Eclipsed

After a week of getting back into the swing of things, it was finally time for James to make his first move as the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain: Trials. James stood on the Quidditch pitch early on a Saturday, the morning sun casting long shadows across the field, anticipation beginning to fill the air as prospective Gryffindor players gathered around him, their faces a mix of excitement and nerves as they clutched their brooms and waited for him to speak. James took a deep breath,  and began.

"Alright, everyone, listen up!" he called out confidently. The chatter died down, and all eyes turned to him. 

"Each one of you has shown up this morning because you have a passion for Quidditch, a love for Gryffindor, and a desire to be part of something bigger than yourselves. This isn't just about a game—it's about courage, determination, and teamwork! It’s not just about catching the Snitch, scoring goals, or smacking Bludgers across the pitch, it's what drives us to wake up early, train hard, and push through. It’s about how we stand by each other, how we lift each other up when we’re down, and how we face every challenge head-on, together.” 

James stopped and looked around, making sure that everyone was listening. They were. 

"Every single one of you has the chance to prove what you're made of. Show me your skill, your heart, your spirit. Remember, it's not always the most talented who make the team, but it's those who show the most heart, the most dedication, and the most willingness to work together. When you’re out there today, give it everything you’ve got.” 

James paused for a moment, feeling a lump building up in his throat. This was his final season playing, his self-imposed end to the game before it would become too unsafe for him to continue. The thought of leaving the game caught him off-guard, but he pushed those feelings aside, swallowing his emotions down and trying to focus on the moment.

"Whether you're a returning player or this is your first time here, remember this: we are Gryffindors. And together, we are unstoppable.” 

The crowd erupted into cheers, and as they began to move toward starting positions, James felt a surge of confidence. He knew that with this kind of passion and determination, Gryffindor's team was bound to be incredible.

James was looking to find both beaters, a keeper, and find a great reserve chaser, just in case he wasn’t able to finish out the year. While he hoped that wouldn’t be the case, it was always a possibility, and he didn’t want to leave the team in a bind because of his own ego. 

As loath as he was to admit it, Marlene was a shoo-in for the new beater. As he watched her fly, he was positive that she was the best one on the field. The way she wielded the bat was unmatched by any other prospective beaters, aside from third year Rohan Thakkur, who made a valiant effort to swing as hard and accurately as she did. 

“Great flying, McKinnon!” he shouted, trying to make sure his tone was encouraging and professional. Marlene glanced down at him and gave a small nod, her expression unreadable.

From there, James moved to the Keepers. He, Archie, and Sam Parkin, along with some prospective reserve Chasers, took turns aiming the Quaffle toward the goalposts, seeing who could make the most saves.

"Alright, Archie, give it your best shot!" James called, tossing the Quaffle to him. Archie zoomed forward and launched the ball, but Andy Catchlove blocked it with a swift, confident move.

"Nice save, Andy!" James shouted. The other candidates gave their best efforts, but Andy outperformed them all. With that box checked off in his mind, they moved on to the reserve Chasers.

James decided to sit this one out, observing the candidates from the sidelines. He watched as different players flew alongside the other two Chasers, analyzing their coordination and speed. One player stood out: Dessy Bennett. Her black ponytail swung behind her as she zoomed through the air, keeping up with the two older boys effortlessly.

"Great hustle, Dessy!" James called out, making a mental note. By the end of the trials, he knew she was the right choice for the reserve Chaser spot.

As the morning came to an end, James gathered everyone together. "Alright, everyone, listen up!" he called out, holding his clipboard. "Here's the roster for this season. Our new players are Andy Catchlove as Keeper and Dessy Bennett as reserve Chaser. Marlene McKinnon and Rohan Thakkur will be our new beaters. Congratulations!" 

The team cheered, clapping for their new teammates. James raised his hand for silence, clearing his throat for one last announcement. 

"Before we go, I have one more piece of news. I've decided that we should have an assistant captain for this season. I spoke to McGonagall about it, and she was very enthusiastic about my idea." He paused, looking directly at Ivy Blume. "Ivy, what do you say?"

Ivy stared back in shock, her mouth hanging open but clearly delighted. "Err... yes? Sounds absolutely brilliant!"

The rest of the team clapped and cheered excitedly for her. Once James dismissed them to the locker rooms, Ivy stayed back, helping him secure the balls back into their cases.

"So, what's all this about the assistant captain?" she asked bluntly. “We’ve never done that before.” 

James signaled with an eyebrow for her to wait until people were further away. He sat on the big case and patted the space next to him. Ivy jumped up and looked at him expectantly.

James hesitated, taking a deep breath. He had been dreading this moment, and now that it was here, he found it hard to start. "Ivy," he began, his voice low and serious, "there's something I need to tell you. It's... it's not easy for me to say."

Ivy frowned slightly, leaning in closer. "What is it? You dying or something?” She laughed nervously, and stopped quickly once James didn't laugh too. 

James looked down at his hands, and chuckled at her candidness, struggling to find the right words. "Not quite… but this is my last season playing," he finally said, each word feeling heavy. "Not because I want it to be, but because... I'm losing my vision, and by the beginning of next year it won’t be safe for me to play anymore."

Ivy's eyes widened in shock. "Fuck, James, that really sucks. That's shit."

