Chapter Eight

"Alright team, this is it! Our first practice of the season." James Potter began his usual pep talk at the start of each season. It was always the same—a discussion on new strategies and then Captain James Potter would make them practice until they were barely alive. But all in all, everyone knew that the Gryffindor Quidditch team was the best in the school and this was the main reason why no one complained over the extra work. They weren't about to lose the Quidditch cup to Slytherin anytime soon, especially during James and Samiya's final year. "First of all, I'd like to congratulate everyone on winning the Cup last year and thank my co-captain and Seeker for leading the team to our fifth straight victory while I was in detention," he added, while patting Samiya on the back.

James had landed himself in so many detentions in the last two years that Samiya had to take over the team repeatedly, eventually establishing herself as his co-captain. It had proven to be a success, despite the fact that they didn't always get along outside of the Quidditch pitch.

Samiya laughed slightly at the memory of their last match before continuing, "And let's hope that our Captain and new Head Boy doesn't get into any more trouble this year. I love playing at being captain but for now I'd really like to focus on catching the snitch." The rest of the team nodded, agreeing with Samiya. Even though she had been a good captain, James was a natural leader. "Besides we all need to work extra hard seeing as the Slytherin team has put together a good front this year."

The rest of the team began to voice their disgust over the mention of the opposing team and some even made some obscene gestures. James laughed loudly at their reaction. "Rosa's right. I managed to spy on them yesterday. Just because we're the better team doesn't mean we can let our guard down. Which brings us to the new strategies."

While Potter diligently went over the team's new strategy for the year, Samiya allowed her thoughts to drift towards her own feelings about this upcoming year. Six years had passed by in what seemed to be a blink of an eye and now here they were—the last Quidditch season of not only the year, but of her life. At the end of this year, life would stop revolving around school, friends, and Quidditch and they would be thrown into the reality of the world around them. They would stop being children and become adults with responsibilities and dreams to accomplish. Many times she felt as if she couldn't wait to get out there and fight, but now, Samiya could only wonder if this would be the last time her team would stand here together, laughing like this.

"It's time to go outside and put this plan into action!" James called out as he ran outside onto the field, broomstick in hand. "You coming, Rosa?"

"Yeah, hold on!" Samiya ran outside while waving to Lily and Cate in the stands. The best she could do for now was live life to the fullest and take advantage of whatever happened this year. There would be plenty of time to worry about what hasn't happened yet. It was time to have fun and... What was he doing here?

Sure enough, the bane of her existence, Sirius Black, was sitting in the stands, alone for once. It was rare to see any of the Marauders alone, especially at a Quidditch practice, where they usually spent their time being obnoxious and distracting the players. He was the last person on Earth Samiya wanted to see since she was still angry about his comments throughout the year.


Why did it bother her so much? Sirius was just being his usual annoying self by thinking that he was the most beautiful thing on Earth. As if that gave him the right to believe that he deserved everything based on looks and charm alone—it was sickening!

"Samiya, I'm releasing the snitch! Let's see what you've got."

She quickly took to the air, letting the wind blow in her face. Flying was always a good opportunity to relax and unwind. But right now it seemed difficult to concentrate on anything other than the last Hogsmeade weekend.

'What he did was despicable and low. Using me as entertainment for his friends, blackmailing me with Quidditch tickets in exchange for a snog, almost forcing me to kiss him in front of our friends. The list doesn't end! Then he has the audacity to say that it's my loss? I wouldn't date him even if You-Know-Who forced me to!'

Really? You could've fooled me, a voice inside her head, quite similar to her own, laughed.

What? Great! Now she was hearing voices in the middle of practice. Samiya stopped flying for a moment, knowing that until she got her mind under control it would be impossible to catch the snitch. 'I don't know what you're taking about!'

I'm talking about how Sirius may know you a little better than you think. You wanted him to kiss you...even if just for a moment." Samiya knew that at this instant she had just gone insane.

"That's ridiculous!" (repetitive) Samiya thought quickly. "I'd just as soon kiss Severus Snape than him." This is the same boy that spread that stupid rumor about them dating, who suggested more than once for them to get 'better acquainted' and landed her in her first detention in ages.

Don't complain. That detention didn't go as bad as you had expected, Samiya. You were rather impressed with him!

'He was probably just making all that stuff up. Trying to make himself look better.' Samiya continued to internally reason with the voice, as she noticed the snitch fly right past her. She didn't care what the voice continued to say—Samiya hated Sirius. She had no interest in liking him today, tomorrow, or even in the next century. 


That was probably the only sincere thing that has come out of his mouth since you first met him and you know it!

'ENOUGH! I DON'T LIKE HIM, ALRIGHT! He's not my type at all,' Samiya replied. 'He's lazy, conceited, an absolute prat, and he doesn't play Quidditch. He spends his time making others look bad for his own amusement and can never keep a girlfriend for long.' These were all the worst qualities for a boyfriend in her opinion.

