Rebel Girl
Marlene McKinnon
Wednesday | September 3rd, 1975
“No. No way!” Remus exclaimed, walking away from Marlene.
“Hey!” Marlene had to keep up. “ Damn your long legs . Listen!”
“I did, and I said no, Cherry.” Remus turned the corner to walk down a different aisle in the library. “What was the book you wanted to read again? The muggle one? Pride and Prejudice?”
“Stop changing the subject!”
“I said no, Cherry.” Remus reached up and grabbed a book from a shelf that Marlene definitely wouldn’t have been able to reach on her own, passing it to her.
“But Remus!”
“Is she still bugging you about that?” Lily asked when Remus and Marlene returned to the table.
“Unfortunately.” Remus rolled his eyes, sitting down.
“Leave Remus alone, Marls.” Mary scolded, a smile playing on her lips.
“No! He somehow is friends with her and I want him to introduce us.” Marlene whined.
“Give it up already!” Remus groaned.
“How do you know the hottest Slytherin girl in our grade, Remus?” Mary asked, leaning forward.
“What do you mean?”
“Dorcas Meadowes is one of the hottest girls in our year,” Mary continued. “It’s also well known that she hates Gryffindors. Especially the marauders because of all of the pranks targeted at her house.”
That and Dorcas was friends with Regulus, and although the Black brothers were okay now, they definitely were not in their first years at Hogwarts. They didn’t actually reconcile until halfway through Sirius’ fourth year (Regulus’ third) when Sirius had hit a bludger and it knocked Regulus off his broom, landing him in the Hospital Wing for three days. Sirius hadn’t meant to hit Regulus, at all. He felt so guilty but Regulus had forgiven him. It definitely changed their relationship, even if no one in the school knew other than their close friends.
Dorcas was friends with Regulus through him hating Sirius and– like most of Regulus’ friends– still wasn’t all too kind to anything ‘Sirius’, including the marauders.
“So?”
“You’re a marauder. How are you friends with her if she hates the marauders?”
“I don’t know if you remember, Maisie, but there was a period of time when I hated the marauders too.” Remus said coolly.
Oh .
The table fell silent. Right , Marlene remembered. That . Although none of the girls knew what quite happened last year, they knew that the marauders had changed that year. At some point fourth year around Easter, the boys separated themselves from Sirius. They acted like he didn’t exist but when asked they’d act like nothing changed. Sirius started joining the girls whenever he could, no matter what they did. The marauders eventually made up though, but not before Remus had isolated himself for quite a time. Marlene had just assumed Remus stayed alone (like he usually did when he was upset) but apparently she was wrong; he actually hung out with other people, like Meadowes.
“So, you hung out with Slytherins?” Marlene asked, breaking the silence.
Remus gave her a flat look. “I hung out with old friends.”
“You were friends with her before that?”
“Yeah, we were lab partners first and second year and the second half of fourth.”
Marlene remembered that. She had been lab partners with Mary first through third year because Lily partnered with Snape (the slimy git). Then in fourth year, Slughorn picked their partners: Marlene with Dorcas and Remus with Sirius. That’s how Marlene discovered that not only was she ‘gay’ but also had a massive crush on none other than her worst enemy: Dorcas fucking Meadowes. Which is why she needed Remus to introduce them on civil terms.
Because, sure , Marlene had been her potions partner with her for half a year (due to Remus wanting to switch because of aforementioned fight with Sirius), but the problem was that Dorcas kind of hated Marlene’s guts. To be fair, Marlene hated her’s as well before… no, actually, she still hated Meadowes. They were rivals; it’s how they worked.
It started out as a quidditch thing. They both played the sport and were both very competitive. It also didn’t help that they were in enemy houses so they were on opposing teams. Then, they were on opposite sides of the ‘Black Brother war’. And then there was the fact that Marlene sucked at Potions and Dorcas loathed failing.
It sucked though because Marlene hated her (so much) but also couldn’t help but wanting to snog the life out of her . She wanted to yell at her but couldn’t help but go speechless at the sight of her (because Merlin! She was so beautiful). Marlene wanted to punch her face in but also wanted to hold and kiss each of the many rings on Dorcas’ fingers.
Merlin, Marlene thought. She was so fucked .
But, maybe, if Remus were to be the one to introduce them, Meadowes would see that they had a mutual friend… or something? Marlene was grasping at this point.
“In any case,” Remus said, bringing Marlene out of her head. “Don’t you hate her? Doesn’t she hate you? A lot?”
