It was the first Quidditch match of the season-Gryffindors vs Slytherin.

James had disappeared after breakfast for a last minute speech from their captain. Sirius, Remus, Peter walked outside with Gryffindor banners.

A little girl came running from the opposite direction at top speed. She collided with Sirius and fell down herself.

"Watch where you are going, kid," said Sirius absent-mindedly, helping her up.

"Sorry," she muttered, her cheeks flaming red. She scampered away quickly.

The match started.

"Gryffindor has put together a very strong side this year-narrowly missing the cup last year-Chaser Dorcas Meadows passes to new talented Chaser James Potter. He advances to the goal-dodges a Bludger thrown by Slytherin Beater Crabbe-and HE SCORES!! Two minutes into the match-Gryffindor leads 10-0..." Bryce Jordan, a fourth year student of Gryffindor, was commentator in the match.

Sirius, Remus and Peter cheered and shouted as James scored another goal, barely a minute later. Then Gryffindor keeper Norman Wood made a brilliant save. Gryffindor dominated all throughout the match. In the first thirty minutes, Gryffindor scored ten goals, nine of them by James.

The Gryffindors in the crowd started yelling James' name, drowning all the jeers of the Slytherin.

James messed his hair and flew near them, winking at Sirius, Remus and Peter. Then he saw Lily sitting with Marlene and Alice. Snape was nowhere in sight.

James' heart soared. His game improved even more. Soon Gryffindor was leading by 170 points.

Then to crown it all, Gryffindor Seeker Emily Jones grabbed the Snitch under the nose of the Slytherin Seeker.

The spectators exploded with excitement. Gideon and Fabian Prewett, Beaters of the Gryffindor team, flew at full speed and hugged James. The rest of the team joined them. They descended to the ground and Gryffindors swarmed around them, congratulating and hugging them.

James looked around for Lily. She was walking away from the crowd alone. James tried to disentangle himself from the crowd to follow her. Somehow he wanted to hear her congratulate him and tell him that he played well.

Just then Snape joined Lily, and soon they were deep in conversation. James' heart sank swiftly.

"What's wrong with you?" asked Sirius, noticing the look on his face.

"Nothing," said James quickly. Sirius pulled him to a less crowded place.

"Tell me," he ordered.

"Sirius...don't you think Evans might've congratulated us once?"

"Nah, because you played best in the match and you know she hates your guts."

"Oh." James looked dejected.

"So you really like her then?"

"No-I don't."

"Keep denying it, idiot." Sirius put his arm around James' shoulders and took him back to the Gryffindor common room where a feast awaited them.

"Where did all this come from?" asked James, amazed. "I thought we were the only ones who know the way to the kitchen."

"We are," assured Sirius. "Remus, Peter and I brought this before the match-'cause we knew you'll win us the match, Jamie."

"My name is James."

"Really? I didn't know. Nice to meet you, James."

"It's horrible to meet you, Sirius," said James, hitting him. But he had forgotten all his disappointment.