(Harry Potter) Lost in a game

§"Talking in Parseltongue"§

§Spells in Parseltongue§

System UI

"Powerful beings talking"

"Normal conversation"

Thinking deeply

"Non-English conversation"

October 17th 1977

POV Antares Hecate

It's been a week since James last talked to me, and the silence between us is like a weight I can't shake. I keep replaying the night in the forest in my head. I shouldn't have let them come with me in the first place. Sirius, at least, still talks to me, but even that's different now. Our exchanges are brief, almost hesitant, like he's trying to figure out if he can still trust me. Most of the time, it's when James isn't around, and the conversations feel more like obligatory pleasantries than the casual banter we used to share.

I've been relying on Observe more than ever lately, and the results aren't exactly encouraging:

Sirius Black

Level: 25

Age: 16

Relationship: 20/100 (is he a new friend or an old one?)

James Potter

Level: 24

Age: 16

Relationship: ???/100 (???)

James's relationship status turning to question marks was unsettling. Either it's so low that I can't even see it anymore, or he genuinely doesn't know what to think of me. If I'm being brutally honest with myself, I don't think we're ever going to be friends again. The thought gnaws at me, but I push it aside. I have bigger things to focus on now.

The new perk, Gamer's Mind, has been… difficult to adjust to. I'd call it a curse more than a perk. Sure, it keeps me calm and collected, but it's stripped away something vital: my emotions. I can think clearly, weigh pros and cons without the haze of feelings clouding my judgment. It's useful, sure, but it makes everything feel cold, calculated. Decisions that used to be gut instincts now feel clinical. There's no passion in them, no heart.

One thing is clear, though: the bonus objective for James's relationship quest is a no-go now. Maybe, someday, we'll mend things, but I can't hinge my progress on a "maybe." I need to focus on raising Lily's relationship to 100. The Game only allows me one relationship quest at a time, and I'm not stupid enough to waste that on someone who might never forgive me. I'm not a Hufflepuff, after all. My potential comes first, even if it means cutting my losses.

Professor Slughorn's booming voice pulled me out of my thoughts like a splash of cold water. "MR. HECATE! Since you seem to be thinking so deeply, why don't you answer the question?" His tone had an edge, though his expression remained its usual mix of jovial and expectant.

I blinked, quickly straightening up in my seat. "Umm… can you say the question again, Professor?"

Slughorn's jovial facade flickered, his mustache twitching as though he wanted to reprimand me, but his eyes darted briefly toward James. The unspoken tension in the air seemed to deflate his irritation, and instead, he let out a small sigh. "Yes, I can, Mr. Hecate. Pay attention next time. Now, the question was: What are the key ingredients and brewing technique required for crafting an Elixir of Elemental Resonance?"

The Elixir of Elemental Resonance. I vaguely remembered reading about it while studying for my last exam. The potion, though obscure, was fascinating for its ability to attune the drinker to one elemental force temporarily—fire, water, air, or earth—depending on its preparation. Gathering my thoughts, I answered carefully.

"The key ingredients are powdered lunar crystal, crushed salamander scales, and an infusion of elemental essence tied to the desired attunement. For the brewing technique, you'd need to brew it under a full moon to ensure the lunar crystal activates properly, maintaining a steady clockwise stir for exactly three minutes between ingredient additions to avoid destabilization. Finally, the potion must simmer at 105 degrees Celsius for precisely twelve hours before being cooled with enchanted ice."

The classroom was silent for a beat, every head turning toward Slughorn to gauge his reaction. His eyebrows had lifted in mild surprise, and he gave an approving nod. "Well done, Mr. Hecate. I wasn't expecting such a thorough answer. Have you thought about joining my Slug Club?"

I shrugged, keeping my tone polite. "Can't say I have, sir, but I'd be willing to join if offered the opportunity."

Slughorn's face split into a wide grin, though his next words were accompanied by a wag of his finger. "You answered well, but since you weren't paying attention in the first place, no points will be awarded. Let this be a lesson to keep your focus where it belongs!"

I nodded. "Understood, sir. I appreciate the chance to answer regardless."

Slughorn clapped his hands together. "Good, good! See me after class on Fridays from now on. That's when we have our Slug Club activities. Don't disappoint me!"

