𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗭𝗞𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗡 [𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚍]

Chapter Thirty Seven: Overgrown Bats and Quaffles

‾‾‾‾‾‾‾ ･⋆✵⋆･ ‾‾‾‾‾‾‾

When the Marauders weren't doing homework or Quidditch practices, all they could think about or discuss was the Marauders' Map. They've even named it in advance like excited couples who name their baby before there even is a baby.

They had pretty much finished the rough sketch of the grounds in the past three weeks or so. That was the easy part because the boys knew Hogwarts like the backs of their hands, thanks to James's Invisibility Cloak and their sense of adventure that walked a fine line between recklessness and stupidity (if we're being honest.)

But they had to put the development of the Map on hold to prepare for Remus' full moon which overlapped with the first Quidditch match of the year, leaving them with a very full plate.

Gryffindor versus Slytherin, a game for which they are prepared to kill for to win. James had taken it as a sort of test of honor to win this game, his first one as captain.

Sirius and James woke much earlier than they normally do on a Saturday on the day of the game, so they can go scout the conditions before breakfast.

"Clouds are good." James said, looking up at the sky. "Means no sun in our eyes."

"Could also mean it might rain in the middle of the match." Sirius pointed out.

"Optimism, Black." said James and clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "Optimism."

Sirius shoveled down as much food as he can keep down at breakfast, thinking about the match with a mix of nervousness and excitement. "I wish Moony was here to see us play."

"Hmm. Your good luck charm." mumbled Peter as he drowned his pancakes in syrup and dropped a few more blueberries and marshmallows on top of the stack. He leaned back to admire his handywork and gave a satisfied nod before picking up his fork with a smile. 

"Who do you think Slytherin's new member is?" James asked, running his butter knife over a slab of butter.

"New member?" Then Sirius remembered what Rabastan Lestrange had said after their tryouts a few weeks ago. "Oh, that. I wouldn't worry too much about it. You know making the Slytherin team is more of a popularity contest than actual talent." he said with a dismissive shrug. "It would probably be some pureblood supremacist who can afford a nice broom."

"Hmm. You're probably right." said James as he buttered himself a crumpet.

James and Sirius left for the locker rooms after breakfast while the Gryffindors cheered on them. James winked at Lily when he passed her but she averted her eyes quickly and wished Marlene and Blake good luck instead.

But even Lily's rejection couldn't dampen James's spirits and he made his pre-match pep talk with the enthusiasm of a six year old high on sugar.

While some of the team was doing some last minute stretching and whatnot, Marlene was leaning against a locker door and talking to Blake but Blake wasn't listening to her. She sitting on the floor while she tapped the handle of her Comet against her shin guard and she looked a little green.

Sirius approached the two girls when he noticed this.

"You'll be fine, Blake." Sirius heard Marlene say, resting her hand on Blake's shoulder. "He won't try anything with Madam Hooch there."

"Who won't try what?" Sirius asked, causing both of them to look at him.

Marlene sighed. "That stupid excuse for a human being Rabastan Lestrange has been tormenting her the whole week. He wasn't very happy with that Muggleborn equality campaign thing."