・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

     CRESSIDA WOKE UP IN THE RESTRICTED AREA OF THE LIBRARY. She knew the only way to avoid last night's prank would be to stay away from the Slytherin common rooms. Since she had nowhere else to go, she snuck into the library and slept there overnight. Although it had been very difficult to avoid Filch and his cat, Norris, she had managed to in the end.

     She rubbed her eyes tiredly and craned her neck, hearing a few cracks. It had been a very uncomfortable sleep. Cressida wiped the saliva off her face in disgust. Does she actually drool?

     The Slytherin grabbed the textbooks she had stacked and used as a pillow and put them back in their proper place. She stood up from the wooden chair and stretched. Had her life truly hit a new low? She assumed so but didn't want to jinx it. There could always be worse.

     She looked for the giant clock in the library and read the time. 6:15 am. The Great Hall's doors would open in forty-five minutes for breakfast, which gave her time to prepare for the day. Truthfully, she had no idea what to expect once she left the library. Was the entire school suffering from the prank or only Slytherins?

     As much as she hated the Marauders, she did applaud them for their creativity. Every year, they managed to create a whole new and abstract problem for the school.

     Cressida quietly left the Restricted Section of the library, hoping Madam Pince wouldn't catch her. The girl's steps were no louder than a pin dropping.

     She had safely managed to exit the large room without causing unwanted attention. At a first glance, the hallways seemed perfectly normal. Cressida continued down the large hall, purposely skipping the stairs down to the dungeons. Her goal was to make it to breakfast without being hexed or pranked, which meant she couldn't brush her teeth, fix her clothes, or perfect her hair.

     To say the girl looked like a zombie would be an understatement.

     She made it to the girl's prefect's bathroom which was pretty much abandoned. It was her only chance to make herself look presentable.

     Cressida placed her bag full of school books on the floor and turned on one of the many sinks. She began by washing her face. Then, she took out her wand and pointed it at her hair saying, "Crinus Muto."

     Her hair went from disheveled and messy to clean with light curls in an instant. Since the Marauders had given her a buzz cut, Cressida made it her mission to learn the hairstyle-changing spell. It has been useful on many occasions, but she always prefers a good ol' brush to get the job done.

     "What are you doing here?" a voice echoed from the bathroom stalls. It was very high-pitched and bubbly, almost like a child's.

     "Moaning Myrtle," Cressida sighed. She's never come in contact with the ghost, but she's heard quite a few stories surrounding the deceased girl. She watched as the ghost floated out of the stalls and positioned herself by the Slytherin. "I am getting ready for the day, what else does it look like?" she snapped.

     "Don't call me Moaning Myrtle. I don't moan!" Myrtle huffed.

     Cressida stared at the ghost with a knowing look. "You just did."

     "Did not!" Myrtle cried again. Then, she crossed her arms. "Why are you getting ready for classes here of all places?"

     "Because I can," Cressida shut off the sink and grabbed her bag, throwing it over her shoulder. "But I will be leaving now."

     Without another word, the annoyed girl left the bathroom and made her way to the Great Hall. So far, everything seemed perfectly normal -- which could be potentially worrying or amazing. Could this be the year the Marauders finally gave up on their games? Most likely not, but she could only hope.

     But soon, the temperature began dropping fast. She had to hug herself with her warm robes in an attempt to warm up. Cressida fastened her pace, wanting to see exactly what was causing the early winter.

     She waltzed into the Great Hall to see all the Slytherins had personal storm clouds hovering over their heads, snowing a fierce blizzard. Cressida's hand flew up to her mouth in surprise, and even tried to keep some chuckles from escaping when seeing how angry Noah was. The only benefit of the pranks was seeing Noah suffering.

     Aurelia was the first to see Cressida. Her jaw dropped to see the girl without a personal snowstorm following her around. Once the brunette sat down at the table, she examined all the expressions of her friends.

     "Bloody hell," Aurelia groaned, her head dropping onto the table. "How did you get rid of your eternal winter? I can't stand this anymore."

     Regulus' eyes widened at seeing his best friend sitting next to him, looking perfectly fine. He shivered, "I would like to know that, too."

     Putting food onto her plate, she replied, "I slept in the library."

     Regulus' attention was piqued. "No wonder I didn't find you in the common room last night."

     "Bitch, why didn't you take me with you?" Aurelia coldly rubbed her hands together, trying to heat herself up. "Also Ev was wondering why some random box under your bed was making noise and kept us up all night. We couldn't open it, though."

     Quickly thinking of an excuse, Cressida replied, "My parents sent me a howler so I put it in there with a spell to keep it from making too much noise."

     Regulus furrowed his eyebrows, wiping a snowflake off his nose. "Your parents sent you a howler? I thought they never used those."

