XV. Mistake 13—Attending Quidditch Games

Tutoring sessions were becoming hell.

I just thank Merlin that I got an 'E' on my last exam otherwise I'd have dropped Transfiguration in a heartbeat.

Why are they so horrible? Let me take you back to Tuesday evening in the library:

We were packing everything up, and I was reasonably happy (considering I'd just finished tutoring with Emmeline) when she began chatting. I should have dashed out when I had the chance.

"So…Lily," she smiled, "Any boys?"

Uh…yours?

"No," I said quickly, "What makes you say that?" I asked, frowning. You can't blame me for being suspicious of her.

"Oh, I was just wondering," she said lightly. There was an awkward pause, so I took my bag to leave when she spoke again, "You know, I know that you and James are…uh…friends now," she managed. Oh great. Just what I need. A warning to tell me to stay away from her boyfriend. I get it! I'm not a boyfriend stealer anyway...I don't think.

"Yes…well…mostly we just do Head stuff." That was true, unfortunately. No late night rendezvous for Lily Evans.

Emmeline pursed her lips (I hate it when she does that), "Right. Well, James and I are doing really well."

Does it look like I care?

"Congratulations," I said rather dryly. I tried to sound enthusiastic...really!

"He invited me up to his family's for New Years," she added smugly. Was she trying to make me jealous? She was already dating him for Merlin's sake! It was working, sadly enough.

"Brilliant," I managed, giving her a tight smile. Then I realized something, "Wait…for Sirius' birthday?"

"Sirius' birthday?" she asked frowning.

"Yeah, James invited me—" I broke off, wondering if I was supposed to mention it. Oops.

Emmeline looked furious, but her words were surprisingly calm, "Oh, really? That's nice," she said in a way that I knew she didn't find it very nice at all.

She looked away, and that's when I realized Emmeline was jealous.

Everything makes sense now! I mean, Emmeline was never mean to me before, but maybe James has been doing other things like proclaiming his undying love for me, so that's why Emmeline is so cross with me all the time.

Because she used to be nice…that's why everyone liked her, remember? (You know, except me and Sirius apparently).

"Listen, he invited me because I'm friends with all the guys." Yes. I'm calling Sirius, Remus, Peter and JAMES my friends. Ha, Emmeline. Sirius doesn't even like you!

I know, I know. I promised that I was going to be nice to Emmeline, but my resolve isn't that strong. At least I'm being nice to her face! Just not inside my head. Is that a crime? I'm sort of sticking to my resolution of not-being-mean-to-Emmeline.

"Of course," she said, but she still looked disgruntled.

I was actually feeling a little bad. I'd probably be upset in her situation.

Then again, if I was in her situation, I would be dating James Potter, so I wouldn't have to deal with myself because I would have already won the guy I love—I mean like. Does that make sense?

"Well, I guess I'll see you later. Thanks," I said, rushing out before she could ask me anything else.

Okay, now you might be thinking, oh that wasn't so bad. It was. Trust me. Because now I can all think about is how I'm a would-be-boyfriend-stealer because I'm fancying James who is already dating Emmeline and obviously pretty smitten with her. (I mean, honestly, if he was proclaiming his undying love for me, he and Emmeline probably wouldn't be dating anymore).

Maybe I'll just curl up in my bed and come out when seventh year is over. Yes. That sounds like a brilliant plan.

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It was cold.

In fact, if Marlene wouldn't have killed me, I probably wouldn't have gone at all. That would've been the best scenario now that I think about it.

Of course, at eight in the bleeding morning Marlene was shaking me awake, "Come on, Lils. Today is a big day! Hearty breakfast!"

"For you," I muttered, but I got up anyway, rubbing my eyes and blinking around the dorm room. Everyone was already up and getting ready for the game.

"You're a Gryffindor," she said, frowning at me, "this is the biggest—"

"Quidditch match of the year," Selene recited looking tired as well, "We know, Mar. You're the one who needs a big hearty breakfast, not us," she added rather snappily.

"It's freezing out today," Jasmine said, looking out at our frost covered windows. It was especially cold for November, I thought gloomy as everyone pulled out their winter scarves and gloves. Everyone was chatting happily. Only Marlene was quiet as we headed to breakfast.

"Don't be nervous," I said, nudging her as Mary talked loudly over me. I tried really hard to ignore her as she giggled about Sirius Black. Even Selene (the girl that was in love with him for two years) looked irritated by her incessant giggles.

"McDonald, leave Black alone," Marlene snap, "We don't need you messing up his game."

Mary looked hurt, but she bit back with a sharp retort, "Just because you can't seem to find a bloke to be hung up about doesn't mean the rest of us can't appreciate a fit and charming one every once in awhile. Why don't you bugger off, McKinnon?"