Marlene rolled her eyes. “I do hate her.”
“Then why do you want me to introduce you two?”
“I hate her.” Marlene repeated.
“So, you’ve said.” Remus sighed, giving up on Marlene making sense to him. He faced his book.
“Please?”
Remus sighed again and looked up. “I’ll think about it.”
Marlene took that as a win.
~ ~ ~
Saturday | September 6th, 1975
“Tryouts!” James exclaimed (screamed, more like) as they emptied out of the locker room onto the field.
“You have far too much energy in the morning.” Marlene winced, wishing she took Lily’s offer of coffee before they had left.
“Come on, McKinnon!” James grinned. “It’s quidditch!”
“Really? I thought it was muckbang. I’m leaving then.” Marlene turned around.
“Hey! Hey!” James caught her arm and pulled her back to the group. “Come on, you love quidditch.”
“Not really at 6:30 in the morning.”
“I’ll give you my muffin at breakfast?”
Marlene narrowed her eyes.
“Fine. You’ll get the Gulab Jamun mami sent.” He sighed. “How’d you even know?”
“I’m well-informed in all areas ‘Euphemia Potter’.” Marlene smiled.
“Your obsession with my mum is getting concerning.”
She’s hot , Marlene thought, shrugging.
“Okay! Team!” McCormick called. Marlene immediately rolled her eyes. She didn’t like Chad McCormick at all . He was friends with Johnson and that already was an unredeemable quality, but he also wasn’t the nicest person ever. He was rude and acted like he was better than everyone else, which was rich because (although Marlene didn’t care, promise, about blood class) he was hardly a pureblood. He was from one of those families that tried desperately to be a part of the Noble Twenty-Eight. “Huddle up!”
Chad McCormick was also built like a scarecrow. Hardly 5’7 (though he claimed 5’10) with a mop of straight, straw-like hair. He had brown eyes but they were dull and lacking of good colour or personality.
“We’re going to start off with the chasers. Everyone else, go to the stands.”
Marlene sat down and a little girl immediately sat on her left, causing Marlene to look at her. She was young, maybe third year, with french-braided blond hair. She had a full face of makeup on– the kind that a guy could barely tell was makeup but the girls could. It looked good, just not something Marlene would be able to do well or wear to a tryout. She wore a pink jumper and had matching pink ribbons in her hair.
“I like your makeup.” Marlene told her earnestly.
“Really?” The girl looked up at her hopefully.
“Yeah.”
“I wasn’t going to do it at first.”
“What changed your mind?”
“You.”
“Me?” Marlene was shocked.
“Yeah! You wear makeup during matches and practices and it made me think that I could too.” The girl smiled.
Marlene, although she never wore a full face, usually wore eye makeup (mascara and maybe too much eyeliner) while playing quidditch for three reasons: 1) that's how she did her makeup for school and she didn’t always feel like washing it off, 2) Marlene had light eyelashes and light eyes so the dark eye makeup actually helps against the sun, and 3) Johnson hated it, he thought it was too feminine, so Mary and Marlene wore makeup to practices and games as a subtle ‘fuck you’ to him. Marlene hadn’t realised that she was inspiring anyone.
“What’s your name, kid?”
“Riley. Riley Youngblood.”
“What position are you going for, Youngblood?” Marlene asked, smiling.
Riley looked down at her pink painted nails in her lap, as if shy, before answering, “Beater.”
“Beater?”
“Yeah, but I’m not trying to replace anyone! There’s no way I could replace you or Black!” She added hurriedly.
“Relax, Youngblood.” Marlene said. “I’m going for seeker this year.”
“But you’re such a good beater!”
“I’m a better seeker.” Marlene winked.
“I could see that.” Frank voiced, leaned forward from his spot above them in the stands to join in. “You being a better seeker, I mean.”
“Really?” Marlene asked with big eyes, turning to face him. Marlene would admit that (like all 5th years on the Gryffindor quidditch team) she was desperate for Frank’s approval or praise. “You think so?”
“Of course,” Frank smiled kindly. “You’re very attentive in the air, even as a beater. You notice the small things but pay attention to the bigger picture. You’d make a fantastic seeker.”
Marlene beamed.