The rest of the class passed in a blur, but I couldn't help noticing James ignoring me completely, his eyes fixed on his parchment even as he packed up. Sirius, on the other hand, gave me a subtle glance of concern before heading out. As I gathered my things, I barely noticed Lily making her way over to my desk until she spoke.

"That was amazing, Antares! Even I didn't know the answer to that question, and now you're in the Slug Club? Thank Merlin—finally, someone I actually like is joining. The rest are just a bunch of spoiled, racist brats."

Her honesty made me chuckle, though her comment raised an eyebrow. "Wow, didn't know you felt that strongly about it. And is there seriously no one in the club you're friends with? Who do I need to beat up?"

She giggled at my exaggerated bravado, but the laugh quickly faded into something more bittersweet. "Don't worry, they don't say or do anything outright. It's more their attitude—you know how some Slytherins are." Her expression darkened briefly. "Well, there was someone I hung out with. Snape. But... you know."

I winced. "I'm sorry for bringing it up. That was—"

She cut me off, shaking her head firmly. "No, it's not your fault Snape made his choices. And I know what you're thinking." She shot me a half-serious glare.

I raised my hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, I wasn't going to say anything!"

Her glare melted into a small smile. "Good. Anyway, what's the plan for today?"

I tilted my head thoughtfully. "That depends. Got any ideas?"

Lily's face brightened. "Actually, yeah! Mary and Marlene were talking about playing Wizard Capture-the-Flag out on the grounds after classes. It's more fun at night, but we're bending enough rules as it is," she added with a smirk. "We could use another person on our team. You in?"

"Wizard Capture-the-Flag?" I asked, intrigued.

"It's like the Muggle version, but with wands. Two teams. Each hides a flag, and you have to find the other team's flag while keeping yours protected. You can use spells to defend it or to tag the other team, but no hexes that'll land anyone in the Hospital Wing, okay?"

"Sounds brilliant. I'm in," I said with a grin.

"Great! Meet us by the Quidditch pitch after dinner. You're with me, Mary, and Marlene. We'll crush them." She gave me a wink before heading out of the classroom, leaving me with a faint smile on my face.

As Lily disappeared down the corridor, I leaned back against the cold stone wall of the Potions classroom, deep in thought. I had spent hours with her this past week, laughing, working together, and even joining her in some of her little adventures. Yet, her relationship bar hadn't moved an inch. Her thoughts in Observe remained the same: Cute friend… when will he ask me out for a date? It was maddening, but at least it gave me clarity. If I wanted to move forward, I had to do more than just spend time with her—I needed to take a risk.

I let out a frustrated sigh. Asking Lily out wasn't something I could afford to screw up, and with James still not talking to me, I'd be crossing into dangerous territory. But honestly? What was left to lose at this point? After the game of capture the flag, I'd find the perfect moment to ask her. Until then, I had other priorities—like meeting Regulus.

The dungeon corridors were dimly lit, their shadows twisting and curling like living things. I waited near the Slytherin common room entrance, glancing around for any sign of someone who could deliver a message to Regulus. Training with him had become an unspoken tradition over the last few weeks. He was sharp, disciplined, and surprisingly clever for a fourth year. Tonight, though, I had to cancel. Lily had already roped me into plans with her and her friends, and I didn't want to let her down.

As luck would have it, the first person to walk by wasn't just any Slytherin—it was Bellatrix Black. Her presence alone was enough to make me stand a little straighter. She carried herself like a queen who knew she owned the room, her dark eyes glinting with cold amusement as she spotted me.

I took a step forward, clearing my throat. "Hey, Black. Could you pass a message to Regulus for me?" I asked, holding out the note I'd hastily scribbled. "Also… is there something else I can call you instead of Black? Your whole family's in Hogwarts, and, well… it gets confusing."

Her lips curled into a smirk, one that could have cut glass. "Don't worry," she said smoothly, plucking the note from my hand. "I'll pass it on to baby Regulus. As for my name…" She tilted her head, her dark hair shifting with the movement, "are you planning to talk to me more often? We've been in the same year for six years, and now you suddenly care about names? What's changed, Hecate?"

I raised an eyebrow, doing my best to keep my expression neutral. "It's more practical than personal," I replied. "Your brothers and cousins aren't exactly easy to avoid, and I don't want to shout 'Black' in a crowded hall and have half the room turn around."

