Author's Note: Just to let you all know, I will be skipping moments in time, like more than a day at a time. I'll keep track with the dates, of course, but there are some days that just aren't important. But I will be touching things like the first Quidditch match, first Hogsmeade visit, Halloween, etc. Important moments. Keep things moving!

To add, WeasleySeeker had a request, and I just wanted to let you know that I did read it and I am currently digging through my brain for ways to give you exactly that. I did a little here, but I plan to do more for you in later chapters! I promise!

Covering two days today. Long chapter ahead? Maybe? Ish? Who knows.

Also, I made up all the names (that aren't our fabulous Gryffindors or other canon characters). I'm evoking my right for creative freedom.

Chapter 22: Opening the Season
Friday, September 30, 1977

"Merlin, it's getting colder," I said to Remus.

"It's also nearing seven-thirty in the morning," he added. We bundled closer together under the red and gold blanket we brought along to Quidditch practice. "Why are we here again?"

"Because we're gluttons for punishment, I guess," I answered, warming my hands on the Bluebell Flames that I conjured on the bleacher in front of us.

"It was either freeze to death, or deal with James and Marlene. I think this is the lesser of two evils."

"And why isn't Wormy here?" I asked. "He should be suffering with us."

"His excuse was he wasn't dating anyone on the team."

"Damn him."

It was the last Quidditch practice before the first game against Ravenclaw the following day, and James could only book the pitch in the morning before breakfast because the Ravenclaw captain beat him to it and got the pitch in the afternoon.

And of course, the wonderfully supportive friends we are, Remus and I were currently sitting in the bleachers, under a blanket, teeth chattering. Remus was all rested and as good as new since the Full Moon. He missed Wednesday's classes of course, but he was able to get caught up with help from all of us without issue.

I let out a loud, very unladylike yawn. "I could be sleeping, but no. I'm out here freezing my arse off because I'm too nice."

"You and me both, Lils. Marlene was actually jumping on my bed this morning at five o'clock to make sure I come. She startled me so bad I thought I would knock her off accidentally," he said with a smug smile.

"Or maybe not so accidentally?"

"Your words, not mine," he said, still smiling. "What was your wake up call?"

"James attacked me with a pillow," I said, the annoyance from the morning's attack returning to my voice. No one should be that perky first thing in the morning. All I could think of now was my warm bed that I would only now be getting out of for the day, not over two hours prior.

"You think they're going to be done, soon? I'm starving and we've been out here since five-thirty," Remus wondered aloud, looking up at the team practicing maneuvers overhead.

"There is no way I'll be able to get through Defense and Potions without food in me. Nothing going to happen," I mumbled, making the Bluebell Flames a little bigger.

"At least it isn't History," Remus reminded me.

I nodded. If it was a History morning, James would be on his own. "I want some hot tea. And hot porridge. I need to warm up!" I looked up at the team, still flying around the pitch. "What do you think would happen if I summoned their Quaffle? We have Defense at nine and I know they all want a hot shower before breakfast. They haven't eaten, yet," I told him.

It wasn't like Wednesday when I was able to snag them all muffins, getting attacked by the Marauders (minus Remus, who was sleeping) in a group hug over muffins. If they were that excited over muffins, how would they be feeling now when there is a prospect of a full breakfast?

"You can try, but it's your funeral. It is seven-forty-five, though. They need to wrap it up, soon, if they want to shower before eating and class."

"Wish me luck," I told him. "Back me up if they attack," I added with a wink. I took a deep breath and looked up at them, pointing my want. "Accio Quaffle!" I yelled, and I saw the bright red ball fly out of James's hands and come to me. I caught it easy.

James was shortly behind. "What was that for?" he asked in a huff. "We need to practice for the game tomorrow!"

I pulled the ball behind my back, out of his reach. "It's nearing eight, we haven't eaten yet, and we have class at nine. You all are going to want to shower before heading to the Great Hall for food. And it's cold, if you haven't noticed," I told him sternly. Or as sternly as I could through chattering teeth.

James just stared at me, I could see his irritation in his eyes. But I didn't break eye contact. The longer I kept my eyes locked with his, the softer his expression became.

He started to laugh. "Okay, okay, I get your point. I can tell you're miserable. You're downright pathetic, actually," he said, wrapping me in a hug. He grabbed the Quaffle from my grip during the hug. I opened my mouth to protest. "Don't worry," he told me. "I just want to put it away. You and Moony go wait in the locker room. It's warmer." He gave me a quick kiss and went to go collect the team.

