From Z: Hope you enjoy this chapter reviewers! The song Maria sings later is "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" She & Him version :)

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We were the first match of the season, and I couldn't wait for practice. I didn't have the uniform or gear at the time. I went wearing boots, biker pants, and a grey, oversized hoody that -I would say, draped over my figure elegantly. I used it for dance, but I figured it worked for this as well. I arrived at the pitch fifteen minutes early to make up for my prior absence. A few people were already in the air flying, and I looked to the side to see Boles scribbling away on a clipboard.

"Nice to have you here, Boots." Robert remained looking down. I walked over to see what he was working on.

"Is this everyone?" I asked.

"No, we're waiting on Potter." He looked up to observe what I was wearing.

"That is not the uniform."

"I never got it!"

"I know, I have it right here." He smiled while pulling a bag from out behind, and sliding it to me. I reached in to pull out the glorious jersey with my oh-so, glorious name shimmering on the back.

'BOOTS' My heart fluttered a little bit, and I could not help but smile.

"I was very impressed with your skills, Boots. The risks you were taking -your intensity. And strategy -exquisite!" I put my jersey away to listen to him. "But what really had me was, you did it all on a school broom. AMAZING. Those brooms are horrible -they nearly date back to the 1800's! In all my years here, I have not seen anyone use one at a tryout."

I didn't know what to say other than, 'Thank you.'

"You did it effortlessly. Now that I really look at it, other than flying here and there" he continued, "-you hardly even used it. I cannot imagine what you would be like on a Shooting Star. Are you going to buy one?"

I began to rub my arm. "Um, I don't know. I would love to have one."

"Get one. It would be brilliant."

If I could make galleons for every time I said 'dancing-hippogriffs.' I began to incessantly say that under my breath.

"Also, I want to commend you on your fast thinking. I observed how decisive you were when in tight-knit situations, and how you cunningly swept out of them with ease. Very impressive. I can tell you're going to be an asset." A brief pause. "Why had you not tried out before?"

I shrugged and told him it never dawned on me. What was I going to say? 'Oh Robert, until this year, I was an insecure little girl who had no real friends and always walked on egg-shells?'

What a true Gryffindor I was.

He shook his head at me.

"Well, I'm glad you have your head screwed on straight this year. I can tell we are going to be good with the new establishment of things."

I asked by what he meant.

"At the tryout I said there was only one Chaser spot opened, but technically there were two. I had already decided Potter was one of our Chasers this year."

I wasn't sure how to react to this -if it was fair? But comparatively viewing the options, I could see James was the right fit.

"Who's our new Seeker?"

"Lovder. Initially that's what she wanted, but she didn't know Potter was switching. I'm completely confident in her abilities; her eyes catch everything, you know." I could tell he was very happy with the team, and that everything worked out to everyone's benefit. He swung his leg over the broom and glided forth. I followed suit, and the second I felt the wind gust through my sweater, I could tell this was going to be a good year.

Once I was beside Robert I looked around and realized that Kallina and I were the only two girls. I observed James and noticed that he had this adorable focus on his face when zooming between the posts. I couldn't imagine what kind of face I made.

"By the way, Boots!" Robert called. I turned to look at him. "I appreciate how much a compassionate person you are, but I do have a girlfriend, and I don't think she would appreciate you kissing me every time there's victory." He smiled. "Not on the lips, anyway."

I was so embarrassed.

He laughed and flew off.

My first night working at the Three Broomsticks wasn't so bad. I was a fast learner and impressed my aunt and her customers. When the clock was around ten and people began rolling out, I knew it was time for me to head back to school. Just as I was taking my apron off I heard Rosmerta call from the back. I walked back while hanging my apron.

"You called?" She turned around with a warm smile on her face.

"Maria, I'm so happy you're helping me. You don't know how much I appreciate it; things are so much easier now. Before I felt as if I was juggling with six hands!"

I told her it was fine, and I didn't mind it at all.

"Please, Maria -let me finish!"

I shut my mouth. She continued talking as he turned around to rummage for something.

"Anyway, you never told me you made the Quidditch team…I was slightly upset, but I forgive you nonetheless. To show you my token of appreciation, I went ahead and bought you this."

My eyes almost popped-out from all the beauty I saw in that second. My heart began to sing as I grabbed it like a greedy child.

"AUNT ROSMERTA, YOU DIDN'T!"

