A/N: So it's been a very long while since the last update - alas, things irl have gotten pretty hectic! As you may notice, this chapter is written in present tense, while the previous two are in past tense. My writing style has been constantly evolving (hopefully for the better!) and currently it just feels a lot more natural to write in present tense, and as such there will be a switch for Webb's Wicked Wiles. Hopefully there're still people who're up for reading this. To all the people who've read Webb's Wicked Wiles and especially those who've taken the time to review - this one's for you! :) Looking forward to your opinions as always, cheers! :)

It's been five days of agony – pure, concentrated agony. Sweet Circe, if they don't make a decision about the Quidditch tryouts soon, I think I'm actually going to explode. Or fly to Durmstrang. Or something. Regardless of whether or not I made the team, I just need to know, at this point. I can't take the anticipation any more.

I bring my heels to rest against my bum and wrap my arms around my legs, laying my head down on my knees. The cool stone wall feels refreshing against my back. The coldness seeps through my thin cardigan, but it's a comforting sort of chill. It's the comfort of countless students before me, leaning back against the balcony wall of the Astronomy Tower, unable to sleep in the wee hours of morning. People consumed by thoughts, by desires, by hopes and dreams. People seeking respite, however brief, however fleeting, for a few hours of protected darkness before sunrise.

It's a beautiful feeling.

Yeah, I swear to Merlin I'm not a loner or anything. But like – when your best friends are the likes of Lily Evans, Emmeline Vance and Marlene McKinnon, peace and quiet aren't exactly common commodities.

I close my eyes, savouring the serenity.

Breathe in, breathe out.

Might as well practice my meditative breathing while I'm here, right?

A loud thump resounds from behind me, followed by some scuffling and cursing. I crack open one eye and raise a brow. Really hoping it's not some couple coming up here to go at it or anything – definitely not something I want to see tonight.

The noises subside, so I close my eyes again.

Two entangled bodies fall into my peripheral vision as my eyelids retract upwards lightning-fast in alarm. "What—"

"Oof!"

"Gerroffme—"

I stand up quickly. "What's going on?"

Oh. My. Merlin. "James?" The incredulity in my tone is almost palpable.

A bespectacled head peers up at me. "Er – Norah?"

"What are you doing?" I regret asking as soon as the words are out of my mouth. If they're about to hook up, I really don't want to know any details, thank you very much.

A mousy brunette head shoots up from under his elbow. "No, no, Norah – you've got it wrong, it's not like that –"

I notice the girl for the first time; it's Dorcas Meadowes from our year. We get along fine, sharing a dorm room and all, but we're not super close or anything. I think she might actually be friends with Greta, come to think of it.

"Er – hi, Dorcas..." Well. This isn't awkward at all or anything.

"We just – astronomy – and kind of tripped –"

My hand rises, palm out, to stop her. "Really, it's quite alright – "

"No, really, I swear, it's not like that – "

James clears his throat. "Actually, Webb – could I talk to you for a moment?"

My ears perk up at the formality of his tone and the use of my last name. "Yeah, sure." Thud, thud, thud goes my heart, thumping away loudly. "What's up?"

James gestures to one of the telescopes and asks Dorcas to set up the equipment, then leads me further along the curve of the tower so that we're a good couple of feet away. "How're you doing, Norah?"

Oh sweet Circe – "I'm doing good, yeah – how're – you doing okay?" Calm down, Norah, calm down, just keep calm. Breathe, breathe, breathe, come on.

James nods. "Yeah, not bad myself."

I nod too. "Good, good."

"So –"

"Yeah?" I ask, a little over-eager. Please let it be about Quidditch, please let it be about Quidditch – I'm begging here, Merlin! I colour a little at the fact that I've just cut him off.

"So I know on Saturday Pad—Sirius said that we would get back to you about the Quidditch tryouts and all."

"Yeah?" Oh Merlin, it is about Quidditch! Suddenly I'm not too sure if I'm ready to hear the decision yet.

"So Sirius wanted to tell you that you were actually our back up choice, and basically put you on a waiting list while we talked it out with our first choice and see if he wanted the position."

Wait – what?

James is positively beaming though, so I'm not sure how to respond. Inside, I feel something crack a little. I didn't get the position?

"But I don't think that's really necessary."

What? He doesn't think a waiting list is necessary? Is he cutting me straight out?

"Sirius thought that if we told you that you were the backup choice and only got it because someone else passed on the position, you would work harder."

None of this is making any sense to me.

"But I really don't think that's necessary, to put you through that extra agony."