I ran back to Remus. "Success. He said that we should go wait in the locker room. Warmer."

The word "warmer" was all it took to get Remus to move. If you blinked, you would've missed us leaving.

[MM] - Ugh, Lils, I think I'm going to be sick... I don't know if I can do this tomorrow.

[LE] - Marles, is tomorrow going to be a repeat of tryouts?

[DM] - Please don't do that to yourself again, Marles. Not only is it not good for you, and I don't think any of us want to deal with that again.

[EV] - Always the supportive one, Dorcas.

[DM] - I do my best.

[JP] - Don't you be freaking out my Seeker. I need her tomorrow.

[DM] - Hey, Potter. This is a private party.

[SB] - It's in the notebook. Free-for-all, remember? Should have used parchment if you didn't want us in.

[MM] - Want to see a good way to use parchment?

[SB] - Is there a target on my back or something? You girls are abusive. I don't know how anyone puts up with you lot.

[EV] - You seemed okay with it the other night.

[SB] - No comment.

[RL] - I think you just made your point nulled and voided.

[SB] - No comment to that, either.

[PP] - Are we seriously turning turtles to teapots?

[DM] - Random, thy name is Peter Pettigrew.

[JP] - Actually we turned turtles into teapots. That's why we're conversing. We're done.

[EV] - James's is right. You aren't allowed to use the notebook until I see a teapot on your desk.

[PP] - You can't do that!

[SB] - She can, actually. And by the way. Your turtle is about to walk off your desk.

[DM] - I didn't think he could move that fast.

[LE] - Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Marlene. Relax. I'll go and make more Draught of Peace after class if you want.

[MM] - Lily Evans, have I told you lately how much I love you? And worship the ground you walk on?

[RL] - What does that make me?

[MM] - My knight in shining armor, of course.

[JP] - Do you need help, Lily?

[LE] - It's the Draught of Peace. I always need help with that liquid headache.

[MM] - Sorry, Lils.

[LE] - Don't be. If it was a real issue, I wouldn't have offered, right?

[DM] - What she means is that you're more of a headache without it.

[MM] - Shut up, Dorcas. But Lily, you're right. I owe you pumpkin pasties next time we're at Hogsmeade. Or more pineapple to add to the stash.

[SB] - There's a stash!

[LE] - If you're a good boy I'll share.

[SB] - Prongs, I'm stealing your girlfriend.

[JP] - I'd like to see you try.

[PP] - There. It's a teapot. Can I be included now?

[SB] - Hey, Wormtail. Your teapot is about to walk off your desk.

Saturday, October 1, 1977

"All these warm bodies make a difference!" I exclaimed to Peter and Remus from the Gryffindor stands. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, but with the entire Gryffindor student body was there so you couldn't notice the chill in the air. Even from the front of the stands where we were sitting.

James and I successfully brewed a Draught of Peace after Transfigurations, and made it a point to have enough for the whole team, just in case. This entire day has been dedicated to mentally preparing Marlene and the rest of the team for the game, as well as making sure they all eat before the game. Now we're in the stands, and the time has come.

"Welcome everyone to the opening game for the '77-'78 Hogwarts Quidditch Season!"

Miguel Jordan's voice was booming around the Pitch, and the stands began cheering. Ravenclaw and Gryffindor sporting their house colors, while Slytherin was a sea of blue and bronze. Hufflepuff was a fairly even mix of Ravenclaw's blue and bronze and Gryffindor's scarlet and gold.

"Looks like a lot of people are going to be disappointed," Peter said, observing the mass of blue and bronze in the stands. "This is the strongest team we've had in years."

"When you're right, Wormy, you're right," I told him, grinning proudly.

"And here comes the Ravenclaw team!" Jordan's voice rang out once more, and all the students supporting Ravenclaw started cheering as the team flew into the pitch.

"Wow, their Beaters are huge," I mentioned as I watched them enter. But I was suddenly distracted by a flash of red and gold in the corner of the pitch.

"Here's the Gryffindor team!" Jordan's voice was met with a loud cheer from our section, myself included, and I could see McGonagall beaming from her seat in the Professor's box. "Captains Potter and Weaver have stepped forward, here's to a great game! Players to their positions!"

I felt my breath catch in my throat when they all kicked off the ground and into the air. Keepers to the goal posts, Beaters to four corners, Chasers in the center, and Seekers above the rest. Madame Wolfson, the flying instructor and Quidditch referee, stayed on the ground with the Quaffle.

"Lets have a clean, fair match," she yelled from the ground. She kicked the trunk next to her, releasing the Bludgers and the Snitch. With a blow of her whistle, she sent the Quaffle flying into play.