"I DID!" She laughed. I was shocked, speechless, inept -I'm pretty sure I began huffing incoherent noises from the disbelieve. I ran my hand all over it to feel the smooth, glistening wood, but not so much as to leave figure prints behind. Was this a Shooting Star? It was beautiful.

"It's 'The Nimbus 1000.'" She admired it from a distance.

"The what?"

"Nimbus 1000."

"I've never heard of it…" Still gazing with stars in my eyes.

She began washing her hands and drying them.

"A customer sold it to me after I told them you made it on the Quidditch team. He said it's supposed to be better than the 'Shooting Star.' I got it exclusively." She winked.

That sounded a little sketchy, but at the moment I didn't care. It was too beautiful. Black market, illegal exchanges -whatever, I saw this baby leading me to gold.

"So, it's not even out yet?"

"Nope!"

"Wow." It was here that I began to worry. Things were beginning to go a little too nice. Oh, well. I thanked my aunt from the bottom of my heart, hugged her as hard as I could, and bolted out the door to test the speed and fluidity.

It was everything I expected it be and nothing like I expected it to be. My adrenaline was rushing faster than normal, my thinking was faster…quick direction here, there, everywhere! I darted between trees, and made sudden maneuvers where I would just barely miss a twig. Upside down loops, Wronksi feints -no problem, I could tell this upcoming match was going to be a show. By the time I arrived at the school, I confidently decided to fly up to my window. Prudence opened it.

"Maria! What are you doing?" She asked.

"Flying in, my minion! Out of the way, I say!"

I made my way in as some of the girls began peeking out from behind their curtains.

"Is that yours?" She asked incredulously.

"Mmhm! Rosmerta gave it to me! Isn't she a beauty?" She looked at it with what I imagined was the same look I had when first laying my eyes upon it.

"Is it?! She's so…alluring."

I laughed.

"Girls…" Lily warned from behind her poster. Prudence gave me one last look before turning back to bed. After kissing her goodnight, I carefully tucked my Nimbus away before going to bed with the rest of the sheep.

A week before Halloween, and our first Quidditch match of the year was here.

"Are you ready, Maria?" Kallina called. I hurriedly looked myself over again, and cracked my knuckles before grabbing my broom.

"Yeah." I called back. My joints were uptight from all the nerves and butterflies. I took a deep breath and stretched my arms once more.

"C'mon, then!" We met the rest of our team outside the locker room. Robert scanned to see that all the team was present.

"Alright, Gryffindor! This is our first game of the season, let's set the match! I believe in all of you, and I know we can win this. Now remember, Ravenclaw is very clever -not that we aren't, but always be a step ahead. Help each other out, talk, and always be at the rea- BOOTS, is that yours?!"

I was so absorbed in what he was saying, I didn't even notice he was talking to me. He was looking at my broom. Everyone was looking at me, waiting for an answer .

"Oh! Uh, yeah. My aunt got it for me."

Everyone gazed at it with shining, thirsting eyes. I began to feel very uncomfortable, and shifted my disposition so Nimbi was slightly hidden from view.

"That's amazing -is that new? Is that even out? Right -focus! We can admire the broom another time. What I was saying was, make sure you're all on your toes -and be at the ready. You never know who may be coming around the corner, or who may be using you as an opportunity." He paused. "I think that's it. Lets win this!"

We all lined up before the scarlet curtain. I was no longer nervous, but excited -anxious. The curtain slowly rose.

"Play with your lion hearts!" I heard James say. As the sunlight broke onto our faces, we mounted our brooms. And then…I smiled into the wind. But what I really wanted to do was roar.

"DROVOL SCORES TEN-POINTS FOR RAVENCLAW! EIGHTY TO SIXTY, RAVENCLAW IS IN THE LEAD!"

I wasn't going at my fullest potential. Robert was beginning to get irritated, I could tell. But I was observing how Ravenclaw worked. We started off pretty basic: the Hawkshead Attacking Formation, and later James and Robert managed a Porksoff Ploy. However, they never worked a second time. Ravenclaws were quick learners. Concluding, I figured that this game alone couldn't rely on sole strategy, but mainly ruthless instinct. Or maybe that's how it is for all the games?

"BOOTS! I NEED TO SEE MORE FROM YOU!" Robert called at me while zooming by.

"AND RAVENCLAW SCORES AGAIN! TEN-POINTS!" The cheers never seemed so loud until now. I knew everyone was watching me. Technically, I hadn't done shit. No one was impressed…yet.

