I'll Be Your Soldier

We Will Rock You

Emmeline's POV
I love Quidditch matches for several reasons. I like the sport of course, no self-respecting Gryffindor has ever admitted to not liking Quidditch. That's not one of the main reasons though. When we win, and we will win, Gryffindor throws awesome victory parties. Also, 7 typically good looking people in Quidditch uniforms... I'm not complaining. Of course, the matches do require waking up early on a Saturday. That's not as much fun. When I finally did wake up, the four other girls in my dorm were running around with Gryffindor scarves and signs and face paint flying around. Marlene was already dressed in her Quidditch uniform and was watching the sight of Mary finishing applying her paint while Lily fixed her own hair with red and gold streaks and Alice put on a scarf with matching pins on her Gryffindor hat and robes.
"Is there any Gryffindor merchandise left for me?" I asked. They all laughed as I quickly went to the bathroom and had a quick shower. After brushing my teeth, doing my hair, and finishing my makeup, I put on a Gryffindor scarf along with my red cloak over a gold sweater and skinny jeans. The five of us walked downstairs and were met with a bunch of cheers, mostly for Marlene. Marlene was pushed through the crowd to the table by the fire where Gideon was standing on it, Fabian and Isabelle flanking either side of him with James and Black off to the right side and Marlene and Tyler to the left.
"Okay Gryffindors, I have to say, I am very happy with this year's team. Now, those Slytherins are gonna try and outdo us in any way possible. Are we gonna let them get away with that?" Gideon exclaimed to the suddenly silent crowd of Gryffindors.
"NO!!" All of us exclaimed.
"YOU BET WE AREN'T!! NOW LET'S GO WIN!!" Gideon began to lead a chant as he, Fabian, Isabelle, and Tyler walked out of the common room. As the room began to empty, James and Marlene made their way over to us as Frank, Peter, and Remus trailed after the group of girls that were following Black out the door, each and every one of them complimenting him and cheering him on. Give me a break.
"So Evans, you seem excited for the match." James stated, gesturing towards Lily's hair and the signs she and Alice were holding.
"I'm a Prefect, I have to show house spirit at all events. Plus, I would really like to see those Slytherins taken down a peg, or twenty." Lily commented.
"I'll make sure to pass on that information. You want to know what would really piss off some Slytherins and would help you promote house spirit?"
"What?"
"Dating a Quidditch player. Now obviously you aren't dating one now, but when we win the match you can just come to the front of the stands and have me snog you as a victory present. You can wear my jacket during the match and everything." Lily looked to be on the verge of an explosion when Marlene put a hand on both her and James's shoulders.
"Sorry James, but she can't wear your jacket." Marlene stated.
"Why not?"
"Wearing someone's Quidditch jacket basically says that you're their girlfriend or boyfriend. If Lily wore your jacket, it would mean she would be dating you, which she isn't. That very reason is why she will be wearing my jacket." James's mouth dropped open as Mary, Alice, and I snickered under our breath. James quickly recovered, realizing it was a joke and blushed.
"You know, Marls, if you ever were to switch teams I know of several guys who would be very disappointed." James commented. Where is he going with this?
"So?" Marlene asked.
"Nothing. It's really just something to think about." James walked away and Marlene turned to face the three of us.
"Was it just me, or did James just act really strange?"
"He's probably just nervous about the match. If I were him, I'd be freaked out about the Slytherins." I said.
"Why? We're gonna crush them."
"Not if the Slytherins are clever enough and nervous enough to make sure you don't beat them." Marlene's face fell as she figured out what I meant and raced to the Great Hall. The four of us followed and saw Marlene reading a note from her owl when we finally reached the table.
"Damn it." Marlene exclaimed and banged her fist on the table.
"They really did it?" Lily asked.
"Yup. The letter was waiting for me when I got here."
"You have to tell McGonagall. This is cheating, you know how she is about Quidditch." Mary said.
"With what proof? They aren't stupid enough to sign their names." Black spat.
"Padfoot relax. I'm going to tell you guys this again and I hope you listen this time. Just let them tell everyone." Remus pleaded.
