Cherry Bomb!

It was nice weather for a Quidditch match, or nice weather for a win as James and Marlene had so enthusiastically assured. Everyone had taken their seats in the stands, donned in red and yellow with face paint to match. The girls all sat together, securing their seats as soon as they were able to enter the pitch, with Remus, Sirius, and Peter joining them a few minutes later. Y/N had never understood much about Quidditch, nor did she care too much about it, but she figured that the only thing she needed to care about was that it was important to Marlene.

When Gryffindor entered the pitch, the group erupted into loud cheering, followed by the chants from the rest of the house. Despite being almost entirely uninterested in Quidditch (except for her overwhelming interest in a certain blonde chaser), Y/N couldn't help but cheer when her friends entered the pitch. She received a glance from Sirius who just grinned at her antics. 

After Gryffindor had entered the pitch, Slytherin followed. There was some grumbling from Gryffindor students, but Sirius and Y/N shared a smirk and a nod before shouting a series of "BOO"s and "WE'LL WIPE THE FLOOR WITH YOU SNAKES." that earned a few glares from students around them, and caught the attention of a few teachers. 

A seriously peeved Professor McGonagall waltzed over to the group.

"Mr. Black, Mrs. L/N, I do hope we are able to maintain our composure and show respect and sportsmanship to the opposing house?" 

"Sorry there, Minnie, just have loads of house spirit. You know how it is," Sirius drawled. 

"Well, Mr. Black, I do hope such displays of house spirit are worth the detention you will partake in tomorrow evening." McGonagall chided. 

"Right then Minnie, it's a date! See you tomorrow." Sirius exclaimed, grinning devilishly. 

McGonagall waltzed back to her seat, but Y/N could've sworn she'd seen a ghost of a smile on the woman's face. 

'She'll totally miss us once we graduate,' she thought to herself. 

 The game had begun soon after Slytherin entered the field. Y/N found it hard to keep up with everything happening in the game, so she was rather grateful for Sirius sitting next to her and explaining what was happening. 

"Now see what those chasers are doing there- Marlene, Charlie, and Knox?" Y/N nodded to confirm she was listening, "That there is the Hawkshead Attack Formation. They're trying to intimidate the Slytherins to get them away from their goal posts so they can score- see there? YES!" Sirius exclaimed as the announcer shouted '10 points to Gryffindor'. 

The game continued on like this for half an hour- until one of the Slytherin Beaters hit a bludger right into Marlene's shoulder, sending her flipping over hanging onto her broom by a hand. Y/N and Sirius stood up immediately, frantically searching for someone to help Marlene with her inevitable fall- but the fall never came. With her shoulder bone visibly out of place, and holding onto her broom, she still managed to hang on until James swooped down and set her back right on her broom. The refs called for Pomfrey, but Marlene held up her (uninjured) hand to show that it was unnecessary. Marlene swung her fist up in the air, eliciting cheers from all of Gryffindor. Y/N knew for a fact that she was cheering the loudest. 

Now, Marlene had her gaze dead-set on the Slytherin who bludgered her. Oh, it was personal now. Every move, every swing of her broom, it was all an attempt to take him down. He'd hit to hurt her, and she would show him no mercy. 

"YES MCKINNON!" Sirius cheered.

"FUCK YEAH MARLS KICK HIS ASS!" Y/N shouted towards the pitch. In that moment, she could've sworn Marlene looked up at her. But soon this idea left her as Professor McGonagall marched back towards the group.

"Miss L/N, you will be joining Mr. Black in detention tomorrow."

"Sounds 'bout right. See you then Minnie!" Y/N exclaimed, still smiling. McGonagall left, and Y/N decided she had definitely smiled this time. 

The game continued a while longer- the snitch was caught, bringing Gryffindor their 170-110 win. When it was announced, every Gryffindor in the stands jumped up cheering. Y/N turned to Sirius to tackle him in a hug, still high off of the exhilaration of the game. 

'Maybe Quidditch isn't as bad as I thought,' she pondered to herself. 