I saw Skyler below me. I took a deep breath in as I pulled my broom up and followed through a backwards loop, only to be suddenly in front of him. He had been watching his back the whole time, he hadn't seen me in front. I popped the Quaffle out of his arms and raced forward.

"AND BOOTS KNICKS DROVOL! FINALLY, SHE'S MADE A MOVE!"

I ignored that comment. Through my peripherals I could see two of them trying to close me in, but timing is the key…

"LOOKS LIKE DROVOL AND HENKINS ARE PLANTING A PARKIN'S PINCER ON BOOTS! WILL SHE BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF IT?" The crowd watched in anticipation. I could hear Robert behind wanting to give assistance. But I waited…just a little bit more.

"BLOODY-MERLIN! BOOTS GETS OUT WITH A SLOTH GRIP ROLL! DROVOL AND HENKINS TAKE A HEAVY HIT….AW, SORRY MATES. WHAT'S THIS? BOOTS REVERSE PASSES TO BOLES….TEN-POINTS FOR GRYFFINDOR!"

I watched their Keeper pass it up. Skyler flew front and center as the other two Chasers flew above and below him. I flew up for a birds view, narrowly missing a bludger. Looking down, I mapped it out. I wanted to leave everyone with just a little taste of something. And thinking it out precisely, I figured the only risk I was taking was not taking a risk at all.

"WHAT IS BOOTS DOING UP THERE?"

James looked at me from across the pitch. I signaled for him to watch me, and follow. I breathed in the energy that pulsated through me. Going up, and then down, I swung straight down toward Skyler at the fastest speed I could. My broom began to spin with the frequency as I narrowed the angle even more.

"IS BOOTS TRYING TO KILL HERSELF? WHAT IS THIS SPIRALING MOTION?"

And when just a foot away, it happened in seconds. Loosening my grip and jumping off, I punched the Quaffle out of Skyler's hands, sending it to James. My broom was parallel to where I was falling, with the momentum still flowing through it, I launched myself in it's direction. Pulling myself up, I heard the screams erupt throughout the bleachers.

"BLOODY-HELL, THAT WAS AMAZING! DID BOOTS REALLY JUST JUMP OFF HER BROOM!? INTENSE! LOOKS LIKE THE GRYFFINDOR COURAGE IS REALLY SHINING THROUGH THIS YEAR, FOLKS! …POTTER SCORES TEN-POINTS FROM THE GREAT ASSIST! GRYFFINDOR IS CATCHING UP!"

James flew back to me grinning, and gave me a five.

"You are amazing." I got butterflies. I don't know why? Regardless I still kept my head in the game. I managed another Sloth Grip Role and Porksoff Ploy with Robert in the same scoring. The crowd loved me. This is where I got a little cocky. I heard a bludger coming toward my head and swung into a Starfish.

"A KEEPER'S MOVE?! BOOTS OBVIOUSLY DOESN'T BELIEVE IN REGULAT- OHHHH! BAD LUCK! BOOTS IS SMACKED IN THE STOMACH BY ANOTHER BEATER FROM AHEAD! BRUTAL."

The "BOO's" and "OH's" were chanted. The wind was knocked out of me and I couldn't breath for a few moments. Flying off to the side, Kallina came up to me to ask if I was alright. I grunted a 'Uh-hu,' but clearly I was not. My ribs were cracked, and for a few moments, I thought I was done. I decided to buck up and just remain holding my side for the rest of the game. I was pissed, I wanted to make a point with the Beaters and future-Beaters.

I waited for an opportunity.

James passed it below to me, and passing it up to Robert we scored another ten-points. I began to get tired of this game. My ribs were rotting. Ravenclaw was getting frustrated with my irrationality and spontaneity. Hey, what could you do? A little part of me hoped that Skyler wouldn't get upset for juking him a few times. I'm starting to sound cocky, I know. But James and Robert had their fair share of snazzy moves as well…maybe not as sparkly though. Fifteen-minutes later, Ravenclaw was only thirty-points behind us…of, freakingcourse. Consider it karma for my arrogance.

"BOOTS IS FLYING RIGHT UNDER HENKINS! HE CAN SEE HER….WHOA -WAIT A MINUTE, BOOTS IS FLYING UPSIDE DOWN UNDER HENKINS! WHAT IS SHE PLANNING?!"

I kicked the Quaffle out of his hands and into Roberts who had flown ahead of us. Spinning out of that I went into a deep cut. Robert threw it up to James who made a cut to me, and I scored!

