Caught in the Crowd {James Potter}

Chapter 3: Bribes and Favouritism

Chapter 3: Bribes and Favouritism

Freya sat comfortably in the middle of the main lounge in front of the fireplace within the Gryffindor Common Room. Her nose buried into a book of magical creatures, wanting a warning of what Professor Kettleburn might bring us through the next year. Last year, he had lost half of his fingers on one hand from a particularly bad incident with a Streeler.

She could practically sense their forms moving inwards in her location. On either side of her, two boys in scuffled uniforms sat on the lounge. Freya didn't even need to look up to know who they were. "Nope." Without lifting her head from the book, she stood up and moved away from the lounge.

"Oi!" Black bellowed. "What's the avoidance for?"

"I can practically smell it on you."

"Smell what? I took a shower... this morning."

Freya looked up from her book. "I can smell that you're up to no good." Black and Remus sat on either end of the lounge, a faint indent in the seat between them from where she had been perched. "You want something from me."

Remus chortled, pressing the flats of his shoes against the single chair just off to the side. Damn his long legs. "She's not wrong."

Black lifted his arms in a display, flopping them back down over the length of the couch backing. "How did she know? But it's not anything extreme, we just want to ask you a favour."

Freya tightened her lips and slowly sat herself down on the single chair near Remus's feet. "Will it possibly earn me a detention and-or new enemies?"

Sirius tipped his head. "Not unless you really manage to mess it up. And if you do that, I'll get detention with you to celebrate." He pondered over the possibility for a moment before shaking his head. "Quidditch try-outs are next weekend and McKinnon said she doesn't want to play this year. But we need her on the team, she's the second-best Chaser we have."

"Let me guess, Potter is the best which leaves poor Jeffreys as the worst. I'll let him know." Freya closed her book, drawing up a knee to her chest. "You want me to convince her?"

"Just talk to her," Sirius drawled. "Then if she doesn't seem convinced, then convince her. If all else fails, tell her I'm open to bribes. That's a last, desperate resort though."

It wasn't the worst thing they've ever asked of her. Sure, it was slightly annoying to act as a messenger, but she could understand why. "I'll poke around the subject," she decided. "But don't blame me if she doesn't listen."

"You're a legend, Hawkins."

"I think you've told that to five other people this past week. How many favours are people pulling you?"

Sirius lifted his chin. "Enough that I'm losing count," he confessed. "Will you come watch try-outs?"

"Depends how successful I am at convincing Marlene."

"James and I will be there! We're your House team, you should be supporting us. Besides, someone needs to keep Remus and Peter company in the stands." She didn't bother voicing what a pathetic argument it was. Sirius sighed at her lack of acknowledgement. "Fine, I didn't want to admit this out loud, but I fly better when I have pretty eyes watching me."

Freya cackled, not at all convinced at his attempt. "You just want fresh people to show off to. I'll think about it. If Remus promises to bring me hot chocolate from the kitchens because I know how early it's going to be, then it would sweeten the deal."

"How do you know we know where the kitchens are?" Remus wondered. Freya lifted her brow and gestured with her chin towards the slice of toast in his hand. It was the late afternoon, but dinner hadn't been served and lunch ended hours ago. Remus stared down at the toast. "Stupid question. You never asked where it was."