James nodded, trying to keep his emotions under control. "I haven’t told many people yet- my roommates and the teachers know, and Pomfrey, of course.” He sighed. “Honestly I think McGonagall made me the captain because she feels bad for me.” Ivy started to disagree, but James cut her off. “It doesn’t matter, really. I'm grateful either way. But I  need you to be another set of eyes for the team, and just be ready to jump in. In case I miss something, or worse, if something happens and I can't finish off the season. I can’t leave you all unprepared."

In an uncharacteristically gentle move on her part, Ivy reached over and placed an arm around James’ shoulders. "You’ll be fine, James, don’t worry so much. But I’ll be ready either way."

James smiled gratefully, though his heart was still heavy with worry. "Thanks, Ivy. I hope you're right."

Ivy squeezed his shoulder before removing her arm and turning to face him. "I'll do anything I can to help… And don't worry, I won't tell. Your secret is safe with me."

James let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Thank you. It means a lot."

They finished packing up the equipment in silence, the weight of the conversation lingering between them. But as they walked off the pitch together, James felt a sense of relief. He knew he had a trusted ally in Ivy, and together, they were ready to take their team to victory. 

Although Sirius' days of serving detention were over, he had discovered a genuine fondness for working in the hospital wing. Both Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey had recommended that he pursue a career in Healing during his career counseling sessions, and consequently, he had been offered an unofficial apprenticeship under Madam Pomfrey. This opportunity not only prepared him for his future career post-Hogwarts, but also kept him out of trouble after classes were done for the day, something that brought McGonagall a great sense of peace for the first time in six years. 

As Sirius bustled about the hospital wing, checking on patients and restocking supplies, he glanced up to see a figure standing hesitantly in the doorway. His heart skipped a beat when he recognized the familiar features of his younger brother.

"Regulus?" Sirius said softly, setting down the jar of Skele-Gro he'd been carrying. "What are you doing here?"

Regulus looked surprised to see Sirius, his usual composed demeanor faltering for a moment before he schooled his expression. "Just... feeling a bit under the weather," he replied vaguely, avoiding Sirius's gaze. “You know how it is with me.” 

Sirius frowned, concern evident by the lines on his forehead. "I’ve been working here almost every night since last term; you never came here for anything before. What's going on?"

Before Regulus could respond, Madam Pomfrey bustled over, her stern expression softening slightly at the sight of the brothers. "Sirius, why don’t you finish up labeling those jars and then head back to your common room for the evening. I'll take it from here."

Sirius opened his mouth to protest, but the determined look in Madam Pomfrey's eyes told him it was futile. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Alright. But let me know if… if he needs anything."

Madam Pomfrey gave him a reassuring smile before ushering Regulus into her office, the door closing firmly behind them.

Sirius stood there for a moment, unsure of how to feel. Regulus had always been a sickly child, but since Sirius had come to Hogwarts and been sorted into Gryffindor, the brothers hadn't seen much of each other. It was unsettling to see Regulus as he was now—tall, with broadening features, yet just as unwell as he’d been when they were little boys. To Sirius, his brother's sickness brought back memories of the little boy who would climb into Sirius' bed with a fever, or who’d spend a day with his head in Sirius' lap, listening to his favorite books as he dozed.

Absently, he finished his tasks and made his way back to Gryffindor Tower, his mind racing with memories of his childhood he thought he'd blocked out, memories of Regulus and him that seemed to flash in front of his eyes in an endless loop. As he stepped through the portrait hole, Sirius found Remus sitting by the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room, reading a well-loved book, uniform abandoned for a cozier-looking jumper and some soft gray pants. Sirius settled into the armchair opposite him, hoping that Remus would be in the mood to chat.

"Remus," Sirius began hesitantly, "I saw Regulus in the hospital wing today."

Remus looked up, clearly worried over the direction the interaction had gone in. "Is he okay?"

Sirius shook his head, his voice filled with apprehension. "I don't know. Madam Pomfrey took him into her office before I could find out what was wrong. But it was strange, Remus. Regulus looked... different."

Remus closed the book in his lap, focusing his attention on Sirius. "Different how?"

"It's hard to explain," Sirius replied, his gaze flickering away for a moment before meeting Remus's eyes again. “He was always sick when we were kids, you know, but like… seeing him all grown up like he is now and still sick… just a bit of a mindfuck, I guess.” 

“Well, that’s certainly understandable,” Remus began. “I’m sorry. I hope he’s alright.” 

"Yeah, me too. I just wish–." Sirius sighed, his emotions clearly painted on his face. “I don’t know why I even care. What has he, or any of them, ever done for me?” 

 “It’s natural to care, Sirius. And you’re a caring person. You care very fiercely about people. That’s… well, that’s one of the things I’ve always admired about you.” Their eyes locked for a moment, a silent understanding passing between them. Sirius felt a surge of something familiar burst him, a warmth spreading through his chest. He quickly looked away, trying to stop himself before things got too real again. 

"Thanks, Remus. I– That’s very nice of you to say."

Sirius stood up abruptly, the intensity of the evening overwhelming him. "I should go… homework, you know?" he said, his voice slightly hoarse.

Remus nodded, understanding and disappointment both evident in his gaze. "Of course. Let me know if you need anything."

Sirius managed a small nod, his heart pounding in his chest as he turned to leave. He felt Remus's gaze on him as he walked away, ready to flop into his own bed, cast a muffliato, and scream into his pillow until all of his feelings melted away.