Sirius Expelled

Sirius Expelled: Chapter 26

I'm sorry about this one... have fun.

TW: minor injury (concussion) and some uncomfortable angst, mention of throwing up and heartbreak

The morning was cold with frost covering the Quidditch Pitch as the teams entered the changing rooms. James was bouncing in excitement as he gathered his team around him.

"Okay team. Last match before Christmas Break, let's make it count. Vance, stick close to Black and try to edge him off as you fly. But he's likely going to Feint so don't fall for it. McKinnon, make sure to pass you like to try and fly your way out of an attack but Slytherin is more brutal than Hufflepuff so you can't do that. Steal the Quaffle from either Crouch or Rosier but be careful with Dolohov, he's likely to cheat if you get too close. Oh and Shacklebolt, Rosier shoots to the left hoop, Dolohov and Rosier shoot to the right." James said, spitting information out faster than he ever did in class.

"James, calm down. We know what we're doing. Don't worry about it." Marlene said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You only don't care because your girlfriend is on Slytherin." Emmaline quipped but she had a good natured smile on her face.

Marlene flushed and James could feel his heart flutter slightly at the thought of Regulus.

"We don't let our relationship interfere with the game." Marlene responded with a small giggle.

"Marlene, you and Dorcas practically breakup before every Slytherin/Gryffindor Quidditch match." James replied and Marlene let out a small squeak.

"Everyone shut up about my love life, we have a game to win!" she said but a grin was playing on her lips.

The team grabbed their brooms and began filing out to the field, opposite Slytherin. The frost crunched underneath their feet and the air was cold but exciting and adrenaline shot through James's heart. He walked forward and shook Mulciber's hand before stepping back and looking over the Slytherins. James winked at the other Seeker but Regulus met him with only a blank gaze and he had to hold in a laugh as Regulus fought with a small smile.

"On your marks, get set, go!"

The Quaffle was tossed into the air and James immediately took off into the air, snatching the red ball and throwing himself towards the hoops. From the corner of his eye he watched Emmeline and Regulus take off into the sky, hovering higher than any of the other players, a common Seeker technique.

The game progressed quickly with Gryffindor slowly gaining an edge in points, like always. However, where Slytherin lacked in their Chasers and Keepers, they made up for with one of the greatest Seekers that Hogwarts had ever seen. Regulus Black. Nearly an hour in, Gryffindor was ahead by ninety points to Slytherin's mere twenty. As James flew, the crowd suddenly erupted in shouts as Regulus and Emmeline took off together, speeding at a tiny, fluttering gold ball. They began to lap around the field, chasing the ball as James threw the Quaffle at Kingsly before turning to watch the race.

Regulus's eyes were dead focused on the snitch. He was racing ahead, picking up speed as Emmeline tried to keep up. Slowly, Regulus lifted one hand, then the other. James was transfixed, barely able to focus on his own job as he watched Regulus zip around in the air, agile but in control of each movement. He tossed the Quaffle to Marlene just as Regulus swerved immediately, gaining ground on the snitch. He began to push himself up, the trick he was known for, standing on the broom, balancing like a cat. On James's left, one of his beaters hit a bludger at Regulus. But for some reason, Barty Crouch Jr and Mulciber were too busy to notice it. Regulus's gaze wasn't wavering, it was like he zoned out of the entire world and the only thing that existed was him and the snitch. He lifted his other foot on top of the broom and James's heart dropped to his stomach.