"And the battle begins!" Jordan announced to the crowd. Miguel Jordan was a sixth year Gryffindor and always the life of the party (until the Marauders arrived, at least). His commentaries were always colorful, to say the least.

"Gryffindor Chaser Vance took quick control of the Quaffle. Her small, attractive frame makes for quick maneuvering past Ravenclaw Chasers Cyrna and Skeeter."

"Mr. Jordan..." McGonagall's voice warned.

I laughed. "You think they can here his commentary from up there?" I asked Remus and Peter.

"I think so," Remus answered. "Which would explain the glares Miguel just got from Padfoot."

I looked up at Sirius in the air, and sure enough, he was keeping one eye on Miguel while keeping the other eye on the game.

"Vance approaches the Ravenclaw goals! Will Maxwell be able to block the goal? No! Vance sneaks by her and scores! Ten to Gryffindor!"

We all cheered for her, while she gave Sirius a high five since he was closest.

The game continued for about a hour and a half, the score being 80-40 with Gryffindor in the lead. Sirius got a nasty hit to the side by a Bludger, but not enough to keep him from the game. Ravenclaw was definitely giving us a run for our money, since their Chasers were quick.

Lucky for us, Dorcas was quicker. The four goals that slipped by only slipped by because she was dodging Bludgers each time. Now Gideon was hanging around the goal posts to prevent that from happening, and so far the plan is working splendidly.

"Captain Potter is closing in on the Ravenclaw goal, with Ravenclaw's Dunn right on his tail. Potter feints right, dropping the Quaffle to Black. Black approaches the goals and... Yes! Another ten points to Gryffindor! Take that Ravenclaw, you bloody eagles!"

"Jordan!" McGonagall called out again.

"That makes how many, now?" Peter asked me.

"Sixth call that showed obvious favoritism to Gryffindor, although only fourth call for swearing," I answered.

"Don't forget he's already made sixteen calls about the attractiveness of the female players," Remus added.

"And Ravenclaw Beater Bernard hits the Bludger towards Black! Black dodges! Remind me never to find myself alone with Bernard, although she is quite a rare specimen, I must admit." The sound of McGonagall's Daily Prophet making impact with the back of Miguel's head resonated throughout the pitch.

"Seventeen," I said to Remus, a grin on my face.

"What's that? Looks like Gryffindor Seeker McKinnon may have seen something," Miguel stated, looking up towards the sky. Sure enough, I could see her head darting left to right, then she turned a complete 180 and started diving. "Yes! McKinnon has seen the Snitch! She's diving! Ravenclaw Seeker Wyndell finally noticed McKinnon's dive. He's a little slow on the pick-up, that one," he paused from another hit by McGonagall's newspaper. "Sorry, Professor, but it's true. He doesn't seem like he'll be able to catch up to McKinnon's speed!"

We all held our breath, watching the race to the Snitch. I saw Marlene reach out her hand...

"McKinnon's caught the Snitch! Gryffindor wins 240 to 40!"

The cheering was deafening, and Peter was definitely right. There was a lot of disappointed people in the stands, but some of them seemed to have switched their loyalties to Gryffindor. Bloody sheep, I thought.

That's when James flew up to where we were sitting. I squealed in delight and wrapped my arms around his neck. "That was awesome!" I told him, trying to be heard above the screams.

"I thought Padfoot was going to maim Miguel in the beginning, with the comments he was making about Em," he chuckled. "That's why he got hit with the Bludger. Git wasn't paying complete attention."

"Can you just shut up for a moment so I can congratulate you proper?" I told him through a smile, then leaning in and kissing him.

We ignored the extra cheering from the Gryffindor stands when he wrapped his arms tighter around me and picked me up, placing me on the broom with him. I wasn't one for flying, but I trust this man with my life, so I didn't let it phase me. I just made a mental note to not let go of my hug.

"Come with me to the Gryffindor Common Room for a celebration?" he asked me, breaking the kiss.

"Of course!" I answered. "On one condition."

"What's that?"

"Don't you dare drop me or do anything stupid with me on this broom!" I told him, tightening my hug. The height we were at just hit me.

James laughed. "Deal," he said, slowly making out decent and yelling up to Remus and Peter to meet us in their common room.

Author's Note Part 2: I had the Transfiguration class note-passing session written since the last chapter (or the one prior) because I was STUPID and got my days mixed up. I had to fit it in somewhere because the bit about the turtle made my sister, Lolita Minako, laugh.