“You just have to beat them.” Frank subtly pointed to the otherside of the stands where two boys sat: Andrew Starklyn and Micheal Evont. They were both sixth years. Andrew was not the most kind guy in the school but not an absolute jerk-wad either (so that was something, Marlene guessed). Andrew was the back-up seeker on the team last year. And, Marlene didn’t know or interact with Micheal enough to know much or anything about him. “They’re trying out for seeker as well.”
“They are?” Marlene studied them.
“ Seekers !” McCormick called.
“Wish me luck, kid.” Marlene stood up, winking.
“Good luck!” Riley beamed.
“McKinnon?” Andrew scoffed while they were walking to the pitch. “They called seekers, not beaters. ‘Your hearing bad or something?”
Marlene rolled her eyes. “Nope. I know they called seekers.”
“You’re going out for seeker then, are you?” Micheal asked. It wasn’t mean though, like Marlene had somewhat been expecting. It was kind; he was genuinely interested.
“Yeah.”
Andrew snorted.
“Do you need some water there, Starklyn?” Marlene spat.
“Do you really think that you could get seeker?” Andrew huffed. “As if.”
“Why not, Starklyn?” Marlene was already tired of this conversation.
“Seeker is a hard position, you know.” He continued, condescending. “You have to be quick and pay attention . You can’t zone out or focus on your nails or how you look or something. You have to focus on the game.”
Marlene raised her eyebrows, absolutely shocked at what Andrew was implying. “Excuse me?”
“Exactly.” Andrew said. “It’s also a very important position. We can’t have you crumble under the pressure or panic and end up breaking down in the middle of the game.”
Marlene was about to punch a bitch. Micheal looked about ready to do the same. Lucky for Andrew, they were now in the middle of the pitch.
“McKinnon?”
“McCormick.”
McCormick sighed as if he was exhausted. “What are you doing, McKinnon?”
“Trying out for seeker.” Marlene answered leisully. “What about you?”
“You’re not a seeker, McKinnon.”
“I could be.”
“But you’re not.” McCormick said. “You’re a beater.”
“Just let her try out, Chad.” Micheal rolled his eyes. “We’re wasting time.”
“Fine. Get in the air, all of you.”
Marlene mounted her broom and flew up. Micheal leaned towards her, “Sorry for these douchebags. I don’t know why they’re acting like a girl can’t play any position.”
Marlene fistbumped him. “Thanks.”
“Good luck.”
“Good luck.”
“Let’s begin.”
~ ~ ~
James Potter
Marlene was amazing (that was an understatement). She was great! It was insane that she had never tried out for the position before because she was miles better than Andrew or even Johnson. She caught the snitch in record time and much faster than Micheal or Andrew (Andrew was the slowest, James was happy to find out).
“Yes, McKinnon!” James cheered as he and Sirius jumped on her. “You were ace! Who knew?”
“I did!” Mary laughed, joining them. She hugged her friend as soon as she was able to push the two boys off. “You were amazing, Marls!”
“Thanks!” Marlene couldn’t stop smiling. “I’m so excited for beaters though.”
“Oh?”
“There’s this kid, Riley Youngblood.” Marlene explained as she led them all (minus Sirius, who just ran down to the pitch) to the stands. “I’m excited to see her go for it.”
“I’ve never heard of her before.” James said.
“She’s this cute, tiny thing.” Marlene said, sitting down.
“Her?” James asked.
There were four people on the pitch: McCormick, Black, Carson, and this little girl all wrapped in pink that must’ve been Riley. She was tiny. Sirius was 5 '8 or so and Riley didn't even make his shoulders.
“She’s so small.” Mary observed. “And she’s going for a beater? The bludger’s going to knock her off her broom.”
“I have faith.” Marlene smiled.
~ ~ ~
Marlene had every fucking right to have faith! Riley Youngblood was fan-fucking-tastic. James wasn’t sure if he’s ever seen a beater that good before, even on a professional level. She knocked the bludgers away like it was nothing and could aim them so easily (that was an easy thing to do!).
Halfway through McCormick had called Frank and James onto the pitch to “throw” (a way of saying to somewhat toss the bludgers in the rough direction of the beaters and hope for the best) for them.
The best part though? After Riley had completed her drill, she clapped her hands together and giggled like a giddy school girl (which, in retrospect, was what she was). James loved it.
Carson didn’t even have a chance to make the team. Sirius and Riley were such an obvious choice! And, McCormick didn’t like that… at all, apparently.
