Chapter 20

The highly anticipated match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff was a mere two days away. James had been training his team as hard as ever and they'd shed tears, joy, blood and sweat. One thing that was concerning him was the fact that Sirius and Brittany didn't seem to be on lively terms. Although they tried to hide this, it was no secret that their attitude to each other had changed.

There were fewer arguments exchanged between them, and James supposed that it was better than what had been a few months ago. The other players on the team were equally worried that they would be the reason of the team's downfall. After all, having the two best Chasers of the team constantly at each other's neck wasn't a sedating thought.

But James also had other worries on his mind. Amos Diggory had made it clear as crystal that he was out to kill, and his desired victim was of course, James. The Hufflepuffs seemed to have elected Amos as their leader, and it seemed their only intention was to make life hell for the Gryffindors. Rivalry was almost at breaking point and three Hufflepuffs and a Gryffindor sixth year had already been taken to the Hospital Wing.

Of course, it wasn't uncommon for things such as these to happen between the Houses before a particularly important Quidditch match, but it seemed the Slytherins were finding much pleasure in interrogating the Gryffindors along with the Hufflepuffs. The Ravenclaws tended to watch the sidelines, and some encouraged the fighting while others just jeered mercilessly on the sidelines.

As Captain, James had been hexed no less than thirty-one times, but had luckily managed to escape unscathed in all the situations. He had very narrowly missed a particularly horrid curse sent by Bellatrix Black when he had his back turned in the corridors one day. The Slytherin Seventh Years, comprising of Bellatrix Black, Regulus Black, Crabbe, Goyle, Missy Redding and Severus Snape seemed to come up with endless plots and schemes to ensure that the downfall of Gryffindor was going to happen soon.

In regard to the particularly worrying incident where Snape had tried to murder Lily in order to hurt him, Dumbledore had announced that the rest of the Slytherins had only meant to have a little…dueled with them and means nothing serious. When The Marauders and Lily cornered them and questioned them a little later on, all of them denied any sort of harmful intentions, to which nobody believed but Peter.

Snape had sneered horridly, and his hair was as greasy as ever. James didn't know how, but it seemed that their hate had furthered one notch more. James seemed to feel his malice and loathe even when Severus Snape wasn't anyone around him!

He too, had denied any recollection of murdering Lily, but spoke with a higher voice which was unlike his own, and letting his true intentions slip. Dumbledore, however, seemed very inclined to believe every word that they said, to the perplexity of the Marauders and Lily. Albus Dumbledore was an extremely powerful wizard, and how a bunch of Seventh Year Slytherins could persuade him to believe their corny tale was simply would probably remain a mystery forever.

After the Quidditch match, which Gryffindor had to win, the Hogsmeade weekend closely followed suit, a mere four days after. It was also a crucial event as Dumbledore had predicted that the Death Eaters would strike again. They would need better methods for being prepared this time, as luckily, last time James and Lily had escaped by just a mere scrape.

James, Sirius and Brittany were now walking down to the Grounds just before dinner, James squashed uncomfortably in the middle of the two, as they prepared for their last practice session before the big game.

"So, any new tactics for the game…?" James coughed and tried to make light conversation as he watched his best friend and Brittany Davies stare determinedly at anywhere but each other. They pointedly ignored him and James decided it was useless.

When they reached the pitch, they found the other players all ready to go, their spirits soaring high. One of the beaters was already flying in the air and waving his Beater's bat around wildly. James quickly mounted his broom, as he knew no words needed to be spoken to show their true team spirits.

The wind whistled behind him as he soared higher and higher up in to the air and left solid ground far below. Far below him, he watched as Sirius released the Bludgers who were already zooming around ominously, followed by the Snitch, which was just a mere sparkle from where he was standing, and the crimson Quaffle. The game had already begun, and his eyes were blurred as he followed track.

To his great relief, and he couldn't deny, surprise, it seemed to dawn on Brittany and Sirius that this game meant the world, and would determine the Gryffindor's future…and they were co-operating, not perfectly, but at least passably together. There was no denying that the glares they sent each other were quite threatening, but at least they managed to work together and handled the Quaffle through the hoops without any actual verbal arguments.