"BOOTS SCORES FOR THE FIRST TIME! TEN-POINTS! GRYFFINDOR IS WINNING AT ONE-HUNDREY AND EIGHTY POINTS! LEAVING RAVENCLAW LOSING BY SIXTY."

This is when my opportunity came. Kallina and the Ravenclaw Seeker were chasing down the Snitch. However, Kallina had sharper motion managing her to stay with it, unlike the Ravenclaw. I marked Kallina, because we were all beginning to get tired.

"OH…LOVDER CAN NEARLY TASTE THAT SNITCH…-UH-OH! LOOKS LIKE THE RAVENCLAW BEATERS WANT A TASTE OF IT AS WELL!"

And here is where I proved my point.

"INCREDIBLE! BOOTS SAVES LOVDER FROM A DOPPLEBEATER DEFENCE BY…KICKING IT RIGHT BACK? OUCH! WELL, AREN'T WE SASSY! WHAT A GOOD TEAM MATE…HAS SHE GOT IT? LOVDER IS ALMOST THERE!" The crowd became hushed.

"GRYFFINDOR WINS!"

The entire stadium erupted in cheers. Finally. I just wanted some butterbeer and sleep…but then I remembered the Three Broomsticks, and then my cracked my ribs, and now, my apparently broken foot, and I wanted to die, but celebrate, but then die. I wanted to die.

I didn't want anyone to notice me when walking into the Common Room, the happiness would be short lived by the departure in engaging my responsibilities at the Three Broomsticks. Madame Pompfrey cleaned me up good, and lectured me as ruthlessly as I had played.

"You shouldn't play so rough! You're a lady!"

I could hear the screaming and laughing outside the porthole. My heart began to beat fast with excitement. I took a breath, and sighed. Be cool. The portrait let me in while congratulating me and I nodded a thanks. I quietly stepped in. My hair hung in front of my face as I looked down, creating a curtain from the eyes that one-by-one, I could feel graze me. The room went a little quiet, and I made even bigger steps toward the staircase.

"Is she trying to hide herself?" James called out amusingly.

"SHE BETTER NOT." Robert hollered.

"She certainly wasn't hiding herself at the pitch!"

"SHE MOST CERTAINLY WAS NOT!"

"You come here and show your face, young lady."

I stopped and sheepishly turned to everyone. The aficionado's laughed and giggled.

"Mmm." I said with a shrug.

"DO NOT 'MMM' US, LITTLE MISS! GET YOUR FIERY, LITTLE BOOTY HERE, NOW!"

"Yes, you're a winner. You belong in the winner's circle. C'mon now, right next to me." He rubbed the seat beside him. I laughed. As I made my way, Lily and Prudence came down the stairs. The whole Common Room was packed with students -every corner, every crevice. I didn't see one open space. The chitchatting and chirping of the crowd developed into a white noise as I paid close attention to only the conversations around me.

"Maria, that was amazing." Lily told me sitting down. "You were so intense!" James leaned forward to look at her.

"Not as intense as me though, right Evans?"

She ignored him, and continued. "Honestly Maria, before I would find the Quidditch matches alright. It was beginning to get repetitive and boring. But today -you really spiced it up!" I thanked her before James could blow.

"A BIT REPITIVE? BORING?! Evans, you have no idea what you're talking about –you're going to eat those words coming match!"

"POTTER, I ate them the second Maria made her first move." She rolled her eyes while taking the butterbeer Prudence offered.

"Maria, did you want one?" Prudence asked.

"No it's fine." As if the butterbeers during my working shift weren't enough.

"Are you sure?"

"Yea, I'm good…I actually have to leave."

Several 'What's' and 'Why's simultaneously erupted around me. I explained to them my predicament, and a good number seemed genuinely disappointed. I went upstairs to wash-up and change. An hour later I came back down with wet hair, jeans, and a nice, warm cardigan. Everyone said goodbye and I waved to them.

Just as the portrait entrance opened, I was face-to-face with Sirius.

"Well, if it isn't the lady-of-the-hour, herself."

I excused myself. It was here that I realized that even the smallest of movements Sirius did, had an essence of classiness that made me repulsively swoon. He stood straight, looking down at the floor as I passed. The hand closest to my body touched the inside of my elbow. A deaf touch. No passionate grip. No libidinous intentions. Just a soft graze of the finger tips.

"You should be celebrating with your house."