When McCormick looked about red in the face at how good Riley was doing, he challenged her to hit the bludger in the nearest goal post. Which, in James’ opinion, was an impossible task! You can’t exactly aim a bludger! Even with a lot of strength. But, Riley just smiled kindly, accepting the challenge, climbed onto her broom, hit the bludger with her bat, and fucking shot it through the hoop on the otherside of the pitch !!
“You’re amazing!” James exclaimed as they walked back to the castle. “Bloody hell.”
“Really?” Riley smiled hopefully.
“There’s no chance that you’re not on the team!” Sirius told her.
She just beamed.
~ ~ ~
“Moony!” Sirius exclaimed, bursting through their dorm room door.
James followed excitedly watching as Remus stubbed out his cigarette on the outside of the castle through the open window.
“Yes?”
“I can’t believe you missed it!” Sirius flopped dramatically onto the sill that Remus was sitting on.
“ Oi! ”
Sirius ignored him. “It was an amazing tryout!”
“Was it?” Remus asked, dryly.
“Marlene was an amazing seeker. There was a little third-year named Riley, who was fucking incredible! The best beater I’ve ever seen!”
“Wow, Sirius admitting that someone’s better than him?” Remus raised an eyebrow, trying to reposition himself. “She must be good.”
“Oh, sod off, will you?” Sirius laughed, blushing slightly. “She is really good though.”
“Must be if she’s got you all so excited.” Remus laughed. “What was her name again?”
“Riley Youngblood.”
“Oh, I know her.”
Sirius’ head snapped up, “You do? How?”
“I helped her in charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts.”
“Who?” Peter asked, walking out of the bathroom.
“Riley Youngblood.”
“Oh, yeah. I know her too.”
“How do you know her?” James asked.
“How have you not heard of her?” Peter laughed, sitting down on his bed. “She’s the third year that has pink everything. She has pink quills and bags and shoes and stuff like that. Real girly.”
“Nothing wrong with being girly, Wormtail.” James said, looking through his bedside table for something to eat.
“Never said that there was. Just stating a fact is all.”
“I’m surprised she was trying out for a beater.” Remus said. “She’s so small.”
“You say that about everyone, Moony.” Peter laughed.
~ ~ ~
Sunday | September 7th, 1975
“When he is going to post who made the team!” James whined.
“Be patient, James.” Frank said from a few seats down.
“But, he’s taking forever!”
“It’s only breakfast?” Alice added.
That was true. It just sucked. James knew he made the team. It was obvious to him who the choice for each position was (chasers: him, Alice, and Mary although he probably should include the captain there, beaters: Sirius and Riley, keeper: Frank, seeker: Marlene), so he didn’t understand the hold up.
“Where’s Remus?” Lily asked as she sat down next to Sirius, diagonal from James.
“Peter forgot his herbology book so Moony went to go get it with him.” Sirius answered, making a second cup of tea (exactly as Remus liked it, James noticed).
“Boo. I was hoping he’d have my book.”
“What book?”
“I lent him one of my muggle novels and I was hoping to show it to Mary.” Lily explained, filling her plate. “It’s called ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’.”
“Oh, I have it.” Sirius said, bending around to reach into his bag and pull out the book.
Lily glared at him and snatched it back. “Why do you have it?”
Sirius glared and snatched it back. “Because I was reading it.”
Lily eyed him sceptically, “Liar.”
“Excuse me?”
“There’s no way.” Lily huffed.
“What do you mean, Evans?!”
“There's no way that you would 1) read willingly… for fun and 2) read a muggle book.”
“Hey!” Sirius crossed his arms, still clutching the book. “I like this book!”
“Why are you reading it?”
“Because I like it. Duh.”
“Why’d you start reading it? You never read. Even if it’s required, much less if it’s optional.”
“Remus said he really liked it.” Sirius shrugged. James wanted to groan and bang his head against the table… he didn’t, but he wanted to. He wanted his best friend to just first off, realise or admit that he was gay or to just realise that he had a crush on Remus. It was so obvious. But, James knew that you can’t force people to come out. They have to do it on their own time.
“Hold on,” Lily waved her hand as if actually rewinding the scene. “Let me get this straight. You don’t like reading. You never read for fun ever . But, you’ll read this book for fun because Remus mentioned that he liked it?”
“Well, yeah.” Sirius shrugged again.
Lily locked eyes with James as if trying to mentally communicate ‘can you believe this guy?’, but James didn’t want to either out his friend nor reveal his crush so he gave a look that hopefully said ‘I don’t know so don’t ask me’. Lily sighed, rolling her eyes and turning away from them to talk to Mary and Marlene, who just sat down.
