The New Marauders

The New Chaser

The Hogwarts Express rumbled along the tracks as the new Marauders settled into their usual compartment. Christmas break had flown by, and now it was time to head back to Hogwarts for the new term. James sat by the window, staring out at the snowy landscape, while Sam lounged with his legs stretched out, lazily flipping through a comic book. Nate, however, was looking decidedly pale and uncomfortable, hunched over in his seat.

When Edward entered the compartment, he raised an eyebrow at the scene. "Why does Nate look like he’s about to throw up?"

Sam didn’t even glance up from his comic. "He had some of those new crisps from Honeydukes—dragon and troll bogie flavor. Told him it was a bad idea, but you know Nate."

Nate groaned, clutching his stomach. "I thought they’d be... spicy or something. I didn’t expect them to actually taste like troll bogies."

"Idiot," James said with a snort, though there was amusement in his voice.

Suddenly, Nate leapt to his feet, clutching his mouth. "I... I gotta—"

Before he could finish, he bolted out of the compartment, presumably to find the nearest toilet.

Edward shook his head with a chuckle as he sat down. "Well, that’s not going to end well."

"Serves him right," James muttered, though his tone was light.

As Edward made himself comfortable, he glanced at James and seemed to remember something. "Oh, mate—meant to tell you something. I’ve got some bad news about Quidditch."

James turned his head, now interested. "What? What happened?"

Edward leaned forward, lowering his voice slightly. "Our third Chaser, Jackson Malcolms... he can’t play anymore."

"What? Why?" James asked, frowning.

Edward scratched the back of his neck. "He had an accident over the break. Broke his arm, and it’s not healing properly. He’s out for the rest of the season."

James groaned, leaning his head back against the seat. "Great. Just great. We’re down a Chaser, and tryouts are long over. Who am I supposed to get to replace him?"

For a moment, the compartment was silent as James racked his brain for potential replacements. Then, a thought struck him—someone who had caught his attention during tryouts but didn’t make the team because there weren’t enough spots.

"Mia," James muttered to himself.

Edward raised an eyebrow. "What was that?"

James sat up straighter. "Mia. She tried out for Chaser at the beginning of the year. She was really good, but Jackson was just a bit better."

Edward nodded, catching on. "Yeah, I remember. She was impressive."

James's mind was already whirling with possibilities. "I think she could be a perfect fit. I’ll have to ask her once we get back to school."

Sam, who had been silently listening to the whole conversation, finally looked up from his comic book with a grin. "Sounds like a plan, Captain. But, uh, maybe wait until she’s not distracted by anything else, you know?"

James rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile. "Yeah, yeah, I’ll figure it out."

As they settled back into the rhythm of the train, the thought of Mia possibly joining the team lingered in James's mind. It wasn’t just about filling a spot anymore—it was about finding someone who could make a difference for the team... and maybe, just maybe, about spending more time with her.

******

The Gryffindor common room was warm and bustling with energy as students settled back in after the Christmas holidays. The fire roared in the hearth, casting a cozy glow on the stone walls, and the familiar chatter of returning students filled the space. James Potter, led the way as the new Marauders—Edward Barrett, Nate Thomas, Sam Finnigan, and Luke Jordan—entered the common room, shaking off the cold from outside.

James was scanning the room, his eyes darting past groups of students catching up with friends, when he spotted Mia Longbottom sitting by one of the windows, her blonde hair reflecting the firelight. She was laughing about something with Sophie Ellis, both of them looking relaxed as they talked. James felt a surge of excitement. He’d been thinking about this moment since Professor McGonagall had approved Mia to join the team just before the break.

“There she is,” James muttered under his breath, making a beeline toward her, with Edward raising an eyebrow and following behind.

As he approached, Mia looked up, her expression curious but friendly. “Hey, James. Enjoy the holidays?”

“Yeah, yeah, great,” James said quickly, his grin widening. “But listen, I’ve got some news.”

Sophie gave Mia a playful nudge. “This sounds interesting.”

James shot Sophie a quick smile before focusing back on Mia. “Mia, I need you on the Quidditch team.”

Mia blinked, clearly taken aback. “Me? On the team?”

James nodded, his excitement barely contained. “Yeah! Jackson Malcolms broke his arm over the break—nasty fall off his broom. He’s out for the season.”

“Oh, Merlin,” Mia said, her eyes widening. “Is he alright?”

“He’ll be fine, but he’s definitely not playing anytime soon,” James explained. “And we need a Chaser. I’ve seen you fly, Mia. You’re brilliant.”

Mia looked uncertain, her gaze flicking between James and Sophie. “But... I’ve never played on the team before. I mean, I love flying, but this is a bit sudden, isn’t it?”

“Sudden?” Edward piped up with a grin. “More like long overdue. You’re one of the best flyers in Gryffindor, Mia. James is right—you’d be great.”

Mia hesitated for a moment, clearly weighing the offer. Sophie gave her an encouraging smile. “You should do it. It’s about time you showed everyone what you’ve got.”

James leaned in, his voice full of confidence. “Look, we’ve got practice tomorrow, and I want you there. You don’t have to decide right now, but think about it. Gryffindor needs you, Mia.”

Mia glanced at Sophie, who nodded eagerly, then back at James. After a pause, she smiled. “Alright, I’ll give it a shot. But no promises I won’t crash into a few goalposts.”

James’ grin widened, relieved and excited. “Perfect! No one cares about the goalposts as long as we win.”

Sophie chuckled, and Mia gave James a mock glare. “Fine, but if I embarrass myself, it’s on you, Potter.”

James laughed, clapping her on the shoulder. “Deal. But trust me, you’ll be brilliant.”

As James turned back toward the rest of the Marauders, Edward gave him a smirk. “Look at you, Potter, convincing Gryffindor’s finest to join the team. Captain material for sure.”

James rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his grin. “Let’s just hope I can convince the rest of the team to stop panicking about the season.”

Edward laughed. “If they see Mia fly, they won’t have to.”

James looked over his shoulder, catching one last glimpse of Mia laughing with Sophie, and felt a surge of excitement for the rest of the Quidditch season. He had a good feeling about this.