"I have other engagements that require my attendance." I said pulling out.

"Other engagements? Meeting with someone special?"

"Kind of…" I stared up into his eyes to read his expression. I didn't know what either of us was waiting for but the other didn't say anything for a moment. His eyes were so beautiful, but I only admired them in a distant way. They were eyes that I never would capture the attention of...seriously anyway. Eyes that would never brood over me, adore me, yearn for me. Eyes that would only glance at me, and perhaps like now, gaze at me. But never the ladder. I didn't mind so much. I accepted things and how they were. I accepted my short luck, my narrow passage, my barely making-the-cut, and the roll of the dice that my fate threw.

Little did I know it would be grey clouds that would incessantly haunt me for nights to come.

"Well, I must go." I walked away.

Out on the grounds I headed toward Hogsmeade in the dark of the night, feeling lonely as ever.

This is where I leave all of you…for now.

"MARIA, SING TO US LIKE YOU USE TOO!" Frank hollered, whisky in hand.

Maria looked up from wiping a glass.

"Another time."

"Maria, you should! Go on, you've been working hard. I want to hear you." Rosmerta assured her. Reluctantly putting the glass down, Maria undid her apron. The door rang as a cloaked customer came silently striding in, placing themselves at the back of the pub. No one noticed as all eyes watched Maria made her way to the small stage residing in the front corner. A few individuals whistled and screamed as she stood in front of the microphone.

A capricious giggle fluttered from under the surface of her skin nestling onto her buxom lips.

"What would you like us to play, poppet?" Old Hank asked Maria, fingers casually strumming the strings of his guitar.

"I don't think I need accompaniment, but I do need harmonizing…Do you know 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot?'" She asked softly. Old Hank nodded as he put the guitar aside. Silence echoed off the walls as Maria stood before the small crowd.

Maria's voice was deep and subtle as she lulled the words from her heart. Old Hank's humming was just as smooth and gradually, others in the crowd joined in. Everyone rocked from side to side as they reveled in the warm harmony. Everyone except for the cloaked figure at the back. Maria paid no special notice though; she drowned herself with the music.

"Swing low, sweet chariot,
Comin' for to carry me home;
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Comin' for to carry me home.

I looked over Jordan,
And WHAT did I see,
Comin' for to carry me home,
A band of angels comin' after me,
Comin' for to carry me home.

Swing low, sweet chariot,
Comin' for to carry me home;
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Comin' for to carry me home."

"Again!"

"Yes, again! Again!"

"Uhmm…" Maria looked to her aunt. Before Rosmerta could respond, something shattered at the back. A worried look crossed Rosmerta's eyes and others began to get up. However, Maria noticed the cloaked figure was the first to move at the sudden occurrence, but remained seated.

"Rosmerta stay back, let me have a look." Mr. Piper, the owner of Hogsmeade's tobacco store said. Everyone kept their eyes on Mr. Piper as he pulled out his wand. Regardless, Maria took note of the cloaked individual's silent exit. Mr. Piper returned with a indecisive look.

"Nothing, just a shattered mug. Do you have rats, Rosmerta?"

"Absolutely NOT!"

He nodded. "Perhaps the glass was unstable."

Everyone continued with their activity and Maria asked to leave for the night.

"Yes, be careful Maria." Rosmerta kissed her on the cheek.

Maria left knowing that the glass was certainly stable, unlike some customers.

Entering the porthole determined, her Gryffindor courage flared as she saw Sirius and James snicker amongst each other.

"I'm only going to say this once Potter -Black." The both of them looked up with dazed looks. She continued. "I don't appreciate you stealing from my aunt."

"Whatever are you talking about, Boots?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about, Potter."

"No…no, I don't think we do?" Sirius said amusingly.

Maria stared at the both them for a moment. "I don't appreciate it, and I'm sure Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore, and your parents wouldn't appreciate it -let alone the rest of the Wizarding community. This is not Gryffindor chivalry. Now, I know this may be hard to ask, but give yourself a little expectation -a little honor in your actions." Maria began to walk away intently. "I refuse to have my house disgraced by two baboons with no sense of pride."

Both the boys sat shocked as they watched the receding figure.

James looked down at the fire whiskey in hand.

"I feel sick, Padfoot."

"Don't worry about it, Prongs." Sirius patted his friend. "Women are always trying to make us feel ashamed. It's part of our nature."

Hope you enjoyed, and please review. Thank you my kittens ;3