- Instead of lazing around in the field, you could go get a cake in the kitchen, don't you think Evan ?
- I'm sorry !? Just because you're hurt doesn't mean I'm going to do everything you demand, you know.
Dorcas huffed a chuckle as she listened to Barty and Evan bickering nicely. Barty had injured his leg during the game against Ravenclaw, and since then he thought he was the master of the world, asking Evan to bring him anything and everything every two minutes.
Of course, the latter grumbled for the form, but always ended up executing because he was worried about the other and was madly in love with him - even if he continued to deny this fact, obvious to all others -.
She, Evan, Barty and Regulus were returning from their daily Quidditch practice. Barty was a beater on their team, replaced by Aya Kile, a talented young third year who would surely have a permanent place in the team the next year. Dorcas was a chaser and Regulus the official seeker. Evan came only to "support his friends", even though everyone knew it was really just an excuse to stare at Barty's ass in that Quidditch uniform - everyone except the main concerned obviously.
She exchanged a tired look with Regulus, then a loud noise caught her attention. She turned her head, curious, and saw the Gryffindor team making their way to the field. Of course, those pesky lions took the place right after them !
Then her gaze met McKinnon, that annoying beater who always teased them on the field, and who made her want to compete, to smash her head on the ground, to feel her shoulders drop at the announcement of their victory, to kiss her- wait what !?
She realized that she had begun to blush furiously and jerked her head away, before turning it around just as sharply to check that the blonde hadn't seen her.
Luckily, she hadn't noticed, but she felt Regulus' mocking gaze on the back of her head until they got to the castle.
★★★
Sure enough, Evan had well and truly gone to get some snacks from Barty, who had rushed after him, yelling that he was coming with him, and their friendly bickering had echoed through the room as they walked away.
So she was alone with Regulus, and did her best to ignore his smirk.
- I am in love with a Quidditch player, declared this one without flinching. In fact, we're dating.
- Griffondor ? asked Dorcas.
- Yes.
- Awfully loud but pretty as fuck ?
- Yes.
- With a Griffindor's humor ?
- Yes.
- Look way too sexy in their uniform to be real ?
- Yes. replied Regulus without hesitation.
There was a slight silence, which Dorcas broke by confessing :
- Believe me, I understand.
- I KNEW IT !!
He screamed and added :
- Barty owes me five Galleons.
- Did you bet on that ? Of course you did.
- Obviously, Barty is an oblivious bitch who understands nothing about love.
- Fair enought.
As silence returned, she couldn't help but wonder. Was Regulus in love with James Potter ?
★★★
Dorcas was walking down the halls on her way to her herbology class, where she was already late. She had her arms full of books from Pandora, which had been raffled in the bookstore, and could barely see where she was stepping.
What had to happen happened, she ran into someone and her pile of books was scattered on the floor.
- Oh my God I'm sorry are you...
Her apology died in her throat as she realized who the person she had bumped into was.
Of all the fucking people in fucking Hogwarts.
Fucking McKinnon.
She raised a mocking eyebrow - ohmyGodhowcanyoubeso sexywithjustaraisedeyebrow? - and helped her up.
- So Meandowes, we can't stand steady on our own feet ?
Meandowes. She had said it in a way... Dorcas wanted to hear that for the rest of her life.
She jerked her hand away and replied curtly :
- Ah. Ah. Very funny, McKinnon. Don't you have places to go ?
The other girl now wore an amused smile.
- Well, I was on my way to Transfiguration class when someone ran into me.
- Yeah, sorry, thank you, you can leave now.
The Gryffindor ignored the Slytherin's dry tone, and instead handed her a book titled "The Mysteries of ForestHill", before running past her.
- Alright, I'll go, goodbye. Tell me what the book is about !
Dorcas shook her head and was about to leave, before the other added :
- Oh, and Meandowes. You can call me Marlene !
It took to the girl ten minutes to look at her book and see the note saying "meet me tomorrow night at 10 p.m. at the Quidditch pitch! Happy reading :)".
She froze for a moment before realizing she had class.
Of course, she arrived late.
★★★
When Dorcas returned to her dorm at the end of the day, she wasn't surprised to see the usual gathering of her group of friends, lying on the beds. They usually meet in Reg, Barty and Evan's dormitory, but since she was going to be the last one, they must have decided to wait for her directly in her room.
It wasn't for that.
