Chapter 19
The next morning we piled on the train as Mrs Potter and Mrs Weasley waved us off, making our way to an empty carriage. The morning at the Potters was an awkward one too say the least. Scorpius had made his way to Albus' room not long after I'd left, leaving Rose and me to get some sleep. I'd spent the night tossing and turning over the day's events. My heart felt more stable than it had in weeks now that I had righted things properly with Albus. His honesty and understanding had been a refreshing change compared to the past few weeks of complete uncertainty. I suddenly felt at ease again, knowing I had my best friend by my side, but all I could worry about was my situation with James. In spite of everything, I had turned my back on him and this time I wasn't so sure he would forgive me so easily.
We made our way into an empty carriage, Lily rushing off to find her friends leaving the rest of us standing there awkwardly. I had barely even looked at James all morning, let alone spoken to him and I knew he was picking up on it. Despite Al basically giving me his blessing and Rose and Scorpius reassuring me that I shouldn't give up, I was still beside myself with doubt at what the future held for us.
"I should probably go and find Fred, got rounds soon anyway," James said after a moment.
"You could stay," Al offered. He glanced sideways at me and smiled broadly like he was suddenly trying to be my wingman or something. I glared at him, hoping he had suddenly become an expert at Legilimens and would shut up immediately. But no, this was Al we were talking about and he was an expert at putting his foot in it. "If you want to I mean," I saw James glance towards me and then back to Al, he gave his brother a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Maybe not today, I've actually got quite a bit to do. Catch up with you guys later," He replied, leaving the carriage and walking off up the train.
"What the hell," Al said in disbelief, turning to face me. "We did not go through all of this for you to suddenly not be interested in him," He said grabbing my shoulders forcing me to look at him. I rolled my eyes and shook my head, pulling myself out of his grasp and throwing myself into an empty seat.
"Drop it Al," I sighed.
"No, I won't drop it," I gave Rose a sideways look but she merely shrugged.
"I happen to be with my cousin on this one Han," She said pulling a book out of her bag. I glared at her and turned to Scorpius who was nodding in agreement, bloody couples.
"We didn't speak for nearly three months over you and James and now you get what…cold feet," He said staring at me in disbelief. I glared at him trying desperately to bite my tongue.
"Look Al," I started, "I am beyond happy that we have finally sorted our shit out and are now back to being friends again but a lot has changed-
"That's bullshit and you know it," He interrupted. I gave him another death glare but continued.
"It's not bullshit Al," I sighed, "I'm glad that we're friends and I understand that you want me to be happy but if I'm going to be honest, you doing a whole 360 on the me and James thing is creeping me out," He frowned and sat down opposite me. "I understand you're trying to be supportive but it's just so sudden and I don't know how comfortable I am about it."
"I just want you to be happy Hannah, I think I owe you that," He explained.
"I know you want me to be happy and you don't owe me anything," I smiled, "I just think that this is something I'm probably going to have to sort out myself," I finished. He considered me for a moment before his face broke out into a wide smile.
"Okay then," He bounded over to my seat, lying down with his head in my lap, "Test me on Potions please. I haven't really been revising too much over holidays."
"Al we have the test tomorrow," I scorned, grabbing his notes and hitting him with them on the forehead.
"I know, I know, I know," He laughed, batting me away. "Please help me," He said sticking his bottom lip out and giving me puppy dog eyes. I tutted but obliged anyway, happy to be off the subject of me and James.
"You give in too easily," Rose said smiling over at us. I stuck my tongue out at her and looked down at the notes.
"It's because she loves me," Al said with a wink.
"I will hit you on the head again," I threatened. He winked at me again and started recalling the potion on the cue card.
"Can someone please explain to me why the fuck we have a training session on the first day back at nine o'clock in the bloody evening?" I heard Fred moan as he entered the changing room.
"I think she's finally lost it," Lily joked, coming in behind him. I walked out from the office and they all shut up abruptly.
"We are having a training session on the first day back because under no circumstances are we losing the fucking match next Saturday," I said standing in front of my team.
"Hear, hear," Danny called, beaming at me from the other side.
"It's so late though," Fred moaned.
"I thought you wanted to win the cup this year Weasley," Darcy piped up taking us all by surprise.
"Well yes-
"So shut the hell up then," She spat. All of us looked between the two of them before laughter broke out across the changing room.
"What did I miss?" James Potter asked as he came strolling into the tent.