"Guess that means the party's on after all, N/N!" Sirius smirked. 

"Oh shit!" Y/N exclaimed. 

"What there N/N, cold feet again?" 

"No!" She whisper-shouted, "I forgot to pick up the bloody spliffs!" 

************ 

The Gryffindor team had rushed out of the change rooms, carrying Marlene (with her now set shoulder- thanks to Pomfrey) above them, still laughing and cheering. The group enveloped Marlene and James in hugs, shouting their congratulations. James wrapped Lily in his arms, picking her up and spinning her around before kissing her. Everyone around began cheering, with a few wolf whistles scattered throughout the cheers. 

Y/N stopped in front of Marlene. "How's your shoulder Marls?" she asked, running a hand over the area.

"Oh fine now, Pomfrey fixed me right up!" Marlene was still smiling, the giddiness she felt from the win having not worn low yet.

Without thinking, Y/N tackled her to the ground in a hug. "You were fucking brilliant out there! And oh that fucking tosser who tried to knock you off- he'll get what's damn well coming to him." Y/N rambled, still clinging to Marlene, who just laughed and hugged her back.

"Y'know, Y/N, could've been a trick of the wind, but I could've sworn I heard you cheering out there for me," Marlene questioned, smirking. 

Y/N blushed lightly, but didn't feel like denying it after Marls had worked so hard for their win, "I'll always cheer for you Marls, I'll always be the loudest one there."

She was suddenly aware of how close her and Marlene were, she was right on top of her, their limbs entangled, completely uncaring of the masses of celebrating Gryffindors around them. "I count on it Y/N, I can always count on you to be in my corner."

Y/N smiled, and before she could respond, Marlene was hauled out underneath her by some of the Quidditch boys, leaving Y/N to flop back onto the ground. They paraded Marlene around like she was a queen, and she seemed to be soaking up every moment of it. Y/N couldn't help her smile, even from her spot on the ground. Marlene just looked completely in her element, just like she did on the stage. It was truly a sight to behold, something Y/N thought she could spend the rest of her life watching.

She was snapped out of her thoughts quite quickly as a hand, Sirius' hand, yanked her up from the ground.

"Now Y/N, if you can stop admiring McKinnon for like, five seconds, we still have to grab those spliffs." Sirius demanded, dragging Y/N out of the field and towards the greenhouse.  

Richard Greene, a 7th year Hufflepuff, seemed fairly unsuspecting. He was a nice guy, a great student, and a complete stoner. Thinking back on it, having known him since he transferred in fourth year, Y/N could not recall a time when she saw this boy not high. Not that she was judging, of course. Greene was a great friend, and it quite helped that he grew the best pot in all of Hogwarts. He was rather skilled at keeping this aspect of his life under wraps, but he always had some stock for Y/N. Richard was already waiting for her in the greenhouse, along with his friend Edward- the sweet smell of the spliff they were sharing wafted through the air before they even entered the greenhouse. 

"Y/N, love!" Richard drawled, wrapping her in a hug as soon as she and Sirius entered. "Congrats on that big win there against Slytherin! I imagine you'll be having quite the little bash tonight?"

"Right you are Rich my dear, and I want to celebrate with only the finest!" She exclaimed. 

"Well love, you know I've got you covered." he pulled out a bag, a bag, of beautifully rolled joints and handed them to her. 

"Oh Richard, you absolute darling. How much do I owe you love?" Y/N questioned, admiring the bag. 

"It's on me love-" He continued when Y/N tried to interrupt, "Now now, I insist! On one condition though."

"Name it love," Y/N said.

"I heard that your band is playing at this little party tonight. Mind if me and Edward here crash? I've only wanted to see you lot play forever!" 

Y/N grinned, opening her arms to envelop him in another hug, "Of course Rich my love, you must come tonight! We'll have a blast." 

They chatted for a few more minutes, Sirius awkwardly chatting with a very stoned Edward, who graciously offered him a few hits of his spliff. 

"Rich, I'd stay here forever, but I've got to set up everything for tonight in the common room and-"

"Go, go darling- I'll see you soon!"

