The New Marauders

Gryffindor Versus Slythrine

In the early morning hours, the Gryffindor dormitory was still draped in the soft, grey light of dawn. James Sirius Potter tossed and turned in his four-poster bed, excitement and nerves bubbling in his stomach. He had tried to sleep, but the thought of playing his first Quidditch match for Gryffindor was too much to handle. Eventually, he kicked off the covers and sat up, his heart racing.

From the next bed over, Edward Barrett stirred, blinking groggily as he sat up to find James already awake. His messy brown hair stuck up at odd angles, his wide eyes revealing the same mix of excitement and anxiety.

"You awake too?" James asked, though he already knew the answer.

Edward grinned. "Too excited to sleep. You?"

"Same," James replied, his voice thick with nervous energy. "It's our first match."

Edward swung his legs out of bed, shaking the sleep from his limbs. "Let's wake the others."

Quietly, but not too quietly, the two of them tiptoed across the dormitory. They woke Nate Thomas first, who muttered something about being up all night thinking about the Chasers. Sam Finnigan groaned when they shook him awake, mumbling about five more minutes before finally sitting up. Luke Jordan, however, needed no convincing. "Finally! Thought you lot were gonna sleep through the whole thing," he said, springing out of bed with a grin.

The five of them were dressed and out of the Gryffindor common room faster than ever, their excited chatter filling the empty corridors as they made their way down to the Great Hall. James kept nervously twisting the hem of his Quidditch robes, while Edward threw an arm around his shoulders, trying to calm his nerves.

"Relax, Potter," Edward teased. "You've flown on a broom your whole life. It's just another game."

James smiled weakly but appreciated the reassurance.

When they entered the Great Hall, the long tables were half-empty, only a few other early risers milling about. The new Marauders sat together at the Gryffindor table, grabbing toast and eggs. The rest of the castle seemed to move slower than them, as if time had stretched in anticipation of the day's match.

As James buttered his toast, his attention drifted across the room, landing on Mia Longbottom, who was sitting a few seats away, deep in conversation with one of her friends. Her blonde hair shimmered in the morning light, and there was something about the way she laughed that made James lose his train of thought. His hand froze mid-bite, eyes fixed on her.

Edward, sitting next to him, noticed the sudden stillness and leaned in with a smirk. He nudged James and whispered, "You're doing it again."

James blinked, tearing his gaze away, his face flushing. "What?"

Edward's grin widened. "Staring at Mia Longbottom."

James fumbled with his toast, trying to play it off, but Edward wasn't fooled. "It's nothing," James muttered, avoiding Edward's knowing look.

"Sure, mate," Edward said with a laugh, patting him on the back. The others hadn't seemed to notice, too busy talking strategy and shoveling down breakfast.

As they ate, the excitement built, and despite the nerves fluttering in their stomachs, the bond between the five of them solidified. James might have been a little distracted by Mia, but with his friends by his side and the promise of their first Quidditch match ahead, he felt ready for whatever the day had in store.

*******

The crisp autumn air buzzed with excitement as students from all four houses filled the stands, their cheers echoing across the pitch. Red and gold banners waved furiously from the Gryffindor section, while the silver and green of Slytherin gleamed menacingly from the other side. Today was no ordinary Quidditch match-it was Gryffindor versus Slytherin, and tensions were high.