     The brunette bore her eyes at the boy, trying to send him the message to stop asking questions and that she'll answer them later. He seemed to understand after a few seconds and nodded his head slightly. Cressida turned back to face Aurelia, "Seems like they did, finally."

     Out of nowhere, Bartemius Crouch Junior decided to join the conversation. He had been sitting on Regulus' right side, talking with Evan Rosier. "Where'd you sleep in the library? I thought Filch takes rounds around the castle at night."

     "None of your business, that's where," Cressida said, smugly. If she had to sneak away from a prank again, she wouldn't want fellow Slytherins leaking her location or hiding out with her.

     Barty's face contorted as he leaned on Regulus' shoulder. He lowered his voice so only the youngest Black could hear. "Bloody git, that one."

     Regulus only shook his head, shoving Barty off. Cressida was his longest friend, so he never paid attention to any slander about her.

     From across the Great Hall, all four Marauders were eating their breakfasts happily.  Sirius was sprinkling water from his cup at Remus who kept threatening him in return. Peter and Mary were conversing, both saying how wonderful it had been to see the Slytherins all freezing their arses off this morning, and James kept trying to get Evans' attention.

     Marlene McKinnon was playing with her food though, not hungry at all. Her head rested on the palm of her hand as she didn't partake in any conversation. She wasn't in the mood to. She would be lying if she said she didn't miss having Aurelia around. This past summer and the first week of school had been brutal without the blonde.

     Marlene wanted to apologize but was too prideful to do it, just like Aurelia. Maybe that's why the two girls got along so well.

     There was so much she wanted to say to the Slytherin girl, but didn't know how. So, for now, she only stole glances from across the hall. That was when she noticed something peculiar. Sitting next to Aurelia was a brunette girl whom she couldn't identify from only the back of her head. She shoved Sirius' arm next to hers, "I think you boys missed one."

     Sirius' head swiftly turned in the direction Marlene was gesturing to. His jaw dropped as he remarked, "How did she remove her cloud? I thought you said that wasn't possible, Moony?" In truth, he wanted to get back at Cressida so badly for her little ventus stunt last night. Sirius hated her with all that he was. She and Snape had been the primary targets of the prank, and she hadn't even been affected.

     Remus was glad Sirius finally stopped spraying him with water, although he was intrigued by Cressida's success at removing the spell. "Technically, anything's possible, Padfoot. I made it only so that professors would know the spell to remove the clouds, so she might have asked Slughorn."

     Remus is usually the mastermind behind all of the Marauders' pranks. He designed each practical joke to have only one loophole so that nothing permanent would be done. Since teachers were the highest-skilled wizards at Hogwarts, only they would know the counter-spell.

     James sighed as Lily kept giving him side-eyes and scoffs. He decided not to pester her anymore for the rest of breakfast. The curly-haired boy took a bite of his food, and with a full mouth said, "Maby she's goo' a'  'pellths."

     "Don't talk with your mouth full of food," Remus sighed, "You're going to choke."

     Swallowing hard, James shook his head, "Nah, nothing could kill me."

     Sirius smirked, "I bet not making Quidditch team captain would."

     James gasped dramatically, selling an act. What none of his friends knew, however, was that James had already gotten the letter saying he was made Team Captain over the summer holiday. He wanted to surprise his friends, though, so he kept it a secret. "Jokes on you, Padfoot. As long as I'm on the team, I'm happy. Besides, there's no reason for me not to make the team this year. I've made it all previous years." He finally returned the conversation to its previous topic, looking at the Thorne girl. His eyebrows stared at the back of her head inquisitively. "As I was saying, maybe she's just good at spells. There's no way you can disagree after last night."

     Peter laughed, "Oh yeah, it took us forever to undo it. If we hadn't, Sirius might've blown away from Hogwarts forever."

     Sirius grumbled, recalling the memory. Marlene shook her head, feeling lost. "Am I missing something?"

     "Yes," Peter and James replied while at the same time, Sirius said, "No!"

     The eldest Black scoffed. He weakly pointed a spoon at Cressida, "She just caught me off guard, but there's no way she should be able to walk into the Great Hall with not a single snowflake on her. She wouldn't even have had time to go to Slughorn seeing as he just arrived five minutes ago."

     "So she's good at counter-spells," James repeated.

     "So why hasn't she done it for any of her friends instead of allowing them to suffer in the cold?" Sirius didn't say Regulus' name out loud, but he was implying it. "Well now that I think of it, it makes perfect bloody sense. Slytherins don't help anybody but themselves."

     The Potter boy furrowed his eyebrows, "That's not true," he shook his head. Remus, Mary, Peter, and Sirius all gave him a look. He sighed, "Just because the majority of them fall into that stereotype, doesn't mean they all do."