After an hour practice, James had caught the Snitch sixteen times, and the Chasers had scored seventy something goals, the Keeper blocking around half of them. Satisfied with the evening's performance, James signaled for his team to call it quits, and they all swept off their brooms, hot, sweaty and uncomfortable, but their spirits were soaring and they all hi-fived each other for their spectacular performances.

James gave a dazzling smile to his team, causing all the female players except Brittany to be a little unsteady on their feet, even when they were so used to seeing it. The scowl that was forever present on Brittany's face slowly turned into a weak smile as she wiped her brow and fanned herself with her hand.

"Great work everybody." She raised a skeptical eyebrow at Sirius, before finally extending her hand. "Truce?" she bit her lip before proclaiming. Sirius stood spellbound for a minute, much to the amusement of James and the other players, but also extended his own hand, which was shaking badly by now. There was disbelief and wonder present in his eyes. James noticed they were a little watery, but decided not to comment as he held back a grin.

They shook hands for a very brief moment now that both were aware the whole team was watching. Brittany had turned a dull shade of crimson, and Sirius was scratching an invisible itch on his neck. Brittany smiled genuinely, and a cloud of mystery covered her eyes before she quickly diverted them and walked up to the Gryffindor Tower with Ama Yaman, the other Chaser on the team.

"Oh stop lusting after her, Padfoot. She's already a mile away, I swear, you haven't blinked since she made the peace offer. We gotta get moving---Transfiguration essay for McGonagall, she'll blow if we don't hand another one in. Charms homework, and then we have to fill in that calendar thing for Astronomy! Oh God, Slughorn also mentioned that our assignments would be due after the Hogsmeade trip. I think I accidentally mistook the essay Evans and I did for wood and burned it!" James muttered furiously to his best friend, who was still looking as if he was in the clouds.

They proceeded slowly to the Library, to find it mostly deserted other than a few stragglers to dinner. After collecting a few pieces of information for their homework and essays, James and Sirius dejectedly stomped down to dinner, realizing how much work they actually had on top of their heads. The mood from a successful practice had mostly worn off.

"Well, now you got your wish. Davies' made a truce…when're you planning to go in for the real move? How about asking her to Hogsmeade?" grunted James.

"Oh, Prongs…you know it's impossible. Going out with that girl is harder than getting blood out of a stone. It's like I'm asking her to commit suicide!"

"Remember back a few years when they were all groveling at our feet? I swear, I don't understand how Evans, Davies and Milton have become the downfall of the Marauders. I mean, Moony's got himself Milton and they're probably going to announce their baby soon. But us! It's pathetic!" Sirius nodded meekly, finding no response for James' little outbreak. It's not as if he wanted to be like this! He thought he would never find love with his reputation and…well, ways. But there you go again, as they say, expect the unexpected.

"You and Evans?" Sirius gestured with his hands, knowing perfectly what the response would be. James had told him about how he had lost his temper and actually kissed her! Knowing Lily, Sirius wasn't surprised that James hadn't met his grave then and there. But Sirius always had a sneaking suspicion that there was something James wasn't telling them. What would've caused such an expected gesture from James?

James grunted as he replaced the book they'd been copying notes from, and made no further explanation, his eyes dark and regretful.

They found the Great Hall, as usual, in a raucous as people tucked into the piles of food. Others were licking their lips, rubbing their stomachs or smacking their lips as they'd already finished. Most, however, looked expectantly in Dumbledore's direction to find him chatting earnestly with Professor Sprout.

James and Sirius squeezed in between Remus and a fourth year girl whose jaw widened so wide that James thought he could stick his fist in it as she realized who had just sat next to her. Sirius felt a strong urge to slap her, or shout when she kept on squirming uncomfortably, her face half pale, half bright magenta.

Both were in extremely irritable moods as the important Game loomed closer and closer. They tucked in to their food half-heartedly, receiving an enquiring glance from Remus who was halfway through his pudding. He. However, decided it was best not to comment on his best friends' behaviours. Remus found it especially out of the ordinary that James did not scan the table first for Lily Evans' flaming red hair and then make some stupid excuse to deny what he did. The scorns and egotistical scowls they usually wore had also mysteriously disappeared.