Remus slid into his seat next to Sirius, and Sirius pushed the teacup towards him. Remus looked at the tea and back at Sirius. “Cheers, Padfoot.”
Sirius grinned.
You’re so whipped, Pads . James thought, chuckling to himself.
~ ~ ~
“Did you even do any of the homework due tomorrow?” Lily asked Remus. James was just following them on their prefect rounds because he had too much energy while waiting for the team list to be posted.
“Lily,” Remus groaned, hanging his head back.
“Remus! You’re-”
“If you say anything about me being an example because I’m a prefect, I will bat-bogey you.” Remus threatened, glaring at her (it was a playful glare, James knew, because you would cower if it was a real Remus glare. He had seen Sirius cry after being given one in fourth year).
Lily held up her hands. “Fine. I don’t understand why you don’t care about being a prefect at all though.”
“I didn’t want to be a prefect, Clover.”
“Then, why-”
“Lily, think of the fifth year Gryffindor boy options for prefect.”
Lily stopped walking. “Oh.”
“Exactly.” Remus said as they resumed. “McGonagall’s options were Pete (a great mate but not a great leader), Sirius (as if), James (no offense, mate), or me. So, excuse me for not being overly enthusiastic about my newfound responsibilities.”
James laughed and Lily rolled her eyes before something seemed to catch them. “Remus!”
“What’d I do now?” Remus exasperated.
“It’s what you didn’t do.” Lily crossed her arms. “You didn’t wear your badge again.”
“Oh, right.” Remus swallowed.
“Actually, I have that.” James said.
“What? Why?” Remus and Lily said in sync.
“I was trying to see if Filch would believe it was mine,” James lied. “Here. I have it in my pocket.”
James pulled it out and passed it to Remus. Remus, quickly, tried to pull his hands back and not take it, but James was quicker. It was clearly a look of surprise that crossed over Remus’ face as he held the badge.
James, Peter, and Sirius had stolen Remus’ badge while he was on a round with Lily, and just like they suspected, the badge had been made of silver… which burns werewolves. After a heated discussion about the possibility that Dumbledore could forget this fact and still give Remus the badge, James (the best at transfiguration out of the marauders) transfigured the silver badge into tin.
Remus passed the badge between his hands. Lily didn’t think too much of it ( why would she? ) and continued walking, but Remus mouthed a quick ‘thank-you’ to James as he pinned the badge to his robes.
“Loud Hippogriff!” Lily called out to the portrait.
They walked in just in time to catch McCormick pin the team list to the bulletin board by the common room entrance. James practically ran.
He got chaser (as he suspected) along with McCormick and Gonzalles (Alice and Mary were backups but that made no sense to James because they were a lot better than Gonzalles and even McCormick), the seeker was Starklyn (which also didn’t make sense to James because Marlene was much better), Frank was keeper (obviously), and most surprising, the beaters were Black and Carson.
“What!” James exclaimed. He turned to Lily and Remus. “This doesn’t make any sense.”
Remus' eyes widened. He hadn’t looked at the list but it took a lot to make James angry. So, this… was concerning. It apparently summoned Alice and Marlene.
“Excuse me?!” Marlene gaped.
“What the bloody fuck!?” Alice shouted, her Irish accent coming out strong. She whirled around and marched right up to McCormick, who was trying to walk away.
“What the fuck, McCormick? The bloody hell is this list?”
McCormick turned and crossed his arms, only looking slightly scared of Alice (bad decision in James’ opinion). “This is the team list, Fortescue. Deal with it.”
“Excuse me?” Alice scoffed loudly. “This is bloody sexist, is what it is!”
McCormick rolled his eyes. “You girls think everything is sexist. Every minor inconvenience. Everytime something doesn’t go your way, it’s suddenly a ‘sexism issue’.”
“How come there’s not a single bloody girl on the team then?” Alice challenged.
“Because the boys were better.”
“As if!”
“Hey! What’s the problem here?” Frank said as he joined them.
“This toerag didn’t put a single girl on the team!”
“Frank, control your bitch, please.”
Frank then had to physically hold back Alice and Marlene.
“I’m not his bitch, you mother-”
“What’s the problem here?” McGonagall said, the door swinging open. The common room fell silent in one sweep.
Alice and Marlene straightened up allowing Frank to release them, though he kept a hand on Alice’s lower back.