"Fred got his ass handed to him by a second year," Lily said between fits of laughter.
"You would've known that if you were on time," I said sternly, feigning confidence and glaring at him. Everyone stopped laughing and looked between the two of us.
"Not again," I heard Roxy mumble under her breath. I choose to ignore her, instead not breaking my gaze with James who was looking extremely conflicted standing in the doorway.
"Sorry, I had head duties," He explained sitting in his usual spot.
"I thought you gave up Captaincy as to not have conflict between the two," I knew I was being harsh but I wanted to win so badly next week that I knew I had to set an example.
"I'm sorry, it won't happen again," Was all he responded, looking at me with sad eyes.
"No, it won't. You were ten minutes late so ten laps around the field," I looked at my watch and tried to ignore the shock of the rest of the team.
"We want to win the cup don't we," I said looking at all of them. They all nodded, "Okay then, no more fucking around. This is going to be the most intense Quidditch week of your life, I don't want people messing around or being late. We're in this to win, do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Capt," Fred said standing up and saluting.
"Great, then you can join Potter with his laps, everyone else on the field." Fred groaned but I heard him chuckle as well. I grabbed my broom and lead my team out for our first practice of the week.
"You look shattered," Al said as I threw myself down on the sofa on Wednesday evening. It had been the only night I hadn't been able to book the Quidditch pitch and whilst I had been annoyed at the time, I was probably more thankful than anyone else on the team for the break.
"Everyone hates me," I moaned putting my hand to my head and closing my eyes, trying to keep a banging headache at bay.
"I don't hate you," Al said cheerfully. I shot him a look, "Okay not anymore. Why does everyone hate you?" He said changing the subject.
"I'm like the bloody dragon lady. Winning has gone to my head." I grimaced remembering the evening before where I had had a full on screaming fit in the middle of the Quidditch pitch about a poor pass that wasn't really anyone's fault, but I lost my shit, pissed everyone off and made an utter tit out of myself.
"Just think how happy everyone will be when you guys win on Saturday," Kate said from the other side of Al.
"I suppose," I agreed not really believing it. "Have you guys managed to sort everything out now?" I asked them both changing the subject. They had broken up at some point during mine and Al's fall out, Kate telling Al that he needed some much-needed space to sort through everything. Thankfully Al had had a brainwave over the holidays and realised just how much she meant to him and so found her the first night back, neither of them leaving each-others side since then. I was happy for Al and thankful for Kate being there to boss Al around again.
"We're just seeing how it goes at the moment," Kate told me with a smile, I glanced at Al who gave me a mischievous wink in reply. "I best head to the library, I have so much revising to do. How did you guys cope with OWLs last year, I swear I'm just about ready to pack it in now," She said standing up.
"Honestly, I think it's one of those things that was so bloody awful your brain blocks it out," Al said grabbing her hand and rubbing it gently. "Like childbirth or something." She smiled at him and leaned down to kiss his cheek softly.
"See you later Hannah," She said with a smile walking out the portrait hole.
"I'm glad she's back," I said, watching Al look after her with a dopey smile on his face.
"Me too," He smiled; he kicked his shoes off and threw his legs across the seat and onto my lap. "She told me she knew about you and James by the way."
"I was shocked when she mentioned it at New Year," I sighed, "Honestly it felt like the whole party knew."
"Apart from me," Al said with a smirk. I smacked his leg and threw him a dirty look. "I'm joking, I'm joking." He chuckled. "Have you spoken to him?"
"Kind of," I said biting my lip.
"Shouting at him during practice doesn't count," Al smirked. I rolled my eyes and grabbed a book out of my bag.
"We're both busy at the moment," I explained.
"Did you hear he got an apprenticeship in Egypt?" Al asked, his forehead creasing to a frown. My head shot up and I found myself gapping at the younger Potter. "I take that as a no, he goes the day after graduation," That was only two months away, I felt my heart sink. I thought, for some unknown reason, that I had all the time in the world to sort things out between us but in reality, he was leaving Hogwarts this year and now he was moving country. I could feel him slipping away from me day by day and I was letting it happen. "Hannah, are you okay?" Al asked, concern written across his face.
"I think I need some air," I said suddenly standing up, Al scrambled to move his legs.
"Hannah?"