Wait... as in I've made the team?

James taps his nose conspiratorially. "This is just between us, yeah, that I told you this? As far as Sirius knows, I've told you that we'll get back to you in another couple days. But just between you and me, Norah, congratulations – you're officially our newest Chaser!"

"Ohmigosh, I don't know what to –" And next thing I know, I've got my arms around his neck and I'm crushing him in an engulfing hug.

James chuckles good-naturedly. "I can tell already – you're going to be very dedicated and passionate, aren't you?"

I release him. "Yes, yes, I will!" I can't help but jump up and down a little from giddy excitement. "Thank you so much – I'm so excited! I promise I won't let you down!"

He gives me a stern look. "You better not!"

I shake my head reverently.

His face relaxes into an easy-going smile. "I'm just kidding. But yeah, we're actually hanging out as a team for Hogsmeade weekend this time around. I think you should join us; it'll be a good bonding experience, and we should start integrating you into the team as soon as possible. Also, we'll swing by and pick up some Quidditch supplies while we're there."

I'm so excited I can barely contain myself. "Yeah! Awesome, great! Yeah, that sounds wonderful!"

He smiles. "Excellent. I'll see you then."

I let out another little squee, thank him again, and then dash off down the stairs. I can't wait to tell the girls – like sweet Circe, night is made!

I blow into the dormitory like a whirlwind on steroids, flapping my arms excitedly, mouth working furiously fast, flickering between a proud grin, a full-fledged smile and a sly sneer. I let out a whoop of elation, anticipating seeing the looks on their faces when I tell them the excellent news. I know Emmy'll be beyond excited – she's on the team too, as a Beater. She's lean, but she's fast and she's got wicked aim.

The only other person in the dormitory is Marlene though.

She looks up at me in surprise. "What's going on?"

I rush up and envelope her in my arms. "Marly! Oh my sweet Merlin, guess who's the newest Chaser of the Gryffindor Quidditch team?"

"No. Freaking. Way! Get out!" We jump up and down together on her bed for a good couple minutes before I remember James asking me to keep it between us for now.

"Wait, wait, wait!" I pull her down onto the bed so that we're seated cross-legged and facing each other. "We need to just keep it on the down low for now, okay?"

A slight frown takes over her face. "O-kay... why?"

I hesitate. "Well, James asked me too, so..." Gotta listen to the team captain, right?

"Potter?" A strange expression takes over her face, and I'm pretty sure it has to do with her opinion of his "crush" on Lily. "Why?"

I shake my head impatiently. "Look, it's not really important; just promise me you'll keep it quiet for now?"

"Okay, okay," she reassures me placatingly. "But do tell me more!"

"We-ell... there's really not all that much more to tell, to be honest."

"Come on, there's got to be something."

"Okay," I relent. "So apparently this weekend – for Hogsmeade – we're all going to be basically hanging out as a team and stuff, so that'll be cool."

Her frown deepens a little, looking kind of out of place on her pretty face. "The whole team?"

I think for a second. "Yeah, I think so."

"Sirius too?"

I sigh deeply. "Yeah, I would assume so." I make a fist with one hand and punch it into the other. "Damn, I'd kind of forgotten that he's on the team too, but yeah."

"He's so hot."

I look up at Marly in surprise. "What?"

"Don't you think he's attractive-looking?" she gushes, leaning forward and clasping my hands. Oh, so now she's excited.

I squint at her, seeing her in a new light now. "Yeah..." I say slowly. "I guess kind of... I don't know, he's not really my type or anything though."

Marly throws a pillow at my head. "What is your type, Norah? You've never even kissed a boy, much less had a relationship!"

I duck out of the way just in time. Damn, I've got good Quidditch reflexes! "Marly!" I toss the pillow back at her, gently enough for her to catch it easily. "No, but seriously, he's kind of a jerk," I say, thinking of Greta. Being reminded of what I'd promised her I'd do. And instantly wishing I could forget about it all.

"Nor-ah!" she sing-songs at me.

I snap back to attention. "Yeah, sorry – kind of just zoned there for a second."

"Right. I just asked you whether you think it'd be alright if I joined you guys at Hogsmeade this weekend as well? The team, I mean."

"Yeah, sure, I don't see it being a problem," I respond vaguely, my mind a million miles away contemplating how I was going to help Greta. Being on the team now would certainly give me more access.

"Wonderfully!" exclaims Marly, clasping her hands together joyfully.

I'm so caught up in my thinking that I miss the mischievous glint in her eye.

Which is oh so unfortunate.