in the cards | marlene mckinnon

03. quidditch games

The quidditch pitch was packed full of students, red and green banners hung everywhere. There were barely any seats left available in the stands, most students prioritizing the game over hypothermia.

The Gryffindor versus Slytherin match was easily one of the most awaited games every year, as no houses could match the rivalry the two had. 

To the Slytherin's dismay, most of the houses were cheering for Gryffindor. Which honestly at this point in time was fair, since a large part of Slytherin house, and some in other houses as well, were prejudiced dickheads.

Though the air remained light and ignorant inside the walls of the castle, every student knew what was to come. Denial just happened to be the most common feeling at the time.

Though on that January evening, competetiveness and determination ran through the veins of every quidditch player. As well as for some hardcore-fans, including Lily Evans who was a very competitive person, no matter the sport or subject.

Regulus adored quidditch, it was a stable point of his life; as a seeker he had full control of what he wanted to do, not being dependent on others. It was calming to have some control in the uncertain world of Regulus Black. 

James on the other hand, couldn't even imagine a world without quidditch. He owned a signed copy of Quidditch Through The Ages, tons of paraphernalia from his favorite team and countless posters littered the walls in his dorm. 

So to say that James Potter refused to lose this game, would be a grave understatement.

"Alright, let's kick these Slytherin's asses," James yelled to the team, right before they were going to set off. "We need an excuse to get drunk tonight, also fuck Slytherin."

The team cheered loudly, Marlene and Sirius piping up already at the "getting drunk" part.

"Time to kick ass."

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Spotlights high up in the sky lit the whole arena up as both teams ascended into the sky, save for James Potter and Emma Vanity, the captains. The two walked to the center, where they met Madam Hooch, the referee.

The captains shook hands, promised a fair game, and not a second later, the balls were released. Vanity down and smoothly grabbed the quaffle before speeding off.

"AND THE GAME HAS BEGUN!" Peter Pettigrew shouted through the microphone, as he was the newly appointed commentator. "VANITY GRABS THE QUAFFLE AND HEADS STRAIGHT TOWARDS GRYFFINDOR'S GOA- YES! TAKE THAT SLYTHERIN!" he shouts as the keeper nimbly sends the ball away. 

"Pettigrew, language!" McGonagall reprimanded. It hadn't even been a minute and she was already regretting asking the boy to be the commentator.

"Sorry professor," Peter meekly apologized before getting lost in the game again. "OH! AND MCKINNON HITS A MEAN BLUDGER TOWARD HUXLEY AND- OUCH, THAT LOOKED LIKE IT HURT!"

The Slytherin chaser, Huxley, got knocked right off his broom, and fell to the ground with a thud. The Gryffindors cheered at the small victory.

"AND HE HITS THE GROUND!" Peter shouts, completely forgetting the fact that everyone can hear him. "Pity he wasn't too far off the ground."

"PETTIGREW!"

"Sorry ma'am."

"AND GRYFFINDOR SCORES! TAKING THE LEAD WITH 10 - NIL TO GRYFFINDOR!" Peter continues shouting. He seems rather fond of it now, though he was apprehensive before the game. "OH NO, SLYTHERIN MAKES A QUICK COMEBACK WITH VANITY ALMOST IMMEDIATELY SCORING FOR THEM, EVENING THE SCORE."