"I'm okay, just not feeling great. I'll catch up with you at dinner," I said giving him a fake smile and walking out of the common room, trying desperately to ignore Al calling after me. I wasn't really sure where I was heading but I knew I needed to be alone. I found an empty classroom on the fourth floor and hastily threw myself into a seat taking a few steady breaths to calm my heart that was threatening to burst from my chest.
The whole year had gone by me at an alarming rate and whilst two months sounded like a long time, I knew that between his exams and my coursework it would be no time at all. I was beyond terrified to think that I had let the love of my life slip by and I'd just stood there and watched it happen. I steadied my breathing and tried to make sense of everything in my head. I wanted to fight for us, I knew that now but I couldn't ignore the fact that I might be too late. I was also annoyed at James for not telling me that he was applying for jobs in Egypt or letting me know that he had got it, leaving it down to Albus to break the news. I knew I had to get a grip and so pulled myself out of the chair, sorted myself out and made to leave the classroom, pausing when I heard voices outside. I stood frozen to the spot as I saw James Potter enter the room, his arm wrapped around a sixth year Ravenclaw. He was too busy talking to the blushing girl to notice my dumb ass standing in the middle of the classroom.
"Oops, looks like this room is already taken Jamie," The girl, Poppy I think her name was, giggled as she spotted me. I could've thrown up there and then; Jamie, bloody disgusting.
"What do you- oh," James' eyes locked onto mine, the shock evident in his face.
"Hi," I sputtered. I could've smacked myself on the head for how stupid I sounded. Why did I have to say anything? I knew I should probably be running for the hills and crying my eyes out by now but also I knew that if I left they would be alone to do whatever they were going to do in the first place. That's when it sunk in; he was with a girl, someone who wasn't me.
"Let's find somewhere else," Poppy insisted, ignoring me and trying to pull James out of the room. He didn't move, instead staring at me with the same surprised expression.
"What are you doing here?" He asked sternly.
"I could ask you the same question," I replied, more confidently than I felt.
"I don't think that's any of your business," Poppy answered for him, turning to face me her hands on her hips.
"I'm not really feeling it now Poppy, I'll catch up with you later," James said to her, his eyes not leaving mine. I saw Poppy frown before throwing her brown hair over her shoulder and storming out of the room, slamming the door behind her. After months of avoiding each other, we were finally alone and Merlin I desperately wished I could be anywhere else.
"Are we seeing other people now?" I asked scathingly, feeling my anger bubbling under the surface.
"Well we aren't seeing each other," He replied. In my head, I knew he made complete sense but my heart couldn't help but break slightly at his words.
"Is she your girlfriend?" I asked, not really wanting to know the answer.
He shrugged and sat down on the edge of one of the desks. The idea of James being with someone else made me want to punch him and throw up all at the same time. I frowned and pulled my eyes away from him to the floor. I didn't want him to see how upset the two of them had made me, but I was fooling myself to think that he didn't already know.
"You're going to Egypt," I stated, deciding it was probably best to change the subject before my emotions got away with me.
"Yes."
"When were you going to tell me?"
"Why would I need to tell you?" He said looking at me with a strange expression on his face. I knew he was being awkward because of everything I had done but I was too tired and too heartbroken to keep my anger at bay.
"BECAUSE YOU ARE MEANT TO LOVE ME," I shouted, finally allowing the tears to fall down my face. He was quiet for a moment, studying me as though he'd never seen me before. I could feel my heart beating widely in my ears.
"You were meant to love me," He replied softly, his voice cracking slightly, his façade slipping.
"I do love you," I couldn't understand why I was putting my heart so on the line but the words were out of my mouth before I could even think about it.
"You chose Al," He replied.
"It's not that simple," I said, calming down slightly and wiping my tears away with my sleeve.
"OF COURSE IT IS," He yelled standing up and coming over to me, his anger getting the better of him. "I LOVE YOU, YOU LOVE ME. WHAT ISN'T FUCKING SIMPLE ABOUT THAT?" He stood in front of me, breathing heavily, his face screwed up in pain and tears filling his eyes. He looked so breathtakingly beautiful it made me want to cry even more than I already was.
"You know it's not that simple otherwise you wouldn't be bringing girls into empty classrooms," I yelled back at him, my temper getting away with me once again.
"Why does it matter what I do now?" He growled.
"Because…" I sighed, staring into his brown eyes and feeling myself slowly letting my barriers fall.
"Because of what Hannah," He said moving closer to me and staring at me with so much intensity I felt like my knees would give way.