"No, then you'll get kicked out of Hogwarts. The Ministry will believe all the lies the Slytherins will make and there will be letters from paranoid parents..." James said.
"This isn't just us though, Prongs. This is Gideon's chance to win the Quidditch Cup. Same with Fabian, Tyler, Isabelle, and the rest of the house. It's not fair to them if you throw the match just for me." James and Black looked like they wanted to argue more, but knew better. I sat next to Marlene and began to eat breakfast.
"What are you gonna do?" I whispered.
"Is there really any choice? I mean, I want to beat Slytherin with every fiber of my being, but it's not worth Remus having to deal with these ugly rumors." Marlene replied.
"Why don't you just win the game and then when they spread the rumors we can have Remus be running around the common room during a full moon and disprove it?" Marlene didn't answer after that, but she didn't really have time to since Gideon asked her to help set up for the game so she left early.
Remus's POV
I watched Padfoot stare after Marlene as she left with Gideon, glaring at Gideon's back as Marlene laughed at something he said. I rolled my eyes. Before I'm tossed out of this place I've gotta help Prongs get those two together. Leaving Hogwarts and my friends will be difficult, but I knew when I got bit that I would always have to be a wanderer, never staying in a place long enough to make friends.
"Remus, we're going down to the match. Are you okay?" Mary asked as the rest of the group started to leave. I stood up and began to walk with her to the match.
"Yeah, I'm fine." I replied.
"I can't believe those Slytherins are threatening to lie about you just so they can win a stupid Quidditch match."
"Don't let Prongs hear you say that, he may never speak to you again."
"Why are you so calm about all this? If I were you I'd be pissed off that those Slytherins were planning on making everyone else miserable just so you could keep them from spreading a rumor that isn't even true." I didn't meet her eye as we continued to walk towards the pitch, the crowd around us making bets and getting ready for the most competitive match of the year.
"What can getting mad do? It'll only make those Slytherins happier."
"Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore won't stand for this. None of the teachers will, or most of the students at Hogwarts. Everyone here who knows you knows that you would never hurt anyone, even if you weren't in your right mind. It's a ridiculous notion that people should be afraid of you hurting someone. If you're a werewolf then there are obviously some precautions that have been taken over the years since no one has found out yet. Are you?" Her question caught me off guard. Mary has always been the nice one, she never pushed for answers like Em or Lily when she knew that it was a closed subject. I guess she does deserve an answer to this one though, it's her security that's in danger whenever I'm in werewolf form. I looked around the area which was pretty deserted, considering we were hovering a good 30 feet away from the pitch and the match was about to start.
"Mary, I really like you and being your friend and I really don't want things to change. In fact, it would be nice if you kept what you just said in mind when I tell you this. I was 5 years old when I was bitten and ever since I've changed at every full moon. I am a Werewolf and..." I trailed off as I awaited her reaction. Her face was an unreadable mask. She moved towards me and I braced myself for a slap, but felt her arms wrap around me instead.
"You poor guy." She whispered and I tentatively hugged her back in response.
Marlene's POV
Helping Gideon was horrible. I normally don't mind setting up for Quidditch, but Gideon kept rambling on about how he knows we're gonna win the Quidditch Cup this year and how much it would mean to his parents if he and Fabian brought Gryffindor that honor again. I could have sworn he was guilt tripping me, except for the fact that he didn't know about Remus and the blackmailing Slytherins. I was already fully changed when Black and James finally got here and waited as they changed. Once they were done the two of them stood opposite me and the wall I'm leaning on.
"What are we gonna do?" I asked.
"I have no idea. There's no way we can let those Slytherins spread that around, but this is Quidditch. Moony was right, this isn't just about us anymore. This impacts the rest of the team, the house, Professor McGonagall, and other people who'd like to see the Slytherins taken down a peg." James replied.
"It's just a stupid cup. This is Moony's life we're talking about. You guys can do what you want, but I'm throwing it." Black stated and stormed away. James and I watched him go and I sighed.