She laughed, a sharp, mocking sound that echoed down the corridor. "Practical," she repeated, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Fine, call me Bellatrix, but don't think that means I'm your friend. You've got enough on your plate without adding me to your problems."

"Noted," I replied, watching as she tucked the note into her robe pocket. "Just make sure Regulus gets that."

I stood there for a moment, watching Bellatrix disappear down the shadowy corridor. Before she turned the corner, I couldn't resist using Observe.

Bellatrix Black

Level: 34

Age: 15

Relationship: 40/100 (I will never forget the advice he gave Sirius. I just hope that Sirius follows it.)

Her relationship with me was higher than I had anticipated—higher, even, than Sirius's had been before everything fell apart. The thought gave me pause. Bellatrix Black, the most feared and volatile witch in our year, thought highly of me?

I exhaled sharply, tension bleeding from my shoulders. Talking to Bellatrix felt like navigating a minefield while blindfolded. Still, the message was delivered, and I had something to chew over as I headed toward the Great Hall. With dinner ahead and a game of capture the flag after, the evening promised to be anything but dull.

The Great Hall was alive with the usual chatter and clinking of cutlery when I arrived. I spotted Lily sitting at our usual spot near the middle of the Gryffindor table. A couple of her friends were already with her, giggling over something in hushed tones. As I made my way over, I couldn't help but notice the stares.

James was sitting farther down the table, his hazel eyes burning holes into me with every step I took. The hostility was palpable, like an invisible wall separating us. Sirius sat next to him, not glaring, but not smiling either. His usual spark of mischief seemed dimmed, and his eyes carried a sadness that made my chest tighten. He knew our friendship was slipping away, and he wouldn't leave James's side to save it.

Remus sat across from them, his brow furrowed as he observed the tension between us. If anyone could piece together what had happened, it would be him. Still, his confusion lingered—like he was waiting for someone to explain the unspoken conflict.

And then there was Pettigrew. Peter's face practically glowed with a kind of smug satisfaction, his watery eyes darting between James and me. He must have been thrilled. Whatever jealousy or insecurity he'd felt about me "replacing" him in the group had evaporated.

I sighed inwardly, forcing my attention back to Lily as I slid into the seat across from her.

"Hey, Antares," she said brightly, her green eyes lighting up as she looked at me. "You're just in time. We were talking about strategies for the game later. You've played before, right?"

"Yeah," I replied, grabbing a roll from the table. "I've played a few times. What's the plan?"

One of her friends, Marlene McKinnon, leaned forward with a mischievous grin, her dark hair falling into her face as she propped her chin on her hand. "The plan is to make sure the boys don't hog all the glory this time."

I gasped theatrically, putting a hand to my chest. "Hey! I'll have you know I'm a boy! And I'm perfectly willing to share the glory—if you can keep up."

Marlene raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Keep up? Please, Hecate. You'll be eating my dust by the time we're done."

Alice Fortescue snorted into her goblet of pumpkin juice, her blond curls bouncing as she laughed. "Good luck with that. Every time I try to take the lead, Frank just steamrolls over me like a bloody troll."

"That's because Frank thinks he's the star of the show," Marlene quipped, rolling her eyes.

"Frank means well," Lily chimed in, her laugh soft and melodic. "He just gets… enthusiastic." She glanced at me, her green eyes sparkling with amusement. "Kind of like someone else I know."

"Who, me?" I asked, feigning innocence. "I'm the picture of restraint."

Alice snickered. "Sure, and I'm the next Minister of Magic."

Lily leaned back in her seat, her gaze flicking between her friends. "Honestly, though, the game's going to be chaos as always. If we can just keep it together for the first ten minutes, we might actually stand a chance."

"That's a big if," Marlene said, grinning again. "But I'm in. Let's wipe the floor with the boys, shall we?"

"Only if they survive the opening scramble," I added, smirking.

The girls burst into laughter, and the conversation flowed easily, filled with banter and plans for the game. For a while, it felt normal—like the weight of everything else wasn't pressing down on me.

But as I laughed along with them, I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder. James was still staring daggers at me, his expression dark and brooding. Sirius sat beside him, his shoulders tense as he tried to keep the peace between James and whatever ghost of our friendship lingered.

