5Good evening, everybody! Hope everything's alright with you guys!
It's been quite some time, but I gotta admit: surgical residency has taken its toll on me and my creativity.
I was trying to look at my non-published wip and found this one! It's actually a translation of a story I've already posted in Portuguese and had forgotten. I'll try to post it every Sunday - if not possible, either Saturday or Monday should do it.
The whole thing is translated already, but I'm revising and fine-tuning it. It was originally written in 2018 during Russia FIFA World Cup, and as a few of you know, English is not my native tongue, so there will be mistakes and you won't be able to discern between British and American English because I'm not great at it.
Nothing further to add, hope you enjoy this multi-chaptered 1982 wizarding adventure!
Lily absolutely despised working with celebrities. This was general knowledge in the Ministry of Magic. Every time Alastor Moody put her in charge of a case that involved someone mildly famous, she'd roll her eyes and curse under her breath, indicating her clear distaste for the job.
Moody didn't even flinch.
"Is there a problem with the case, Miss Evans?" he'd ask, fixating both of his eyes on her (Lily had learnt a long time ago to not appear intimidated by the odd and vibrating fake eye that the Head Auror possessed).
"To be honest, sir..."
Moody wouldn't let her finish. He'd throw the case files on her table and nod, saying, "reckoned there wasn't. Good luck."
Lily's problem wasn't, as many imagined, the celebrity per se. She had nothing against the person, even if, more often than not, she had to bring the famous being back to reality. What really bothered her was the attention brought to the case, and how much harder it made her job.
And, of course, she hated being under the spotlights.
Lily had always been the sort of person who preferred to be on the backstage rather than being the star. She liked to act subtly, and seeing her name on the papers whenever a case got more attention than usual always made her uncomfortable. Her best friend Marlene considered it hilarious, which only exasperated Lily.
"'...and once again, Lily Evans did not let the fact that she is young interfere with the investigation, and was able to identify and capture the culprit in only two days. Despite her good work, the Pretty Red refused to be interviewed, claiming a busy schedule'." Marlene had read in the morning after Lily's latest arrest. "At least they called you pretty this time," she said with a huge smile while Lily got up from her desk.
"Honestly, Marlene, I've got no idea why you still read these articles," Lily retorted, blushing, while she took her purse to leave for lunch.
"Because I love to see you this mad, Pretty Red," Marlene replied, openly laughing now. Lily rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, Lily! You don't like the attention, but most of the time it's positive. Everybody loved how you dealt with the Contraband Cauldrons Case."
"I particularly hated how my two following cases were muddled by reporters who wanted a picture. Even more when they followed me into The Leaky Cauldron."
Marlene laughed again before they apparated at the restaurant they had chosen to meet up with Remus Lupin. Despite Lily's reluctance with the press, Remus, who worked on a weekly paper, was one of her best friends.
Lily soon recognized him by his frail appearance and remembered that the full moon was near – it was an easy assumption because of the bags under his eyes and how messy his light-brown hair was. But the way he smiled as he saw Lily and Marlene was just the same.
"Have you read the Prophet today, Remus dearest?" Marlene asked as they sat down.
"I've been busy all morning reading a column about a Pretty Red who won't let the fact she's young jeopardize her work..."
Lily rolled her eyes and released her hair from the ponytail she wore during work.
"Et tu, Lupin?" she retorted while the waiter brought their Butterbeers. Marlene and Remus chuckled, "what sort of reporter actually writes that an auror is 'pretty', for the love of Merlin?"
"Rita Skeeter," Remus replied, shrugging, "she's new, and they say she doesn't mind all that much about truth, as long as the story sells."
Lily hummed in agreement and took a sip from her Butterbeer. Every Monday Marlene and she met up with Remus to have lunch. Lily really liked that her friendship with both of them had survived four years after leaving Hogwarts.
"I just hope they don't stalk me again," Lily commented.
"You say it like it happened frequently," Marlene retorted, "it was only one time."