"Is he okay?" I asked.
"No. I would have thought you would know that better than any of us, what with you being the only one who knows about the mysterious proposition and all." James said.
"James, not now. We're already in a really crappy situation at the moment, let's not add to it." James and I followed the rest of the team onto the pitch.
"Let's try and if Padfoot's sabotage isn't enough then I'll stop trying." I nodded and got my broom and was in the air in a matter of seconds. Black's sabotage hit us hard, literally. James was hit with a Bludger almost immediately, sent by Mulciber. The Quaffle didn't make it past Gideon, of course, but it was close enough to worry any fan. Poor Tyler has to work twice as hard to keep the Bludgers away from James, Fabian, and I. Ten minutes into the match we were down by 5 points and Gideon was getting fed up with Black's performance. Shortly after Fabian was hit with a Bludger again, Gideon called a timeout. The team flew down to the grass below and dismounted.
"Potter, Fabes, Marls, it's a miracle you three are still in working condition. Tyler, for your first match you are playing extremely well, same with you Isabelle. I wish I could say the same for Black. What the hell is going on here, Black? You bet against us or something?" Gideon exclaimed.
"No, I didn't bet against us. I'm just having a bad day." Black replied.
"Great timing. It's only our toughest match of the year, Black."
"It's not like it's in my control, Prewett."
"I don't care if you have to make a deal with the Devil, Black. Either you get better or there will be some severe consequences." Gideon flew back into the air, Fabian right behind him. Isabelle and Tyler shortly followed, leaving James, Black, and I alone.
"You two got another threat for me?" Black asked.
"No, Padfoot. You don't think we're struggling with what to do? We are." James replied.
"There is no struggle. Moony is more important."
"It's not that simple." I said.
"It is that simple, McKinnon. I'm shocked the two of you can't see just how simple it is." Black flew back into the air and James and I followed. I had to work really hard in order to dodge Bludgers and score points at the same time. I never really thought about how valuable Black actually is to this team. Now that I have Bludgers flying at me every other minute, I really wish he was back to his normal beating skills. Slytherin scored again and Fabian got the Quaffle. He flew down the pitch and threw the Quaffle to James just before a Bludger hit him straight in the gut. The crowd gasped, but not because of Fabian.
"It appears that both Gryffindor Seeker, Isabelle Oswald, and Slytherin Seeker, Regulus Black, have spotted the Golden Snitch. With the score being 30-60 Slytherins, it will all come down to who reaches the Golden Snitch first." Frank announced. James tossed the Quaffle to me anyway and I flew towards the hoops. Out of the corner of my eye I could see a whip of green robes behind me. Must be Mulciber. I zigzagged my way down the pitch, trying to lose him, but I knew eventually he'd hit a Bludger and knock me right off my broom. As I got closer to scoring I heard a WHOOSH sound behind me and braced myself for a Bludger to the back of the head. The blow never came. I heard a grunting and turned my head quickly to see Black hitting the Bludger back at Mulciber. I turned my head forward again and tossed the Quaffle through the left hoop. Once the Quaffle soared through the hoop, I turned my attention to where the Seekers were reaching out their hands and trying to stretch themselves out as far as they could go. In the end, it was really a matter of who could force their arm out of their socket the quickest and reach the Snitch. The Slytherin side erupted in cheers as Regulus snatched up the Snitch first.
"Slytherin Seeker Regulus Black has caught the Snitch, making Slytherin's score 210 points to Gryffindor's 30. Slytherin wins." Frank said. I sighed and flew down to the ground. Tyler and James helped Fabian get off his broom and catch his breath, leaving Isabelle and me to make sure Gideon didn't kill Black. Speaking of Black, he strategically placed himself behind me as Gideon stormed over with Isabelle trailing behind him.
"Black, you can't hit a Bludger all game but the moment all eyes are on the Snitch you're suddenly back to normal?" Gideon asked.
"It wasn't because of the Snitch or anything. I was just off my game and it was dumb luck I was near McKinnon." Black replied.