"It's such a mess," I whispered, lowering my head and letting a sob escape my lips. I felt him move closer to me, feeling him place his hand softly on my chin and lifting my head slowly. I closed my eyes tightly feeling his breath on my lips. "James," I said softly.
"Open your eyes Hannah," He whispered. I opened them and saw his shining brown eyes staring down at me with so much passion. "Why didn't you fight for us?" He asked painfully.
"I had no fight left," I whispered. He sighed and placed his forehead on mine, dropping his hand from my face. "And now we're out of time," I finished. He nodded at my words and stepped away from me turning around so I couldn't see his face.
"I didn't mean for you to see me with someone else, it was selfish and just really shit of me so I apologise," He said turning around and putting his mask back on. I could only trust myself to nod in understanding. "I guess I'll see you at dinner or practice tomorrow," He said moving to the door.
"James," I called as he left. He stopped in his tracks and I took a deep breath, "I don't want this to be over," I said sadly. He considered me for a moment before sighing.
"Then don't stop fighting," He left the room leaving me standing there feeling more confused than I was when I entered.
I could feel my heart banging in my chest as I walked down to breakfast the morning of our last game. Every Gryffindor that saw me cheered and came over to wish me good luck, only adding to the permanent state of nausea I had felt all week. After the encounter with James on Wednesday, I threw myself even more into planning for the game, working the team harder than ever in our last two training sessions, even going as far as to not speaking to Scorpius and even Rose all week. I wouldn't allow myself any distractions, I needed to win the game, and I needed to win the Quidditch cup.
As it stood we were second with Ravenclaw out in front with a bigger winning margin. They had played all of their matches before the Holidays and everyone was waiting on the game today to decide who would win. We needed to beat Slytherin with a 200 point lead meaning we needed to be at least 50 points ahead before Lily could catch the snitch, a tall order by any means. Losing didn't even bare thinking about.
I walked into the great hall hearing sneers from the Slytherins and Ravenclaws and a deafening cheer coming from the Gryffindor's; I could've thrown up there and then. I took a deep breath and walked down to my team who were sitting in silence, all of them staring into space looking about as pale as I probably did. I sat down in between Fred and Danny, grabbing a cup of coffee and taking a big gulp, trying my best to concentrate on the hot liquid burning my throat over the noise of the students around me.
I knew I should be rallying the troops but anything motivational that came to mind was lost in my throat. James came in not long after me and looked as worried as everyone else. He looked at Fred who moved across to allow him to sit next to me. I was too worried about the match to even be anxious about James Potter sitting next to me. It was only when I felt a soft hand wrap around mine under the table did my heart pick up the pace. I glanced at James and he gave me the warmest smile, squeezing my hand tightly. It was all I needed to put my worry at bay; I returned a small smile and slammed my hands down on the table making everyone jump.
"You've got ten minutes. Have some food or I'm cutting you and get your butts down to the field. I don't want to see anything other than smiling when you enter that tent, understand?" Everyone looked at me in surprise but nodded in response. I grabbed a piece of toast and banana and made my way down to the field. The Gryffindor's cheering as I went by, I faked my confidence and gave them all a smile before rushing out the door.
There were only ten minutes left until the match began. The team was already in the changing room, not really talking, everyone focusing on the task ahead. I took a deep breath before closing my book of notes for the last time that year and walking out of the office. Everyone looked up at me when I entered and I tried to offer them a smile of confidence knowing that it didn't quite reach my eyes.
"Okay," I started, standing in front of them. "This is it. For some of you it's your last ever match at Hogwarts," I looked at the four seventh years, "For some of you it's your first year of Quidditch," I looked at Lily and Darcy who both still looked a bit pale, "I have had the best year ever with you lot," I said, smiling genuinely for the first time that week, "And win or lose, you are my team and you have fucking smashed it and I am so proud of you all,"
"Hear, hear," Lily agreed. I could see everyone relaxing slightly, even seeing a few smiles.
"You know what needs to be done," Everyone nodded, determination written across their faces. "Let's smash these slimy gits and get ourselves a fucking trophy," I said grinning madly. Everyone cheered and stood up grabbing their brooms and heading out of the door. I followed suit before feeling James hand clasp round mine once more and saw him smiling down at me.
"You're wonderful," He smiled, looking at me with so much intensity I felt myself blush, "I'm so proud of you," He said leaning down to kiss me softly on the cheek. I blushed again and heard him chuckle as he followed the rest of the team out of the tent. I grinned stupidly and followed behind walking across the field as the rest of the team took to the air. The noise from the crowd was deafening as I walked over to Madam Hooch and Scorpius who were in the middle of the field.
