Moments
I don't own anything from the HPverse
Chapter 20:
"Welcome to the second Quidditch tryouts. I have exactly one month to make you brilliant so don't bother wasting my time. Hu, pick up a beaters bat, let's see what you're made of."
There were a few new people trying out but it was mostly the same people who tried out in September. I held tryouts pretty much the same. The battle for seekers was between two girls. That Lorelai girl from before. She took my advice to heart and got a better broom, and there was a second year redhead who I think is named Michelle. Poor Jason never really stood a chance. He had been shaken up every since the match against Slytherin. A geeky looking kid named Simon was competing against Jace for the keeper position. They both seemed decent enough but Simon was no match for my chasers. There seemed to be a fight going on between the Beater candidates. Beaters don't usually aim the ball at each other. It seemed almost like they were playing a match of Hot Gnome. I watched them go at it until a Bludger hit Henry in the face knocking him off of his broom. I used a cushioning charm right before he hit the ground. I blew my whistle twice and everyone flew to the ground.
"I thought I said keep your relationship stuff off my pitch" I said as I checked Henry over for injuries. He was out cold and I needed to wake him up.
"We aren't in a relationship any more" Roxy said.
"I'm sure Fred will be happy to hear that."
Henry opened his eyes.
"Whatsgoingon?" he asked dazed.
"You got hit in the head pretty badly. Someone is about to escort you to the hospital wing where they'll check and see if you have a concussion" I explained. "Hugo, congrats you took Miles spot on the team. Roxy you're still on the team but work your problems out on your own time. Sansa sweetie you tried but I'm afraid Colin had you beat this time. Jace you're keeper. Lorelai you made the team. Michelle you were pretty good as well. Unfortunately I don't have the need for a practice squad this time around. Don't be discouraged, I'm holding tryouts again in two months for the game against Ravenclaw. If someone with strong arms want to assist Henry to the infirmary it would be much appreciated. Everyone who made the team, good job. The next practice is tonight at eight."
"We're not getting a break?" Roxy asked.
"No, you're not. Now you're all dismissed."
I had to put up all of the equipment before I headed into the locker room to take a shower.
Feeling in a good mood I headed up to the Gryffindor Tower. I skipped breakfast for practice but I figured I'd grab something to eat before I head to Charms.
There was a big commotion in the common room. It took me only two seconds to realize that Ali and Laney were going head to head. This wasn't going to end well.
I began to push my way through the crowd. Ali and Laney were yelling at each other. I didn't need to hear what they were saying to get the general gist. Wands came out, I managed to part through the crowd just in time. I grabbed both girls by their wand arms. Ali's spell hit the wall causing it to crack as Laney's spell hit a couch causing it to explode.
"Stop!" I told Laney who was trying to jerk out of my hold.
She did stop and her eyes watered as she looked up at me. "I don't want to hear it" I told her then I turned to the crowd. "Show's over. Head to class or whatever there's nothing to see here."
There were some grumbles and complains but everyone cleared out.
I dropped my hold on both girls when I realized they wouldn't attack each other anymore.
"James"
"You're embarrassing yourself" I said cutting Laney off. "The desperate act is getting old and it's making you the laughing stock of Gryffindor. Gather whatever dignity you have left and leave me and my wife alone."
"I just wanted—"
"I don't care and nobody else does either" I said.
"I can take care of myself" Ali said as we entered the boys' dorm.
"I'm sure you can" I replied. I pulled out my tube of bruise paste and handed it to her. Apparently they got a couple of hits in before they resorted to screaming and cursing.
"I hate that cow. You should've let me curse her."
"I could've but her curse would've hit you if I didn't get in the way and that wouldn't have been good for the baby" I snapped.
"Why in the hell are you angry at me for? She's the one who came out of nowhere and bitch slapped me."
I balled my hands in a fist. I never wanted to hit a girl before but I was seriously tempted where Laney was concerned. I took a deep breath. "I'm not angry at you. I'm angry at myself because I should've known something like that would happen. And I'm angry at Laney because she can't seem to get over her delusions."
"She knows I'm pregnant. Or at least she hinted at it. Was all he'd never marry you must've trapped him, as if I'd scoop that low."
If anything I was more upset.
"You've got a lot of fan girls, we've already established that. I don't need you sticking up for me. It makes me look weak."
"What kind of husband am I if I can't defend my wife?" I asked.