"Oh Rich how I do love you, thank you again for the gorgeous spliffs! Ta!" Y/N exclaimed, blowing him a kiss before dragging Sirius out of the greenhouse behind her.

"Fuck," Sirius muttered. 

"Alright there Siri?" Y/N questioned. 

"That is some good fucking weed there- Merlin, that Richard is incredible, I think I may be in love." 

Y/N hummed in agreement, "You'd have to deal with Edward though, and Remus."

"Don't care. I love Richard."

"You and me both, Siri."

The pair continued their walk back to the castle, heading up to the Gryffindor common rooms. Sirius nearly tripped over air a few times, but was in high spirits nonetheless. He was all giggles and smiles, clearly having a grand time with his new-found weightlessness courtesy of the spliff. They entered the common room, grateful to see that barely anyone was there yet- they still had to set up the instruments and cast some sound-amplifying charms throughout the room. Walking through the common room, Y/N casted her wand to hang up some red and yellow decorations- streamers, balloons, etc. She turned towards the door to see Lily and Mary lugging up some of their equipment, James in tow levitating some of Lily's drums for her. 

"Hey N/N, little help here?" Lily asked, trying to maneuver instruments through the common room door. 

"Oh yeah, totally!" Y/N rushed over to take a few things out of Lily's arms, and set them down on a table. 

"Where should I set these down Y/N?" James questioned, still levitating equipment in the air. 

"Not sure- Lils, where do you want the 'stage' to be?"

Lily pondered for a moment, "I think over here, if we move these tables. It's sort of in the middle of the room, so the sound should carry better." 

Mary set down her bass, propping it against the wall. She moved over to Y/N to help move various tables and chairs before setting up the microphone stands. 

"Sirius, love, are you going to help or just sit there?" Mary chided. 

Sirius was sat on a comfy chair by the window, grinning mindlessly, stoned out of his mind. 

"I'd help you love, but I don't think I can stand up."

Mary turned to Y/N, "Richard?"

"Richard." Y/N confirmed. 

Sirius was clearly going to be of no help. Mary, Lily, and Y/N continued arranging their setup while James (who was now being helped by Remus) continued bringing up some equipment- a few speakers, the amps, and a foldable platform to be their make-shift stage. After about 15 minutes, everything was set up. They still had an hour to kill before the party began, so the girls decided to get ready. As the girls walked into their dorm, they were followed by Marlene shortly after, who had already been 'pregaming' with the rest of the Gryffindor team. She didn't look particularly drunk, claiming that she'd only taken one shot, but was still a bit wobbly on her feet. 

In an attempt to pick the perfect outfits for their debut performance, the girls ran amuck pulling out just about all of the clothes they owned from their closets and drawers. Lily settled on a pair of dark, low-rise jeans with a cropped, black zip-up. She had swiped on a bit of eyeliner, going for a more smoky look than she typically opted for. Mary on the other hand rocked a shimmery black crop top that tied up in the front with a short denim skirt. Y/N, taking some inspiration from Joan Jett, wore a black crop top with a cherry-red leather jacket and bell bottoms. She did her makeup, adding some eyeliner and a dark red lip to match her jacket. 

When Marlene had finally chosen her outfit, she looked an absolute vision. She wore a black mini skirt- something a bit more 'out-there' than she normally wore, as well as a white corset top that had black edges and lacing. She donned her her oversized leather jacket, messed with her hair a bit, and did a sultry, smoky look with her eye makeup. Y/N tried not to stare, but fuck, Marlene looked good. Y/N must have been staring, because Marlene locked eyes with her, smirked, and sent her an approving 'up-and-down' look. 

With outfits, hair, and makeup taken care of, the girls just had to begin getting drinks ready for the party. Once they were back in the common room, James and Remus re-entered with a slightly more sober Sirius, and brought with them several boxes containing ungodly amounts of Firewhiskey. Sirius said that he was waiting to break out the 'good stuff' until later in the night when it was just the group together. A few charms were cast, and music began to play over the speakers as Gryffindors began to pile in, many of them carrying bottles upon bottles of alcohol- Dragon Barrel Brandy, Firewhiskey, and the like. Kids continued to pile in, quickly breaking into the snacks and the firewhiskey. Many of the younger students opted for butterbeer, acting as though they were drunk off of it, which Y/N found quite funny. 

