uptown girl

07

The morning of Gryffindor's first Quidditch game was electric with excitement. The Great Hall buzzed with animated chatter and the clinking of cutlery as students eagerly anticipated the match. James Potter sat with his closest friends, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew, at the Gryffindor table. The long house table was adorned with a hearty breakfast spread, but James barely touched his plate. His attention was divided between the lively atmosphere and his own bubbling nerves. Sirius, ever the energetic one, tossed a muffin across the table with a flourish. "Prongs, you've got to eat," he said, his voice brimming with good-natured urgency. "You're going to need all the energy you can get today."

James caught the muffin mid-air and glanced up, his gaze wandering around the Hall until it settled on Emmeline Lawrence. She entered with a grace that drew the eyes of many, her curly hair bouncing with each step. She made her way to her usual spot with her friends, Marlene and Katelyn, who greeted her with enthusiastic waves. James's expression turned thoughtful as he leaned closer to his friends, a grin tugging at his lips. "Did you know that Emmeline's dad is Eric Lawrence?" he asked, his voice a mix of awe and curiosity. The name had a weight to it that commanded respect. Sirius's eyes widened in surprise, his mouth forming a perfect 'O' of disbelief, while Peter, always eager to learn, blinked in confusion.

"Who's that?" Peter asked, his tone inquisitive. Sirius, not one to hold back, slung an arm around Peter's shoulders, his demeanor one of exaggerated drama. "That, Pete, is the best Chaser in the entire world. Eric Lawrence is legendary. How is she..." Sirius trailed off as he caught James's disapproving look. The realization that he might be overselling the information struck him, and he shifted uncomfortably.

Remus, who had been quietly perusing his newspaper, folded it with a deliberate slowness. He looked up, his expression unreadable. "I don't have to tell you everything, James. Besides, Emmeline prefers it when no one knows who her parents are." James's eyes widened with mock betrayal. "You knew? And you didn't tell me, your best mate?" he said, feigning hurt. Remus shrugged casually, a small smile playing at his lips. "Sometimes it's more about the person than their lineage," he replied cryptically.

Sirius, still mulling over the revelation, turned back to the entrance of the Hall where Emmeline had been. "I'd want everyone to know if my dad was Eric Lawrence," he said, his tone filled with admiration. "That's not even all of it. Her mum is Adeline Lawrence, the Auror." James, his voice dropping to a whisper so only his friends could hear, added, "Blimey... she's got the world-famous Auror and Quidditch player for her parents? How did she get so lucky in the parent department?" Peter chuckled, his eyes wide with amazement. "Blimey, I'd be bragging non-stop if I had those two as parents," he joked, a playful tone evident in his voice.

Across the hall, Emmeline was struggling with her own emotions. The air around her was electric with the buzz of pre-game excitement, Marlene and Katelyn practically vibrating with anticipation. Their conversation was a whirlwind of predictions and expectations for the match. Emmeline, despite her own feelings of guilt, tried to match their enthusiasm. As she approached them, Marlene's eyes lit up, her excitement palpable. "Hey, you two," Emmeline greeted, her smile tinged with unease. Marlene practically bounced on her toes, her grin wide. "You ready for the match, Em?"

Katelyn nudged her playfully, her excitement radiating from her. "It's going to be brilliant! I can't wait for you to see me in action." Emmeline's heart sank, her guilt intensifying as she prepared to break the news. "Actually... about that," she began, her voice soft but resolute. "I won't be able to make it." The words felt heavy as they left her lips.

Marlene and Katelyn's expressions faltered immediately, their smiles slipping as confusion and disappointment set in. "What do you mean?" Katelyn asked, her voice tinged with concern as she shifted her broom on her shoulder. Emmeline took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their disappointment. "I'm really sorry, but Madam Pomfrey asked if I could help treat the injured players after the game," she explained, her gaze steady.