He's also attractive, charming and smart; a wonderful combination.

"SAMIYA! A WORD PLEASE!" James Potter's voice interrupted her thoughts. She groaned while reaching land once more, knowing that Potter was going to have her head for missing the snitch.

"Care to tell me what the problem is?" he asked, looking quite a bit like a detective in one of Lily's muggle books. He was studying her quietly, as if he was trying to read her mind.

"Nothing," Samiya shrugged. Well, she couldn't tell him the truth, now could she? Would anyone even believe that the reasons for her distraction were the voices in her head? Looking behind James, she could see Sirius watching them closely, most likely wondering what was going on. Samiya quickly lowered her head before Potter would notice.

"Oh, really? Then why is it that you've missed the snitch three times already? Once, it was right by your ear. Whatever it is that has you distracted needs to be fixed before the game, is that clear?"

"Yes, James," she replied, her eyes unconsciously glancing towards the stands once more. Unfortunately for her, James turned around, quickly spotting his best friend. His frown immediately changed into a huge grin, as he then clearly knew what the problem was.

"Oh... so that's the problem," he laughed. "You fancy Sirius."

"I do not!" Samiya glared darkly and punched James on the shoulder as hard as she could.

"OUCH! You girls are so violent. It wasn't like I planned on telling him anyway." James rubbed his arm before walking away. He didn't consider it a bad idea if Sirius and Samiya dated each other. It would be better than the last couple of Sirius' girlfriends he had to put up with. Plus, it would mean extra time with Lily. "I'm giving you one last chance to catch the snitch or I'm telling Padfoot that his presence is distracting you!"

Samiya angrily grabbed her broom and took to the sky once more. Just her luck, now James thought she liked that git. Oh, she'd never hear the end of this! Samiya needed to catch the snitch soon since she was positive that James would tell Sirius the truth.

The truth? So you are admitting your feelings? The voice laughed once more.

'Never! I'm telling you like I told him last week, it will never happen!' Again, Samiya started the internal argument with herself.

Then why are you so angry at him? The mere thought of Sirius taking another girl to that game is driving you crazy. That and the fact that you almost kissed him.

'No, I'll admit that I wanted to go the game, but I never said I wanted to be his date!' Samiya quickly caught sight of the snitch some distance away. 'Besides, I didn't try to kiss him, he tried to kiss me! Anyway, this is the worst possible time to snog anyone. I have schoolwork, then Auror training. Dating would prove to be a terrible distraction for me.'

Reaching out her hand, Samiya was moments away from catching the snitch when she realized she was losing the battle with her mind. Stop trying to control every little thing in your life! You can't choose who you love or when it happens...it just does. Now, hurry up and accept the fact that you're crazy about him and that way I can stop talking to you like you've gone mental.

A few seconds later, Samiya was on the ground. All she could remember was grabbing the snitch, and then losing her grip on the broomstick. Now she was nursing a bloody nose and her wounded pride.

"Samiya, are you alright?" Lily pulled out her wand, clearly worried about her friend's condition. "Here you go. Episkey." Immediately, her nose was healed and the pain disappeared. Cate quickly handed her a handkerchief to wipe the blood of her face.

"That was a brilliant catch, Samiya. Crazy, but brilliant."

"Thanks, Cate."

"Excellent catch, Rosa. I think we have a clear shot of winning the Cup if you keep playing like this." James grinned, leaning closer that that she could only hear him. "I think I'll ask Padfoot to come watch you play more often."

Samiya knew she was in for trouble now. James would never be able to keep his mouth shut around his best friend. Sirius Black would know how she really felt about him in about five minutes, maybe even less than that.

Just then, a hand reached out, helping her up off the ground. Looking up, she tried to hide a smile as the hand belonged to the one person she had been dreading to speak to. It was amazing how there was someone in the world that could make her so angry and yet bring a smile to her face and joy to her heart. Samiya had never met a person who had made her feel like that. It was scary to know that someone you barely knew could have that power over your feelings.

"Feeling okay?" he asked with a look of concern. Samiya nodded, as she couldn't quite find the right words to say to him. "That was a truly amazing, Samiya. You would've made Dangerous Dai proud today." He smiled, before walking away with James. She continued to watch them walk towards the school, knowing that she had finally lost the battle against her heart. Samiya didn't quite know what to do next except enjoy the moment.

"Umm... I think we need to talk." Samiya looked towards her best friends for support. She knew that they could further help her figure out her feelings. After they laughed hysterically at her, of course.

"Sure. Maybe you can tell us why you're blushing like mad."

"Oh, stop it," Lily said, playfully pushing a laughing Cate. "Is this an occasion for ice cream?"

"Yes, lots of it," Samiya replied, as they followed the boys back into the school for some well-deserved ice cream and some girl talk.