“Professor,” McCormick explained. “Alice and Marlene are acting poorly about the team list.”
“They’re not the only ones!” James butt in.
“Professor, respectfully,” Alice started. “McCormick is being a sexist shithead.”
“ Alice !” Frank whispered, scandalised. They all looked at McGonagall in fear, ready for her response to Alice bluntly cursing in front of her, but McGonagall did nothing other than raise a brow.
“Explain, Miss Fortescue.” McGonagall said.
“Professor-”
“I asked Miss Fortescue; not you, Mister McCormick.”
James had to bite down a smile.
“McCormick put no girls on the team.” Alice explained with a glare towards McCormick. “Even though we rightfully deserve to be on the team.”
“Maybe if you read the list instead of immediately throwing a fit, you’d see that you made the team, Fortescue.” McCormick spat.
“A back-up! Are you fucking kidding me? You put a sixth year on the team that couldn’t even make a shot without a keeper! You put him instead of me. How is that not sexist?!”
“Riley’s the best beater I’ve ever seen! Even on a professional level!” James added. “How did she not even make back-up?”
“Professor,” McCormick turned to her. “I made the list based on skill. I’m the captain.”
Professor McGonagall seemed to think about it for a moment. “You’re absolutely certain, Mister McCormick? The team was chosen based completely on skill and not sex.”
“Yes, Professor.”
“Fine,” McGonagall turned to the rest of the group. “He’s the elected captain. He makes the team; we have to trust and respect his decision. I trust you to not take your opinions out on Mister McCormick and to come talk to me if necessary. Especially you, Miss Fortescue. You must set an example as Head Girl.”
“Of course, Professor.” Alice huffed.
McGonagall left with a nod.
“Potter. Longbottom.”
“McCormick.” Frank and James grumbled in sync, turning to the captain.
“There’s going to be a small party tonight for the direct team. Charms classroom.” McCormick told them, a small, proud smile growing on his lips. James wanted to punch it off.
“And by direct team, you mean…” Frank asked with a brow raise.
“No back-ups.”
“Of course.” James scoffed.
“Tell Black, will you?” McCormick asked James. James gave him a sarcastic, close-mouthed smile. “Good. Thanks.”
McCormick walked away. Frank turned to James. “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?” James asked innocently.
“Don’t prank him or do anything to him. Please.” Frank asked. “He’s the captain and we can’t lose you too. The team needs you.”
“But-”
“We don’t actually know that.” Frank sighed, exhausted. “Unless he directly says that he didn’t pick them because of their gender, we have no proof.”
“We’ll get proof then.”
“Oh, boy.”
~ ~ ~
Several more hours into the night and the majority of the team was wasted. All of the boys were there: McCormick, Starklyn, Carson, Gonzalles, James, Sirius, and Frank. Micheal Evont was there too, despite being a back-up and McCormick saying ‘no back-ups’. James guessed that it was probably because he was Micheal and not Michelle.
James didn’t want to like Micheal. He wanted to dislike him simply because he was an expectation to the back-up rule and seemed to be nice to McCormick. He wanted to dislike him… but couldn’t. Micheal was nice, really nice. He was funny too, and despite what James originally thought, actually didn’t like McCormick at all and hated all the sexist bullshit.
“He’s pleasantly sloshed now, isn’t he?” Micheal snorted, nudging James’ arm and gesturing towards where McCormick was slumped in a bean bag that they brought.
James smirked mischievously, “Yes, he is, isn’t he?”
Micheal eyed him suspiciously as James motioned over Sirius from where he was standing talking with Frank.
“Ready?” James asked him.
“Born so.”
“What’s going on?” Micheal asked.
“We’re about to trick ol’ Chad here into confessing that he’s picked the team based on gender.”
“Oh?” Micheal’s eyebrows raised, grin growing. “How are you going to do that?”
“Trust us.” Sirius winked. Normally, from what James has seen, when Sirius flirted with guys, they tended to be disgusted or grossed out or annoyed. Micheal wasn’t any of those. He simply raised an eyebrow with a small smirk as if challenging him or inviting Sirius to continue.
“Let’s go.” James said. He walked across the room and sat next to McCormick. “Hey, Chad.”
“James!” McCormick cheered, slurring. “How are you, mate? Enjoying yourself?”
“You know it.” James grinned. “I have a quick question if you don’t mind.”
“Go ahead.”
“Why didn’t Riley Youngblood make the team?” James asked. “I thought she was really good.”