Since when does Mary have backbone?

Since when does Marlene look like she's going to cry?

Jasmine, Selene, and I sort of froze, watching the scene in shock. I mean, yeah, Marlene is always snapping at people, so that's almost expected. Usually she lays off Mary because Mary tends to be...er...'senistive'. We all were so taken aback by Mary's response that we forgot to do...well...anything. Marlene had then glared at Mary with such venom that Mary literally took a step back, "Marlene—" she began, sounding apologetic.

Marlene turned on her heel and left without a word. Selene looked at me, and I nodded.

"Er—we'll go see…you two head to breakfast." You've done enough damage, Mary.

Mary looked upset, "I hope this doesn't affect her game. I wasn't thinking. It just came out! Marlene just frustrates me sometimes and—"

Jasmine pulled her by the elbow, stopping her babbling, thankfully. That left Selene and I to chase down the corridor Marlene had turned off to. Unlike Marlene, the two of us were sadly out of shape having no athletic ability whatsoever. By the time we reached her, we were huffing and puffing.

"Mar—" I gasped.

"Are you—" Selene clutched her side.

"Upset—geez," I said, leaning against the wall, "How do you run so fast?"

She didn't look upset. Instead, she was watching us in mild amusement, "You two were running?" she asked, smirking, "Now that's something I'd pay a gallon to see."

"Shut it," Selene said, her cheeks red, "Never again. I feel like I'm going to die."

And Selene thinks I'm dramatic?

She manages to catch her breath though and looks to Marlene, "So?" she prodded.

We both turned our gazes on Marlene. I don't think she's very intimated though because she only grins at us, "What?"

"Did you not remember backing down from Mary McDonald two seconds ago after she snapped?"

"Oh, well," Marlene shrugged, "It wasn't worth it. I have to be on my game," she added with a sharp nod, as if reassuring herself.

I didn't believe her, but Selene seemed to be okay with it because she just nodded, "Are you sure?"

She nearly fooled me. She laughed and threw her arms around her, "Since when do I give a shit about what Mary thinks anyway?"

But I know Marlene, and I'm going to figure out why Mary's comment got her knickers all in a bundle. First, however, we should get food in Marlene's stomach because we wouldn't want her fainting in the middle of the match from hunger. When I said this Marlene just grinned.

"Thanks, Lils. I suppose I can still mess with Mary though when I get into the Great Hall?"

"Mar—" Selene began.

Marlene looked exasperated, "I wasn't going to make her cry. Just make her…shiver in her boots a bit."

I wanted to point out that she wasn't wearing boots because she always wears those clickety heels of hers, but then I figured that Marlene probably wouldn't be in the mood to stand corrected. She and Selene bickered until we got to the Great Hall. I then took the liberty of trying to shove bacon and coffee down her throat before James came over to collect her.

"C'mon McKinnon," he muttered.

"Good luck, you two!" I chirped. At this, James' eyes fell on me. He grinned and did that stupid thing where he ran his hands through his hair.

"This must be lucky..." he said looking thoughtful, his grin widening, "I think it's the first time you've ever wished me luck on anything, Lily," he said, chuckling. I think my heart just fluttered a bit. I just grinned instead.

"Yeah, well don't get used to it," I teased, "This just so happens to be one day you haven't been acting prattish on game day," I retorted, sticking out my tongue. He looked like he was going to argue, but Marlene pulled on his sleeve,looking impatient so the pair of them set off.

"What is with you?" Selene hissed quietly as soon as they were gone.

"What do you mean?" I asked sharply, glancing around discreetly. I didn't need Emmeline lurking around the corner. Although, she probably wouldn't find it very lady like to lurk, so I really can't imagine her lurking around...although she is a busy body if I can say so (which I think I can seeing how she's been inquiring on my personal affairs recently).

"You…talking to James now," she elaborated as I gave her a blank stare, "Listen Lily, you don't…" she paused, looking nervous, "You don't fancy him, do you?" she asked in a very low voice.

Arg.

"No," I said, trying to look horrified. It wasn't that hard. I've done it for so many years after all, "What the heck, Selene! You know I can't stand him!" I snapped.

Selene gave me a very pointed look. Ah, I guess I can't keep using that arguemnt. Drat.

"Well, okay, so we're friends or something, according to him," I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms, "Where are you getting these ridiculous ideas from?" I asked with an accusatory glare.

Despite the fact they are true.

"Well," Selene looked careful, "don't be mad, Lily, but Marlene and I were talking…"

"Behind my back? Is this when you also were making bets?" I asked crossly. If I took the defensive then maybe, just maybe, this would work. Selene looked at a loss for a moment, so I stood, taking advantage of my temporary upper handed status, "Let's go. We want to get good seats," I said. Selene seemed to take it as time to drop the subject. However, I knew she wasn't going to forget about it. Stupid James Potter.