"One time too many. And Moody insists on assigning me on those cases with famous people. This one with the carpets, that one with the cauldrons, that other with the lead from Dragon's Skin, the one with the fake writer…" Lily numbered.
"Honestly, Lily, I think he assigns these cases to you because you don't let the noise get in the way," Remus pointed, "you've never let popularity blind you, or treat someone differently just because they're famous."
The three of them recalled their Hogwarts days, when Lily stood up to Remus and his friends when they decided to prank other students in front of the whole school.
"Well, that's because I shouldn't. Nobody should follow a person just because they're famous," Lily said, "I really don't mind the celebrity itself," she added, and Marlene rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, we know, you like your privacy, yada, yada," Marlene cut in, "one day, Lily Evans, you'll give an interview voluntarily. One day."
It was Lily's turn to throw an eye roll to the conversation. Remus smiled and started to talk about the Quidditch World Cup that was nearing.
"Is James playing?" Lily heard Marlene asking Remus.
"Well, the squad list isn't out yet, but surely he will," Remus replied. Lily tried not to completely tune out of the conversation, but it was hard. She hated Quidditch, and definitely didn't harbor friendly feelings towards James Potter, one of Remus's friends from Hogwarts. They never got along that well in school, even after a whole year being Head students together.
While they talked, Lily thought about the pile of reports that awaited her. Moody had delayed the deadline to Friday, but she needed to fill in the paperwork for six cases – one of the aurors had been hurt and was temporarily away from work, so all the others had to work a bit more.
"Players always manage to bring about a few guests to the World Cup," Lily heard Remus saying when she returned her focus to the table, "I'm sure that if I asked him, James would allow me to bring the two of you, if you're interested. He usually only takes his parents and the Marauders."
"And the girl of the moment, of course," Marlene added, chuckling. Lily held back from expressing any reaction, like rolling her eyes or sighing.
"Actually, he doesn't take girls to the games because his parents are there, and he only introduces serious girlfriends," Remus disagreed, "but as I'd take you as friends, there'd be no trouble."
"Oh, I-erm, I'm not sure, Remus," Lily replied when she noticed the invitation extended to her too, "I've got a feeling the Ministry's gonna ask for aurors for backup."
"But the Cup's gonna be in France," Marlene said, frowning.
"Yeah, but I heard rumors that each country will offer some kind of help on safety and secret keeping."
"Anyway, we've got to wait for the squad list, which will be out on Thursday," Remus said, "if he's actually going, he'll present himself on Thursday and then get all the details. When I know more I'll talk to you."
Marlene grinned widely and crossed her fingers as luck for James.
"Well, ladies, now that we've eaten, I must leave. I've got an article to finish and it's the full moon on Friday."
Lily made a face and stood to hug her friend, shadowed by Marlene.
"If you need anything during the weekend, count on us," Lily offered as she always did. Remus smiled.
"James, Sirius and Peter will be around. Thank you, though, Lily."
Lily smiled back. She may not like what Remus and his friends had done in the past, but she had to recognize how strong the friendship between those four was. And admire it.
The two girls stayed to have some dessert, and not long after they were back to the Ministry. Marlene moved ahead to the Law Enforcement department, while Lily returned to the piles of reports on her desk. With a sigh, she put her long, auburn hair back on a ponytail and focused on work.
One needed to merely acquaint James to know how much he loved his job. He dreamed of being a professional Quidditch player since he was a kid, and since he entered Hogwarts he realized it was actually doable. Aided by his parents' support, he pursued his dream career.
During his seventh year, two scouts attended all of Gryffindor's games, which resulted in a contract even before he even took his NEWTs. James was very happy to end the stereotype that Quidditch players only chose to do it professionally because they couldn't get enough NEWTs – he was one of the best students of his year, along with Moony and Lily Evans.
He remembered some professors didn't believe when they heard of his choice. 'Wasted talent' was what he heard the most. But none of it mattered to James. He loved Quidditch.