As soon as she arrived, all conversations stopped and all eyes immediately converged on her.
- So, Dorcas... began Evan.
- I heard you had an interesting encounter in the hallways on your way to herbology ? completed Pandora.
She blushed and looked away, before collapsing on her bed.
- How are you always aware of everything ? she complained. Have you no life ?
- Well, Reg always manages to keep up to date with all the rumors and all the secret conversations, and since his love life is shit, then I'd say he has no life, replied Barty.
- Hey, watch your mouth you stupid.
Regulus gave him a friendly nudge in the ribs.
- And I would point out to you that I have a boyfriend.
- WHAT !?
Surprised gasps erupted from the other three people in the room. Dorcas, of course, already knew.
- Oh my fucking God, said Barty. Can't believe our pure Reggie is finally taken, and I'm not !!
- I already told you not to call me that, Regulus replied. And you could be in a relationship too if you took your big head out of your ass a bit.
Barty frowned.
- What do you mean ?
- Anyways, are we gonna come back to Cas' meeting with McKinnon ? Started Evan.
- It wasn't a meeting, I bumped into her.
- Yeah, and it seems to me that you two talked a lot, replied Regulus.
- Fuck off Black, why weren't you in class ?
Regulus shrugged.
- Slughorn exempted me from the potion exam cause he prefers me.
- Of course he prefers you, you're a Black and a genius.
- I know.
- Hey !! You were supposed to say something like "I'm not a genius".
- I can't deny the evidence.
- Bitch.
- Whore.
- Guys, guys, can we refocus on the subject, please ? Pandora, this angel, interjected.
- Yes Cas, what happened ? asked Evan.
- Nothing, we just talked !
- I don't believe you.
- Of course you don't believe her Regulus, you have trust issues, remember ?
- For Merlin's sake Barty, shut up.
- And ? Evan continued, apparently really wanting to know the rest of the story and not getting distracted by Barty and Regulus bickering.
- And I have an appointement with her tomorrow evening at the Quidditch pitch.
There was a silence, quickly broken by the - almost - unanymous scream of the people presents in the room.
- YEAAAAAAAAH !!!!
- CAS GOT AN APPOINTMENT !!!!
- CAS GOT AN APPOINTMENT WITH MCKINNON !!!
- I KNEW IT !!!!
★★★
On the day of the meeting, Dorcas waited in the boys' dormitory for 10p.m. to arrives, impatient.
Her fiends helped her with her outfit :
“- Not too casual or she'll think that you don't take her seriously, Evan started.
- And not too formal or she'll see that you take her very, very seriously, added Barty with a suggestive raised eyebrow.
- Be yourself and everything is going to be fine, said Pandora.
- And if there's a problem... Just know that I know how to hide a body, ended Regulus.
- Reg !! I'll be fine, you'll see.”
Now that the time had come, Dorcas was rather nervous. She rushed to the field, almost running, and tumbled outside, where she took a moment to admire the sky. A few clouds hid the crescent moon which had risen to the top of the heavens, somewhat veiling the light brought by the star A few stars twinkled in the sky, giving the scene a lit atmosphere.
When she finally arrived at the pitch, she found Marlene, in training gear, practicing on her broomstick. The blonde goes on loops and tight turns without hesitation, with grace and majesty, and Dorcas took pleasure in admiring her a little longer.
My god she was beautiful...
After a moment, the Gryffindor noticed the presence of her comrade and, in surprise, fell from her broom, located fortunately little above the ground.
Dorcas approached quickly, and, after seeing that she was not hurt, scoffed while helping her up.
- So, McKinnon, we can't stand steady on our own broom ?
- Ow, but that's my line, Meandowes. And I already tell you to call me Marlene.
- In this case, call me Dorcas, replied the other.
It was brief and fleeting, but Dorcas was sure she saw a slight blush on Marlene's cheeks as she turned her head away abruptly. She sat down smoothing the corners of her skirt and patted the floor beside her suggesting the blonde join her. The beater dropped down and lay on the ground, unbothered by the dirt on her uniform.
- Do you often train in the evening ? asked Dorcas.
- No, but I lost track of time after practice this afternoon, James went to find his secret boyfriend, Sirius went to kiss Remus in the dorm and the others dispersed.
She got up abruptly.
- Please don't repeat what I just said.
- Promise, laughed Dorcas, her hand over her mouth.