As I mentioned earlier, today was extra cold. We got seats by Remus and Peter who'd waved us over, and I quickly cast a warming charm around us. Selene was pouting because I wouldn't let her go say hi to Amos.

"You'd be a traitor," I explained, raising my eyebrows at her.

"Says the girl who's afraid of a broomstick," Selene said rolling her eyes. Ah. Right, rub it my face, won't you? "Besides, this is Slytherin, not Hufflepuff!"

"So you're going to leave me with half of the Marauders?" I asked skeptically, trying to keep my voice down.

She glanced at Remus who was pretending to not listen in on our conversation, "Yeah," she shrugged, "You're the one who's seemed so fond of them lately. I'll be back in a jiffy, though, promise," she said, giving me one of her happy smiles before excusing herself and wiggling out of the row.

Eh, oh well. Remus is bearable.

"You're fond of us?" Remus asked, his lips twitching.

I take that back.

"No," I snapped, "That's just Selene taking advice from my other cotton-fluff-minded mate."

Remus looked confused, but before he could say anything someone else had interrupted us. "Hello!" she said brightly. I stared as Emmeline Vance beamed at us wearing a red and gold scarf.

"Hey," I muttered, feeling very sour all of a sudden. It didn't help that she'd dragged her best mate, Samantha Owens over. She had to be the only one in the Gryffindor stands not wearing our house colors. She should just stick the Ravenclaws, yeah? I glared at her, but managed to say sweetly, "Samantha, not supporting anyone today?"

She looked at me snootily, "I'm a Ravenclaw." It was obvious she didn't want to be here either. Lovely.

Emmeline laughed, "Don't be silly Sam, you're rooting for Gryffindor! James is on Gryffindor," she added, throwing her a sharp look.

Samantha sighed and shrugged, "Fine, woo hoo. Gryffindor."

I ignored her and turned back to Emmeline, "Why are you over here anyway?" I asked, raising my eyebrows, "Shouldn't you be watching your boyfriend from your sides of the stands?"

Remember when I was going to try and be nice to be Emmeline? Ha. Oh please. That was hopeless from it's very conception!

Emmeline, in return, gave me a haughty look, "Remus is my friend, aren't you Remus?" she added, giving him a sharp look. Remus looked suddenly very uncomfortable, "I mean…uh…" he glanced between us very uneasily, "Well...you're James' girl…"

I would have rather him just said that they were mates.

"Of course we're friends, Remus!" she said, looking annoyed now.

"Yeah," he said, nodding in agreement. His eyes caught mine, and I felt the urge to start laughing. He looked so hopeless and uncomfortable. It sort of gave me a weird feeling of smug satisfaction that I could be their mates and she couldn't.

"And we're friends, right, Peter?" Emmeline had turned to him. Poor Peter, he looked as though she had just attacked him

"Er-we are?" he asked, looking skeptical.

"Yes," she said, frowning, "What is wrong with you boys today?"

"Nothing, they're just trying to focus on the game. Some people actually enjoy the sport," I said pointedly.

"Like you?" Emmeline asked, raising her eyebrows, "If I recall, you used to give James a hard time about Quidditch."

Curse her infallible memory.

"No, I didn't like that he stole things," I said, smirking, "The stupid snitch he always stole…" I added at her confusion, "Anyway, Marlene is on the team. She's my best mate. I can't hate Quidditch. Besides, James and Sirius are on the team. They're my mates too," I added smugly. I don't know why she's all ruffled up by me being friends with the Marauders, but I can tell that she is. It's rather funny. Her lips pursed, once again, reminding me of my horrid sister. Ack.

She didn't get the chance to say anything thankfully because the players had come out and the stands turned into an uproar. From then on, I was able to keep my focus off of Emmeline who was talking to Samantha the entire time. I couldn't help but watch James. Selene popped back and waved at Emmeline.

"Hey, Em," she said happily, "What brings you here?" she asked. Sometimes, I really wish Selene wasn't friends with her. Such as...right now.

"Just hanging with my Gryffindor mates," she replied, smiling brightly back at her.

Selene looked confused and when Emmeline turned away she whispered to me, "She's not talking about you, is she?"

I snorted, "Yeah right, she's buddying up with Remus and Peter."

"Oh," her expression cleared, "Well that makes sense."

Ha. Yeah, like I could ever be mates with Emmeline. Fat chance.

Meanwhile, James was playing brilliant. It was as if Slytherin didn't even pose a threat. He easily maneuvered out of their way and hadn't missed a single shot. He and Marlene were practicing complicated passes and crushing the Slytherins to everyone's delight.

