Third Time's the Charm

Chapter Fifteen-Teams

We're lucky to have decided on lunch since the houses mix the most during it. Lily and I choose the Hufflepuff's table since they won't heckle us or send us dirty looks, but encourage inter-house friendships more than the others. "And you're okay with this? I didn't mean to accept without your consent." Lily waves me off as we take our seats near the door.

"I wanted to come. I can always use more friends." She shrugs and my conscience is soothed. A few minutes after we've sat down the two boys come back in and instantly spot us. A wide grin splits Garrett's face as he slides across from me and Creary across from Lily.

"Hufflepuff's table. Denying both of us the home advantage in neutral territory. Very Slytherin of you both." He compliments and both Lily and I snicker.

"Professor Slughorn is always saying that, but intelligence isn't mutually exclusive."

"Mm, tell that to the Ravenclaws." Creary gestures to their table and we all hum a laugh.

"Excited for Potions tomorrow? I know the slug club is planning on meeting soon. You're part of that, aren't you Lily?" Garrett asks and she nods.

"Arell and I both, actually. Professor Slughorn hasn't put on his welcome back bash yet, so I'd guess that's coming this next weekend." Impressed eyes turn to me.

"Potions, Transfiguration, and DADA pro? And Quidditch? Now that's just plain unfair." Garrett teases and I throw a chip at him. "I'm rubbish at Potions, putting more Slytherins to shame. Maybe you'll let me sit by you so your greatness rubs off of me?" Garrett suggests and I grin while my head shakes.

"I don't know. I'm in pretty high demand in that class."

"I'll bet you are." He counters and I find we're both leaning across the table to get closer to one another.

"MANE!" I spring backward at James's voice and quickly stand as he sprints over to me with the rest of the boys behind him. He scoops me up into his arms and spins me around. "Verdict's in! You're the newest member of the Gryffindor Quidditch team!" He tells me and suddenly his joy is contagious.

"Really? When were they posted?" I ask him as he lets me down.

"Just now in the common room. Glad to have you as my partner, love, couldn't have asked for better." Sirius winks at me and dips down to peck my cheek before shooting Garrett an unsavory look. I give Remus a hug as well and he whispers congratulations. I gift Peter a quick nod then turn to hug Lily.

"I'm so happy for you." She tells me kindly before I turn to face Garrett.

"Can't wait to take whatever you throw at me." He tells me with a grin.

"And I'll report it." Creary salutes with an easy smile.

"Come on, Mane, I've got your surprise ready." James tugs on my hand and I look apologetically to my previous group. They wave me on and I'm swept up into the wave of boys.

"James, you didn't have to get me anything. I'd be happy sipping pumpkin juice with all of you."

"No! I've been saving it for a while. Technically it's a hand-me-down, but hopefully, you won't mind." He shoots a smile back at me before we enter the common room and he sits me down on the couch. His hazel eyes are brimming with excitement. "Just wait here. Padfoot will tell you when to close your eyes." James instructs before bounding up the stairs. I roll my eyes as Sirius sighs before he and Remus settle onto the couch beside me. Peter sits on the floor near the fire.

"Do you know what's going on?" I ask him and he shrugs, sliding his arm around my shoulders as he usually does.

"Whoever knows what's going on inside his head?" He asks rhetorically with a fond smile on his face. "But genuinely, love, I'm relieved it's you that'll be hitting bludgers at my head. Don't trust anyone else."