     Remus shared a glance with Marlene. They were both thinking the same thing. The scar-faced Gryffindor thought back to similar situations over the course of the past years. James felt the need to be loved because if he didn't, he felt worthless. Remus knew it was James' greatest strength and weakness. "You and your people-pleaser complex."

     Sirius rested his head on his best friend's shoulder, "Trust me, Prongs. The Thornes are not what you think they are. They aren't worth your efforts." While he hadn't personally met Cressida until the week prior, he's heard all about Lucile, Sebastian, and Noah. There's a reason why the Blacks and Thornes are close; they share similar values.

     Once again, people were doubting James -- but if anything, it made him more inclined to the challenge created days ago. Last night he thought of giving up, but not anymore. He was going to prove them all wrong.

・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

     Cressida sat at the Slytherin Quidditch stands with Regulus Black, and Evan and Pandora Rosier. Cressida thought it'd be good to invite Pandora over, seeing that she was sitting in the Ravenclaw area alone. Today weren't the tryouts for Ravenclaw's team, but the blonde still wanted to support the others. Cressida found it sickeningly charming.

     However, Gryffindors had tryouts just before the Slytherins did. It was like they organized that on purpose so that the Slytherin team could feel worthless over them. It was a dirty trick, but it worked nonetheless. Many Slytherin students usually felt discouraged after seeing a perfect performance from their rival team.

     Speaking of rivals, the Slytherins had the longest and worst morning possible. They all had resorted to storming Slughorn's office and begging to have the snow clouds removed. A handful of students even had gotten 1st-degree frostbite! Like always, the Marauders got reprimanded and detentions, but it was never enough. Cressida believed the system was failing; the boys were not learning from their faults.

     For the rest of the day, the Slytherin students had to walk everywhere wrapped in blankets and runny noses. If Cressida's friends hadn't been affected, she would have thought it funny.

     "Don't give it another thought, Reg," Cressida said strongly, bringing herself out of deep thought. "I've seen you play, you'll be better than you expect."

     Regulus grabbed his broom tightly. He was in his Slytherin Quidditch uniform, nervously waiting for the Gryffindor tryouts to end. The rest of his team was getting ready on the field, but Regulus rather be with Cressida and her comforting support.

     Evan rested his head on his palm, "Those Gryffindors had to place their tryouts before ours because they're insecure. They feel the need to show off."

     Cressida nodded, "Exactly."

     She didn't know much about Evan Rosier, but so far, he seems not all bad. She respected anyone who treated Regulus and herself well. She smiled as a thought came threw her head, "You know, say the word, and all their brooms will light on fire," she shrugged. "It's only fair. They caused you to freeze this morning, so they should burn on their brooms."

     "I like that plan," Evan replied.

     Meanwhile, Pandora listened to the conversation, amused. She's never had thoughts like those before and found it quite interesting. The light blonde usually surrounded herself with Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs (since that's where all her friends were) so hearing about the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin rivalry from anyone other than her brother was a whole new experience. She used to think him crazy, but now it seems not.

     Pandora looked like the black sheep within the group. Or perhaps, the white sheep. She was the only one with light hair and proudly wearing blue. Her face was soft, just like her voice — and Pandora was undeniably kind. The situation would be bound to look humorous to any other person.

     "I think that you should gain their respect," Pandora said, sweetly, "If they are bothering you so much, show them."

     Evan shook his head at his sister's remark. It was always the same thing with her. Regulus sighed, "It's not worth it. I know my brother and his friends, and they're not worthy of our respect."

     "I agree," Cressida nodded, "Some people just aren't meant to be friends, Rosier."

     Speaking of the devil, James Potter pridefully entered the field with his broom in hand and jersey number 7. Since the Gryffindor tryouts were almost over, it was finally time for the Chasers and Team Captain to be announced. Potter mounted his broom and took to the sky. He hovered still for a moment before the Quaffle was thrown into the air.

     James dived first, reaching a hand out for the Quaffle. He successfully grabbed it and tucked it under his arm. Cressida rolled her eyes at how confident he seemed.

     The boy with glasses aimed and threw the ball through one of the hoops, scoring.

     He repeated the same process over and over again. Each time he scored, Remus and Peter would cheer from across the field. Lily sat next to Remus, nose in a book. It was obvious that she did not want to be there but only went because all of her friends did.

     Sirius managed to glare at Cressida each time James played well as if trying to revel in her displeasure. He was also trying out for Beater, yet again, so he hovered a few feet above the ground with the other potential teammates.