And he was in an excellent phase – captain of the national team, his presence in the next World Cup was almost guaranteed. And he didn't hide it.
"Nervous for the squad list, Potter?" the reporter for the sports segment of one of the best wizarding radios asked. James smiled.
"You know you can call me James, Karen. Actually, I don't get nervous before important moments, so I'm not right now. I'm just a bit anxious to mark my place."
"So if we reach the final, you really want us to believe you won't get nervous before you fly to the field?" Karen asked with a raised eyebrow. James shrugged.
"Surely I won't be. I've got a concentration ritual for match day that keeps me from feeling anything else."
"Well, that's certainly good to know. Now, rumor has it you're leaving Puddlemore United. Is there any truth to it?"
"Well, now, Karen. You know as much as I do that there's no truth to it. I've got three years left on my contract. What would make me leave Puddlemore now, right after we won the league?"
"A contract that doubles your paycheck, maybe?", she suggested. James rolled his eyes.
"C'mon, Karen. It's not news that I don't play for the galleons, I've always said so. Not a secret either that Puddlemore is my childhood team. I see no advantage in leaving, don't you agree?"
"Maybe leaving London to stay closer to your parents? That's what our sources say it's the trick to get you out."
James gulped. The distance from his parents really was a heavy load to carry. He definitely didn't like only seeing his parents once a month – they were both too old to apparate by themselves, and simply could not go by floo. James's schedule didn't let him visit so much.
He smiled.
"Well, there's no denying that I'm not particularly fond of this distance, but were it of so much significance, I'm sure my parents wouldn't mind moving to London," James answered truthfully.
"Since we've reached personal issues," Karen continued and grinned widely, "everyone's curious about the great James Potter's heart."
James had to chuckle. This question never failed to appear.
"'S alright. Same old, same old."
"Then the fans can breathe again! Still got a chance to win the heart of England's hope for the World Cup! Stay with us for the live squad list tomorrow and much thanks to James Potter!"
James dealt really well with the press. It was natural to him – he just knew what to say and when to say it. And he didn't really mind some reporters following him around.
"Nice interview, Prongs," Sirius said as soon as he got home. James smiled and grabbed an apple, "loved the part you lied your face off when you said you weren't nervous for tomorrow."
James shrugged.
"I'm not. Anxious is not the same as nervous. I'm anxious because I know I'll be on the list."
Sirius chuckled and nodded. Sirius had started working on the Ministry right after Hogwarts, but he couldn't adjust to the type of work – so James invited him to be his manager and help to organize his career. It was the perfect agreement for both, as James couldn't do it during his trainings and Sirius knew him enough to know what sort of thing James would accept or not.
"Anyway, you know you can't give that much to the press," Sirius said. "I just heard the list will be out tomorrow, midday, on the radio. Daily Prophet's pissed because they lost the exclusivity, so they compromised, and they'll get an exclusive interview with one of the players. Between you and I, Prophet has already reached, and you'll meet one of their people tomorrow at 3p.m. At the Leaky Cauldron."
James nodded in agreement. It would be great for his image.
"Puddlemore's president flooed and said he adored your interview," Sirius continued, and James smiled.
"Just telling the truth."
"In this case, truth was excellent for you, so as your agent I should congratulate you."
"Thank you."
"And finally, when the list's out with your name, tomorrow we already have got a little get together for the night. No press, just players and guests. You and I are going after stopping by England's Training Centre for the World Cup and getting your credential."
"Credential?" James asked, frowning and letting his glasses slide to the tip of his nose, "That's new."
"Yeah, it's for safety. To get into the official places, you need to present the credential. They did some sort of spell that the person only goes through with the credential, and it registers who got in. Internal control, you know."
"Huh. That's cool."