"Okay," Hooch shouted over the noise, "I want a nice clean game please; any issues will be dealt with promptly. I don't want anyone to be hurled off in a stretcher so no dirty tactics." We both nodded. "Captain's shake hands please," I looked to Scorpius and smiled at my friend who was smiling back at me.
"Good Luck Hannah," He grinned.
"And you Scorp," I said genuinely. Who would have thought two captains getting on as well as we did? We mounted our brooms and took to the air waiting for the whistle.
"Madam Hooch releases the bludgers and the snitch," Lysander's voice rang across the stadium. "She releases the Quaffle and they're off."
We were losing, badly. I tried not to let myself get disheartened as Slytherin scored another goal but it was inevitable. It was 80-40 and the game had only been going on for ten minutes. I was busting a gut hitting bludgers at the players, feeling as though it wasn't helping at all. Lily had been a star keeping an eye on the snitch, signaling a number of times when Danny and I needed to hit a bludger towards Scorpius, Slytherin seeker, to veer him off course. It was about the only thing that was going right.
"Weasley coming up on goal now, she passes it to her brother who swerves the rogue bludger nicely dropping the Quaffle down to Darcy Frank who SCORES! 80-50." The Gryffindor end erupted into cheers. I raced across the field hitting the bludger as hard as I could towards an opposing chaser, getting them to drop the Quaffle and for us to gain possession once again. I saw Danny manage to steer Scorpius off course with a powerful hit, which was really close to knocking him off his broom entirely. It was horrible to watch but we needed to score at least 8 goals, without letting in anymore, to win the cup. I knew we needed a change of tactic as Roxy went and scored another two, Fred managing to score seconds later bringing the score level once again. 50 more points and Lily could catch the snitch and end the game.
"Nott passes it to Burgess who rushes towards Potter in goal. She shoots but her shot is easily intercepted by Roxy Weasley who lobes it to Darcy Frank at the other end of the field, Marshall's bludger knocking Smithers out of the way leaving Frank with an open shot at goal. 90-80; Gryffindor lead for the first time this game," Forty more points.
I raced across to Danny, blocking a bludger that was about to hit Roxy.
"Danny, you go and help James. Stop them getting goals at whatever cost, I defend the Chasers and Lily when the time comes," I yelled. He nodded and flew off to the other end just at Slytherin scored again; fifty more points.
"HANNAH," Lily screamed pointing in the direction of Scorpius who was in hot pursuit of the snitch, he was too darn good that boy. I scanned the area for a bludger to hit at him but I was coming up empty. I saw him lifting his hand out as Fred managed to get another past their Keeper. Forty more points, we were too close to give up now.
"Catch the fucking snitch as soon as the last goal goes in," I screamed at Lily who nodded. I looked at Scorpius and before I could change my mind, I flew as fast as I could straight at him. The impact was awful; I heard my arm break before the searing pain burned through me. Roxy managed to score another goal just as Madam Hooch was blowing her whistle. Thirty more points. We fell to the ground as play was halted, Scorpius landing awkwardly on top of me as I screamed in agony.
"Fucking hell Hannah have you lost your dam mind," Scorpius yelled at me. I opened my eyes and saw him looking somewhat annoyed but mainly worriedly at me.
"Miss Marshall what are you thinking flying into another player like that," Madam Hooch shouted.
"Sorry," I winced, pulling myself up and trying to ignore the pain in my arm. "I lost control of my broom." I looked at them both, neither of them believing me but neither of them disputing it.
"Penalty for Slytherin, Marshall give me your arm," I held it out and Madam Hooch looked at it closely. She uttered an incantation which numbed the pain and allowed me to move my fingers again. "That will do for now, are you okay to continue?" I nodded and took to the air. "Yellow card for Marshall," She yelled there were a few boos as we all flew to the goal posts ready for the penalty. I managed to break my batting arm meaning I was now going to be batting with the wrong hand; I prayed this game would finish soon.
"Nott steps up to take the penalty, remember if this goes in it is fifty points to Slytherin," I could barely watch as he threw the ball through the air before James smacked it away and into the arms of Fred Weasley who took off to the other end of the pitch. I could've kissed him there and then for saving our arses. "Weasley picks up the ball from Potter and is followed closely by Danny Frank who bats away danger leaving Weasley to SCORE! 120-90," Twenty points.
