The Fifth Marauder (Under Editing)

Chapter 4: Quidditch and Consequences

As the end of the school year rolled around, Adelle and Lily saw less of Adam and Severus. They were spending a lot more time with the other first year, Slytherins. Adelle had found a good friend in Lily. They sat together in all their shared classes, and at Quidditch games, and spent long afternoons together, in the library. Adelle helped Lily with her homework, and they helped each other revise for their upcoming exams. And when it was just the two of them, Potter let them be. Lily had tried to bring up Lupin a few times, but Adelle no longer wanted to talk about him.
“So, it’s your birthday soon,” Lily said instead, one warm afternoon.
“It’s Monday, just before we go home,” Adelle replied.
“Are you excited?” Lily asked.
Adelle shrugged, “It’s just another birthday.”
“Oh come on, you’re turning twelve,” Lily whined.
“Yay,” Adelle said dully, “Who cares? We’ve got exams that day.”
“I care,” Lily said sternly, “We’ll do something Sunday.”
“Do what?” Adelle scoffed, “We’re at school.”
“Never you, mind,” Lily said confidently, “I’ll think of something.”

When that Sunday did arrive, Adelle tried to sleep in as long as she could. When the boredom became overwhelming, she slowly rolled out of bed, dressed and headed down, through the deserted common room. As she slipped through the doorway, she found herself nose to nose with Lily.
“Morning sleepy head,” she snapped, “Thanks for keeping me waiting.”
Adelle smiled sarcastically.
Lily tossed a sandwich at her. “Here, eat this, you’ll need it.”
“Where are we going?” Adelle groaned.
“It’s a surprise,” Lily said, and she hooked her arm around Adelle’s, and led her briskly down the stairs.
Adelle followed obediently until they were standing at the big, wooden, double doors that led into the Quidditch Stadium. A thick black chain wound its handles together, and was locked with a huge iron padlock.
“Happy Birthday!” grinned Lily.
Adelle looked at her, confused.
“What are we doing here Lily? Quidditch is finished for the year. Ravenclaw lost every game, remember?”
Lily reached into her pocket and pulled out a heavy iron key, she fit it into the padlock and twisted it opened.
“I called in some favours,” Lily smiled, pointing over Adelle’s shoulder.
Adelle turned to see Professor McGonagall walking towards them. She was followed by Potter, who was carrying a big leather bound crate, and behind him, Black, Pettigrew and Lupin, each carrying two brooms.
Adelle grabbed Lily’s arm. “What did you do?” she said in a panic.
Lily grinned widely.
“I understand, it’s your birthday Ms. Ardette,” McGonagall said.
Adelle nodded nervously.
“Ms Evans tells me, you aspire to play Quidditch. Normally I wouldn’t want to assist a new player from another house but Ms Evans can be quite persuasive.”
Lily looked very pleased with herself.
“Besides, with the way Ravenclaw played this year, I can’t see any harm. Potter and his friends have graciously agreed to help.”
Potter smiled, his usual smug smile.
“Shall we?” McGonagall finished and walked ahead into the stadium.
The boys followed McGonagall inside, mumbling ‘happy birthday’ as they passed.
Lupin stopped and handed her a broom.
“Happy Birthday,” he said warmly.
Adelle could feel herself blushing. She took the broom and mumbled “Thanks.”

When he had gone, Adelle snatched Lily by the arm. “What exactly do you think you are doing?”
Lily wriggled out of her grip. “I’m teaching you to play Quidditch,” she said calmly.
Adelle searched Lily’s eyes for some sense of reason.
“With them?!”
Lily shrugged and held up her hands.
“Can’t play Quidditch with two people.”
“ Have you lost your mind?! Have you conveniently forgotten that it’s Adam’s birthday too? What’s he going to say when he hears about this?” Adelle was almost yelling by now.
Lily stopped smiling she met Adelle’s stern gaze.
“You think I didn’t try him first? Of course I did. I went straight up to him, and Severus, and their friends in the court yard. We still would’ve needed more people, so I thought Lestrange and Malfoy could play.”
“And?” Adelle said cautiously.
“And Malfoy said he’d die before he played Quidditch with a Mud Blood!” Lily dropped her gaze.
Adelle gasped, “Surely Adam told him off?”
Lily shook her head.
“Severus?” Adelle asked desperately.
Lily stared at the ground sadly.
Adelle pulled her into a hug. “Oh Lily, I’m so sorry.”
“I just wanted to do something fun for your birthday,” Lily mumbled.
Adelle felt a mix of guilt and anger wash over her. ‘How could Adam do that? How could Severus?!’
Lily suddenly pushed out of her arms. She was smiling again, though her eyes were watery.
“Wait here,” she instructed.
 Lily jogged off into the stadium and returned moments later, with her hands behind her back.
“Hold out your hand,” Lily said.
Adelle did as she was told.
Lily dropped a small gold ball into her hand. It uncurled its delicate silver wings and flapped them slowly. It was the golden snitch.
“Tell me you don’t want to play Quidditch with them now,” Lily said smugly.