"Yeah, so I can get my credential Thursday too, but Moony and Wormtail can't, nor your parents. They'll get theirs on Monday, when we go to France. You'll have to write a list with your 10 names," Sirius explained, heading to the kitchen for some Butterbeer, "we'll have to give this list tomorrow when we get our credentials, so you'd better write it down soon…"
Sirius kept on giving some notices, but James wasn't completely focused on what Sirius was saying. He wasn't nervous, not at all. But he was anxious. And midday of Thursday couldn't be soon enough.
Lily couldn't understand the reason for so much tumult and noise in the Ministry that morning. It seemed like everyone had a reason to talk to everyone. She couldn't understand and – to be perfectly honest – she was a little pissed off, as the paperwork under her responsibility was trickier than she originally predicted.
Every time she tried to focus, someone would raise their voice, or guffaw, making her look up and losing her concentration – then needing to reread at least two lines again.
And worst of all: lunchtime was approaching, and the noise only increased more and more.
When the loud laugh of one of her superiors caused a huge stain on the parchment she was working on, Lily decided she had had enough. She started to gather her material to hide in one of the old Courtrooms – it was rare for someone to go down there, therefore she would have as much peace and quiet as she needed to finish the reports and not need to take them home for the weekend.
However, before she managed to get up, Marlene appeared.
"Lily, have you got a radio?" the brunette asked, already searching Lily's belongings.
"What are you doing here? And what do you need a radio for?" Lily asked, not hiding her irritation. Marlene stopped searching and stared incredulously at Lily.
"You're joking, right?"
"No."
"England's Squad list is out today, noon, on the radio. Everyone's talking about it, Lily."
It made sense, really. She didn't care at all for Quidditch, so she had no way to know what was happening. But most of the Wizarding World cared about the sport – to the point of idolatry – so everyone was waiting for the list.
"Obviously not me. What I really know is that I've got many pages of reports to finish, so excuse me."
Lily tried to escape, but Marlene held her arm.
"C'mon, wait with me. It'll be out in ten minutes. We could get lunch together and then I'll let you have some peace in my office."
Marlene had a small office that had actual walls and a door, which made her proposition very tempting. With a sigh, Lily fished her radio from one of the drawers and gave it to Marlene, sitting again.
Marlene grinned widely and tuned on the broadcast that would announce the list.
"Right on time!" the brunette exclaimed. Soon four other people surrounded Lily's desk, who tried to hide her irritation, "I truly hope James's on the list!" Marlene said, with a sigh. One of the newest aurors that were around snorted.
"You mean James Potter?" he asked, in a condescending tone, "course he's on the list. He's the soul of the team," Marlene rolled her eyes. Lily had already tuned out, trying in vain to complete the report.
"Of course he is. Still, I get nervous when a friend is about to go to the World Cup," Marlene replied. The boys raised her eyebrows.
"You're trying to say Potter's your mate, McKinnon?" another asked, crossing his arms.
"Yeah, we were Gryffindors together. Same year. Lily here was Head Girl with James," Marlene answered, raising an eyebrow in challenge. The aurors looked at Lily.
"Is it true, Evans?"
"What?" Lily said not looking up.
"You were Head Girl with James Potter?"
"Oh, yeah, I was," she replied, still facing the reports, "if that boy can write something readable today, he should thank me. I've never had so much trouble in trying to read something like his writing."
While Marlene laughed at the boy's awed faces (who were in turn starting the process to fill Lily with questions about the English hero during his teen years), the radio started the so waited announcement.
"And now, dear listeners, the moment we've all been waiting for. Only one week left for the 1982 Quidditch World Cup, the English side finally honors us with the 14 names that will represent us in France!"
For the first time that morning, the noise in the office ended. Even Lily looked at the radio.
To her none of those names meant anything. She knew almost none of them.
Almost.
Marlene's pure glee when James Potter's name was announced as captain left Lily bewildered. Maybe they really were closer than Lily imagined, or maybe Marlene was very hopeful about Remus's offer.
One way or another, that didn't mean much to Lily. She hadn't had the best relationship with the… chaser? Seeker?