     Cressida's lips formed a tight line. She knew James was good, but not that good. Regardless, it meant nothing. James' only good quality was his ability to aim and throw a Quaffle. Regulus noticed her malicious stare and furrowed his eyebrows. He's never seen her so angry with a Quidditch player, even if it was Potter.

     All Gryffindor players dismounted their brooms and landed on the field, patiently waiting for whichever student had been selected as captain to step out and say it. Usually, the Quidditch captains would be announced as soon as the school term began, but Gryffindors had a flair for drama.

     Cressida didn't know anyone's name on the Gryffindor team except Potter, McKinnon, Black, and Macdonald, but they were irrelevant like everyone else, so she referred to the team players by their physical traits.

     Eventually, after a long wait, James Potter stepped out in front of the crowd with his broom still in hand. Since she was in the stands, she couldn't exactly make out what he was saying from the long distance, but she could put two and two together. James Potter was Gryffindor's new Team Captain.

     The field erupted in cheers, but Sirius' voice was louder than all. Pandora furrowed her eyebrows and took out her wand, pointing it toward the team of Gryffindors. She muttered an incantation and suddenly the Slytherins and she were able to hear Potter's words.

     Cressida shot Pandora an impressed look. She'll want to learn that charm in the near future. Could be helpful.

     James' face lit up instantly at the instant approval. Even though he already knew this would happen, it still felt good to make it official. After a long while of trying to find the right words, he decided on a genuine (and partially knowing) smile. "I know this is irregular for me to attend tryouts not as a captain, but I believed watching everyone as if I was a regular teammate would show your true playing abilities better. So, I asked McGonagall if I could wait until announcing myself now."

     Ah, Cressida was right. Dramatic.

     James Potter went on to select which players he wanted on the team.

     Cressida's jaw ticked with annoyance. That nuisance does not deserve to be held in any position of power or authority. He is a bad influence and does not have a great track record in school. How is he now supposed to lead an entire team? She shouldn't care, and she knows that. So why did this vex her so? Was it because she could practically hear the chants of celebration in the future? Or the irritating parties and pranks? Yes, she could.

     And a worse thought entered her head. Now he was eligible of becoming Head Boy.

     Not that it would happen, right? His track record and reputation wouldn't allow it. Dumbledore couldn't be that stupid, right?

     "Saw that one coming," Evan grumbled. "With him as captain, how will our team stand a chance? He's literally psychotic." Rosier took a large sip of the coffee in his cup. He seemed strangely unbothered but loved good gossip.

     Regulus shoved him, "Thanks for the encouragement."

     Pandora smiled, "I think it's delightful. He's a good player, after all. Wouldn't you agree, Thorne?"

     "No," she said grimly. She stood up from the stands, taking Regulus along with her. It was finally time for his tryout, and she wanted to get him warmed up. Since he desired to be a Seeker, Regulus had to be agile and swift, and he hadn't warmed up yet.

     Regulus dusted off his sweater with the number 12 on the back. "Alright, here goes nothing."

     Neither Cressida nor Regulus were fans of physical touch, mostly because they weren't given a lot of it growing up, so the girl sent him a smile and another nod of reassurance.

     While Regulus began warming up, Cressida remained on the field for support. Noah was the captain of the Slytherin team which meant she was allowed to hang around during tryouts.

     Suddenly, James Potter snuck up behind her, saying, "Did you see me play? Wasn't I amazing?" He leaned his arms on his broom with a smug look written all over his face. He was doused in head-to-toe red and gold, with confetti in his hair. Cressida believed that Sirius may have caused that.

     "Unfortunately," the girl said, not turning her attention directly to him. She didn't want to give him that satisfaction.

     "I made captain," he tried again.

     "I saw. Unlike you, I don't need glasses."

      She believed the small answers would tell him she wanted to be left alone, but it did not. James remained where he stood, waiting for the girl to say something. Her face contorted, "What do you want?"

     He shrugged innocently, "Oh, nothing."

     Cressida saw Noah entering the field with a look of determination on his face. She took the opportunity and began walking away from the curly-headed annoyance. Cressida saw him leaning on his broom, putting his entire weight on it.

     "You should come to my games, they're a lot of fun." James gave it one more try. He sounded way too overconfident for Cressida to deal with so she ignored him.

     What was he even trying to accomplish? Why was he speaking as if they'd been lifelong friends? Had he lost his mind?

     Cressida observed the broom he was leaning on once more. She walked past him, kicking the broom down so he'd lose his balance. The Slytherin smirked in satisfaction as he tumbled to the ground.

     During the tryouts, she couldn't stop her mind from drifting off. Would Potter ever leave her alone? Why had he been constantly bugging her this year? Why start this year and not the years before? None of it made sense; the two of them met by insulting each other, so why the constant irritation?