The Second Moony (Sirius Black)

Ch 13

Alice, Lily, Marlene, and Luna were sitting around the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room when the gang of idiots (the second year Gryffindor boys) bounded down the stairs, interrupting any peace the group had. 

"Where are you going dressed like that?" Lily asked. Sirius and James were in Irish quidditch jerseys and they had paint under their eyes. Remus was in a red and gold jumper, looking absolutely exhausted since the full moon was the night before. In his hands was a sign with GO SIRIUS BLACK in glittering letters. Peter was wearing a blue jumper, but with a Gryffindor scarf. He held a matching sign with GO JAMES POTTER on it. 

"I was unaware the nitwits had their own fanclub. I'm offended you wouldn't start one for your own twin, Remus." Luna said as she looked up from the book she was reading. It was a detailed explanation on becoming an animagus-Luna had stolen it from Professor McGonagall's private library during class the other day. 

Sirius squeezed between Luna and Marlene. "You know, I'll start a fan club for you if you want, Little Lupin. All you gotta do is join mine." He winked at her. 

Luna's face scrunched up in disgust as she pushed his face away. "If I ever join the Sirius Black fan club, just know I am severely mentally ill and should be admitted to St. Mungo's within the hour. I am a danger to myself and others." 

"You never answered my question" Lily interrupted, saving everyone from minutes of whatever dynamic Luna and Sirius had going on. 

"We are going to try out for the quidditch team" James announced with a puffed out chest. Sirius also stood up at this announcement and began flexing his muscles-one of his favorite past times around Luna. 

The four girls burst out laughing at this. Even Alice, one of the sweetest girls on the planet, had her limits. Sure, the boys were fairly good at flying. But second years on the school's top team? Unbelievable. 

"I'll have you know that I am pretty good at quidditch." James said. 

"Yes, with your flying skills you're basically another bludger." Marlene said, giving Luna a high-five. By now all the girls were had tears welling up in their eyes. 

Sirius walked around the couch to console his friend. "Don't worry, James. I'm the best beater there is. I would love to have a bludger as good as you" 

Luna practically fell onto the floor from laughing so hard. 

"May I ask what's so funny, Little Lupin?" There was no amusement in Sirius' voice. 

"It's-it's just that you think that-you-you could be a...BEATER! You...the sophisticated, pureblood, weakling" Beaters were meant to be strong; the harder the beater hits the bludger, the more likely it is that the opponent gets knocked to the ground. They had to swing a bat and stay balanced on the broom all at once. While Luna was sure that Sirius could complete those tasks to some degree of adequacy, there was a certain element to being a good beater that many people missed: aim and accuracy. It wasn't enough to just hammer the bludger in the general direction of one's opponent (although that was the Slytherin's number one game strategy)-the best beaters could calculate where their opponent is going, hit the bludger to that spot with timing so precise that the bludger collides with the player at exactly the right moment. This sophistication is definitely not Sirius' strong suit. 

"Why don't you come out to tryouts and see, Little Lupin?" Sirius asked. 

"We have to study." Lily said. Marlene and Luna exchanged glances. They hated studying. 

"C'mon Lily. It'll be fun. Besides, it's a Friday. You'll have plenty of time to study over the weekend." Remus said. 

"Remus?!? You-you're suggesting they study less! Wow-we really have influenced you. I'm so proud" Sirius wiped a fake tear from his eyes.