The real festivities began when the rest of the Gryffindor team came rushing in, eliciting cheers from the whole house. The team quickly scooped up Marlene, who had been having a drink with Remus, and began parading her around like a trophy. 

James, feeling left out, called out "Hey! What about me?" with a small frown. 

Marlene just snapped her fingers and smirked- "Get 'im boys!" 

Their focus had quickly snapped to James, scooping him up and carrying him above their heads, chanting "Potter! Potter!", while James appeared to be having the time of his life. 

"Y/N love, come take a shot with us yeah?" Mary asked, gesturing to herself and Sirius, who had at this point sobered up to a simply chilled state. 

"Be right there babes," Y/N shouted over the cheering of the team. She sent Marlene one more smile, which she returned promptly, before heading over to Mary and Sirius. Mary poured them each a heavy shot, and they each raised their cups. 

"To our band's first performance," Mary started,

"And to liquid courage," Sirius continued,

"And to hoping it wont be our downfall!" Y/N finished with a laugh.

They each took their respective shot, Y/N relishing in the burn it sent down her throat. From across the room, she noticed Richard entering the common room with Edward. 

"Hold on loves, I'll be right back," she said to Mary and Sirius who nodded and returned back to their hushed conversation. 

Y/N ran up to meet Richard in a hug, "Richard, darling! Edward! I'm so happy you've made it!"

"Sorry we're a bit late love," Richard began.

Y/N shook her head, "No, no loves, party's just getting started, we'll be performing soon!"

"Can't wait, Y/N! We're off to mingle, but we'll see you in a bit!" Richard said, walking off with Edward who gave her a smile and a nod. 

"Y/N!" Marlene called across the room, catching her attention, "Come 'ere, one more shot for good luck before our set!" Y/N smiled and agreed, walking over to Marlene. 

Marlene poured their drinks, they did a quick 'cheers', and took their shots. At this point, Y/N was feeling a bit flushed, she could hear her own voice was a bit louder, and her feet felt a bit heavier with every step she took. She decided that that would be her last drink before their performance. If there was anything more terrifying than performing in front of a crowed, it would be if she threw up on said crowd. Y/N and Marlene scanned the room, finding Lily with James and Mary with Sirius, and grabbed the girls and walked up to the stage. 

Nerves were swimming in her stomach, and she felt her heart racing beneath her chest. She took a deep breath and stood up in front of the microphone, tapping the side of it to get everyone's attention. What little chatter was still taking place quickly dissipated as she began to speak. 

"Alright, alright everyone." The room quieted, "We just wanna say a quick thanks for coming out and celebrating that incredible win by our team!" The room went up in cheers, Sirius clapped James on the shoulder. "Yeah yeah, give them some love-" A few chuckles rang through the room. "Anyways, you lot probably haven't heard of us, we haven't even got a name, but we're gonna play you a few songs- that alright?" The room went up in cheers again, drunken smiles surrounding them. The anxiety in Y/N's chest began to settle as she spoke "Right then, well, we've got Lily Evans here on the drums," James whooped, "Alright James- we've got Mary MacDonald on bass, Marls here on guitar, and I'm Y/N, and I'll be singing for you."

The room erupted in cheers again, James and Sirius being notably louder than the rest of the house. 

"Alright, alright. Now, you guys know this first one- feel free to sing along. Take it away Marls!" 

Marlene gave her a smile and started picking the intro, which immediately caused the whole room to start cheering and Sirius to give them an approving nod. Y/N took a deep breath, steading herself, and began to sing. 

There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold
And she's buying a stairway to Heaven

A few more 'whoops' and cheers came out from around the room. 

When she gets there, she knows, if the stores are all closed
With a word, she can get what she came for