But then again, everyone was so agitated

Peter didn't seem to notice much difference as he was chomping through a block of cheese, crumbs spraying out everywhere due to his haste. He was becoming much shiftier, and more restless these days. He'd already knocked over his goblet four times, and his fork had clattered twice already. James caught him glancing nervously at the Slytherin table a few times, but Peter merely shook his curious gaze away, and looked sulky as usual.

He was speaking less and less, and even for him, it wasn't something usual. He seemed to be distancing himself from the Marauders many times and it was becoming more and more common for him to not return to the Dormitories for nights at a time. To make things worse for James, Lily now seemed to avoid him wherever and whenever possible. Although she tried to remain emotionless, James could see her nervous and uncomfortable whenever they even passed each other in the corridors amongst a sea of other people.

Silence immediately fell in the Great Hall as Dumbledore gave the slightest cough and raised his hands. It was his indication that he was going to inform them usually, of something grave and important. But he surprised them all by smiling brilliantly and standing up. They were never used to a proper address at a normal dinner.

"I'm sure you're all wondering why I am taking up your time right now, but I promise it will not take long for an old man's little talk. As most of you are aware, Lord Voldemort's wrath shouldn't be underestimated by any account." A few shudders and many confused looks were exchanged between the students, and Dumbeldore had grabbed every single attention in the room.

"Although most of you may not understand this at the moment, all of us are in danger. And I want you to all be alert in the next Hogsmeade trip. The authorities wish me not to inform you of this, but I find it is my duty that to accept, you must all first understand. Lord Voldemort's servants, known as Death Eaters made an appearance at Hogsmeade the last time your trip was held. Only a few students--" he glanced at the Marauders, Lily, Brittany and Eva's way, a small smile twitching on his lips "were affected."

A wave of confusion and talk erupted in the Great Hall, and it seemed the Slytherins were quite uptight at hearing this. James, Sirius and Remus exchanged knowing glances, while Peter had dropped his fork with a loud clatter. Saliva was dripping out of his mouth and pieces of cheese were stuck in his teeth. Tears seemed to have formed in his eyes and he had the expression as if he was being tortured.

Dumbledore let the noise settle down before continuing. "I wish to warn you all about this unfortunate happening. All I have to say is this, be prepared for anything and do not underestimate the power of Lord Vodemort and the Dark Arts." Worried conversation started up, and a few people seemed to have difficulty breathing. Others had pulled out their wands and looking around feverishly as if expecting an attack then and there.

James Sirius and Remus drooped their heads grimly as they heard this piece of information so many times. Dumbledore, however, seemed quite unfazed by the level of anxiety the Great Hall was reaching. In fact, it was almost as if he was expecting all these reactions. There was even a small smile planted on his lips and he clasped his hands together on his lap as he watched everyone.

Finally, Professor McGonagall tapped her goblet with her spoon, and talk immediately ceased, although many bit their tongues from crying out. Genuine worry was now present in the Great Hall, and most students had confused, depressed or scared expressions etched on their faces. The exception was many on the Slytherin table who were smirking smugly, or shaking their heads pityingly at the rest.

"On a more thrilling note, I wish Gryffindor and Hufflepuff a great match, and I will certainly be there to see my students play their best…cleanly and with sportsmanship." The headmaster emphasized the fact that Quidditch was only a sport, and not to be taken in to matters of life and death. But to James, it was indeed that. He had a reputation to think about.

Just as he was about to leave, seeing Dumbledore sit down again, he was halted in his tracks by the Headmaster's one last request before dismissing the school.

"Could the Head Boy and Girl please see me in my office a time they find suitable, which is preferably after dinner. You are all dismissed. Good Evening"

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A/N: Tired once again. Sorry I haven't been updating, stupid teachers have been setting so much work!

Just very briefly…I'm so happy! I GOT MANY REVIEWS! And not one of them have been flames yet! HAHAHAHA…anyways, I'd like to sincerely once again) thank all my trusty reviewers!

Love all you guyz, I'll do individual responses next chap! SO, THEREFORE, REVIEW LIKE MAD! PLZ PLZ PLZ REVIEW! I'm aiming for a high amount…'cos it makes me feel sad when I get no reviews. Lol! LOVE ALL YOU GUYZ

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