The Marauders and the Year it All Began

Chapter Fourteen: Homebound

While Gryffindor was always proud, they never had more house spirit than during Quidditch matches. Today, for example, breakfast saw a wave of red and gold covering the Gryffindor table. Even a portion of the Hufflepuff table was sporting their lion paraphernalia. Slytherin, on the other hand, was in full support of Ravenclaw. This was not surprising given the long rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin, but in today's case, it created an imbalance in support for the upcoming game. Nevertheless, the Gryffindor pride could not be crushed.

As the daily schedule shifted into the Quidditch game nearly every Hogwarts student was packed into the stands on the Quidditch pitch. Because they had spent too much time joking around at breakfast, the Marauders ended up a few minutes late to the game. Even though it was relatively early on in the game, the Gryffindor team had already scored 20 points.

"I'm not even surprised our team is great this year," Sirius said.

"Yeah, but it's such a shame we are losing so many great players next year!" James' tone sounded genuinely sad. It was completely indicative of his behaviour that James would only be sad if Quidditch was involved.

"Are we?" Remus said. "I wasn't aware we had so many seventh years on the team."

"It's pretty crazy, we're losing a beater, a seeker, and a chaser," James elaborated.

"Not to mention our lovely announcer, Cynthia Lonawey."

"Got a crush, Sirius!" Remus joked.

"Mate she's seventeen!" Sirius exclaimed. "Bit of a crazy age gap don't ya think?"

"Just a joke," Remus defended. "Don't worry."

"You know," James said. "You would be a pretty good announcer, you got the authoritative voice for it."

"I don't know the game well enough to explain it to others," Remus laughed.

"Well, you'll catch on pretty soon after we make the team." James gestured between Sirius and himself.

"You're pretty confident that you're going to make the team," Remus mused.

"Not a lot of people are built to be seekers, but I've been practising, so I think I'll get it." James defended.

"Your broom got sent home, how are you practising?"

"Okay fine, Remus, I haven't practiced recently, but I have all of the summer holiday."

"I guess that makes sense. What are you going to go out for, Sirius?"

"Probably Beater. 'M not sure why, but it seems like a good position for me."

"I think you'd make a fine beater," James smiled.

"Me too," Remus said. "What about you, Peter?"

"Hmm?" Peter said nervously.

"Are you going to try out for the team next year?" James filled in.

"Oh, um... I don't think so." He looked skittish, but that was pretty normal for him. "I mean, It's not really for me," he rushed through the sentence trying to defend himself.

"No worries, you and I can watch those two idiots fall off their broom" Remus laughed, and thankfully, Peter laughed along with him. James and Sirius on the other hand did not seem as amused.

"GOOD GOD WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" James screamed, standing up. "CATCH THE QUAFFLE YOU BLITHERING IDIOT." Currently, all of the Gryffindor supporters were on the edge of their seats while Ravenclaw was in possession of the ball. One of their chasers had stolen the quaffle when a Gryffindor player had passed it.