foul! Foul!" Lestrange was shouting. Jefferson was near Robert and pushed into him aggressively.
"That can't be a foul!" Sirius complained. "It was clearly an accident."
"A lucky accident for Gryffindor," Keenan said softly.
"An accident that could have seriously injured Potter and Black. Both Captains should be relieved they are unharmed," McGonagall advised, standing up ready to intervene as Gallagher and Lestrange continued to argue.
Madam Hooch used her wand to let a series of bangs and she forcefully separated the quarrelling Captains. They each flew back to their respective sides, and she ruled the incident an accident. However, she did give Slytherin back possession of the Quaffle, and it ended in Lestrange scoring as Gallagher's fingers just grazed the high thrown ball. Sirius groaned wishing the game wasn't so evenly matched. The Gryffindor Chasers didn't change their strategy of staying in a tight formation and eventually managed another goal (Robert's second) within the next five minutes.
"The Snitch has been spotted again – this time by Green."
She looked like a bullet, staying low on her broom, flying so close to the lowest row of students that they all cowed down as she passed them. Regulus was on her tail, gaining and gaining. The Gryffindors were on their feet cheering her on, and Sirius watched, holding his breath.
"Green swerves as a Bludger almost hits her and she continues on – the Snitch still in sight! Black is almost within reach as well – ooh a close call there again with the Bludger. Beaters have to be mindful not to take out their own Seeker."
Regulus was almost neck and neck with Green when she suddenly dived and then swung back up and –
"Green has caught the Snitch! Gryffindor wins The Cup!"
The roar from the crowd was deafening as the Gryffindor gathered together in the air, James was pumping his fist and Gallagher threw his arms around Green, who was still clutching the Snitch. The team came together in a many armed hug as they sank to the ground.
The pitch was overcome as the crowds of Gryffindor supporters ran onto the grass.
"Can I go down, Professor?" Sirius asked McGonagall hopefully. She waved him down beaming by the Gryffindor victory. Professor Slughorn looked rather put out by the outcome.
"Tell Mr. Potter, well done," Keenan called after Sirius as he raced down the stairs. He found a beaming Remus at the edge of the crowd. Peter was pushing his way through the crowd to get to the center toward James. Somewhere the Quidditch Trophy appeared and Gallagher hoisted it up in the air as the crowd chanted Gryffindor. Fellow students ran by whooping in celebration and patting Sirius and Remus on the back as they passed.
Sirius turned around to see the Slytherin team huddled at the edge of the pitch. His brother stood slightly apart from everyone. His teammates watched the celebration sullenly. His brother looked dirty and exhausted. This was the bitter defeat to deal with. Regulus turned his back on the festivities and the Slytherins slunk back to the changing rooms.
"So how was it sitting through the game with the staff?"
"Lovely. I'm thinking of requesting next year to do the same." He couldn't help smiling; the cheerfulness from the crowd was contagious.
Remus was staring at the sea of students before them with a slight grimace. "Should we walk back to the Tower? It will be easier to catch James there…and Peter."
Sirius nodded, he wasn't eager to push his way through the mob. "Hope you are feeling up to a night of celebration." It was a way of asking Remus how he was feeling with the full moon so close.
"I'll survive," Remus answered.
Knowing Remus wasn't always truthful with how terrible he felt, Sirius took a moment to asses the health of his friend. There was the usual paleness and tiredness…and the excitement of the game would have taken a toll. "If you need to take a nap, I can take care of the charms so the noise of the party doesn't disturb you."
Remus gave him a look.
"What?"
"I know how far I can push myself."
"Ok," Sirius replied not worried by Remus's shortness. Remus was always moodier a few days before the full moon.
"Sorry," Remus replied quickly. "I do appreciate the concern. I want to enjoy tonight and forget about the moon." He said the last two words of the sentence very quietly so no one around them could hear.
"We all deserve a break tonight."
"Do you mind if we stop in the Kitchens? I want to put in an order of food for the party."
As prefect Remus was allowed to order from a select menu of snacks for after Quidditch celebrations. By making the celebrations appear sanctioned by the school, the Professors hoped it would deter students from partying wildly and drinking underage. The Gryffindor Prefects were usually successful in keeping them inline. Every Gryffindor knew that Professor McGonagall was serious about taking away the party privilege if it got out of hand, and no one wanted to be blamed.
"Only if I get a say in the snacks," Sirius said.
Remus rolled his eyes. "You can choose one of the snacks."
"Deal."
As two boys bypassed the still loud and jubilant crowd, a quiet camaraderie settled between them. Sirius glanced back fondly at the reveling students. With the war escalating outside, they all needed something to celebrate, even if it was only a school Quidditch match.
Author's note: Thanks for reading and let me know what you think. We get a little insight in how Remus is feeling about Snape in the beginning of the chapter. A small Lily & James moment. And finally, the Quidditch final, which was not easy to write.