"Nott intercepts a nice throw from Weasley who is in hot pursuit, flanked by his sister. Nott passes to Burgess who has a feeble attempt at goal that Potter scoops up easily, throwing it back out to Frank who shoots from close range. 130-90," Lysander called, I could barely hear him over the noise of the Gryffindor's cheering madly.
Ten points, one goal this was it. I smacked the rogue bludger towards their group of chasers who dispersed leaving Danny to aim one at Nott who dropped the Quaffle into the arms of Darcy who took a wild shot at goal from the halfway line. It flew through the air in slow motion slipping past the keeper's fingers and through the hoop.
"LILY NOW," I screamed, hurling myself at her side and following her every move as she scouted for the snitch. "CHASERS BLOCK THE GOALS, DANNY GET TO JAMES AND HIT TOWARDS ANYTHING GREEN," I barked at my team. I scanned the area spotting a bludger heading our way and praying my left-hand practise was going to pay off. I took a swing and although it wasn't my best hit the bludger flew towards Burgess who dropped the Quaffle leaving it in open play for Darcy to scoop up. I saw Lily lean further down her broom as she zeroed in on the golden ball the other side of the pitch. Scorpius was hot on our heels and I zeroed back around leaving Lily to fly freely towards her target. I saw her reach out her hand, barely spotting the bludger heading her way. I flew faster than I ever had, hitting the bludger with the tip of my bat sending it in the other direction just as Lily closed her hand around the fluttering golden ball.
"POTTER HAS CAUGHT THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WIN QUIDDITCH CUP," I whipped my head around and saw Lily hovering in front of me, beaming madly holding out the snitch as if I needed the proof. I felt my eyes widen in shock before we were encased in our team wrapping their arms around us, cheering and yelling madly. We had won the Quidditch Cup.
"You're free to go and celebrate Miss Marshall," Healer Thompson said coming out of her office. Madam Hooch had ushered me straight up to the hospital wing as soon as the final whistle rang out, completely ignoring my complaints at wanting to get the cup and be with the team, saying I should've thought about that before flying at Scorpius. I told her it was completely worth it, which thankfully made her laugh. I practically ran up to the castle, still in kit, hoping Healer Thompson wouldn't take too long to fix my arm. She gave me two potions telling me to rest for an hour before finally allowing me to go. I ran through the corridor, barely containing myself with excitement as I skidded down the corridor running up to the Fat Lady.
"Fizzing Wizzbies," I said breathlessly, she beamed at me.
"Congratulations dear," She said swinging open. The noise was immense; all I could see was a mass of red and gold. I smiled madly, feeling happier than I had in ages. I took a step in and was immediately encompassed in hugs and cheers. I somehow made my way to what seemed like a makeshift stage, the rest of the team throwing their arms around me when they saw me.
"Finally," Fred yelled over the noise, "We didn't want to do the trophy without you Capt," He said throwing his arms around me.
"I mean I don't think any old captain would literally fly into the other Seeker to stop them from winning, only an absolute barmy one," Danny said laughing. I threw my arms around his neck and let him spin me around.
"Where's this trophy then?" I asked my teammates looking around, before noticing James Potter walking towards me, trophy in hand, beaming from ear to ear.
"Captain," He said pushing the cup towards me, the crowd were cheering widely as I grasped the handles and lifted it over my head, Fred and Danny picking me up on their shoulders and the rest of the team and the common room cheering madly. This was the second time I had won the cup but this meant so much more than the first. After everything that had happened this year, I needed this for myself. I had put everything into getting to this moment and I couldn't believe I had actually done it. I was hastily put down as a team photo was taken, James throwing his arm around my shoulder and the team crowding around us laughing and cheering. I couldn't wait until that picture was on my wall. Eventually, someone started playing some music and Butterbeer and Firewhiskey was being handed out. I was reliving the match with Lily and Darcy when I was wrapped in a massive hug by two pairs of arms.
"We knew you could do it," Rose squealed pulling back and kissing me on the check. "I'm so proud of you Hannah," She beamed. Al grabbed me by the waist picking me up and spinning me round wildly laughing madly.
"You're fucking fantastic Hannah Marshall," He laughed, putting me down and kissing me on the other cheek. He handed me a Firewhiskey and joined in our conversation about the match.
"Sorry I flew into Scorp, Rose," I said cringing slightly. She laughed and shook her head.