Dinner wrapped up with a flurry of laughter and last-minute banter, the excitement for the game bubbling among us. As the Great Hall emptied, we joined the throng of students heading to their common rooms, only to slip off toward the grounds. The crisp evening air greeted us as we made our way to the designated field just past the Quidditch pitch.

Frank Longbottom, already waiting for us with a confident grin, clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, listen up! The rules are simple: Capture the flag from the opposing team and bring it back to your base. Each team will have a designated flag carrier, and the rest of you are the defense or offense—it's up to you. Spells are allowed, but nothing permanent or harmful. Think stunning spells, disarming charms, maybe a trip jinx if you're feeling cheeky."

Marlene smirked, leaning toward me. "Feeling cheeky is my specialty."

Frank continued, ignoring the giggles. "If you're hit with a spell, you're out for five minutes. No exceptions. And no flying—broomsticks stay grounded. First team to capture the flag twice wins. Got it?"

The group murmured their agreement, though a few competitive grins hinted at planned mischief.

"Good," Frank said, pointing to a large magical map he'd laid on a conjured table. "This is the playing field. Teams are marked in red and blue. You've got thirty seconds after the game starts to strategize before spells start flying, so don't waste time."

Lily nudged me, her excitement evident. "You ready for this?"

I smirked, adjusting my wand. "Always."

With teams quickly forming and everyone taking their places, the adrenaline was already kicking in. This was going to be one wild game.

The whistle blew, and chaos immediately followed. Our team—blue—split into a defensive and offensive formation. I hung back to guard our flag alongside Lily and Dorcas Meadowes, while Marlene and Alice darted into the trees to scout enemy movements. Across the field, the red team's leader, Frank Longbottom, was already directing his players like a general on a battlefield.

"Keep them pinned near their base!" Frank yelled as he led a group forward. His strategy was clear: overwhelm us with coordinated strikes while sneaking someone to grab the flag.

"Dorcas, cover the left!" I shouted as I deflected a Stupefy sent by one of Frank's Chasers. Dorcas nodded, sending a well-aimed Trip Jinx that caught her target and sent him sprawling.

Marlene's voice echoed from somewhere deeper in the forest. "I'm closing in on their flag! Cover me!"

Alice responded with a loud, "Got it!" just as a burst of red light shot toward her. She ducked, retaliating with a Disarming Charm that knocked a wand out of her opponent's hand.

Back at our base, Lily was holding her own against a pair of attackers, her wand moving deftly as she blocked spell after spell. "Antares, I need some help over here!" she called, blasting a Slytherin girl back with a powerful Expelliarmus.

I moved to her side and cast a Shield Charm just in time to block a Petrificus Totalus. "Nice work, Lily. Let's keep them at bay!"

Suddenly, I noticed a movement near our flag—too late. Fabian Prewett, one of Frank's teammates, had managed to sneak past us in the chaos. He lunged for our flag, grabbing it with a triumphant grin.

"Stop him!" Dorcas yelled, sending a Stunning Spell toward Fabian. He dodged with an impressive roll and bolted toward the red team's base.

I sprinted after him, casting a Leg-Locker Curse that barely missed. Lily tried to cut him off with an Impediment Jinx, but Fabian was too fast. Marlene and Alice emerged from the trees ahead of him, but Frank was already there, blasting spells to clear a path for Fabian.

Fabian dove into their base with a cheer, slamming the flag down onto their pedestal. The whistle blew.

"Point for red team!" Frank declared, grinning broadly.

Lily groaned beside me, brushing dirt off her robes. "We need to tighten our defenses."

"We will," I said, already scanning the field for ways to counter their strategy in the next round.

As the whistle blew for the second round, we regrouped quickly, determined not to let the red team keep their momentum. Marlene McKinnon took the lead this time, rallying the team with a sharp plan.

"Lily, Antares, hold the middle ground," she instructed. "Dorcas, Alice, you're coming with me on a flanking maneuver. Let's show Frank that we're not pushovers."

We nodded and sprang into action. Lily and I moved forward cautiously, using trees as cover while keeping an eye on potential ambush points. The forest was alive with the sound of spells being cast and twigs snapping underfoot.

"Stay sharp," Lily muttered, her wand ready.

Within moments, the red team's defenders appeared—Frank had left a pair of Ravenclaws to guard their flag. They spotted us immediately, sending Stunning Spells our way.