"Could we please have lunch now, Marls?" Lily asked, after Marlene reported exactly the emotion having seen James Potter flying at age twelve for whoever wanted to listen.
"Definitely!" the brunette replied, taking her purse and smiling lightly in goodbye for the (now more than fifteen) young aurors.
Even after a very long interview with Rita Skeeter and all his confidence in his game, the idea that he would be England's captain still was a bit foreign to James.
("I was pretty sure I'd be on the squad list, Ms. Skeeter, but being the captain is an even bigger dream to me".)
Sirius kept saying that he had known all along but didn't contain his exhilarated scream when he heard on the radio. Peter screeched and jumped in celebration, excited as he saw the credential already in James's possession. Remus showed his nice smile and held back a wince– the full moon was very close. And all the four of them gaped in wonder as they entered the Training Centre, including the hotels they would be during the Cup.
Remus had asked to add two people on James's guest list, and he really didn't mind – Remus didn't like the parties he, Sirius and Peter usually went, and ended up alone since James's parents always stayed a bit farther away. Even so, Remus tried to be as supportive as possible.
"Moony, I forbid you to go tonight," James had to say while Remus, amidst a cough, insisted on going to the celebratory party. James grinned and sat beside his friend, "tomorrow we'll celebrate our way. D'you really think after over 10 years I'll mind if you're unable to attend a party?"
Remus smiled and thanked.
And as promised, the four Marauders celebrated their way – exploring the forest underneath the moonlight.
The only demand James had ever made to Puddlemore was that he could take two nights off per month to be completely away – any problem that might happen, it would be solved on the following day. One of those nights was always the full moon, and the other was just not to raise suspicions. He couldn't miss a game – not that Remus would let him ever do it – but he felt insanely guilty every time he left only Sirius and Peter with Remus. What had started when they were only 12, 13 years-old, irresponsible, inconsequential, arrogant teenagers, was still on, and the four of them knew it would be until death.
Puddlemore respected James's weird nights – press speculated madly, connecting James to drugs and alcohol filled parties and illegal gatherings. But no one ever managed to prove anything, nor bothered to check the lunar calendar.
So James was extremely surprised, when they got home after the Full Moon, to see England's coach and Puddlemore's president, six in the morning of a Saturday, joined by a man everyone knew to be Alastor Moody, the Head Auror, on his porch. His house had multiple Anti-Apparition Charms, therefore the front door was the only way in.
Sirius and James looked at each other – had they figured out about the Animagi thing? Was it enough to send them to Azkaban, as McGonagall had always claimed? James reckoned it might – he was known, and it would be a great idea to turn him into an example.
"Good morning, gentlemen," James said, approaching and offering a hand. Puddlemore's president had a half-smile, dried some sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief then put it away on an internal pocket from his robes, shaking James's hand. England's coach did the same. Moody simply stared at him, and James felt a tad uncomfortable with the depth of the electric-blue eye, "may I help you with something?"
"For now, Potter, you may invite us in. We'd like to have a chat with you," Moody said, his voice the same snarl that had once frightened James on the only occasion he had seen the Auror as a kid. James nodded and opened the door, indicating the couch to the older three to sit at while Sirius went for some tea.
"So, what's happened?" James asked, sitting on the armchair in front of the sofa.
"There's been a murder on the Training Centre last night," Moody said without delay, "earlier this morning, to be precise."
James's eyes widened, and he sat straighter. A murder? But…
"Who...?' he managed to ask, his voice hoarse and glasses slipping. Moody watched him intently with both eyes.
"An intern. Jack Allyson."
James gaped and fought the lump on his throat. Jack still went to Hogwarts and was an intern with the English team, helping on the organization of the Training Centre. He dreamed about playing Quidditch professionally, and he was going to use the Cup as a chance to get a proposal.
"But… the credentials. Safety measures. How did this happen?" James finally spat out.
"That's the problem, Potter," Mood said again, "and it's why we're here. Yesterday's records show only one credential being used. And it's yours."