"Are you kidding? It was bloody amazing, he was fine anyway, a bit of a bruised ego though," She laughed.
"You're mad," Al said wrapping an arm around my shoulders again.
"I honestly would've died before losing that game," I replied.
"Oh I don't doubt it," He laughed, "You are still a maniac though," I tapped him on the arm playfully.
"I'm glad you two are back to normal," Lily said looking at us fondly, "Have you sorted things out with James?" At the mention of his name, I glanced across the room and saw the boy I loved talking happily with his friend, smiling more honestly than I had seen in weeks.
"Not yet," I said finishing my drink only for it to be replaced with another straight away.
"I thought you two were going to kiss on the stage when he gave you the trophy," Rose said absentmindedly.
"You so should've done that," Lily agreed.
"Done what," James Potter asked sitting down with us. I choked on my drink glaring at Rose and Lily who were in fits of giggles.
"Rose said that Hannah should've kissed you when you gave her the cup," Al said smirking at me. I could've died on the spot.
"Can we drop it please, I'm in a good mood and I don't want it ruined by stupid remarks," I glowered at them, blushing slightly and offering James a half smile.
"Hannah's right, probably wouldn't have been the best idea," James agreed sternly. I felt my face fall slightly and frowned at him. He pulled his eyes away from mine and distracted himself with his drink. I could feel the others staring at us and so decided not to say anything.
"I swear I could bang your heads together," Lily said standing up, "I need a bloody drink,"
"I'll join you," James said following his sister. I watched them leave the table before shaking my head and turning to my friends.
"Why did you have to put your foot in it Al? I specifically asked you not to," I moaned seeing the smirk that still hadn't vanished from his face.
"I like winding you up," He said putting his hands up in surrender. I looked to Rose who laughed but shook her head all the same.
"You need to sort it out Hannah," She offered, "If you aren't going to be with him then you need to get some closure before you go stir crazy," I sighed but understood what she was saying. I hadn't allowed myself to think about my argument with James on Wednesday, the distraction of the match keeping my mind away from it. We were slowly running out of time and I still had no idea what to do. I loved him so much and he told me he felt the same but yet he was bringing girls into empty classrooms to do Merlin knows what. I knew I had hurt him by not fighting for us but here he was giving up on us as well. I was so confused and conflicted and my buzz from winning the match was slowly disappearing.
"I don't want to think about this right now, I need to get a drink and to enjoy the celebrations," I said to my friends standing up. "I'll catch up with you guys later."
As the hours passed by I felt myself becoming more and more intoxicated. My hand was never empty as Gryffindor's kept handing me drinks, pulling me over to talk to them and giving me their own rundown of the winning match. I felt myself relax more as the evening went on, my confidence level growing and suddenly feeling the need to dance like I never had before. I found Danny sitting in the corner and pulled him into the circle to dance with me. He was pretty drunk himself and we laughed together as we moved to the music.
"As if you flew straight into Malfoy," He laughed in my ear. "You're mad do you know that," He said his hands wrapped around my waist. We were surrounded by bodies of people dancing with us.
"I needed to stop him, I had no choice," I laughed looking up at my friend. "How are things with Hugo?" I asked quietly seeing him blush slightly.
"It's going really well actually," I saw him look over to Hugo who was watching Danny with a fond smile on his face. He blushed in embarrassment when he saw us looking at him. Danny laughed softly.
"I'm glad you guys are sorted now," I smiled as Danny spun me around. "Do you think we would've got together if you were straight?" I slurred, "I mean there is no denying you are a hot piece of ass Mr Frank," Danny laughed madly and I felt myself go red as my mouth ran away from me. "I mean…you know…oh, who cares you're hot," I laughed, falling into Danny who was doubled over from laughing.
"Oh Hannah, you do have a way with words," He gasped, pulling me into him again.
"Don't flatter yourself Frank," I smirked. Danny laughed madly before learning into my ear so I could hear him.
"Hannah Marshall, if I loved women then you would no doubt be my first choice. But-
"There's always a but," I giggled, feigning annoyance and pulling away from him dancing widely once again.
"But, I am afraid I love another and your heart is taken by certain Mr Potter who, can I add, is looking at me like he's going to kill me right now," He said glancing over my shoulder.
"Probably because your hands are on my ass," I giggled. Danny's eyes shot open in horror and I laughed madly once again at his reaction. "Let him look, he can't have it both ways."