"Protego!" I cast, deflecting their attacks as Lily retaliated with a Body-Bind Curse, catching one of them off guard.

Meanwhile, Marlene's group executed their flank perfectly. Alice distracted the remaining defender with a barrage of spells, while Dorcas slipped around the back. Before the red team could regroup, Marlene darted in, snatched their flag, and disappeared into the trees.

"They've got the flag!" a voice shouted from the red team.

"Move!" I yelled to Lily, and we covered Marlene's retreat, firing Stunning Spells at anyone who came too close. The red team scrambled to intercept her, but Marlene was too quick, darting between trees like a shadow.

With a triumphant yell, she planted the flag back at our base.

"Point for the blue team!" the referee announced.

We celebrated briefly but knew the third round would decide the game.

---

The whistle for the final round echoed through the forest, and tension crackled in the air. This time, we took a more aggressive approach.

"Marlene, you and Alice guard the flag," I said. "Lily, Dorcas, you're with me. Let's take the fight to them."

We charged forward, spells flying fast and furious. Frank, anticipating our attack, had positioned his team defensively. It was a wall of red spells against our blue, but we pressed on.

"Antares, left!" Lily shouted as a Stunning Spell whizzed past my ear. I ducked and retaliated with a Disarming Charm, sending one of the defenders' wands flying.

Dorcas managed to break through their line, taking out another defender with a precise Jelly-Legs Jinx. "Go for the flag!" she shouted.

I saw the opportunity and sprinted toward their base, dodging spells as I went. Frank appeared in my path, his wand raised.

"Not so fast!" he said, firing a Full-Body Bind my way.

"Protego!" I blocked just in time, countering with a Trip Jinx that sent him sprawling. Without wasting another second, I grabbed the red flag and turned back toward our base.

The chase was on, but Lily and Dorcas covered me expertly, intercepting attackers with spells that slowed them down.

I reached our base, slamming the flag onto the pedestal as the whistle blew.

"Blue team wins!"

We erupted into cheers, exhaustion forgotten as we celebrated our victory. Lily grinned at me. "Guess we're not too bad at this after all."

"Not bad at all," I agreed, catching my breath.

As the cheers from our victory settled down and the rest of the group began to drift off, I knew this was my chance. My palms felt slightly sweaty despite the cool evening air, but I wasn't about to back down now. Turning to Lily, who was still glowing from the excitement of the game, I cleared my throat.

"Hey, Lily," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Can you wait here for a minute? There's… something I want to ask you."

She tilted her head curiously, her green eyes narrowing slightly as a small smile played on her lips. "Sure, Antares," she said, her voice light but curious.

As the others filed away, chatting about the match and congratulating each other, I waited for the last of them to disappear into the distance. The forest was quiet again, the moon casting a silvery glow over the clearing.

Now or never.

I took a deep breath and turned back to Lily. She was watching me intently, her arms crossed but her expression open.

"So, um… I've been thinking," I began, scratching the back of my neck. "We've been spending a lot of time together lately, and I really enjoy it. I was wondering if you'd like to go to Hogsmeade with me this weekend? Just the two of us."

For a moment, she just blinked at me, her lips parting in surprise. Then, her face broke into a wide, genuine smile, and a faint pink blush crept across her cheeks.

"You're finally asking me, huh?" she teased, her tone playful but warm. "Yes, Antares, I'd love to."

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, relief washing over me like a wave.

"Great," I said, trying not to sound too eager. "Saturday, then?"

"Saturday," she confirmed, still smiling.

As she turned to head back to the castle, I used Observe on her, curious about her thoughts.

Lily Evans

Level: 29

Age: 16

Relationship: 61/100 (He finally asked! OMG, what am I going to wear?)

Her relationship had finally gone up for the first time in weeks, and it hit me like a brick. All this time, all the effort I'd put into trying to figure her out, and all it took was simply asking her out.

"I'm so stupid," I muttered under my breath, shaking my head with a small laugh.

As I watched her walk away, a spring in her step, I couldn't help but feel that things were finally starting to look up.

Author's note

Annnnnd that's the end of the chapter just a slice of Life chapter after all this is a school. Thanks for reading. Reviews and Powerstones help keep me motivated. Feedback helps me improve as a writer. See you again sooner then later.