She now had confirmation that James Potter was dating Regulus.
- And who's your favorite Quidditch team, Blondie ?
The other paused, no doubt surprised by the nickname. To be honest, Dorcas hadn't even done it on purpose. It just came out on its own, with a surprised familiarity.
- I'd say The Canons, without hesitation. It's just the best team in the Irish league !
The Slytherin huffed a laugh.
- That's really a Griffindor answer.
- Oh ? And who's yours, darling ?
What ?
Dorcas' heart skipped three, no, five beats, but she pretended nothing had happened.
Darling ?
- Personnaly, I prefer the Bat. They're more coordinated and efficient in their techniques, and they have a good team spirit.
- Yeah, but if you're starting with this point, all the affirmations are valables, because you can say that for whatever team you like ! For the Canons, that's not the same.
And Dorcas listened to Marlene raving about the Canons, the Bats and the Brandenburgs for twenty-seven bloody minutes.
Then on that stupid Hogwarts uniform rule, which meant that girls could not wear pants.
Then on Yule's ball, two months earlier, where Michael Yel spilled his pumpkin juice on his favorite jacket.
Then onto his new pet, Eminem - a parrot who repeated everything he heard at ×10 speed -.
Then on how she loves McGonagall, her head master - and Dorcas was JEALOUS, because why do they have SLUGHORN ??? -, and then on her wish to become a rockstar or a Muggle tattoo artist, and then...
And Dorcas had to listen to everything, and sometimes embellish the story with "no!" or "really?".
But it suited her very well, because, oddly, she liked to hear Marlène talking about her and what she liked, and she could have listened to her forever.
★★★
The two girls had separated later, and had found each other again and again, sometimes at the Quidditch pitch, sometimes in the library, sometimes in the greenhouse...
Dorcas knew that now.
She was really in love with Marlene.
The date of their next meeting was Friday evening, near Black Lake. The next day was the Gryffindor-Slytherin match, the final to see who would win this year's Quidditch Cup.
Even though she was playing against her beloved, Dorcas didn't want to lose. She had trained too hard to just let her win, but she still felt a bit ashamed for not doing a favor. Fortunately, Marlene shared his sentiment.
- Dorcas, I really like our appointments, but for the game tomorrow, there will be no concessions.
- I agree, McKinnon. I would feel too bad to let you win when our playing technique is far superior.
She sketched a smile, knowing very well that this remark would make the blonde react.
And she was right.
- What !? No ! Griffondor is better than Slytherin !
- Oh yes ? Well, I suggest we see this tomorrow on the field, Blondie.
- Okay, but I want to spice it up a bit. Let's make a deal.
Dorcas raised an eyebrow.
- Yeah ?
- If Slytherin win, you'll have the right to make fun of me for a whole month.
- And what if you win ? Which, of course, is only hypothetical.
Marlene grinned.
- If I win... If I win, I'll have the right to kiss you. Deal ?
Dorcas didn't even hesitate for a tenth of a second.
- Deal.
★★★
On the morning of the match, Dorcas and his team came out of the locker room, ready to go to the entrance to the field. The match attracted a lot more people than usual, for several reasons.
1) It was the final
2) James and Sirius had promised entry to their "victory party" to all of their supporters.
3) People wanted to see more closely the coaching of Regulus, captain of his team when he was not the oldest. The former captain, Sahil Rouvh, had preferred to bequeath the place to him rather than give it to Avery, and Mulciber was banned for life after an "accident" on a player from the Hufflepuff team, who had never set foot on the field since.
4) That was Griffindor against Slytherin, and that fact promised a lot of entertainment.
Dorcas heard someone shout :
- Did someone saw James ? Sirius, were is he ?
- I don't know, Frank. I think he's gone to find his boyfriend somewhere. Don't worry, tho. He will return soon.
She turned her head to survey her team and realized that indeed Regulus was missing.
- Listen ! Go to the pitch, she commanded the players. Barty, Evan, come with me.
The Slytherins nodded in agreement - except Avery, who commented on his decision but was nudged forward by Sheera - and she left with the two boys.
- Where are we going, Cas ? asked Evan.
- Find our very dear Reg and his little boyfriend, smiled she.
- Oh, that's going to be interesting, said Barty, suddenly accelerating.
They found them, in fact, behind the bleachers, kissing each other - wait. She was right, but this finding was no less surprising. How the hell did Regulus Black fall in love with James Potter ?