"I have half a mind to bench you for the next game, maybe even kick you off for sabotage. This was the most important match of the season." Gideon's face was turning red and he looked as though Black had just insulted Molly or something.
"Some things are more important than a Quidditch match." My eyes shot back and forth between Black and Gideon, as did Isabelle's eyes. Both of us are ready to interfere at a moment's notice.
"I see it now. Some things are more important than Quidditch. Your brother. Black, I have siblings too. Ones that I would do anything for, but come on. Losing the Quidditch match for Regulus just so he can earn the Slytherins' respect as a Seeker? That's a little unfair to the rest of us on the team, don't you think?" I jumped into the conversation before Black could mess up the perfect out Gideon was giving him. God knows he would have, had I not spoken.
"You're right, Gideon. Black has been having some issues with his family and he wants to show his brother he cares. It was a little selfish on his part, but cut him some slack. His heart was in the right place." I said and Gideon's tense face relaxed. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"Okay, Marls. If you vouch for him, then he's safe. For now. Another performance like that and I'll have to look into a replacement. I can't have someone who thinks there's an I in team, Black." Gideon walked away and Isabelle went to find her friends. I turned to face Black and crossed my arms, eyebrow raised.
"I don't know if I want to slap you or hug you." I stated.
"So basically a normal day in the life of Marlene McKinnon?" He teased.
"I just saved your arse, Black."
"I saved yours in the game. You're welcome, by the way."
"Very suspicious how you avoid Bludgers like the plague the entire time, yet the moment Mulciber is chasing me you're there in a flash. Care to explain?" I wiggled my eyebrows at him and he smirked, like every cliche bad boy ever.
"Funny how that worked out, eh?"
"Black-"
"Let's remember my situation, shall we?"
"You mean the fact you're betrothed to female Carrow?"
"I am not engaged to that thing. Just don't ask a question you don't want to know the answer to."
"What if I do want to know the answer?" He ran his hand through his hair, smirk disappearing.
"Then I'd like to know your reaction to both possible outcomes."
"And give up my leverage? No thanks."
"I guess we're stuck then." I glanced around me and saw half the crowd was already gone. Isabelle was hugging one of her friends, Tyler snogging his girlfriend, James teasing Lily (most likely), and Fabian and Gideon chatting with their group of Seventh Years. All the Slytherins on the Quidditch team, including Regulus, were snogging their girlfriend/betrothed/fangirl. It happens after every Quidditch match. Whoever's on the winning team just can't fend off their significant others. There's something so attractive about a victorious Quidditch player. I got my way out from them. I walked over to Black very slowly and very calmly. When I reached him I placed a hand on his cheek and my thumb stroked his jutted out cheekbone. His dark gray eyes peered down at me, questioningly. I'd heard from other girls that Black's eyes were captivating and could express emotions so easily. Of course, those girls were idiots who mistook the lust in Black's eyes for affection. I never really saw it before just now. I mean, his eyes are only a few shades lighter than the ink we use to write, so how could they really be something to get lost in? I see it now. Eyes are the windows to the soul, and Black's eyes easily show confusion and pain. His normal mask seems to be faltering as I stroke his cheek. The answer to my question is evident in his reaction to my closeness. I stopped staring into his eyes like I belonged in some romantic comedy and got back to reality. I gave him a small smile and a kiss on the cheek. After I pulled away, his hand went to his cheek in shock.
"What you so easily did for Remus is very honorable of you. I hate to lose to those Slytherins just as much as anyone, but I don't really mind it this time. Just try not to snap at James and I next time, we're just looking at the big picture. Your move, Black." I patted his arm as I walked over to where Alice was staring at me with a knowing smile.
"What are you going to tell Lily?" Alice asked.
"Nothing, and that goes for you too. It's up to him whether he wants to pursue me or not." I said.
"Are you sure? I mean, I thought you wanted to focus on other things this year."
"I did, but we're on the brink of war, Alice. Time is limited and if it's happening now then it's happening now."
"You guys would make such a good couple." I rolled my eyes and we went to go meet Frank in the commentator's booth.