James shrugged and walked into his room, collapsing on the bed and falling asleep without using the sleep tonic.
He was shaken awake by Remus who came here to get some peace and quiet.
"Your team is ready for practice." He told James.
"Oh,…" He remembered the schedule. "It starts in twenty minutes." He held his head in his hands. "God, my head hurts."
"You can cancel the practice." Remus said. "Looks like you need a break."
"No…" James shook his head, "I can't. It is the last one before the game."
He stood up and conjured his robes out of nowhere. Remus looked impressed, James's skills were improving. He was proud of his friend. He was proud of how James was handling everything.
"Hey, James." He stopped him before he headed to the shower. "I think there is something you need to know."
"What?"
"Caroline is telling everyone..." Remus but his lip, "The word in the common room is…."
"What is it, Moony?" James asked, impatiently. "I think I can take it."
"Caroline is telling everyone…" He took a deep breath, "That you are a Death Eater."
James started laughing. He laughed like a crazy person.
Oh God." He finally stopped, "That is so…..rich coming from her."
Remus nodded, a little surprised at the reaction. This wasn't something he had expected.
"Everyone is talking about it."
"Yeah, I think Lily mentioned it." James remembered the conversation they had had earlier.
"Why don't you tell everyone the truth?" He asked. Exasperatedly.
James Potter had proof. He could just roll up sleeve and clear his name. He could show everyone Caroline's arm and expose her. But, he didn't.
"I can't. I can't sink to her level." He said, "Anyways, this rumor won't hurt me as much as the truth would hurt her."
"You still love her." Remus observed, quietly.
"I....." James wasn't expecting that. "I don't know…"
He didn't know what to say. He wasn't sure of his feelings. But, there was something he knew that he wouldn't expose her. That wasn't his call to make. He didn't know how long she could hide it, but if she wanted to….she was welcome to try.
The last Quidditch match came too early and James Potter won the cup by a lead of three hundred points. He graduated early because the Quidditch season was starting up once more. After saying goodbye to Mr and Mrs. Potter, James Potter went on tour. This time without his best friend because Sirius had joined the Order and was already being hunted by his own family. He and hsi fourteen years old cousin, Adrianna, had been kicked out of the Black family house and were now part of the Potter household.
After seven months of moving around the world and winning the last match in Hawaii, the Holy Harpies' Captain took the team members for a week's holiday. When they reached the hotel lobby, a lot of press was already waiting for them.
"Hey, Mr. Potter?" James entered the hotel last.
His eyes scanned the room, a lot of people had come here for their holidays. Including some people from Hogwarts. He could tell by their odd dressing.
"Is it true that you are now single?" A woman asked him.
"I am." He said, shortly.
"Is it true that your girlfriend broke up with you the night you were going to propose?"
"No comment." A lot of people were staring at him now.
Some with awe. Something with hatred.
"Is it true that she broke up with you because you are a staunch follower of…" She asked, again. "You-Know-Who?"
"No comment." He was determined not to give them any ammunition.
But, him not saying anything was enough to draw a negative conclusion.
"Your friends have abandoned you?" A man stepped forward, "Because, we cannot see Mr. Black with you anymore."
"He is busy." He said, shortly.
"Mr. Potter! Mr. Potter!" James took the key the receptionist was holding out and headed towards the elevator. "Is it true you are a werewolf?"
It was rumored because James had asked his matches not to be scheduled around full moons because Remus wanted to come and watch. And, so did Caroline. Or she used to come anyways.
"No comment." He got in the elevator.
"Are you a Death Eater?" Another reporter shouted.
He heard several gasps.
People tiptoed around it. But, no one had the nerve to ask James if he was a Death Eater to his face yet. His expression changed mildly. The reporters waited for an answer.
"No comment." James's face broke into a wide grin.
The elevator door closed automatically and James disappeared.
He walked to his room and stayed there all day. After a great week, he said goodbye to his teammates (Because, it was his last match and he was leaving the team to join the Order.) He decided to stay another night before going back home. That night, he booked a table for one at an open-air restaurant near the hotel and treated himself to a luxurious meal. It was when he was about to order dessert when he saw Lily Evans sitting at a table nearby. He decided against saying hello. He and Lily hadn't parted on good terms. He was kind of glad that he didn't attend the proper graduation ceremony because he had to leave early. He changed his mind about dessert, paid the bill and headed out. He tried to avoid her but she saw him anyway. She followed him, still angry at him. She wanted to give him a piece of her mind. She wanted to show that she wasn't scared of him even if he was a Death Eater. It was certainly what had been reported in the Daily Prophet. They even said he was a werewolf! THAT CERTAINLY EXPLAINED WHY HE WAS OUT EVERY FORTNIGHT…..AND DIDN'T PLAY.