Game On

Part 5 - Butterbeers & Broomsticks

I was shocked when no one mentioned this mornings incident to me all day. I didn't tell anyone because I was so humiliated but I guess Sirius didn't either, shocking.

I mean I wasn't even reading that part. Ugh.

Sirius was surprisingly quiet during Potions today. He just kept leaning over to talk to Remus and Peter. Good thing Slughorn was just talking the whole time so there really wasn't much time for Sirius to distract me anyway.

I freeze when the Fat Lady's portrait swings open. Lily, Marlene, James, Sirius and Peter all lounge around the common room laughing.

Laughing.

I hear James mention something about divination and feel a wave of relief as I realize they're not talking about me. However, if I sit down I have a feeling the conversation will switch. All I wanted to do was study a little but clearly that's not going to happen.

I turn around and walk out of the room without anyone noticing. As I walk towards the library I feel slightly angry. Why are the Marauders constantly around us? Seriously this year was supposed to be just me and my best friends but now it's seems like a pack of animals has clawed their way into my life.

I walk into the library and begin looking for a place to settle in.

I guess not all of it's been bad though I mean I'm growing to like-

Remus.

There he is sitting at a table, alone and completely engrossed in his book.

I should've thought he might be here.

"Hey, uh is it okay if I sit here?"

Remus looks up at me.

"Hi Jade. Sure."

"Great, thanks."

He returns to his book as I pull out my Transfiguration textbook.

Eventually our silence changes from somewhat unpleasant to sort of comforting. I feel my muscles begin to slowly relax and my jaw loosen the longer we sit. Every once in a while I'll ask Remus about whatever I'm studying or if he has more ink and vise versa. Something about Remus is so trustworthy. I can tell he has a kind soul even if he try's to shield it.

I look up from my studying to notice a formidable figure lurking by the Defense Against the Dark Arts bookshelf.

Regulus Black.

It's my first time seeing him this year and he looks...bad honestly. I always thought he was a pretty cute boy, which is saying something because I don't often think that. This year, however, he looks almost sickly. There are dark circles under his eyes and he looks skinnier than ever. I suddenly remember that he's was in my Care of Magical Creatures class earlier today. How strange...

The rest of my week is pretty uneventful, much to my satisfaction. I spent time with Mary, Marlene and Lily, finally. Bloody hell I love them so much. Things feel normal, until...

Friday

I'm sitting at my usual spot in the great hall for dinner. Lily on my right and Mary and Marlene across from me.

"Marlene don't you think you practiced enough this summer?" I tease. "Plus, you've been on the team for 4 years already, it's not like they're gonna cut you."

"No, you can never practice too much and anyway Quidditch tryouts are where you make for first impression to the new team members." She groans.

"Yeah but they've already seen you play, you should stop worrying about it." Lily adds.