Chapter 595 - Frank Conversation’s

The Gryffindor Quidditch Tryouts were held that weekend as even Slytherin went first once. "Whew that went pretty well, I think," Sirius exclaimed as wiped his sweaty face with the red sleeve of his Quidditch robes. "What do you think, Pete?"

Following right behind Sirius is Peter Pettigrew, who second-in-command and experienced chaser. Pettigrew's face is grimy with sweat as he too wipes his face clean with the sleeve of his Quidditch robes. "Well, if you must know, I think we are in a tight spot."

"Wait, why?" Sirius said in bewilderment as they stepped into the Quidditch team changing rooms. The rest of the team members had already gone ahead, while Sirius and Peter picked up after the team.

"You know, perfectly, why Sirius, don't play dumb." Peter rolled his eyes as he reached into his locker to grab a pair of clean clothes to change into.

Sirius makes a face and begins to list the new Gryffindor team additions. "I know that without James, we are down one good chaser, but we've got Ortley, and she ought to do a good job judging by today's tryouts. And an added plus is that she is a third-year, so she'll be a veteran team member by next year."

"Our new keeper Abercrombie is decent at least, and even if he's the sixth year, we will at least have him for one more year. And finally, our surprisingly, but talented seeker, Mary McDonald. Who even knew Remy's girlfriend even had it in her? I mean, she even beat her best friend, Willa for the position."

"How very peculiar of her if you ask me," Pettigrew mumbled under his breath. "Mary used to say in our first year that she didn't even like Quidditch that much."

Sirius shrugs and remarks, "Girls often change their minds about one thing or another."

Pettigrew stops mid-sentence at the surprising bit of wisdom spouted by his emotionally challenged friend. "Who are you, and what have you done with Padfoot?" Pettigrew seriously said as he stared at Sirius.

"Wormtail!" Sirius protested. "I know that I could easily live off my looks, but I am not a complete and utter idiot."

"Sure, could have fooled me," Pettigrew cheekily muttered under his breath earning him a fierce scowl from Sirius.

Letting out a huff, Sirius sulks and pouts as they wander off to shower, before changing, and making their way back to the castle for dinner. In the Great Hall, Sirius eagerly chats with James about how the Quidditch Try Out's went. The two of them happily chat for most of the dinner until Sirius catches the eye of Remus, who is glaring daggers at him.

Sirius wilts with guilt as he notices that Peter is quietly eating his dinner next to Remus. Clearing his throat, Sirius hastily says, "Er, anyway, Peter and I need to come up with some Quidditch game plans. Do you want to join in, James?"

James adjusts his glasses for a moment, before replying, "Sure, I am sure that you can use the help, Siri."

Sirius beams, before letting out a pained whimper having been kicked in the shin by Remus. "What?' Sirius painfully mouthed as Remus in exasperation merely rolled his eyes.

Rubbing his shin, Sirius is sullen for a moment or two, before regaining his second wind. Instantly, he and James begin to prattle on about Quidditch as Remus shoots Peter a sympathy filled glance. "Sorry, I tried," Remus's gaze seemed to say.

Peter shrugs a bit sadly as he was already resigned to the situation. At least there was a bit of improvement between him and James, unlike Rowan. James had not even tried to speak to her much less become friends again. And not that Rowan would ever admit it, but he was fairly certain that she was secretly hurt by James's inconsiderate actions. He had even seen Rowan secretly studying James with a strange, and almost bewildered expression on her face in DADA.

Peter sighs and digs into the delicious meal even if he cannot truly taste the food. Not long after they finally rise from the Gryffindor table, while Remus and Lily head off to patrol the halls. Personally, Peter didn't think it was fair as not only were Remus and Lily studying for their O.W.L.'s but fulfilling all these sorts of duties. And he knew for a fact that Rowan and Severus had it much worse. Still, it surely made him glad to not have been picked to be Prefect, (though Professor Babbling almost had).

As usual, the return trip back to the Gryffindor common room was exceptionally tedious after a long day. They went up the marble staircase past various corridors, and twice through two hidden sliding panels and hanging tapestries, before finally reaching the familiar dead-end corridor. There hanging against the wall is a portrait of a very, very plumb woman in a pink silk dress, The Fat Lady. This was rather rude in Peter's opinion as his mum had taught him to be polite especially to ladies. (And which was a source of constant embarrassment to him when he reflected on his character in his first and second year against Rowan).

The Fat Lady arches her brow at them and says, "Well, password?"

"Rapport," Sirius dramatically replied earning himself a smile from the portrait.

The portrait swung forward, as usual, to reveal a round hole in the wall. The three of them scramble inside to find themselves in the cozy, round common room filled with squashy armchairs, a warm fireplace, and places to study or simply play. Confidently striding forward, Sirius commandeered the nearest cushioned area for them to formulate Quidditch Strategies.

Immediately James and Sirius jump in and being to discuss viable strategies. "I think, we should concentrate on practicing the Parkin's Pincer or Hawkshead Attacking Formation? What do you think, Prongs?"

"I think that's a brilliant idea, Padfoot," James said with a grin. "It would definitely ensure that you win the first match."

Sirius appears to be further convinced by his own brilliance until Pettigrew says, "I don't think that's a very good idea, Sirius. Ortley is a new chaser, and we do not want to make her too nervous before her very first match. I am not saying that we can't try it out, Padfoot, it's just maybe that idea should be shelved until the second match."

Sirius's face turns a bit gloomy, before he says, "Well, we do have three new team members, I guess, I forgot all about them in my excitement. That's why you're my second-in-command, Wormtail." Sirius flashes Peter a c.o.c.ky grin, who returns the smile back in relief, before Peter's grin rapidly fades away at noticing the icy expression on James's face.

Seeing Peter's fading jubilant expression, Sirius turns to see something he had never seen before in his entire life, James frigidly staring at Peter. Sirius suddenly finds that his mouth is dry as he tries to lick his lips and think of something to say. He didn't know why James was so angry all of a sudden, but Peter had not done anything wrong!

"Er, mate, what Peter said wasn't wrong," Sirius quickly said in defense of Peter. "Really, James, Peter's good at Quidditch tactics believe it or not. He might even have a shot at becoming a Quidditch team coach!"

"You don't have to make any excuses for him, Sirius," James icily said. "I know what I saw, and that was of a slimy, weak mannered bastard trying to manipulate his friends into doing exactly what he wants."

"Prongs!" Sirius screeched in shock and disbelief as his mouth flopped open.

Pettigrew blanches turning an almost sickly pale, gray. Biting his lips to keep from speaking in angry or saying something rash, he rises to his feet and gathers his things. "I'll see you later, Sirius," before rushing out of the Gryffindor Common Room to find his girlfriend. She would at least hear him out and comfort him. And more importantly, she trusted him.