"You can defend me from stupid blokes and my parents but I can defend myself against cows like Laney Daniels. I'll handle it"
"Fine" I conceded. "But if I see her pointing a wand at you again might not be able to stop myself from breaking her hand."
"Why are birds so complicated?" Fred asked.
"Why are you asking me?" I don't get them any more than he does.
"Don't be mad but I had to give your girl a detention. Laney too. Rumors of their tiff spread around the school and the teachers found out. Of course it would've helped if someone fixed the wall and the couch. It's been a while since I saw a good girl on girl fight. How was it?"
"I broke it up."
"Party pooper."
"Shut up. You would've had to stop it too if you were there, Mr. Headboy. I can't believe you're handing out detentions."
"Handing out detentions is fun, especially if you're handing them out to jerks who used to date your sister"
"Still punishing Cartwright?"
"Damn straight."
"They aren't together anymore."
"That makes it even better."
"James!"
How come I don't carry my invisibility cloak with me where ever I go?
"I don't want to hear it Laney" I said as I kept walking down towards the great hall.
"I want to apologize" she called as she continued after me.
"You're apologizing to the wrong person" I said.
"Please just wait."
Laney grabbed my arm.
I twisted out of hold and glared at her. "What?"
"I am sorry. I know that the two of us were meant to be together."
"Merlin's fucking pants you must be stupid" I said. "We are not meant to be together. You can be okay sometimes but most of the time I just think you're bat-shit crazy and annoying. If you truly love me half as much as you think you do you'll leave me the hell alone and never ever confront Alison again. I don't believe in hitting girls but if you hurt her I swear I'll destroy you."
"But James" she said tears pouring down her eyes, "we're fated. In divination"
"Divination is fake. There hasn't been a true seer since the 1950s. Whatever you think you know, you're wrong. I'm with Ali now, and I always will be. Please, get over yourself. Find someone else to fawn over."
I left her standing there in the middle of the corridor. In hindsight I know it's no good to be mean to people like Laney. It makes me feel like I'm kicking a house elf. Besides people like Laney rarely ever listen to reason and angering them just seems to spur them on more. I should recommend her to be checked out by the psych healers in St. Mungo's.
I went to the Great Hall. I had just pulled a steak and kidney pie on my plate when Rose came and sat down across from me.
"You need to control your fan girls" Rose snapped "Before I curse them all to Hades."
"Ali can take care of herself" I said taking a bite out of my pie. I hadn't gone down to the kitchens like I planned earlier and now I'm starving. Starving and irritated is not a good combination.
Rose scoffed.
"That's what she told me and I'm sure she'd be telling you the same thing if she were here. I'm really not in the mood for another lecture either."
"I'm just warning you."
"What happened to you? You used to be cool" I said suddenly.
Rose looked taken aback. "I happen to be very cool."
"Did you have a secret boyfriend who messed around on you? Let me know who it was and I'll make him regret it."
"Nobody messed around on me" Rose said.
"So you did have a secret boyfriend. What happened?"
"I…it's none of your business."
"Just when I was getting bored, you've given me a new hobby. I'm going to find out who that guy was."
"Don't"
"You could just tell me."
"Absolutely not."
"What's going on?" Ali asked as she sat down next to me.
"You're out of detention already?" I asked.
"No, I haven't gone yet. I don't do detentions on an empty stomach" Ali said. "Remind me to punch Fred in the arm the next time I see him. I can't believe he gave me detention. We're practically family."
"Rose and I were just discussing her ex" I said.
"No—"
"She told you about Camden. I'm surprised" Ali said.
I tried to think of who Camden was as Rose banged her head on the table.
"Zanibi? You dated Zanibi!"
Ali frowned, "I thought you—you tricked me."
I was too busy laughing. "This is too good. I can't believe you dated Zanibi. No wonder you never told anyone. Your dad would have a fit."
"Shut up. It happened nearly two years ago" Rose said blushing.
Ali flicked me so I let it drop, for now.
***
AN: I have a very structured layout for how I want this story to go (right now I'm looking at roughly forty chapters)that's why I post multiple chapters at once. Usually when I write stories I hit a major writer's block around chapter 10 or 11, that's why a lot of my stories are unfinished. I really really hope that doesn't happen with this story. So anyway I'm writing this because I'm super happy I managed to make it to chapter 20! Major thanks to anyone who has been reading this story, following it, favorite-ing it, reviewing and all that good stuff. It motivates me to keep writing.