Origin Stories - Marauders Era - ATQ Contingency

Chapter 7: Quidditch and Duels

The newspapers that year did not show promising headlines. Voldemort was no longer a subject of question, he was a subject of fear. Of course, there were still articles that didn't take him seriously, but there were fewer of them each day. Voldemort's followers were amassing rapidly. They called themselves 'Death Eaters' and referred to him as the 'Dark Lord'. Many of the children from pureblood families were lining up to join him. His hatred of muggleborns and muggles alike inspire them to flock to his sides.

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Quidditch tryouts came around all too soon. Last year, most of the team had been comprised of seventh years so there were a lot of available positions.

James, Sirius and I had been practicing every chance we got. Marlene usually joined us as well. We were waiting on the Pitch, each in the group marked for the positions we wanted to try out for. Marlene and Sirius were going for beaters, James was going for chaser and I was trying out for seeker.

The captain, a fifth year named Larrican Rodgers, walked up and down the field. He came to a stop in the middle of the field and clapped his hands.

"We have a great turn out this year. This is awesome! However, that also means that not all of ou will make the team, or even the reserves."

I felt like he was directing a that last statement at the second years. I didn't think I was going to make the team. I was, however, aiming for the reserves.  I knew that meant attending all the training with the high possibility of not actually attending any games, but I figured it put me in the good books for next year.

James was amazing. He zipped around the field with an agility that astounded me. He even managed to get quite a few goals passed Rodgers, who was the Keeper. Sirius and Marlene were great too. They protected the team for the most part, only letting a few bludgers through their defence.

I ended up catching the snitch with the second fastest time. I was lucky I did though. I got so distracted chasing the snitch that I nearly ran into a bludger. Twice.

The team sheet that was put in the common room three days later. I didn't make the team. However, I did make the reserves. As did Sirius and Marlene. James, of course, made the team.

Marlene came up to my side as I backed away from a crowd of Gryffindors that swarmed the notice board.

"Sorry you didn't make the team," I muttered to her.

Marlene shrugged. "No need to apologise. I was hoping for the reserves anyway."

I smiled and nodded. "Me too."

She brushed my arm as she retreated to our dorm.

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It was approaching Christmas and everyone was getting packed up. I was walking down a corridor to the Library.

About half way there, I heard a commotion to my left. I glanced down the hall way only to find a group of seventh year Slytherins shouting and sneering at someone that I couldn't see. This can't be good.

I walked towards them, pulling my wand out as I approached.

"I suppose you're not going home for Christmas," a voice that was definitely Malfoy's sneered.

"His parents would be mad to let him. They don't want him tainting their house anymore than necessary," another Slytherin called.

I silently crept up behind them. I caught a glimpse of their poor victim. It was Sirius. His wand was in Malfoy's hand. He was backed up against the wall. His head was held high and his eyes were filled with defiance but he didn't move or make any protest. Unlike his best friend, Sirius knew when he was outnumbered.