"What do you mean?" Danny asked with a frown, spinning me around once again as the music picked up tempo.
"Doesn't want me dancing with guys but still pulls girls into empty classrooms," I said trying to stand still and tumbling slightly to one side. "Merlin I've had too much to drink,"
"Well if he's going to play that game," Danny smirked, his eyes drawn in determination, his game face poised. "Then we should make him really jealous," He said glancing at me with a mischievous look in his eyes. He brought his hands to either side of my face and kissed me briefly on the side of my mouth. I barely had time to react before I felt a strong pair of arms pulling me out of the crowd. I looked to where I'd left Danny standing there with a stupid grin on his face. "You're welcome," He called moving over to Hugo who looked as confused as I was at the situation. I turned around and saw James Potter leading me away from the common room, his face screwed up in anger.
"James let go of me," I said pulling away from him. He dragged me into the heads room, slamming the door behind us and turning to face me, anger radiating from him. "You can't manhandle me you know," I slurred, adjusting my clothes and trying to stand still as to stop the room from spinning.
"What the hell are you playing at?" He spat. I looked at him, suddenly seeing three of him.
"My head," I groaned sitting down on his bed and shutting my eyes tightly.
"I thought there was nothing going on between the two of you, why are you kissing him?" James shouted. I groaned and suddenly felt my stomach lurch.
"He kissed me," I moaned. "James seriously, I don't feel so good." I grabbed my stomach.
"Bullshit, you're just trying to get out of this." He yelled. I stood up and walked over to him, ignoring how dizzy I felt.
"What does it matter if I see other people, we aren't seeing each other?" I yelled, using his words against him. I saw him frown as he understood what I was getting at. "You're ruining my celebration so move out of my way," I said trying to push him away from the door, however, my vision was so bad I missed him completely and ended up in a pile on the floor.
"Ow," I said rubbing my head; I felt my stomach lurch again even worse than last time. "Oh shit," I heaved myself off the floor and ran into his bathroom, barely making it to the toilet in time before throwing up everything I had drank that evening. I heard James follow me in and saw him standing in the doorway looking at me sadly. "Just leave me alone okay," I said feebly.
"Water," He said handing me a bottle. Against my better judgment, I took it from him and downed the lot. "Come on," He said helping me off the floor and moving me to his bed. "Do you want me to go and get your pyjamas?" He asked softly as he helped me take off my Quidditch robes.
"Don't go," I said softly, my vision blurring slightly as I caught sight of his beautiful face walking away from me.
"I'll get you a top to borrow," He moved away from me to his draws as I stood up to take off the rest of my Quidditch kit, my drunken state not caring for my dignity.
"Hannah," James' voice choked from the other side of the room. He was looking down my legs and stomach, his face horrified at what he saw. It took me a minute in my state to realise what he was looking at. I looked down and saw the scars of my attacks from Cressida littered down my legs and my darkened skin across my stomach from where I still hadn't healed fully, even after nearly three months. I frowned and suddenly became very aware of how undressed I was. I stumbled over to him and snatched the top from his hands, pulling it hastily over my head.
"Just don't," I sighed.
"Hannah," he started. I ignored him and got into his bed facing away from him to avoid the pity and guilt I knew I was going to see in his eyes. It's not that I didn't want to talk to him about it; I was just too drunk and too confused about everything to warrant that discussion at that moment. I closed my eyes, exhaustion slowly encompassing me, and felt the bed dip next to me.
"I'm so sorry Hannah," I heard James say.
"James," I breathed as I felt his hand reach across and tuck a loose piece of hair behind my ear. He left his hand there for a moment, caressing the side of my cheek so softly I could've imagined it. I leaned into his touch, needing to feel him more than ever, needing for him to be there with me at that moment.
"Yes Hannah," He replied softly, his hand still holding my face gently. I felt a small smile creep across my face as sleep was enticing me further.
"I love you," I whispered before sinking into the dark abyss, my dreams full of James Potter.
A/N: Thank you for reading once again and sticking with me on this story!
Apologies about the delay with this Chapter but there was a lot of edits to the ending of this story and so had to change a few things here for it to all make sense.
I'm hoping the next Chapter will be with you over the next few days.
Only two more Chapters to go!
Thanks again for all the favorites/follows/reviews it means so much!
Jadeannkneeky
P.S I hope you all enjoy Fantastic Beasts! So excited to go and see it this weekend!