“Honestly, mate?” McCormick whispered. “I do not think I can handle an emotional, little girl.”
“Pardon?” James tried to laugh it off, make it appear as if he was as sloshed as the rest of them.
“You saw her, didn’t you, Potter?” McCormick laughed. “What if the game messed up her makeup or her hair? I can’t handle a little girl's breakdown. And just like what happened today when I posted the team, girls are just too emotional for quidditch; they can’t handle it. If I made McKinnon seeker, then she would crack from the pressure.”
James was really debating whether or not his gods could hear his prayers for patience because he was really about to punch McCormick’s face in, and he could tell that Sirius beside him was feeling the same. He took a breath.
“So, they didn’t make the team because they’re girls?” Sirius specified.
“No, Black.” McCormick slurred. James felt Sirius bristle behind him (he hated his last name, everyone knew that). “They’re too girly. That’s why Fortescue made back-ups. I don’t see her showing up to practise or games with makeup or her hair all done.”
“But, Mary’s girly.” Sirius pointed out. “She wears makeup to almost all of the practices and always has her nails done and all of that.”
“But, that’s where the exception is, you see.” Starklyn howled. “Macdonald has other assets that McKinnon and Youngblood don’t.”
James didn’t like the way this was going. He hissed through his teeth, “What do you mean?”
“You know,” Starklyn smirked. He used his hand to squeeze his chest. “She’s easy. You know, don’t you, Black?”
James doesn’t even remember lunging, all he remembered was being pulled back. Apparently, Frank had grabbed him while Micheal had grabbed Sirius, both having assumed what was about to happen.
“How was it, Black?” Starklyn called out as Frank and Micheal dragged the two marauders back. “I’ve always been curious. I’d bet she’d let me too.”
Sirius didn’t get to say anything. Frank and Micheal had managed to drag them out the door and with a swing of his wand, Frank closed the doors. They released the other boys. All four of them were breathing heavily.
“Why’d you pull me back!?” James yelled at Frank. “He needed to be t-”
“Taught a lesson.” Frank interrupted. His face was stern; it shut James up even if he continued huffing. “I agree but beating him up won’t do anything.”
“It’d make me feel better.” Sirius growled.
“But it won’t do anything .” Frank enunciated. “There has to be another way.”
“Why can’t we tell McGonagall what he said?” Micheal asked.
“We have no proof.” Sirius spat.
“Shouldn’t our word be enough?”
“It never is. Not to adults.” Sirius said quietly. James looked over to his best friend, knowing how hard he was trying to convince McGonagall and Dumbledore to help Regulus.
“It would be enough for McGonagall,” James said, giving a reassuring look towards Sirius. “She’d believe us but she can’t do anything about it without actual proof.”
“What are you four doing out so late?”
They all turned to see none other than Lily Evans standing in the middle of the hallway with her arms crossed over her chest.
“What are you doing here?” Sirius asked.
Lily rolled her eyes and pointed to her prefect badge. “Emmeline Vance got sick so I covered for her. Now, tell me why you’re out so late?”
“Quidditch team party.” James rolled his eyes and jabbed his thumb over his shoulder towards the door. Lily eyed him half-suspiciously half-scared.
“You love quidditch, Potter.” Lily said. “Why do you sound so upset about a party?”
“Fucking McCormick!” Sirius burst out. “He just fucking admitted that he didn’t put Youngblood on the team because she’s too girly!”
“What!?” Lily gaped. “But, I thought Mary made back-up? She’s girly.”
James grit his teeth.
“He said Mary had other ‘assets’.” He hissed.
Lily’s eyes widened with understanding before flashing with anger. “That absolute pig!”
“Our thoughts exactly, Evans.” Sirius said lowly.
“Well,” She looked at James. “What are you going to do about it?”
“Me?” James’ anger fell off under Lily’s gaze.
“Yes, you!” Lily exclaimed. “It’s not like the girls can do anything about it. Clearly, McCormick has as much respect for their opinion as a pureblood does for a house elf. But, he can’t afford to lose Gryffindor’s star chaser. Our house and team would not stand for it. You have the opportunity to do something, so you need to do it!”
During her rant, Lily had stomped up to James and now they were standing just a foot apart. James had to look down to continue to stare into her bright green eyes. He was breathing heavily again but for a different reason.
“But what?” James asked her. Suddenly, it felt like no one was there but them. “But what do I do?”