It almost looked as if Slytherin wasn't even trying. I tried to summon a little pity, but I found that none came.

"They're getting crushed," Remus said, grinning from ear to ear. I turned to him, grinning as James faked a shot and passed to Marlene who scored. We all cheered, high fiving. Even Emmeline was cheering a little.

"Thank Merlin," Peter said, shaking his head, "Prongs gets so bent out of shape when they lose." I was listening to Remus' and Peter's conversation, that I hadn't been focusing until Selene's voice made me jump.

"Oh my goodness!" Selene yelped. A few other screams let out and we all watched the Seekers dive for what we could assume was the snitch. Selene did a weird step and jump as she watched them pull out of the dive and the Gryffindor Seeker, Harris Smitt, had his fist high in the air.

"We won!" Selene cried giving me a hug. I even let Emmeline give me a high five at one point as the Gryffindor stands burst into stamping, hollering and hooting.

Then, everyone swarmed together, trying to make it down to the pitch to congratulate everyone. I told Selene I'd congratulate Marlene for her since she didn't want to lose Amos. Truth is, I can hardly believe they're dating. You know, I haven't even eaten breakfast with the bloke. That should probably change.

"Fine! I'll go, just tell Diggory we're having breakfast!" I yelled after her. I think Selene decided to disregard me because she was shaking her head and shooting me a confused look as she left against the crowded mass of people. I have to get to know the bloke, shouldn't I? He his my best mate's boyfriend...the least he could do is eat breakfast with me. For all I know, he's not the same, pretentious prat that didn't know a thing about Herbology. (I certainly hope not if he's dating Selene).

"Lily!" I heard Marlene's familiar voice calling me from somewhere int he crowd. I spotted her and waved, pushing my way through towards the players. Marlene grinned at me, "We creamed them!" she shouted.

"You did brilliant!" I shouted back.

"Thanks," she beamed, "Okay, I have to go. Benjy's heading this way," she said, tilting her head. I turned to look, but I don't know how she managed to spot anyone in this crowd. I just frowned and turned back to her.

"Is that bad?" I asked loudly.

She gave me a look and rolled her eyes, "Yes, I'm avoiding him…I haven't made a decision yet," she said loudly back then glanced over her shoulders toward the rest of the team, "There'll be a party in the common room. I'll meet you and Selene there, okay?" she yelled as she hurried away before I could argue with her. Well…she spent all this time obsessing over Benjy and now that she can have him, she could care less? She's always been a bit nutty.

"Evans!" Sirius had spotted me and dragged me over. He and James had been huddled by a large group.

"Fantastic," I said, "The both of you!" Then gave them both hugs. I wish I could've enjoyed James' hug more, but let's be honest-he was a gross, dirty, and sweaty boy at the moment. They're a little smelly too, but that's okay...either way, it wasn't one of those nice hugs. It was just...just a friend hug.

"Thanks," James beamed, "Did you catch Marlene?" he asked, brightly. He just gets this look on his face after playing Quidditch. I always secretly admired his Quidditch skills. If he hadn't been so arrogant about it, I probably would've complimented him on it ages ago. As it is, he's just grinning like an idiot. I laughed at him then answered his question.

"Yeah, she's running away from Benjy."

"Fenprick?" Sirius asked, smirking.

"Be nice," I said, frowning, "He's a perfectly nice—" I began.

"He's as dull as they come, Evans," Sirius tutted, "I really need to help you with your taste—"

I laughed, "Ha, who would you chose, yourself?"

"Are you saying you wouldn't consider?" he joked.

I snorted, "Seeing how it worked last time…"

"Enough!" James said, rolling his eyes, "I can't believe the two of you became mates," he grumbled.

"Aw, well we're mates too, James," I smirked, "You don't have to feel left out—"

My friendly teasing was interrupted by his girlfriend, of course, who had made her way through by this point, "Jamsie!" she cried, wrapping her arms around him. Then they had one of those celebratory kisses. It was like a car crash—I couldn't look away.

Then, right after, Emmeline looked at me. The look in her eyes were unmistakable. Then she smirked, pulling James by the hand and called 'toodles'.

Sirius snorted, "Merlin, she drives me mad," he said, looking rather disgruntled.

But I had barely registered what he said, I wasn't listening. I felt sick. She had given me a look that had clearly said: You may be the friend, but I'm the girlfriend. Sirius said something else, but I didn't hear him. Instead, I muttered an excuse and hurried off. I wasn't really in the mood for a Gryffindor party at the moment. Particularly one where I'd have to watch Emmeline and James together the entire evening. I had to face the facts. I wasn't James Potter's girlfriend, and I would never be. Who was I kidding?

A/N: Ending a little depressingly, I know...my apologies, but it was a pretty long chapter! :) R/R!