- Oh. said Barty.
James flinched at hearing them but Regulus, looking the least surprised in the world, freed himself from the older man's arms with a sigh.
- What do you want ?
- REEEEGGGGG !! YOU REALLY HAVE A BOYFRIEND ! screamed Barty pointing at James.
- Yeah, I tell you that like, a month ago ? You didn't believe me ?
- Sorry Reg, but you're so secretive and lonely that we thought you were making up an imaginary boyfriend, Evan replied.
- Especially when the boyfriend in question is Jim Pottah.
- Uh, my name is James Potter... objected James.
- Oh, believe me, they know.
Regulus looked exhausted.
- Come on, get out. Let's kick some Gryffindor ass.
- Hey ! You like my ass, don't you ?
- Fuck off.
Heading back toward the pitch, Barty cocked his head at Regulus.
- Really ? James Potter ?
- Yes.
- Your kiss was disgusting.
★★★
That's it.
The match had started for about ten minutes, and for now Slytherin was leading 40 to 20.
Griffindor was good, but not enought to win against Slytherin.
But the thing was.... Remus Lupin was the commentator, and everybody know that he wasn't afraid of saying what he was thinking, and Dorcas couldn't wait to see this.
- And the game starts to stagnate, but these fucking Slytherins - sorry professor - have good technique since they lead very lightly. James Potter, our magnificient chaser, got the ball... BUT AVERY THROWS A BLUDGER AT HIM !! Damn, who allowed this berserk back on the field ? I thought the event with Mulciber and the Hufflepuff discouraged him from trying his luck again, but here he is again, unfortunately - but yes professor, I am impartial. I'm just telling the facts -.
The game was rather hectic, as a second bludger hurtled towards James at the speed of light. Luckily for him, Sirius even passed and managed to deflect the murderer ball at the last moment.
Thirty minutes later, the game picking up speed again, but this time the Gryffindors were leading.
- And Dorcas Meadowes grabs the ball and heads for the nets ! Maybe Miss McKinnon could stop her if she wasn't so busy staring at her ass ! Aaaand NO ! FUCKING SHIT ! - sorry, sorry, it's the force of habits -. Dorcas Meandowes equalizes, the score is four hundred points everywhere !
- OWWWW ! JAMES POTTER TAKES A BLUDGET IN THE STOMACH ! HE DOESN'T LOOK TO SUFFER THAT MUCH, BUT MAYBE IT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF HE TOOK HIS EYES OUT OF THE SEEKER SLYTHERIN FOR A BLOODY MINUTE !
- Oh ? I see movement in Captain Slytherin ? Has Baby Black found the Snitch ?
Dorcas found Remus' comments very entertaining, but he was telling the truth.
Regulus was moving, and fast.
The Gryffindor seeker was trying to follow him somehow, but the level difference was obvious. Even though Regulus was a year younger, he looked like he wasn't even running out of steam, as if he had been doing this all his life.
At first Dorcas thought Regulus was faking, but after a while she too saw the characteristic golden flash.
The Snitch.
She suddenly thought of Marlene's words the day before, and stupidly, for a second, she hoped that Regulus didn't catch the glittering ball.
Regulus gracefully dodged a bludger hurled at him at full speed, and veered toward the ground.
All the game had stopped, everyone, players and spectators, admired her friend's dexterity. He was flying straight through the air, toward the ground, and for a second Dorcas was afraid he would miss and crash into the ground.
But no.
Regulus was in control, it was obvious, and he lifted his broom at the last moment, brushing the ground, drawing a sigh of admiration from the others.
- And that was a magnificent Wronski feint, executed by Baby Black - sorry professor - by Regulus Black here present!
Regulus opened his clenched fist, revealing the snitch, and Dorcas' breathing quickened.
«I will kiss you I will kiss you I will kiss you I will kiss you I will kiss you I will kiss you I will kiss you-»
They had won.
«I will kiss you»
The Slytherin fans burst into cheers.
«I will kiss you»
The Gryffindor team looked disappointed.
«I will kiss you»
Dorcas had won her bet.
«I will kiss you»
Marlene had lost.
«I will kiss you»
Then her mind went blank and she lost control of her body.
- Slytherins unfortunately won the match and the Cup as well, but I have to say Griffindor- DORCAS MEANDOWES JUST KISSED MARLENE MCKINNON!!