“He said they can’t play because they’re too girly?” Lily stared up at him. “They can’t be on the team because they’re too girly? What if ‘his’ team is too girly to play?”
A smirk curled up on James’ lips. “There’s a reason you’re the brightest girl in all of Hogwarts, Evans.”
She smiled back, a little slyly. “ ‘You’re just now figuring this out, Potter?”
Although James didn’t want to, he turned away from Lily and faced the other three guys. Sirius had his eyebrows raised in an accusatory expression, Micheal looked like a cat that got the cream, and Frank was looking on curiously.
“Hey,” James started. “I have an idea.”
~ ~ ~
Monday | September 8th, 1975
“So, Gryffindor’s first practice is today?” Lily asked at lunch. They had one more class that day before they had to go to the quidditch practice. James nodded. “Are you ready for this, Potter?”
James smirked. “I’m not going to chicken out now, Evans.”
Lily smirked back.
~ ~ ~
“Done!” Mary sang, returning the brush to the nail polish jar. She had just finished painting James’ nails. “Marls, how much longer on Black?”
“Eyeliner done!”
James and Sirius looked at each other, smiled, then turned to where Frank and Micheal were turning from Lily and Alice, who had just finished their makeup and nails as well. They were all sitting in the fifth year boys dorm.
“Moony! Pete! Did you finish our jerseys?” James asked. Remus and Peter were by the window, smoking.
“Finished a while ago.” Remus answered, pointing to four neatly folded quidditch jerseys beside him. They were just the regular Gryffindor quidditch robes but instead of red and gold, they were pink and gold.
“I kind of like them.” Micheal smirked. Remus smiled at him. Micheal winked back and James saw Sirius still out of the corner of his eye.
“Ready?” Lily asked. She had asked the group but she never looked away from James.
“Let’s do this.”
They all marched to the quidditch pitch– all the marauders, Micheal, Frank, Alice, Marlene, Mary, and Lily. Lucky for them, the team was just standing in the middle of the pitch with Professor McGonagall, who had been asked by Lily to be there. McGonagall raised her eyebrows as they all marched up to McCormick.
“What is this?” McCormick sputtered.
“Well, you see,” James said. “You said that Youngblood and McKinnon couldn’t be on the team because they’re too girly. It didn’t really make sense to me at first, but you’re right. I think I’m too girly to play. Afterall, I don't want to mess up my lovely makeup or my nails.”
McCormick fumed, “Fucking seriously, Potter?! I can’t believe you. You’re being so dramatic.”
“I guess it’s the girl in him,” Sirius commented. “Afterall, wasn’t it you that said that girls were too emotional? That you couldn’t handle a girl’s annoying, dramatic breakdown?”
“I said that because of Fortescue’s reaction to the list!”
“Oh, I’m ‘Fortescue’ now?” Alice laughed shortly. “I thought I was just ‘Frank’s bitch’. What changed?”
“You’re still acting like a bitch.” McCormick spat.
“Mister McCormick,” McGonagall cleared her throat. “What did you call Miss Fortescue?”
McCormick visibly swallowed before turning to the professor, who was as stern faced as ever.
“Professor-”
“You will be turning in your captain badge.” McGonagall commanded. “I’ll ask the team members from last year to vote on a new captain and he or she will pick out the new team with no biases. Practice is cancelled. All team members from last year will meet in my room after dinner.”
And with that she walked away.
~ ~ ~
“So?” Lily asked James, sitting in the chair beside him. He was in the common room, sitting by the fire and finishing his transfiguration homework (that he didn’t work on earlier because he was getting a makeover). The eyeliner had been washed off but the red nail polish remained. He looked up at her, confused. She rolled her eyes. “Who’s the new captain?”
“Frank.” He answered with a smile. “As it should’ve been all along.”
Lily laughed lightly. “And who’s on the team?”
“Mary, Alice, and I as chasers. Black and Youngblood as beaters. Marlene as seeker with Micheal as back-up. And Frank as keeper.” James leaned forward to where she was resting on the arm of the chair. “Since when are you interested in quidditch?”
“I’m not.” Lily said quickly. “I’m interested in righting wrongs and fighting against prejudices.”
“Hmm,” James grinned. “Just admit it, Evans. You like quidditch.”
Lily scoffed, “I do not.”
“Then you like me.”
“In your dreams, Potter.” Lily stood and started to walk back to her dorms.
“You like me, Evans!”
“Piss off, Potter.” And she was gone but James still smiled.